Robinsons in talks with Okada

MANILA, Philippines - Robinsons Land Corp. (RLC), the real estate development arm of Gokongwei flagship firm JG Summit Holdings Inc., remains in discussions with Japanese billionaire Kazuo Okada for his $2 billion casino project in Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor)’s Entertainment City in Manila.

“We’re still in talks. It’s really gonna be a long discussion,” said RLC president Frederick D. Go when asked for an update on a possible collaboration with the Japanese tycoon.

The company earlier said it was looking at a number of opportunities which include running the retail, hotel and gaming operations for Okada’s project.

Okada, who made his riches in a game that mixes slot machine style gambling with pinball, holds one of four licenses to operate integrated casino resorts worth at least $1 billion each in the 110-hectare Entertainment City.

After hogging headlines a few months ago with his feud with erstwhile business partner Steve Wynn, Okada faces another setback with the Pagcor’s decision to withhold the casino license of Tiger Resorts Leisure and Entertainment Inc. until it complies with the country’s 40-percent foreign ownership limit.

Tiger Entertainment is the local unit of Okada’s Japan-based gaming device maker Universal Entertainment Corp.

Pagcor chairman Cristino Naguiat earlier said the state-run gaming agency has yet to issue a permanent license to Okada which will allow him to commence operations when his casino complex is completed next year.

Okada has reportedly invited several local property firms to join him in the project to meet the constitutional provision limiting foreign ownership of Philippine companies to 40 percent.

According to the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel (OGCC), Okada and his foreign companies hold as much as 64 percent of the company that was awarded a provisional gaming license.

For latest update on real estate development and its RA 9646, the Real Estate Service Act of 2009, visit www.ra9646.com.

Ideal place to build a dream

(The Philippine Star) Updated January 20, 2012 

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The fast-developing region of the North is growing to be one of the most ideal places to build a dream.

With excellent infrastructure that brings the region closer to the energy of the city, and the consistent allure of nearby rice fields and mountains, it is easy to understand why places in the North have become the newest address of choice.

Property giant Robinsons Land Corporation, further adds prestige and value to this booming region of Luzon with the development of its newest project under the Robinsons Homes brand- Grand Tierra in Capas, Tarlac.

Picture of laidback lifestyle

This 16-hectare development is expected to become the benchmark of both charming and modern residential enclaves. Grand Tierra embodies the idyllic appeal of Tarlac with its Western-themed community and lifestyle facilities. This exclusive subdivision is the ideal backdrop for growing families who wish to live the good life in a place they can call their own.
Over 600 residential lots, ranging from 75 to 250 sqm., are allotted for those interested to set-up their own haven away from the fast-paced city life. Grand Tierra is complemented with pocket parks where homeowners can enjoy their own quiet time and play areas where children can build memories with parents and childhood friends. Residents will also enjoy spending quality time with friends and family at the clubhouse and the multi-purpose activity court.

Convenient location

Apart from its serene setting, Grand Tierra in Brgy. Sto. Domingo is strategically located near modern conveniences. Fronting MacArthur Highway, the subdivision is easily accessible to major thoroughfares and establishments such as the Capas Municipal Hall, Ospital ng Capas, Dominican College of Tarlac, San Nicolas Parish and other commercial hubs.

Own piece of Ranch-style haven

To help interested buyers achieve the look of a ranch lifestyle, the 147 sqm. Montana model house was launched last December. This two-storey structure features three bedrooms, two toilet and baths and a spacious living room and dining area perfect for growing families. The design of the unit also invokes the ranch lifestyle by creating the feel of living in one’s own log cabin. With the aim to take advantage of the community’s laidback ambiance and picturesque landscape, the Montana model is constructed with high-ceiling to allow fresh air to circulate and wide windows to ensure residents will enjoy the view outside.
Robinsons Homes is one of the four residential brands of Robinsons Land Corporation offering choice lots with housing option located in projects nationwide featuring simple but fun amenities for recreation and relaxation. With over 15 years of real estate experience, Robinsons Homes continues its mission of bringing the good life to each Filipino.

