This June 15, 2023 marks a huge milestone for homegrown Cebuano brand Robins Home Depot as they celebrate the grand opening of their newest and largest showroom. The new Robins Design Gallery showcases a wide range of state-of-the-art products that are exclusively designed for the brand and only available at the showroom.

The event gathers architects, interior designers, suppliers, family, friends, and special guests to experience the new space and check out the innovative products that the showroom has to offer. Guests can also look forward to winning premium prizes worth up to P650K in the raffle with the grand prize being a Neorest AH Dual Flush Toilet by industry-leading Toto, worth P405K.

Robins Design Gallery, previously Robins Home Depot, is a family-owned business that has been a name in the industry for over 33 years. “We are very excited to relaunch our brand into something new and more innovative, to usher in new technologies and introduce new products to the market. This massive new space will be a hub for excellent quality products that fit the needs of our customers' modern lifestyle, whether it be for the home, workplace or business establishment,” says Roxanne Robins-Go, President of Robins Design Gallery.

The company directly imports all the high-end quality products featured in the showroom. The ceramic and porcelain tiles are from Europe while all plumbing fixtures, accessories and the new product Stone Plastic Composite (SPC) are sourced from around Asia. Brand representatives attend numerous expos, fairs, and leading trade events abroad such as Cevisama (Spain) and Cersaie (Italy) to ensure that the brand will provide customers with the most updated designs and technologies in home finishings, specifically flooring solutions, bathroom fixtures and accessories that the industry has to offer.

Some of the new innovations for flooring solutions that will be introduced to the market include: new tile safe finishes with anti-slip features, slimmer tile slabs for lighter load weight and faster installation plus different tile finishes to choose from: polished, matte/satin & grip finish. For Toto brands, customers can get more affordable options for Tornado flush toilets, new Washlet and Neorest models.

“Given that our products are of the utmost quality, our customer service is also at par with the same high standards. We have always taken pride in timely delivery ensuring a smooth, hassle-free experience from delivery to completion. Our dedicated services will cater to all our customers’ needs, may it be product or service-related concerns,” adds Robins-Go.

Visit the all-new Robins Home Gallery at 855 AS Fortuna Street, Banilad, Mandaue City. For inquiries on products and services, contact +63 917 623 7257. Follow Robins Home Gallery on Facebook and Instagram - @robinsdesigngallery.

Responding to the need of Filipino migrant workers in Hong Kong for access to doctors who speak their language, Metro Pacific Investments Corporation’s (MPIC) mWell partnered with the Department of Migrant Workers to enable Overseas Filipino Workers (DMW) to conveniently consult Pinoy doctors using the mWell app.  The collaboration was launched at the town hall meeting with key DMW officials and leaders of the Filipino Community (FILCOM) at the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong. As the Philippines’ first and only health app available globally, this milestone marks the first step in mWell’s mission to bring healthcare closer to Filipinos in all parts of the world.

mWell Chairman and MPIC Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan says, “Metro Pacific Group’s

mWell is the Philippines’ first fully integrated health app which brings together experts in technology, medicine, wellness, and healthcare in one sustainable living ecosystem. This high-performing platform gives access to quality healthcare and empowers our countrymen to be in control of their health. We shall continue to set the standards in digital healthcare as we build a healthier nation and be recognized as the flag carrier for innovative digital healthcare.”

During the launch of the mWell-DMW collaboration in Hong Kong, mWell CEO and President and MPIC Chief Finance, Risk, and Sustainability Officer Chaye Cabal-Revilla recognized the great sacrifice of migrant workers to provide a better life for their family and explained how the mWell app can help ensure that they are able to protect their health which is their biggest investment.

“Our goal is to make health and wellness accessible, available, and affordable to all Filipinos anytime, anywhere. With the mWell app, even those working in Hong Kong can now easily talk to Pinoy doctors who understand their language and can provide the medical advice that they need right away. With the mWell app’s wellness features, our migrant workers can take control of their health empowering them to be more productive, become healthier, and live their best life with their families,” said Ms. Cabal-Revilla.

One in bringing healthcare to OFWs in Hong Kong. (From L-R) mWell Creative Lead Myra Carabeo, mWell Business Development Lead Tisha Quinitio, Huawei Senior Regulations Manager Carolina Buenafe, mWell CEO and President and MPIC Chief Finance, Risk, and Sustain

Consul General Raly Tejada paid tribute to the FILCOM leaders present in the Town Hall and implored their continued support for the Philippine Consulate in Hong Kong.  “You are the ones who inspire the Consulate to work even harder. We make sure that all your concerns are taken care of,” Tejada said.

