Tuesday, December 7, 2010

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.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

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

Monday, September 27, 2010

Robinsons Builds Strong Presence in Cebu with New Malls, Hotel, and BPO Offices

Robinsons Land Corporation (RLC) is establishing a new dimension towards mall culture south of the country, and has launched and made plans on new structures that are set to offer diverse choices in both lifestyle and tourism particularly in the Queen City of the South, Cebu.

With old malls and new ones that are continuously being developed, RLC is hoping to establish its niche on the business and lifestyle industry, in the province proclaimed by the Department of Tourism as the Philippines’ top tourist destination.

Cebu has a special place in the heart of RLC’s history as its Chairman Emeritus, John Gokongwei was actually born in the province. Cebu is also known as the setting of the company’s first retail ventures, with a department store and grocery outlet opening in the mid 1980’s, and considered one of the first urban establishments to flourish in the Fuente Circle.

The grocery and department store was turned into a full service mall in year 2000 as a three-story building offering retail and gastronomic choices. RLC further established its mixed-use concept in architecture by connecting it directly to the Cebu Midtown Hotel, another RLC property catering to traveling businessmen and convention members.

Both Robinsons Place Cebu and Cebu Midtown will soon undergo major facelifts this year to provide a more modern and dynamic venue to the province’ impressive tourist growth.

Robinsons Place will be sporting an eye-catching façade of glass walls plus a giant projector screen to announce weekend sales and events. The mall is strategically located within three major thoroughfares: Fuente Osmena Avenue, General Maxilom Avenue, and F. Ramos Street. The mall has over 90 brands within its complex, plus Robinsons Malls’ anchor brands such as the department store, the supermarket, Do-It-Best Handyman, Robinsons Appliances and the food court.

Cebu Midtown, on the other hand, will be rebranded as Summit Circle, which is part of RLC’s current rebranding undertaking.

The new hotel will feature a new lobby that will be defined by a minimalist, Asian-contemporary design. All 212 guestrooms will also be fitted to provide modern amenities for tourists on-the-go.

A few blocks away from Robinsons Place is the new Robinsons Cybergate Mall. This project is considered the first establishment in Cebu that offers a unique tenant mix that will cater to the province’s new direction in tourism – medical tourism.

Robinsons Cybergate is defined by a distinct combination of culinary, wellness, medical and BPO spaces, and was constructed with green architecture in mind.

The dining outlet for example, has a glass atrium which provides natural light to the whole space. The ceiling is also draped with tasteful trimmings to regulate temperature.

The first two floors of the building is allotted as dining and retail space, with local restaurants such as Moon Café as one of its more famous outlets. The second floor where the food court is located is usually full since the mall is located near major offices and hospitals.

The third floor on the other hand, is labeled the wellness floors – wherein a variety of salons and boutiques such as parlors and spas have set up office. The wellness centers usually occupy considerable space for its services. The quirky Coco Salon, a Korean-owned beauty space for example, has a wide 110 sqm space, and can accommodate more than 20 customers at a time.

The fourth and fifth floors are reserved for medical clinics – medical establishments that offer consultation and simple diagnostic procedures.

“Cebu has been very aggressive when it comes to medical tourism and Robinsons Land is just responding according to the demand. There’s a call for medical clinics and offices, and our location is considered very strategic as we are right across Chong Hwa Hospital, known to cater to foreigners who are in Cebu looking for special medical services,” said Hermosilla Irizari, RLC's group property manager for Cebu.

To better promote the medical floors, RLC has provided model units with a clinic layout which guests can consider. RLC takes care of the construction and preparation of the clinics. Space sizes start from 35 sqm and above. The last two floors are provided for BPO companies.

“In Cebu, there are about 35 BPO companies now operating and are looking for places to expand. These companies usually have strict specifications when it comes to leasing places. Some of their considerations are temperature, 24-hour service providers, security and accessibility of office. Robinsons Cybergate provides all that and more,” said Lourdes Alano, RLC VP for Lease.

Robinsons Cybergate has a leasable area of 12,000 sqm, and went fully operational in December of 2009.

In the last quarter of 2012, RLC is expected to launch another major project – Robinsons Cebu Maxilom, a 27,000 sqm retail area that’s expected to be one of the key lifestyle hubs in the province.

The project will be located at the General Maxilom Avenue, North Reclamation Area, in Cebu City and will offer a mixed-use establishment that will feature a mall, a museum, al fresco dining spots, landscaped gardens and a new hotel.

The center will be located near the port area, major office buildings and jump-off points to other Cebu destinations. Future plans will also include spaces for residential buildings.

For details on Robinsons Residential Properties, 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: Manila Bulletin, 27 September 2010

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

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Robinsons's Trion Towers Presents City Living at Its Best


City living. These two words have become synonymous with exciting, fast paced lifestyle that the house-hunting populace is excited about. The famed creature comforts and the numerous possibilities that city life offer has never been easy to resist. More so if the abode to which one will be stepping out from is as equally modern as the city has become.

Such is The Trion Towers, Robinsons Land Corp.’s proposition to city slickers who love the urban jungle. Apart from its prime location in the metropolis, there is much to love about The Trion Towers. A project of Robinsons Residences, the urban lifestyle brand of Robinsons Land, its features are designed to complement, if not raise the bar, of both condominium and city living.

