IBP’s Reserve Now, Pay Later

BER months are keeping up with their game in making the holiday spirit come alive! This October 2015, avail our RESERVE NOW, PAY NEXT YEAR PROMO! Get the dream condo you want by reserving for it this month, and enjoy the privilege of paying the monthly amortization fee starting January 2016! Hurry!

For more information, call us at (033) 330-3465, check us online at http://www.iloilobusinesspark.ph or visit our IBP Showroom at the ground level of Richmonde Tower, Iloilo Business Park, Mandurriao, Iloilo City.

Iloilo Business Park: A Glance of Developments and Opportunities

Iloilo Convention Center resembles Iloilo’s cultural heritage and economic glory as a modern convention venue.

 The present site where One Madison Place will soon rise.

An artist’s perspective of The Palladium, the tallest residential tower in Western Visayas.

Artist’s perspective of Lafayette Park Square.

A quick glance at Iloilo Business Park, the 72-hectare business and commercial township in Mandurriao, Iloilo City which was once an old airport is truly captivating and inspiring. Megaworld, the country’s leading real estate developer and BPO landlord visualized a bustling modern community and financial center when Iloilo Business Park was laid into a life-changing plan a few years ago. When it finally opened in 2013, the township started to promote a genteel yet vibrant lifestyle that Ilonggos and future investors can look forward to when living in Iloilo City. Iloilo Business Park opened a doorway of many possibilities in reclaiming the once affluent economy and tourism of the city. The metropolitan-inspired “condo lifestyle” was introduced by Iloilo Business Park to Ilonggos with its first residential tower – One Madison Place, an ultra-modern condominium comprised of 3 towers, stunning amenities and a lifestyle interconnected with the township’s bustling activities. Lafayette Park Square, another 16-storey residential tower came into the spotlight by introducing French and Spanish-inspired architectural design, first-class amenities and a vintage-perspective lifestyle for condo buyers. The third residential tower that further captured the interest of client and investors is The Palladium, standing tall with 22-floors, the tallest edifice in Western Visayas, and inspired by the rarest metallic element of the earth. The Palladium offers high-life with its serene four sky gardens, infinity pool, exciting unique amenities and by offering the first of its kind “Loft Units” located in the Penthouse level.

Richmonde Hotel Iloilo is the first high-end luxury hotel that opened in Iloilo Business Park this year.

A view of the Megaworld Boulevard where the Festive Walk Mall (left) is being constructed and the biggest McDonald’s in Panay Island can be seen.

The long-stretching Megaworld Boulevard where 30% of the old Iloilo Airport runway was retained, Iloilo Convention Center and Richmonde Hotel can be seen on the left while One Techno Place is being constructed in the right.

The Street of Festive Walk (current construction photo update) excites many Ilonggos to enjoy this vast shop-and-dine strip in the near future.

BPO Building One Global Center is the current office and operation site of call center company Transcom Asia.

Iloilo Business Park’s Showroom will be the biggest in the region soon to be completed next month.

A glance of Megaworld Boulevard over-viewing McDonald’s, Festive Walk Mall and Richmonde Hotel Iloilo.

The Courtyard by Marriot, another high-end international hotel set to open in IBP next year.

