DTI Launches Creative Expo, Targets PH to be Asia's Creative Hub by 2030

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is spearheading the Philippines' bid 

to become Asia's Premier Creative Hub by 2030 with the official launch of the 

Malikhaing Pinoy Creative Expo (MPEx), a five-day national event at SMX Aura, 

Taguig City.

Held in celebration of the Philippine Creative Industries Month (PCIM), the MPEx is the first event to gather all nine creative domains—audiovisual media, visual arts,  digital interactive media, design, performing arts, publishing, traditional cultural expressions, creative services, and cultural sites—and their 73 sectors.

Leading the ceremonial opening, Trade Secretary Cristina A. Roque said that the 

expo emphasizes the vital role of Filipino creativity in driving economic progress. 

 

“Under the clear directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the Department of Trade and Industry is fully committed to harnessing the power of our creative 

industries. The DTI will continue to provide our artists and creators with the necessary infrastructure and support, like this Malikhaing Pinoy Creative Expo, 

until Filipino talent gains the global recognition it truly deserves,” Secretary Roque  said.

The expo features a dynamic and immersive setup, showcasing the nine domains  through dedicated creative pavilions, where visitors can explore exhibits of  paintings, sculptures, and art toys, as well as original works in comics, animation,  and publications.

Another key component of the event is the series of "Malikhaing Pinoy Chats," 

which bring together professionals, creative workers, aspiring creatives, and 

government policymakers for thought-provoking presentations and conversations.

Meanwhile, "Creative Matchmaking for Filipino Games," pitching session is also 

set to provide indie and student game developers an opportunity to present their 

ideas to industry leaders and potential investors, where Dungeon King of Midnight Equinox stood out and earned the Best Game Pitch award.

The event features a wide array of prominent exhibitors and organizations, 

including the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) and the Game 

Developers Association of the Philippines (GDAP) for audiovisual and digital 

interactive media, and the Design Center of the Philippines and Philippine Fashion 

Coalition for design. The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) is a key exhibitor 

for the performing arts, while the Ayala Museum represents the cultural sites 

domain. 

OPPO and CCP Launch the Likha Creative Challenge

OPPO, in collaboration with the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), proudly launches the Likha Creative Challenge, a nationwide competition celebrating the bold creativity of young Filipino artists, storytellers, and visionaries.

With the theme “Make Your Moment,” the challenge invites young and emerging talents aged 18 to 35 to submit original work in Video, Photography, or Digital Art, three categories that reflect how this generation captures and creates.

Beyond a competition, Likha is a platform for Filipino creativity to take the spotlight, whether you're a student, self-taught artist, or part of an underground movement. With the help of OPPO Student Ambassadors, the initiative will reach universities, collectives, and communities across the country, giving visibility to voices that deserve to be seen and heard.

This is your moment—on your terms.

Create something that reflects who you are and what you stand for.

Challenge Details

Submission Period: August 15 to September 30, 2025

Announcement of Winners: October 15, 2025

Creative Categories

Video Content: Original videos (max 5 mins) in 16:9 or 9:16 format—vlogs, edits, or reels reflecting the theme. AI-generated or enhanced content is not allowed.

Photography: Up to 10 original photos in any style (portrait, landscape, street, etc.), shot with a camera, smartphone, or OPPO Reno14 Series. AI-generated images are not accepted.

Digital Art: Original digital illustrations, collages, or graphic compositions. Must be created using traditional digital tools—no AI or AI assistance allowed.

Judging Criteria

Creativity & Originality – 30%

Artistic Skill – 20%

Relevance to Theme – 20%

Impact & Presentation – 20%

Technical Skill – 10%

Prizes and Recognition

Three Grand Winners per category will each receive ₱50,000 worth of OPPO products, including the OPPO Reno14 Series 5G and IoT devices.

Winning entries may be featured in an art exhibit at CCP’s Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez, partner galleries, or select OPPO Concept Stores nationwide.

How to Join

Post your original work publicly on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok using the hashtags:

  #OPPOxCulturalCenterPH

  #MakeYourMoment

  #OPPOReno14Series5G

Submit the link to your post via the official Google Form available on OPPO Philippines’ social media pages.

