Property developer Ayala Land recently announced that its affordable housing subsidiary Laguna Properties Holdings Inc. (LPHI) recently received approval from the Securities and Exchange Commission to change its name to Avida Land Corporation.

In a statement, Ayala Land president Jaime Ayala disclosed that the new name is more consistent with the company’s plans to expand nationwide in the affordable segment. Originally established in 1991 to cater to the housing needs of employees and junior executives in the Ayala Land-developed portion of Sta. Rosa, Laguna, the former LPHI had outgrown its original name. Today, it already has 27 projects in 13 locations.

Ayala also disclosed that Avida’s tagline - “affordable living at its best” - conveys the renamed company’s product offering: thoughtfully planned, secure, and easily accessible communities at affordable prices, ranging from P500,000 to P2,500,000 per home. “Because Avida Land is an Ayala Land subsidiary,” he said, “affordable home buyers, who typically purchase on a pre-sell basis, can have the confidence of dealing with the country’s leading real estate company.”

According to Ayala, Avida is short for “Ave” or “celebrate” and “vida” or “life.” He related that the name was inspired by studies of LPHI homeowners who perceived their homes as milestones in their quest for a better quality of life. “Avida provides homeowners occasions to celebrate life,” he said. “From hereon, the subsidiary’s projects, which encompass condominiums, residential subdivisions, and farm lots, will carry the Avida brand and logo.”

Ayala also related that in 2005, overseas Filipino workers accounted for 25% of the sales of LPHI. In response to this segment of the market, Avida intends to open more offices in other capitals frequented by Filipinos on temporary assignments abroad. Avida is represented in Rome, Milan, Dubai and the United Kingdom.

The company will continue to tap pent-up demand for affordable housing in the next few years by launching two to three projects a year in new locations nationwide.

Location, location, location. Real estate professionals and property development experts will tell you that location is one of the most important considerations when it comes to selecting properties. And being at the center of it all is where many city dwellers prefer to be located.

That is why The St. Francis Towers is the perfect site for those who want to live right in the heart of the city. At the heels of their highly successful and critically acclaimed The Shang Grand Towers, the Kuok Group now embarks on its second high rise luxury residential project – The St. Francis Towers. Highly esteemed for their global expertise in property development and multi-awarded for hotel and resort management, the Kuok Group is also the prime mover behind the Shangri-La hotels, as well as the Shangri-La Plaza mall.

The St. Francis Towers , a residential development of Kuok Group’s The Shang Grand Tower Corporation, is located at the corners of Shaw Boulevard and St. Francis Street and will be directly linked to the Edsa Shangri-La Hotel and Shangri-La Plaza through a series of air-conditioned walkways. It also has direct access to the MRT Shaw Station via Shangri-la Plaza.

The St. Francis Towers is composed of two towers, each rising to 60 floors. Each tower provides 6 high-speed passenger lifts and service elevators for residents of any of their studios, one and two-bedroom units (most of which offer a superb view of the city), garden duplexes and penthouses. All units enjoy a light and airy atmosphere due to the high 2.9m clear ceiling heights.

The St. Francis Towers is also a techno connected residence, employing wireless fidelity facilities or WIFI. Residents also have excellent leisure and recreation choices like a multi-purpose room with videoke facilities, clubhouse with gym and aerobics room, games room with sports lounge, spa and steam room, adult and kiddie swimming pools, Jacuzzi, children’s play areas, and an internet center. A Laundromat and 24-hour convenience store are at hand, as well as concierge service. For special events, a banquet cum function room is available, along with hotel-linked services with EDSA Shangri-la Manila.

With the construction of The St. Francis Towers, the Kuok Group establishes Shangri-La Place , Manila ’s new Garden district – where dynamic professionals and young families come to work and play. Within stone’s throw from reputable schools and universities and acclaimed hospitals, the neighborhood includes top retail shops, entertainment, dining and easy access to the MRT as well as 5-star hotel facilities. Once completed, it will be the tallest structures in the area, thus adding more prestige to an already prominent community.

