(This article first appeared on Manila Bulletin, November 12, 2019 issue)

The Philippine real estate industry continues to enjoy steady growth attributed to, among other things, a steady increase in demand in the residential condominium segment.

As the income of the middle to upper middle class grows, their taste has also become more discerning. They are now more concerned about products that are reflective of their lifestyle choices and products that provide convenience and comfort.

Real estate developer, Federal Land, Inc., recognized this shift in Remand. In one of their recent forays, they have chosen to collaborate with a property developer from Japan, Nomura Real Estate Development, Co., Ltd., whose vision for quality, value, and customer satisfaction equals their own.

Founded in 1957 in Tokyo, Nomura Real Estate Development Co., Ltd. is one of the affiliates of the Nomura Group of Companies which has a history of more than 90 years of investment banking experience. One of the more prominent members of this group is Nomura Securities, one of Japan’s largest financial institutions.

The real estate company engages in residential development, corporate real estate brokerage, commercial property development, building leasing, and architectural design businesses across Japan, and recently, in China, Vietnam, and Thailand.

Nomura has not only dedicated itself to going beyond normal design boundaries, but has continuously explored new technologies that better serves the urban landscape of its properties.

Under its quality residential brands, Proud and Ohana, Nomura has gained a reputation for quality in locations they are present in, bringing value to the environments they build.

“As a company, we look for equally strong partners in every project. We consider it an honor to bring the excellence that Nomura Real Estate is known for and to share it with the Philippines. We’re very happy to find a good partner in Federal Land Inc. so we can transform our vision of integrating all that is precious to people and communities, into reality,” said Eij’i Kutsukake, chairman of Nomura Real Estate Development Co., Ltd.

The Seasons Residences is the first project of the partnership between Federal Land, Nomura Real Estate Development Co., Ltd., and retail giant, Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings, Co. Ltd. It is a four-tower Japanese-inspired residential development which will be home to the first Mitsukoshi Mall in the country.

It is currently under construction at Federal Land’s Grand Central Park in Bonifacio Global City.

This venture promises to offer a harmonious, innovative, and technology-led home that elevates the lifestyles of the growing population of discerning buyers.

“By combining our knowledge and enthusiasm with our high level of technical skills, we can offer the best products and services to the, partnership,” Kutsukake said.

The Seasons Residences benefits from Nomura’s expertise on design efficiency. Among other features, this translates to maximized storage spaces within the units, clean technology (where each unit wiljt have tiles that minimize excess’ humidity, unpleasant odors, and harmful substances in the air), and safety (the use of visco-elastic coupling dampers to reduce wind and earthquake vibrations).

The partnership will also be building the much-anticipated Mitsukoshi Mall at the podium of the residential towers of The Season Residences. This four-story retail development is set to provide a holistic Japanese shopping experience to Filipinos.

 

 

(This article first appeared on Business World, November 11, 2019 issue)

BGC continues to be one of Metro Manila’s most attractive investment locations. This is driven by the continued growth of the local residential market, a positive economic outlook for the Philippines, the steady emergence of a moneyed local demographic, and various ongoing and planned infrastructure projects that directly benefit the city. Colliers International reports that capital values in BGC increased by an average of 6.7% in the first quarter of 2019, it expects prices to continue to increase by an impressive annual average of 6.3% from 2019 to 2021.

One infrastructure project that is a prime catalyst In BGC’s value appreciation is the proposed Metro Manila Subway Line, which is seen to span 30 kilometers from Quezon City to Taguig, and 14 stations, two of which will be located in the north and south of BGC. The Subway is expected to be completed by 2025. Another is the construction of the BGC-Ortigas Link bridge, which will allow motorists to bypass EDSA or C5 to get to BGC from the main Ortigas CBD and vice-versa.

Demand from local high-net-worth individuals and the’ influx of foreign investors taking advantage of the country’s information technology and business process management (ITBPM) industry will continue to drive the residential sales market as well.

In its 2018 report, Jones Lang LaSalle pinpointed that these groups “typically secure the biggest and most expensive units from high-end and luxury brands to maximize the value appreciation in major markets.” This bodes well for premium developments like The Seasons Residences, which can see its market value appreciating over the next few years.

