MVP Beyond the Suit - Advocacy for Tourism

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A pause to recharge or reimagining a future that empowers Filipinos to co-build a more robust tourism industry in Batangas, Manuel V. Pangilinan (MVP) is not your conventional business leader as he strikes a balance of both endeavors.

MVP walked around CaSoBe and inspected Cocoons, the unique capsule-like rooms designed with a mural of sea creatures.

As Chairman of the infrastructure conglomerate Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) and other numerous companies that provide essential services, MVP stays on top of the company’s COVID-19 response in support of the government efforts. At the same time, he jumpstarts the preparedness of the Philippine economy to bounce back from the global health crisis with his vision for tourism in Batangas.

MVP leads his team to have courage in facing the future with bright prospects through the uncertainties. He does all these while he visits the pristine beauty of the Landco’s latest Leisure Tourism Estates (LTE) – the 15-hectare Calatagan South Beach, better known as CaSoBē.

“Through Landco Pacific Corp.’s latest beachside projects: CaSoBē and Club Laiya, I take pride in promoting Batangas as one of the country’s top tourist destinations. These properties are responsibly developed to preserve the cultural and natural features of the place; provide employment for locals; and give Filipinos an opportunity to recover from these unprecedented times by not just building their dream beach homes but opting to create Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) that cater to the tourism market,” MVP stated.

Manuel V. Pangilinan (MVP), Chairman of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (center) together with Landco President and CEO Erickson Manzano (right) visited the pristine beach of CaSoBe.

Architect's Perspective of CaSoBe.

These master-planned estates are the newest projects of upscale real estate developer Landco, a subsidiary of MPIC. These developments under Landco BeachTowns are close to MVP’s heart as he foresees these lively leisure and tourism destinations in Batangas as the next big thing. The country’s answer to some of the world’s most vibrant beachside destinations: Ibiza, Spain; Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; and Capri, Italy.

For more than three decades, Landco made its mark in developing exclusive and luxurious properties around the country. One of its leading projects is Peninsula de Punta Fuego, a premiere luxury seaside residential community situated on the 88-hectare of pristine coastline in Nasugbu, Batangas.

Leveraging on tourism as one of the key drivers for the country’s growth when it emerges from these challenging times, Landco with the leadership of MVP, envisions a revolutionary and innovative new concept.

Crusoe Cabins is Millennial Resorts’ unique beachfront accommodation at CaSoBe.

Landco CEO Erickson Y. Manzano supports MVP’s vision to position the LTE as thriving and inclusive seaside communities in the travel and leisure destination of Batangas, inspiring entrepreneurship and work-life harmony.

“It’s a gamechanger approach. Instead of making it exclusive, it’s open to the tourism market but remains aspirational and premium,” said Manzano. “It presents an opportunity for budding Filipino entrepreneurs or those who would like to work closer with nature. Eventually, the place will not just be a hotspot for local tourists but for inbound travelers from abroad,” he added.

CaSoBē offers a mix of seaside residential homes, and beachside retail and commercial establishments. There’s a Retail Row, a Harbour Walk, and an Activity Block – with lot sizes ranging from 356 square meters to 890 square meters. All these lots are near the beach and paved with pedestrian streets. There’s a common area estate WIFI, 24/7 security with CCTV, a beach promenade and a hotel-inspired property management service.

It's is a haven for those who prefer more privacy and a laidback and intimate lifestyle. It is near Cape Santiago lighthouse, a golf course, Little Boracay sandbar, Starfish island and the underwater pyramid.

Located on the other side of the Batangas coastline, the 24-hectare Club Laiya features a combination of residential and commercial-ready lots in the tourist spot of San-Juan Laiya Road. It’s a choice destination for the stylish and chic leisure seekers who love to work on their tan, get into water sports and hangout in the hottest party scenes. A row of diverse resorts, restaurants and bars already dots its shores.

Two to three hours away from Metro Manila, CaSoBē and Club Laiya are both LEED-registered with Landco’s commitment for long-term environmental sustainability.

MVP attests to CaSoBē’s significance as a tourist destination and an ideal work from the beach venue in the new normal. His business calendar was filled with Zoom meetings and online conferences with a seaside view and assistance by the warm and friendly local staff.

Aquaria is Millennial Resorts’ waterpark with a three-story giant slide at CaSoBe.

Helmed by Landco’s Senior Consultant for Hospitality Patrick C. Gregorio, the Edge-registered Millennial Resorts Corporation (MRC) is the hospitality service provider within the LTE. MRC owns and operates unconventional accommodations: Cocoons and Crusoe Cabins, select leisure facilities: Laiya Beach Club at Club Laiya and Aquaria, a waterpark with a three-story giant slide at CaSoBē These are the tourism attractions for which the properties are known for.

