RHK Land goes to Angono, Rizal to make Bokashi Balls for their second Corporate Social Responsibility initiative for 2022

This December, RHK Land, together with Hongkong Land, produced 1,500 Bokashi “Mabuhay” Balls at Lakeshore Eco-Park Angono Rizal.  

 

According to recent studies done by Greenpeace Philippines, our country produces 35,000 tons of garbage daily. Of this, about 16% is plastic which end up in our oceans and rivers, polluting marine life. 

In an effort to become part of the solution, RHK Land partnered with Hands on Manila and the local community surrounding Lakeshore Eco-park in Angono, Rizal. RHK Land and Hongkong Land volunteers travelled to Angono to create Bokashi “Mabuhay” Balls. 

Bokashi Balls are made from organic material that has been fermented with Effective Microorganisms (EM), molasses, and water under anaerobic conditions. When dropped in the water, each Mabuhay Ball can clean one cubic meter of rivers, lakes, or ponds.  The balls significantly reduce sedimentary mud, compacting river, or pond beds. They naturally treat the body of water they’re in and improve its quality by breaking down waste and sludge on the pond floor. When the body of water is clean, more fish and marine life can flourish. Because of this, not only will the Bokashi Balls positively impact the quality of water, but the quality of life and livelihood of the local community as well. 

 

The volunteers first participated in a briefing session by scientists and experts and learned how to create the Bokashi Balls. After which, all the volunteers participated in the actual making of the Bokashi Balls. The group pledged to generate 1,500 Bokashi Balls for the community. In the final part of the session, the employees dropped the Bokashi Balls in the nearby lake in a fun activity. 

Volunteers from RHK Land, Hongkong Land, and Robinsons Land were at the 15th Avenue Elementary School on August 18, 2022, to participate in a CSR initiative. In partnership with Hands on Manila, employees took part in the assembly of disaster go-bags and hygiene kits which were distributed to the students. 

The Philippines is classified as a disaster-prone country. Being knowledgeable in times of an emergency and equipped with the right tools is a must.  

With the help of the school’s boy scouts, the volunteers prepared disaster supplies kits with items that a class may need during an emergency. Each go-bag includes a Disaster Bag, a Basic First Aid Kit, canned goods, a flashlight, portable radio, bath soaps, toothpaste, toothbrushes, medicines, bottles of water, a pack of biscuits, a matchbox, and a whistle. 

Another matter the company wants to reiterate is the importance of personal hygiene. Although COVID-19 highlighted the significance of frequent handwashing, thousands of Filipino children still have no access to handwashing facilities and soap. Children who can’t wash their hands are at great risk of infection and diarrhea. When this happens, it can also affect their education since they will miss some school days. 

During the event, volunteers assembled hygiene kits that will be used by the students and make it convenient for them to do frequent handwashing. Each kit includes bars of soap, cloth facemasks, an eco-bag, rubbing alcohol bottles, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and a face towel. 

 

 

To celebrate the success of The Velaris Residences, RHK Land held a Thanksgiving Dinner Party at the Mango Tree, BGC. Over 200 brokers and sellers attended this exclusive party. The guests were also entertained by a live performance of band Laraza while being served sumptuous food made by the chefs of Mango Tree. In a fun and heartfelt program hosted by radio DJ Karla Aguas, RHK Land thanked its top sellers and brokers through a recognition ceremony and a top-tier raffle draw.  

In his opening remarks, RHK Land’s General Manager Rouen V. Raz expressed his gratitude to the brokers and sellers in attendance. “Tonight is very special as we from RHK Land take this opportunity to express our gratitude to all of you who have contributed to the success of The Velaris Residences in the past two years. The success of The Velaris Residences is because of all of you. Tonight, allow us to say thank you.”

A joyous and energized atmosphere filled the venue throughout the event. The company’s first major event since the pandemic was a smashing success. 

“On behalf of the entire RHK Land family, and our principals in Hongkong Land and Robinsons Land, I want to thank you for supporting us from day one. You are the reason behind our success over the past two years and we are so grateful,” says RHK Land’s Head of Sales Ehryq Young. 

Indeed, if the event was any indication, the future of The Velaris Residences is bright and full of promise. 

Congratulations to all the awardees! 

Hongkong Land & Robinsons Land introduce The Velaris Residences, the Philippines’ first-rate residential condominium, to Singapore buyers

 

As the global economy climbs out of the Covid-19-induced slowdown, investors are discovering new gems in the Asian property landscape, which has seen tectonic shifts in the aftermath of the pandemic. Foremost among these is the Philippines, site of a landmark project by two leading property developers in the region: Hongkong Land and Robinsons Land Corporation.

Drawing the attention of serious investors is a compelling combination that the Philippines alone can offer at this time: a fast-growing economy, resilience to external shocks, and a price advantage compared to other Asian locations. These have created a buying opportunity for investors looking for property with a strong upside potential.

