Part 1 Real Estate: First Urban Resort in the Philippines

Recently, i just went on a presentation by the Centuy Properties on their new project Azure Urban Resort Residences at Shangri-la. I went together with my wife at the invitation of our ninang Cora. To begin with, the presentation was conducted on a per table basis. One sales director for every table. Mr Doj was the one who outlined the different aspects of the properties and answered every question we had.

GENERAL INFO

Immediately when we arrive home, I opened the internet and then researched the same properties near the area, the price, the downpayment, location, amenities, and rental opportunity. Azure Urban Resort is the first urban resort in Metro Manila.The centerpiece of The Azure is the truly iconic and first-of-its-kind man-made beach cove complete with pristine white sand, undulating waves,multiple water slides and water cascades. It is like having a vacation right in front of your condo everyday.The Azure is expected to have 9 buildings within a spawling 6-hectare site that will set a new benchmark for 21st century tropical living. Each tower is set in a breathtaking tropical modern aesthetic that provides optimal natural ventilation, light and shade.

I asked Doj, the sales director of Century Properties on why the company is not taking it to the public similar to Ayala, Megawide, Vista Land and Filinvest. His short answer is "the owners of the company, the Antonio family wants to keep the business within their circle." I wonder how did the Company manage to erect and completed 60 buildings without using public funds. Financing? Most likely. Doj and Tina, the Senior Sales Director of the Company showed a video on the speech of it's Chairman, and I catches the following:

1. The population of our country is more than 90 million and half of them were below the age of 25. Wow, how young are we! I bet Japan would be willing to consult us on how to make a population be dominated by young fellows. These yuppies who worked in BPO, abroad or high paying job have disposal income enough for them to own a condo in Manila.

2. Most of the PagIbig members are not using their loan privileges. Pag-ibig has mountains of cash to lend. Recently, PagIbig has repatriated billions of pesos worth of investments overseas in our country. This is because the investments overseas did not meet their 8% returns criteria. The government is optimistic in the outlook of our economy and will invest it here. Currently, the interest on housing loans for Pag ibig is 7.5%. Not bad, comparing it against banks.

Our country is poised for growth and is set for greater heights. Considering the research made by the company, I am astounded by their deep knowledge in the demographics of our country and has really targeted the emerging middle income society. As Mr. Antonio said, the middle income society are the pillars of a successful nation. By the way, Mr. Jose E.B. Antonio is the ambassador of our country to China.

Azure Urban Resort is under the Century Properties Group. This Company has built numerous high-rise condominiums and buildings. To name a few , it includes the Canyon Ranch, Knightsbridge Residences, Gramercy Residences, Grand Soho Makati, West Ayala, etc.