Landco projects are in line with MPIC’s commitment to help achieve the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable; and strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development.

For MVP, coming home to a tropical paradise in these LTE is a breeze. It’s going to be the newest trend in the travel industry.

For more information about Landco and its Millennial Resorts and Leisure Tourism Estates Club Laiya and CaSoBē, visit https://www.landco.ph/ or FB page: https://www.facebook.com/LandcoPacificCorporation.

Eco-friendly Millennial Resorts Pave the Way to Sustainability in Batangas

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Crusoe Cabins are contemporary rooms constructed from upcycled container vans located at CaSoBē, Calatagan, Batangas

Inspired by Batangas’ coastal surroundings, the eco-friendly beach properties of Millennial Resorts feature designs focused on sustainability and provide guests with unconventional experiences and warmth of heartfelt Filipino hospitality.

Aquaria, a water park with a giant three-story pool slide at CaSoBē, is operated with Millennial Resorts’ resource efficiency design featuring the use of water reduction system. 

For its resource efficiency design, this hospitality group which is a sister company of Landco Pacific Corp., is registered for the prestigious EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) certification.

Landco President and CEO Erickson Y. Manzano shown at Crusoe Cabins. He leads Landco’s over-all sustainability initiatives.

“Ingrained in Landco’s DNA is our commitment to long-term social, economic and environmental sustainability in premium property developments for more than 30 years across the country. We do it, first and foremost, because it is the right thing to do.  This is evident in our latest Leisure Tourism Estates in Batangas – 15-hectare CaSoBē and 24-hectare Club Laiya, both of which are LEED Registered, and the management of Millennial Resorts which provide the leisure and hotel operations in these properties,” stated Erickson Y. Manzano, President and CEO, Landco.

Landco Senior Consultant for Hospitality Patrick C. Gregorio showcases the Cocoons. He oversees Millennial Resorts’ sustainability measures

“The EDGE registration of Millennial Resorts along with our measures to reduce our ecological footprint demonstrates Landco’s leadership and advocacy in green hospitality. Our goal is to ensure the stewardship and sustainability of Batangas as one of the country’s prime tourist destinations,” emphasized Patrick C. Gregorio, Senior Consultant for Hospitality, Landco.

Millennial Resorts owns and operates experiential resort accommodations, Crusoe Cabins and Cocoons, which are situated in the master-planned Landco Beachtowns CaSoBē (Calatagan South Beach) and Club Laiya, Laiya, San Juan Batangas, both approximately a two-three-hour drive from Metro Manila.

CaSoBē offers a relaxed and intimate beachside destination, while Club Laiya is a vibrant hotspot for those who like to have an active beachside lifestyle; and socialize with friends and groups who share their interests.

Both properties highlight resource-efficient designs which include LED lighting fixtures and water-efficient showers and faucets. The rooms are airconditioned, have access to a strong WI-FI connection and provisions for modern comforts. Natural sunlight and airflow are also maximized for efficient use of lighting and air conditioning.

Situated in CaSoBē and Millennial Resorts’ flagship brand, Crusoe Cabins are contemporary rooms constructed from upcycled container vans and refreshed with rustic and beachy exteriors that blend in with the relaxing coastline of Calatagan.

 Millennial Resorts’ guests can contribute in the reduction of carbon footprint by utilizing the bike lanes around the beachside properties.

Cocoons are pod-like rooms made of refurbished giant concrete pipes with bright painted murals on its exterior highlighting the diverse marine life of Calatagan and Laiya, San Juan, Batangas. These surreal-like rooms are available in both CaSoBē and Club Laiya.

Cocoons, located at CaSoBē and Club Laiya are refurbished giant concrete pipes built as pod-like rooms for an intimate and cozy overnight stay. It is iconic for its vibrantly painted murals on its exterior celebrating the diverse marine life of Calatagan and Laiya.

Millennial Resorts guests are also provided with the option to go paperless. Check-in and check-out requests for housekeeping services and room service maybe be done through the hotel’s proprietary Milli App. With Millennial Resorts’ resource-efficient design, water reduction measures are also undertaken at Aquaria, a water park with a giant three-story pool slide at CaSoBē and Laiya Beach Club near Club Laiya.

Exciting new facilities will soon open such as Captain Barbozza restaurant and bar, Canopy and The Isle -- venues for events, and Colony, a beachside co-working space.