Participants may enter multiple categories but can win only once. All works must be original, AI-free, and remain the intellectual property of the artist. By joining, participants grant OPPO and CCP the right to feature works with proper credit for promotional use.

To learn more about the Likha Creative Challenge and OPPO’s partnership with the Cultural Center of the Philippines, visit www.oppo.com/ph and follow OPPO Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

Roy Veneracion: The Art of Syncretism at The Art Gallery by The Manila Hotel

The Art Gallery by The Manila Hotel presents The Art of Syncretism, a compelling exhibition featuring the works of esteemed Filipino artist Roy Veneracion. Officially opened on July 16, 2025, the exhibit runs through August 16, 2025, offering hotel guests and art enthusiasts the opportunity to experience Veneracion’s signature aesthetic philosophy.

A pioneering force in the Philippine contemporary art, Veneracion is widely recognized for his use of Aesthetic Syncretism, a practice that interweaves seemingly opposing ideas, cultural references, and disparate visual idioms into a cohesive artistic language. Through this method, he creates intricate works that defy categorization and challenge conventional artistic norms. The 9-piece exhibit features a selection of Veneracion’s works, from translucent abstract compositions and bold, expressive brushstrokes to deeply symbolic and layered mixed-media pieces.

“Roy Veneracion’s ability to unify diverse elements into cohesive and thought-provoking pieces reflects a profound understanding of art as a living, evolving dialogue. We are honored to showcase this exhibit in the Art Gallery,” said Marvin Kim Tan, vice president for sales and marketing of The Manila Hotel.

Roy Veneracion: The Art of Syncretism is on display at the Art Gallery until August 16, 2025. Admission is free. For interested buyers, call +632 85270011 or +632 53015500, or email r.lo@themanilahotel.com.

The Charm of Leisure-Inspired Living Outside Metro Manila

For many years, city dwellers have been enjoying the exciting environment of urban life, with many conveniences just within reach. But recent developments have been showing a shift in mindset and behavior with many urban residents attracted to a more tranquil, nature-filled environment offered by leisure-inspired homes outside the city center.

Even before the surge in demand for options outside Metro Manila, luxury real estate brand Filigree saw the potential of Filinvest Mimosa Plus in Clark, Pampanga as the perfect address for a golf residential community offering the best in modern luxury living outside the city center. Located just beside an award-winning golf course with two 18- hole courses, Golf Ridge Private Estate by Filigree is set to offer the ultimate country club lifestyle inside the master planned township. With its recent topping-off milestone, Golf Ridge is on track to meet its anticipated turnover of units in 2025.

 

Anyone considering relocating inside Filinvest Mimosa Plus will have easy access to the nearby Clark International Airport making them a flight away from international and local leisure destinations, and access to major roads such as NLEX and TPLEX connecting them to other urban centers in Luzon.

 

Given the fully integrated, centered on leisure, masterplan of Filinvest Mimosa Plus, future residents of Golf Ridge will enjoy a holistic lifestyle with access to modern amenities and conveniences even without leaving the township. Everything they need is just a stroll away from their home. From sprawling spaces with mature trees, lush open parks, retail establishments, workspaces that will house private and government offices, and an award-winning golf course, residents will live in a healthy and complete live-work-play neighborhood.

 

Units vary from 2-bedroom with unit sizes ranging from 128 to 139 sqm to a 3-bedroom with unit sizes ranging from 187 to 252 sqm, all having unequalled, and unique picturesque views of the Mimosa Golf Course or the vibrant landscapes of the township. As an extension of the units, the property’s well-crafted amenities further reinforce the elevated country club lifestyle. The residents can run laps in the infinity pool, unwind at the outdoor lounge area, hold intimate gatherings in the function room, and finally enjoy a round of tee on the nearby golf course.