The project is the latest offering of Federal Land, Inc. in partnership with Japanese property development group Nomura Real Estate Development Co. Ltd. And Japanese retail conglomerate Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings Ltd. Set in Federal Land’s Grand Central Park township in the northern part of Bonifacio Global City (BGC), The Seasons Residences will feature impeccable Japanese innovations meant to elevate the standards of comfort, convenience, and functionality for discerning homeowners. The integrated-use development will house four upscale residential condominiums, world-class amenities, and one of the most impressively designed malls to be built in the Philippines.

Efficiently designed resource-saving fixtures are featured in every residential unit, while the buildings boast of the most state-of-the-art security and safety technology, including a damper system that will protect the structure against earthquakes and strong winds. The development will also include world-class, Japanese-inspired amenities, including a spa, a karaoke room, a wellness room, and a Japanese garden.

Residents of The Seasons Residences will have direct access to the country’s first Mitsukoshi, which will be located at the podium of the development. The four-storey retail space will offer a unique Japanese mall experience in terms of design, service, and merchandise. Mitsukoshi will also feature a Japanese-style supermarket and food hall, a dedicated beauty zone, and other exclusive Japanese brands and concepts.

The promise of an elevated, convenience-centered lifestyle is not the sole appeal of purchasing a home in The Seasons Residences. Discerning buyers know that there are sound and valid prospects of investing in a property in one of Metro Manila’s most in-demand areas.

“Geographical advantages, rapid development, and limited supply are just a few reasons to invest in the upscale residential market in BGC,” says Cathy Ko, Executive Vice President of Federal Land, Inc. ‘The Seasons Residences, with its premium facilities, sophisticated Japanese design, ‘ and spacious condominium units, is set to be a prime investment for those looking either to reside in the area or looking to lease out their units.”

Don’t miss out on the investment opportunities offered by The Seasons Residences. Call The Seasons Residences hotline at 0998-595-5834, email us at invest@federalland.ph or visit the showroom at 7th Ave. cor. 34th St., Grand Central Park, North BGC, Taguig City (across the Lexus Manila Showroom). Haru, the development’s first tower, is slated for completion in 2023, while Mitsukoshi Mall will open in 2021.


Park Avenue, Madison Park West, Central Park West, Times Square West, Park West, Grand Hyatt Manila, Grand Hyatt Manila Residences and The Seasons Residences are the exclusive contemporary residences rising in Grand Central Park that capture the essence and spark of New York City.

With the World Bank GDP growth projection of 6.4% and new pro-growth economic policies, the Philippines is poised to sustain its economic rise. The various infrastructure projects of the government and the private sectors hail optimism to both local and foreign investors across all segments, but especially for the real estate industry. In fact, Asia Property HQ tags the country as “one of the best locations for real estate investments in Southeast Asia”.

Zoning in on the residential landscape, Colliers International Philippines projects 15,100 new units to be introduced in 2019. While this figure is poised to increase, vacancy rates have seen a downturn at 11% for the coming period, indicating how the strong demand outweighs the supply available in the market.

This movement has influenced property prices to soar as well. Global Property Guide reported in 2017 “the average price for a 3-bedroom condominium increased by 4.3%” in Fort Bonifacio. Opportune is the word for the current scenario as property consultancies continue to report strong sales in luxury residential, and the urgency to snap up pre-sale properties as availability becomes null.


The Seasons Residences is a Federal Land Inc. project in partnership with Japan’s leading firms, Nomura Real Estate Development Co., Ltd. and Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings, Ltd. The Seasons Residences will also feature the Philippines’ first Mitsukoshi Mall at podium level.

Prime real estate developer Federal Land Inc. is on top of this trend. In 2012, Federal Land introduced Grand Central Park, a 10-hectare master-planned community patterned after the dynamic New York City. Strategically located at North Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig, Grand Central Park is home to multiple star projects such as the world-renowned Grand Hyatt Manila; two towers of luxury residences Grand Hyatt Manila Residences; the Japanese-themed community The Seasons Residences; the flagship store of Japan’s oldest surviving department store chain, Mitsukoshi Mall; and the upscale residential towers Park West, Park Avenue, Times Square West, Central Park West, and Madison Park West.

