Megaworld Partners

25/06/2016

BEST IN CEBU

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PICKS PHILIPPINES AS A TOP DESTINATION FOR 2016

It’s that time of the year again when major publications build their lists of top destinations that they recommend that their readers visit in the coming year. National Geographic leads the pack with their top choices of must-see places. “Whether it’s Botswana’s Great Plains or snow-covered Greenland,” reads the article published just this month, “these 20 go-now destinations will get you packing.”

Not surprisingly, the Philippines made it to the top 20. In the write up contributed by Erik R. Trinidad, the Philippines is described as the odd one out in the clan of Asia-Pacific nations.The post also encourages visitors to see at least one Spanish church in Cebu before heading off to the countryside, The article closes with an invitation to try the food, “a uniquely Filipino fusion experience that intermingles salty, sour, and savory flavors. ”

25/06/2016

Say Hi To Lapu-Lapu And Magellan

The beauty—and we say this literally—of being in the right place is that you can easily transform your home into a vacation house and turn the vicinity of your town into a vacation itinerary. At your own pace, at your own time.

Added pleasure, we’re sure, is experienced when relatives and friends from other parts of the country or the world decide to stop by and declare you their most trusted guide. Since you are in the right place, you need not go too far for a start. Tour them around your township and beyond the border for more sights and sounds.

If you are working in Megaworld‘s The Mactan Newtown or living in one of its high-rise luxury development projects, One Pacific Residence, in Lapu-Lapu City just along the shoreline of Mactan Island, the nearby places you can go from there are worth checking out.

The Mactan Newtown, Megaworld’s first township in Central Visayas, is located right at the heart of Lapu-Lapu City. This means that you can wander around, see historical places, take selfies with the image of Lapu-Lapu, and explore city’s best kept treasures.

Historical: Mactan Shrine or Liberty Shrine and Magellan’s Marker

You can start off with a throwback adventure at the Mactan Shrine. It is just a three-minute drive away from The Mactan Newtown.

The 20-meter bronze statue in the shrine depicts Lapu-Lapu holding a bolo in one hand and a pestle on the other. The said weapons are believed to be the weapons Lapu-Lapu used during his combat with Magellan on April 27, 1521.

The statue was erected in honor of Datu Lapu-Lapu who killed Portuguese explorer Magellan, defeating Spanish soldiers in the Battle of Mactan. He is said to be the first Philippine national to resist foreign rule.

This monument stands as a reminder of Filipino bravery.

A few meters away, the obelisk is another historical place called Magellan’s Marker. This was erected in 1866 to mark the spot where Magellan, a Portuguese explorer, died in a battle against Lapu-Lapu. Also, this is in commemoration of his success in Christianizing the people of Cebu and effort in spreading the faith.

Cultural: Guitar factories

If you’re into music and guitars, Lapu-Lapu City has something special in store for you. The center of guitar-making industry is the Lapu-Lapu City.

Just a 14-minute drive away from the Mactan Newtown is the Alegre Guitar Factory. It is just one of the many family-owned guitar enterprises passed on from one generation to another.

Guitars that are especially made in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu are famous throughout the world because of their affordable price, world-class quality and durability.

In addition, other string musical instruments made in Lapu-Lapu City include ukuleles, banjos, and mandolins, which are exported to countries like Canada, Australia, Japan, and the United States.

The history of guitar-making industry in Lapu-Lapu City started when the Spanish friars assigned in Cebu needed to repair their guitars. Instead of waiting for the guitars to arrive from Mexico, the friars assigned and commissioned the townspeople of Opon village in Mactan Island to make new guitars and repair ones. Thus, began the guitar industry in Cebu.

Visiting Alegre Guitar Factory will give you a glimpse of the different stages of how guitars are made. You can also look at the workshop to witness craftsmen do the actual guitar-making process. Also, you can buy personalized guitars straight from the factory. How cool is that?

Religious: Our Lady of the Rule/Birhen sa Regla or Nuestra Señora Virgen De Regla Parish Church

If your energy is still not drained after visiting the Alegre Guitar, you can end your tour by visiting Our Lady of the Rule Parish Church. The parish church is just a 20-minute drive away from the factory.

The Birhen sa Regla is the patroness of Lapu-Lapu. Like Señor Sto. Niño of the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, Birhen sa Regla gives hope to the faithful.

The faith of the Oponganons strengthened when back in the 1990s when a miracle happened to a certain Maria Ramos.

She was suffering from terrible seizures caused by cerebral palsy. When she was brought before the patroness, Ramos crawled to and kissed the statue. Right after, she stood up without any assistance and walked out of the door.