 

From its first property outside Manila with Golf Ridge Private Estate to its portfolio of designer residences in strategic locations within the Metro, Filigree gives residents an exceptional lifestyle in unparalleled locations. In Filinvest City, Alabang, there’s Botanika Nature Residences located in the most exclusive area of the garden city which offers authentic green living in a vertical village setting; Bristol at Parkway Place, a high-rise tower offering chic cosmopolitan living; and 1001 Parkway Residences, the metro south's iconic garden towers surrounded by parks. In Taguig, Filigree has also established the Beaufort, an upscale residential community with a vibrant lifestyle reflecting diverse cultures. Finally, The Enclave Alabang, Filigree's first residential village along Daang Hari, offers a serene living experience with easy access to Filinvest City CBD.

 

Learn more about Filigree by visiting www.filigree.com.ph.

2023 NATIONAL ARTS AND CRAFTS FAIR Preserving Tradition in Contemporary Life

After a three-year hiatus, the 2023 National Arts and Crafts Fair (NACF) returns as a major trade fair to be held from 4-8 October 2023 at the Megatrade Hall of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City. The NACF, which was first launched in 2016, is organized by the Department of Trade and Industry–Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion (DTI-BDTP), in collaboration with the DTI Regional and Provincial Offices, and supported by the Office of Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda.

"The 2023 National Arts and Crafts Fair underscores the integral role of arts and crafts in our national economy. This sector, often underestimated, serves as a vibrant source of income for many Filipino artisans and MSMEs, and contributes significantly to the country’s revenue streams through domestic sales as well as exports," BDTP Director Marievic Bonoan pointed out. 

 

With over 200 exhibitors curated from the country’s 16 regions, NACF will serve as a platform to showcase the country’s rich cultural heritage and likewise gives everyone an opportunity to rediscover and appreciate Philippine craftsmanship. The products, meticulously crafted and features traditional indigenous materials, are expected to captivate a new urban consumer base in search of unique items with intrinsic beauty and value.

 

Artisans, craftsmen, and entrepreneurs from across the nation are gathered together at the fair to exhibit a rich display of traditional and indigenous materials made using contemporary methods. Visitors can anticipate textile and fiber art, mats and basketry, handcrafted jewelry, houseware and home decor, and novelty items. The fair will pay homage to the country’s diverse culture and further explore innovative methods of incorporating these skills into modern-day objects. 

 

NACF stage is set to reflect the heritage, creativity, and innovation exhibited by local artisans who have molded their skills from the essence of the country's cultural wealth. Moreover, NACF will provide a platform establish rapport with potential buyers, fostering an environment of growth and opportunity for native craft industries. This year’s National Arts and Crafts Fair is more than just a display of arts and crafts rather celebration of the age-old traditions brought to life in new, exciting ways.

 

“The National Arts and Crafts Fair is not merely an event; it is a movement that staunchly supports our local artisans, promotes our traditions, and contributes to the growth of our creative economy. The entrepreneurs exhibiting their products here exemplify our people’s resilience, ingenuity, and passion. I encourage everyone to join us in this celebration of tradition and innovation as we continue to empower indigenous skills and Filipino craftsmanship,” said Legarda, who conceptualized the fair and supported it since its inception in 2016. 

 

The formal opening ceremony of the 2023 National Arts and Crafts Fair will be on 4 October 2023. 

 

To know more about the 2023 National Arts and Crafts Fair and other programs of the DTI-Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion, follow their social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter 

3 Reasons why Filinvest City is worth Whe Trip

Whether you’re aiming for a quick hotel staycation, looking for thrilling activities to try, or simply wanting a change of environment to enjoy fresh air and abundant spaces, Filinvest City, Alabang offers a full suite of activities – from leisure to adventure.

1. Home to exciting events and fun recreational activities. Filinvest City’s civic spaces continue to elevate the Metro South lifestyle. The Central Park, for example, is envisioned to be the next venue for major events such as festivals, concerts, and other exciting activities. Its Great Lawn is already open for public use, serving as the place of gathering at the heart of Filinvest City. Here, residents and visitors can enjoy the open space to walk their dogs, jog, exercise, and so many more. Park-goers can also utilize other features for fun and wellness such as a Play Area and Outdoor Gym Equipment. They can also find Bike Rental Stations and Moovr PH’s E-scooter Rental that can be used to ride through the car-free road at Spectrum Midway. To complete the experience, Central Park holds food bazaars every weekend called Eats by the Park, which offers a variety of food and refreshments perfect for al fresco dining and picnic while enjoying the fresh breeze of nature. 