Hong Kong firm Wong Tung International Ltd. (WTIL) is the conceptual design architect of the project. Renowned Philippine team Reco+Casas Architects interpreted this design, infusing local culture and practices within the project. As Project Architect or Architect of Record for the project, they are responsible for its development from contract documents phase to contract administration phase. As lead consultant, they oversee coordination with other engineering and interior design consultants and other parties involved in the making of the St. Francis Towers.

If seeing is believing, then prospective buyers can satisfy their curiosity with a glimpse of the St. Francis Towers model units beside Shangri-La Plaza . The Kuok Group challenged three acclaimed Filipino interior designers to release their creativity and offer design suggestions for the units.

Anton Mendoza wanted to show luxury in a small space. Inspired by an east meets west theme, Anton used linen and silk fabrics from France which all followed an Easter design. He advises future owners to use wood finishes of the same shade, with inter-related colors in all the rooms and to focus their design on one focal point.

Ivy Almario’s design had a contemporary feel to it. Carrying the theme of “warm minimalism”, she employed clean lines, beige on beige with accents of orange saffron in the living room, and a taupe and off-white scheme for the master’s bedroom. Colors were the unifying design element so she used colors that are smart, elegant and sophisticated.

Warmth was introduced through the different fabrics to achieve that tailored look. Erfe’s theme is contemporary-eclectic. She introduced textures and colors to give a cool, fresh feel in some areas and a warm, classy modern look in others. The interior designs complemented the high ceilings, large picture windows and interesting wall features. Modern finishes on expensive wood veneers, soft and textured fabrics, accent lighting, earth –colored & patterned rugs – all lent a cozy and luxurious feel. Modern, original artworks by young Filipino artists completed the contemporary, classy ambience.

The showroom of the St. Francis Towers not only looks great, it sounds great too. Acclaimed music industry pillar Toti Dalmacion lent his expert ear to enhance the showroom viewing experience through a distinct St. Francis Towers sound. Toti utilized “a combination of many styles and genres that show diversity and well roundedness, from bossa to indiepop, electronic and beyond that is non mainstream or not too mainstream/overplayed.” He chose these music types because he wanted people “to relate and at the same time discover new sounds and ideas that translates "visionary" and "forward thinking" in connection to the future that is St. Francis Towers.” His modern and hip mix includes De Phazz -Jazz Music (jazzy, yet modern with touches of drum and bass and bossa), John Plays Special-So Familiar (downtempo and funky at the same time), Blossom Dearie-Tea For Two- 60's jazz/standard (classy and kitsch all rolled into one), Feist-One Evening (cool and steady, great vocal track, 70's sounding) and Coralie Clement- L'Ombre Et Lumiere (French bossa).

Easily one of the country’s biggest and most exciting up-market residential projects, Brittany Corporation’s Portofino has become a living reality in just a few short years, with the implementation of its masterplan continuing at a brisk pace. True to its vision of an Italian-themed “lifescape”, Portofino is a visual symphony of luxury enclaves evolving to an impressive scale of 300 hectares.

Located on the right, southbound along the Las Pinas-Cavite-Laguna-Muntinlupa Link Road, a few minutes from the Alabang commercial district, Portofino is rapidly becoming the premier residential community in the metro south, a masterplanned collection of enclaves that conjure up Italian charm, grandeur and romance.

Portofino Heights

Inpired by the architecture of cosmopolitan italy, Portofino Heights has custom home sites with elegant residences featuring distinctly Italian design details. The residences of Portofino Heights offer comfort and luxury, setting new standards. Located next to Portofino Heights is an activity center to enhance the enjoyment of life: a Roman bath-inspired lap pool and children’s pool; a colonnade and pool terrace; nature jogging trails; courtyards; a barbeque pit; basketball and tennis courts; fountains; and the grand clubhouse.

