M Lhuillier Insurance, addition to its wide array of products and services affordable and accessible plans for all Filipinos

Tweet

An insurance is an incredibly versatile tool for your family's financial future. It’s the most important financial decision you can make to protect your family and help them live their best life, and can actually provide a stronger sense of financial security, And If you're just starting out or planning ahead for a secure retirement, now is the time to apply and buy.

M Lhuillier, a trusted financial services company dedicated to serving all Filipinos, know that every individual and family has unique insurance needs. To cater to this diversity, they offer a range of insurance plans designed to provide financial security and peace of mind.

M Lhuillier, has expanded its offerings to include M Lhuillier Insurance, an important addition to its wide array of products and services.

M Lhuillier’s ML Insurance

M Lhuillier’s ML Insurance provides affordable and accessible plans for all Filipinos.

Mr. Michael Lhuillier, president and CEO of M Lhuillier Financial Services Inc., shared : 

“We believe that Filipinos from all walks of life should be given the opportunity to choose and afford the protection they deserve. This is the reason we paved the way to offer insurance plans that fit their needs.”

M Lhuillier recognizes the needs of its customers when it comes to insurances, offers offers Pinoy Protect Plus, Family Protect Plus, Pawners Protect, Family Protect, and Kwarta Padala Protect.

M Lhuillier has diversified into various products and services through its Insurance Plans & Special Products. With insurance as its core business, MLhuillier developed products and services in telecoms, food products, and ticketing services.

*To access the M Lhuillier’s ML Insurance products, visit https://mlhuillier.com/insurance/

These insurance offerings are crafted in collaboration with reputable insurance companies including

• AIA Philippines
• MAA General Assurance Philippines Inc.,
• Paramount Life & General Insurance Corp., and
• PhilLife Financials.

Some of their notable insurance plans include:

• Pinoy Protect Plus

• Family Protect Plus

• Pawners Protect

• Family Protect

• Kwarta Padala Protect

The following insurance products are available at any M Lhuillier branches nationwide:

• 1. Personal Accident Insurance
• 2. CTPL (Compulsory Third Party Liability) Insurance
• 3. Dengue RX
• 4. Global Travel Protect Insurance
• 5. OFW Balik Manggagawa Insurance
• 6. Mediphone Insurance

To make a claim, here are the things you need to prepare:

• Original Copy of the Certificate of Insurance (COI)
• Incident, Police, or Barangay report
• Properly filled-up personal accident claim form
• Medico-legal or death certificate
• Insured person’s valid I.D. card
• Birth certificate (if single); Marriage contract (if married)
• Beneficiary’s birth certificate
• Proof of transaction with ML branch

This is what life insurance is, show you how affordable it can be, and walk you through the buying process once you're ready. To get started, just click the  M Lhuillier Insurance button for  rates and policies from the country's trusted insurance provider.

To access the ML Insurance products, visit M Lhuillier Insurance

To know the other services offered by M Lhuillier, you may also visit https://mlhuillier.com/

Challenging times ahead—are you life-secured?

Tweet

Achieving life security can mean different things to different people. For some, it can mean having a happy family, a profitable business, or owning a house. For others, it could mean a stable, high-paying job that allows them to live comfortably.

Whatever your definition of life security, achieving this is no simple task—it takes a lot of work, dedication, and focus. What’s more, nobody really knows what the future holds so we must prepare ourselves for anything. Fortunately, there are things you can do to help shape your future for the better. Here are some tips on how you can achieve life security during these uncertain times:

Keep your goals in mind

As you work towards your goals, you’ll have to overcome many obstacles along the way. But as long as you never lose sight of why you are doing this in the first place, you’ll always get back up again. Having this attitude is the first step towards your goals, whether it’s working for a big company or buying your own house.

Build an emergency fund

Nobody knows when emergencies will happen, so it is important that you start an emergency fund as soon as possible. Experts recommend having three to six months’ worth of monthly expenses in your emergency fund. Prioritize building this fund first before investing in anything else, and make sure to not use it for anything that isn’t an emergency. You can even create a separate savings account for it

Borrow with a purpose

Loans can become powerful financial tools when used smartly. For example, when you use a loan to fund a business launch or expansion that becomes profitable, or if you invest it in education to further develop your skills and income-generating capacity. These are examples of purposeful borrowing.

