Ayala Land eyes dev’t deal for Intramuros, FTI

MANILA, Philippines—Property giant Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) is interested in the redevelopment of the five-hectare “Walled City” of Intramuros in Manila, which the Department of Tourism wants to offer for public-private partnership.

ALI would also like to pursue the development deal on Food Terminal Inc., the government’s agro-industrial complex in Taguig City. But the property firm will still have to wait for the privatization plans to be finalized, said ALI president Antonino Aquino.

The tourism department plans to redevelop Intramuros to better showcase the country’s heritage. It also likes to turn some of its areas into a mixed-use commercial and residential hub over a five-year period using financial muscle from the private sector.

A feasibility study will be undertaken soon ahead of a bidding for the PPP contract covering the Intramuros development set in early 2012.

“That should be interesting,” Aquino said at the sidelines of ALI’s annual stockholders’ meeting, referring to the Intramuros project. “A lot of these projects are interesting for us, especially because they are tourism-oriented.”

Aquino also said that the property firm would fully support whatever the government would decide on.

On FTI, Aquino said ALI had been interested in the agro-industrial complex since day one, but it would like to wait on what the government would like to do with this property.

Other companies like Empire East Land Holdings Inc., the middle-income residential property arm of tycoon Andrew Tan, and Gokongwei-led Robinsons Land Corp. have offered to develop the 103-hectare FTI complex.

Empire East has already quoted an offer of P14 billion.

The government believes that the participation of private entrepreneurs is essential in the development of the huge agro-industrial and commercial complex. Parcels of land have already been designated as a special economic zone. Certain portions of the complex are still occupied by tenants, some of whom hold lease contracts that will expire in 2015.

For more details on Ayala projects, you may contact Reby Ramirez @ +63 919.699.3572 / +63 922.883.9308 / +63 916.4044.555 / +632 404-4534 or e-mail her @ reby_ramirez@yahoo.com.

Lastly, FYI for related information on the new real estate law, RA 9646, please proceed to www.RA9646.com, the online repository of updated information on Real Estate Service Act of 2009 (RESA).

source: Philippine Daily Inquirer, April 14

Photography buffs find a home at The Meranti

MANILA, Philippines - As it builds a community that encourages the convergence of passions at The Meranti at Two Serendra, Alveo Land has also continued to feed the passions of its future residents with “Snapshots of Perfection,” the third in its Saturday Brunch Series. Professional photographer Joseph Galian from the Federation of Philippine Photography Foundation (FPPF) was the guest speaker for the month, teaching photography enthusiasts of all levels both the science and the art of photography.

Photography, said Galian, presents the opportunity to express and capture the world aesthetically, as he began the workshop with a discussion of photography as an art. But because taking a good picture also requires mastery of the equipment and of processing techniques, Galian proceeded with a primer on photography 101. Discussing everything from photography equipment to the tips and techniques he has learned over the years, Galian drew on his solid background as a professional photographer and a certified photography instructor.

This foretaste of the kind of passionate living that awaits residents of The Meranti, the third and latest high-rise section of Two Serendra, was rounded off with a tour of Two Serendra given by Antonio Sanchez III, senior project development manager of Alveo Land, giving a chance for the workshop participants to appreciate the amenities within Two Serendra. Being 65 percent green, The Meranti provided a spectacular canvas for the guests to apply the things they learned in the brunch.

Designed with the pursuit of passion in mind, The Meranti’s Living Museum will feature unique amenities that will help nurture and provide a venue for artistic endeavors like photography. Among these is The Stellar Peak, a space where residents can bond over intimate gatherings. Being on the roof deck of Two Serendra, it will also be a haven for scenic and landscape photography enthusiasts.

Another special feature of The Meranti will be the Tropical Garden, a glass-enclosed party venue that can accommodate up to 300 people. The tree-lined courtyard and greenery will be a beautiful landscape for special occasions and a perfect backdrop for taking photographs of precious moments.

Other spaces at The Meranti will include The Culinary Studio, a spacious kitchen and dining area done to professional standards, where aspiring chefs can share their gastronomic creations with up to 30 family members and friends.

In the meantime, residents will also be able to pursue their passion for health and fitness at the well-appointed Fitness Club, a multi-storey gym outfitted with complete exercise equipment.

Those whose interests lie in more intellectual pursuits will enjoy the Discovery Hall, a relaxed setting where parents and children can browse through books, play games, or enjoy other indoor activities together.

“Our vision for The Meranti’s future residents is for them to experience the tangible representation of their interests and passions within their homes. It’s our way of translating a very unique lifestyle need and highlighting the innovation inherent to Alveo Land — all with the intent of encouraging our residents to pursue their passions,” shares Jennylle Tupaz, project development group head of Alveo Land.

For more details on The Meranti, you may contact Reby Ramirez @ +63 919.699.3572 / +63 922.883.9308 / +63 916.4044.555 / +632 404-4534 or e-mail her @ reby_ramirez@yahoo.com.

Lastly, FYI for related information on the new real estate law, RA 9646, please proceed to www.RA9646.com, the online repository of updated information on Real Estate Service Act of 2009 (RESA).