In fast-moving economies, the businesses thrive stronger and quicker. Yet, this situation has also caused the rise and fall of many establishments, and forced businesses to innovate in order to survive; just as how Charles Darwin theorized, “this is the survival of the fittest”. Nowadays, the fittest business establishment is the one that can give in to the demands of consumers that continuously change. Brought about by the marriage of cultures and technology, the needs of consumers can change at a 360-degree-angle at any time. When the consumers’ needs change, so does the demands. Hence, businesses need to learn how to bow where the wind blows.
The International Workplace Group (IWG) understands clearly the dynamics of the economy, the society, and even politics; and, has made it its mission to address the needs of the businesses, so in the end, they can also provide the needs of their clients. IWG does this by giving people and businesses access to commercial real estate solutions through unrivalled choice of workspaces from its operating companies: Regus, Spaces, HQ, and Signature by Regus; each designed to serve the unique needs of businesses of every size. With a membership contribution of only six thousand pesos (PhP6,000.00), a business can have access to shared-workspaces anywhere in the globe where they can hold meetings, discuss transactions, or simply focus on work. With a track-record for more than 30 years, IWG has seen the potential of shared work-spaces in the Visayas and in Mindanao.
With its vision to provide the best workspaces in the region, IWG partnered with Apple One Properties, Inc. (API), Cebu’s leading name in property development and real estate sales. API has always kept its portfolio diverse and relevant by recognizing the growing demand for flexible workspaces and mixed-used developments in the premier business districts in the Visayas.
In December 2018, API signed a franchise partnership agreement with IWG for eight centers in six cities in the Visayas in five years. This is the first in Southeast Asia. The signing ceremony was held at the Diamond Hotel and Suites, and was attended by Matthew James Kenly, head of partnership growth for IWG Asia Pacific; Rowena B. Natividad, head of partnership growth for IWG Philippines; Lars Wittig, country manager for IWG Philippines | Thailand | Vietnam | Cambodia | South Korea; Ray Manigsaca, CEO and president of API; and, Venus Manigsaca, chairman of API.
The six cities identified are Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, Dumaguete City, Iloilo City, and Bacolod City. Kenly strongly believes that the partnership will strengthen the economy in the region because it will generate more jobs inside and outside the centers. Kenly further discusses that the centers in the premier business districts will also improve productivity and will provide more opportunities for the locals. API’s Rey Manigsaca is very excited on the partnership because the service-office-market is a very big market that has not yet been tapped, and with IWG’s partnership Manigsaca believes that they can bring to the region the world-class facilities and benefits of flexible working spaces.
Lars Wittig discusses that the reason why the Visayas has the greatest potential in the country is because of its ever-advancing economy; and, as the capital region gets too congested, the businesses are moving to central Philippines. Plus, the access to central Philippines is much easier with its state-of-the-art international ports and airports, making the logistics much easier in the area. Wittig also expresses appreciation to the policies and the government administration in the locality because it is very supportive to the businesses.
The six centers of API and IWG will join IWG’s global network consisting of 3,400 centers across 120 countries. In the Philippines, IWG has 28 centers in ten cities across Metro Manila, Clark, Cebu, and Davao. With the upcoming six centers in the Visayas, API and IWG will surely make the region as Southeast Asia’s newest business hub and trade center. This is truly an exciting way to start the year, exciting for our economy, and exciting for the people in the Visayas.
]]>At Cebu Landmasters Inc., family is more than just sharing a last name. The genuine concern and mastery at addressing their catered market’s needs has turned Jose Soberano III’s homegrown company into a real estate developer that is building communities throughout the Visayas and Mindanao region.
With its modern glass façade and a strategic location on one of Cebu IT Park’s main avenues, Park Centrale is a building that unsurprisingly merits a few second looks. The sleek structure is home to several businesses, including BPOs and homegrown companies—including that of Cebu Landmasters Inc.
As the company behind Park Centrale and many other developments in Cebu, Cebu Landmasters Inc. occupies what is arguably the building’s prime space—the topmost floor that include an outdoor deck, large windows throughout the offices, and access to the rooftop that enjoys views all the way down to the Mactan Channel on one side and the hills of Busay on the other.
The company’s location now seems to be a proper representation of the company’s growth—in the past 12 years, Cebu Landmasters has grown from its first office in Labangon with a team of two people, to its current roster of 170 full-time employees housed in one of the premiere office addresses in the city.
At the heart of it, though, is Jose Soberano III, who had started the company after working with the Ayala Group for 23 years and seeing an opportunity to create his own development in Cebu’s countryside. The President and CEO wanted to cater to the housing needs of the middle-income bracket, particularly in areas close to his hometown of Pinamungajan on the Western side of Cebu, which led to the company’s first development, the San Josemaria Village in Balamban. “There was an opportunity to provide affordable, quality homes to the very hardworking employees in the shipbuilding industry in Balamban,” he shares. “This was a niche market, as we were one of the first to bring gated subdivision living to this part of Cebu.”
The humble beginnings have led to considerable success with over 25 developments to date, and at the heart of it all remains Joe and the passion that drove him to the business when he started. These days, though, he shares it with his wife Marose, the company’s Executive Vice-President of Finance, and children Franco and Joanna, who have each contributed to what the company is today.