Do not borrow money without a purpose. Using a loan to purchase expensive designer bags or clothing, or to go on an unnecessarily expensive vacation, are not purposeful uses. Always think about how the loan can advance you in your path towards life security.

Secure your retirement

If you happen to have the extra money, set it aside for your retirement. The sooner you start saving up for your retirement, the better, as time and aging cannot be reversed. A good rule of thumb is to try to determine how much you think you’ll be spending once you’re retired and try to grow your extra money with a combination of cash savings, property, and investments.

Consider long-term investments

Investing your money is an excellent way to secure your financial future, since this not only safeguards your hard-earned savings from inflation, it also generates returns. How much returns you get depending on your investment strategy. You will need to look into the different kinds of investments, and determine how much you are willing to invest, as different investments involve varying levels of risk.

If that sounds like too much work, that’s because it is—even seasoned investors get overwhelmed by all the planning, research, and investing. That’s why banks like EastWest offer different products and services that take away the hassle of investing yourself. With multiple investment options such as fixed income securities, government securities, bonds unit investment trust funds, and trust funds, EastWest has the right products and expertise to help you grow your funds, so you can focus on your dreams.

------------------------------------------------------

About East West Banking Corporation

East West Banking Corporation (EastWest) is a Filipino-owned universal bank. EastWest is a subsidiary of Filinvest Development Corporation (FDC), one of the country’s leading conglomerates with a diverse range of interests including real estate, banking, hospitality & tourism, infrastructure, power generation, and sugar. It is not affiliated with any foreign financial institution which may bear the same name.

Wise Investments for the post-pandemic world

Tweet

The pandemic has indeed forced everyone to make wiser financial decisions. People nowadays need to ensure that they make the right investments for the unforeseeable future.

As with any expense though, choosing what to invest in requires some good financial decision-making. Remember that whatever is bought and saved for now should also be useful once this pandemic is finally over.  Here’s a quick helpful guide for potential investors:

For your health

Avail of a healthcare insurance package that covers consultation and laboratory fees, and of course, treatment for various conditions. This is especially important now because of the COVID 19 global health emergency. Those insured will continue to reap the benefits giving them peace of mind as well as health security.

All types of home business

2020 was a precarious year as many lost their jobs and source of livelihood due to the pandemic. This is the reason why many have started home businesses, maximizing the use of e-commerce sites and social media just to make ends meet. The good thing with this is, once the home business becomes successful, then that can be another source of income for the family.

A trusty laptop or PC

Since working and schooling from home has become the new norm for most Filipinos, many have started purchasing a laptop or a full PC setup to be able to fulfill their everyday tasks. If maintained well, these gadgets will serve everyone in the household, even when one is not working at home anymore.

An investment in jewelry

Authentic fine jewelry is indeed an investment because of its price but it is also a good asset to have as it appreciates in value over time, and can also be passed down to one’s kids and grandkids.

Availing of these fine jewelry is no longer out of reach as Cebuana Lhuillier Jewelry makes it much easier for Filipinos to invest in it.

Cebuana Lhuillier Jewelry is backed by its 30 years of good reputation for trustworthiness and quality service. Its jewelry pieces have gone through the company’s stringent appraisal process. Every Karat and Carat of these unique heirloom pieces are assessed and valued properly and correctly. A carat is the unit of weight used to measure the size of a gemstone such as a diamond while a karat is the measurement used in indicating the proportion of gold in an alloy out of 24 parts.

Clients who wish to avail of these unique jewelry pieces can drop by at any of Cebuana Lhuillier’s more than 2,500 branches.

Part of the Cebuana Lhuillier Jewelry ecosystem is Cebuana Lhuillier Jewelry Online which harnesses the convenience of shopping for beautiful pieces at your fingertips.

