A NEW CITY RISES. THE BASES CONVERSION DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (BCDA) CREATES A NEW MODEL FOR URBAN DEVELOPMENT, OWEN ORSENO EXAMINES THE CLARK GREEN CITY BLUEPRINT
L ast year, in his State of the Nation Address, President Benigno S. Aquino III announced that he has given the go signal for the construction of a new city that will serve as a center for commerce
and industry.To most of those listening to the President, the
announcement was probably met with a whiff of indifference simply because only a handful actually knew what it was all about.
Fast forward to the present, the Clark Green City project is gaining headway and everybody is getting excited.
Expansion of Clark Green City is being undertaken by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), a government-owned corporation that is mandated by law to develop the former American military bases, namely Clark Air Base in Pampanga, Wallace Air Station in San Fernando, Turn to page 2
La Union, and Camp John Hay in Baguio City, into premier centers of economic growth. The former bases are now thriving freeports and economic zones.
BCDA also developed two former military camps in Metro Manila—Fort Bonifacio and portions of Villamor Air Base—into what is now known as Bonifacio Global City and Newport City. BCDA is also the builder and owner of the country’s longest and most modern toll road—the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX).
At the helm of the Clark Green City project is BCDA President and CEO Arnel Paciano D. Casanova, a lawyer and an alumnus of Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government.
According to Casanova, by the year 2030, the Philippine population will reach a high of 130 million, with about 100 million living in the cities. “This simply means that either
we build new cities or Manila will be very congested,” he points out.
Based on Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) estimates, Metro Manila’s traffic jams alone are costing the Philippine economy P2.4 billion pesos a day in potential income—a figure that JICA warns could balloon to P6 billion a day by 2030. Among the strategies listed in the JICA study is the spreading of economic activities to other potential growth areas.
Casanova says that now is the ripe and opportune time for the government to build a city that will not only absorb the growth of the population, but also sustain the momentum of the sterling economic performance that the country is now experiencing. The Philippines is Asia’s second fastest growing economy, second only to China.
A New City Rises
The Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) creates a new model for urban development, Owen Orseno
examines the Clark Green City blueprint
Vol. 4 No.12 Q3 2015Philippine EditionISSN No.
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Casanova reveals that the 9,450-hectare Clark Green City is located at the Capas, Tarlac area of the Clark Special Economic Zone. It is positioned strategically between the highly urbanizing cities of San Fernando, Angeles and Olongapo in Central Luzon, as well as the cities of San Carlos, Dagupan and Urdaneta in Northern Luzon. It is also near the Clark International Airport and the Subic Seaport.
The strategic location and its connectivity to major cities in Central Luzon through the country’s expressways that include SCTEX, the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX), and soon the Central Luzon Expressway (CLEX) will allow the convergence from all directions and serve a catchment population of some 12 million people.
Last February, AECOM, the world’s leading master planning firm, won the BCDA-initiated open competition for the best optimized design of Clark Green City’s Conceptual Master Development Plan.
Casanova says AECOM’s design provides a complete mix of uses. The design creates economic vibrancy balanced by natural sustainability. The master plan takes into consideration the community that would be living in the area and jobs and opportunities that would be created for a new metropolis.
The city will have five major districts: the Government Center; Central Business District; Innovative District; Agri-Forestry Research and Development Center; and Wellness and Eco-Tourism Center.
The BCDA is currently in search of a partner to develop a 288-hectare portion of the Clark Green City. The partnership shall be in the form of a Joint Venture Corporation (JVC), 45 percent to be owned by BCDA and 55 percent by the winning bidder. The Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) will have a period of 50 years, renewable for another 50 years.
“Clark Green City is a 100-year development rights convertible to freehold,” Casanova stresses. He points outs that BCDA is bidding out the development and usufructuary rights of Clark Green City and not the ownership.
Since it is located within the Clark Special Economic Zone, investors in Clark Green City will enjoy both fiscal and non-fiscal incentives. Pursuant to Republic Act 9400, enterprises that operate in the special economic zone shall be entitled to the same tax and duty incentives as provided for under Republic Act No. 7916.
Among the applicable fiscal incentives in Clark Green City are: • Five Percent (5%) Special Tax on Gross Income and Exemption from All National & Local Taxes; • Tax and Duty-free Importation of Raw Materials, Capital Equipment, Machineries and Spare Parts;• VAT Zero-Rating of Local Purchases Subject to Compliance with BIR and PEZA Requirements;• Exemption from Payment of Any and All Local Government Imposts, Fees, Licenses or Taxes; and • Exemption from Expanded Withholding Tax.
“The non-fiscal incentives,” Casanova says, “include: simplified import-export procedures; non-resident foreign nationals may be employed in supervisory, technical or advisory positions; and special non-immigrant visa with multiple entry privileges for certain non-resident foreign nationals.”
While everyone in Metro Manila is anxious over the West Valley Fault Line to give way, Clark Green City’s
ON THE COVER:“Urban Development” by Simon GurneyThe sight of construction cranes on a skyline always indicates urban development and progress, more so in Metro Manila where it seems every available hectare of land is giving birth to skyscrapers. This photo was taken at dusk in Makati by Simon Gurney, who has been contributing to iStock by Getty Images since November 2004.
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bytesnewsA New City RisesFrom page 1
favorable geological conditions makes it less vulnerable to the so called “Big One.”
Clark Green City is some 75 kilometers from the West Valley Fault Line, and the absence of a fault line under or within its vicinity makes the site ideal for long-term development.
“Clark Green City will be less vulnerable to natural disasters and calamities. As far as earthquakes are concerned, Clark Green City will be less affected, making it suitable for residential, commercial and industrial development,” says Casanova.
He adds that Clark Green City will also be spared from the damaging effects of super typhoons since its neighboring mountain ranges will serve as natural barriers. “Clark Green City will be protected on both sides by the Zambales Mountain Range and the Sierra Madre Mountain Range.”
Flooding in Clark Green City will be remote due to its high elevation, Casanova says. The lowest elevation in Clark Green City is 56 meters above sea level while the highest elevation is 800 meters above sea level.
Casanova says the projected 1.12 million residents and 800,000 workers that will live and work in Clark Green City will be assured of a safer environment. Moreover, the City will be the ideal place for businesses to thrive as investments will be least affected by flood, earthquake or super typhoons.
“To sum it all up, Clark Green City will be disaster-resilient,” declares Casanova.
The Department of Public Works and Highways is building primary access roads leading to Clark Green City. The MacArthur Access leading to Clark Green City Project is set to be constructed within the year. The Clark Airport-Bamban-Capas Access Road Project is currently in the design stage and is expected to be bid out within the year.
“The BCDA and Home Development Mutual Fund or Pag-IBIG Fund have forged
a partnership that will pave the way for building some 2,000 housing units in Clark Green City,” Casanova said. The Memorandum of Understanding they signed will allow the BCDA to develop a suitable and affordable mixed-income housing project for the future minimum-wage earners employed at Clark Green City.
For this purpose, the BCDA is currently undertaking an international Mixed-Income Housing Design Competition dubbed “B.A.L.E.” (Building Accessible and Liveable Ecologies). The winning design will be considered for implementation at the City.