“We had to talk them into it. Thankfully we succeeded,” Joe says lightheartedly when asked how he had gotten Franco and Joanna to join the team. “My children were well-placed in their previous careers, and it was something they could have easily built themselves and be on their own. However as a dad and CEO, I did my share by giving them a good option and making it an interesting business for them to be part of.”
“Since we were young, we were always exposed to our family business, but not particularly groomed or required to work for the company. My parents would always say it should come from us, it was up to us when or if we wanted to, or were ready,” shares Joanna Soberano, the company’s Vice-President and Marketing Director. With that in mind, she took up a bachelor’s degree—and later graduate studies—in Marketing Communications at the University of Asia & the Pacific. She then pursued a corporate career, taking on marketing and brand management roles in Nestle for seven years. “I was part of a Nestle international program in marketing as the delegate of Nestle Philippines, where I had expatriations in the headquarters in Switzerland and Thailand.”
On his part, the oldest child Franco Soberano had originally wanted to be a lawyer after his studies at the Ateneo de Manila University, where he had taken up Management with a major in Legal Management and minor in Finance. “Eventually I became very fascinated with the world of business, so the new dream was to climb up the corporate ladder and become an executive of a multi-national corporation,” Franco recalls, sharing that at the time, Cebu Landmasters had still been a young venture.
Their parents’ drive and the company’s eventual growth, though, inspired Franco to eventually join their ranks. “As I saw how my parents worked hard to grow the business, how well they took care of the employees and professionalize the business, it became an easier decision to join the family business,” he says, now serving as Senior Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer.
For Joe’s part, Franco and Joanna came onboard at an optimum time. “This is a critical stage of the company’s push for growth and expansion, and we need all the help we can get. My plans for them are clear—they are the next to lead this company, and I have no doubt they will be excellent leaders as they already are.”
“We listen very carefully to the beat of the market, and we always internalize what is valuable to our customers.”
-Joe Soberano
In fact, both Joanna and Franco plays vital roles in the company’s operations—for his part, Franco directs and manages day to day operations that include business development, project management, marketing and sales, documentation and property management. “Park Centrale will always be my ‘baby’ project,” Franco admits, although he has been involved in all of Cebu Landmasters’ projects since. “After my studies in New York,” where he’d studied Real Estate Development in Columbia University, “I was given this special project as I had recently learned about office design and development in Manhattan. Every little detail in the project, even the smallest piece of tile we ordered for the project, I can still remember—and in real estate, it helps a lot to be very meticulous and hands-on.”
Joanna had been in the company for less than a year, but she’s already spearheaded many improvements in the company’s marketing, establishing a competent team and developing strategies for branding and promotions. The company’s new slogan, “We Build With You in Mind,” is her brainchild.
“The best part about working in the family business is first the industry we are in. We are in the business of building homes, uplifting lives and communities,” Joanna shares, revealing a little bit of the mindset behind the slogan. “Homes are people’s hopes and dreams, a major decision point and life milestone. To make it happen for them the way they envision it, to make their hard-earned money count, guiding them through every step, that is our job.”
It’s understandable then, that Joanna feels the project’s new brand Casa Mira best represents what Cebu Landmasters wants to do for the Filipino family. “It’s a brand that we will be expanding this year as our economic flagship brand,” Joanna shares. “This is particularly meaningful to me because of how it delivers a Mira-cle to home-seekers, one that is in a beautiful community with amenities, well-located and priced only at P5000 a month. It gives opportunities for many people to have a home they have always wished for.”
As one of Cebu Landmasters’ highlight projects for 2017, Casa Mira features a development of townhouses, and has launched in Naga and Linao in Southern Cebu. The next year will see the brand expanding to Guadalupe in Cebu, and to the neighboring provinces of Iloilo, Bacolod and Dumaguete. “It’s about giving ‘more for the Filipino family,’” Joanna adds.
Casa Mira isn’t the only thing Cebu Landmasters has in store for the year—2017 is set to be the company’s biggest yet, with expansion in four new cities in the Visayas and Mindanao region (Davao, along with the locations for Casa Mira) and ten new projects on the way. This is already following an already major departure from their original purely residential projects, with Park Centrale being their first venture into commercial and office spaces. “It was part of our strategy to diversify our product lines, and support the growing demand for Grade A BPO and corporate offices,” says Joe. “When we completed the building in 2015, our spaces were all filled up in less than three months. This really is a testament to Cebu as being a favorite business or BPO destination for its world-class talent pool.”
Cebu Landmasters to continue on the thread of diverse products, their other projects of the year including the Baseline Center, a mixed-use lifestyle destination that brings together office spaces and residential condominium The Citadines by Ascott to a landmark Cebu destination; and the Latitude Corporate Center in Cebu Business Park, which is “Masterfully Crafted for Great Businesses.” Their newest projects pre-selling this month are the New York-inspired 38 Park Avenue in IT Park, which is set to open for pre-selling this month; and their very first venture in Davao City—the Mesa Tierra Garden Residences that will feature tranquil and green living spaces.