Since the overall well-being of OFWs is a key concern, DMW Undersecretary for Finance and Internal Affairs Maria Antonette Allones highlighted the role of partnerships in ensuring their health and welfare. “Pangalagaan ang inyong mga sarili. Importante na kayo ay laging well. Parte dito ang ang partnership ng DMW sa mWell,” said Undersecretary Allones in her message to the community leaders. Her statement supports Migrant Workers Secretary Susan Ople’s message during the partnership agreement signing ceremony with mWell in Manila.  “We appreciate the partnership through the MOA that we signed with mWell so that OFWs can contact doctors who speak their language through the mWell app.”

In partnership with UnionDigital Bank, mWell provided Hong Kong migrant workers with health passes for FREE online consultation. Huawei raffled off a laptop to be delivered to the family of the chosen OFW in the Philippines and donated a tablet to the Bethune house. The tablet will be used by the migrant workers in their shelter for online consultations.

Empowering OFWs to face health challenges away from home

Most of Hong Kong OFWs are not fluent in English or Cantonese, making it difficult for them to communicate with local healthcare providers. Being away from their family and support system over long periods of time also takes a toll on their mind health.  Some are exposed to occupational health hazards in certain industries. On top of all these, they must bear the high cost of healthcare.

Representatives from Filipino Communities in Hong Kong show their mWell shirts and raffle prizes received during the mWell orientation session.

Harnessing the power of technology, mWell’s globally recognized platform gives OFWs access to over 800 highly-trained Filipino partner-doctors —internal medicine doctors, cardiologists, endocrinologists, ophthalmologists, and more. Mind health experts are just a few taps away. To help ease their financial worries, affordable health plans for doctor consultations are easily within reach.

The availability of health passes which may be sent as gift to families in the Philippines is made possible through a partnership with Tindahan ni Bossing (TINBO) by PLDT Global. OFWs can provide the gift of health by sending their families affordable mWell health plans which includes online consultation, free medical certificate, and e-prescription.

With the health and wellbeing of Filipinos in mind, mWell also promotes preventive healthcare as the Philippines’ healthcare mega app. It has an mWellness Score developed by data scientists, which measures physical health based on daily activities – exercise, light activity, steps, sleep.  This serves as a guide to achieving a healthy physical lifestyle to fight against chronic diseases and attain long-term health.  Specialized fitness programs and calorie-controlled recipes created by nutritionists are also easily accessible.

mWell unveils advocacy program for workers in the Philippines

Aside from migrant workers in Hong Kong, mWell also provides free online consultation services for daily wage earners including tricycle drivers and market vendors as Labor Day tribute.

In a series of on-ground events, mWell shall bring its health and wellness advocacy to select communities in the country. The feature shall also feature wellness and livelihood talks, plus Zumba sessions to encourage healthy and active lifestyle.

On top of this, Mind Health sessions featuring expert psychologists will be conducted for office employees in partner companies as part of the mWell@Work program.

Committed to change lives through the power of technology, mWell is the only healthcare app among the convenor organizations and supporting companies of the GoDigital Pilipinas (GDP) movement.

mWell was recently named the winner of two Gold Stevie® Awards in the Innovation in Health & Wellness and Most Innovative Startup of the Year- Business Service Industries categories in the 10th annual Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards. It is the only Philippine entry to bring home the Gold Award in these two categories. Bronze winners include Vietnam, Taiwan, and Australia.

The two Gold Stevie® Awards come at the heels of being chosen as the Best Mobile Innovation for Digital Life in the 2023 Global Mobile (GLOMO) Awards, held during the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain.

As part of the MPIC Group, mWell is committed to working towards the achievement of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being. It also supports the MVP Group’s Gabay Kalusugan advocacy focusing on quality and affordable healthcare.

Download the mWell PH app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and register. Follow mWell on Facebook and mwellph on Instagram for more updates.      

This summer season, MILO partners with Ayala Malls to officially launch the sports clinics that will be available to energize kids nationwide

MANILA, Philippines – May 7, 2023 — Continuing MILO Active Pilipinas’ goal of getting kids from couch to court, MILO is bringing back its Sports Clinics program to give kids access to sports lessons. To launch the sports clinic’s return, MILO partners with Ayala Malls to host launch events nationwide where kids will get a firsthand experience trying out the different sports.