Wide Lots of Portofino

The WideLots of Portofino is developed at a scale hat has never before been done in the Philippines-a first by Brittany Corporation. The lot configuration maximizes the appeal fo the exteriors from various angles, drawing attention to the beauty of every individual residence. Wide frontages offer greater opportunities for neighborly interaction, creating a more striking appearance and offering lovelier “streetscapes.”: The frontages allow big windows for the houses, to admit light and air generously.

Courtyards of Portofino

Another first in the country, the Courtyards of Portofino is a development that puts together courtyard homes into neighborhoods at a grand scale. The success of Courtyards I and the continuing high demand for courtyard homes led to the rapid development of Courtyards II.

The courtyard residences of Portofino are a delightful application of the age-old concept of designing a dwelling around a central open space that enhances natural illumination and ventilation, while providing a private sanctuary for family members. Further enhancing the visual and practical appeal of Courtyard residences is their configuration in clusters around a bigger, central courtyard.
This concept of courtyards-within-a-courtyard is uniquely Brittanys.

Portofino South

The overwhelming success of Portofino Heights and the increasing demand for custom home sites gave rise to Portofino South. As with Portofino Heights, Portofino South draws its design inspiration from contemporary Italy.

Also located next to Portofino South is another activity center, with a range of similar amenities for exercise, leisure and sports. As an element of its masterplan, Portofino’s activity centers are designed to afford access and convenience for residents.

Portofino’s masterplan incorporates a sprawling 15-hectare commercial area reflecting the community’s thematic influences. Carefully selected establishments will make the community more self-contained and self-sustaining.

For those who have earned the privelege to partake of its Italian-inspired triumph of masterplanning. It began with Brittany’s vision to integrate various communities with the com-ponents vital to providing a higher quality of life for residents - components that enhance the way people live as opposed to simple residential projects.

This adds up to value. The masterplan of Portofino provides for forward planning-ensuring that homeowners’ investment in the properties grow in value in the future.

Portofino is a triumph of masterplanning, where aesthetic and functional elements blend harmoniously to create a one-of-a-kind Brittany community.

Landco Pacific Corporation, the country’s pioneer in lifestyle real estate development, recently launched the most affordable entry to the Über exclusive Club Punta Fuego with The Peak, the east side development in Terrazas de Punta Fuego.

Composed of 100 lots in 300 to 350-square meter cut, The Peak is a self contained community tucked in the highest point of Terrazas de Punta Fuego. Its 12 hectares of gently sloping terrain has panoramic views of Nasugbu mountain ranges and valley stretching to the plains of Cavite and the South China Sea.

“The Peak is the latest extension of the Terrazas community that is positioned a little differently,” tells Alfred Xerez-Burgos III, senior vice president for sales and marketing. “It’s more like a private enclave with a relaxing view and a more tranquil atmosphere reminiscent of Bali’s Ubud.”

“The Peak will have a softer feel than the oceanfront apartments Amara en Terrazas, especially in the afternoon when the sun is behind the mountain,” claims Jose Antonio Xerez-Burgos, vice president and SBU head of residential resorts group. “Whereas Terrazas is all fun and action. The Peak will be a place where you can meditate. It’s like a retreat from your vacation.”

With a price tag of P3 to P3.5 million, The Peak’s lots are the most affordable ticket to the exclusive Club Punta Fuego and its biggest beach, Terrazas de Punta Fuego. Since a purchase entitles lot buyers to automatic membership.

“The price of The Peak per square meter is a bit the same with other Fuego developments, but its cut is a bit smaller since it is designed to be a retreat,” says Jose. “I would say that The Peak’s lots are at the right size with the right price.”

Launched in an outdoor jump swing party led by band, The Brass Monkeys and hosted b ANC newscaster Ria Tanjuatco, The Peak promises the same luxurious amenities as Terrazas.