The experience in the real estate industry has brought about a development process that centers always on the customer—their projects’ future residents. “As a very first step, we pursue the best location. Whether it’s for a high-end project or an economic one, we will strive to offer a location that will give our buyers the best possible experience and value appreciation for the long-term,” Joe explains. “And we listen very carefully to the beat of the market, and we always internalize what is valuable to our customers.”
The forward-thinking approach means Cebu Landmasters is not just in the construction of residential or commercial structures. “Even after a project is completed, we are still very much part of the developments and see to it that projects are nurtured for the long-term,” Joe continues. “Our customer service will begin from the time you meet a CLI employee, and will continue well after you moved into your home.”
The company feels this is a strength that comes with being a homegrown company—one that is already the biggest local housing developer in Metro Cebu, with an 11% market share second only to real estate giant Ayala Land at 17%, and followed by Filinvest at 8%, based on the 2016 CBRE study. “Truly knowing the market—the needs, wants, real demand which comes with being closer to the people—we are able to render service that is hands-on and personalized, execute with speed, and deliver projects of good value,” Joe says.
“As a family business, we will always endeavor to grow across generations–the vision is always long-term.”
– Franco Soberano
That knowledge of the market comes in handy, especially in the face of a growing industry that now includes many developers coming in. “Competition is always welcome as all players will try to raise the bar, and our buyers will benefit from the improved standards,” Joe shares. “For homegrown real estate companies, it will always be a special responsibility to look after our fellow Cebuanos, so we will adapt to new competition, but at the same time we will drive new innovations as we will continue to know Cebu best.”
Cebu Landmasters’ success might be something attributed to this almost intimate association to their market, but it’s not all that surprising when you consider the group behind it shares a familial connection. “As a family business, we will always endeavor to grow across generations—the vision is always long-term,” Franco says. “The best part about it is that I’m able to journey with those dearest to me. We are also able to grow an extended family, as our executives and employees become very much part of the family.”
“We push and learn from each other everyday,” Joanna adds. “The challenge for a family business is to always strike a good balance between work and family. But I am lucky to have a family who puts us first, and one that keeps a professional, trusting and encouraging environment in the office.”
“The best part about working in the family business is, first, the industry we are in. We are in the business of building homes, uplifting lives and communities.” -Joanna Soberano
This environment is one that has carried Cebu Landmasters Inc. through its 12 years of success—the genuine concern and desire to improve their customer’s lives has become a backbone to a business that’s only going to reach new heights.
photography Dan Douglas Ong stylist Blaq Mafia makeup Arnauld hair Jesse Egos
]]>While the things that you look for in a home will vary considerably depending on your personal needs and lifestyle (a growing starter family is going to require significantly more space than a workaholic yuppie who mostly comes home just to sleep) there are certain things that everyone needs to keep in mind whn looking for a new home.
Understand that finding the perfect home for you will probably be a long process, involving back and forth and a certain amount of negotiation. But in the end, it’ll all be worth it. You may have to make a few compromises along the way, but as long as you keep some of these tips in mind, your search for your dream home should be a fulfilling and fruitful one.
Good Location
In layman’s terms, this would mean somewhere that isn’t too far from your work, and regular leisure hangouts.
As brokers we like to consider a few more things:
- Accessible location—How far is it from the main road? How wide is the road leading to the property? Is it commute-friendly?
- Proximity to important public spaces, like grocery stores, pharmacy and hospitals
- The neighbors you’re going to have
- How prone the area and its surroundings are to flooding during the rainy season
Solid Construction
After Yolanda and the earthquake in 2013, this has become an increasingly important factor for homebuyers. You can paint the walls whatever color you want, but it isn’t going to matter if the house isn’t built to standard.
If buying an older home, keep an eye out for:
- Cracks in the columns and beams
- Windowsills that aren’t level
- Doors that are uncommonly narrow
- Rusted-looking pipes
- Wall sockets that look burnt
When buying a new home, always look into the track record of the construction company or developer. If you can, visit some of their older projects and ask the homeowner’s association if there’ve been any issues with the building upkeep.
Sensible Floor Plan
The ease with which you can move through the various rooms and spaces in your home can have a huge impact on your daily life. Uncomfortably narrow hallways and awkwardly shaped rooms make it hard for light, sound and air to flow and circulate throughout the space.
Whether or not you believe in feng shui and the flow of energy, you should believe in being able to navigate your way around your own home without bumping into things or feeling cramped, and all of that depends heavily on the floor plan.
Documents
As unsexy as it sounds, you need to have all your papers in order. This is rule number one for any broker worth their commission and is part of the due diligence that should be conducted on any prospective listing. This includes verifying the Land Title with the Registry of Deeds (fake titles are a real danger, particularly when dealing with properties in Mandaue and Mactan) and cross checking this against a copy of the property’s latest Tax Declaration. Any discrepancies are considered an immediate red flag.
Financing Options
It’s always imperative that you know how much you’re willing (and let’s face it, able) to invest in your new home and what financing options are available to make that happen.
