Nearing nine decades in the real estate scene, Ortigas & Co., plans to scale new heights in an aggressive, ambitious expansion plan. And with a massive redevelopment plan underway, Ortigas has also secured and acquired the services of topnotch local and foreign firms to help ensure the sustainability, liveability, quality and value of its developments.

While Ortigas & Co is going full throttle in creating landmark developments in Metro Manila to provide Filipinos better communities with a world-class feel, it has also employed the latest technologies in creating these masterpieces while adhering to a strict building guideline across all developments.

This seasoned developer has long placed its faith on local architectural firms as it continues to acquire services from reliable local construction companies. But in keeping up with the times, Ortigas & Co. has also acquired the services of foreign partners (for design and architecture, among others), who can lend their expertise regarding the most innovative and latest techniques available.

Top design firms

Ortigas & Co. turned to premier design firms such as RTKL, which has consistently ranked among the world’s top design firms. As proof of its renowned expertise, Building Design in 2011 ranked RTKL’s retail sector first in the world; its planning services, third; and its urban design, fifth.

For 70 years, RTKL has created one of the most memorable and successful environments for developers, retailers, investors, institutions and public entities. Its work has been a cut above the rest with numerous accolades received across multiple disciplines and sectors. Included in its portfolio are the Dubia Creek Harbour, The Pearl in Doha, Qatar and LA Live in Los Angeles, California.

Now, RTKL will serve as the consultant arm for the masterplan of Capitol Commons and also of Ortigas East.

The company will roll out a P50-billion masterplan to redevelop “Ortigas East,” which is formerly known as Frontera Verde along C5. This estate is launched with an initial offering of the first office-for-sale building, The Glaston Tower.

The Glaston Tower is poised to become Metro Manila’s prime business address. The 34-storey building plans to infuse more life into the office space market with its unique form and functionality. This building is also a recipient of Bronze Stevie Awards for innovation in business-to-business products under the New Product Category.

Capitol Commons estate in Pasig, on the other hand, will continue to undergo development with a P26-billion fund to bring it to a new level of growth and profitability.

Estancia, Capitol Common’s retail component, opened its doors to retail markets with 15,000 sqm of prime offices on its upper floors. But it was the three luxurious residential towers in Capitol Commons that takes the cake for future residents with a taste for the good life. The Royalton, The Imperium and Maven will offer a range of experiences for families, millennials and guests.

The Imperium at Capitol Common even bagged the Best Luxury Condo Architectural Design during the 2018 Philippines Property Awards. Highly Commended citations were bestowed for Maven, The Imperium and Capitol Commons for mixed use development of the year.

Structural integrity

The sound structural integrity of every building of Ortigas & Co resonates with its desire to create a building that will last from one generation to the next. Magnusson Klemencic (MKA) is the chosen structural and civil consulting engineers by Ortigas & Co. The firm carries a long history of enhanced expertise in seismic, wind, vibration, blast-engineering and site strategies for low-impct design, site infrastructure planning, strategic water planning and excavation shoring.

Magnusson Klemenic has 99 years of building experience in creating safe, highly functional, innovative designs that withstand the test of time. With projects in over 54 countries, MKA has consistently created safe, economical and state of the art design for buildings of all sizes. Among its most notable works are Chase Center in San Francisco, Vista Tower in Chicago and China’s Hunan Road Suning.

Not to be outdone is the 16-ha Greenhills Shopping Center. Being the crown jewel of the entire Greenhills complex, it will also house the first luxury residential tower—The Viridian in Greenhills. It is now being currently turned over to its buyers. Conor, another residential tower in Greenhills estate will soon rise, was launched early this year.

Latest masterpiece

The Galleon is the newest offering located in the heart of Ortigas Center. It is a two-tower, mixed use development complete with a ultra-modern design. A roster of highly renowned experts is helping create this latest gem in Ortigas Center. Ortigas & Co. tapped Architecture International Ltd. (San Francisco) as its masterplanning and concept architect. Among the more well known works of this US-based firm include the Lotte Tower in South Korea; Verona Office Towers in Italy, and Xi’an Hi-tech Business Center in China.

The architect of record is GF and Partners Architects, while for interior design, Ortigas & CO. commissioned the services of andAssociates. It also tapped world class structural and civil engineering firm Magnusson Klemencic Associates (MKA) to create a modern, functional office space with a view of lush landscapes in the communal gardens.

Redefining skyline

There’s no stopping Ortigas & Co when it comes to innovating the Metro Manila skyline.

Soon, The Empress will be added to its roster of master-planned developments in Capitol Commons.

The Empress, a residential building that showcases fine living, exudes femininity and strength. Three things that were top of mind when The Empress was designed: health, balance and well-being.

A balance of yin and yang to complement the lifestyle of its residents. The Yin will comprise the quiet places such as garden, pamper room and reading room. The Yang will be embodied in active zones like pool, gym, function halls and dance halls.