A year from now, The Peak’s Central Pavilion and Park will rise on the actual site of the groundbreaking last May. This 6,000-square meter multi-purpose pavilion will include an infinity pool and kiddie pool, showers and dressing rooms, poolside gazebos, a view deck, picnic areas with barbeque pits and private family cabañas. A Linear Park with jogging and bike paths will also be built along the entire 700-meter length of the ridge.

“We are quite excited about The Peak,” says Alfred. “This may be the last chance for people to become a member of the Punta Fuego community. We expect a very strong following of this product.”

Heading to the north and south of the metro, Crown Asia enhances its already prestigious list of master-planned communities with the unveiling of new prime residential estates to improve the lifestyle and living conditions of every homeowner. Fulfilling the lifelong dreams of thousands of families for a decade and still running, Crown Asia strengthens its track record as the country's largest housing builder with the launch of its five new themed neighborhoods - Amici at Bacoor, Cavite; Amalfi at Dasmariñas, Cavite; Residenza at Bacoor, Cavite; Valenza at Sta. Rosa, Laguna; and Woodberry at Antipolo, Rizal.

Crown Asia scoured the nation to find prime locations for carefully planned and themed communities that are distinguished from other residential developments. Evoking distinct influences with the ingenious architecture of each home and layout of every neighborhood, each of Crown Asia's five new communities offer unique living options:

Amici.
Find complacence and the perfect companion in raising your children in Amici's secure and exclusive community. Understanding life's realities where both parents have to work for their family's future, Amici (meaning "friend" in Italian) complementing the busy lifestyle of young couples with its strategic location at Bacoor, Cavite. Cavite's tranquil environment is maintained with the preservation of nature while enhanced with lush landscaping and homes with warm Mediterranean hues. Only 5 minutes away from Alabang and sited near Bacoor's conveniences, Amici is located along NIA Road and accessible via the Las Piñas-Muntinlupa-Laguna-Cavite Link Road (also known as Daang Hari). Distinguishing Amici from other developments are its five considerations - rudiments revolving around the needs and realities of young couples: security, inward design format, neighborly home designs, practical features, and exclusive amenities.

Amalfi.
Inspired by the scenic town of Amalfi Coast in Campania, Italy, Crown Asia's interpretation of the popular holiday destination creates a resort-like community at Dasmariñas, Cavite. Accessible via three routes, through Aguinaldo highway, Daang Hari-Molino Road and Southwoods to Carmona exit, Amalfi is only a few minutes drive to neighboring leisure destinations in Tagaytay and Laguna. Practical conveniences surround the neighborhood while St. Paul's College can be found within the community's enclave. A 10-hectare enclave, its residents experience holiday retreat 365 days a year with its picturesque surroundings, cozy atmosphere and complete amenities.

Residenza.
Already a thriving community sited in the bustling urban area of Bacoor, Csvite, Residenza offers a unique combination of inspirations. Rezidenza's primarily inspiration is Italy's industrial capital, the Lombardy region, which was dominated by the Spanish from 1535-1700. This brings on Residenza's combination of two architectural genres which come from different cultures - the Italians' "la dolce vita" (meaning "sweet life") and the Spanish's "caledad de vida" (meaning "quality of life"). Residenza is only 30 minutes away from the commercial and business centers in Makati and accessible via Aguinaldo Highway - Coastal Road.

Valenza.
For young couples and singles desiring to escape the bustling metropolis while enjoying the comforts of the urban lifestyle, Valenza (meaning "value" in Italian) is a quaint community located in the lush foothills of Santa Rosa, Laguna. Valenza is just a few minutes drive to Tagaytay for leisure yet only 20 minutes from the booming industry of Alabang for convenience. Italy's splendor is reflected with architectural accents and warm earth tones while complemented by the vista of Mt. Banahaw and Tagaytay Ridge. Whether in search of a place to come home to at the end of the day or a weekend retreat, Valenza is truly an irresistible find in the south.