As a general rule of thumb:
- Don’t spend more than 30% of your take-home pay on rent
- If you’re buying, use the same amount as basis for your monthly amortization and work backwards from there to figure out your budget
- Set aside an additional 2-3% if the sales price for closing costs and various processing fees
AVERAGE PRICES
Condominiums
- Cebu City – 1.3m to 14.5m
- Lapu-Lapu City – 780k to 12m
- Mandaue City – 1.1m to 13.9m
- Outside Cebu City – 1.05m to 10m
House and Lot
- Cebu City – 1.9m to 21m (for 3 bedroom)
- Lapu-Lapu City – 970k to 10m (3 bdrm)
- Mandaue City – 1.6 to 19m
- Outside Cebu City – 800k to 11.5m
Source: cebufirst.com
Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, February 2017
]]>As it continues to build the Filipino dream, Filinvest is committed to making a mark with their expansion in Cebu City by bringing in quality projects catering to mixed-use townships and estates and high-end residential and office developments. The real estate giant recognizes that the Cebuano market is ready to embrace a quality of lifestyle well-matched to the Filinvest Group’s specialty in master-planned projects carefully crafted by deliberate planning and execution.
An artist’s rendering of City di Mare’s stunning coastal view adds to Cebu’s charm
“Seeing that real estate is now booming in Cebu and Filinvest being highly receptive to this development, this is a perfect opportunity to expand our reach to the high-end market beyond Manila. We are responding to a demand amongst the Cebu property buyers and investors – their needs and wants in a high-end development is something that Filinvest wishes to cater to,” Catherine Ilagan, Executive Vice-President for Filinvest Alabang Inc. shares.
With a growing portfolio of successful projects in the high-end market, Filinvest is gaining reputation as one of the country’s leading premium sector developers. In Metro Manila, Filinvest is responsible for the development of the township Filinvest City in Alabang, and premium residentials including The Beaufort in Bonifacio Global City, Bristol at Parkway Place in Alabang, The Enclave Alabang, and Botanika Nature Residences in Alabang. In Cebu, Filinvest has two upscale residential projects, Serulyan Seascapes Mactan and Umi Garden Suites, which is included in City di Mare, a 70-hectare township development of Filinvest within the South Road Properties (SRP).
Serulyan Seascapes Mactan offers you easy living with elegance
Umi Garden Suites charms you the moment you alight in the Welcome Pavilion
Serulyan Seascapes Mactan is a top-end garden residential condominium complex made up of 6 towers nestled within the exclusive Seascapes Resort Town, home to Filinvest’s celebrated Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan. Residents can enjoy the privacy they need as well as the convenience of a location that is very near the city. Offering a comfortable lifestyle and resort-like living, Serulyan Seascapes Mactan gives its residents the best of both worlds.
Umi Garden Suites is the second project under Filinvest’s Exclusive Collection that targets the most selective buyers. Giving stately homes and grand mansions a modern twist, Umi Garden Suites gives you the luxury of a 4.2-hectare estate with complete state-of-the-art amenities, while conveniently located within a master-planned community in the fast developing SRP.
It is no secret that the Cebu market is keen on progress, with its booming business economy, a growing expat community, and the growing demands of discerning Cebuanos. Filinvest is committed to delivering the highest standard of quality property developments to Cebu.
For more information, call 6332. 517 1888 or visit the websites for City di Mare, Serulyan Seascapes Mactan, or Umi Garden Suites. Read more about The Filinvest Group’s projects on Zee Lifestyle‘s May 2016 Design Issue, available via Magzter.
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Zee Lifestyle’s February 2016 Real Estate Issue: Michelle Mulet Yu (Photography: Dan Douglas Ong/Sittings Editor: Shari Quimbo/Stylists: BLAQ Mafia/Makeup: Emi Ayag)
On the cover is Michelle Mulet Yu. As the driving force behind homegrown real estate company Landtraders World Properties Corp., Michelle proves that while the industry is mainly a man’s world, femininity can be an asset in finding a place in Cebu’s growing skyline.
In this issue’s Conversations, key players in the hospitality and real estate industries are paired up for an interesting exchange of ideas. Hoteliers Manna Alcaraz of Marco Polo Plaza and Cassandra Cuevas of Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa, real estate brokers Renee Noval-Guillen and Xacah Kiener-Chang, real estate executives Davy Tan of Rockwell Land and Noli Hernandez of Megaworld, and sales executives Nova Noval of Vista Residences and Rouen Abel Raz of Taft Properties, all divulge their thoughts on Cebu’s evolving vista.
Zee Lifestyle introduces the next generation of Cebu’s Young Professionals. Tri-J Marketing’s John Rey Guadalquiver, Sprockets’ Rachel Arandilla, Atelier de Aurora and BLIND Clothing’s Kathrynn Dawn Sy, real estate broker Morgan Tornilla, The Cebruery’s Toni Marie Despojo, SALT’s John Mark Cañete, The Fat Pig’s Alfred Sayson, and The Chocolate Chamber’s Anthony, Jonathan and Hanna Choa, all prove that there’s no age limit when it comes to minding your own business.
BUSINESS CLASS. Cebu’s Young Professionals of 2016 (Photography: Joseph Ong/Sittings Editor: Patty Taboada/Creative Director: Shari Quimbo/Makeup: Romero Vergara and Jam Diez/Hair: Gino Fonghe/Locale: BIG Hotel)
This edition also explores some of the most enviable spaces in the city. James and Tasha Dixon’s modern yet minimalist abode retains touches of Filipino architecture, interior designer Anton Mendoza creates a cosmopolitan residence in 1016 Residences, and Slater Young, Victor Consuji and Stephen Ku defy all odds with the stunning Sky House, a modern structure that floats over one of the cliffs in the highlands of Cebu.