The mixed-use community is a confluence of international partnership and investment with brands well-known abroad. Grand Hyatt Manila Residences is a joint venture between Federal Land and ORIX Corporation of Japan, through North Bonifacio Landmark Realty and Development Corporation to bring in the Chicago-based Hyatt brand. To bring in Japanese ingenuity and lifestyle, Federal Land partnered with two of Japan’s leading firms, Nomura Real Estate Development Co., Ltd., and Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings, Ltd. to develop The Seasons Residences and the Philippines’ first Mitsukoshi Mall.


A Grand Hyatt Manila Residences unit is adorned with white marble finishes, timber flooring, exotic wood textures, high ceilings, and top-of-the-line fixtures.

While most properties within the city are currently of re-selling status, Grand Central Park offers increasingly scarce additions to the pre-sale condominium pool. Only November last year, it saw launches for two of its world-class high-rises: Grand Hyatt Manila Residences – South Tower, and The Seasons Residences’ first tower called Haru.

Grand Hyatt Manila Residences – South Tower will be ready by 2023, and The Seasons Residences is set to be completed by 2027. Until then, the anticipation continues to build for property hunters and aficionados.

To know more about Grand Hyatt Manila Residences and The Seasons Residences, visit the website at www.federalland.ph or visit The Seasons Residences showroom at 7th Ave. corner 34th St., Grand Central Park, North BGC Taguig City.


The Grand Hyatt Manila and the two Grand Hyatt Manila Residences are beacons that marks the transformation of the North Bonifacio Global City only a community with the Grand Hyatt mark can deliver.

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About Federal Land, Inc.
A prime real estate developer, Federal Land, Inc. is a member of GT Capital Holdings. With 47 years of experience in reshaping the skyline and with its commitment to invest in the country, Federal Land, Inc. creates properties built on trust, reliability, and integrity through its masterbrands, Federal Land and Horizon Land.

The prime real estate development company, Federal Land, Inc., in partnership with leading Japanese firms, Nomura Real Estate Development and Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings, Ltd., has launched the first tower of The Seasons Residences, the first Japanese-inspired residential condominium in the Philippines.

The Seasons Residences will feature Japanese elements of functionality, safety, harmony with the environment and simplicity. It will have four residential towers, ranging from 41 to 51 floors. The first tower, Haru, will have 304 distinct Japanese homes measuring 45 square meters up to 345 square meters. Residents will also enjoy landscapes and amenities with the themes of the seasons such as wellness spas, guest house, sky garden, BBQ terrace, karaoke, game room, swimming pools, fitness gym, business centers and function halls.

The Seasons Residences will also feature Japan’s oldest and largest department store chain, Mitsukoshi in the podium level. Mitsukoshi will offer Japanese fashion, lifestyle, beauty, and food merchandise.

Rising within Federal Land’s 10-hectare Grand Central Park township in North Bonifacio Global City (BGC) in Taguig, The Seasons Residences will offer not only Japanese Zen sensibilities but also a complete community experience with the Grand Central Park community. The Grand Central Park is an exclusive eleven-hectare enclave composed of first-rate residential towers, distinguished business hubs, haute couture shopping and exciting gastronomic destinations. Strategically located in North Bonifacio Global City, Grand Central Park presents unique spaces for living, working, shopping and dining dedicated for a well-balanced lifestyle in a location where the best of Makati, Ortigas, and BGC revolve around you.

The Seasons Residences – Haru Tower is the eighth project that Federal Land launched this year. The other six projects Federal Land have launched this year are the Baler Tower of Palm Beach West in Bay Area, Pasay; Mimosa Tower of Peninsula Garden Midtown Homes in Paco, Manila; Orlando Phase of Florida Sun Estate in General Trias, Cavite; Quantum Residences in Taft, Manila; Peony Tower of Four Season Riviera in Binondo, Manila; Valencia Hills – Tower E in Quezon City and Grand Hyatt Manila Residences – South Tower at the Grand Central Park in North BGC, Taguig.

For more information on Federal Land projects, please email digital.mktg@federalland.ph for details.


Photo via Wikimedia Commons

Ginza-style shopping spree is now within reach as Japan’s oldest and largest department store, Mitsukoshi comes to the Philippines. Mitsukoshi is expected to add new glamour into the Philippine retail scene with its high-end products of apparel, shoes, bags, skin care and food.

