Federal Land extends to Cebu legacy of personifying cities

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Towering over any key city across the country are standout structures that embody its personality—emphasizing the city’s profile, reshaping its skyline, while hinting at its strong economic potential.

For Federal Land Inc. General Manager Thomas Mirasol, the presence of diverse architectural structures in booming cities across the country not only serve to beautify, but also represent what their cities are like and what they have to offer.

“Aesthetic variety among city buildings are proof of the economic progress and the modernity of this country’s best urban areas,” said Mirasol. “Most importantly, distinct structures can serve as new landmarks that capture the essence of their respective cities.”

In a survey conducted by global property portal, Lamudi, western respondents named the Makati Central Business District’s (CBD) skyline as the most recognizable across emerging markets. The Makati CBD, after all, is punctuated by Federal Land’s iconic architectural marvel, GT Tower International with its distinct blade-like apex and eye-catching streamline lights.

Driven by an industrial intuition sharpened through its 47 years of expertise, the premier real estate giant has built a reputation of personifying rising metropolises with their prominent developments.

According to Mirasol, “Luxury residential properties showcase the changing lifestyles of today’s more affluent consumers by harmonizing a cosmopolitan city life with the comfort, and privacy of a suburban home.”

The premier real estate developer, also known for collaborating with reputed global partners and bringing world-class hospitality brands to the Philippines, possesses a portfolio of impressive residential projects. Its iconic award-winning skyscraper, Grand Hyatt Manila and the anticipated $400-million The Seasons Residencesin Bonifacio Global City are just some of Federal Land’s landmark structures.

While cities in the country’s National Capital Region continue to flourish with consistent modernization, Mirasol noted that many factors are now driving strong interest and urbanization to regional metropolises like Cebu.

Crowning the Queen City of the South

Consistently marked as one of the country’s top cities, Cebu retains its position as one of the preferred investment destinations outside of Luzon, according to Colliers International’s first quarter report for 2019.

“Cebu’s enduring economic growth has strengthened its market for upscale residential properties,” Mirasol said. “The city’s natural beauty contributes to its effortless tourist appeal, while its skilled workforce continually influences various businesses, including multi-national companies, to set up operations there. This spurs the migration and local settlement of their executives and high-ranking officers.”

With its four-tower Marco Polo Residences atop the exclusive Nivel Hills district in Cebu, Federal Land personifies the city by marrying its classic culture of history and tradition with its chic urbanity. This year, Federal Land will be launching Parkplace, the fifth tower in this luxury condo township backed by the five-star Marco Polo Hotel brand.

“The residences parallel Cebu’s heritage through the Marco Polo brand, fusing Asian hospitality with Western innovations,” said Mirasol.

Architecturally designed to resemble two connecting pearls, Park Place is unique in its visual fluidity and structural integrity. With this design, residential units are strategically arranged to take advantage of the property’s hilltop location, providing a visual sampler of Cebu by framing the panoramic view of the sea, sky, and city. With only 14 units per floor, residents are given a sense of personal space while having access to hotel services for utmost comfort.

Parkplace makes use of the expansive property to provide residents the freedom of space and openness to experience an extensive set of amenities within the Marco Polo Residences township. Within Parkplace, residents have access to fitness facilities such as Circuit Training, Yoga Studio, and Golf Simulation. Recreational areas such as the Art Room, KTV Room, and the Mini Theater also provide families more spaces to connect within the comfort and convenience of their own homes. They also have access to facilities and amenities of the four existing towers and outdoor amenities including three swimming pools, play areas, co-working spaces, function halls, a spa pavilion, and a day care center.

Driven by the growing appeal of Cebu, Mirasol considers Parkplace an expansion of the township, adding another dimension to the city’s persona and fortifying its identity further. “Federal Land is poised to continue developing Marco Polo Residences, precisely reflecting Cebu as it advances and evolves.”