From that moment on, an annual celebration commemorating their patroness is held every year. The celebration is said to be equally extravagant as Sinulog, wherein devotees join the annual procession where they walk about three kilometers under the sun.

When it comes to historical and cultural attractions, Lapu-Lapu City has a lot to offer. From The Mactan Newtown, tourist spots are easier to find and reach. If you will open your eyes, you will get to discover more well-kept treasures that surround your township.

Call and Contact us today at 260-1899 / 0922.2849.422. Reserve a unit at One Pacific Residence today and enjoy a 5% discount.

22/06/2016

Salute to those We are calling FATHER. :)

21/06/2016

Where Coming Home is a Pleasure

One Pacific Residence features executive studios and one-bedroom condos that redefine the good life.

Here, the units are designed with you in mind, so expect well-planned, functional spaces. Depending on which unit
you choose, look out on stunning views of Hilutungan Channel, Magellan Bay or the Mactan Shrine, one of Cebu’s
most famous landmarks, from the privacy of your balcony.

One-Bedroom Unit

Spacious living and dining area
Roomy bedroom with built-in closet
Toilet and bath tub areas with separate access doors
Kitchen with mechanical ventilation
Utility area in selected units
Typical Residential Features
Built-in closet for bedrooms and sleeping dens
Pre-fabricated kitchen cabinet
Stainless steel kitchen sink
Marble lavatory countertop
Ceramic tiles for floors and walls of toilet and bath
Ceramic tiles for kitchen
Ceramic wood plank flooring for bedrooms
Exhaust duct system for toilet and bath and kitchen
Provision for hot and cold water supply lines
Individual mail boxes with keys
Provision for cable TV lines
Provision for telephone lines per unit
Individual Condominium Certificate of Title (CCT)
Split-type air-conditioning unit
All residences come pre-furnished with:
Split-type air-conditioning unit/s
LCD TV
Home theater system
Two-burner cook top and range hood
Washing machine/dryer
Microwave oven
Refrigerator
Center table and sofa set with throw pillow
Four-seater dining set
Bed frame with mattress
Entertainment cabinet
Accent chair or lounge chair

Brands of appliances may vary depending on availability.

TURN-OVER: 2018

18/06/2016

Where Coming Home is a Pleasure

One Pacific Residence features executive studios and one-bedroom condos that redefine the good life.
Here, the units are designed with you in mind, so expect well-planned, functional spaces. Depending on which unit
you choose, look out on stunning views of Hilutungan Channel, Magellan Bay or the Mactan Shrine, one of Cebu’s
most famous landmarks, from the privacy of your balcony.

One-Bedroom Unit

Spacious living and dining area
Roomy bedroom with built-in closet
Toilet and bath tub areas with separate access doors
Kitchen with mechanical ventilation
Utility area in selected units

Typical Residential Features

Built-in closet for bedrooms and sleeping dens
Pre-fabricated kitchen cabinet
Stainless steel kitchen sink
Marble lavatory countertop
Ceramic tiles for floors and walls of toilet and bath
Ceramic tiles for kitchen
Ceramic wood plank flooring for bedrooms
Exhaust duct system for toilet and bath and kitchen
Provision for hot and cold water supply lines
Individual mail boxes with keys
Provision for cable TV lines
Provision for telephone lines per unit
Individual Condominium Certificate of Title (CCT)
Split-type air-conditioning unit

All residences come pre-furnished with:

Split-type air-conditioning unit/s
LCD TV
Home theater system
Two-burner cook top and range hood
Washing machine/dryer
Microwave oven
Refrigerator
Center table and sofa set with throw pillow
Four-seater dining set
Bed frame with mattress
Entertainment cabinet
Accent chair or lounge chair

Brands of appliances may vary depending on availability.

TURN-OVER: 2018

13/06/2016

7 Reasons Why Invest in Cebu

WHY INVEST IN CEBU?

The Philippines has scored good investment ratings from reputable agencies (Fitch Ratings) worldwide recently. Philippines now ranks at 9 in Top 100 Best Countries to Invest in Real Estate. Many investors have looked into a potent a place in the Philippines, outside Manila. Cebu is considered an excellent place to pour in their investments.

Here are the 7 main reasons why you have to INVEST IN CEBU?

1. It is the gateway of Central and Southern Philippines. Cebu is the most accessible place with more domestic air and sea linkages than Manila. It has international airport, which is second to Manila in domestic and international traffic influx and outbound. Cebu’s gateway to trading is apparent in its international seaport.