Launching on May 7, 2023 (Sunday) in Ayala Malls Manila Bay, Glorietta 2, Solenad, Marquee Mall, Central Bloc, and Abreeza Mall, the MILO Sports Clinic launch will have athletics, badminton, basketball, ice skating, karate, golf, soccer, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, tennis, volleyball, and more where kids can learn more about the different sports. The event registration is free and once inside the event, the participants will gain access to the different booths where the respective coaches will be present to guide the kids through each sport.

The Sports Clinics launch is a great opportunity for kids and parents alike to learn more about the possible sports classes that they can enroll in for the summer break. Through these sports clinics, kids will not only train for the sport itself, but will also get to meet new friends, develop new skills, and learn lifelong values. Fellow mom, Margaux Ranosa, shared why she wants to enroll her son, Coco, in the MILO Sports Clinics Program. She described her son as an active and social kid but due to the pandemic, his physical activity has decreased. But she expressed her excitement now that the face-to-face MILO Sports Clinics is back by saying, “I feel that this summer is the perfect timing as well because I know that it is something he would want to do now without me forcing him to do so.”

Bringing together the different sports clinics in one launch event is a first for MILO, and is made possible through the partnership with Ayala Malls. Ayala Malls Marketing Director Lisa Yang, shared “it has always been Ayala Malls’ mission to provide spaces where customers can have amazing experiences and celebrate special moments. This summer, we’re very happy to partner with MILO for their Sports Clinics. Aside from giving the youth an avenue to get active and learn new skills, they can also create fun memories through the sports activities in our malls.”

“As we always say, ‘great things start from small beginnings’. And with our Sports Clinic program being the introduction of sports to kids, it’s the start to their own Champion journeys— whether that journey leads them to becoming athletes or not, it’s a journey that entails character building and lifelong learning,” said Carlo Sampan, MILO Sports Head.

Kids and parents will have a variety of options for on-ground sports clinics and even online sports classes through the MILO Summer Sports Interactive Online Class (MSIOC). Available schedules and enrolling guidelines can be viewed through bit.ly/MILOSportsClinics. 

For more details about how parents can support their kids in starting their Champion journeys, be sure to follow MILO on Facebook.

#MILOActivePilipinas #MILOSportsClinics

Camella is holding a photography contest featuring the amenities and community features inside Camella communities and their affiliate food and beverage outlets, such as Dear Joe and Coffee Project. The "Splash" photography contest is open to both professionals and hobbyists and will showcase different water movements or elements captured through photography, such as water running from fountains, water from sprinklers, dew drops, raindrops, or water activities like swimming. The entrants can also take splash photos of their beverages in participating F&B outlets.

Aside from this photography contest, Camella will also organize summer-related activities every weekend in its communities nationwide, such as picnic and glamping dates, drive-in movie dates, food fairs and bazaars, chalk art brigades, tie-dye making events, and bicycles for rent for kids and kids at heart to enjoy. These activities are perfect for families who want to spend quality time together while enjoying the warm weather.

Summer is the perfect time to take a break, relax, and have fun with family and friends. With Camella's Summer Splash 2023 activities and photography contest, you can beat the heat and create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.

Cebu continues to be the biggest real estate location outside Metro Manila. The demand continues to increase, with the take-up for upscale residential development increasing from 6% in 2020 to 24% in 2021[1]. Meeting this demand is RLC Residences’ Mantawi Residences, the developer’s newest premium development strategically located along Ouano Avenue where thriving Cebu City and Mandaue meet.

RLC Residences brand ambassador Heart Evangelista.

RLC Residences unveiled Mantawi Residences at a grand launch event on April 14, 2023, at NUSTAR Resort and Casino. The event was attended by Senior Vice President and Business Unit General Manager John Richard B. Sotelo, Senior Director Marketing Head and Chief Integration Officer Karen Cesario, and Assistant Vice President and Business Development and Design Head Stephanie Anne Go. The launch was also graced by brand ambassador Heart Evangelista. 

“We are happy to come back here in Cebu with another promising project that is Mantawi Residences. We are very proud to finally unveil this development that we envisioned for our future residents who are on the lookout for a home and investment that they can proudly call theirs,” said Chad Sotelo.

RLC Residences Executives with brand ambassador Heart Evangelista.