2. Offers a wide variety of activities to suit different lifestyles. Aside from vibrant parks, Filinvest City is also the perfect relaxation and retail destination. At Festival Mall, family and friends can enjoy the iconic mini-amusement parks that have arcade games and extreme rides, which were recently re-opened: The Festival Junction Express, Festival Grand Carousel, Pixie Forest, and X-Site. There’s also the Wijump Trampoline Park and PedWay Go Kart Rental for those who are looking for unique and active entertainment for the family. 

For anyone looking for a leisure sport, Southpoint Driving Range is available for a steady golf session with no membership needed. 

Meanwhile, for a more relaxed approach to dining, leisure, health, and wellness, visitors can opt to explore Westgate Center, which houses a suite of dining options, fitness centers, and retail stores. For movie-goers, they can definitely look forward to showing their much-awaited movie releases with big screens finally coming back at the Commercenter, which offers an exceptional cinema experience.

Planning a staycation? You can finally make it happen with the many luxury and deluxe hotels which are all fully operational and ready to take in guests for a laidback vacation in the middle of the green city: Crimson Hotel, Bellevue Hotel, Vivere Hotel, Acacia Hotel, and Somerset Alabang.

Lastly, those looking for an exclusive lifestyle experience, the members-only Palms Country Club provides a new level of leisure with its superior club management, first-class amenities, and superb dining, in a private enclave within the city. 

 

3. Abundance of fresh air and expansive green, open spaces. Being outdoors and experiencing nature offers many health and wellness benefits. Not only does it boost one’s mood, it also helps improve one’s immune system. As a Garden City, being in Filinvest City means there’s no shortage of fresh air and verdant landscapes. A sizable portion of land is dedicated to green, open spaces for the community to enjoy – there are pedestrian-friendly roads, wide sidewalks, dedicated Bike Lanes and Shared Roads across the city. Its major public parks, the Spectrum Linear Park, Central Park, Filinvest Axis Park, Festival Mall River Park, and Festival Mall Water Garden, are all interconnected to make walking pleasant while enjoying the great outdoors. 

From leisure and wellness to exciting recreational activities, Filinvest City offers everything one needs to achieve an invigorating lifestyle.  To know more about this thriving community, visit https://filinvestcity.com/. For more updates, follow them on Facebook @FilinvestCityOFFICIAL and Instagram @filinvest_city. 

Green Run at Vermosa Encourages Outdoor Activity, Nature Appreciation for Physical, Mental Health

After two years of quiet and confinement, it’s time to celebrate the green outdoors and have fun in the sun.

Vermosa, an Ayala Land Estate in Imus Cavite, is front running the event. It is a modern, suburban community that promotes healthy and active living. On July 3, Sunday, everyone is invited to lace up and run for a greener tomorrow with the staging of Green Run. It will be a one-day, multi-level run within its 750-hectare property that is fast gaining fame as the new sports and fitness hub down south.

Consisting of 21K, 10K, 5K and 3K distance categories, the Green Run is targeting elite athletes, fun runners, fitness enthusiasts, athletes in training, weekend athletes, families, barkada, and just about anyone who is eager to run. Various running routes winding through wide open spaces and abundant greenery punctuated with wide pedestrian walkways, bicycle and jogging lanes, and enhanced greenways will make this Run a truly pleasant experience.

Vermosa’s famous Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub, a state-of-the-art professionally–managed sports facility that has already hosted various national and international sports events will be the center of activities for registration and information. Featuring a FINA-standard Olympic size swimming pool, a warm up pool, an IAAF standard 400m track oval, field with natural tiff grass, an Athletes Lounge, and a gym operated by Sante Fitness Lab, a premier training ground for amateur and professional athletes.