2. Growth of BDO and Export Industry. Cebu has one of the most productive labor forces in the country. It is ranked 8th in Top 100 Outsourcing Destinations in the world. Its excellent economic track record Gross Regional Product GRP 9-12% annually.

3. Booming Tourism. Cebu has been attracting expats/foreign executives, regular tourist, foreign spouses and foreign retirees. Cebu has a GOOD CLIMATE always appreciated by foreigners. Its expanding tourism gateway, the Mactan Cebu International Airport, caters to more direct international flights. The amalgamation of the urban centres with the beach and the mountain areas makes Cebu an attractive destination, not only for commercial purpose, but also for recreational activities.

4. Cebu has a vibrant cosmopolitan with all the support facilities and amenities needed for an ideal lifestyle.

5. Home of Quality Education. Many universities and other educational institutions in Cebu are among the best in the Philippines. University of San Carlos is regarded as the oldest university in the Visayas while University of the Philippines has a big campus near the heart of Cebu City.

6. Cebu’s business districts hold international and local companies and institutions. Aside from the Economic Processing Zones in Mactan and Danao City, Cebu has business districts in Cebu City and Mandaue City that hold financial, BPO and retail companies. The expansion of business districts in Cebu is the factor in the increasing visibility of tall structures in Cebu’s skyline.

7. Growing population. The current population of Cebu is at 5.1M and still growing. 60% of this population numbers are still renting.

Source: BAA2015

13/06/2016

WHY INVEST at THE MACTAN NEWTOWN?

In a huge step to broaden its reach and bring its highly successful “live-work-play-shop” development concept to the province, a new township project in Cebu named The Mactan Newtown, the company’s first major community development outside Metro Manila. The Mactan Newtown is a sprawling 25-hectare mega-community that combines office spaces, luxury condominiums, leisure amenities, retail shops, and a hotel in one setting like most communities. The Mactan Newtown is just minutes away from the Mactan-Cebu International Airport, the country’s second largest international airport. This is a definite boon for businessmen, BPO executives, and frequent travelers.

The community also features a cyber park, which is home to several office buildings like the recently completed One World Center, a five-level office building that offers more than 6,000 square meters of office space, and the newly launched Two World Center, which has around 6,500 square meters of available office space. The cyber park will also be home to Eight Newtown Boulevard, Pacific Garden Tower, and Pacific World Tower, all of which host prime BPO offices.

Source: Cebu's First and Original Real Estate Investment Guide

10/06/2016

The OFW Guide to Getting Bank Financing

Based on the results of the 2014 Survey on Overseas Filipinos, the total number of Filipinos dispersed across the globe is 2.3 million. While Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) come from diverse backgrounds, their common denominator is the critical role they play in strengthening our economy, primarily through their remittances.

The increased purchasing power of OFWs, whether channeled through remittances or through their savings, has also encouraged their financial literacy. This is either directed towards investments such as stocks, bonds and mutual funds, real estate or small to medium businesses. According to the 2014 Consumer Expectation Survey of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), there was an increase of 46.6% in the remittance allocation towards savings and other investments, the second highest percentage since 2007.

But this is also not to say that OFWs do not need financial assistance. Whether they are returning OFWs, or currently employed abroad, they also need the aid of both public and private financial institutions to help them achieve their goals.

Joanna, an OFW from the UK who just invested in her future home at Megaworld at the Fort, says that “the beauty of these loans is that it’s fairly easy to apply for even if you’re not in the country.” She also adds, “most of the banks now cater to OFWs, and they even have specialized packages for us.”

Eligibility and Basic Requirements
Recognizing them as viable candidates for financial assistance, there is now a growing list of banks that provide financial assistance suited to the needs of our OFWs.

If you are an OFW planning to apply for a loan, you must be at least 21 years old and not more than 65 years old upon maturity of the loan. You must also have an ongoing contract with you employer, and you must also be employed at least for the last 12 months.

Across all the banks, the common loan requirements include a government-issued ID, a Certificate of Employment or a POEA contract, payslips for the past 3 months, a proof of remittance for the past 3 months, a notarized or consularized Special Power of Attorney and a filled-out loan application form.

Types of OFW Loans
The types of loans that OFWs can apply for are varied and are also available to them regardless of where they are in the world. With everything being connected by the internet, as well as the existence of pilot or partner branches and offices of some of the bigger local banks, distance is not a problem when it comes to applying for bank financing.

Joanna shares that she was scared at first to try her hand in getting a home loan. “It can be nerve-wracking especially for a first timer!” But because she secured all the necessary requirements and sought the support of her family, all things came into play. She now has a condominium to come home to in Cebu once she settles in for good.