Cebu as RLC Residences’ roots 

The premium property marks RLC Residences' return to its roots, after the successful launches of its existing developments in Cebu. John L. Gokongwei, Jr., who grew up in Cebu with his family, built and established the strong foundation of the Gokongwei Group. The peddler-turned-successful businessman alludes to Cebu as the place where he learned his values in life and realized the true meaning of progress.

Driven by his bold and enterprising ideas, John Gokongwei led the rise of one of the largest and most diversified Filipino conglomerates. Its roster of companies includes JG Summit Holdings, Inc., which houses the real estate giant Robinsons Land Corporation. His outlook and courage to explore multiple opportunities is a guide that RLC Residences proudly follow as it develops condominiums in strategic locations, aiming to empower people to live their best lives.

“We at RLC Residences feel that Mantawi Residences is a project that best represents Mr. John’s vision, which is to continuously search for opportunities and move successfully in life. That’s why we designed this condo development with unique and high-quality features that can support our future residents’ quest for success,” shared Sotelo.

Mantawi Residences: Cebu’s next frontier of progress

RLC Residences’ Mantawi Residences artist renders 

The property is also accessible to two progressive cities: Mandaue and Cebu City, and is only 5 kilometers away from Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway – considered to be one of the progress indicators in the area. Future developments are also on the pipeline, as the Mandaue government plans to develop the Metro Cebu Expressway and the Cebu Bus Transit plus turning the Cebu International Port into an international cruise docking area. Another key program is the development of a premier waterfront development featuring a commercial space, and a luxury district.

Beyond its strategic location, Mantawi Residences also promises spacious living spaces and built-in smart home devices to its residents. The development is proud to offer its exclusive and spacious penthouse units with multiple loggias where residents can conveniently appreciate the beautiful city skyline of Cebu. Mantawi Residences is also home to one-, two-, and three-bedroom units with upgraded home furnishings – all generously-spaced so homeowners can conveniently live their best life.

The upscale development is also proud to introduce its 1.3-hectare amenity area, where hyper-sized and above-standard facilities will soon be made available. The property is set to feature an abundant variety of landscaped areas, beach-inspired swimming pools, a cascading water wall, a pet park, an outdoor play area, and many more. The property will also offer a curated retail experience at the ground floor, featuring global brands, so life’s necessities and luxuries are within easy reach.

“Mantawi Residences perfectly captures RLC Residences’ Raise, Live, Connect vision. With this property, we aim to raise the standards of living in Cebu, so residents can live smart and productive lives while they connect with their loved ones,” shares Sotelo.

To know more about RLC Residences and Mantawi Residences, please visit rlcresidences.com.

[1] https://www.colliers.com/en-ph/research/radar-cebu-residential-real-estate-2022

About RLC Residences

RAISE, LIVE, CONNECT

Embracing the future with the RLC Residences Brand

For three decades, Robinsons Land Corporation’s Residential Division has been committed to improving the lives of Filipinos. Vital to its success is its understanding of and responsiveness to emerging residential trends like urbanisation, digital lifestyles and work-life imbalance.

RLC presents RLC Residences, a new brand that every modern family and young urban professional will be proud of. This brand integrates Robinsons Luxuria, Robinsons Residences and Robinsons Communities into a singular brand. With the merging of resources and a simplified structure in place, RLC Residences is more empowered to deliver a seamless customer journey for its clients. Equally, RLC Residences has redefined its core product offering encapsulated into its tagline 'Raise, Live, Connect'.

'Raise' is about ‘raising the game’ by elevating the design and quality standards of new residential developments by RLC Residences, with the engagement of globally recognized firms in the design and property sector resulting in standout developments that every homeowner would be proud to showcase and own. Embracing the future with the RLC Residences brand

'Live' stands for smart and productive living. It promises to deliver innovation with the provision of smart home features and storage solutions to address the lifestyle needs of start-up to growing families as well as the highly driven and career-oriented young professionals. It also provides venues for day-care centres or study halls and incorporates work-from-home spaces in the developments making work-life integration possible.

'Connect' is all about allowing homeowners to connect with their loved ones in a convenient manner. RLC Residences projects are smartly placed in destination estates or the bustling or emerging CBDs. Developments are also transit-oriented and boast of rest and recreational amenities suited for bonding and relaxation. These elements combined provide time and energy savings for homeowners so that they can swiftly be in places and with people that matter to them most.

RLC Residences embraces the future with much optimism. It brings with it experience and credibility in delivering an impressive and growing portfolio of projects over the last 30 years and its redefined purpose of building beautiful and well-designed residential projects that all of its stakeholders will be proud of.

