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.

Golf Ridge Private Estate Marks First Pouring Milestone

Central Luzon is shaping up to be the next best destination for people searching for a peaceful, unhurried lifestyle, surrounded by the beauty of nature, and the convenience of urban living, thanks to new developments like the Golf Ridge Private Estate by luxury real estate brand Filigree.

Soon to rise within the thriving Filinvest Mimosa+ in Clark, Pampanga, Golf Ridge Private Estate is the most premium residential golf community in Central Luzon that recently celebrated its first pouring milestone shortly after its groundbreaking last October 2022.

“Following the successful project developments of Filigree in Filinvest City in Alabang, we’re very thrilled to expand our portfolio to bring our exacting and masterful approach to planning and design in Clark,” said Filigree head Daphne Sanchez.

Filigree’s first luxury condominium outside of Metro Manila is designed to target the varying tastes and needs of the discerning few. For one, investors who are looking for a valuable real estate investment can find that Golf Ridge Private Estate is a winning proposition, foremost because of its main feature: The picturesque view of the neighboring 128-hectare Mimosa Plus Golf Course, hailed as the Philippines’ Best Golf Course for the year 2022 by the World Golf Awards.

According to David Faulkner, managing director for Valuation and Advisory Services at Colliers Asia, golf courses generally boost property prices. “Residential communities with golf courses are popular in the Philippines,” he said. This can be seen in Golf Ridge whose value appreciation already reached 45.44% since its 2019 launch.

This is further strengthened by the property’s unparalleled design and amenities helmed by renowned architectural firm Leandro V. Locsin Partners with Andy Locsin at the helm. Golf Ridge highlights its country club-like features and amenities to help residents rejuvenate and enhance their health and well-being right at their doorstep. Residents can relax and unwind amid a slew of well-curated facilities including a fully-equipped Fitness Center, infinity pool, landscaped gardens, and outdoor lounge.

Golf Ridge also offers generous living spaces where each unit has an amply-sized balcony that gives a commanding, borrowed view of the Mimosa Plus Golf Course. Designed to cater to people of varying lifestyles, Golf Ridge offers one-bedroom units, two-bedroom units, and three-bedroom units.

On top of these appealing features, Golf Ridge also enjoys the benefits of being strategically located in Clark, Pampanga. Life essentials are within reach of the property, including leisure sites, medical hubs, and reputable learning sites. Not only that, the city is currently displaying rapid economic growth because of the implementation of infrastructure projects including railways, expressways, transportation, and airports. Colliers predicts that these big-ticket projects will boost residential demand in Pampanga, and will be supported by the continuous developments of integrated townships like the Filinvest Mimosa+.

Apart from that, many international businesses are already choosing Pampanga as the preferred location to grow their businesses. There’s the Dito Community in Clark Global City, while Singaporean firms are also keen on investing in the Filinvest Innovation Park in New Clark City. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is also currently pitching North Luzon as a manufacturing and logistics hub, further highlighting growth opportunities within the area.

At Filinvest Mimosa+, end-users and investors planning to relocate outside the congested urban areas will enjoy the live-work-play environment of the development. The majority of the property is made up of sprawling open spaces where mature trees and well-maintained green landscapes soften the glass and concrete buildings that are home to corporate offices, restaurants, malls, golf, and gaming establishments.

With model units soon ready to be viewable, future residents of Golf Ridge Private Estate can visit the property, which is easily accessible with only a comfortable two-hour drive to and from Metro Manila via major highways such as the North Luzon Expressway (NLEx), Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx), Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEx), and the newly developed Skyway Stage 3. It is only a 10-minute drive to Clark International Airport.

To know more, visit www.golfridge.com.ph

Fun, Family, Fitness: Shakey’s Color Fun Run

In line with its years of providing great times and great memories, Shakey’s , the leading casual dining restaurant in the country, is hosting its very own “ Color Fun Run” on August 31,2019
More than a restaurant that serves fun and pizza, Shakey’s recognizes the importance of maintaining good health and wellness. Nowadays, there’s a constant need for people to relieve stress and improve their state of health. This fun-filled events is a great opportunity for a good cause, promote healthier living.