Home Loan
With competitive interest rates, and the influx of readily available properties and condo units, the home loan is one of the more popular loans available for our OFWs. Because really, who doesn’t want a new home for their family?

Eligible home loans include the purchase of residential lots, house and lot, condominium or townhouse. Bank financing can also include renovation or expansion of existing homes, or refinancing of existing mortgages. Most financial institutions can provide a minimum loanable amount of P400,000 up to P2 million. These can be paid out from a minimum of 5 years, or for as long as 15 years.

Personal or Salary Loan
If your family needs that extra cash, whether it’s for a vacation, or even for health reasons, there are personal or salary loans that are available for OFWs. Some banks offer these types of loans with a fixed monthly payment and flexible payment terms.

The minimum amount for most personal loans is P10,000, but it can also go up to P3 million. OFWs can also apply specifically for car loans.

Business Loan
Returning OFWs can also apply for business loans once they reintegrate back to the Philippines. Those wanting to set up shop back home can apply for business loans in both private and public financial institutions. With credit facilities being set up specifically for OFWs, they can now apply for that initial business capital, ranging from P300,000 up to P2 million.

Regardless of the type of loan our OFWs apply for, it is important to note that loan applications need to be coursed through legitimate and legal channels. With their expanded financial resources, OFWs need to be a lot smarter with where they invest, and who they trust with their hard-earned cash.

SOURCE: Megaworld at the Fort

07/06/2016

CEBU's BEST CONDOMINIUM

The Mactan Newtown is Megaworld’s first major township development outside Metro Manila. A master-planned community boasting its own beachfront, it is the first of its kind in the country. This rapidly-growing mega-community combines top-grade office sites, first-class commercial strips, upscale hot...

01/06/2016

Megaworld township ‘attracts’ investors from Cebu, Davao

ENVISIONED as the next central business center in Iloilo City, Megaworld is set to develop its biggest venture in Western Visayas in the next 10 years.

Launched in 2011, the 72-hectare old airport in Mandurriao has been converted into the Iloilo Business Park.

Megaworld public relations and communications head Harold Geronimo said that they invested in the city because of its culture and business growth.

“Iloilo is diverse in terms of culture and the business here is booming. In fact, many investors from Cebu and Davao are looking for lands here to start their business,” he said.

One of three developers venturing in the Iloilo, Megaworld houses the largest township in the city, with an investment of P35 billion.

The business park will be home to two five-star hotels, business process outsourcing (BPO) companies, malls, residential buildings and a dining strip.

I-Con (Iloilo Convention Center), the city’s convention center, is also situated in the business park, in between Richmonde Hotel and Courtyard by Marriot.

“(The convention center) is centered between hotels to attract international tourists who want to have conventions. If they are to conduct conventions, they are assured of quality stay in the hotels,” Geronimo said.

He added that it was Senate President Franklin Drilon, a native of Molo, Iloilo, who first asked for a venue for conventions to be constructed in the city.

As part of its tourism platform, City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog then planned to build a convention center.

Mabilog’s spokesperson Rey Delfin said that there has been a 41.5 percent increase in tourism from 2014 to 2015.

“Megaworld donated a 1.7-hectare lot and the services of the architect as well. I-Con was inaugurated by the President in September 2015,” he said.

I-Con General Manager Ludy Ho said that since its inauguration, the convention center has hosted the Philippine Councilors’ League and the APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) Summit last year.

“We’ve also hosted the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation convention for the last two years,” she said.

As for the hotels, Geronimo said that Courtyard by Marriot is the first luxury brand found in Iloilo and will be better than Marriot Cebu.

About 10 BPO office towers are also set to rise and will make the business park the largest IT-BPO district in Western Visayas.

The dining strip on the other hand, will embrace the Dinagyang’s festivities, which is the city’s official festival.

“The Festive Walk Promenade stretches at two kilometers. It will be the longest shopping and dining strip in the country,” Geronimo said.

The six residential towers will have 1,216 units feature a blend of history and modern art.

“Most OFW (overseas Filipino worker) families bought residences in one of our towers, One Madison Place. The other two, Lafayette Park Square and The Palladium, have a more contemporary theme mixing European and modern art,” Geronimo said.

Although the residential towers are yet to open in 2017, all six are already sold out.

The business park is set to provide 35,000 jobs in the city in the next decade.

“We have 2,000 graduates a year. Aside from that, our community college’s graduates are the poorest of the poor, so meron talaga silang matatakbuhan (they have something to run to),” Delfin said.

About 32 percent of the township has been developed.