“BCDA is also preparing the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the public tender of the Clark Rail Transit System (Clark Rail) that will link with the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) Project of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC),” Casanova adds.
The Clark Rail will serve as the backbone for the movement of goods, services and people to and from Manila, Clark Green City, Clark International Airport, Clark Special Economic Zone, and Tarlac City. Four international and local firms have already expressed their interest to build the system.
Clearly, all eyes are now on Clark Green City, as it is seen to become the focal point of economic development in the country within the next few years.
US IRS announces tax amnesty program
The United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recently announced a tax amnesty program for Americans who live and work abroad.
Last June 18, the agency said that people who come forward and settle their US tax bills now will be liable for back taxes and interest—but will not be charged any penalties. Previously, the IRS levied a penalty of 27.5 percent.
There are an estimated six million American expats living overseas—many claim they don’t know they must pay taxes on foreign income.
The IRS also extended an olive branch to Americans with offshore accounts who live in the US—saying in effect, that the “I didn’t know” argument may be available to them too.
However, the agency said that willful tax evaders who do not take advantage of the offer—and are discovered by the IRS—“will get hit with a 50 percent penalty.”
EU commits PhP12-billion grant to PH energy sector
The European Union (EU) has committed a grant of PhP12 billion to the Philippines for cooperation in the field of energy in the next six years.
Under the high-level cooperation, the EU will initially grant PhP3 billion to support the programs of the Department of Energy (DOE) and other energy-related agencies.
EU Ambassador to the Philippines Guy Ledoux said energy is one of the priority areas for the EU’s development cooperation program with the country. The program will focus on supporting the DOE’s 90 percent electrification target through policy reforms, supporting existing electrification programs, and deploying renewable energy technologies and innovative energy solutions for the poor.
“Our first program with the DOE and energy agencies is currently being finalized,” Ledoux told participants at Energy Smart Philippines 2015, a two-day energy conference and exhibition held at the SMC Convention Center in Pasay City.
2 new PH Navy ships from Australia set for commissioning
Two transport ships donated by Australia to the Philippines were commissioned into service last July 23.
Navy chief Vice Admiral Jesus Millan said the two landing craft heavy (LCH) would be commissioned in Australia while the vessels’ christening would be held in the Philippines.
“Hopefully, the ships will arrive by the first week of August,” Millan told reporters at Camp Aguinaldo.
The Australian government announced its plan to donate two ships to the Philippines last January. The donation will include a package of spare parts, according to the Australian defense ministry.
“Now is the opportune time for the government to build a city that will
not only absorb the growth of the
population, but also sustain the momentum
of the country’s sterling economic
performance.”-Atty. Arnel Cassanova
BCDA President and CEO
BCDA President and CEO Atty. Arnel
Casanova says that by 2030, about 100 million Filipinos will
be living in cities, thus the need to build new
cities to decongest Metro Manila.
Clark Green City, as this map shows, will have five main districts: the Government Center; the Central Business District; the Innovative District; the Agri-Forestry Research and Development Center; and the Wellness and Eco-Tourism Center.
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FROM THE DESKHenry J. Schumacher Vice President for External Affairs, European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines(ECCP)
Energy—the fuel for economic growth
The energy crisis that was expected for this summer still is a key concern that is at the top of the agenda for both private and public sector stakeholders. Meralco issued a statement that the power crisis
will last until 2018, given the state and age of many power generation plants. If effective solutions are not found as soon as possible to ensure that the gap between projected consumption and production of power is met, both economic growth and social welfare will be affected.
Getting close to the end of the Aquino Administration and with the departure of Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla (who stepped down on June 30), we strongly believe that a National Energy Council, similar to the National Competitiveness Council, will allow for a public-private partnership focusing on developing streamlined policies for all energy segments in all areas of the Philippines. The National Energy Council would ensure a comprehensive approach to the energy sector. More importantly, the National Energy Council would provide an excellent platform to lead the energy sector from this Administration to the next Administration to be elected in 2016, and which will become effective early 2017.
The tasks to be undertaken:
Energy Efficiency as a PriorityThe benefits of efficient energy use expand beyond the measures of reduced
energy demand and cheaper consumption costs. In general, energy efficiency can act as a potent tool for economic and social development in ensuring energy-system security, supporting economic growth through improved industry competitiveness, and advancing environmental sustainability through lower greenhouse gas emissions, as put forward by a recent International Energy Agency study.1
National and local governments have a critical role to play in unlocking the energy efficiency opportunity by implementing public policies and programs that encourage private sector participation and investment.
It should become a requirement for building owners to provide direct meters for individual tenants as part of their accreditation for permit application and renewal to operate in PEZA vertical and horizontal zones. This is high on our agenda to discuss with the Mayor of Taguig, as the Bonifacio Global City is hosting more and more BPM / KPM companies.
Optimization of the Energy MixAn energy mix that continuously meets demand, while keeping the cost of
electricity low for end consumers and being environmentally sustainable, is key if the country is to continue as a competitive market for foreign investment, without the threat of energy shortfalls.
To achieve such a mix, a carefully designed energy roadmap is needed, to ensure the development of the necessary plants to meet the needs of an ideal energy mix.
Supporting RE utilities and technologiesDue to initial concerns on the impact of FIT-All (Feed-in Tariff) on universal
charges, the DOE set very low targets.2 In fact, total capacity of wind powered power plants in operation is already above the installation targets, an issue which has already been acknowledged by outgoing Energy Secretary Petilla.
Such low installation targets will stop potential investors and penalize existing investors, who are in for the race to achieve FIT eligibility. This will also affect the percentage of RE (renewable energy) contributing to the national energy mix and the cost of energy in general, as less available energy will raise the price for the final consumer in the long term more than the FIT would. In our view, the wind and solar ceilings have to be drastically increased.
1 International Energy Agency, Capturing the Multiple Benefits of Energy Efficiency (released 9 September 2014).2 The installation targets set by DOE are 50MW for solar, 200MW for wind, 250MW for hydropower, 250 MW for biomass, and 10MW for ocean.
W ith a population of over 24 million, we all know how crowded Metro Manila is. And while infrastructure has definitely improved, major roads bring more and
more vehicles into the city center without a corresponding improvement in city streets. Time was when a house in Pasig was a comfortable 20 minutes commute by car to the center of Makati. Nowadays, anywhere north of Mandaluyong Bridge pushes transit time to an hour or more.
Bonifacio Global City, Rockwell, Eastwood and many other residential and commercial enclaves have sprung up over the last 10 to 15 years. Some have been planned exceptionally well; others struggle to get the right balance between commercial properties and residential units. One can see, when the master plan is well conceived, why living in such an “enclave” is an attractive proposition for many.
Fort Bonifacio certainly offers convenience. A few minutes away from Makati City, located on C5 giving access to both south and north, it has developed into a highly urbanized district with shopping malls, public markets, hospitals, schools and universities, entertainment centers, hotels and restaurants. But is the Fort all it is cooked up to be?