The brand has also unveiled Cebuana Lhuillier Jewelry Premium, perfect for the timeless Filipina of impeccable taste. These pieces bring authenticity, uniqueness, and value for money.

For more information, visit the following online pages: https://www.cebuanalhuillierjewelry.com/, https://www.cebuanalhuillierjewelrypremium.com/ or at Cebuana Lhuillier Jewelry’s official Lazada and Shopee pages.

 

Interested buyers can also tune in to the Cebuana Lhuillier Jewelry Facebook page or at the Cebuana Lhuillier Jewelry Premium Facebook page.

5 Ways to Protect the Future You’ve Built for Your Family, Lay the foundation for their future, and go beyond it

Tweet

The future is made of the small, everyday decisions that shape the kind of life you’ve envisioned for the people you love. 

Starting a family? Scrimp and save to build your dream home. Striving to send your children to the best schools? Work hard at your day job and… your “rakets.” Planning to leave a legacy to your children and grandchildren? Wisely invest your earnings. 

But don’t stop there because things don’t always go as planned. Jobs are lost. Unexpected expenses crop up. Not all investments pan out. It’s not enough to just build a future, you have to make sure that your loved ones get to enjoy it, too, in the future. 

How to do that? Here are five easy ways to ensure that all your hard work will not go in vain, no matter what! 

Set up an emergency fund 

Don’t let life’s unwelcome surprises—a major home repair, a health emergency, or worse, unemployment—throw you off guard. Make sure you have an emergency fund saved up that is at least 3 to 6 months’ worth of your living expenses. How to compute? Add up your expenses for a month (Don’t forget to include the monthly equivalent of your annual expense like school tuition, insurance premiums, taxes, etc.) and multiply it to three months (or up to six months). That’s how much money you should have, kept, right now! This is your financial safety net when the need arises.  

Pay your debts 

Avoid debt at all cost! But if you have to have debt, prioritize paying them. If you don’t, all your mortgage, car loans, and other debts will be your loved ones’ burden. Yup, there’s no escaping them. And remember, don’t just pay the minimum. Pay in full and on time. Don’t let money that could have gone to your retirement fund or your kid’s educational fund just go to interest payments. 

Protect what you built 

Don’t let uncertainties take away the things you worked hard for. Whether it’s the house that you’ve taken a loan for or the college education that you’ve been saving up for, make sure your family will get to enjoy the fruits of your labor! Insurance plans like Set for Tomorrow protect what you have built so you don’t have to worry about your family losing what you’ve worked for. This new product from pan-Asian insurer FWD Life Insurance Philippines has three affordable variants: Short Term Cover for your loans and financial obligations; Income Protector for your family’s living expenses and your children’s education; and Estate Protector for smooth transfer of wealth to your heirs. Want to calculate how much it’ll take to ensure your family’s better tomorrow, no matter what? Visit FWD’s calculator, CALI at http://bit.ly/SetforTomorrow-Cali and get a quote! 

Develop new skills 

From volunteering to manage a project to finding a mentor and attending seminars, developing new skills add value to your career and is crucial for your growth (and promotions)! Don’t be scared to veer away from your corporate comfort zone. Turning on and upgrading hobbies like baking, photography, blogging, etc. could mean new streams of income for you and your family. The possibilities are endless when you don’t stop learning! 

Diversify your investments 

Remember the old adage “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket”? That’s investment diversification in a nutshell. Diversification is investing in different funds from different companies and industries so you don’t run the risk of losing all your money when one of your investments suffers. That way, the money you intend to grow for your family’s future needs are secure. 

Want to make sure your tomorrow is made better today? Visit http://bit.ly/IwanttogetSetforTomorrow. 

Ovialand Investment Video

Tweet

Investments need careful planning, assessment, review, research when it comes to the business being eyed for. 

For real estate it takes intelligent decision making, finance-management skills, intensive research. Definitely it will help to do background checking on the developer whether it’s reliable, trustworthy and responsible, with only the client’s benefits in mind. So planning to invest in the real estate business, you need a responsible developer, a company like Ovialand, Inc., where premium living is what they designed for clients.