Sinag Café, Fili Hotel’s all-day dining buffet restaurant, is opening its doors to walk-in and checked-in guests on March 30, 2023. Expect incredibly generous spreads and a vast array of delectable dishes with bold flavors and creative combinations in its seven stations and 30 counters. It is the first and only buffet restaurant in Cebu with a live lechon roasting station. It also features among others, a fresh seafood station and a retail section with cold cuts, cheeses, bottled sauces, salts, and condiments from NUSTAR’s other dining outlets.

The name draws inspiration from the sun’s glowing rays, warmth, and brightness, which east-facing Sinag Café has a direct view of. This same warmth is what Fili Hotel promises to deliver every time in all ways, from its spaces and service to what the guests experience through their senses.

Aside from being another showcase of how we take pride in our Filipino language, the name “Sinag” is also symbolic of the start of each day, when everything in the hotel kitchen is prepared fresh. Moreover, the dishes at Sinag bring about warmth, from how most of them are classics that evoke feelings of nostalgia, to the way they nourish and provide guests with a great start or ending to their day.

Here is a list of all you can find at Sinag Café’s all-you-can-eat buffet for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Beyond stylish spaces

The 1,300-square-meter restaurant, which can cater to 300 to 350 diners, incorporates Filipino materials and design elements such as the solihiya backrest of the seats in some of the dining booths. Each of the two private dining rooms can accommodate 12 guests. They are reminiscent of family dinners where members gather to talk about their lives over hearty homecooked meals. One of these rooms, which has floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the sea, will be a favorite among those dining in groups.

Beyond big breakfasts

Sinag Café’s breakfast buffet combines a contemporary cafe breakfast and the best of local breakfast fare, ensuring that there is something to suit all morning palates. Interesting tweaks to typical Filipino breakfast staples include grilled tocino, chorizo de Cebu, and longanisa, and clay pot rice with adobo, kare-kare, or dinuguan.

For something lighter, there is a station solely for kakanin such as puto bumbong, bibingka, puto maya, Fili’s Chocolate Eh!, and puto cuchinta. There is another station for crusty

bread, laminated pastries, ensaymada, and grilled pan de sal panini. For something even healthier, guests can opt for Greek yogurt, muesli, or fresh fruits and juices.

At the egg station, guests can have their eggs dine any way they like, from omelets and frittata to poached and en cocotte. Options are also aplenty for potatoes, as guests can choose from rosti, curried potato croquettes, hash browns, Lyonnaise potatoes, or gratin dauphinois.

Guests can assemble their own plate of full English breakfast with the sausages, baked beans, three kinds of bacon, and mushrooms that are also on offer. Taho and smoothie shooters will be passed around.

Those who want hot soup in the morning can check out the soup and noodle stations which have La Paz batchoy, arroz caldo, champorado, and others.

Beyond luscious lunches and delightful dinners

From curries and grills to tempura, noodles, soups, and seafood on ice, guests might find that one visit isn't quite enough time to sample everything. That just means they have another reason to come back.

Not to be missed is the Filipino station which has lechon used as primary ingredient for well-loved dishes like dinuguan and kare-kare. The Spanish station has tapas, carving, paella, patatas bravas, and croquetas.

The Asian section has a noodle station with creations from neighboring countries and from our own. Guests can slurp away as they tuck into bowls of laksa, ramen, pho, batchoy, and lomi. They can also choose from three kinds of noodles: egg, rice, and vermicelli.

The Indonesian-Malaysian station is where guests can get satays, rendang, and curries, while soups, mains, and banchan can be found at the Korean station. Completing the Asian section is the Japanese and Chinese station which has tempura, dim sum, and soups.

Meanwhile, seafood, salads, makis, sushi, and sashimi are displayed at the cold buffet station.

Sinag is paying tribute to another Cebuano favorite through its pungko-pungko station. Pungko-pungko refers to food stalls along the streets that offer an assortment of fried food. “Pungko” in Cebuano means to sit, as the authentic experience requires customers to sit on low benches with the trays and mounds of ginabot (deep-fried mesentery), ngohiong, and others served right in front of them.

There is also a dessert station laden with traditional and modern confections that guests need to leave room for. Halo-halo, sorbetes, and ice drops made in-house are on offer. A separate mango station has fresh and dried mangoes, as well as mango desserts like mango panna cotta and truffles.