Going back to the “site-seeing” passion, these days, Iloilo Business Park is swiftly taking shape as a prominent business center and future commercial destination for locals, visitors and investors. The infrastructure projects being done in the township creates an exciting “sneak peek” of the great things and happenings to come.  The first two BPO Buildings – One Global Center and Two Global Center where BPO companies Transcom Asia and StarTek currently holds their Iloilo office and operation sites, respectively. Two more BPO Buildings are under construction such as One Techno Place and Two Techno Place. The IT-BPO sector would greatly benefit with Iloilo Business Park by providing an estimated 30,000 local employment opportunities for Ilonggos in the next 10 years. Richmonde Hotel Iloilo, a first-class luxury hotel opened a few months ago offering gracious accommodation and exciting destination for visitors with their classy bistros such as The Granary and Bizbar. On the other side of the hotel is Richmonde Tower where BPO company Reed Elsevier, Iloilo Business Park Marketing and Operation Divisions hold their offices on the third and fourth floors, respectively. Courtyard by Marriot, another international hotel is set to open in 2016 at Iloilo Business Park will be sharing its world-class accommodation and amenities to locals and tourists visiting the township. The Iloilo Convention Center is located right across Richmonde Tower. Considered as an iconic landmark and boasts with world-class convention facilities, the 3,700-seater Iloilo Convention Center inspired by the Paraw Regatta sail fins and having a Dinagyang Festival warriors’ emblem, is the recent venue of APEC ministerial meetings this year. Iloilo Convention Center will prove to become Iloilo’s exciting venue for international and prominent events as well as conventions in the future. In fact, it is fully booked with events until next year. The next shopping center in the city is Festive Walk Mall, inspired by Megaworld’s classy lifestyle malls in Manila set to open in 2016. This shopping haven will have a prestigious line-up of international clothing brands, boutiques, retail stores, 8 world-class cinemas, events center and bistros. Right across the mall is the Mall Annex and the Street of Festive Walk, considered as the longest shopping-and-dining strip in the country. This is the one-stop destination for well-known bistros, restaurants and the biggest names in the culinary scene schedule for completion next year. The Street of Festive Walk will emphasize Iloilo as a “mecca of gastronomy and food lovers” where lifestyle, leisure and entertainment converges in one place of interest.

Moving further at the tip of the Megaworld Boulevard, the main highway of the township with bike lanes on its side, is leading onlookers at the Boutique Hotel and Commercial District, the future Central Business District (CBD) of Western Visayas. With 10 blocks and 9.2 hectare area intended for business and commercial spaces, almost 80% of lots are already sold to financial institutions and private entrepreneurs this year, giving a strong indication of investment influx in the township. Metrobank and Unionbank are two prominent bank companies have already secured their space in Iloilo Business Park.

A strong partnership with the local government of Iloilo City and Province, agencies and business circle whose goal is to highlight the undeniable potential of Ilonggos in making global relation and passion for business, creates a strong fusion of both economic, tourism and cultural promotion for Iloilo Business Park as a magnet of developments, changes that would lasts a lifetime for many people.

Though a quick glance and site-seeing trip at Iloilo Business Park would give onlookers, locals, visitors and potential investors a preview of the great things to come in this bustling business township, more than the infrastructure aspect, this mixed-use commercial district is raising the standard of living in Iloilo City by opening a doorway of opportunities and sketching a bright future for Ilonggos.

Make things happen and let your dream fall into place at Iloilo Business Park now. For more information, call us at (033) 330-3465, check us online at http://www.iloilobusinesspark.ph or visit our IBP Showroom at the ground level of Richmonde Tower, Iloilo Business Park, Mandurriao, Iloilo City.

Spooky Paw-Rade invades IBP on Oct. 24

Iloilo Business Park is more than just a township for business; it is also a destination for unique leisure escapades. The 72-hectare Megaworld township takes pride not only of its stunning scenery, wide spaces for recreations and impressive buildings, it is a place where bikers, health buffs and of course, dog owners can find a perfect getaway to enjoy a day of relaxing activities.

It’s time for a very unique Halloween event with “Spooky Paw-Rade” on October 24, 2:30PM at The Palladium Showroom in front of Richmonde Tower, Iloilo Business Park in Mandurriao, Iloilo City. This special event is a dog-appreciation day organized by Megaworld – Iloilo Business Park to give credit to our fury best friends and their owners in time for the Halloween season. There will be various activities highlighted by Dog Parade wearing spooky Halloween-themed costumes, Dog Blessing, Fun Match Dog Show, Dog Games and Halloween Dog Costume Fashion Show as the main event that will mesmerize visitors and onlookers. Pre-registration for participants started last October 9 at The Palladium Showroom. Tickets sold at The Palladium Showroom, McDonald’s IBP and Joseph Jiro Gabasa – owner of Pack Leader k9 Dog Training School costs P150.00 per one dog participant. Dog owners are encouraged to bring in their pet’s latest vaccination papers upon registration.

So what are you waiting for? It’s time to dress-up your fun-loving dogs and enjoy a day full of fun, excitement and freebies this Halloween. For ticker reservation and registration, call us at (033) 330-3465, 09173524888, 09399256430, or visit us at http://www.iloilobusinesspark.ph.