Mañosa: Beyond Architecture: Traveling Exhibit Puts Spotlight On Architecture Icon

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​Get access to projects never before seen by the public when you visit “Mañosa: Beyond Architecture”, a traveling exhibit featuring renowned Filipino architect Francisco “Bobby” Mañosa. 

The exhibit will be held from August 6 to 17 in Alabang Town Center and will move to TriNoma Mall from August 18 to September 9.

When everyone was focused on architectural feats in the great cities of the world and produced work to reflect these trends, Architect Bobby Mañosa used Philippine textiles, and building materials, championing Filipino architectural design through his work. 

“For him, it’s not just about finding what’s beautiful. He works to keep leveling up, to keep innovating, and have Filipinos take pride in our own world class designs” says Denise Mañosa, the celebrated architect’s wife.

As a treat for the next generation of creatives who draw inspiration from his work, the exhibit showcases original drawings, models, and snapshots that chart Mañosa’s prolific career as an architect. Aside from an archive of photographs, vernacular materials, furniture, and interior elements, the exhibition will also explores his other creative pursuits as a jazz musician, toy designer, and craftsman.

This exhibit was originally put up in the National Museum of the Philippines earlier this year. For those who missed it, now is your chance to get to know more about Architect Mañosa.

“Through this exhibit, we hope to keep not only Bobby’s legacy in the country’s architecture industry alive but also, every Filipino’s love for our own. As he always tells us, ‘Architecture must be true to itself, its land, and its people’”, adds Denise.

The exhibit is organized by Tukod Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of the Mañosa Group of Companies, in partnership with Ayala Malls and Artkitektura. For more information on the exhibit, visit www.facebook.com/franciscomanosa.exhibit/.

Tukod Foundation started in 2000 with the publication of Architect Bobby’s first book “Designing Filipino: the Architecture of Bobby Mañosa” to serve as a resource material for students and architects alike. It offered scholarships to Architecture students as well. Over the years, Tukod Foundation went from publishing books and offering scholarships to championing Filipino pride.

To date, the foundation has community initiatives focusing on educating the youth about Filipino architecture and heritage. “Similar to Bobby and Mañosa Group of Companies’ aim of leveling things up, Tukod Foundation is all about leveling up the lives of Filipinos by sharing what the company and the family have in terms of expertise and resources,” says Denise.

For more information on the Tukod Foundation, visit http://tukodfoundation.org/.

S Maison receives design excellence award from Prix Versailles

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2017 Prix Versailles World Architecture Awards. S Maison of SM Prime Holdings received global acclaim for bagging the ‘South Asia and Pacific 2017 Special Prize for Interior’ under the ‘Shopping Malls’ category at the recently concluded Prix Versailles World Architecture Awards held on May 12 at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France. 

In photo: SM Supermalls Senior Assistant Vice President Chiqui Torres-Tan (right) and Prix Versailles Founder Jerome Gouadain at the ceremonies. (Photo credits: Guillaume Ombreux)

S Maison bagged the ‘South Asia and Pacific 2017 Special Prize for Interior’ under the ‘Shopping Malls’ category at the recently concluded Prix Versailles World Architecture Awards held on May 12 at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France.

A preview of the award-winning and stunning interior of S Maison. The luxuriously designed retail podium of Conrad Manila was hailed in the 2017 Prix Versailles World Architecture Awards for its dramatic and expressive interiors evoking high-tech modernism through a uniquely designed space by one of the world’s leading design firms, Malherbe.

As the luxuriously designed retail podium of Conrad Manila, S Maison received global acclaim for its dramatic and expressive interiors evoking high-tech modernism through a uniquely designed space by one of the world’s leading design firms, Malherbe.

The Prix Versailles World Architecture Awards is an annual awards event dedicated to recognize outstanding commercial buildings around the world for their remarkable exterior architecture and interior design. Discerned at the headquarters of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in Paris, it encompasses four categories – shopping malls, shops and stores, hotels, and restaurants.

S Maison is the sole Philippine shopping mall brand recognized at the Prix Versailles World Architecture Awards, alongside Tokyu Plaza in Japan, Siam Discovery Center in Singapore, Chanel in Netherlands, and Dior in Miami, Florida among others.