Vermosa has partnered with Pinoy Fitness, the running, fitness and multisport event organizer, to conduct the Run. A beautiful medal created by artist Cynthia Bauzon-Arre of Forest Foundation Philippines, will be among the perks that runners will get for their participation. Proceeds of the Run will go to Haribon Foundation’s Adopt-a-Seedling Program, to build a greener tomorrow.

Vermosa Estate Head Jay Teodoro, a sports and fitness enthusiast himself, says “As more places begin to reopen, we can now enjoy the outdoors with more activities to engage in. I personally advocate sports and spending time outdoors as it helps boost physical and mental health. Physical activities, like running, provide a change of scenery and help reduce stress. This is why we organized the Vermosa Green Run. We want people to rediscover their surroundings, appreciate nature, enjoy the fresh air and boost their health. With an abundance of wide-open spaces and the state-of-the-art sports facilities at Vermosa Sports Hub, Vermosa provides one of the best venues to engage in physical activities.”

Those interested to join Green Run may go to ayalaland.myruntime.com to register.


ABOUT VERMOSA

Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub (AVSH) is located within Ayala Land’s sprawling 750-hectare estate along Daang Hari Road, Imus, Cavite. It brings together residential, retail, commercial spaces and a school all within the estate. AVSH highlights an active lifestyle by offering athletes a number of sports facilities and wellness amenities including the nine-lane 400-meter track and field oval, football field, Olympic-size lap pool, warm up pool, The Athlete’s Lounge, a gym operated by Sante Fitness Lab, and green open spaces. With its state-of-the-art features, AVSH is home to some National Sports Associations and renowned teams in the country.

The Future of Work - Sustainable Office Building

Green, the color of nature, has become the color people look for and want - in the products they buy, their homes and even the place where they work. Green means environmentally friendly and sustainable.

Parkway Corporate Center in Filinvest City, Alabang wears “being green” as a badge of honor, presenting itself as a sustainable office space in a sustainable garden central business district. Filinvest City, is a complete and thriving CBD, has the distinction of being the first central business district in the Philippines to receive the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design LEED v4 Gold for Neighborhood Development (LEEDv4 ND) from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), and one of the largest neighborhood developments in Southeast Asia to pass the world’s most rigorous green building rating system.

Parkway Corporate Center boasts of premium amenities to make working in it as good for the health as it is good for business because the development was planned and designed for this purpose. 

As Metro Manila and the rest of the country prepare themselves to resume their routines that were rudely interrupted and disrupted by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, they also brace themselves for the resumption of the old headaches - monstrous traffic jams, limited seats in public utility vehicles, and a very polluted atmosphere. Those who are fortunate would have the good luck to work at Parkway Corporate Center would have the luxury of being cocooned in a healthy working environment where they can take advantage of the development’s distinctive green building features such as its excellent indoor air quality, and breathable open spaces. According to research findings conducted by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), green buildings make employees healthier and happier. With more employees returning to their office set up in the midst of the emerging pre-pandemic hustle and bustle of Metro Manila, this is the ideal time to find sustainable office spaces in a prime location at a competitive price range. Parkway Corporate Center offers the complete package. It is located in a prime location and has the added advantage of being a green building, so employees can be productive and efficient but healthy as well.
 
Parkway Corporate Center is green not just because it is located in Filinvest City, but because it also has its own LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certification from USGBC to prove it. The LEED certification is an honorable seal that not only validates Parkway Corporate Center as a sustainable office building but also establishes its tenant’s confidence in providing their employees a safe and healthy environment to work.

In addition, it offers premium amenities and access to major transportation hubs and roads that connect Parkway Corporate Center to cities north and south of Filinvest Cityit. It has the prime business spot in Filinvest and provides greater mobility and convenience. It is close to Festival Mall, five-star Crimson Hotel, Westgate, Asian Hospital and the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine. 

H1 Architecture and Design, one of the country's top architectural firms, designed its future-proof, premium-grade office tower that is now ready for occupancy. Modern features and amenities include high-speed elevators, an elegant lobby, modern business centers, a podium deck garden, and spacious parking spaces. All unsold units of Parkway Corporate Center are available for leasing, with price starting at 900 pesos per square meter. Units range in size from 36 to 252 sqm and may be combined. 
 