Rising at Eight Avenue corner McKinley Parkway in Bonifacio Global City, this new project consists of three residential towers which boast of an iconic tri-axial design. It is an architectural masterpiece that provides future owners panoramic views of the cityscape, namely the Ortigas skyline, Manila Bay and Laguna de Bay.

On top of that, it introduces the revolutionary Tri-Axial Fresh Flow System (TFFS) which allows the free flow of air and sunlight not only in common areas, but in corridors and every unit as well.

The unit cuts are suited to the lifestyle of its future dwellers, consisting of one-bedroom flat units (ranging from 42.13 to 55.29 sqm), two-bedroom flat units (58.98 to 61.83 sqm), and three-bedroom flat units (101.11 to 123.02 sqm), all with high ceilings and picture windows. Many units also feature a balcony. Unit prices range from P3.6 million to P12.3 million.

The Trion Towers is replete with amenities and features that should delight the aesthetic sensibilities and personal pursuits of the market of professionals and established families.

Indoors, there is the beautifully designed lobby, one for each tower, with a reception/security desk, high-speed lifts, along with daycare/playroom, game room, fitness center, library/lounge with free WiFi Internet access, spa, mini theater and videoke room for the enjoyment of all residents and their guests.

Outdoors, residents will also delight in the niceties – adult and kiddie pools, decorative ponds and refreshing fountains at the Central Plaza, play area, bicycle tracks, jogging paths, reading nooks and meditation garden, all amid lush landscapes that provide the healing benefits of nature.

Outside, the Bonifacio Global City spreads out before future residents. Whether one needs to connect, converge or socialize with people, pursue personal interests and passions, this modern city pulsates with possibilities.

The Trion Towers is Robinsons Residences’ fourth project in Bonifacio Global City.

For details on Trion Towers, 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: Manila Bulletin, 23 September 2010

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

Monday, September 13, 2010

Robinsons to develop Lipa property

ROBINSONS HOMES, the provincial house and lot developer of Gokongwei-led property firm Robinsons Land Corp., has acquired a 12.4-hectare land in Batangas.

"The Lipa property will be developed into a prime tropical-inspired residential subdivision with commercial potential," Joan R. Cosico, general manager of Robinsons Homes, said in a statement on Monday.

This will be the first residential development of the mall and residential giant in Lipa, and the second in Batangas.

Robinsons Land operates under four brands -- Robinsons Luxuria for the high-end market, Robinsons Residences for condominiums in central business districts, Robinsons Communities for the middle-income segment, and Robinsons Homes.

Shares in listed Robinsons Land, whose profits grew by 11% in the first half to P2.59 billion due to mall expansion, increased by 2.74% or P0.44 to close at P16.48 each on Monday.

For details on Robinsons Properties, 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: Businessworld, 13 September 2010

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

Monday, September 6, 2010

Escalades South Metro

Parenting is a difficult job and it does not leave you for many years. It is a life of many decisions – all for the benefit of the child. And that includes the choice of a home, its location, secure environment and proximity to educational and health facilities.

Robinsons Land Corporation, a leading property developer in the country, took the perspective of the parent when it designed Escalades South Metro. A self-contained haven located in the quiet suburbs of Sucat, Muntinlupa, this new project is a mid-rise condominium property developed under the Robinsons Communities brand.

According to Chris Narciso, vice president of Robinsons Communities, the premise of the brand is to develop “a nurturing, close-knit neighborhood wherein residents are encouraged to interact and form close ties.”

“We wanted a low-density environment, with lots of space for gardens and social activity areas, where residents can get to know each other, allow their kids to roam and play freely, or simply relax and unwind after a long day,” he said.

Perched on a property that offers a generous view of Laguna Lake, Escalades South Metro is an easy choice for those who like to leave city life behind and come home to a retreat. The 2.2-hectare property boasts of landscaped gardens and foliage.

A big part of the property is dedicated to open areas – gardens, basketball court, jogging paths, and playgrounds – where kids can play while adults relax and mingle.

Aside from that, ample space is allocated to activity areas like a clubhouse, lap and kiddie pools, and barbecue pits, so residents need not go too far from home to find recreation for the family.

The property combines an Asian contemporary design with an earth-friendly – not to mention cost-effective – aesthetic that allows natural light and ventilation to flow throughout the buildings, allowing residents to cut down on the use of electricity.

When completed, this project will have eight mid-rise towers equipped with two elevators and an entrance lobby with reception counter. Each tower will contain 132 functional residential units – no more than eight meters apart – to encourage residents to visit one another.

The property also has taken security measures that include a closed circuit camera at the guardhouse. There are fire exits in each tower, automatic smoke detectors, as well as fire alarm and sprinkler systems in all the common areas.

This community is ideally located in a flood-free area, a stone’s throw away from the Sucat Interchange and is accessible by public transport. It is close to Makati and Alabang, as well as Bonifacio Global City.

For details on Escalades South Metro, 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: Manila Bulletin, 07 September 2010

For details on the Real Estate Service Act > http://www.ra9646.com/