As part of a broader community, adventure seekers and visitors at Cocoons and Crusoe Cabins can take part in the resorts’ initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint by utilizing the development’s pedestrian friendly tree-lined walkways and scenic bike lanes around the beachside properties.

Millennial Resorts is continuing its efforts for greater resource efficiency design in its operations to eventually qualify for EDGE certification.

EDGE is an innovation of International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group. EDGE is an international green building registration and certification in about 160 countries and encourages solutions to reduce energy, water and the energy used to make building materials.

Landco Pacific Corp. is a subsidiary of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation. For more information about Landco and its Millennial Resorts and Leisure Tourism Estates Club Laiya and CaSoBē, visit https://www.landco.ph/ or FB page:  https://www.facebook.com/LandcoPacificCorporation.

Landco Ushers in a BeachTown Lifestyle in the New Normal

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Your oasis for business and leisure awaits you at Calatagan and Laiya, Batangas

An inspired investment beckons to let you shift away from the city life to an invigorating beachside lifestyle that feels like a vacation all year-round and at the same time enables you to reap the rewards of asset growth and set up your own business. All these await you at Landco’s BeachTowns in Laiya and Calatagan, Batangas.

Landco Pacific Corp., known for pioneering premium landscapes for more than 30 years, makes waves with their BeachTowns development in Batangas complete with modern resort amenities. The investment growth in these properties is driven by its accessibility and infrastructure development to South Luzon.

With Landco’s track record of property appreciation which historically increased at an average of more than 400% across all its projects, commitment to long-term environmental sustainability with the LEED-registration of its developments, and property value growth driven by the tourism ecosystem in these master-planned LTE, owning a lot at these properties is a lasting legacy that ensures the well-being and financial security of the next generation.

The expansive stretch of white sand beach along with the residential and resort communities in Laiya and Calatagan, Batangas, empowers you to lead a healthy lifestyle as you wake up to fresh sea breeze; jog or exercise by the beach; partake of fresh seafood and vegetables from the nearby market; and cap your day with sand in between your toes while you marvel at the wonders of nature to soothe your mind, body and soul.

Say goodbye to traffic jam and cultivate work-life balance at the seaside of these properties. Simply turn your Work from Home arrangement to Work from the Beach lifestyle. With strong WIFI-connectivity in the properties, kids can easily study online as well. Your family can enjoy quality time together by playing and having fun by the shore or having a barbecue night in your dream beach home.

With Landco’s BeachTowns, you can opt to invest in gated residential communities of Playa Calatagan and Playa Laiya with exclusive amenities and access to the beach or choose the LTE projects -- Casobē and Club Laiya, mixed-use residential and commercial developments primed for the tourism market.

LEISURE TOURISM ESTATE (LTE)

If you’ve always dreamed of having your own business or if you’re in a multi-generational family and you’re not just thinking of a second home or retirement home but a place for your children and grandchildren to launch their dream business, the Landco BeachTowns under its LTE projects, offer a mix of seaside residential lots which can double as a business venture, and beachside retail and commercial lots.

For your entrepreneurial spirit, you can opt to set up a bed and breakfast, cozy little café or restaurant, conduct art workshops, or hold yoga retreats at the laidback, upscale and intimate setting of CaSoBē. This destination is a popular leisure destination for the affluent and renowned for its splendid sunset, rich heritage and nearby tourist attractions.

Should you be the type who likes to be in the middle of the action and mingle with the energetic and youthful, the popular tourist spot of Club Laiya may just be your top choice. You can have your own glamping business, run a beach bar, plan parties and festivities, organize island hopping trips or lead watersports such as wakeboarding, paddleboarding, kayaking, snorkeling, parasailing, fishing and jet skiing.

The BeachTown lifestyle in these properties are an attractive alternative to the dreams of the big city but you’re not removed from the bustling Metro as it is only about two to three hours away for any last-minute business meetings or important errands.

You’re in luck as both properties feature resort-level services with Millennial Resorts. You and your loved ones can have special bonding moments and avail of resort amenities from unconventional accommodation of surreal capsule-like rooms of Cocoons at Club Laiya and CaSoBē to Crusoe Cabins with a beachfront view at the latter.

Other resort amenities include Aquaria, a water park with a three-story pool slide at CaSoBē and Beach Club in Club Laiya. Upcoming facilities are Captain Barbozza restaurant and bar, Canopy and Isle -- venues for events and Colony, a co-working space.