Read more in Zee Lifestyle’s Real Estate issue, out on stands next month. Grab your copies at National Bookstore and Fully Booked. For subscriptions, click here, or download the Magzter app on your device and search for ‘Zee Lifestyle’.
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Action-packed days are ahead with an outdoor rock-climbing wall.
In the sunny island of Mactan Island, leisure is not just an option-it is a lifestyle. With so many activities to do both on land and in the sea, every single day feels like a summer vacation.
Property giant Megaworld brings this unique kind of lifestyle with One Pacific Residence.
Located in the confines of the 30-hectare The Mactan Newtown, the 18-storey One Pacific Residence lets you enjoy the satisfying life of tropical bliss and contemporary convenience. It will also feature some unique amenities never before offered in the whole province of Cebu.
As a model of holistic living, One Pacific Residence will have the first-of-its-kind aqua gym pool, where in future residents will enjoy various types of water exercises such as aqua Zumba, water yoga and aqua aerobics. It also features a 20-meter lap pool and a children’s pool.
Staying fit becomes even more fun with the first-of-a-kind aqua gym pool
Train like a pro and compete in real matches at the property’s own tennis court
The three-tower enclave also has its own rock-climbing wall for extreme sports enthusiasts and for the health buffs, the residential project offers state-of-the-art indoor gym, a jogging path, Yoga area, a jacuzzi and Tennis court. One can also find a solace at the sunken lounge and other open green spaces in the area or find their passion in cooking at the culinary station.
Residents can enjoy various dishes at the culinary station
Aside from the world-class amenities, One Pacific Residence will have rows of commercial establishments at the ground level for more shopping and dining options as well as office building beside the residential complex.
One Pacific Residence offers pre-furnished executive studio and one-bedroom units ranging from 56.7 to 56.6 square meters. By request, units may be combined to make two-bedroom units ranging between 89.2 and 98 square meters. Depending on which unit, residents can look out on stunning views of Hilutungan Channel, Magellan Bay or the Mactan Shrine from the privacy of their balcony.
ONE PACIFIC RESIDENCES
The Mactan Newtown
ML Quezon National Highway
Lapu-Lapu City 6015
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FIONA KING. This urban space developer dares to challenge the norm of independent living with BLOQ Residences. (Originally published in Zee Lifestyle February 2015: Photography by Jan Gonzales/Makeup by Wenwen Zaspa/Maxi dress from Zara)
“Real estate is a creative outlet,” says Fiona King, the founder of RFK Holdings Inc. “I started in the field of building and selling houses. It later grew to developing pocket-sized communities. The development process was always something I enjoyed—collaborating and sharing ideas with architects, doing site visits and seeing the final state of the house being lived in.”
After several years and a portfolio of select projects, Fiona recently embarked on a dream project that is causing a significant stir in the market—the BLOQ Residences. Fiona narrates that the concept of BLOQ Residences started when she asked her office staff where they lived. “I found out that most of them were renting,” she recalls. “This was when I decided to challenge myself to come up with a product that can fill the need for living space, which you can own paying with your rent money.” This philosophy led to BLOQ Residences’ too simple and powerful catchphrase, ‘Why rent when you can own?’
“We saw a need for young professionals to find an urban home that is safe, accessible, and something they can proudly call their own,” explains Fiona. BLOQ is an aspiration of the first-time property buyer who wants a home that feels just right for his lifestyle—nothing stiff, grand, or pretentious; but is not too small, too far, or just largely compromised. “It’s important because real estate ownership, in my opinion, is one of the best forms of investments. It appreciates through time and it is tangible. Through BLOQ Residences, we hope that we can give Cebu’s working population the opportunity to invest in real estate. With BLOQ’s price points and payment schemes, we’ve proven to the market that with creative thinking, real estate investment need not be capital-intensive.”
“We hope to raise the bar for real estate communities that are highly livable, personality-focused, and conversation-worthy.” – Fiona King, Zee Lifestyle February 2015 (Photography by Jan Gonzales/Makeup by Wenwen Zaspa/Pantsuit by Oj Hofer/’Constellation’ watch by Omega)
BLOQ Residences honors the new market’s inclination towards DIY home decorating projects, in the spirit of social media sites such as Pinterest and Tumblr. Future residents can customize their units from the moment you enter the front door—literally. “We start with letting our buyers choose the color of the doors. We strongly felt that giving this option inspires them to make their space uniquely their own,” states Fiona, who is a huge fan of tasteful design, especially in the fields of architecture and furniture.
Beyond the front door, BLOQ bypasses the standard practice of defining all the spaces in the unit, opting instead for an open layout design to maximize usage. “Our central concept of universal space also embraces the market’s want to personalize their units. Your own BLOQ is meant to be your personal space. This is then up to you on how you would like to accessorize it, as you would with jewelry or clothes,” says Fiona.
BLOQ Residences keeps things simple for their buyers by offering just two types of units. The studio units are designed to be comfortable on its own, while giving people who seek more space the option to combine units. On the other hand, the loft units have high floor-to-ceiling heights, with the main level designed to be the living area while reserving the loft level as a more private space. “I’m pleasantly surprised by the market’s enthusiasm for our loft units. I guess the layout just brings out the kid in us wanting to climb up our bunk beds.”