For more details on Robinsons Homes, you may e-mail reby_ramirez@yahoo.com or contact her at 0922.883.9308 / 0916.4044.555 / 0919.699.3572 / 4044-534.

For latest update on real estate development and its RA 9646, the Real Estate Service Act of 2009, visit www.ra9646.com.

Robinsons project seen to boost Cebu

Businessworld -- The P5-billion, mixed-use complex that Robinsons Land Corp. is developing here is seen to revitalize a portion of the underdeveloped Cebu north reclamation area and provide a destination that will attract sea travelers from other islands in the Visayas and Mindanao.

The project, which will feature Robinsons’ biggest mall outside Metro Manila as well as four residential condominium towers, is being undertaken on a 4.6-hectare property located next to a fire-gutted structure that used to be Cebu’s biggest retail establishment.

The development also lies across the entrance to Pier 4, where ships from Mindanao and other Visayas islands dock.

The planned mall, to be called Robinsons Galleria Cebu, will be an integrated development that will also house the first gohotels.ph in Cebu and business process outsourcing (BPO) service providers. The company has set aside a budget of over P5 billion for the entire project, Robinsons Land President Frederick D. Go said after the groundbreaking ceremonies last week.

“This shows that this is a very important project to us. We have a lot of confidence in Cebu. Our firm belief in Cebu’s robust economy, fast growing retail, tourism, and BPO sectors have led us here,” he said.

The mall is among five ongoing Robinsons projects in Cebu.
It will be the second Galleria and, like the first, will be a fully-integrated complex with a hotel and BPO offices, Mr. Go added. The first Galleria, considered the flagship mall of Robinsons, is located in Ortigas.

Galleria Cebu will offer a gross leasable area of 56,000 square meters spread over four levels while gohotels.ph will have 153 rooms and the BPO offices will occupy three levels. The seven-storey structure is targeted to be completed in March 2014.

For latest update on real estate development and its RA 9646, the Real Estate Service Act of 2009, visit www.ra9646.com.

Signa Designer Residences: PH’s first designer residences break ground

Signa Designer Residences, the country’s first designer residence, recently broke ground its future site located at the corner of Rufino and Valero streets, Salcedo Village in Makati.

Signa is a joint venture project of Robinsons Land Corp. (RLC) and Security Land Corp. (SLC) and a collaboration of three world-renowned Filipino designers: interior designer Budji Layug, architect Royal Pineda, and furniture designer Kenneth Cobonpue.

The groundbreaking ceremony officially marked the start of the project construction for Signa, the country’s first designer residence.

The exclusive community is composed of 702 residential flat units and is earmarked for a 2015 turnover.

It offers single, two and three bedroom units (with a floor space ranging from 33 to 100 square meters), available with and without balcony.

For this project, the elements of architecture, interior and space design, and furniture design are coming together at the very onset to create a unified whole – a distinctly, unique artist-inspired environment that promotes a well-balanced lifestyle.

Aside from its modern architectural design and concrete façade with glass windows, the two-tower, 29-storey residential property boasts of luxurious amenities including a 10-meter high plaza and a high ceiling lobby, as well as some units with sliding doors that open to the pool.

It is also perfect for families who want to switch to a healthier and more modern place of their own, and for yuppies yearning for city living in a relaxing atmosphere.

At Signa, modern home dwellers can pick among luxurious condominium finishes to suit their tastes.

They can choose from Signa’s elegant and earthy Designer, Designer Luxe, and Cobonpue Series.

The Designer units carry the trademark of a carefully conceptualized and planned space by the Signa Designers.

The attention to flow, zoning, proportion, and scale is preserved, while a modern tropical atmosphere and a tranquil environment are ensured for Signa Designer Residences unit owners.