Ovialand Inc. has over 30 years of experience in residential development where all its projects were delivered to clients. Ovialand Inc. is a real estate developer that commits to providing premier living to its clients through its many projects, the latest being the Terraza de Sto. Tomas in Batangas. 

For every transaction, clients can expect nothing but excellent service all the way through. There is no second guessing at Ovialand because they make sure that clients’ most significant investment is its topmost priority. 

 #PremierLivingYouDeserve

Ponticelli, Cavite's Little Italy

Tweet

Dedicated to uplift the quality of living in the Philippines through its mid-market and high-end brands, Vista Land delivers themed communities with the world-class Filipino in mind.

A proud development of Crown Asia, Ponticelli is characterized by the impression of the beautiful, sloping terrain meeting the serene skies. Homes exude the radiance of a relaxed lifestyle and the appeal of a holiday destination where spending time away from the bustling city life does not mean you have to travel so far. Offering a dramatic flair to the rich history of Italian-style homes, Ponticelli creates the perfect place for family and friends to gather.

Bring to life visions of grand balls and intimate soirees with the elegant homes here at Ponticelli. Evocative of the original Italian countryside towns, this 18-hectare enclave gets its name from the Italian words ponti meaning bridge, and celli meaning skies.

Follow your heart to a new home.

The entrance gate will greet its residents and visitors alike with superb Italian architecture. Round the clock security will be positioned to preserve the safety of its exclusive paradise and as you step inside, you’ll notice right away the green scenery surrounding Ponticelli.

A community with a lifestyle like no other.

Just after the community’s main entrance is the clubhouse where homebuyers can hold get- togethers and other private functions. Well- integrated amenities such as playing courts, swimming pool, children’s playground, parks and pocket gardens are conveniently placed and put the last touches on lifestyle of comfort homebuyers have always wanted.

Home sweet home.

Available for varying needs and tastes, the home design selections of Ponticelli are inspired from classic Italian architecture.

HOUSE MODELS

Bellini Compact (84 sqm) Bellini (91 sqm) Pearl (93 sqm) Martini (109 sqm) Sapphire (110 sqm) Torelli (119 sqm)

Emerald Compact (122 sqm) Francesco Compact (122 sqm) Francesco (142 sqm) Emerald (143 sqm)

Stefano (143 sqm) Domenico (146 sqm) Murano (155 sqm) Beryl (177 sqm) Lladro (211 sqm) Franco (242 sqm)

Since its birth, Ponticelli has attracted the most distinguished set of buyers: Overseas Filipino Workers, entrepreneurs, and high-ranking employees. Because of the community’s quality homes, Ponticelli became the benchmark of noticeable elegance and grandeur of subdivision developments in the area.

Ponticelli homes exemplified commanding aesthetic value which made Phase 1 a phenomenal success. And by 2009, it was imminent to follow the success of Phase 1 with another promising development, Ponticelli Hills.Phase 1 and 2 were cultivated passionately. It is where necessity, beauty, and joyful memories breathe side by side. With all of these desirable selling points, it is only apt for Ponticelli to expand once more.

Everything is within reach.

The strategic location of Ponticelli is a mere 5 minute drive from the commercial and major business district of Alabang; while the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) as well as other major routes and highways are just a few minutes away.

Ponticelli is also a few minutes away from various entertainment places, like the Alabang Town Center, Festival Mall, Molito Alabang and SM Molino. Ponticelli is also close to schools, membership clubs, golf courses, business hubs, as well as health care and medical facilities. There is also a shuttle service within the community that can take you to Ortigas and Makati.

The company spend around P50 billion in the next four years for the development of Vista City, Vista Land's most ambitious development yet which houses Lifestyle Retail, Prime Office Space, University Town, Themed Residential developments and other leisure components. The project covers a total of 1,500 hectares strategically located where Muntinlupa, Las Piñas, Laguna and Cavite meet.

Vista City is expected to play a major role in the development of the mega-metropolis for strengthening its own growth and increasing revenue opportunities.