The race will be held at RC Santos Parade Grounds, Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga, and there will be two race categories, 3km and 7km. As part of the  event, 7km participants will get Shakey’s Chicken N’ Rice, regular slice Hawaiian Delight pizza and bottled water, while the 3 KM participants will get Shakey’s Chicken N’ Rice and bottled water. All runners will receive a T-shirt, a running bib and a finisher medal.

Exciting prizes awaits the winners as there are a total of 20,000 pesos in cash to be given away. The top three finishers of the 7 km category will receive 8,000 pesoso, 5,000 pesos and 3,000 pesos respectively. The top three finishers of the 3Km category, on the other hand, will receive 4,000 pesos, 2,000 and 1,000 pesos

Race registration is at 600 pesos for 7 Km and 500 pesos for 3 Km. Interested participants may register at any Shakey’s store or sign up online at http://www.shakeyspizza.ph as well as onsite at Clark Freeport Zone.

Now more than ever, Shakey’s bring together families and friends for a more active lifestyle . So you can still enjoy your pizza guilt free as there are a lot of ways to stay fit, active and healthy. With Shakey’s Color Fun Run”, it’s fun, family and fitness.

AQUA PLANET TEACHES KIDS TO SWIM, ATTEMPTS TO BREAK A WORLD RECORD

CLARK, PAMPANGA – A total number of 1, 819 participants joined one of the biggest and most modern water theme parks in Asia, Aqua Planet, as it hosted the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson (WLSL) on Thursday, June 20, 2019. It also aims to attempt to break the current Guinness World Record set by Florida, USA with 1,308 participants last 2014.

WLSL is a global campaign with 49 countries actively participating as a member of the World Waterpark Association (WWA) that helps the global aquatic industry to work together in providing basic swimming skills to children to prevent drowning.
World Health Organization and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported that drowning is one of the major public health problems worldwide and third leading cause of unintentional injury-related death.

With the advocacy “Swimming Lessons Save Lives”, Aqua Planet, in partnership with Bert Lozada Swim School (BLSS), is committed to saving lives by spreading awareness and educating people, especially children, on how to be safer in and around water, and that learning proper and basic swimming techniques is not only for competitive sport but it can also save a life from drowning.
During his welcome speech, Dr. Irineo “Bong” Alvaro Jr., President of BB International Leisure and Resort Development, is exalted that a big number of children are willing to learn how to swim.

“This event does not only focus on breaking the Guinness World Record, but most importantly we focus on teaching the community, especially the children, on how to swim in a fun and exciting way,” he said.
Alvaro also emphasized that “learning how to swim can save not only your life, but you can save the life of others as well.”

As a staunch advocate of swimming as an essential survival skill, BLSS headed simultaneous swimming lessons highlighting the five basics of swimming, which includes breathing, floating, paddling or kicking, and proper swimming strokes to the children from Pampanga from elementary students from public schools, children from orphanages, indigenous communities, local government units, to children with special needs.
Filipino actor and swimmer Enchong Dee was also present in the event to give inspiration and to empower the children to swim.

“When I was a kid, I always pay attention to the swimming lessons taught to me because I know, when the need arises, it will all be beneficial to me and in helping others,” he said.
Aside from learning the survival skills on swimming, the children were also given some guidelines and safety reminders on what to do during an earthquake especially if they happened to be inside a water park.

This is the second year Aqua Planet has successfully held the event, exceeding its last year’s record of 1,273 participants, in underlining the importance of international water safety standards, and making it the first and only establishment in the Philippines to participate in this worthy cause.
Also partaking in this endeavor are Bert Lozada Foundation, Pocari Sweat, Salonpas, and The Gaming Beat Charity.