To know more, visit parkwaycorporate.com

Perfect First Home, Ideal Investment

In looking for what will probably be their first real estate investment, young business executives, and upwardly mobile professionals have needs specific to their age, status, and lifestyle. They want more than just a home but also a place where they can relax, reinvigorate, and recharge their batteries after a stressful day navigating the urban jungle.

The disruption caused by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic has also given rise to certain requirements that may not have been considered priorities before. Now, people are looking for living spaces that will also ensure their health and well-being, a retreat after a hard day at the office or a substitute office when they have to work from home in a blended business environment.

Right at the heart of Alabang central business district is Studio N, Filinvest City’s latest and premier residential development, which is designed to meet the expectations, aspirations and the evolving needs of the young market.  The future-ready condominium, which is now in a pre-selling phase, is ideal for young people looking for a living space that will allow them to live, work if necessary, and play.

Studio N is located in Filinvest City’s Northgate Cyberzone, an award-winning information and technology park registered with the Philippine Export Processing Zone that is headquarters to many technology-centered companies and businesses. It offers unparalleled accessibility to recreation sites, learning facilities and medical institutions.

Semi-furnished units that boast of top facilities and amenities are available through flexible payment schemes. Prospective buyers can enjoy a life of convenience, simplicity, comfort and ease, as well as peace and quiet with the condominium’s 24/7 security services.

Daphne Mae Odra-Sanchez, first vice president of Filinvest Alabang Inc., says,  “Being located in a prized master-planned township that houses Metro's biggest IT Hub, and its modern and innovative amenities and facilities make Studio N  the perfect investment for new and young professionals and business executives wanting to make their first real estate purchase a truly wise and potentially profitable use of their money. It is also a solid investment for those simply wanting to add to their assets.”

Groundbreaking ceremonies for the new development project was held on March 24 at Studio N Parking Lot building, Block 50B Lot 5.

You may visit Studio N’s latest model unit at The Saleshub, Pacific Rim Cor. Commerce Ave., Filinvest City, Alabang.

For more information, visit https://studio-n.com.ph/

Clean and green Christmas

Why go to congested, tight spaces to feel the spirit of the season when you can enjoy Christmas al fresco?

Filinvest City is offering itself as the destination for a safe celebration at a time when a global pandemic remains a real threat. With its Share the Sparkle of Christmas, you can have a bright and merry yuletide season without compromising your health and safety.

In cooperation with various partners, Filinvest City has drawn up a diverse and exciting menu of attractions and entertainment starting at 4 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays, until December 18, 2021.
Filinvest City’s wide-open spaces let you enjoy nature and clean, fresh air as you check out a wide array of retail and recreation options at Spectrum Midway. The city is festooned with holiday installations and decorations making its community even more vibrant. Its safe spaces are guaranteed to inspire joyful possibilities.

This year’s Christmas celebration focuses on togetherness, giving, joy, and hope despite the challenges. Through the various activities and festivities it has lined up, Filinvest City wants to Share the Sparkle with everyone during this magical time of year.

The celebration is both an affirmation that the Filinvest City community is staying stronger together as the people draw inspiration from each other to overcome the crisis. The tight community spirit in Filinvest City has played a big role in helping the city to thrive and rise above the challenges.
Filinvest City truly sparkles this holiday season as more lights have been set up on major streets.
Spectrum Midway is the hub of this year’s festivities. A 32-foot Christmas tree holds pride of place. It is complemented by a walkthrough tunnel of lights and a life-sized Belen (nativity scene).
You can shop and dine at Festival Mall or dine alfresco at Westgate Center. If you have the time, watch the latest movie hit at one of the cinemas at Commercenter or at the Gold Class Cinemas of Festival Mall.

When dusk falls, you can do more shopping at the Spectrum Market, a night market/bazaar at the Spectrum Midway. On market days, Filinvest City will close the road to provide additional open space for shoppers to enjoy the park, fresh air, and other fun outdoor activities. The Christmas decorations and attractions will be open for visits until January 6, 2022.