 

A winning combination: cost advantage and higher rental yields

Sheila Lobien, Chief Executive Officer of Lobien Realty Group, believes that  “2022 is the best time to invest in Philippine real estate,” pointing out that prices are still low, offering a window of opportunity to investors ahead of an imminent increase in property prices driven by economic growth.  “The uncertainty brought about by the pandemic softened property prices but the expected economic recovery is also expected to affect property demand and increase prices,” she said.

A study by Colliers on the residential condominium outlook in H1 2021 noted that Metro Manila enjoys higher rental yields of 3.9-5.7% compared to Bangkok (4.4-5.2%), Ho Chi Minh (3.7-4.8%), Kuala Lumpur (2.3-5.4%), and Singapore (3-3.3%).

This is collaborated by consultancy firm Santos Knight Frank, which noted a strong demand for residential properties, especially in the condominium rental market in Metro Manila central business districts, as a result of re-opening borders, higher vaccination rates, and return-to-office programs.

 

Resilient and growing economy

By all indications, the Philippine economy – which has proven to be extremely resilient to external shocks – is primed for growth. Remittances from overseas Filipino workers are growing back to pre-pandemic levels, unemployment is improving, and interest rates remain low.  In fact, property loans increased 9.3% in 2021 despite the pandemic, indicating that investors have taken advantage of the low interest regime to build their portfolios.

Further, the Philippine economy maintained its growth momentum in the first three months of 2022 as it expanded by 8.3%, beating forecasts.

The Philippines also gains considerable advantages from being in a demographic sweet spot, with an average age of 23, translating to a strong domestic market and a competent workforce. Moreover, it has an English-proficient, customer-focused, highly trainable and adaptable talent pool to power its economic growth.

 

Massive infrastructure roll-out

Adding impetus to the Philippines’ economic recovery is the government’s ambitious Build Build Build infrastructure development program which remains in high gear, and has led to the development of major roads, railways, airports, and the country’s first subway system. Despite the pandemic, the government has pursued 92 of these projects amounting to over PHP 8 trillion, thereby spurring greater economic activity.

These new roads have spurred connectivity within the metropolis, and have created new high- growth centers outside the traditional business hubs, feeding off from the heightened economic dynamism around these areas.

 

New high-growth corridors

A prime example is the C5 growth corridor that connects the cities of Quezon City, Pasig, Makati and Taguig, which is experiencing unparalleled levels of economic activity resulting from these infrastructure projects. Property developers are noticeably gravitating towards the area, which still retains a relative cost advantage compared to other built-up areas.

Colliers noted that property developments along the C-5 corridor are competitively priced – with average launch prices averaging P230,000, well below the Bonifacio Global City and the Makati business district – providing ample room for growth. More tellingly, the 5-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) along the C5 corridor is 16.9%, nearly double that of Metro Manila’s 9.2% CAGR.

 

The Velaris Residences: elevating the luxury property segment

Cognizant of the C5 corridor’s immense growth potential, Hongkong Land and RLC’s joint venture project has chosen the progressive district to be the site of The Velaris Residences.

Located in Bridgetowne, a 31-hectare master-planned destination estate that spans Pasig City and Quezon City, The Velaris Residences enjoys direct access to C5 Road, Ortigas Avenue, and Amang Rodriguez Avenue, which are sufficiently close to infrastructure projects that are now under construction or in the pipeline. Bridgetowne also offers easy access to the established business districts of Ortigas Center and Bonifacio Global City, as well as commercial establishments.

Standing 45 storeys high, The Velaris Residences is redefining the Philippine luxury market with its masterfully designed units following an intentional design philosophy. Its club-like facilities include a a SkyClub, an interconnected suite of entertainment amenities.

In a nod to hybrid ways of working, The Velaris Residences has introduced a gorgeous workspace featuring soundproof office pods and modern personal work stations for the use of residents.

Features that promote physical fitness and wellness include a golf simulator studio that uses best-in-class camera-based technology to allow residents to practice their swing without leaving the building, an Olympic length infinity pool, and a Japanese sento and lounge.  Aside from the Lifestyle Gym, there is also an outdoor fitness station where residents can exercise amid the lush greenery and landscaped gardens. The Velaris Residences itself is across a verdant central park, and Bridgetowne is dotted with artworks set against landscaped gardens – creating a tranquil environment that is so essential to ensuring residents’ wellbeing.

The Velaris Residences also offers a contactless lifestyle experience using smart technology. Residents have access to a mobile app that allows them to pay for condominium dues, submit maintenance requests, communicate with the property administration office, or reserve smart lockers to safely receive deliveries.

 

A partnership of property giants

Most importantly, The Velaris Residences is managed by a world-class property management team of two property giants, international property development leader Hongkong Land and Philippines real estate giant Robinsons Land. Both have a solid track record that is especially assuring to discriminating investors.