Landco Pacific Corp. is a subsidiary of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation. For more information about Landco and Beachtowns: exclusive communities of Playa Calatagan and Playa Laiya; and Leisure Tourism Estates Club Laiya and CaSoBē, visit landco.ph or FB page @LandcoPacificCorporation.

SM Share Movement goes to Nasugbu, Batangas The SM Store spreads holiday cheer with new school building, toys

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Smiles as bright as Christmas lights, and laughter that invigorated like Christmas carols—these filled the grounds of the Looc Elementary School in Nasugbu, Batangas as The SM Store gave the students there an early Christmas present that is #SoMagical. Staying true to its commitment of bringing joy to communities where it is present, SM recently turned over its 100th school building donation, and The SM Store distributed toys to children. 

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Students of Looc Elementary School celebrate after receiving their new toy from the SM Store’s Share a Toy program.

It was only October 16, but it felt like Christmas morning. The students and teachers of Looc Elementary School could not contain their excitement as they took part in a morning of fun and games, a day before the official unveiling of the two-story, four-classroom new school building. 

Christmas came early

Situated in front of the school’s sprawling grounds that offer the students an unobstructed view of nearby mountains is a covered court. On that day, employee volunteers from The SM Store Batangas, The SM Store Lipa and Savemore Nasugbu worked like Santa’s helpers to transform it into a festive spot, complete with balloons and party tables and chairs. 

SM employee volunteers happily welcome the kids to the Share A Toy activity. 

Christmas comes early for the students of LoocElementary School as an employee volunteer from The SM Store hands out gifts to them. 

Students from Kinder to Grade 2 eagerly lined up, thrilled to witness a lively program and party with their friends and their newfound ates and kuyas. They were treated to fun performances from a magician, clowns, a balloon-twisting artist and a bubble artist. They also had their faces painted with flowers, butterflies, and superheroes. At the end of the program, they were given cuddly plush toys from The SM Store’s Toy Department, clothes from its Children’s Wear section and grocery items from Savemore. Christmas came early for these kids. It was a new and unforgettable experience for the children of Looc, whose families are engaged in farming or are working at nearby resorts. 

Mikko, one of the students of Looc Elementary School, shared how he loved the gift and enjoyed the festivities, which was a rare treat in their school.

“Masaya po ako sa natanggap ko na regalo. Masaya at magandadin ang program kanina, nagpafacepaint pa nga po ako. Minsanlang po kasi may ganito dito sa amin. (I am happy with the gift that I received. I really enjoyed the program. I even had my face painted. It’s not often that we get to enjoy celebrations like this),” Mikko said. 

Dr. Luciana Tulagan, Principal of Looc Elementary, said that this event didn’t just bring joy to the kids but also taught them the value of sharing.

Employee volunteers of The SM Store prepare the plush toys for the gift-giving activity. 

The kids cheerfully cuddle their new plush toys. 

“Malaki pong kaligayahan ang naibigay ng SM dito sa mgamag-aaral ng Looc Elementary School. Dahil sa Share A Toy ngThe SM Store, maimumulat namin sa mga bata na dapat hindilang tuwing Pasko ang pagbibigayan, kungdi lagi. (The SM Store brought great happiness to the students of LoocElementary School. Because of Share a Toy, we can educate the children that sharing happens not only during Christmas, but there are everyday opportunities to do it.) 

#SoMagical Christmas

Christmas cheer fills the air as an employee volunteer of The SM Store and the children of Looc Elementary School smile for the camera after the Share a Toy activity. 

Truly, the spirit of Christmas is in sharing. This Holiday season, The SM Store continues to nurture just that through its Share A Toy campaign. 

“SM values creating a positive impact in the communities where we are present. We are really grateful that SM gave us the opportunity to be a part of this meaningful event and the chance to share the spirit of Christmas through the gift of toys with the kids of Looc Elementary School. This is a memorable experience that we’ll treasure,” said Shelamie Marasigan, Assistant Branch Manager of The SM Store Lipa.

The SM Store is encouraging its generous shoppers to give back and make a kid’s Christmas #SoMagical by donating a new or pre-loved toy at the Share A Toy booth in all The SM Store branches nationwide. For every toy donated, the shopper will get a P50 discount voucher. The campaign runs from November 15, 2019 until December 31, 2019, with toys to be donated to beneficiaries of the SM Foundation.

Magicians captivate the students of LoocElementary School with their bubble show and other tricks. 

These toy donations are a simple but meaningful gift for kids. More than just play items, toys are beneficial to a child’s development according to studies. Toys can help increase their learning retention, stimulate their creativity and imagination, enhance their senses, spur their emotional and social development, and help in developing their hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.