The other 48 countries that took part in the campaign are: Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Bahrain, Benin, Bermuda, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Cayman Islands, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Ecuador, Falkland Islands, Germany, Ghana, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Lebanon, Lithuania, Marshall Islands, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sudan, Switzerland, Thailand, Turks and Caicos Islands, Uganda, Ukraine, UAE, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, and Zimbabwe.

Enjoy upgraded #WatermazingExperience with family, friends, and company at Aqua Planet. Weekend rate at 1180php for adults and 980php for kids (4ft. and below). Weekday rates at 950php for adults and 750php for kids (4ft and below). To learn more, like and follow Aqua Planet on Facebook and Instagram (@aquaplanetph), visit www.aquaplanet.ph, and/or contact 045-499-8277.

8990 Holdings Ventures Into High-End Market

8990 Holdings, one of the fastest growing real estate developers in the Philippines and listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange under the symbol “HOUSE,” will literally rise a thousand feet above sea level, as it enters into high-end property development. 8990 Holdings has agreed to acquire 100 percent of the outstanding shares of GENVI Development Corporation, one of Cebu’s top developers of high-end properties, including its flagship project, Monterrazas de Cebu.

A rare gem hidden for generations, Monterrazas de Cebu is the largest and last remaining contiguous mountain property development in the heart of Cebu City. The more than 200-hectare property, which has a commanding view of Cebu, Mactan, and Bohol, is a masterplanned integrated community with residential, commercial, and institutional clusters.

Its first set of phases have already been launched and are in varied stages of development. In 2007, Monterrazas de Cebu offered its first high-end residential community, The Peaks. Here, residents get to wake up to the most majestic views of the city and enjoy the five-star amenities of its clubhouse, Verandas.

The Verandas is to be perched on the highest peak of Monterrazas, featuring unmatched architectural beauty that gives residents a 360-degree view of not only the city, but the islands of Mactan, Bohol, and the Buhisan forests.

A year after it introduced The Peaks, Monterrazas de Cebu launched another residential community called North Ridge—an upscale subdivision focused on the core Filipino value of family, where they can share intimate bonds and make timeless memories without boundaries, all against a backdrop of the city skyline and the islands beyond.

In addition, residents of the North Ridge community can take delight in their own landmark clubhouse called The Pavilions. It features a free-form infinity pool, a play area, a lounge, and two function rooms.

These existing projects, however, are less than half of the total land area of Monterrazas de Cebu. With 8990 Holdings’ acquisition of GENVI Development Corporation, the development of these upscale subdivisions and high-end residential communities will definitely continue. In fact, the company also plans to offer other residential projects for those seeking luxury living close to the city.

“The acquisition of Monterrazas de Cebu firms up our intention to expand 8990 Holdings into other real estate segments that have proven to have strong demand in the past years,” said 8990 Holdings president and chief executive officer Willie J. Uy.

Prior to entering the upscale segment, 8990 Holdings has made big moves to beef up and support its plans.

The company acquired new technologies which will be used in developing Monterrazas de Cebu and its future projects. It is also exploring architectural designs seen in the top cities around the world which will be adopted in the next phase of the Monterrazas de Cebu development. Spearheading the sales team will be Dennis Lim, who joins 8990 Holdings as national sales head.

“We wanted to get someone who has the experience in the higher end market. We found this in Dennis Lim. His 21 years of experience in real estate and handling luxury projects, such as the Grand Hyatt Manila, was the main reason why we believed he would help bolster 8990 Holdings’ move towards this segment,” added Uy.

“Our ultimate goal is to become one of the largest property companies in the Philippines. Through organic growth we have been able to double our revenues to Php11.5 billion from a mere Php5.7 billion six years ago and expand our land bank to almost 600 hectares. The addition of Monterrazas de Cebu brings 8990 Holdings’ landbank to approximately 800 hectares. As with other top companies, it is a natural progression for one to move into new markets to achieve sustained exponential growth in the years to come.”