Hongkong Land is a major listed property investment, management and development group. The Group owns and manages more than 850,000 sq. m. of prime office and luxury retail property in key Asian cities, principally in Hong Kong, Singapore, Beijing and Jakarta. The Group also has a number of high quality residential, commercial and mixed-use projects under development in cities across Greater China and Southeast Asia. In Singapore, its subsidiary, MCL Land is a well-established residential developer. Hongkong Land is a member of the Jardine Matheson Group.

Robinsons Land Corporation (RLC) is one of the leading real estate companies in the Philippines and a subsidiary of one of the country’s largest conglomerates—JG Summit Holdings, Inc. With close to three decades of experience in property development, RLC is known as a reputable developer of mixed-use properties and residential condominium developments in key cities and urban areas nationwide.

 

Serious investors who want to know more about The Velaris Residences are invited to attend an Exclusive Property Preview in Singapore on May 21 and 22, 2022 at The St. Regis. To secure a slot in the event, interested parties may send a message to +6591373513.

One of the significant changes that happened because of the pandemic is the shift in people’s needs, specifically in the realm of wellness, safety and convenience. Condominium residents, in particular, have new expectations and requirements so they can have healthier, safer and more comfortable lives.

Indeed, property managers and developers have to step up their game.

The Velaris Residences by RHK Land leads the industry in launching modern and innovative condominium amenities to address residents’ evolving needs. The property already offers world-class amenities as it is, but its new features will definitely raise interest and excitement among current and would-be investors.

“Our design team from Hongkong Land, with their vast knowledge and experience in other countries, aims to bring the same level of excellence and innovation to The Velaris Residences,” Martha Herrera-Subido, head of Marketing at RHK Land, said.

RHK Land is a joint venture between international property development leader Hongkong Land and Philippine real estate giant Robinsons Land Corporation.

The Velaris Residences is RHK Land’s pilot project rising at the heart of Bridgetowne, which in itself is an emerging estate destination along C5.

Safety, convenience and wellness

First introduced in February 2020, the 45-story Velaris Residences has reshaped the Philippine luxury real estate industry. Among its notable amenities the market first knew about include, among others, a Japanese sento and lounge, a cards and wine room, an Olympic length infinity pool, a multilevel landscape garden and a SkyClub.

Today, it doesn’t stop at providing its affluent buyers with modern comforts for a truly remarkable condominium living.

Residents’ portal

Residents of The Velaris Residences will have access to a residents’ portal, a mobile app that will be available in Google Play and the App Store.

Through the app, residents can conveniently pay for condominium dues, submit maintenance requests, coordinate deliveries, communicate with the property administration office, read news and announcements.

Using the app, residents can also reserve a smart locker and book a workstation, two of the property’s newly added amenities.

Smart lockers

Parcels may be deposited in the smart lockers located on the ground floor of the building until the resident is ready to retrieve them. This is a novel and safe way to receive deliveries.

Office pods and personal work stations

Because many Filipinos are working from home either 100% of the time or through a hybrid setup, RHK Land designed office pods and personal workstations at The Velaris Residences.

As the country’s first condominium development to introduce this amenity, The Velaris Residences offers its residents a gorgeous workspace designed to help them stay focused and productive.

It features soundproof office pods that are ideal for virtual meetings, recordings, writing, reading and other activities requiring peace and quiet. Personal workstations that feature modern cubicles and creative nooks are also available.

Golf simulator studio

Using best-in-class camera-based technology, the golf simulator studio gives residents the opportunity to practice their swing without having to leave the building. Rain or shine, residents can indulge in their favorite sport to stay physically conditioned.

This space features a solid wood enclosure and platform, high-speed line scan cameras, an energy-absorbing diffuser screen and a cinema-quality projector.

Outdoor fitness station

This is being offered at the Velaris Residences to help residents achieve their fitness goals. Aside from the Lifestyle Gym at the condominium, residents have the option to work out at an outdoor fitness station if they feel like exercising amid the lush greenery and landscaped gardens.

Designed by fitness experts, this space features fitness equipment built to withstand any weather.

“Safety and convenience have never been more important to our buyers, and this is why our residents’ portal, smart lockers and office pods will play a big role in their lifestyle. Additionally, we want to help our residents stay active without having to step out of the property. Our golf simulator studio and outdoor fitness stations will help address that,” Herrera-Subido shared.

The Velaris Residences’ design philosophy

The Velaris Residences adopted an intentional design philosophy, embracing a process in which the resident’s interactions with the property are considered at each point in the design process.

Because of the property’s innovative design, it earned several major awards in various property, real estate and interior design award-giving bodies like the Asia Pacific Property Awards and the PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards.

To experience the masterful design of The Velaris Residences first-hand, call +639190860888 to book a private tour of the property’s beautiful Show Gallery in Bridgetowne.

As published in PhilStar Global on March 19, 2022