Share A Toy is just one of the ways The SM Store inspires a culture of sharing and purposeful giving among its shoppers. Early this year, it conducted its Share Shoes program and Donate A Book campaign. Since its launch in 2015, The SM Share Movement has already collected more than 1.3 million items which include shoes, school supplies, clothes, toys, disaster kits and hygiene kits, which have been distributed across different parts of the country. 

For more updates about the Share Movement and ways you could donate, visit www.thesmstore.com and follow its social media pages @thesmstore on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. 

Freira Showroom A Peek Into Beachfront Living in Nasugbo

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The prospect of a quick weekend getaway close to the sea is very enticing, especially to urban dwellers seeking an escape from the stressful city life. 

Imagine this setting not only for the weekends, but as part of your daily life.

Freia, Hamilo Coast’s latest residential offering, is a tropical contemporary-inspired beachfront condominium with breathtaking views of the West Philippine Sea and Mt. Pico.

At Freia, live in a beachfront home where you can frolic in the sun, feel the evening breeze, and where gazing at the horizon affords you some of the most stunning views that nature can offer.

A two-bedroom unit designed by Budji+Royal with tropical contemporary Filipino elements featuring a perspective of the West Philippine Sea.

Take a sneak peek at this laid-back and leisurely lifestyle at the Freia Showroom in Nasugbu, Batangas. Freia is a contemporary beachfront condominium that is set to rise in Pico de Loro Cove at Hamilo Coast. Upon entering the showroom, you are afforded a glimpse of Freias future grand lobby as visualized by renowned design consultant Budji+Royal. A 2-bedroom seaside view unit also dressed up by Budji+Royal, and a 2-bedroom mountain view showcasing a furnished deliverable unit are ready for viewing.

A luxurious tropical resort experience is the recurrent theme of Freias 2-bedroom unit. Distinguished by its open-plan concept, the living spaces seamlessly flow into each other, providing its resident ease in moving around. With a choice of either the sea, the lagoon or a mountain view, residents are greeted by stunning vistas as they enter the unit.

The color palette used echoes a tranquil environment. The beige flooring reminds one of the soft sands of Hamilo Coast, while the rest of the interiors are awash with the delicate hues of taupe, white, and blues, lending a fresh tropical vibe. The play of colors, textures, and finishes complete the overall experience of a modern tropical Filipino design. Mirrors are strategically placed to provide a sense of spaciousness, evoking the wide expanse of sea and mountain.

Master’s and secondary bedrooms of the dressed-up deliverable unit

Freia offers 214 superior two-bedroom units and nine (9) bi-level three-bedroom penthouse units. Each unit will have living spaces that open up to a breathtaking view. Large picture windows plus airy and spacious balconies complement these unparalleled nature vistas. High-quality fixtures will be utilized in line with the element of flair and prime living in the homes.

From masterful design to modern local and international design concepts, Freia will bear the signature aesthetic of its acclaimed project consultants the grand, high-ceiling lobby and building interiors by Budji+Royal and building architecture by Broadway Malyan and GF & Partners.

To date, Freia will be the only condominium development in Pico de Loro Cove with its own array of amenities such as outdoor adult and kiddie pools, a lounge deck, function rooms, and lush pocket gardens exclusive for Freia residents and their guests to use and enjoy.

Freia ownership comes with a membership to the Pico De Loro Beach and Country Club, the pioneer leisure club of Hamilo Coast, giving residents access to a variety of first-class sports facilities and outdoor activities. Nestled near Pico Beach, Freia residents have direct entry to 1.5- kilometer shoreline of pristine white sand and crystal blue waters of the West Philippine Sea.

Following the recent launch of its showroom, Freias construction is on-schedule to deliver in a few years time.

Raring to have a glimpse of a contemporary tropical home? Freias showroom is now open for a site visit. Prospective clients can contact the Hamilo Coast hotline (+632 845-8000) or visit Hamilo Coasts official website (www.hamilocoast.com) and Facebook page (Hamilo Coast Philippines) to schedule a private tour.

SM Prime & Hamilo Coast: Defining Beach Resort Living in the Philippines

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Recognized as one of the largest integrated property developers in Southeast Asia, SM Prime offers innovative and sustainable lifestyle communities. Under its portfolio of leisure developments is Hamilo Coast, a master-planned seaside community located along Nasugbu, Batangas. 

SM Prime's Hamilo Coast is a master-planned development, a sprawling beach resort community that encompasses 13 coves. Its maiden development, Pico de Loro Cove, is home to residential condominium developments and a variety of leisure amenities.