With an unparalled land bank and a long list of experience in building townships, Ortigas & Co. has more to offer in developing choice residential communities, coveted commercial areas and prime business spaces. The revitalized property giant plans to give and build more for the Filipinos.

Read from news site here.

It’s that time of the year when many prefer to lay low, stay out of the limelight and avoid making crucial decisions.

In Chinese culture, the seventh month of the lunar calendar year or most commonly known as the Ghost Month is considered a dangerous period, a time to be extra vigilant and careful, particularly at night.

“The Ghost Month is when the portals of astrological heavens open, allowing spirits to go in and out the portal. The gates of hell are open and when this happens, the (spirits) can easily penetrate our world and do harm. That’s the reason why there are certain taboos during this month,” said certified master feng shui consultant Joyce M. Co.

During this month of hungry ghost, it is widely believed that the yin overpowers the yang, and when the yin chi dominates a house, it starts to attract ghosts and wandering spirits, which were released from hell to roam freely among the living.

While there are precautions you can take, it doesn’t mean that your life will stop during Ghost Month, Co stressed.

“Of course, this doesn’t mean you will stop everything literally. You cannot stop your business during this month, you need to move on with your life. My one advice is to not risk it too much, or take calculated risks. For instance, when you invest, make sure to invest in something that would likely prosper,” Co explained, adding further that this practical advice can go for everything else in one’s life all year round.

One of the best options for investment, according to feng shui, is real estate, Co disclosed.

“Real estate is earth. In feng shui, we talk about five elements namely water, metal, wood, fire and earth. Earth is considered dominant because all elements are there and therefore it can control and affect the other four elements. In feng shui, land is like food which is a basic commodity,” Co explained.

Certain real estate developments however trump other property projects as these have characteristics considered favorable under feng shui.

Co pointed out that feng shui is all about balance, about common sense and practicality.

To usher luck in your investment, choose a reliable developer with a solid track record that can offer you tangible proof about the kind of developments that a company can create. She further advises a potential homebuyer or investor to choose a development that caters to one’s needs and whims, whether it’s about convenience, accessibility, privacy, wellness options, among others, which can give you a holistic, well-balanced lifestyle.

Co further pointed out the significance of land configurations and having conducive living spaces, which are necessary in creating good feng shui.

“Space is very important. It’s one of the basics in feng shui—having air to breathe and space to explore. Air should be meandering. For practical reasons, would you like to live in a cramped space with limited air? When investing in a property like a condo unit, you have to make sure there is enough space,” Co further explained.

Hence, it would be good for your feng shui—and practical too—if you invest in a property that could give you enough space to move around and ample breathing room as well.

Currently, there are developers like Ortigas & Co. that have been creating masterplanned projects that provide residents that much sought space and sanctuary in the middle of a bustling city.

The 10-ha Capitol Commons, touted as a new destination for luxury living, is one mixed use development that offers modern living spaces, office facilities, commercial areas that showcase an array of retail, dining and entertainment selections, as well as lush parks and open spaces that provide the residents, office workers and tenants a much needed breathing space at the heart of the urban jungle.

Here, one can expect no less than a life well lived—one that is centered on comfort, convenience, elegance and wellbeing.

So far, three upscale residential towers were already launched namely 64-storey The Royalton, 62-storey The Imperium, and 62-storey The Maven. Estancia Mall meanwhile offers an array of exciting retail, dining and entertainment options, while the upper floors house 15,000 sqm of prime office spaces.

Accessibility is not a problem too since Capitol Commons is located along Meralco Avenue cor. Shaw Boulevard, within Ortigas Center in Pasig City, and is near major thoroughfares and public transport nodes as well.

Read from news site here.

Premier property developer Ortigas & Company has added three Bronze Stevie Awards to its achievement roster as its projects The Glaston Tower, Maple at Verdánt Towers, and Ortigas Art Festival received recognition in recent ceremonies held at the InterContinental Hotel, Singapore.

Winning bronze in this year’s Asia Pacific Stevies are: The Glaston Tower, for Innovation in Business-to-Business Products under the New Product Category; Maple at Verdánt Towers, for Innovation in Consumer Products and Services under the New Product Category; and Ortigas Art Festival, for Innovation in the Use of Events.Deemed as one of the most prestigious and globally acclaimed award-giving bodies across multiple industries, the Stevie Awards honors achievements and public contributions of organizations and working professionals worldwide. This year’s Asia Pacific tilt focused on and recognized companies’ adept use of innovation in its delivery of products and services.“We are honored to have been recognized again by the Stevie Awards. This will further inspire us to continue to innovate and introduce products that address the ever evolving needs of our customers. The awards are a testament to our commitment to excellence and global competitiveness,” said Ortigas & Company president and CEO Jaime Ysmael. Poised to become Metro Manila’s next premier business address, The Glaston Tower in Ortigas East is an office development set to provide spaces for both startups and traditional companies alike.

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