SOURCE: SunStar Cebu

28/05/2016

Since you have limited space, purchasing additional storage might not be the most feasible option. The key to organizing your condo is making use of everything available. Another advantage is of de-cluttering small spaces is that you don’t and shouldn’t have to spend that much. All it takes is some general know-how and a little brain power to get yourself out of a messy situation. Use some of these best practices to store your stuff and keep your place disaster-free and under control.

Utilize All Available Surfaces
Doors and walls can help you in your quest to get organized. Attach hanging pegs or shelves onto these surfaces and use them to store jackets, shoes, and other things. Opt for fold-up shelving or stick-on hooks you can install and detach as needed. They’re pretty handy for getting everything out of the way when you need your place to look pristine.

Divide and Categorize
It’s time to break out the label-maker and put it to good use. You can utilize a single space to store all kinds of things by making the proper provisions. Use metal or plastic dividers to section of the space for different things. For example, one part can be for dish towels, one for bath towels, one for rags, and so on. You can also use labels to help identify where everything goes.

Regular Total Clean-up
Once in a while, do a complete overhaul. We’re not talking about cursory cleaning but getting rid of the junk you’ve accumulated over a prolonged period of time. If you can’t immediately make use of something, toss it out or find it a new home. Coordinate with other people in the building and try to organize a garage sale for all your used belongings. Not only will you get rid of stuff you no longer need, you’ll make some extra cash too.

Do Some Dual-Purpose
If you’re the type who likes thinking out of the box, you’re apt to find an alternate purpose for everything. Whether it’s drawers installed into the side of your bed or a pile of books turned into a nifty bedside table, things become a whole lot more useful with a little creative know-how. Visit some online sources and check out the latest DIY projects, you can turn anything in your condo into a handy organizer. You can also turn your most essential furniture, such as beds, into alternate seating or storage to save space and keep things organized.

Open Shelves and Closets
One advantage to keeping everything in plain sight is that you minimize the hassle of having to rummage. Imagine putting everything into a drawer, taking it out, putting it in again, and so on. It’s a vicious cycle and losing patience is inevitable. Once you fall into the habit of “I’m-just-going-to-fix-that-later,” you’ll end up losing track of things. Open storage eliminates the problem by giving you a good look at what you need for easy retrieval.

It takes twenty-one days to form a habit, so use that time to practice your organizational skills. Once you get into the daily practice of keeping your space clean and orderly, you’ll be making life much easier for yourself.

SOURCE: Megaworld the Fort

28/05/2016

Whether you like lounging in the sun with a drink on hand, or roughing it up in the mountains or underwater, Cebu has all sorts of activities to entertain all kinds of folks. All while making sure you enjoy your stay, whether it’s in a backpacker’s inn, or the newest developments in the city like Megaworld’s new township in Mactan.

Here we list down some of the adventures you can do in Cebu. Go ahead and push your limits.

Freediving
There’s no shortage of diving courses in Cebu. It has, after all, proven itself a worthy underwater playground. Regardless if you prefer scuba diving or snorkeling, the choices of dive sites are abundant. But why not take it a notch higher by freediving in Moalboal!

Biking
It can’t be argued that the scenic views of Cebu are best experienced with the breath of fresh air. And there really is no better way of doing that than biking. With several bike tours organized from town to town, and even within the city centers, you’re sure to experience the best and the nitty-gritty of Cebu.

Canyoneering
Canyoneering requires your full commitment to adventure. Not only will you climb, walk, jump, swim with or against the currents, you might also be required to rappel and hike all while enjoying Cebu’s natural wonders. Some canyoneering sites offer an entire day of adrenaline-pumping activities, but beginners to the sport may also opt for the easier downstream trails usually taking around 3 to 4 hours.

Wakeboarding
One need not go too far from the city to enjoy a good adventure. Thirty minutes away from the city is the Cebu Wake Park, the first cable wakeboarding facility in the province. Wakeboarding is a combination of water skiing, snowboarding and surfing techniques so you’re guaranteed to get quite an exercise. It’s a relatively new sport in Cebu, but one that is quickly gaining traction.

Rock Climbing
Extreme sport fanatics, not only from the province, but from all over the world are converging in the small town of Cantabaco to rock climb. Not known to many, Cantabaco’s is “one of the whitest sun-bleached limestone crags in Southeast Asia”, making it the perfect springboard for first time rock climbers in the country.

Featuring routes catering to both beginners and extremely advanced climbers, you can enjoy a quick day trip or even spend a few days studying and climbing the different areas of Cantabaco. First time climbers also need not worry about equipment, as the local guides have all the necessary tools to ensure a safe climb.

SOURCE: Megaworld at the Fort