Hamilo Coast is a sprawling coastline residential resort town that encompasses three major mountain peaks and 13 coves, three of which are Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Its unique location at the head of the Nasugbu coastline makes it the gateway to the so-called “Philippine Riviera”.

Bounded by the vast West Philippine Sea and misty cloud-covered Pico mountain ranges in the east, Hamilo Coast carefully integrates residential, resort, leisure, commercial, and institutional land uses into its communities, wherein beach resort living will eventually be spun into an everyday lifestyle choice. 

Hamilo Coast's latest residential development is Freia, a contemporary tropical inspired beachfront condominium with encompassing vistas of the West Philippine Sea and Mt. Pico.

Pico de Loro Cove, Hamilo Coast’s maiden development, is a vibrant community where environmental sustainability thrives. It boasts of a 1.5 km. stretch of fine white sand beach, a 4-hectare man-madelagoon centerpiece with pocket gardens, and a Beach and Country Club that features the most extensive land- and sea-based recreational facilities in Nasugbu. In 2007, Hamilo Coast teamed up with the WorldWide Fund for Nature-Philippines, a partnership that continues to thrive up to this day. One of itsenvironmental programs included declaring Pico de Loro Cove as one of its Marine Protected Areas. Conservation efforts under this partnership include ridge-to-reef management, the use of renewable energy, and guidance on the responsible and eco-handling of solid waste.

The Pico de Loro Cove Beach and Country Club is a lifetime membership club that provides exclusive access to the most extensive land and sea-based recreational activities in Nasugbu, Batangas.

A membership at the Pico de Loro Beach and Country Club is a pass to a whole new world of excitingrecreational adventures. A member has access to aquatic sports like sailing, kayaking, windsurfing and scuba diving and outdoor activities such as hiking, trekking, and birdwatching. Members can also enjoy indoor activities such as billiards, bowling, basketball, tennis, badminton, and swimming.

To enhance, Hamilo Coast continues to elevate beach resort living through its latest residential offering, Freia. Rising a few steps away from Pico de Loro Cove’s beachfront, Freia gives its future residents a breathtaking vista of the serene blue waters of the West Philippine Sea and verdant Pico mountains.

Upon entering Freia, residents are welcomed by a grand, high-ceiling lobby designed by acclaimedconsultant Budji+Royal. The beach condominium will offer 214 superior two-bedroom units and nine bi-level three-bedroom penthouses, each designed with living spaces, large picturesque windows, and spacious balconies, that open up to the owner’s chosen view.

Only a 90-minute drive from the SM Mall of Asia, Hamilo Coast is the premier sustainable beach resort town of the Philippines. 

Hamilo Coast is the SM Group’s premier beach resort town in Nasugbu, Batangas. It is now approximately 90 minutes from Manila via Cavitex and the new Ternate-Nasugbu Road. For inquiries, call (632) 945-8000 or visit www.hamilocoast.com.

Hamilo Coast takes leadership position in sustainable practices

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Hamilo Coast is a sprawling seaside sanctuary along Nasugbu, Batangas, encompassing three major mountain peaks and thirteen coves, three of which are Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).

SM’s premier beach resort development in Nasugbu, Batangas has once again received the Bronze Benchmark Status from EarthCheck, the world’s leading environmental management and professional services group for the travel and tourism industry. 

This status recognizes Hamilo Coast’s environmental impact through its commitment in achieving sustainable operations based on global standards. Hamilo Coast received its first certification of a Bronze Benchmark status from EarthCheck in 2015.

Pico de Loro Cove is Hamilo Coast’s maiden development. Here, environmental and social sustainability is ensured in its operations to provide premier beach resort living in the country. Pico de Loro Cove was also declared a marine protected area (MPA). 

As can be seen in its maiden development, Pico de Loro Cove, the design and architecture of key structures clearly show attention to energy efficiency, use of renewable energy, and proper waste management.

“Sustainability has always been at the forefront of Hamilo Coast’s vision of providing premier beach resort living in the country and what better way to realize this vision than being recognized with such milestone that further intensify our unfailing commitment to flourishing a sustainable beach resort community,” stated Shirley C. Ong, Executive Vice President for Hamilo Coast.

Together with WWF Philippines, coastal and terrestrial resources are also managed to protect and nurture biodiversity. Ongoing projects include mangrove reforestation, pawikan conservation, marine mammal rescue, and reef monitoring. Marine sanctuaries have also been created such as that located in Santelmo Cove where giant clams are being cultivated.