This is accomplished through proper interior space planning, practical design solutions, and harmonious application of colors and finishes.

As an upgrade from the Designer Series, the Designer Luxe option carries fully developed interior design, uses finer materials, and integrates innovations into the concept of condo living.

Illusions contribute to a feeling of vastness, superior unit specifications are featured, high end fixtures, and detailed modules are strategically used to build a bigger impression of the unit.

These elements and innovations are combined to maintain that the outdoors are brought indoors.

Completing the components of this designer residence is the Cobonpue Series.

Offering innovations in the use of natural and local materials, Kenneth Cobonpue’s pieces revel in the fusion of tropical and modern sensibilities.

His furniture collection has been a staple in the international design arena and is slated to raise the standard of Makati living as an additional privilege in Signa Designer Residences.

Signa Designer Residences is a project of Robinsons Luxuria, the premium property brand of RLC residential buildings division.

For more details on Signa Designer Residences, you may contact Reby Ramirez @ +63 919.699.3572 / +63 922.883.9308 / +63 916.4044.555 / +632 404-4534 or e-mail her @ reby_ramirez@yahoo.com.

Lastly, FYI for related information on the new real estate law, RA 9646, please proceed to www.RA9646.com, the online repository of updated information on Real Estate Service Act of 2009 (RESA).

source: Malaya, April 19 2011

The Pearl Place

Of all the precious gems, pearls posses an extraordinary allure.

In ancient times, pearls were considered so valuable that royalty hoarded them and often equated them with the wealth of their kingdoms. Cleopatra, fabled queen of The Nile, wagered her pearl earrings to prove Egypt’s prosperity and rich culture to her Roman consort, Marc Anthony.

Legend has it that she steeped one of her pearl earrings — which at the time were considered the biggest, and therefore the most valuable, in the world — in vinegar and drank the pearl cocktail to show that she could throw the most expensive banquet in the world. Needless to say, Marc Anthony conceded.

Long revered as a symbol of wealth, pearls are some of the most sought after jewels in the world, reflecting grace, sophistication and an unmistakable touch of elan.

It was this imagery that Robinsons Land Corporation sought to capture and reflect in their latest high rise residential property.

Like the jewel for which it was named, The Pearl Place exudes elegance, with a stylized design aesthetic that is very modern — concrete and glass facades, wide windows and embellished interior details. Even the two towers look like an oyster when viewed from the top showing the pool area and the amenities below.

Sprawled across 3,000 sqm of prime real estate, this mixed high-rise boasts of 1,502 residential units spread across two 40-story towers. The ground floor features 800 sqm of commercial space.

Located along Pearl Drive beside the University of Asia and the Pacific, in Ortigas Center, the project is an easy walk to many establishments like banks, hotels, schools and churches, even the Philippine Stock Exchange. Close to malls like Shangri-la Edsa Plaza, SM Megamall and The Podium.

With amenities like a multilevel podium, a Summit Lounge, swimming pools, function rooms, and a gym, the project offers an ideal choice for homeowners who yearn for the convenience of living in the city. More importantly, it offers 24-hour security and ample parking space, premiums so important to today’s young urbanite.

According to Rouen Raz, VP for sales and marketing of Robinsons Communites, “The Pearl Place appeals mostly to young career professionals and businessmen who prefer to be independent and to have their own space. Starting families will also find this exclusive community suitable to build their home. If you will go to the site, you will realize that the new project is located in the quieter side of the Ortigas District. With its location – it really brings everything closer to home.”
The two towers will have 1,502 residential condominium units priced at about P70,000 per sqm. Cuts for the pearl will be in 24 sqm for the studio, 32 sqm for the one-bedroom unit and 48 sqm for the two-bedroom unit.

Various housing packages may be obtained from all accredited banks of RLC such as Robinsons Savings Bank, BPI, Metrobank, BDO, PSBank, Land Bank and HSBC.