And while we wait for the North Bonifacio Global City branch, here are five facts about the upcoming Mitsukoshi Mall:

Mitsukoshi Mall is a Japanese retail giant
Founded in 17th century Tokyo as a kimono shop, Mitsukoshi is Japan’s oldest department store. It offers a first class selection of international and local merchandise within a classic Renaissance-style building. Mitsukoshi is known to travelers who frequent Japan, primarily the Ginza district. Mitsukoshi is also in Taiwan, China, Italy, and the USA.

The Portal to Flawless Japanese Skin
Want that flawless Japanese skin? Philippine Mitsukoshi beauty section will carry cosmetics and skin care products from Japan. The Supermarket will carry an array of Japanese green tea, seafood, and sweets.

Itadakimasu!
Adding to the numerous ramen-yas, sushi bars, shabu shabu hot pots, tempura shops, donburi restaurants, takoyaki stalls, and kaiseki ryokans in Metro Manila is the authentic Japanese food court of Philippine Mitsukoshi. Vogue named Ginza Mitsukoshi as one of the best Japanese underground food halls so we are surely in for a treat.

Service from the Heart
Mitsukoshi is also bringing Japan’s unique brand of customer service. The staff of Philippine Mitsukoshi will be trained in Omotenashi or “service from the heart”.

Mitsukoshi Philippines Will Open in 2021
The Philippine Mitsukoshi will be part of the first Japanese-inspired condominium in the Philippines, The Seasons Residence of Federal Land Inc. in partnership with Nomura Real Estate Development and Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings Lt. The Seasons Residences will feature Japanese elements of functionality, safety, harmony with the environment and simplicity.

Seasons Residences will have four residential towers, ranging from 41 to 51 floors. The first tower, Haru, will have 304 distinct Japanese homes measuring 45 square meters up to 345 square meters. Residents will enjoy Japanese-inspired landscapes and amenities such as wellness spas, sky garden, dry garden, BBQ terrace, karaoke, swimming pools, fitness gym, library, business centers and function halls.


Before the craze for anything Korean, Filipinos love all things from Japan.

As it is at the forefront of Japan of creative, cultural and technological advancement, Japan became synonymous with robots, anime and kawaii. Japanese brands churn products that are timely, relevant, practical yet very appealing. The minimalist, high-tech and exoticness of Japanese brands have captured the hearts of not just to the Filipino market, but also of the world.

From entertainment to technology, here are five things from Japan that we just cannot get enough of.

Anime


Image from Otaku Kart

Who could forget rushing home after school to watch Naruto? Or finishing dinner early to watch Ghost Fighter on primetime? Or getting up early on Saturday to watch Doraemon? Remember when the Marcos regime banned Voltes V?

Philippines is one of the biggest anime fans in the world. For decades, anime dominated Philippine TV. They occupied weekday midday and primetime, weekend mornings and primetime slots. With the cool robots, flashy hairdos and unmatched martial arts prowess, the Japanese animation entertained and taught the young and the young at heart the importance of friendship, goodness and following your dreams.


Image from Otaku Kart

Did you know?

Dragon Ball, Sailor Moon, Slam Dunk, One Piece and other beloved anime series were animated in the Philippines through Toei Animation Philippines.

Japanese Food

The Japanese cuisine is widely popular in the Philippines. With more than 1300 Japanese restaurants, there is no doubt Filipinos love Japanese food. You will find numerous ramen houses, sushi bars, shabu shabu hot pots, tempura shops, donburi restaurants and takoyaki stalls in shopping malls, food parks, and weekend markets anywhere in Metro Manila. The precise preparation and neat flavors of Japanese cuisine present the right blend of familiarity and exoticism that gives a unique experience that is both comforting and exciting to the Filipino palate.

Did you know?

Halo-Halo derived from the pre-war Japanese desert kakigori, which was snow with condensed milk and syrup. Japanese farmers who came to the Philippines modified kakigori and called it mongo-ya. Mongo-ya is cooked red beans topped with ground ice, sugar and milk sold for ten centavos.

Lifestyle and Fashion


Image from Anello

Because of its minimalist design, high functionality and foreign element, Japanese lifestyle and fashion have captured the hearts of Filipino fashionistas.

Japan’s latest IT bag Anello is sweeping Philippines and has opened around 25 stores nationwide. Anello offers modern backpacks and handbags with a classic feel and the signature hinged clasp zipper.

Japanese retail clothing Uniqlo, which offers technology-infused modern wardrobe essentials, has over 50 stores in the country and is set to open a global flagship store in Glorietta 5, Makati.