Beyond sensational sensory experiences

At Sinag’s lechon roasting station, diners can see the whole process of making Cebu’s representative dish. The Sinag lechon, another signature, is infused with mango, through a marinade that makes use of green mangoes, adding another layer of flavor to this iconic dish. Mango leaves are stuffed inside the lechon, along with other herbs and aromatics, while branches and twigs from mango trees are used for roasting. Special dips and sides include the Fina-kurat which is also served at Fina, mango salsa, atchara, and liver sauce. Pusô can be found at the same station.

Guests can find their way to the hefty Parmigiano Reggiano cheese wheel, where hot lechon pasta will be tossed and then twirled onto their plates upon order. For Sinag’s take on pizza, pan de sal dough is used, and apart from the classic margherita and four-cheese varieties, there will also be sisig pizza and lechon pizza.

More than heat-lamped counters, there are several action stations manned by chefs of different nationalities. Diners can have their noodles, seafood, and pasta dishes made a la minute, adding to the interactive buffet experience. At the cold buffet station for example, a chef will prepare sushi live.

The sutukil station highlights the quintessential Cebuano meal of sugba (grilled), tuwa (stew), and kinilaw (ceviche-style). Sinag partners with local fishermen whose freshest catch of the day will be served at the restaurant. For the stew, guests can opt for tinola, linarang, or sinigang.

A retail section gives guests a chance to take their favorite flavors home. It has a selection of cold cuts and cheeses, Fina’s vinegar, atchara, and mango salsa by the bottle or jar, bottled sauces from Xin Tian Di, all kinds of pickles, plus salts from Il Primo. The pièce de resistance in this area is the deli slicer for hams, sausages, and cheeses, available upon request.

For its opening promo, Sinag is running a 25% off discount on lunch and dinner buffet rates for the whole month of April. Breakfast service is from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., lunch is from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and dinner is from 6 p.m. to 10 pm. daily.

To book a table, call NUSTAR Restaurant Reservations at 0996 683 8888.

The Proponent

Robinsons Hotels and Resorts (RHR) is the hospitality arm of Robinsons Land Corporation (RLC). It is well on its way to becoming the Philippines’ biggest and best hotel group with the widest variety of formats and brands, as well as the most diverse geographic reach.

Its latest development is NUSTAR Resort and Casino, Cebu’s first premier integrated resort. NUSTAR will be home to exceptional hotel towers: NUSTAR Hotel, the only ultra-luxury hotel outside Metro Manila, and Fili, a 5-star hotel that boasts genuine Filipino hospitality.

Set on an island already renowned for its hospitality, each hotel has been designed to redefine the standard of luxury in accommodations, dining, and leisure.

For inquiries and reservations, dial (032) 888-8282 or email the hotel through reservations.fili@nustar.com.ph. More information can also be found on the website at www.nustar.ph/hotels/fili.

Cebu City, Philippines. MINI Philippines continues to strengthen its presence in the country with the opening of MINI Cebu, the sole MINI dealership in Central Visayas. Operated by AutoStudio Philippines Corporation (AutoStudio), the facility offers a full suite of services such as new car display, three aftersales service bays, and vehicle and lifestyle accessories.

Gracing the launch event were Mr. Willy Tee Ten, president of MINI Philippines and of the Autohub Group; Mr. Alfonso Luzuriaga Jr, president of AutoStudio, and esteemed board members of AutoStudio - Mr. Gabriel Alonzo, Mr. Edmundo Samson, and Mr. Wilson Tan. Mr. Tee Ten commented, “The MINI Cebu showroom is a testament to the strong partnership between the Autohub Group of Companies and AutoStudio. MINI first established our pop-up store in Escario back in February 2021, and it is wonderful to have a permanent presence in Central Visayas to better cater to our customers in southern Philippines.” Mr. Luzuriaga added, “We are proud to launch the new and permanent home of MINI in Cebu. It is both an honour, and a great responsibility, to be the only MINI dealership in Central Visayas with full services. We will work hard to provide our valued MINI clients with the high- quality services they deserve and the signature go-kart driving fun they desire.”

Left to right: Mr. Jefferson C. Lizardo, General Manager of MINI Philippines; Mr. Wilson Tan, Board Member of AutoStudio; Mr. Kidd Yam, Head of MINI Asia; Mr. Alfonso Luzuriaga, President of AutoStudio; Mr. Willy Tee Ten, President of MINI Philippines and Mr. Edmund Samson, Board Member of AutoStudio.