There is no question that condominium living offers some significant advantages for young singles or married couples without children. Small apartments can be affordable for first-time buyers and single income families. Manila might be considered somewhat unique as there are comparatively priced houses in the suburbs offering considerably more living space than all but the largest of condominium units. However, they rarely offer the convenience of high-rise apartment living, frequently involve significant maintenance, and commuting time and cost can make suburban living less than attractive.
Whether one can call Fort Bonifacio a “Global City” in the true sense is debatable. However, it is a cohesive, planned residential and commercial community offering “world-class quality.” Unlike other parts of Metro Manila, streets and sidewalks are well-maintained. Vendors are not spread out all over pavements and sidewalks, street parking (and waiting) is almost non-existent, and overall, there is a general feeling of affluence and quality. Restaurants and
Condo. Condo! Condo?Is condominium living a real option in any of the enclaves in Metro Manila?
Expat Terence A. Hockenhull tries to come up with an answer
cafes abound; shops, markets and specialty stores provide everything one might want, all in a very contained and secure area.
Less space, more securityThe downside of high-rise living (unless one is a
member of the uber-rich) is space. The quality of the living environment tends to be good. Hopefully, developers recognize the need for ample parkland, wide open spaces, sporting facilities and community activity areas that will substitute for living conditions in a home located in a gated subdivision. But attaining all that is difficult. Parking is
limited and costly. For the owner of a small two-bedroom unit, the cost of a basement car parking space may be as much as ten percent of the value of the unit. And spaces are not always available, leaving the resident the choice of foregoing a car or renting a space at a premium.
No question about it, high rise living offers greater levels of safety and security. The resident can lock his front door and take off for an extended trip away, secure in the knowledge that the building security and administration will be keeping a close eye on his property. Guards, CCTV and access control all add to a condo resident’s protection.
Deep pockets neededHowever, condominium living has some major drawbacks
even in the best planned and designed communities. Condominiums are not cheap; entry level studio apartments start in the PhP3 million range, even if bought “off-plan” with up to 30 months’ wait to move in. And in truth, developers rarely complete on time. Additionally, the building may be open for occupancy on the lower floors while finishing work is ongoing on higher floors, making living conditions less than optimum for up to 6 months.
Consider that a PhP3 million studio apartment is going to require a down payment of PhP600,000 and monthly payments (for 5 years) of PhP45,000, and you will quickly realize that unless financial assistance is coming from family members, even young professionals will find this tough to fund—so much more for two or three bedroom units. A PhP12-million unit in the Fort will require PhP100,000-plus for at least 10 years. Tack on the high cost of condominium dues (typically in the range of PhP95 per square meter) and high rise living falls outside the range of many young families.
As suggested, for the young, single or childless couple looking to take their first step into the property market, condominium living can seem an attractive option. So too for young couples prepared to forego having children. Once a family comes along, careful consideration needs to be given to condominium living versus a more spacious house and lot.
A two-bedroomed apartment of about 100 square meters might seem reasonably generous. Consider that up to 15 percent of space in an apartment may be unusable due to
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Forming the National Energy Council will allow government and businesses to ensure a comprehensive approach to the sector.
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faqsThe Immigrant
On adopting children from the Philippines
Atty. Bernadette Bargas-Abejo breaks down the guidelines for inter-country adoptions
Q: Can a Prospective Adoptive Parent (PAP) choose the sex of the child to be adopted?A: No, the adoptive applicants are no longer allowed to specify their gender preference. They should be open to either gender.
Q: How much are the fees?Adoption Application Fee – US$200 (non-refundable)Processing Fee – US$2,000 for single placement. For sibling group of two or more, the processing fee will be pegged at US$3,000Pre-Travel Expenses – The cost of the passport, visa, medical examination, psychological evaluation, travel expenses of the child and social worker/caregiver-escort within the Philippines including round trip airfare or bus fare, board and lodging (the costs varies from country to country)
Q: Is there a requirement to donate to the adoptive child’s orphanages?A: A Child Care Support Fund (CCSF) in the amount of US$1,000, to be shared by the adoptive parents with the orphanage at the time of acceptance or fetching. This amount is not to be construed as payment for the child allocation, but rather a support fund for the care of the children left behind in the institutions or orphanage.
Q: What is the required age for the Adoptive Applicants?A: At least twenty-seven (27) years old and at least sixteen (16) years older than the child to be adopted at the time of
application, unless the adoptor is the parent by nature of the child or the spouse of such parent. The maximum age gap between the child and prospective adoptive parents (particularly the female PAP) is 45 years.
Q: Are there marital status requirements?A: Minimum length of marriage requirement for ICA applicants is 3 years. Applicants who have lived together in a common law relationship for several years culminating in a legal marriage must be married for at least one (1) year and the stability of the
relationship prior to marriage is taken into consideration;
For single applicants, effective July 2007 the Board has set a moratorium on the acceptance of single applicants unless the child preference is a child with special needs (older or sibling group.)
As the PAP’s with a history of divorce, since stability of marriage will ensure the permanency of the placement, a maximum of two (2) divorce histories will be accepted.
Q: Are there other requirements for PAPs
seeking to adopt Filipino children?Educational requirement – must have at least a high school diploma;Income requirement – must have a minimum annual income of US$40,000; andSingle applicant – Resources for older children between 9-15 years old.
Q: Will a health certificate be issued to the adopted child? If so what diseases will he or she be tested for? Will the child be subject to AIDS testing?A: Generally, children cleared for inter-country adoption have been tested and have also received immunizations against common childhood ailments while under the care and custody of Child Caring/Child Placing Agencies (orphanages/institutions for children).
However, children bound for inter-country adoption placement undergo visa medical examination or health examination prior to the issuance of their entry visa if this is an immigration requirement of the receiving country. To date, visa medical examinations include: blood testing, stool examination, urine test, skin test for allergies, Tuberculin test for Primary Complex or pulmonary Tuberculosis, Hepatitis B (if requested) and HIV.
Q: How long is the processing time?A: Adoption applicants that have substantive Home Study Report (HSR) and complete supporting documents are reviewed and approved within one month from receipt of the adoption applicant/s’ dossier.
The matching or child referral or allocation largely depends on the stated child preference (i.e. child’s age, gender and state of health or extent of known background) of the PAPs. The waiting time usually takes 2 to 4 years after the PAPs’ approval and inclusion in the Roster of Approved Applicants. Acceptance of a special needs child or older (73 months and above) generally shortens the waiting period for child allocation.
Q: Is there a possibility that the Child will be taken away from the custody of the PAPs
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THE DIPLOMATBy H.E. Johny J. LumintangRepublic of Indonesia Ambassador to the Philippines
66 Years of Growth and Partnership
Indonesia and the Philippines are both archipelagic countries and have the same ethnic population. The historical links between ancient Indonesia and the Philippines commenced around the 9th century. Since Indonesia’s proclamation of independence on 17 August 1945 and the Philippines’ independence on 4 July 1946, our countries have maintained a good
cordial relationship.Diplomatic relations between the Republic of Indonesia and the Republic
of the Philippines were officially established in 1949. Our countries enjoy a cordial bilateral relationship in the spirit of kinship, and have established their Embassies and Consulate General offices in each of their capitals and major cities. Indonesia has its Embassy in Makati, Metro Manila and Consulate General in Davao City, while the Philippines has its Embassy in Jakarta, its Consulate General in Manado and Consulate in Surabaya.