Woodberry.
Located at the peak of Antipolo, Rizal, Woodberry offers a picturesque hilltop neighborhood surrounded by mango orchards. Cool air constantly breezes the surroundings while a sweeping view of greens can be enjoyed by every resident. Strategically located, Woodberry boasts of the Assumption College across its gates while Oritigas can be reached in 20 minutes. The American style homes at Woodberry feature picket fences, lush landscaping, and wide roads create a picture-perfect community.

Master-planned by Crown Asia, each of the five communities feature exclusive amenities and conveniences - from clubhouses, swimming pools, basketball and tennis courts to commercial areas. The already beautiful outdoors are further enhanced with lush landscaping, parks, playgrounds, jogging paths and barbecue pits spread around the developments.

Guiding the thoughtful and effective master-planning of past, present and future projects of Crown Asia are the 5 core values they persistently adhere to: greenery, security, choices, serenity and attainability.

Visit Amici, Amalfi, Residenza, Valenza, or Woodberry and discover Crown Asia's unending commitment in fulfilling the lifelong dreams of the Filipino family with continuous innovation. 

With aspirations that go beyond creating master-planned communities, Crown Asia is driven by its unending commitment to enhance the lifestyle and living conditions of every homeowner with developments and characteristics that distinguish them from other real estate companies:

Suiting the progressing lifestyle.
Backed by a decade of experience in creating thoughtfully planned communities, Crown Asia continues to evolve with the progressing lifestyles and unique need of its present and future homeowners. While other real estate developers have stayed within the confines of the metropolis, Crown Asia scoured the country from North to South to find untapped locations and turned them into prime residential communities. As business districts and industrial companies grew throughout the country, so did the communities of Crown Asia - from one which is only a stone throw's away from your workplace to another that offers retreat from the aggravations of the metro.

Designs of enduring excellence and recognized value.
Careful planning inspired by architectural themes from all over the world are reflected in quality homes that incorporate nature and evoke distinct design influences. Crown Asia proves its title as "Your Home of Choice" with world-class communities to complement every lifestyle, need and taste. Among its roster of neighborhoods are:

Presidio. A 6.8 hectare "city by the bay" strategically located at the boundary of bustling Sucat and thriving City of Taguig, each of the 16 towers of Presidio at Brittany Bay draws influence from San Francisco's Neo-Victorian architecture.

Cottonwoods. Over 40 hectares of Antipolo's unspoiled nature and lush landscaping, Cottonwoods offer a wide range of cozy single-detached American country-style models for families desiring of a home with serene surroundings interspersed with nature.

Maia Alta. Sited amid Antipolo's tranquil ambiance, warm Mediterranean colors and architectural influences make the homes in Maia Alta reminiscent of countryside villages in Italy.

Citta Italia. A residential enclave of more than 70 hectares located in the tranquil environment of Imus, Cavite, Citta Italia combines cosmopolitan living with the elegance of Italy.

Fortezza. Dubbed as the "Crown of Laguna," Fortezza boasts of Italian-inspired homes with warm Mediterranean hues and designs intended for comfortable living.

Crown Asia is launching five (5) new projects under its roster of prime residential estates namely, Amici at Bacoor, Cavite, Amalfi at Dasmariñas, Cavite, Residenza at Bacoor, Cavite, Valenza at Sta. Rosa, Laguna, and Woodberry at Antipolo, Rizal. Completing Crown Asia's collection of estates are Vivace at Imus, Cavite, Mia Vita at Antipolo, Beacon Place at Las PIñas, La Brea at Quezon City, and Grandwood at Quezon City.

Allowing a well-rounded community life.
With a keen understanding of individuals who've painstakingly labored for years to ensure their family's future, Crown Asia allows them to experience life's affordable luxuries which can be enjoyed without having to leave the community. Each of community features exclusive amenities and conveniences - from clubhouses, swimming pools, to basketball and tennis courts for a healthy and active way of life while fostering ties with family and neighbors. Commercial areas within the community offer convenience for the one's busy life. The already beautiful outdoors are further enhanced with lush landscaping, parks, playgrounds, jogging paths and barbecue pits spread around the communities, while unspoiled nature can be enjoyed along with the splendor of landscaped gardens and rotundas.