Measuring 419.57 sqm, the new showroom displays the MINI Cooper S 3-Door, a compact urban icon fit for the streets, and the MINI John Cooper Works 3-Door, which embodies the very essence of motor sport. The showroom also boasts a JCW corner, an expansive lifestyle and lounge area for customers to enjoy, and bigger service facilities for clients. Located at Veterans Drive, Nivel Hills, Lahug, Cebu City, the new MINI Cebu showroom is now open to the public. It is open from Monday - Saturday, 9:00am to 6:00pm and Sunday from 9:00am to 5:00pm.

MINI Cebu is also offering up to 10% discount on selected MINI lifestyle items and up to PHP 100,000 discount on new MINI units during its launch period from today until 31 March 2023. For more information about the showroom, its services, or to arrange an appointment, customers are invited to call 0917-652-3345.

About MINI in Asia

MINI is headquartered and manufactured in Oxford, UK and is a brand of BMW Group. In East Asia, this iconic car is sold in Singapore, Brunei, Vietnam, New Caledonia, Guam, Sri Lanka, Tahiti, Philippines, and Indonesia. The full range of MINI is available in these markets – MINI Electric, MINI 3-Door, MINI 5-Door, MINI Convertible, MINI Clubman, MINI Countryman, and MINI John Cooper Works. For more information: www.mini.com.sg

About MINI Philippines

British United Automobiles, Inc. or MINI Philippines is one of the distributorship brands under the umbrella of the Autohub Group. MINI Philippines is the sole distributor of the iconic British automotive brand, MINI. Currently, MINI Philippines has four dealerships in the country, located in Bonifacio Global City, Alabang, Pampanga and Cebu. The MINI range available in these locations – MINI 3-Door, MINI-5 Door, MINI Countryman, and MINI John Cooper Works. MINI Convertible and MINI Clubman are available via indent order. For more information: www.mini.com.ph

Cebu Developments represent the best of the Philippines on the International Stage

CEBU, Philippines — Organisers of the PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards expressed confidence in the recovery of the Visayas and Mindanao property markets, following a strong performance by competitors representing the island groups at the 2022 PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards series.

The 11th Annual PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards 2023, presented by Kohler and supported by Boysen Paints, now challenge Cebu’s outstanding real estate developers, along with emerging developers from the Visayas and Mindanao regions, to set a new benchmark of quality within the industry. Awards submissions are accepted online via: asiapropertyawards.com/nominations

Condominiums and house-and-lot (H&L) units in Cebu and property markets outside Metro Manila appreciated fast and recorded impressive annual price growth rates last year, according to research by Property Report by PropertyGuru, the Official Magazine of the Awards. Meanwhile, the completion of transport infrastructure developments such as the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway has boosted major developers’ interest in Cebu.

Outsourcing firms will continue driving demand for office space within and outside Metro Manila, including Cebu, according to research by Colliers Philippines. Take-up in the provinces from outsourcing companies reached 149,800 square metres in 2022, with Cebu, Davao, and Pampanga covering 86% of the transactions.

The good news comes on the heels of the Philippine economy posting its fastest pace of growth in more than 40 years in 2022. Richard Raymundo, managing director of Colliers Philippines and a member of the independent judging panel of the Awards in the Philippines, said: “This is a positive signal for the property market which, over the past decades, mirrored the boom-bust cycle of the country’s economic output.”

Jules Kay, general manager of PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards and Events, said: “Over the years, the PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards have been part of the evolution of Cebu from a vibrant resort destination to a prosperous, self-contained property market in its own right. Our nominees from Cebu are no longer confined to local and national categories, but also successfully represent the Philippines at our regional Grand Final, even besting some of Asia Pacific’s finest real estate. We are excited to see how Cebu developers raise the Gold Standard once again in 2023.”

From Cebu’s finest to the Best in Asia

Winning developers from Cebu at the 10th PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards 2022 went on to garner regional ‘Best in Asia’ honours at the 17th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final. AppleOne Mactan, Inc. won Best Branded Residential Development (Asia) for The Residences at Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort while Cebu Landmasters, Inc. won Best Hospitality Architectural Design (Asia) for Sofitel Cebu City. 