Our countries are also the founders of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and members of the Non-Aligned Movement and APEC (Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation). We are also members of the East ASEAN Growth Triangle together with Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia in the BIMP-EAGA.
To institutionalize the relationship between the two countries, Indonesia and the Philippines signed a Treaty of Friendship on 21 June 1951. Our new government, with its platform that centers on promoting economic growth, active involvement of Indonesian civil society and fighting against corruption, will soon establish itself as a valued leader in addressing global challenges. Because of its potential, Indonesia—which is currently 16th in the World GDP rankings—is perceived to have a better position in the years to come.
Indonesia and the Philippines are truly good friends in the international community. The recent visit of our President Joko Widodo on 8-9 February 2015 to the Philippines has enhanced our relations with several agreements, namely: The Protection of Migrants and Migrant Workers; Technical, Vocational Education and Training; Combatting Illicit Trafficking and Abuse of Narcotics, Psychotropic Substances and Controlled Chemical Precursors; and Cooperation in Education, Research and Training.
Our countries have also supported each other to bring durable peace in areas of conflict. On the issue of the Southern Philippines, since 1993 under the framework of Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Indonesia has actively participated in facilitating the peace process between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) that led to the signing of the Final Peace Agreement in 1996. Under the track of GPH-Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace process, Indonesia also continues to send observer teams to the International Monitoring Team (IMT) in Mindanao since 2012.
On the other hand, the Philippines has extended assistance in Aceh, Indonesia by participating in the Aceh Monitoring Mission (AMM) to ensure the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Indonesia and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) in 2006.
As we celebrate the 66th anniversary of the establishment of Indonesian-Philippine diplomatic relations, our countries have agreed to sustain equitable growth through enhanced cooperation and mutual support, maximize each other’s advantages, and promote people-to-people connectivity.
The similarities between Indonesia and the Philippines have led to a strong kinship
5
It is said that an average person moves from house to house four times in his life. It shouldn’t be difficult if in your case it’s from condo to condo.Visualize your dream home as early as now, and
work on it until you achieve it. Everyone deserves a place of their own, so why not plan your dream house with a condo?
Condominiums offer that space for young couples with children, working individuals, or even retired folks who can’t manage the upkeep of a large house. Units come in all shapes and sizes, and each meets specific needs, all depending on a person or his/her family. So what kind of condo should you pick?
Newfound territoryA young professional might have just
enough to get a new condo after years of living with his parents. After all, who does not want a bit of independence? A great big condo is ambitious, but these days, small is the new big. Get a unit where all your essentials are within arm’s reach. Yuppies are in a hurry to get to work, so the keys, the
phone, and the gear should be at hand. These types of units are available in most cities in the country, so it’s not hard to look for one to your liking.
The first love nestEven before the big night of a couple’s
life, they should start looking for a condo that can fit their young family. Does a large unit work for both young husband and wife? Maybe, but there are better options. Furniture arrangement is the key to not ending up in a cramped condo. Place furniture and appliances away from the middle. This will come in handy especially when the little one starts learning how to walk. Take note of the condo’s location as having a reputable hospital nearby is a must.
Upgrade to greatAn upcoming business executive has one
thing in mind: investments. One thing anyone should invest on is themselves, and a perfect place to put in money is the home—aside from a couple of businesses. The kids are off to school and the wife has her own business
to take care of. The essentials increase. This is where space matters—and not just within your unit. Move to a unit that allows your family to grow and breathe inside and outside the walls of your condo. As your family grows, think of relocating to a building surrounded by banks, a grocery store, parks, and other establishment—that you think will be important for your family.
The quiet spaceDo you think that, once the children have
started a life of their own, your retirement home should be grand? Not so. But stylish? Perhaps so. Think of large open areas and an extra room for hobbies. Soon-to-be grandparents now have a chance to savor
Creating a home with a condo
the quality time they have for each other and with their interests. If you both love hosting small dinner parties, look for a unit that has a large open space for entertainment. Remember: interior design is everything. Your unit, no matter how small, will still look big if you know how to play around with the space you have.
Sometimes, choosing a condo is about how big or small it is, but there are instances when size won’t matter. The trick is playing interior designer and working with lighting, the right furniture and their placement around the unit, and the color combinations. Only then will you realize that you’ve created a home, not just populated a condo.
Lifelong condo-dweller Todd delos Santos shares tips to condo hunters
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ADVERTORIAL FEATURE
A new center of growthThe Next BGC Rises in Arca South
I t’s a fact that leading developer Ayala Land transformed a large portion of the former Fort Bonifacio army camp into what is now Bonifacio Global City
(BGC). In just 12 years, BGC has become a progressive, master-planned community where many of the country’s movers and shakers choose to live, work and play. It has also evolved into a premier financial district, attracting multinational corporations and prestigious institutions to set up offices there.
Indeed, BGC’s reputation as a world-class urban hub is reflected in its rising land values and rental yields for prime office space, as well as residential and commercial developments. Case in point:
Ayala Land’s upscale condominium development in BGC, Serendra, now commands an average selling price of PhP200,000.00 per sq m, from PhP84,000/sq m at its launch in 2004.
Gateway to progressCommitted to its vision of developing
large scale, integrated, mixed-use projects that appreciate over time and are catalysts for the nation’s progress, Ayala Land is investing PhP80 billion to develop a new township minutes from Makati City and BGC.
Located in Taguig and spanning more than 74 hectares, Arca South is dubbed “the next BGC” as it presents the same opportunity for
urban revitalization and creates a new center for economic growth.
This massive estate embodies Ayala Land’s live-work-play vision by offering a carefully curated mix of residential, commercial, hospitality and healthcare projects—prime condominium towers to be developed by Ayala Land Premier, Alveo and Avida; three types of malls, five BPO (business process outsourcing) towers, a Qualimed hospital and the biggest Seda hotel to date with 265 rooms.
Beyond addressing the business, living and recreational needs of its future residents, Arca South also offers the additional benefit of being the first transit-oriented township in the country. Through the Skyway and C5/C6 connector road, Arca South will offer prime connectivity to several thoroughfares, thus making it easily accessible. The planned Southeast Intermodal Transport System adjacent to Arca South is also estimated to bring in 4,000 buses and 200,000 commuters daily.
Arca South is a model city of the future as it highlights access, variety, and efficiency through intuitively planned environments. When completed, it will be the first to feature an integrated basement parking system for commercial developments. This means no cars will be parked at street level, and the entire estate will be pedestrian-friendly.
Through these walkable streets, generous urban gardens and pocket parks, lively retail spaces, and residential communities, Arca South is a new gateway to progress fully connected within and around the metropolis.
Prime residential anchor
Set amid green landscapes, open spaces and luxurious garden views is Arbor Lanes, a prime residential community soon to rise in Arca South. Developed by ALI’s much lauded luxury brand, Ayala Land Premier, Arbor Lanes intertwines nature and architecture for an unparalleled living experience, with surroundings akin to that of Serendra in BGC.