“We saw a need for young professionals to find an urban home that is safe, accessible, and something they can proudly call their own.” – Fiona King, Zee Lifestyle February 2015 (Photography by Jan Gonzales/Makeup by Wenwen Zaspa/Matching set by Harlan+Holden)
What makes BLOQ Residences unique is, considering its target market, it’s a balance of space and cost. Fiona believes that BLOQ Residences is able to deliver on its price points because of the size it offers. Amenities are stripped down to the basic necessities to minimize monthly dues. “We hope to raise the bar for real estate communities that are highly livable, personality-focused, and conversation-worthy,” she says.
Fiona, a Mass Communications graduate and currently taking up her Masters degree in Real Estate Management, is married to Richard Ray King, a Civil Engineer and the Managing Director of King Properties and RDAK Land. At first, Fiona was raising their three children and doing build-and-sell on the side, which is something she’s very passionate about.
“I believe there is something magical about developing homes,” she shares. “What started out as an idea that gets drawn on paper, eventually gets built and then finally becomes a home. What starts out as an idea becomes tangible through the collaborative efforts of our architects, engineers and contractors.”
Considering that, real estate was a natural direction. “Our dad Ric is a very active real estate investor. Dad is really a forward thinker with his choices of projects in real estate: residential subdivisions, condominiums, a memorial park and industrial parks. We are very fortunate to be guided by his business sense and experience. Our family has been very patient and supportive of our endeavors,” says Fiona, who serves as the first vice-president of the Philippine Association of Real Estate Board-Cebu Real Estate Board (PAREB-CEREB).
“Through BLOQ Residences, we hope that we can give Cebu’s working population the opportunity to invest in real estate.” – Fiona King, Zee Lifestyle February 2015 (Photography by Jan Gonzales/Makeup by Wenwen Zaspa/Cape blouse by Patty Ang/Jeans from Levi’s/’Speedmaster Chronograph’ watch from Omega)
As BLOQ Residences gains momentum, Fiona admits that she no longer has the luxury of time. When asked how she separates her working relationship from her marriage, she answers that she makes it a point to meet her husband for lunch for some quality time; they talk about what they want to do and their plans together. Evenings and weekends are usually reserved for the children, although sometimes they also make work a family affair. “On weekends, we take the children with us to the site, to check on the construction.” Fiona shares that their eldest daughter Renoa is their litmus test. “When she says, ‘Mommy, it’s so beautiful!’ it gets sold. She appreciates.”
More than anything, what inspires Fiona is their children. “My children are my driving force. We work hard so that they can pursue whatever they want in life,” she shares. “We want to give them the best opportunities. Our condition for the kids is, if you want to be an artist, if you want to be a singer, you might as well be the best at what you want to do.”
“Same for RFK Holdings,” she concludes. “We might be a small developer, but in the aspect of the niche we are catering to, we want to be the best.”
BLOQ UNBLOCKED
What is BLOQ Residences?
BLOQ Residences are affordable modern residential developments meant to address the rising need for a place to live in the city. BLOQ provides residential spaces which are strategically priced to equal an average person’s rent money. More than anything, BLOQ is a lifestyle. It is an answer to the evolving needs of our modern lives. BLOQ is a solution for young professional to balance work and everything else in life.
WHO is BLOQ’s target market?
BLOQ is for the young, inspired, and hardworking Cebuanos who are finally coming into their own.
HOW big is a unit at BLOQ? And what does it come with?
There are two (2) types of units for BLOQ: STUDIO and LOFT. With much consideration for the needs of our modern lifestyle, STUDIO units are designed to be 18 sqm, while the LOFT units are to be 27 sqm. Maximizing on value and flexibility, BLOQ’s units are delivered with a fitted out bathroom, kitchen counter top, painted walls, and straight to finish concrete floors. Each unit owner is encouraged to personalize their space unique to their tastes and preferences, starting with a choice to pick the color of their door.
BLOQ Residences recently unveiled its news brand ambassador, Divine Maitland-Smith. Divine represents the uniqueness and individuality that BLOQ offers to the young and hardworking Cebuanos.
What amenities does BLOQ have?
BLOQ is unique. Because of the market it is for, it is a balance of space and cost. Decorative features are forgone in order to maximize on utility. In order to lessen the burden of monthly expenses to maintain the buildings, amenities are narrowed down to the essentials such as parking areas, laundry areas, janitorial services and security services.
WHERE are BLOQ’s projects located?
BLOQ developments are always conveniently placed in locations that are close to Cebu’s urban centers. Primary considerations are ease of public transport, safety, and overall livability.
- BLOQ Talamban: 8-storey, 126 units, turnover on 2Q 2016
- BLOQ Banawa: 16-storey, 148 units, turnover on 4Q 2017
- BLOQ Sikatuna: 16-storey, 161 units, turnover on 4Q 2017
- BLOQ Plaridel: 8-storey, 133 units, turnover on 2Q 2017
What makes BLOQ different from other residential developments?