Festive Walk Mall Redefines New Lifestyle Culture

Artist’s perspective of the Festive Walk Mall

Lifestyle shopping in Iloilo will never be the same with Festive Walk Mall

What makes metropolises exciting to visit and teeming with recreation is the existence of various shopping malls. Embedded in the notion of most Filipinos is the concept of shopping malls as the oasis of relaxation and a place to enjoy. The culture of “malling” has long been etched in the mindset of a typical Filipino mentality for the past decades. Since Iloilo City is on its way to take the spotlight as the next “wave city” and economic center in the Visayas with influx of investments, “malling culture” and the lifestyle sensation its brings to Ilonggos is once again heightened with the anticipated opening of another world-class shopping center – the Festive Walk Mall. Rising in the heart of Iloilo Business Park, the 72-hectare business township developed by Megaworld in Mandurriao, Iloilo City, Festive Walk Mall has two phases of leasable areas such as Festive Walk 2B-1 with 2,666 square meters and Festive Walk 2B-2 with 1,923 square meters. Inspired by the classy concept of its popular predecessors in Manila – the Megaworld lifestyle malls, Festive Walk Mall is a unique convergence of contemporary architectural design and international line-up of world-famous clothing brands, boutiques and retail shops. For leisure lovers and movie enthusiasts, there will be 8 world-class standard cinemas set to open in the mall. A classy food court, a selection of first-class bistros and restaurants, and spacious events center will complete the lifestyle mall expected to have its soft opening in the fourth quarter of 2016. Across the center mall, a Mall Annex will open to offer extended shopping and dining escapade for mall-goers and visitors. Beside the Mall Annex, another landmark leisure destination will open with great anticipation – the Street of Festive Walk, a 1.1-kilometer shop-and-dine strip, the longest in the country so far. The name of the highly-anticipated mall, inspired by the “festive” cultural vibrancy of Iloilo’s world-class Dinagyang and Paraw Regatta Festivals, is a stunning depiction of Ilonggos’ passion for leisure, shopping and love for gastronomy rising in the middle of a sparkling business township of opportunities and commercial epicenter. The mall is a just a few steps away from the residential district which will become the home of a privileged few residents in One Madison Place, Lafayette Park Square and The Palladium, condominium towers with unique facets of lifestyle concept. The prestigious lifestyle mall is surrounded and adjacent to Richmonde Hotel Iloilo, BPO buildings One Global Center and Two Global Center, the biggest McDonald’s in Panay Island, and a few steps away from the Iloilo Convention Center and soon-to-rise Courtyard by Marriot Hotel.

October 2015 Construction Update of Festive Walk Mall

Lifestyle-wise, no other shopping malls in Iloilo City can offer this magnitude of conveniences, pleasure options and exclusive link to a complete, modern commercial township. The Festive Walk Mall is a stunning definition of Iloilo’s future “malling culture” and a level up experience that Ilonggos, visitors and investors can find only in the ‘city of love.’

Embrace the new lifestyle concept at Iloilo Business Park. For more information on how to invest, call us at (033) 3303465 or visit our website at http://www.iloilobusinesspark.ph.

‘Selfie’ Tips you can do at IBP

Social media netizens are going crazy about the “selfie” phenomena these past years. In fact, the term itself has entered the list of modern-day dictionaries online. For most people around the world, “selfie” is the new revolutionary pop culture by photo-enthusiasts, posting it online in social networking sites using the smartphones is what makes a defining habit of this present generation. Using a “selfie stick” attached to smartphones for better proximity, “selfie 101” is far more exciting and trendy.

Iloilo Business Park, the 72-hectare business and lifestyle township developed by Megaworld in Mandurriao, Iloilo City, is the center of fast-paced infrastructure developments and economic activities. Sprawling landmarks and high-end establishments within the township arises to open a new gateway for Ilonggos to appreciate their city. With the APEC 2015 ministerial meetings happening in the Iloilo Convention Center, the 3,700 seating capacity, modern events venue inspired by Iloilo’s culture, Iloilo Business Park is at the center of international spotlight. Richmonde Hotel Iloilo, a first-class hotel recently opened along with two BPO buildings serving as operation sites for multinational BPO companies, exciting opportunities and leisure activities are propping up in Iloilo Business Park.  Shopping and dining destinations such as Festive Walk Mall and the 1.1 kilometer – Street of Festive Walk underway for completion next year, the culture of entertainment and pleasure becomes well-anticipated in Iloilo City. The biggest Boutique Hotel and Commercial District in Western Visayas is also taking shape in Iloilo Business Park, giving investors and visitors the edge to venture their businesses locally.