This P2.8-billion property is marketed under the Robinsons Communities brand, which seeks to provide housing options which are both high quality and highly affordable.

The Communities portfolio includes the residential properties like the Escalades at 20th Ave in Quezon City; the Escalades South Metro in Sucat, Woodsville Mansions in Merville, Paranaque City, The Wellington Courtyard in Tagaytay City, and Gateway Garden Ridge in Mandaluyong City

For details on The Pearl Place and other RLC projects, contact Reby Ramirez @ +63 916.4044.555 / +63 922.883.9308 / +63 919.699.3572 or e-mail her at reby_ramirez@yahoo.com.

Source: Manila Bulletin, 07 December 2010

RA 9646, popularly known as Real Estate Service Act ( RESA ) has been approved for implementation when its Implementing Rules and Regulations ( IRR ) was published on July 24 2010 at Philippine Daily Inquirer and Philippine Star. For details on the RESA Law, visit www.ra9646.com, the central repository of all updates on RA 9646.

RLC's Sapphire presents the pleasure of coming home

Rising in Ortigas Center, The Sapphire is the latest gem in the property developer’s collection of prime residential options. With access to commercial hubs, financial institutions, and medical facilities, it is an ideal address for those who like to live, work and play in one compact comfort zone.

Inspired by the flamboyance of New York in the Roaring Twenties with its Art Deco buildings like the Chrysler Building and the Empire State Building, the new project of RLC integrates Art Deco touches into its two 38-story residential buildings.

Think stylized facades, sky-high ceilings and generous bay windows that offer a view of the urban skyline. It paints a picture of modern living in broad, luxurious strokes.

RLC’s Business Development Department VP Mybelle Aragon-Gobio said the new development is set to be a distinctive address in the Ortigas Center with its premium finishes, well-thought spaces, and extensive amenities. These are: an adult pool, kiddie pool, landscaped garden and a full range of modern facilities such as function rooms, game room, fitness center, private theater, videoke and music room, massage room, children’s play area, WiFi lounge and landscaped open deck.

Located on a 2,500-sqm lot between Sapphire and Garnet streets in the Ortigas business district, the building is a stylish yet affordable residential option for those who like a short commute.

With proximity to retail outlets as Robinsons Galleria, The Podium, and Metrowalk, a number of financial institutions and medical facilities, it is also an ideal solution for those who like to live, work and play within their comfort zone. And because it is strategically situated, access to main thoroughfares like EDSA and C5 is not a problem.

Marketed under the Robinsons Residences portfolio, the urban lifestyle brand of RLC, The Sapphire aims to entice start-up families and urban professionals with cuts of 30 to 37.3 sqm for one-bedroom units, 45.5 to 60 sqm for two-bedroom units, and 97 sqm for three-bedroom units.
Prices are pegged at P2.9 million (one bedroom), P4.5 million (two bedrooms) and P10 million (three bedrooms). Penthouse units (218 sqm) will go for P24 million each.

For details on The Sapphire and other RLC's projects, contact Reby Ramirez @ +63 916.4044.555 / +63 922.883.9308 / +63 919.699.3572 or e-mail her at reby_ramirez@yahoo.com.

Source: Manila Bulletin, 07 December 2010

RA 9646, popularly known as Real Estate Service Act ( RESA ) has been approved for implementation when its Implementing Rules and Regulations ( IRR ) was published on July 24 2010 at Philippine Daily Inquirer and Philippine Star. For details on the RESA Law, visit www.ra9646.com, the central repository of all updates on RA 9646.

SIGNA: Layug, Pineda, Cobonpue collaborate-on a floating building

It is Filipino Moderne
SIGNA IS the country’s first residential development whose design is shaped by the vision of prominent designers. The collaboration of Budji Layug + Royal Pineda Design Architects and Kenneth Cobonpue brings the concept of Filipino Moderne to condo living.