This vast 34,898-sq m urban oasis will feature mid-rise five-block towers designed
to work seamlessly in a tropical climate while providing unhampered views of their surroundings. The buildings themselves are described as “porous” in the way they provide correlative access to landscaped gardens, open spaces and architecture.
Created with passion and an exceptional attention to detail, one-, two-, and three-bedroom residences illuminate the distinct Ayala Land Premier living experience.
Arbor Lanes also features a unique unit configuration that stems from the living arrangement of an extended family common among Filipinos. Called the Duo Suite, and an original Ayala Land project feature, it consists of a studio placed adjacent to a one-bedroom or multi-bedroom layout. The idea eventually inspired the creation of a multi-generational space suited to starting and growing families.
Another Ayala Land innovation involves the introduction of sky gardens which, at Arbor Lanes, are replaced with garden terraces. These open-pocket gardens are randomly constructed into the building, making up for a natural effect.
All these concepts are a testament that Ayala Land has continued to evolve as a respected and trusted developer in the country. Applying best practices and lessons learned from previous developments, Ayala Land only improves when developing new projects.
With the new township, Arca South, touted as the next BGC, and Arbor Lanes, the next Serendra, a golden opportunity for sound investment awaits.
Artist’s perspective of the Garden Villa
Artist’s perspective of the amenity pool spine
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Amenity Clubhouse
ADVERTORIAL FEATURE
placement of air-conditioners, electrical outlets, faucets and built-in cabinetry. Remove another 8 to 10 percent for maid’s room and laundry, and you start to realize how tight the space becomes with one or two rambunctious toddlers.
House rules and visitorsWhen you own a condominium, you
lose much of the independence of home ownership. There are rules to be followed, or you risk being fined. These rules may influence what you put on your window, when you can carry out renovations, pet ownership, and noise levels. Of course, the rules are there for everyone’s benefit. So if the rules seem unfair a little unfair to stop you from ddrilling on the walls on a Sunday to put up a couple of shelves, remember that it’s for your peace and quiet, too!
Entertaining at home similarly presents problems. Guest parking is a rarity; few condominiums offer it. Although Bonifacio Global City has reasonable amounts of off-street parking during the day, spaces can be hard to come by in the early evening. At least
the parking remains relatively inexpensive; however, not every condominium sits conveniently adjacent to a car park.
Rental income or none?Let’s look at rentals for a moment, from
both the perspective of the owner and the tenant. There has been a quantum shift in the property market in recent years. Twenty years ago, rental returns would not match interest rates offered by banks on deposit accounts. Today, things are better, although it is still highly unlikely that rents will cover repayments on a housing loan or mortgage. A unit owner also has to consider agent’s commissions (typically one month rental); long vacant periods while seeking new tenants; repairs, decorations and renovations; and lastly, association dues, which still need to be paid even when the unit is empty.
Tenants may find it difficult to rent for the first time. Most owners look for a minimum of 3 months advance rental, deposits which may be held for up to three months after the tenant moves out, and minimum contract terms of two or more years. Obviously, rents and deposits are generally cheaper for unfurnished apartments. But the cost of furniture acquisition (unless transferring from another
residence) can make unfurnished apartments a more expensive option, particularly in the short term!
Another issue to consider is market volatility and resale value of property. The property market is buoyant. Growth of the real estate market has been steady throughout the last few years, with condominium prices in BGC rising about ten percent per year. Call centers and BPOs now employ significant numbers of well-educated and well-paid graduates. All of this has sustained the significant demand for commercial and residential properties.
The OFW FactorExpatriate Filipinos increasingly invest
in domestic condominium property as a home for themselves and their families, or as part of an investment portfolio. According to the World Bank, 60 percent of OFW remittances find their way directly or indirectly into the real estate sector, albeit that most of it powers the low- to mid-range residential property market on the outskirts of Metro Manila.
Last year (2014), there were somewhere in the order of 65,000 condominium units in Metro Manila, with a projected increase of 8,000 units per year. Realty companies and
Condo, condo...From page 3
Terence A. Hockenhull is a long-term resident of the Philippines. He is an accomplished sales consultant who is currently managing director of an Information Technology services company.
developers suggest that demand will keep up with supply.
At the end of the day, consideration must be given the reason for purchasing a condominium unit. As an investment, it makes good sense. It offers flexibility that you can’t find in owning a house or land, and providing you can find a tenant, it can deliver a substantial rental income. Choosing whether a condo is where you want to live in is a different matter altogether. It’s a delicate balance between convenience and space, low maintenance versus costly repairs and renovations, and sharing public activity areas against having your own “space.”
If you’re looking for a permanent residence without the burden of building your own home, then condominium living is a good choice. The Philippine economy continues to grow, the property market appears solid, prices continue to climb, and the choices of units available both finished and off-plan give the buyer enormous freedom and flexibility in making the right choices.
Artist’s perspective of clubhouse
Serenity foundSerin makes the essential Tagaytay experience an everyday affair
Breathtaking green scenery, nippy highland air, and garden-fresh produce, all just an hour away from
Manila. That’s how Tagaytay City has been defined for decades—and Serin, the new residential development from Avida Land, aims to make the essential Tagaytay experience an everyday affair.
Serin offers the best of Tagaytay living by combining the calm, comfortable life with modern facilities and amenities right in the heart of a green city. Avida Land’s newest development aims to provide its residents the pleasure of exclusive countryside living, a daily vacation if you will, with majestic Taal Lake in the background.
There are so many possibilities at Serin that we present you with this handful of ideas—and let your imagination take care of the rest:
Host a “Green” Party: Using Tagaytay’s fresh air and spectacular views to full advantage, host a “green” party in one of Serin’s many gardens and open
spaces. Create a menu that uses the fresh meat and fruits from nearby Tagaytay City Market or the Mahogany Market. Decorate your venue with fresh flowers, textured table accents, and origami pieces. Serve drinks in clay mugs and mason jars for a rustic feel, and have a make-your-own salad buffet with ingredients using greens and herbs harvested
from neighboring organic farms. Give guests a take-home goodie bag filled with organic oils, bath gels, or even potted plants, so they can bring Tagaytay’s relaxing memories with them.
Poolside Revelry: Serin has adult and kiddie pools where one can host
pool parties for all ages. Serve finger food and mocktails poolside to keep the party going in and out of the water.
Fitness and Fun: Serin’s manicured lawns stimulate both fitness and reflection, as you can run down its trellised path any time of the day, or just take a leisurely walk. Group yoga sessions or a Tai chi class in one of the pocket gardens are options too.
Wine-Pairing Merrymaking: Serin’s multipurpose hall and clubhouse is a perfect venue to host weekend events such as a wine-pairing night, where you can offer your selection of fine wines, cheeses, tapas or antipasti—or have friends bring a bottle of their favorite vino and compare tasting notes.
Retail Therapy: Serin stands beside its namesake shopping haven, Ayala Malls Serin, which features high terrace levels and garden accents, making it a wonderful place for families and friends to spend fun moments together. This retail and leisure complex offers over 100 stores for the discerning customer, who won’t lack options for pleasure and entertainment.