Santelmo Cove, one of Hamilo Coast’s marine protected areas (MPA), is also an important site for marine biodiversity, where preservation programs such as giant clam seeding and regular reef monitoring are being sustained.

Such initiatives are also intended to benefit neighboring communities. It is of paramount consideration to Hamilo Coast to enhance not only the areas where they live, but their sources of livelihood as well. And with the assistance of the SM Foundation, community members are involved, motivated, and educated to be prime movers themselves of these sustainability efforts.

EarthCheck CEO Steward Moore has said that Hamilo Coast has taken a significant leadership position in sustainability.

Moore further added: “I would like to congratulate the whole team on their achievement. Hamilo Coast is an advocate of sustainable tourism who dares to make a difference.”

Hamilo Coast is the SM Group’s premier beach resort town in Nasugbu, Batangas. Hamilo Coast is now approximately 90 minutes from Manila via Cavitex and the new Ternate-Nasugbu Road. For inquiries, call (632) 945-8000, or visit www.hamilocoast.com

OPPO unveils its latest selfie expert - OPPOF1s

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Selfies just got better with the F1s as OPPO Philippines unveils its latest selfie expert - OPPOF1s! 

For travelers, photographers, lifestyle people and everyone as what is more known "selfies" you can now enjoy doing things wherever and whenever, capture, share, and store priceless moments. 

OPPO released a new smartphone under the F1 series that’s sure to offer the best selfie experience yet. The F1s combines powerful hardware and software to create a selfie experience like no other.

The newest amazing camera phone dubbed as the “selfie expert” was launched during the fun-filled activities for the media / bloggers held at Pico Sands Hotel, Pico De Loro Cove, Batangas on August 11-13, 2016.

OPPO's F1s knocks the selfie game out of the park without leaving the mid-end price point. Competition in the smartphone industry has never been this intense, with high-spec offerings entering the market left and right, often with costs to match. 

After F1 and F1 Plus, rising mobile tech giant OPPO is back with the F1s—a new model that packs stronger firepower than its predecessors without the premium pricing.

Visually, the F1s continues along the line of previous OPPO units, with the use of thin, nicely rounded bezels and the prominent white colorway of its predecessors. That's where the similarities end, though.

Art, smarts, and looks to die for

For a phone with a 5.5-inch form factor, the F1s doesn't skimp out on its feature set. The first notable feature is its 16-megapixel front-facing camera, which is predictably amazing for selfies, group photos, and video calls. The rear camera is no slouch either, boasting a powerful 13-megapixel sensor.

The phone runs on an MT6750 octa-core processor with up to three gigabytes of RAM. It also carries a fair amount of juice with a 3075 mAh internal battery. This should be more than enough for casual gaming and browsing social media accounts throughout the day.

Stephen Cheng, OPPO Brand Marketing Manager for the Philippines

"It’s amazing how the F1s lets you capture selfies the way you want them to look," said OPPO Brand Marketing Manager for the Philippines Stephen Cheng during the F1s launch at Pico de Loro, Batangas last August 11. 

"We wanted to offer a phone that gives selfie lovers a satisfying photo experience, and I think the new model does just that."

Adding to its sheer power, the F1s runs on the latest version of OPPO's ColorOS, a proprietary Android skin. While the camera itself is an impressive piece of hardware, OPPO's built-in Beautify 4.0 software allows users to readily tweak their photos on the fly.

It's hard to stand out in the saturated selfie smartphone market, but OPPO is really coming into their own as a company that allows its hardware to step back and let the users be the stars.

"With how personal phones are, it's important for us to produce models that bring out the best in people," Cheng said.

International finance company Home Credit offers the F1s at an affordable six-month installment plan for as low as P2,165 at zero percent interest. “Home Credit aims to bring smiles to many Filipino customers as we offer the newest OPPO F1S at very affordable installments,” said Home Credit Philippines’ Head of Sales, Adam Bernasek.

"We are thrilled to be partnering with OPPO once again, and we look forward to helping even more Filipinos avail of the best selfie phone in the market."

OPPO partnered with Home Credit earlier this year to offer the F1 at zero percent installments.

For more information, please visit http://global.oppo.com.

Globe-Pusod, Inc. partnership boosts Taal Volcano's ecotourism

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Taal’s ecotourism has received a big boost from the partnership between Globe Telecom and the nonprofit environmental organization Pusod Taal Lake Conservation Center (TLCC). 

The collaboration of Globe and Pusod Inc. is working together to empower communities around the lake through environment education and sustainable enterprises.