Now on its third phase, this community continues to provide not only a home but a lifestyle like no other.

For more information and inquiries : Email me at enjoyingwonderfulworld@gmail.com

Photos : Arts & Travel Magazine

German-PH trade and investment remain on upswing

Tweet

German trade with the Philippines continues to be on an uptrend, with bilateral trade registering a record-high of 38.1 percent increase in the first quarter of 2015 amidst positive feedback of the country’s business climate.

Trade volume between Germany and the Philippines showed a landmark increase to US$ 1.57-billion in 2015 from US$ 1.17-billion registered for the same period last year.

Trade growth remains in favor of the Philippines with exports increased to US$860.6 million during the first quarter of 2015 compared to the US$758.2 Million during the same period last year, according to data by the Federal Statistical Office of Germany.

The German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI) lauded the double digit growth saying it is proof of the growing interest of German companies in the country. 

GPCCI executive director Peter Kompalla cited the latest P3.77-billion contract of German company Voith Turbo to supply railway components and drive-lines for the new 48 light rail vehicle train sets for the MRT3 of the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC).

Voith Turbo, represented in the Philippines by Maschinen & Technik, Inc. (MATEC) in the last 36 years is a leader in German drive technology.

Likewise, Kompalla said he is confident that German firms such as Matec Solar Power, engaged in Renewable Energy, will increase presence in the Philippines, which is rich in natural energy resources such as solar, wind and hydroelectric.

Total trade between the two countries reached US$5.24 billion in 2014 from US$ 4.48 billion in 2013.

Kompalla said the double digit growth valued at US$760 million can be attributed to the growing interest of German companies to trade with and invest in the Philippines.

In a press statement, he said the aggressive promotion of the Philippines as an emerging investment destination in Southeast Asia has paid off.

“The Philippines is indeed back in the radar screen of German investors,” the GPCCI official said.

He said many factors contribute to the growing interest in the Philippines such as governance reforms of the Aquino administration and the positive investments grade outlook by credible institutions such as Moody’s and Standard and Poors.

Increase in bilateral trade volume remains in favor of the Philippines with export growth to Germany at 16 per cent to US$3 billion in 2014 compared to US$2.59 billion in 2013.

At the same time, German exports to the Philippines grew by 18 per cent to US$2.24 billion in 2014 from US$ 1.90 billion in 2013

Kompala welcomed the renewed interest of German investors in the Philippines following a more than ten year lull.

GPCCI figures showed that top Philippine exports to Germany include data processing equipment, electrical and optical products; electrical equipment; clothing; food and fodder; as well as chemical products.

On the other hand, top German exports to the Philippines include data processing equipment; electrical and optical products; food and fodder; other vehicles; pharmaceuticals and related and chemical products.

Top German investors in the Philippines include Continental, Lufthansa, car manufacturer Volkswagen, Steag, Bayer, Deutsche Bank and SGV.

German investors are also expanding Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) operations in the Philippines for their accounting and banking services as the country becomes the world’s top BPO center surpassing India.

Philippines investors look far and wide for opportunities, but stay close to home for investment and advice – Manulife Survey

Tweet

·      Philippines investors favor developed economies over emerging Asia and show least home-market bias of any investors in Asia

·      Personal networks, bricks and mortar dominate approach to investing

·      Philippines investors remain most optimistic in Asia

Investors in the Philippines are among Asia's most optimistic and most outward-looking, given their willingness to invest outside the Philippines to gain returns, according to the latest Manulife Investor Sentiment Index* covering the second quarter of 2014.

Philippines investors reach across emerging Asia to mature markets

When asked which region they think is best to invest in, Philippines investors point to developed Asia, Australasia and North America over emerging markets, including emerging Asia and the Middle East and North Africa.

Fig. 1 – Philippines investors favour developed and distant markets over China and emerging Asia

Philippines investors seem less affected by home-market bias than any other investors in the survey. Given a selection of single markets, they show most enthusiasm for Canada (76 points) and Japan (73) above the Philippines itself (51), and show least for China (44), which most other Asia investors rank relatively higher.