VALUE. Most residential condominiums have been primed as an investment. The current market offerings are priced and packaged to be attractive for people looking for a property to earn a recurring income on or as a tool to hedge against inflation. BLOQ, however, is packaged and priced to be a development where the buyers themselves will live in their investment. BLOQ advocates for young professionals to invest in themselves. Instead of paying for rent, which is an expense, why not buy your own space using your rent money and having to enjoy all the benefits of real estate investment, in particular, value appreciation.
BLOQ RESIDENCES SHOWROOM
2F GND Complex, F. Cabahug St.
Panagdait, Mabolo, Cebu City
6332. 260-8099 | 63. 998 965 8115
website | Facebook | Instagram

by Patty Taboada sittings editor Shari Quimbo photography Jan Gonzales styling Blaq Mafia makeup Wenwen Zaspa production assistant Bea Prospero locale Bloq Residences Showroom
Originally published in Zee Lifestyle February 2015
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Zee Lifestyle’s May 2015 Home Design Issue: Jamie Herrell (Photography by Jan Gonzales/Hair and Makeup by Jonas Borces/Styled by BLAQ Mafia/Locale: The Mactan Newtown’s beach)
Miss Earth 2014 Jamie Herrell graces the cover. The beauty queen talks about her environmental responsibilities and how she shares Megaworld Corporation’s vision of preserving Mactan’s natural resources and cultural heritage.
Jamie joins in a roster of women who are role models in society. Cebu’s pillars of education—the University of Cebu’s Candice Gotianuy, Southwestern University’s Maris Aznar Holopainen, and the University of Southern Philippines Foundation’s Lourdes Jereza—share their dedication in raising industry standards and keeping up with technological advances in order to provide quality education to Cebuanos.
Meet Jamie Doran Webb, Yvonne Quisumbing and Happy Garaje’s Mark and Johanna Deutsch, who comprise the new wave of personalities in Cebu’s thriving design industry. Get inspired by the aesthetics of new restaurant Ampersand, the office of plastic surgeon Fremont Base, Rockwell Land’s Aruga Serviced Apartments in Manila, and more.
Like Zee Lifestyle on Facebook, and follow on Twitter and Instagram.
]]>Its rich history, picturesque landmarks, beautiful beaches, as well as the warm friendly-smiles of the people are buoyed by continuous world-class developments that made the island a booming place to live, work, play, and learn in Central Visayas.
Construction at the 28.8-hectare The Mactan Newtown is in full-swing. Expect the pulsating vibe of Live-Work-Play-Learn by the beach township lifestyle in Mactan.
Moreover, here are the following reasons why people choose Mactan Island as the perfect choice to settle or even invest in Cebu.
- Mactan Island is Cebu’s resort island with close proximity to the Mactan Cebu International Airport. As home of several first-class resorts and hotels, Mactan Island is a tourist-friendly destination that offers easy access to various historical spots in Cebu such as the famous Mactan Shrine and Lapu-Lapu Shrine. It is also surrounded by fine sand beaches and fresh mangroves, producing a rustic and sunny island ambiance.
- Lapu-Lapu City in Mactan Island is the country’s fastest growing, highly urbanized city today. Lapu-Lapu City is a very strategic location that boasts with different world-class developments. The city also offers picturesque beaches that surround the island. The Marcelo Fernan Bridge, a known landmark in Mactan, is also within reach providing ready access to top commercial hubs on the main island of Cebu. It is also for this reason that the fastest growing highly-urbanized city is where Megaworld, the country’s leading real estate developer, brings its pioneering LIVE-WORK-PLAY-LEARN lifestyle township formula to develop The Mactan Newtown, which is a 28.8-hectare township with a beach.
- Prices for residential condominiums are expected to jump due to massive development projects in the island. Now is the time to invest in Mactan. Urban development has led the growth of tourism, export-oriented manufacturing companies, and BPO offices in Cebu. This fueled the expected rise in the value of residential condominiums in the next three to five years by 15 to 20 percent. This growth reflects the fast-paced economic development that is happening in Lapu-Lapu City.
- No congestion; population density is way lower than Cebu and Mandaue cities. According to 2010 census of the National Statistic Office, Cebu has the highest population in Central Visayas region with 2,377,588. But among the three highly-urbanized cities, Lapu-Lapu City has less density compared to Cebu and Mandaue cities. Thus, Lapu-Lapu City is still the most admirable location to live in the province.
- Major developers like Megaworld are already poised to transform Mactan Island into Cebu’s next lifestyle and business hubs. Megaworld boosts the island’s transformation by introducing The Mactan Newtown as the country’s first township development by the beach. This 28.8-hectare township combines top-grade office sites, first-class commercial strips, upscale hotels and a reputable academic institution in one premier beach setting. The township also features a cyberpark, which is home to several office and business process and outsourcing (BPO) buildings. Soon to rise in the township are five hotels and an exclusive beach club, as well as sports and leisure facilities.
WHERE TO LIVE IN MACTAN
The Mactan Newtown is a 28.8-hectare mixed-use township development that has its own beach; The Mactan Newtown is the biggest central business district and tourism hub in Central Visayas.
Megaworld, the country’s leading real estate developer, brings a redefined living experience in Mactan Island through its latest residential condominium cluster that will soon rise inside the 28.8-hectare The Mactan Newtown in Lapu Lapu City.