Then there is the Japanese dollar store Daiso which offers various home and lifestyle products. With about 80 stores nationwide, Daiso Japan carries home décors, lifestyle products, kitchenware, home improvement, gardening tools, pet food and accessories, toys, and other kawaii finds starting at 100 Yen or P88.


Image from Nikkei Asian Review

Did you know?

Ministop, Family Mart and Lawson Station are convenience store chains from Japan. These one-stop shops provide quick meals, snacks and other necessities for the denizens of Metro Manila.

Technology

(Photo by Eric Thayer/Getty Images)

Japanese inventions changed the way modern people lived. The Japanese made significant contributions across scientific and technological domains, especially in the digital revolution. Japan has given us the Walkman (Sony), the VHS recorder (JVC), rice cooker (Toshiba), LCD screens (Sharp), DSLR (Canon, Nikon), laptops, robots, and bullet trains.

Japan’s latest consumer technology, as seen in Combined Exhibition of Advanced Technologies (CEATEC) 2017, includes a healthcare tool promoting better chewing techniques called Bitescan from Sharp, an army of factory robots called Autonomous Intelligent Vehicles (AIVs) from Omron, a child-care partner robot called Cocotto from Panasonic, and a robotic therapy cat called Qoobo by Yukai Engineering.


Image from Nikkei Asian Review

Did you know?

The upcoming Mega Manila Subway project is in partnership with Japan International Cooperation Agency. The subway is set to be a 25-kilometer underground mass transportation system connecting Makati, Pasay and Bonifacio Global City.

Modern Living

Due to the relaxation of Japan’s visa policy for Filipinos and the increasing number of flights between Japan and Philippines, more and more Filipino tourists visit the Land of the Rising Sun to experience Japanese everyday living.

If you are looking for modern Japanese living and shopping, there is no need to fly to Japan with Federal Land’s upcoming Japanese community The Seasons Residences and Japanese mall Mitsukoshi.

In partnership with Japan’s leading property developer firm Nomura Real Estate Development Co. Ltd. and iconic retailer Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings Ltd, Federal Land Inc.’s The Seasons Residences is the perfect fusion of Japanese ingenuity and modern luxuries. Seasons Residences will have four residential towers, ranging from 41 to 51 floors, which will feature the Japanese elements of functionality, safety, harmony with the environment and simplicity.

The first Japanese-inspired condominium in the Philippines, the first tower of The Seasons Residences, Haru, will have 304 distinct units measuring 45 square meters up to 175 square meters. Residents will enjoy Japanese-inspired landscapes and amenities such as wellness spas, sky garden, dry garden, BBQ terrace, karaoke, game room, swimming pools, fitness gym, library, business centers and function halls.

The Seasons Residences will feature internationally renowned Mitsukoshi shopping in the podium level featuring Japanese fashion, food, cosmetics, and enterprise. Founded in 17th century Tokyo, Mitsukoshi is known to travelers who frequent Japan, primarily the Ginza branch. Mitsukoshi is also in Taiwan, China, South Korea, Hong Kong, Italy, and the USA.

Touted to be the first Japanese-inspired lifestyle condominium residences in the Philippines, The Seasons will offer not only Japanese Zen sensibilities but also a complete community experience with the Grand Central Park Township. The Grand Central Park by Federal Land is an exclusive eleven-hectare enclave composed of first-rate residential towers, distinguished business hubs, haute couture shopping and exciting gastronomic destinations. Strategically located in North Bonifacio Global City, Grand Central Park presents unique spaces for living, working, shopping and dining dedicated for a well-balanced lifestyle in a location where the best of Makati, Ortigas, and BGC revolve around you.

With Federal Land, owning a family condominium residence is easy. Just contact a representative to inform us of your intent to buy, provide a Philippine government-issued ID), fill up the required forms, pay the reservation fee and voila! The unit is booked under your name. You are now ready to start a home loan application through in-house or bank financing.

Federal Land Inc. also offers premium condominium units for sale in Makati; BGC (Fort), Taguig; Binondo and Paco, Manila; Entertainment City, Pasay; Greenhills, San Juan; Quezon City; Marikina; Cebu as well as in General Trias, Cavite. For lease to own plans, pre-selling reservations, or ready for occupancy units, email us at digital.mktg@federalland.ph for more details.