Truly, Serin underscores Tagaytay’s growing reputation as a yearlong destination and an enviable place to settle down with the family. What used to be a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of Metro Manila, Serin in Tagaytay is now a real option for those seeking calm and comfort—not just for summer, but for always.
Artist’s perspective of Serin Tagaytay development
Artist’s perspective of amenity pool
8
companygood
T he renowned Swiss watchmaker Longines had a grand opening of its first monobrand boutique in the country. Management hot shot representatives from Longines in Switzerland jetted into town, for a launch hosted by Lucerne’s group headed by those
famous brothers, Emerson and Ivan Yao dahlings, at a horse showjumping exhibition dahlings at the Manila Polo Club polo field.
Invitees were amazed by the demonstration of horse showjumping skill by some of our finest and talented riders in the country. Jones Lanza, our pride in equestrian sports, designed the showjumping course for riders Xavi Virata, Toby Tensuan, Lleanna Imperial, Christina Flores, and siblings Paola and Lucas Lorenzo.
Making his first appearance in Manille as “Longines Ambassador of Elegance,” celebrity Eddie Peng is joined by top actors like Simon Baker and Kate Winslet as members of the Longines famillie. “I am happy to celebrate this momentous occasion with Longines,” said the 32-year-old actor. Peng held an autograph-signing ceremony at the Longines boutique’s floor-to-ceiling poster featuring him with an elegant Longines watch from the Conquest Classic collection.
“We are excited that Longines timepieces may now be viewed and selected by our Filipino clients in an exclusive environment that mirrors the elegance of our watches at our boutique which has a range of professional support services for owners,” said Charles Villoz, Vice President of Longines and Head of International Sales.
Business wiz Emerson Yao, Lucerne’s mega Managing Director, added: “It is about time that Longines has arrived in the Philippine market. And we were lucky to have prime retail location at the SM Mega Fashion Hall.”
Longines’ slogan “Elegance is an Attitude” was everywhere during the launching palanggas.
Elegance is an attitude
The Lucerne Group opens the first Longines boutique in the PH, Maurice Arcache gives us a peek
The grand launch of the divine, in-demand Domaines de Barons Rothschild (DBR) Lafite created quite an adrenaline rush, dahling, as this super prestigious wine and its different brands has now found its place in Cosmo Manille.
Artisan Cellars and Fine Foods, Inc. together with renowned Nobu Restaurant, curated and prepared a gastronomic dinner that complemented and highlighted the excellence of the fine food Nobu is known worldwide for, and the tradition of excellence of the DBR group, naturellement.
Michel Negrier, Export Director of DBR group shared the legend of DBR (Lafite) and introduced the top of the line brands from Bordeaux, from Languedoc, from Chile, and Vina Los Vascos from Argentina, to the delight of wine collectors, restaurateurs and chefs, F&B directors plus the wine-drinking guests.
Starting off with cocktails of pork tacos, oysters with Maui onion salsa, scallop spicy miso chip, yellowtail jalapeno and crispy rice with spicy tuna soon followed, served with free-flowing wine in the beautiful terrace area of Nobu.
Glasses of red and white wine were paired with a to-die-for seven-course dinner prepared by the superb Executive Chef Zachary Hillberry no less, dahlings.
The food-and-wine partners served were seafood ceviche paired with Los Vascos Sauvingnon Blanc; Salmon tartar with Aussieres Blanc Chardonnay; sashimi salad with Legende Pauillac; Chilean seabass with balsamic teriyaki and Los Vascos Grande Reserve; short ribs with Eringi salad with Blason D’Aussieres Corbieres and Chateau D’Aussieres;
lamb with anticucho miso paired with Amancaya Gran Reservea Malbec Cabernet Sauvignon; and Caro with a sweet ending of honey panna cotta with Yuzu pound cake.
“Once you’ve experienced elegance, you don’t go back to the ordinary,” said Mr. Negrier. “We made sure the food was excellently done and paired perfectly with the wine.”
This grand dinner, palanggas, was a good way for the guests to experience the tradition of excellence Lafite has always offered, n’est ces pas, mes cheri??
DBR (Lafite) and its different group of wines is imported and distributed by Artisan Cellars and Fine Foods, Inc. Nobu Manila restaurant is located at Nobu Hotel, City of Dreams Manila, Aseana Boulevard corner Macapagal Avenue, Paranaque City.–Maurice Arcache
Wine and dineDBR Lafite launches in the PH
with a Nobu dinner to boot
Jin Perez, Roxanne Lee, Cheryl Tiu, Ana de Ocampo, Anna Ozaeta, and Nicole Ortega.
Chef Cyrille Soenen and Anne Soenen
David Go and Jose Lopez
Michel Negrier and Chef Zachary Hillberry
Pepper Teehankee, Chin Liang, Michel Negrier, Roxanne Lee, and Jose Nolan
Longines Ambassador of Elegance, Eddie Peng and VP of Longines and Head of International Sales, Charles Villoz.
Best Dressed Shelly Lazaro with Marcott Almeda; Ruby and Sheree Chua.
Rolly Yu, with Emerson Yao, and Frederick Go.Hana Ng, with Hannah Dy, Yvonne Yao, Ianna Garcia, and Diana Kwon. Zelda & Max Kienle with Gabriella Wegfahrt.
Lucerne managing Directors Emerson and Ivan Yao with Mayor Benjamin Abalos Jr.; Regional Sales Manager Asia Paciofic, Claude Jaunin; and VP of Longines and Head of International Sales, Charles Villoz.
Villa Medica, Global Sales and Marketing Manager for Thailand, Artorn Chinalai, and Villa Medica, Country Manager, Suzette Lopez with Connie Haw.
Mario Berta, with Chilean Ambassador Robert Mayorga with daughter Mariana.
Elizabeth Lee with Baby Cruz and Helen Lee.
9
Catanduanes sans the sun
There’s a particular charm to stormy weather as Gil Florentino A. Garcia finds in the Land of the Howling Winds
Y ou have all the time and the money at your disposal, but summer’s over and yet you’re still itching to go someplace to
do it all under the sun—albeit without, well, the sun.
With bright, sun-shiny days far behind, wouldn’t it be better for you to go to an island destination where the rains are part and parcel of the “vacation package,” where the surf’s always up, the local people are hospitable (not to mention, beautiful), and the scent of the air is always sweet, salty and wet?
Get your surfing gear ready, pack your bags and leave all your worries and hang-ups behind, because the howling winds of Catanduanes are a-calling.
Tourism-wise, this island-province is still in its infancy. Oftentimes it’s disregarded for other tourist destinations like Palawan, Boracay, Batanes, Cebu, Camarines Sur, Palawan, or Davao over its infamy as the Typhoon Capital of the Philippines. Who can blame the tourists?
But, since the advent of global warming, typhoons have been coming less frequently than what Catandunganons have come to expect and are used to. Hence, the island’s admirers are slowly but steadily growing in numbers, making Catanduanes the latest open secret of adventurers, backpackers, thrill-seekers, holiday week-enders and solitude-seekers.
Back in 1987, the famed Surfer Magazine’s photographers and in-house surfers came, saw and conquered the majestic peak-shaped waves of Puraran Beach, much to the delight of the locals. The magazine staff was awestruck and baptized it as a surfer’s dream destination, owing to its superbly perfect wave barrels and clear waters.