Spectrum Market is open 4-9pm on December 3-4, 10-11, and 17-18. The market will offer good food, holiday gifts and products, live performances, and other forms of entertainment.
Have a merry and safe Christmas outdoors at Spectrum Midway. Make Filinvest City your top-of-mind Christmas destination in the Metro South.

Healthy Living Amid Nature is Possible in the City

The pandemic has completely changed the ways of the world—from the way people live to how companies handle their business. But as everyone continues to experience the many changes in the new normal, one of the industries that have managed to remain resilient, and enduring is real estate. Even more so, it remains to be a stable and tangible asset that only appreciates over time. 

One developer, in particular, continues to be valuable even amid the pandemic and beyond: luxury real estate brand, Filigree, who continues to lead the way in building investment-worthy homes with focus on living experience and wellness. Showcasing these qualities is its flagship development, Botanika Nature Residences in Filinvest City, Alabang.

Going beyond green

The pandemic has put sustainability and access to nature at the forefront. Now, more and more homeowners are opting to have homes that are healthy and as close to nature as possible. 

At Botanika, aesthetic, functionality, and sustainability are seamlessly integrated into the building features to become more efficient, especially in the time of crisis. For one, the building utilizes energy and water-efficient fixtures to cut down on utility building costs. This can be seen in the glass sun-roofed atrium, low flow faucets, dual flush toilets, to name a few. Likewise, all over the development, residents can also enjoy a better circulation of airflow, thanks to the lush and landscaped areas all over the development, from the atrium landscape, central gardens, and plant boxes along the hallways. In the time of social distancing, the building’s single-loaded hallways ensure lesser chances for residents to come across each other. To encourage sustainable means of transportation, the building provides bike racks and shower rooms, made specifically for cyclists.  

 

It is because of these unique condominium living features that Botanika was awarded a 4-star BERDE (Building for Ecologically Responsive Design Excellence Certification) rating. At least 70 percent of its total land area is dedicated to open space, resembling village living that usually features abundant spaces. 

 

Further cementing its position as a frontrunner in green living, Botanika is strategically located at the most exclusive portion of Filinvest City, Alabang, the first and only township with LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold in Neighborhood Development certification in the Philippines. As a self-sustaining community, Botanika residents don’t need to travel far to enjoy abundant open spaces. Likewise, being in a walkable garden city, residents can thrive in a healthy, green and walkable community with easy access to all of life’s essentials like world-class medical facilities, major business establishments, shopping and commercial centers, and prestigious educational institutions. 

A comfortable home 

 

A collaborative project of renowned designers Architecture International, Leandro V. Locsin Partners, AECOM Singapore, Miaja Design Group, and Periquet Galicia Inc. for unit space planning of the second tower, Botanika offers generous living spaces and well-curated amenities made to promote comfort, good health, and excellent quality of life for its current and future residents. 

Meanwhile, its spacious units were designed to anticipate the owners’ distinctive lifestyle. The move-in ready Tower 1 ranges from ±125-221 sqm with 2BR to 3BR, while Tower 2, which is now on pre-selling, widens the variety, bringing into the mix, one-bedroom units at a generous size of ±72 sqm, and four-bedroom bi-level units ranging from ±265-322 sqm, complete with grand lanais that blur the lines between units and outdoors. One of the significant features of Tower 2 is that each unit offers deeper lanais at 2.6 meters to allow a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. This is especially important during the pandemic where residents are encouraged to stay at home as much as possible. 

A rewarding investment

 

With Filinvest City, enjoying a compounded annual growth rate of more than 20 percent in the last 10 years, Botanika is also experiencing this advantage with its increase in capital value at 112% since its launch. In addition, the prevailing lease rate for Tower 1 starts from P135,000 and P200,000 for 2BR and 3BR units respectively.

With Tower 1 units already ready for occupancy, Tower 2 units are now on pre-selling. By the time of its completion, the unit’s value will increase considerably, making it a winning proposition for investors or end-users looking for a nature-inspired and future-ready home. 

Botanika Nature Residences is a top-end residential development in Filinvest City, Alabang that offers a unique approach to condominium living with its wide-open spaces and its green and sustainable features that resemble village living. It has all the makings of a smart investment: tasteful and stylish finishes, desirable features, great location, security, and exclusivity. 