When it comes to growth, Philippines investors are also most optimistic about Japan and Canada, with 19 percent believing that Japan’s economy will be the fastest growing in the next two years, followed by Canada, China and Australia. This contrasts markedly with the average Asia investor, 27 percent of whom expect China’s economy to grow fastest, followed by much lower expectations for Japan Australia and Canada.

Fig. 2 – Philippines investors’ views of which markets will grow fastest

contrasted markedly with investors elsewhere in Asia

"Our research suggests that Philippines investors’ preference for Japan is likely related to Japan’s first quarter GDP growth which came in at 6.7 percent on strong consumer demand ahead of the implementation of a new goods and services tax," said Aira Gaspar, CFA, Chief Investment Officer of Manulife Philippines.

“It's also interesting that Philippines investors seem so keen on Canada. We think there is a sound basis for this given that Canadian equities outperformed their developed market peers in the first quarter."

Philippines investors rely on friendly advice, ‘bricks and mortar’ approach to portfolios

Despite their international outlook, Philippines investors place their faith closer to home when it comes to making investment decisions, with 88 percent relying on or referring to family, friends or colleagues as a source of advice – the highest level in the region and well above the regional average of 58 percent. They are less dependent on industry staff, mass media or online sources of investment advice.

Philippines investors also have a very ‘bricks and mortar’ approach to portfolio composition, with 61 percent saying they own investment property (against the Asian average of 19 percent) and 75 percent owning their own home (against an Asian average of 50 percent). Cash and property together make up the bulk of their portfolios. Conversely, they have much lower ownership of stocks (15 percent versus the Asian average of 48 percent) and mutual funds (6 percent versus 23 percent) – even though their sentiment towards equities is the highest in Asia.

“Philippines investors rely largely on their own networks for their investment decisions" said Ryan Charland, CEO of Manulife Philippines. "While it is comforting to speak with family and friends for investment advice, investors would benefit from consulting investment professionals, who could help them build a sound and diversified portfolio that meets their medium to long-term financial goals.”

Philippines investors are Asia's most optimistic

In addition to their positive views about investing overseas, Philippines investors remain optimistic about investing at home with the sentiment index for domestic investment at 59, the highest in Asia. This optimism was spread across all asset classes in the survey, which all saw increases except cash. Fixed income saw the biggest increase, up 5 points to 50; followed by stocks, up 4 to 45. Mutual funds rose 1 point to 36. Property has taken the lead as the most favored asset class, with home property highest at 75, up 1 in the quarter, while investment property rose by 4 points to 74. Cash was the only asset class to see a decline, down 9 to 73, but still remains high.

”Filipino respondents were generally upbeat, despite weaker-than-expected first quarter 2014 GDP growth and uninspiring corporate earnings for the same period,” confirmed Ms. Gaspar. “We believe sentiment was boosted by a credit rating upgrade from Standard & Poor’s and an increase in government spending on much-needed infrastructure projects. The country’s resilient private consumption, rising investment cycle, recovering manufacturing industry and favorable consumer and business confidence bode well for economic activity and a positive earnings growth story. However, investors’ sentiment could turn sour if policy reforms aimed at addressing infrastructure deficiencies and fostering inclusive economic growth stall.”

For more findings and related information from the Manulife Investor Sentiment Index in Asia, please visit www.manulife-asia.com.

Wil Tower Construction on Schedule

Tweet

Wil Tower, considered as the tallest mixed-use condominium development in Quezon City, gains momentum towards the completion of its first tower on December 2014. An anchor development of Vista Residences, the twin-tower complex has formally opened the four-story commercial atrium last year, ready to offer high-end retail, dining and leisure experiences to would-be residents and the public.

“By December 2014, the units—in studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom configurations—will be available for turnover to investors and residents,” says Elizabeth M. Kalaw, Vista Residences’ Division Head. “Because of Vista Residences’ solid track record in the real estate industry, the units are master planned and offered at prices that are fair to investors.

After the turnover of tower 1, tower 2 follows suit.