Robinson Land Corp.’s 29-story, 702-unit twin-tower development will rise on Ayala Avenue in 2015. Design consultant Layug and architect Pineda conceived Signa as a floating building, as if supported by giant stilts, with only glass, water features and the landscape on street level.

“The idea is to open up to the sky. Usually podiums are two floors and solid mass. Here, you see the legs floating against a background of clear space. We’re bringing back the garden to Makati,” explains Pineda.

“It will buffer residents from the congested streets. With an outdoor plaza, we’re trying to give the ground floor to the people instead of parked cars.”

The ground floor will be the lifestyle level with a floating walkway, surrounded by water as the focal point. It connects to an al fresco lounge or waiting area lined with teak-wood flooring. The water feature defines the space of the plaza, which, in turn, acts as a buffer zone to the lobby. People inside the lobby and arcade can enjoy privacy yet savor the vistas through the glass expanse.

Lifted footing

The four-story stilts are actually a lifted footing. To viewers on the ground level, these will provide a sense of openness and unobstructed views of Ayala, Valero and VA Rufino Streets. A two-way driveway forms a loop around the building and into the basement parking.

“With so many one-way streets, this driveway is designed to avoid the long route going around the whole street just to go back to the same point,” says Pineda.

A floating walkway will connect the two buildings. Nearly 15 meters from the ground, it will hold the swimming pool which is adjacent to the amenities area. The condominium units will be housed starting from the sixth level. Vertical shafts in the building will provide the cross-ventilation and natural light.

“The beauty of this building is that it is also built on a one-bedroom module which can be converted into a two- or three-bedroom unit,” says Pineda.

Buyers have the choice of the Designer or the Designer Luxe units.

“With a regular condo, you get the plaster-painted walls, cabinetry, homogenous tile flooring and few designer details—just the layout. With Designer Luxe, you get the finishes, upgraded kitchen fittings, toilet fittings, frosted glass, cove lights, architectural ceilings, Corian counter tops and more dramatic colors,” says Layug.

Clients will also have the option to purchase Cobonpue’s furniture.

Layug is using devices to give the illusion of space.

“We open it up by using glass partitions (between the bedroom and public areas). Sliding doors can give you privacy and take out the solidity. They create more space and bring in more light. We’re using a lot of mirrors to visually expand and brighten up the place.”

The ceiling is relatively high—2.9 meters. In the bedroom, mirrors are angled toward each other to reflect more views. The cabinets between the bathroom and bedroom are done in frosted glass and veneer.

The transparency of the cabinets facilitates natural light streaming in all the way to the bathroom. Some bathrooms will feature a sink mounted on a ledge made of Corian. Wood veneers on the cabinetry and doors lend warmth to the modern materials.

Succession of spaces

The 60-sqm unit offers a service area and a toilet and bath for the maid. The open plan shows the succession of spaces: kitchen, dining area and living area, a powder room and a den which can be converted into another bedroom.

The walls are graphicoted to tie in with the shiny surfaces of the kitchen, says Layug.

“We try not to have as much painted, or matte surfaces, except for the dark-gray walls. There’s lots of shine so there is lightness.”

Cobonpue infused a playful touch to the units. His furnishings complement the indoor-outdoor feel of the building. The model units sport modern woven pieces, combined with new Scandinavian-inspired designs and paper lamps.

Cobonpue favored violets, purples and green to complement the gray tones of the 60-sqm unit, and old-rose accents in the one-bedroom unit.

“As cities expand, spaces become smaller. My furniture are open and skeletal. They are not as heavy. We’ve been designing smaller proportioned furniture because there’s a demand,” he says.

Although the condo units are very compact, there’s been a lot of interest in Signa because of the prime location—and the designers who are behind it.

For details on Signa, please contact Reby Ramirez @ +63 916.4044.555 / +63 922.883.9308 / +63 919.699.3572 or e-mail her at reby_ramirez@yahoo.com.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer, 06 October 2010

For details on the Real Estate Service Act or RESA Law > www.ra9646.com