So if you’re on your way to Iloilo Business Park and you want to make it a habit to experience more often the high-end lifestyle, don’t limit yourself and do the “selfie” habit in this bustling business township. Here’s a list of the best locations to do your “selfie” craze:

1. Are you fond of signage and on-location “selfie” photo snaps revealing where you are without saying a word? Aside from “I am Iloilo” signage located in the Iloilo River Esplanade, head on to IBP McDonald’s where the township’s signage is located. It would surely give you an inspiring day as you share your photo online telling the world that you’re standing at the biggest Megaworld township ever.

2. Wanting to share the Ilonggo cultural pride to the world? Why don’t you try to drop by in front of the Iloilo Convention Center, the state-of-the-art events destination in the region and find your best “selfie” post. After all, you’ll truly appreciate yourself being a real Ilonggo by having this Dinagyang and Paraw Regatta-inspired structure in all its visual glory behind your photo.

3. Even on daytime or nighttime, Richmonde Hotel Iloilo is visually impressive with its blue silhouette, giving visitors and onlookers the perfect “selfie” backdrop to beat. To feel more spectacular, just wait for the lights show of this stunning edifice at night and snap more “selfies” as you can.

4. Feeling like a true “seflie” health buff, just have a morning jog, walk or biking in the long-stretching Megaworld Boulevard to capture the impressive sights. There are strips of greens and impressive lampposts along the boulevard to make your photo-snapping exciting to the eyes. In the evening, it is even more impressive with the lights on at the township. You can choose which angle would suit your “seflie” mood.

5. BPO Buildings – One Global Center and Two Global Center are impressive landmarks where you can position your “selfie” snaps to look more visually appealing with your friends or acquaintances working in call centers located in these buildings.

These are just a few suggestions how to make your “seflie” guide thrilling in Iloilo Business Park. Try to be more creative and innovative by looking around to find the perfect “selfie” spots for you. In the future, more establishments will be completed to excite your “selfie” trip. Just come around, enjoy the scenery and have fun.

10 Best Reasons to Move Out of the Metro for a Stress-Free Lifestyle

Photo from Skyscrapercity.com

There’s more to lifestyle perspective in “megacities” than meets the eye. What makes bigger cities in the Philippines like Manila a notch higher than any other highly-urbane metropolises in the country is its economic dominance and “investment magnet” image. Megacities have established a reputation as melting pots of opportunities from business, finance, tourism and leisure that shine brighter than its stunning city-lights at night. But behind this fast-paced lifestyle, uprising cities in the provinces offer more than a promise of opportunities: the priceless advantage of a stress-free and pleasurable living.

Pleasurable, pollution-free and healthy lifestyle in Iloilo City, photo from iloilo.net.ph

1. Pollution

Everyone hates pollution in big cities. It’s absolutely suffocating, health hazzard and down-right deadly. But, don’t worry because you can always run away from this never-ending metropolitan syndrome. There is a huge difference in the air quality and pollution levels from big metro cities to out-of-town provinces. Just like Iloilo, this city has more air quality control than common metropolitan areas, signifying a more liveable atmosphere for people. Vehicular emissions are more controlled and minimal often emphasize by its environmental-centered community and a city government that promotes healthy lifestyle.

Photo from thenewstoday.info

Less traffic roads and streets in Iloilo City

2. Traffic

And while everybody hates a deadly pollution problem, people are also whining about megacities’ traffic. If you search http://www.google.com with the terms, “traffic in the Philippines”, nine (9) out of (10) of the search results will show unsatisfactory descriptions of the traffic in major metropolitan areas. Thinking of moving out from a big city? Well, Iloilo is the place for you with wide main roads and fast-moving highways.

Photo by Felipe Uycongco

Photo from pinasmuna.com

3. Overcrowding

Metro Manila is one major example of an over-crowding megacity where limited spaces are available for recreation and promote healthy lifestyle. Dense urban cities have a hard time managing their space, compared to the ratio of the people residing in such areas. If one million people are living within one small street side, that’s a lot of heads to turn to if you want to say “hi.” If you want to live in a place with enough people to get by, fly to Iloilo and leave your claustrophobic fears behind. In this city, more relaxing areas are open for public like the Iloilo River Esplanade, bike lanes along Diversion road and Iloilo Business Park.