As soon as the first tower is turned over by December 2014, construction for Tower 2 will immediately follow suit. Investors can still look forward to the second tower which will be constructed immediately after the completion of the first tower. Just like its predecessor, Tower 2 will comprise of 42 stories, with the first four floors devoted to the commercial podium. Called Wil Tower Mall, this highlight of the development is the first of its kind in Quezon City to offer a multitude of retail choices—from upscale lifestyle brands to dining destinations such as Draft, Pho Hoa, My Thai Restaurant, Bench Fix, Starbucks and WBR (Wil Bar and Restaurant), among others.

In addition, prospective residents will also enjoy select amenities that include a swimming pool, a fully-fitted gym, a spa, an audio-video room, a game room and a day-care center.

Located along Eugenio Lopez Dr. in Quezon City, Wil Tower sits on the 3,000 sq.m. lot with an uninterrupted view of the surrounding vicinity. Aside from the amenities, the development boasts of an intelligent computer network that will manage and operate building features such as the elevators, security cameras, and fire and electrical systems. 

Designed by the US-based, international architectural firm RTKL, with Arch Haus Asia Consultants as local counterpart, Wil Tower is envisioned to combine elegance and modernity in one structure, a showstopper amid the glitz and glam of the area which is home to the two giant networks, ABS-CBN and GMA 7. The interiors gleam with high-class glamour, highlighted by the evocative chandelier by Kenneth Cobonpue located in the atrium lobby, which is comprised of acrylic-cast butterflies that change colors through an LED system and outfitted along lines of hand-hammered steel. This work of art sets Wil Tower's tone as an embodiment of imaginative sophistication in a city that is emerging as an artistic hub.

“Given the location, the design, and the prestige of the project, we knew that our prospective investors and residents would have high expectations,” said Kalaw. “We were able to address that by combining topnotch amenities and features within reasonable price points. Add to that, not too many developments can boast of a high-end mall which part and parcel of the project.”

Aside from the amenities, features and the full-fledged commercial component, Wil Tower boasts of the benefits of centralized location. As mentioned, it is in close proximity to leading broadcast networks as well as the well-appointed cafés and fine-dining restaurants of Timog Avenue and Tomas Morato. Wil Tower is mere minutes away from select malls (Trinoma, SM North Edsa, Gateway), hospitals (St. Luke’s Hospital and Capitol Medical Center) and institutions of learning (University of the Philippines, Ateneo de Manila University and Miriam College).

For more information, contact 650-0753 or 0999-887-1705 or check out Vista Residences’ website at www.vistaresidences.com.ph.

Manila, the 4th most preferred city for surveys in Asia Pacific – ULI and PwC report

Tweet

Manila, Philippines is the 4th most preferred city for real estate investors in Asia Pacific.

A new survey by the Urban Land Institute (ULI) and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) showed real estate  in the capital region is one of the “best bets” for investors to get into this year.

The ULI and PwC report, called “Emerging Trends in Real Estate Asia Pacific 2014,” Manila ranked fourth out of 23 city clusters in Asia and the Pacific in terms of investment prospects.

John Fitzgerald, chief executive for Asia Pacific at ULI, said “The Philippines is a big mover in terms of sentiment this year, drawing a lot of mention in our surveys for the report and emerging as one of the most preferred among all emerging economies this year.”

Stated at the report, there was “an ongoing willingness to look at emerging markets, Indonesia and the Philippines in particular, as alternatives to other more traditionally favored markets.”

The 'Favored markets', Tokyo topped the list, followed by Shanghai and Jakarta. Sydney rounded out the Top 5. Hong Kong ranked 18th, Ho Chi Minh City at 19th, Bangalore at 20th, New Delhi at 21st, Chennai at 22nd, and Mumbai at 23rd.

For Manila, this ranking is a record eight-notch leap from its 2013 spot.