Developers and projects in Visayas and Mindanao were well represented at the 10th PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards 2022. Cebu Landmasters, Inc. received multiple awards, including the Best Developer (Visayas) and Best Developer (Mindanao) titles. Homegrown Davao developers Damosa Land, Inc and UrbanEast Developments, Inc. also garnered winning titles, including those for developments such as Ameria and The Gardens at South Ridge. Torre Lorenzo Development Corporation and Grand Land Inc. meanwhile earned winning titles for its Mindanao projects Dusit Thani Lubi Plantation Resort and The Piazza, respectively. 

The most exclusive night for Philippine real estate in 2023 will take place at the main ballroom of the Fairmont Makati hotel on Friday, 29 September.

Key dates for the 2023 edition:

14 July 2023 – Entries Close

7 August – 1 September 2023 – Site Inspections 

6 September 2023 – Final Judging

29 September 2023 – Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony in Manila, Philippines 

8 December 2023 – Regional Grand Final Gala Presentation in Bangkok, Thailand

Nominations and entries are being accepted online until 14 July 2023: asiapropertyawards.com/nominations

Fair, transparent process

The highly anticipated 2023 edition of the PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards kicked off into high gear with a media launch today at the Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort. The media event, which was followed by a networking cocktail with property developers, was led by Jules Kay alongside Cyndy Tan Jarabata, chairperson of the independent panel of judges of the PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards and president of TAJARA Leisure & Hospitality Group Inc.; Myra Gilig, senior vice-president for sales and sales admin operations, AppleOne Properties Inc; and Lloyd T. Tan, partner with Diaz Murillo Dalupan and Company – HLB Philippines, the Official Supervisor of the Awards.

The independent panel of judges, comprising experts in diverse fields such as real estate consultancy, architecture and interior design, and sustainable development, will rigorously deliberate over eligible entries to the Awards.

HLB, the global network of independent advisory and accounting firms, will make full use of a professionally run and fully transparent judging system, with an established reputation for fairness, credibility, and integrity. 

Main country winners of the Awards in the Philippines qualify to compete for regional honours at the 18th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final 2023 on 8 December in Bangkok, Thailand. 

Established in 2005, the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards continue to reward high-calibre work within the industry, encompassing property development, construction, architecture, interior design, and sustainable building practices. The series has expanded over the years to cover the region’s dynamic property markets, including Australia, the Chinese markets, Greater Niseko in Japan, and India. 

Organised by PropertyGuru Group (NYSE: PGRU), Southeast Asia’s leading property technology company, the 11th PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards are supported by platinum sponsor Kohler; gold sponsor Boysen Paints; official magazine Property Report by PropertyGuru; official publicity partner Ripple8; and official supervisor HLB.

For more information, email awards@propertyguru.com or visit the official website: AsiaPropertyAwards.com.

About PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards:

PropertyGuru’s Asia Property Awards, established in 2005, are the region’s most exclusive and prestigious real estate awards programme. The Asia Property Awards are recognised as the ultimate hallmark of excellence in the Asian property sector. Boasting an independent panel of industry experts and trusted supervisors, the Awards have an unparalleled reputation for being credible, ethical, fair and transparent. 

In 2023, the Awards series is open to more than a dozen key property markets around the region. The exciting gala events welcome senior industry leaders and top media, as well as reach property agents and consumers via live streaming. Recognising excellence within each Asian market with a variety of categories, including green and sustainable development, each local awards programme will culminate in the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final, which takes place after the PropertyGuru Asia Real Estate Summit during ‘PropertyGuru Week’ in December 2023. 

For more information, please visit AsiaPropertyAwards.com

About PropertyGuru Group:

PropertyGuru is Southeast Asia’s leading1 PropTech company, and the preferred destination for over 41 million property seekers2 to connect with more than 63,000 agents3 monthly to find their dream home. PropertyGuru empowers property seekers with more than 3.2 million real estate listings5, in-depth insights, and solutions that enable them to make confident property decisions across Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam. 

PropertyGuru.com.sg was launched in Singapore in 2007 and since then PropertyGuru Group has made the property journey a transparent one for property seekers in Southeast Asia. In the last 15 years, PropertyGuru has grown into a high-growth PropTech company with a robust portfolio of leading property marketplaces across its core markets; award-winning mobile apps; mortgage marketplace, PropertyGuru Finance; and a host of enterprise solutions now under PropertyGuru For Business, including a high-quality developer sales enablement platform, FastKey, DataSense, ValueNet, Awards, events and publications across Asia.   

For more information, please visit: PropertyGuruGroup.com; PropertyGuru Group on LinkedIn.