Last year, 8990 Holdings launched its leisure company, 8990 Leisure and Resorts. Its hospitality arm will spend Php5 billion in key destinations in Cebu, Makati, Davao, Palawan, Boracay, Siquijor, Alabang, Manila, Iloilo, Legazpi, Clark, Lapu-Lapu, Siargao, and Baguio.

8990 Holdings’ aggressive growth has indeed risen a thousand feet. And it looks like the company is showing no signs of letting up.

The Annual Hot Air Balloon Festival Rises to Even Greater Heights

Just the mere mention of the Hot Air Balloon Festival at Clark Global City brings to mind the eye-popping visual of larger-than-life gathering of hot air balloons in all shapes and sizes from all over the world.  The sky is dotted with giant animals, happy faces, and other improbable flying objects alongside the classic striped hot air balloons. That moment when they all rise up to the sky in the sunrise is one of the most IG-worthy moments we’ll see all year.  This year’s Frontrow International Hot Air Balloon Festival on April 12 to 14 promises to be even  bigger,  bolder, busier, and better.  The event boasts of   a   bigger and more accessible venue at Clark Global City—a thriving hub of industry and commerce that you can literally get to by air, land, and sea.  This event brings people from all walks of life together. Around  50,000 to 70,000 people are expected to come that weekend, from families with young children, teens, students,tourists, to various groups such as motoring clubs, foodies and travel enthusiasts, even real estate groups, and government officials.  A jam-packed weekend There will be balloon rides, of course, but the festival also has activities on the ground while   people   wait   for   their   turn   on   a   balloon,   and   for   those   who   prefer   to   stay earth bound. There are over a hundred of food and shopping choices. There are fun activities for kids and families such as inflatable attractions and slides, shows for kids with their favorite cartoon characters. The country’s hottest music acts, along with the best of Pampanga’s bands will take the stage every night over the weekend with the country’s hottest acts—Slapshock on Friday, Kamikazee on Saturday and Ely Buendia,Hale, and Unique Salonga on Sunday.  Car   and   motor sport   enthusiasts   will   gather   together   for   several   major   events   that include   the   National   Drift   Championship,   Slalom   Racing, Philippine   Auto   Cross Championship Series, Philippine Rally Cross Series and Motorcycle Stunt Show. We’ll also be witnessing groups dancing and grooving to the beat this summer as 20 dance groups from different cities compete on April 13, 2019.

The Frontrow International  Hot Air  Balloon Festival will   be a feast  for all  the senses and a weekend that you wouldn’t want to miss.  The Frontrow International   Hot  Air  Balloon Festival   hosted  by  Clark  Global  City,  co-presented  by   SM   City  Clark,  powered  by   Phoenix  Pulse  Technology,  supported   by Dickies and The Medical City Clark. For   more   information   on   the   event,   follow   us   on   (Facebook,   Twitter   and   IG)@clarkglobalcityhabf.

SABLAYA ENDS THE PILIPINAS DREAM CUP WITH FLYING COLORS

It’s the season finale of the 2018 Petron National Motorcycle Championship, and the 6^th round of the Honda Pilipinas Dream Cup (HPDC) has come. What better way to honor the occasion than to show off the HPDC riders their skills and talent at the track.

The qualifying round started early for the riders as they took off from the pit gate at 8:55 a.m., with Rider #6 Sean Barcial (P1) making the best time at 2:25.729, while Rider #1 Kervie Bergania made 2:25,995 which landed him on (P2). Rider #7 Jakob Sablaya, who lead the pack in the overall points, had a time of 2:28.052 which took him to (P3), putting him close to rider #8 Andrei Reyes and #2 Wyner Blente, who landed on (P4 and P5) respectively. Meanwhile, Rider #12 Jasper Cruz and #4 Sean Ondillo got (P6 and P7), respectively.