“Amid this pandemic, Botanika really provides its residents with a relaxed, healthy environment that goes beyond just the implementation of minimum safety protocols. More than half of its total land area is dedicated to lush, open spaces where families will experience a more revitalizing ambiance daily, significantly improving their overall well-being. This is taking residents to a whole new level of zen even in the comforts of their home right here in the garden city of the south, Filinvest City.” says Daphne Sanchez, Filigree Deputy Head. 

To know more about Botanika’s newest offerings, log onto www.botanika.com.ph or visit the Filigree Showsuites to view Botanika’s model units.  

3 Reasons to Invest in Filinvest City’s ‘Green’ Properties

Whether you’re an existing or rookie investor, or simply hunting for a new home to settle into, chances are you’re contemplating on the best type of property to infuse your hard-earned funds into. The trend these days is investing in sustainable developments or “green” properties, and for good reason.

“Today, it’s not just about where a property is located but also how it is strategically designed to meet specific needs, which are driven by new factors like health and the environment,” says Don Ubaldo, first vice president for townships of Filinvest Alabang Inc. “Investing in ventures that factor in these indicators should be the driving force for property investors when making their purchasing decisions.”

Not sure how “green” properties make for ideal investments? Filinvest City delves deeper into the reasons to help property investors arrive at sound purchasing decisions.

1. “Green” communities positively impact overall health and well-being

With the world’s ongoing battle with climate change and the pandemic, it’s becoming more important for real estate hunters to settle into communities that allow them to achieve a healthier lifestyle. Filinvest City has been front and center in accelerating property investment via developments that promote healthy and sustainable living.

“Developing prime communities that marry business and nature has always been in Filinvest townships’ DNA. This has taken shape in the form of Filinvest City, a 244-hectare garden central business district (CBD) in the south of Metro Manila that nestles business, commercial, and residential infrastructures collectively enjoying the benefits of an environment-friendly location,” explains Ubaldo.

For their efforts in building sustainable property developments, Filinvest City has been awarded with the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design LEED v4 Gold for Neighborhood Development (LEEDv4 ND) certification - the first CBD in the Philippines to earn this recognition and the largest in Southeast Asia to meet the world’s stringent green development rating system.

What this means for property investors is that Filinvest City is among the first developers to take the lead in building a healthier, more protected and sustainable environment for future generations. Investing in Filinvest City properties means providing business and residential real estate customers with a sustainable community that allows them to live healthier through lush greens and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. In addition to this, businesses have a higher chance of becoming LEED-certified themselves because building locators are entitled to additional points in their LEED application since the very township where they are located is LEED Gold-certified itself.

2. Sustainable property developments are built for the new normal

Investors who gear their strategies toward “green” ventures will be able to take advantage of property hunters looking for specific developments that comply with today’s health standards. A future-ready development like Filinvest City isn’t only built to offer a healthy environment but has been designed as well to be seamlessly connected to promote the live+work+play lifestyle that people strive to balance in their everyday routine.

“Being in close proximity to your residence, workplace, essential establishments, and transport hubs is a major consideration for residential hunters these days, as they want a community that won’t put them at risk for any health issues,” says Ubaldo. “Investing in developments built near these important locations means offering property hunters with an ideal community where everything is within easy reach.”

3. Ecologically designed infrastructures are cost-efficient, with property values that increase overtime

With LEED-Gold certified properties which allows real estate investors to enjoy lower operating costs in energy consumption, water savings and better waste management, these properties can also enjoy a higher market value and lease rate.

More importantly, sustainable property developments boast of higher market values. Filinvest City properties have been enjoying increased asset values through the years, with an annual growth rate of over 20% in the last 10 years. As a property investor, benefiting from cost-effective measures and growth flexibility means allowing them to maximize return on their investment.

“As an investor, socially responsible choices should guide your decision-making process. Although these technologically and ecologically advanced master planned communities may translate to a maximized ROI, at the end of the day, the sustainability of these properties remains as our end goal,” concludes Ubaldo.