"Building greater values into your new homes".
Joining Crown Asia in "building greater values into your new homes" are renowned companies and individuals in their respective industries. There is the ingenious architectural design of Recio+Casas and SCA; the unique interiors of top designers Pinky Cruz, Wilmer Lopez and Trina Adapon- Jacinto; and the collaboration of noted landscape artists Robert Gopiao, Benny Velasco and Jojo Lazaro.

Guiding the country's premiere real estate developer for 10 years are the five of core values which Crown Asia persistently adheres to: greenery, security, choices, serenity and attainability.

One can best understand Crown Asia's commitment to enhance the lifestyle and living conditions of every homeowner by visiting its different communities. 

He has built a business empire under the DMCI Group of Companies (which he heads as chairman of the board), starting with the establishment of DMCI in 1954.

Today, far from retirement and still supervising every branch of the business, Mr. Consunji occupies his mind with building homes for the average Filipino.

DMCI Homes, the newest branch of in his group of companies, which he also heads, is where he now devotes most of his attention because, he said: I like the feeling that I helped ease the lives of many people. At the sites (now 13 communities around Metro Manila), many come up to thank me for 'easing their lives,' and giving them secure places to live.

In a rare interview, Mr. Consunji smiled at the thought of now being in the business of pleasing so many home buyers. You know, it was much easier to think of how to please one or two project owners than hundreds of homeowners.

His biggest challenge now is to market houses that will make people happy to live in them.

This is just another challenge for this man who is regarded as one of the pillars of the country's construction industry. The construction industry is changing. Competition is changing. you are now competing with yourself, he said.

True, after the long list of structures that this man and his company have built in 50 years, the challenge is to outdo his other projects. The expertise that was learned - and perfected - has become the solid foundation that built thousands of homes in DMCI's 13 communities around Metro Manila.

I always talk to the marketing people to try to find out what the buyers want, or expect from a house. I observed that those who have studied or lived abroad are more particular about toilets and kitchens, Mr Consunji noted from the weekly visits to each community.

According to Mr. Consunji, prices of the housing units have never been an issue with the buyers. With our prices that start from P1 to P2 million, and amenities usually found in resorts and country clubs, like swimming pool, clubhouse, function rooms - buyers have not found reason to complain. The company develops themed residence in an exclusive, sevure, landscaped and well-planned community.Neither do the buyers take issue on the location of the communities.

For instance, Vista de Lago, DMCI Homes’ development in Taguig, is Spanish in design. So is the Villa Alegre project in Carmona, Cavite. Palm Grove Condominiums in Better Living, Parañaque, is Carribean-inspired, while East Ortigas Mansions along Ortigas.

Today, the nine residential condo projects of DMCI Homes are East Ortigas Mansions (Pasig); Mayfield Park Residences (Cainta); Palm Grove (Paranaque): Aman Garden Residences (Paranaque); Hampstead Gardens (Manila); Vista de Lago Villas (Taguig); Rainbow Ridge Condominiums (Taguig); and Bonifacio Heights (Taguig). The four house-and-lot villages are Springlane Homes (Taguig); Mahogany Place (Taguig); Villa Alegre (Carmona); Woodland Hills (Carmona).

Not all of the more than 1,500 buyers who have bought houses built by DMCI Homes know the heritage of their homes.

Mr Consunji, who was the former Secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways & Communications (1971-75), speaks from experience of building for a generation of Filipinos. In the 70s he was the man who was respected for his surprise on-the-spot-quality inspections of the country's major roads. Consunji was instrumental in laying groundwork for future roadworks which have defined Metro Manila as a metropolitan center, among them C-5 and the Coastal Road.

Another distinguishing character of these mixed communities is their proximity to major financial and commercial centers in Ortigas Center, Greenhills, the Libis commercial area, The Global City at The fort, and Makati. This means the homeowners spend less time traveling to their workplace.