Along with the 61 malls of SM Supermalls across the Philippines, S Maison is one of the many shopping malls of SM Prime Holdings. Receiving another global recognition continue to propel SM Prime’s passion for innovation in its mission to constantly meet the ever-changing needs of customers and to nurture the community.

SM Prime remains committed to its role as a catalyst for economic growth, delivering innovative and sustainable lifestyle cities that enrich the quality of life of millions.

'Mañosa: Beyond Architecture' celebrates Bobby Mañosa’s Legacy

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Architecture, design lecture series slated from February to May

Some artists celebrate life. Others celebrate beauty.

Architect Francisco “Bobby” Mañosa celebrates being Filipino and that, for him, is life and beauty combined.

“I design Filipino, nothing else,” is his mantra as a celebrated architect. This set him apart from the rest.

For more than six decades, Mañosa has inspired artists and creatives to champion Philippine architecture and design.

From conceptualizing the Coconut Palace, to creating the EDSA Shrine, to designing Amanpulo, Pearl Farm, the LRT and other iconic Filipino landmarks, Mañosa has always taken his country and his craft seriously – to the point of turning down potentially lucrative projects simply because they were not in line with his philosophy that “Architecture must be true to itself, its land and its people.”

To celebrate his life, philosophy and legacy, an exhibit dubbed “Mañosa: Beyond Architecture’ runs from February to May at the National Museum of the Philippines. The exhibit showcases over 50 landmark projects from Mañosa’s prolific career, including original drawings and models never before seen by the public. Archived photographs, samples of vernacular materials, furniture, and interior elements, are also featured. The exhibition also explores Mañosa’s other creative pursuits as a jazz musician, toy designer, and designer of craft.

To further inspire new and upcoming generations of Filipino architects and designers, a lecture series runs concurrently with the exhibit, on selected Saturdays from February 18 to May 6, 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the National Museum Auditorium.

“Our father always enjoyed interacting with architecture and design students, whom he called his barangay,” says Bobby’s son Dino, CEO of the Mañosa Group’s real estate development arm, Mañosa Properties. “It was important to him to mentor and inspire the youth to think Filipino and be proud of their culture. Unfortunately, his health no longer permits him to give lectures himself, so our Tukod Foundation – which produced both the exhibit and lecture series – invited like-minded individuals – renowned experts in their respective fields – to do the lectures instead.”

The “Mañosa: Beyond Architecture” lecture series includes topics on art, architecture and design, Philippine textiles and building materials, Filipino culture and identity, nationalism and nation-building. It features such distinguished speakers as former NCCA Chair Felipe de Leon; Architects Gerard Lico, Paulo Alcarazen, Christian Salandanan, Ning Encarnacion-Tan, Markel Luna, Rino Fernandez, Rosette Santos and Dan Lichauco; art historian Patrick Flores; author and artist Elmer Nocheseda; design creatives Leo Almeria, Medilen Singh, and Len Cabili; performance artist Joey Ayala; and the custodians of Bobby Mañosa’s legacy – his three children, Dino, Bambi and Ar. Gelo Mañosa. 

Each lecture can only accommodate 150 students. Admission is free.

“Mañosa: Beyond Architecture” is co-presented by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, the National Museum, and the Mañosa Group of Companies. It is produced by the Mañosa Group’s Tukod Foundation, and made possible with the support of Mañosa Properties, Philippine Wine Merchants, Aurelio's, FGU Builders, Matimco, Timbermate-HMT Industries Corp, Davies Paints, Kenneth & Mock Designs, Lixil Corp., and PhilConch.

For updates on the “Mañosa: Beyond Architecture exhibit and lecture series, visit https://www.facebook.com/franciscomanosa.exhibit or email exhibit@manosa.com

About Mañosa Properties, Inc.

