Manila’s next grand statement rises in the Fort
Just months away from the planned launch of the ASEAN Economic Community in 2015, the Philippines is viewed as one of the strongest Southeast Asian economies — in prime position as the ideal gateway to the ASEAN region.
In fact, just last May, the Philippines was chosen to host the World Economic Forum on East Asia, with the attendance of the world’s top leaders and shapers. It was considered by many as global recognition of the current Aquino administration’s successful good governance and economic growth initiatives. In 2015, the country is expected to receive even more attention as it holds that year’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference.
Manila’s newest central business district, Bonifacio Global City (BGC) in the heart of the metropolis, is a reflection of the nation’s changing lifestyle and rapid growth. Where Shanghai has its Pudong and Tokyo its Shimbashi, Manila has BGC.
The Fort, as BGC is commonly referred to due to its past incarnation as an army camp, is now the new base of the country’s biggest multinational companies and conglomerates, retail shops and international schools; becoming the hub of everything new and exciting in the metro. Given its central, easily accessible location, it is now the most sought-after property area in metropolitan Manila.
With all the major local real estate players and international hotel chains present in the area, there is increasing demand to locate here from locals, investors and expats moving to the country. Among the major new developments is a much-anticipated project: the Grand Hyatt Manila Residences. Set for final completion in 2017, it is expected to be the most luxurious residential complex in the country.
The Grand Hyatt Manila Residences, a joint venture between Japan’s ORIX and Federal Land, has gone through careful planning with exquisite attention to detail. It will also make a bold statement as the flagship project of Federal Land — one of the Philippines’ most well-known high end property developers.
Under the Grand Hyatt brand, the plan is to situate metropolitan Manila prominently on the world map — setting the standards for six-star service, tasteful design and quality amenities. Residents will have access to the Grand Hyatt Hotel and its amenities next door, along with other commercial establishments on the lower floors. Nevertheless, the utmost security and exclusivity will be maintained for Grand Hyatt residents.
“Even more than the positive contribution this project generates for Federal Land, we are equally inspired about the multiplier effects that a Grand Hyatt hotel development will generate for greater Manila,” comments Alfred V. Ty, Federal Land’s president.
Through constant coordination with the Hyatt team of experts in Hong Kong, Federal Land is particularly motivated about its collaboration with the globally renowned brand, as a management company that specializes in providing a top-quality customer experience in all services available in this hotel.
Fumihiko Sato, director of ORIX METRO Leasing and Finance Corp., stresses the significance of the joint venture project for both Federal Land and his company. “We just want to make the best-of-the-best,” he says. “We will not compromise and that includes security and quality details. Given Federal Land’s 40-plus years of experience and ORIX’s diversified real estate developments and leadership in Japan, we can innovate on the technical side. This collaboration is excellent, and we’re very happy with the partnership.”
The solid relationship between ORIX and GT Capital, Federal Land’s holding company, has grown organically. It started with a partnership in automobile leasing, moved on to property development, and then — most recently — power generation across the energy-hungry archipelago.
“More significantly, the key to our strong bond lies in the commitment and mutual respect between our groups,” adds Sato. “We’ve been through good times and bad times, and we are here for the long term.”
With continued international credit upgrades, booming infrastructure projects and a promised surge of foreign investors lined up, the Philippines is increasingly being referred to in international media as the next Asian boom country. In this landscape, Federal Land is determined to capitalize on the synergy of its strategic partnerships with international brands to help the country realize its true place in the world.