Surfers can fully enjoy the “tubes” during the months of August and September. But the rainy season promises much more, as swells are better during this time of the year when the howling winds do their worst, which provides for the best waves surfers can hope for.
Aside from Puraran Beach, Catanduanes has other distinct locations where one can enjoy sceneries with the wind and the rain:
• Virac, the capital, is famous for Igang Beach where Twin Rocks Beach Resort is located. It’s one of the preferred places to stay for travelers, where the soft white sands beckon the weary feet.
• Situated in the heart of Virac’s town plaza, along Rizal Avenue, is the
Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, considered to be a pilgrimage site by local devotees and tourists. One look at Virac’s town market evokes scenes from Manila’s Quiapo, Travajo and Divisoria markets combined, though with a more rural feel to it.
• Bar-hopping, you say? In Catanduanes, they don’t bar-hop—they beach-hop. Hectares and hectares of coastline are begging to be frolicked on as Loran, Balite, Mamangal and Marilima beaches adorn their shores with white sand that can rival the beaches of Boracay and Palawan any time of the year.
• Other places of interest include the Batong Paloway Chapel in the quiet town of San Andres, where a stone fetched from the river bearing an image of Our Lady of Sorrows (the Virgin Mary, said to be miraculous) is reverently displayed; Palumbanes Island (an amazing diving site, locally known as Parompong) and Panay Island (where the scenic Lolong Point Lighthouse can be found) offers a unique vantage point of the Catandunganon world; Bato Church, situated very near the river, speaks of the Spanish heritage and the resilient spirit of the townsfolk; and Luyang Cave, where history and local lore combine to form an eerie legend passed on from generations.
Make no mistake about it: Catanduanes is an island that reflects the quiet rural life city slickers fantasize about day in and day out. In this Pacific isle, traffic jams are inexistent, time slows down to a crawl and the hustle and bustle of big-city living is thrown out the window, toward the sea. Who knew that
in the Land of the Howling Winds, be it sunny or rainy, one can find serenity?
How to get thereFly to Catanduanes via Cebu Pacific every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. The flight takes about 45 minutes. You can also travel by land and sea via a bus ride from Cubao, Quezon City to the seaport of Tabaco, Albay; the trip lasts 8 to 10 hours. From there, a ferry can take you to either the Virac seaport or the San Andres seaport, which will take about 3 to 4 hours.
Where to stayInns abound in Catanduanes, so staying in one should not be an issue. Beach resorts offer rooms which are less expensive compared to those in tourist attractions like Boracay, Palawan, Nasugbu or Tagaytay. Twin Rocks Resort, Catanduanes Midtown Inn, Rakdell Inn and Kemji Resort are some of the places offering the comforts of home while you’re enjoying the rural ambience of the Land of the Howling Winds.
Sunset at Palawig
Moonrise at Emelda Boulevard
Twin Rock rainbow
after the initial 6 months period?A: The child may be taken away from the custody or the PAPs during the initial 6 months trial custody period if the CA/FAA finds that the child or the PAPs or both find/s the pre-adoptive relationship to be unsatisfactory of if the CA/FA finds that the continued placement of the child is not in the child’s best interest. Said relationship is suspended by the Board.
Q: Can the PAP apply directly with the ICAB?A: No. The application shall be filed and officially endorsed to the ICAB through the receiving Country’s Central Authority (CA), Government Adoption Agency (GAA) or ICAB’s accredited Foreign Adoption Agency (FAA) in the place of residence of the applicants.
Q: Can the PAP choose a particular/specific child to be adopted?A: No matching arrangement shall be made between the applicant and the child’s parent/guardians or custodians nor shall any contact between them concerning a particular child to be done before the matching proposal of the Committee has been approved by the Board.
There are to date only two (2) situations where the desire of the PAPs to adopt a particular pre-identified child/ren can be processed:
• Relative adoption within the 4th degree of consanguinity or affinity; and
• Special Needs Children for Special Home Finding (SNC-SHF) inclusive of a Medical Mission child who has been hosted by a family.
Q: Is there a prescribed period for the finalization of adoption?A: Generally, a six-month trial custody period or the post placement supervision period is mandated by the law. DSWD Secretary or the Undersecretary for Policy and Programs issues the Affidavit of Consent to Adoption (ACA). The Board approved the maximum period in finalizing a child’s adoption to ensure that the Adoption Decree in the Receiving Country is duly issued and finalized within a period of two (2) years. One (1) month after the issuance of the Adoption Decree, such is to be officially endorsed to the ICAB.
Q: Do the PAPs have the obligation to spend a certain period of time in the Philippines with the child they wish to adopt, and what is the length of this period?A: The adoptive parents or one of them shall personally fetch the child from the Philippines not later than twenty (20) working days after notice of issuance of the visa of the child for travel to the country where the adoptive parents resides. The adoptive couple/parent shall stay in the Philippines with the child for at least five (5) days to allow bonding to occur between and among them.
Disclaimer: The FAQs above are the sole opinion of the writer/s and should not constitute as legal opinion or advice. –The IMMIGRANT
On adopting...From page 4
Atty. Bernadette Bargas-Abejo is the Executive Director of the Philippines Inter Country Adoption Board (ICAB), the policy making body and competent authority for carrying out the provisions of Republic Act 8043 or the Inter-Country Adoption Law, and the provisions of the Hague Convention of 1993 on the Protection of Children and Cooperation in respect of Inter-country Adoption. For more information, visit http://www.icab.gov.ph/.
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10
Not for the faint-heartedsports
As more and more Pinoys get into the extreme discipline of Triathlon, Dmitri Lyritzis follows the sport as it sweeps across the country even right through boardrooms
A gentle round of golf or a competitive game of squash used to be the leisure activity of choice in the corporate
world of executive stress, high power meetings and long lunches, but things have changed quite dramatically. Now, it’s the extreme discipline of triathlon that is sweeping through the boardroom and also taking the Philippines by storm.
Keeping fit and staying healthy is the most obvious reason for this since, while doing a bit of running on the treadmill in the gym is all very well and good, nothing compares to a mini-marathon, a long distance swim, and a leg-burning bike ride to burn off some fat, maintain a healthy heart rate, improve your conditioning and increase your stamina. But it’s about more than that. Competing in a triathlon is not for the faint-hearted or the part-timers; it requires steely willpower, mental toughness and absolute dedication. You have to do months of training come rain or shine, undergo hard endurance work, and perfect three very distinctly different disciplines.
But the result, and the reason why so many of us have caught the bug, is that this kind of commitment and perseverance and pure physical exertion is so much more rewarding than any round of golf completed under par; the sense of accomplishment you get upon reaching the end, knowing that you’ve pushed yourself to your limits and then beyond, is something which stays with you for life, and it’s so addictive. You may be in a race with other competitors, but in truth you’re only ever competing against yourself, trying to go past the limit of what you thought you could do, which is actually the quintessence of humanity.