One Manchester Place has a sophisticated vibe that characterizes the famous Megaworld stamp of modern living within an urban township masterpiece. It exudes living innovations modeled after the ‘LIVE-WORK-PLAY-LEARN’ lifestyle township concept pioneered by the company in the Philippines.
One Manchester Place is a three-tower condominium cluster which will have a direct access to a Plaza Magellan mall that will soon rise inside the township.
The Mactan Newtown’s One Manchester Place is a three-tower condominium cluster that has a direct access to a soon-to-rise Plaza Magellan mall
Within the newly acquired half-hectare area in Punta Engano road, Megaworld will be constructing a three-level lifestyle mall, which is poised to become a major landmark of The Mactan Newtown. The mall will have an iconic entrance plaza facing the famous Lapu-Lapu Shrine, the site where the historic Battle of Mactan between Lapu-Lapu and Ferdinand Magellan happened on April 27, 1521.
Available units are executive studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom. Every unit will have a spectacular view of the historic Mactan Shrine, Magellan Bay, or the Hilutungan Channel.
Future residents will also have exclusive access to the second-level amenities floor which will have a 25-meter lap pool with sunbathing deck, in-water pool lounge and pool spa, children’s pool, pavilion, reflexology path, indoor spa, fitness and taichi area, state-of-the-art fitness gym, jogging path, dry zen garden, flower garden, children’s playground, reading nook, daycare center, business center, a function room, and ultra-modern game room.
The township will soon be home to the Newtown School of Excellence, a new school supervised by Lasallian Schools Supervision Office (LASSO).
The company is also building the Hawkers’ Gazebo, which will open this year. It is a covered food strip similar to the famous hawkers of Singapore. This will be strategically located near the main entrance of the township.
The Mactan Newtown is Megaworld’s first master planned mixed-use development in Central Visayas inspired by the company’s pioneering ‘LIVE-WORK-PLAY-LEARN’ concept. The company has been known for its successful township developments in Metro Manila such as Eastwood City, McKinley Hill, Forbes Town Center and Newport City. In the Visayas, the real estate giant is also building Region 6’s biggest business district, the P35-billion Iloilo Business Park located at the site of the old Iloilo Airport in Mandurriao, Iloilo City.
Megaworld Corporation’s sales office in Cebu also houses The Mactan Newtown showroom, where you can get more information about Megaworld’s exciting new development in Mactan.
THE MACTAN NEWTOWN
- (0999) 993-1990
- themactannewtown@megaworldcorp.com.
Serulyan is located in the island of Mactan, a top tourist destination that boasts of a diverse collection of tourist spots and attractions. Being a coral island, Mactan is well-known for having the best spots for diving, snorkeling, island hopping, jet ski, sailing, and cultural activities. Aside from being considered a paradise, the island is a major trade center in the south for both domestic and international traffic as the main entryway to Cebu and the rest of the Visayan region.
Serulyan Seascapes Mactan: A six-tower premiere condominium project that’s nestled amidst lush greenery within the heart of Cebu’s paradise island, Mactan.
With its ideal location, Serulyan is a comfortable 15-minute drive to and from Mactan Doctor’s Hospital and Mactan Cebu International Airport. The Cebu-Mactan Ferry Terminal is about 25 minutes away, while Cebu City proper is approximately 30 minutes away. Serulyan is a community where business and pleasure coexist. Various export industries thrive in the progressive economy while being surrounded by historic landmarks such as the Lapu-Lapu Shrine, premium resorts, white sand beaches, and marine sanctuaries like Pandanon and Nalusuan. Moreover, with the imminent opening of a separate international airport, Mactan will no doubt continue to be a growing business landscape that will open all kinds of opportunities and possibilities for everyone.
Located in Seascapes Resort Town, home to Filinvest’s esteemed Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan, Serulyan is designed to be your very own retreat, dedicating almost half of the property to open spaces with lush greenery for meditation and that much needed break from the humdrum of daily routine back in the concrete jungle. With a complete array of features fulfilling its promise of garden resort-like living, amenities are categorized into three zones: a zone to celebrate, to recharge, and to play. The first phase will house Tower 1 and the zone to celebrate, which includes al fresco dining, infinity and kiddie pools, and function halls, to make life’s most important milestones even more unforgettable.
A sanctuary created for you and your loved ones, your garden home awaits at Serulyan Seascapes Mactan
The serviced apartments at Tower 1 are the first to be offered at Serulyan and will be managed by Filarchipelago Hospitality, Inc., the same group behind the Crimson brand. Well-planned and fully furnished, Tower 1 accommodates life’s basic and other necessities with the added panache of stylish interiors. Each unit’s generous size, which starts at 68 sq. m., ensures guests the space and privacy they need.
Have your very own private sanctuary in the middle of a growing economy and relish in a lifestyle that you deserve. Far enough to escape the pressures of work and the fast-paced environment, but near enough to enjoy the convenience of the urban lifestyle, Serulyan Seascapes Mactan is your ideal vacation home.
Serulyan Seascapes Mactan offers you easy living with elegance
SERULYAN SEASCAPES MACTAN
Seascapes Resort Town, Mactan Island
www.serulyan.com