Pusod is an environmental non-profit organization which works with small fisher folk communities in Batangas and Cavite to conserve ecosystems and empower them through environment education and sustainable enterprises.

A member of Taal Volcano Protected Landscape Protected Area Management Board, in 2012, Pusod tapped Globe for the use of ICT to enhance implementation of the Taal Volcano Protected Landscape (TVPL) Management Plan designed to ensure the economic and environmental sustainability of the Taal Lake ecosystem which covers 13 municipalities and 3 cities in Batangas and Cavite.

One of the key programs implemented by Globe and Pusod to address the area’s environmental issues is the promotion of ecotourism which gives a low-impact alternative to commercial tourism. This not only helps protect the environment but also provides livelihood to communities around the lake.

As the result of the partnership,  the Pusod Taal Lake Conservation Center (TLCC) has increased earnings by 1400% from P40,000 upon its establishment in 2011 to P600,000 in 2015. It now provides sustainable livelihood opportunities to the local communities surrounding the Taal Volcano Protected Landscape (TVPL). The earnings came from various sustainable tourism initiatives such as Knowledge Tours, Kayak rentals, and sales from honey, coffee, and vinegar.

“Globe creates positive societal impact by fostering connectivity for families, businesses, and the nation, providing jobs across our value chain and by developing partnerships that support sustainable livelihood and conservation as part of our sustainability strategies,” said Fernando Esguerra, Director, Globe Citizenship.

“Lakes take a long time to respond to conservation measures. Those that are still connected deeply with the livelihood that the lake provides are less and less reliant on it. It prompted us to take action because a lot of people really depend on the lake for livelihood. The goals of all protected areas should be sustainable development, preserving the characteristics and the life forms in an ecosystem,” said Atty. Ipat Luna, Executive Trustee and Founding Member of Pusod, Inc.

“The only way we can really save the lake is if they take pride in it: I live in a protected area source of pride,” said Atty. Luna.

A photo exhibit entitled “Pusod: Ang Pagkakaisa ng Pamayanan at Kalikasan”, will give you a glimpse of the Taal community through endearing snapshots of the scenic views of Taal Volcano and Lake, as well as its natural beauty. 

Photos of the TAAL Ecosystem  displayed at the Globe Art Gallery from August 3 to 31. Photos were taken by Globe Employee Volunteers (DRMHWS). Proceeds of the exhibit will support Pusod’s conservation work in TVPL.

“Together with Globe, our work entails us to work with communities and tell them more about the ecosystem where they are and to eventually help them to protect it and create enterprises around them,” said Ann Hazel Javier, Executive Director, Pusod, Inc.

“We started with the eco-tourism program. We have built capacities for the people in the volcano island, the tour guides and the boat guides, our local caterer and the community volunteers. Their main motivation is really to help conserve and protect the ecosystem,” said Javier. 

“As an organization, we hope to connect humans to nature and vice versa. Aside from the conservation work, we work a lot with communities and we see the need of the communities to have economic activities so that they can participate in the conservation activities as well,” she added.

Here are Globe-Pusod Inc. Partnership Highlights

Since 2012, Globe:

- Established a monitoring system involving 5,000 fisherfolks of the Kilusan ng Maliliit na Mangingisda ng Lawa ng Taal through the TxtConnect facility for the E-Governance Program. TxtConnect, a web-based platform that enables them to broadcast messages critical to the implementation of the TVPL Management Plan. 

- Paved the way for mobile financial services to reach almost fisher folk communities across the 13 municipalities and 3 cities in Batangas and Cavite under the TVPL by distributing 5,000 SIM cards with discounted call and SMS rates. 

- Improved productivity of 276 households in Barangay Calawit, Balete, Batangas with the provision of solar lams through the Stiftung Solarenergie collaboration 

- Helped provide employment for 131 community-based tour guides, boat operators, horse guides and hospitality practitioners for the Sustainable Tourism Program 

- Sparked citizens’ and employees’ participation through the Boat Building Activities and Knowledge Tours

Pusod, Inc. established Taal Lake Conservation Center (TLCC) in Sitio Lipute, Barangay Kinalaglagan, Mataasnakahoy, Batangas which is the central knowledge hub of the TVPL.

It operates the Taal Ecotourism Program which highlights the Taal Knowledge Tour. includes Briefing on the lake region; eruption history of the volcano;  Boat Ride from TLCC to Calauit, Balete on Volcano Island and back; Horse Ride or Trek to the crater view deck with local tour guides; Snacks and lunch of Batangas fusion cuisine and local refreshments; Conservation contribution; Boat Sailing; Kayak and Stand Up Paddle Board.