And triathlon is not so repetitive, there are three different sports to think about and perfect, something which tends to keep things interesting, as well as the fact that the
people you meet are not your average Joes. They come from different backgrounds and sporting disciplines and are trying something unique, and they tend to be bold, lively and bright, with that deep-rooted confidence that physical well-being and supreme conditioning usually brings.
The camaraderie that develops after races as people wind down with a drink is also something to be treasured. You share time with like-minded people who stand out from the rest owing to the extreme lengths that they are willing to go to. When you’re all on a physical high, a special bond exists between competitors where winning is really not as important as taking part. In the aggressive and often unforgiving world of competitive sports, this is both refreshing and enlightening.
The Philippines is tailor-made for triathlon: beautiful lush green scenery and varied terrain, warm crystal-clear waters, as well as mostly blue skies, combine to make for the perfect setting—hence the explosion in the number of events hosted here, from just two events at the turn of the century to over 50 a year today, with the number of participants now exceeding 3,000 people. There are numerous youth and regional events, and the SuBIT (Subic Bay International Triathlon), the longest running international triathlon in Asia, is now in its 20th year. Ironman, Challenger, and Exterra races are held here, and there are numerous training camps and courses on offer throughout the country. More and more people people are now jumping on the bandwagon.
This is not a fad, it’s something which will continue to grow as we all become more health-conscious and more people discover the joys of pushing the limit. It’s something different to other sports, more demanding, a tough challenge like no other, which demands rigorous and extreme training. So why put yourself through the pain? Try it, and the answer may become obvious.
Par FourThese beautiful golf courses in and around Metro Manila let you unwind and see green
Golf has long been the sport of choice for the discerning gentleman, a leisure activity like no other, competitive—with
yourself and with others—while being both stressful and relaxing at the same time, and played out in beautiful surroundings that offer a soothing respite from the frenetic pace of the business world. At best, it’s a gentle stroll through a lush green landscape… with the added bonus of hitting a ball.
And golf is just as popular in Manila as it is in other countries, only it’s slightly more exclusive and elitist, with most of the good clubs being members-only and very expensive to join. There are lots of courses around, and all are pristine and well maintained, and, while my favorite two courses are strictly members-only, there are also a few good spots which are semi-private, which means that the public can pre-book and play.
Situated right in the heart of Fort Bonifacio, Manila Golf and Country Club is as manicured and scenic as you could ask for considering it’s located in the middle of
the business hub of the city. It’s a perfect little oasis to escape the hustle and bustle of the busy streets of Makati, ideal for those who don’t want to waste a whole day traveling to their golf club in order to play a round or two.
Manila Golf offers immaculate turf conditions, a nice range of difficulty levels, and, above all, effusive and enthusiastic caddying with a myriad of people running around carrying your clubs, shading you from the sun, and generally making your time there as comfortable as possible.
Slightly further away, down the South Luzon Expressway, lies the Sta. Elena Golf & Country Club, which is so much more than just a golf course. Within its grounds there’s a nature park, a children’s fun farm (which allows you to combine a round of golf with a kids’ day out), bike and jogging trails, a lake ideal for fishing and boating, and a clubhouse to rival any you can find elsewhere.
However, it’s the golf you go for, and the reason is simple: the course is beautifully designed, extremely well thought-out, and laid out in such a way that it provides a great challenge and requires intelligent player strategy.
If you don’t want to commit to membership, or indeed if you can’t afford it, there are a few places where you can pre-book and play without shelling out a fortune on yearly membership fees, with my two favorite ones being the Orchard Golf & Country Club and the Eastridge Golf Club.
The Orchard Golf & Country Club, located near Alabang and a 45-minute drive from Makati, is unique in that it offers two very distinctly different courses, the
Arnold Palmer and Gary Player courses, thus providing great variety of play. It’s also designated as a bird and wildlife sanctuary and thus teeming with foliage and various species of birds.
Orchard has reciprocal agreements with an array of golf courses around the world, allowing you to play for free or at a discount, and there are a whole host of other leisure activities you can do there, from bowling to badminton or tennis, or you could use their swimming pool while the kiddies are frolicking around in the playroom. Prices range from PhP1,800 to Php3,500 (weekday) to PhP3,200 to Php4,500 (weekend).
The Eastridge Golf Club is a very popular and busy course, mostly due to the easy accessibility from Ortigas in Pasig City. Since it’s nestled on top of rolling hills, it provides some wonderful views of eastern Metro Manila and Laguna Bay.
Eastridge is a fantastic marriage of natural and man-made attractions, a great course design with fairways and greens which are carved out of rock formations, and with excellent drainage due to its sloping nature (an important factor during the rainy season). With fees ranging from PhP1,350 to Php2,650 (weekdays) to PhP2,950 to Php4,950 (weekends) for non-members, the prices are fairly reasonable too.
Next time you’re feeling the stress, take some time off and go and swing a golf club around… it’s therapeutic. – Dimitris LyritzisPh
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Fernando Zobel de Ayala (left) and other racing executives emerge from the swim portion of a recent triathlon.
Alaska CEO Fred Uytengsu (right)
LIVING IN SYNC Living in harmony at Avida Towers One Union Place
A consistent provider of homes designed to please the senses at the most happening locations, Avida is taking convergence to a whole new level with Avida Towers One Union Place at ARCA South, Ayala Land’s newest emerging growth center in the metro. This 74-hectare central business and lifestyle district located in the former Food Terminal Inc. (FTI) complex in Taguig City will have transit-oriented, regional, and lifestyle malls, BPO buildings, a hotel, a quaternary hospital, and residential condominiums. It is also the site of Avida’s very first offering in the area.
ARCA South is right along South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), near C5, a 10-minute drive from NAIA, and is only 5 to 7km away from BGC and Makati, making it highly accessible to the Metro’s business hubs. Understanding that mobility is essential, ARCA South will further improve accessibility by capitalizing on two major infrastructure projects: The Southeast Intermodal Transport System (ITS); and the Skyway and C5/C6 connector, which will include access ramps to ARCA South, as well as separate ramps going to the ITS.
Avida Towers One Union Place is a 9,872 sq.m, modern-contemporary designed, three-tower residential condominium development in the southeast residential enclave of ARCA South. Here, residents are assured of a lifestyle that is comfortable and serene as units and common areas are thoughtfully designed for a relaxing living experience. It has a central courtyard that is a perfect venue for social convergence and playtime after a hard day’s work. There are commercial establishments at the ground level that can conveniently satisfy residents’ daily essentials.
Launched in September 2014 and April 2015 respectively, Towers 1 and 2 offer studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units ranging from P2.4M to P7.2M.
About Avida Land | An Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) subsidiary, Avida Land provides thoughtfully-designed homes in secure communities that offer value for money and convenience all within reach. With the five pillars of accessibility, unique features and amenities, quality assurance, stress free buying and relaxing living experience integrated in all its condominium and house and lot properties, Avida Land has become the developer of choice among the rising middle class as it continues to expand its product offerings across the country. For more information about Avida Land, visit their website at www.avidaland.com, or call (+632) 848 5200 (within Metro Manila) and 1-800-10 848 5200 (outside Metro Manila). TLTS No. 14-08-028 (Tower 1) • TLTS No. 15-02-002 (Tower 2)