 Race 1, Saturday, 11:00 a.m.

As the red light went off, the seven riders sped off for a 5-lap battle. Barcial Took the opportunity to lead from P1, but Sablaya did not make it easy for Barcial, making his way in the 1^st corner. From the 2^nd up to the final lap, Sablaya, Barcial, Bergania, Reyes and Blente, sliced and diced across the 4.2 km track, while Cruz and Ondillo were left behind with a total of 24.524 sec. gap.

Sablaya took the hearts of the crowd as he rode his CBR150R in the straights and corners like they were as one, taking the lead of the pack from Barcial and Bergania for the 2^nd and 4^th lap. However, Barcial managed to take the lead from Sablaya on the so called “Acacia” at the west course. Barcial charged on the chicane; while Sablaya was still trying to take the lead on the last stretch. At the last corner, Barcial managed to stay on the lead taking Race 1 for 1^st place with a total time of 12:10.286 with a fastest time of 2:25.708. On the other hand, Sablaya got 2^nd place with a total time of 12:10.719 and with a fastest time of 2:26.553; and finally, Bergania took 3^rdplace with a total time of 12:10.807 and with a fastest time of 2:26.506.

Race 2, Sunday, 9:15 a.m.

With everyone’s strong excitement for the final leg of the season, the 5 lap race started. The first row of riders was composed of Barcial, Sablaya and Bergania competed to reach the first corner to get the lead and break away from the pack. As Barcial had the first corner, nobody gave in easily. Sablaya and Bergania were able to catch up quickly and steal the lead position while Bergania followed through, taking Barcial back to the 3^rd spot. On the 3^rd lap, Barcial has once again able to slice through the 4^th corner at the Acacia from Sablaya, but Bergania remained strong and was able to slip stream through Barcial. On the final lap, Sablaya was determined to take this race and finish strong, thus on the last straight, Sablaya has secured the lead, taking the last corner with the checkered flag raised, followed by Bergania for the 2^nd and Barcial in 3^rd.   

Jakob Sablaya:

“Masaya ako sa naging resulta ng Round 6 dahil nung race 1, magkakadikit kami nila Kervie Sean, Wyner and Andrei. Hindi ko nakuha ang Lead position sa Race 1, pero hindi ko pinakawalan ang race 2. Kahit nasa P3 ako, kinuha ko yung mga opportunity na nakita ko kung saan ako makaka lusot. Masaya ako sa resulta at performance ko sa buong season kasi nakuha ko ang championship ng 2018 Honda Pilipinas Dream Cup.”

Sean Barcial

“Nung Qualifying round hindi ko  expected ang P1, pero nagulat ako na nakuha ko ito, kaya nung Race 1, Hindi ko pinalampas ang pagkakataon na lumaban at masaya ang palitan namin sa loob ng track. Nung Race 2, naging aggressive ako sa cornering ko and chicane, naging maganda ang laban namin nina Jakob at Kervie. Happy parin ako dahil malaki parin ang nakuha kong points.

Kervie Bergania:

”Masaya ako sa naging resulta ko this weekend. Naramdaman ko talaga na nag improve ang aking skills at napakita ko yun sa Race 1 and 2, consistent na ang aking takbo sa podium finish ko. Masasabi ko lang na malaking bagay na nakasali ako sa Dream Cup. Maraming Salamat Honda.”

Overall Results.

Honda Philippines, Inc. is proud to see the improvements of all participants skills and time at the track by an average of 5.0 seconds from the previous time they have joined the program, we also saw the improvement the riders skills and handling of the CBR150R.  In conclusion, the 2018 Honda Pilipinas Dream Cup Champion is Alfred Jakob Sablaya with a total of 280 pts., Sean Barcial with 238 pts. and Andrei Samuel Reyes with 194 pts.

For more information, follow Honda Philippines, Inc. on Facebook – www.facebook.com/hondaph/ or visit their official website – www.hondaph.com