Mañosa Properties, Inc. is a boutique residential development firm, formed in 2009 as the real estate arm of the Mañosa Group of companies. In the few years since its inception, the company has made its mark in the upscale property development arena, earning recognition for creating artisanal urban communities which combine the best of sustainable Filipino design with earth-friendly innovations and professional property management. Its projects include: Lantana Lane, Ylang Lane and Campanilla Lane in New Manila, and Tagô in Tagaytay City.

SM Aura, the latest high-end lifestyle place, opens tomorrow, May 17 at The Fort

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On May 17, SM Aura Premier, SM Prime Holdings’ latest high-end lifestyle destination project, will open its doors to the public at The Fort.

It is envisioned as a landmark in the Taguig CBD, the fast flourishing “micro-city” where multinational and local corporations, as well embassies, consulates, and cultural offices maintain their Philippine headquarters. High-end residential buildings, international and innovative schools, technologically advanced medical centers, and other attractions that have transformed the area into a diverse and welcoming community.

There has been a lot of buzz about the mall and the aura of mystery that surrounds it –– an inexplicable energy that is seductive and incredibly magnetic at once.

Here are 10 things shoppers can look forward to at SM Aura:

1. Its architecture is like a work of art. SM Aura is designed to stand out, not only visually, but also through the convenience and attractions that it offers shoppers. Architect Willy Cosculluela drew inspiration from nature, creating a sculptural form that conjures images of the flow of water, the grace of air, and the strata of the earth.

2. Green architecture. SM Aura Premier is committed to sustainable design and development, and reducing the structure’s carbon footprint through green architecture. The SM Engineering Design and Development team on design as well practiced sustainable operations. Pollution and waste management systems are planned for maximum efficiency; a water treatment facility to recycle water for non-potable use is in place; and its massive green roof is designed to reduce the heat island effect in the structure. International green standards are strictly followed to ensure that SM Aura Premier will use energy and other resources efficiently. There are also bicycle paths and landscaped recreational areas around SM Aura, to ensure that the community will continue to breathe fresh air for many years to come.

3. It redefines lifestyles. SM Aura gathers carefully selected local and international brands in one yet sustainable structure that redefines the country’s retail, fashion, gourmet, and lifestyle scene. This gives new meaning to the SM mantra of “having it all.” And of course, the group’s mainstays –– a more upscale SM Store, the Supermarket, Kultura, Our Home, and Toy Kingdom –– will be there, as will Forever 21, Uniqlo, Watsons and ACE Hardware.

4. It will be a mall of firsts. Many global brands will have their first store in the country at SM Aura. Among these are Suiteblanco, Stefanel, Minelli, TM Lewin, and Petit Bateau for fashion; as well as Paul Boulangerie, NBA Café, and Todd English Food Hall for dining. It will also house the latest in concept and flagship stores.

5. The Sky Park. The Sky Park has landscaped gardens and various water features that provide customers with the perfect ambience as they enjoy tried and tested gastronomic treats and exciting culinary concepts.

6. The Pod. With a unique dome design set against a lush garden backdrop, the Pod is set to be a landmark in the Fort area. Designed for events, exhibits, and performances, the Pod is a great way to meet, greet, and be one with SM Aura Premier’s diverse community.

7. The Chapel of San Pedro Calungsod. At the top level of SM Aura will be a chapel with an unorthodox yet highly aesthetic and tubular design. The Chapel of San Pedro Calungsod is an exercise in quiet elegance –– the perfect place to stop, rest, and reflect in this busy city.

8. Non-stop entertainment. The IMAX alone is worth a visit to SM Aura Premier, as are the state-of-the-art cinemas designed to provide film lovers with a contemporary, elegant ambience. There are also two Director’s Clubs for special screenings.

9. SMX Aura. This trade hall is a great place for exhibits and corporate meetings that will bring brands and organizations closer to the pulse of the Taguig Business District. The 3,800-square-meter SMX has three function rooms and eight meeting rooms for events.

10. The Office Tower. A nearby office tower addresses the needs of the international market, as well as the growing demands of the call center industry in the Philippines. It will also have community offices, meeting rooms and facilities.

Source: SM Prime News