The ranking under the Emerging Trends City Investment Prospects are as follows:

Tokyo

Shanghai

Jakarta

Manila

Sydney

Guangzhou

Singapore

Beijing

Osaka

Shenzhen

Bangkok

China's secondary cities

Melbourne

Kuala Lumpur

Seoul

Taipei

Auckland

Hong Kong

Ho Chi Minh

Bangalore

New Delhi

Chennai

Mumbai

The report tagged Manila as one of the respondents' “best bet,” putting a “top buy” tag for the residential, office and retail segments.

Vista Residences: Condo Living is the Way to Go

Tweet

No wonder that more and more people are embracing condo living. 

A cursory trip to Metro Manila will reveal a curious phenomenon: the frenetic, unstoppable construction of high-rise residences. From mid-rise to towering structures, helmed by novice developers or established real estate players, they are transforming not only the urban fabric and the skyline but also the way people live, how they interact with each other, and their relationship with the city and its myriad opportunities.

“Metro Manila is a prime mega-city that is ripe and ready for high-rise developments,” says Emma Amores, Corporate Communications Head “With over 15 million people calling the metropolis home, it’s inevitable that there will be scarcity of land on which to build. The fact that that it has the country’s most expensive real estate in square meters makes building and buying a home more challenging.”

The 21st century will be marked with condominium projects, just like how subdivisions and villages defined the late 20th century. Though there will still be a segment of the home-buying market that will prefer horizontal developments, signs are pointing toward more and more people preferring to live vertically. Here are some of their compelling reasons:

Condos are relatively affordable. In comparison with building a house from scratch (and buying the lot prior), investing on a condo comes out cheaper and more sensible. You also don’t have to deal with a contractor, an architect and interior designer (not to mention an electrician and a plumber) as the developer takes care of all of them for you. This is why a large segment of condo dwellers are young professionals and startup families since they can readily accommodate the cost within their budget. With bank loans and in-house financing, buying a condo is a lot easier than before.

Their value appreciates fast. A condo’s value could double in six years, especially if the unit owner has bought the property during the pre-selling stage. “The condo’s value is also commensurate to the track record of the developer,” adds Amores. “The projects by reputable developers, such as Vista Residences, are more attractive to investors and end users because they know that the condominium will be built on time, adhere to the most stringent construction standards and feature the promised amenities.”

They are chockfull of amenities. It’s a given that a decent high-rise project should have a grand lobby, high-speed elevators and a swimming pool. In the developments of Vista Residences, amenities are tailor-fitted to suit the residents. Aside from the amenities mentioned above, Mosaic and KL Mosaic Towers in Makati City have a coffee shop to take on the full view of the nearby parks, Wil Tower Mall has a day care center, while Vista Residences Taft and Katipunan have study rooms. “We are aware of the specific needs of our residents and address them in every way we can,” says Amores.

They provide round-the-clock security. Security in every Vista Residence development is a priority. As such, state-of-the-art CCTV cameras are installed in crucial areas to monitor movement and traffic. A security force also deals with the entry and exit of guests. These features, among other things, translate to the peace of mind of the residents.

They are easy to maintain. Compact and well laid-out, a condo is easier to maintain than a house with its rooms, nooks and corners. It also limits the kind of furniture and things you let into your unit. Hence, potential clutter is minimized. Time saved from cleaning and running a household can be devoted on more worthwhile pursuits such as family bonding.

They are close to leisure opportunities and places of employment. Location is a top priority for Vista Residences that’s why most its projects are sited in some of the most active, vibrant parts of the city.

It has developments at Bonifacio Global City in Taguig (Avant at the Fort), Makati City (Mosaic and KL Mosaic Towers, Salcedo Square, Trevi Towers) and Ortigas Center (The Currency). Government and private offices, multinational headquarters, leisure and dining centers congregate on these places, offering myriad opportunities for employment and the good life.

They offer the view of the city. Nothing can beat the exhilaration one feels in looking at the city set against a blue sky from a high-rise residence. If you’re lucky, you might even have a view of mountain ranges, a lake or a piece of the sea. The city takes on a more mesmerizing view at night when the glittering lights reveal their beautiful patterns. Indeed, condo living has its perks that a modern man or woman can identify with.