Iloilo City Police Officers are always on the road to do their public service, photo from ilongo.weebly.com

4. Crime rate

It would be traumatic for someone to get robbed in the sidewalk or get mulled by a violent gang over a dark street. But in big metropolitan areas, it’s part of the normal day-to-day scene. Another data from Numbeo suggests that the safety one feels walking alone during night time drops to 23.71%. Try coming to Iloilo and see all the bright lamp posts from one street to the next, ensuring your safety even after the daylight hours. Iloilo City is noted for being one of the world’s safest place to live with less number of crimes recorded every year.

Stress-free city streets and typical public transportation vehicles in Iloilo City, photo from projectiloilo.com

5. Public transportation and driving

Megacities in the Philippines tend to get confusing and crowded with the existence of public utility and private vehicles filling up the roads. Traffic system in these major cities is constantly innovating to maintain smooth flow such as color coding and number coding of vehicles.  Streets are full of so-called “public utility vehicles” for any distances and people moving to their destinations in these huge cities are always in a hurry that often resulted to a congested atmosphere. Though megacities have wide roads and highways, these are not spared from the non-stop influx of vehicles of both public and private. Iloilo is still a rising megacity, its roads and highways are still sparred from traffic congestion. To create consistency, road widening projects are ongoing and well-managed traffic controls are being implemented by the city givernment to maintain a stress-free ambiance for motorists and vehicles.

 

Expanding IT-BPO industry in Iloilo City, photo from panaynewsphilippines.com

6. Affordable Cost of living in out-of-town provinces

Living in major metropolitan cities can be a rewarding lifestyle perspective because you have the best access to a lot of things: amenities and opportunities. But there’s always a catch living in big cities: the cost of living. According to Numbeo.com, 31.1% is spend on average monthly house or apartment rent and 28.8% is spend on food and groceries for a resident in a big city based on distribution of expenses statistical model. If this is the case, the slightly minimal low cost of living in the provinces in the Philippines could directly affect the expenses of a resident compare to those living in megacities. Since Iloilo City is experiencing a booming economy and influx of investments, multinational companies are opening jobs that offer higher salary close to other megacities like Manila or Cebu. Combined with the slightly low cost of living in Iloilo and better salary compensation from companies, this city could be an employment destination in the future.

Photo from iloilo-travel-guide.blogspot.com

Weekend cultural and special events at Calle Real, Photo from iloilo.net.ph

Zumba session and activities at Iloilo River Esplanade, Photo from Skycraperscity.com

The annual Iloilo Bike Festival in Iloilo Business Park, Photo from Iloilo.net.ph

7. Accessibility to modern amenities in Iloilo

Everything is within your reach in big cities when it comes to business opportunities, entertainment and leisure. Iloilo City is on fast-paced infrastructure developments from roads, shopping malls, business and having a new convention center which are all accessible to locals. To counter the stressful lifestyle in the metropolis, wellness centers and public parks hold wellness programs or activities. On Sundays, the city’s old business center, Calle Real where heritage buildings are being rebuilt to its original form is usually closed for public transportation and holds Zumba sessions, cultural shows and local concerts to emphasize significant weekend attraction to locals.  The city government is also establishing wellness-inspired recreation areas. One of them is the long-stretching Iloilo River Esplanade where wellness activities often attracts passersby, giving a boost both on its economy, tourism and additional modern amenities.

Iloilo River Esplanade, Photos by Felipe Uycongco

8. Appreciation of Nature

Looking for greens and bio-diversity in major cities? Crammed and congested it may seem to be but major cities are innovating to counter stressful lifestyle and avert the effects of pollution. High-end malls and shopping centers feature pocket gardens and trees within commercial areas. Bistros and restaurants are placed in open spaces or along the seashore to appreciate nature. Wellness activities are encouraged in open parks. Moving away from megacities, Iloilo City have the Iloilo River Esplanade with a glimpse of a protected bio-diversity, wide-roads with bike lanes for health buffs, and consistent wellness activities in public parks, a convergence of a nature-centered expanding metropolis with uprising progress.

9. Proper Sanitation

Most megacities have similar problems when it comes to their garbage accumulation and sanitation issues. Every day, tons of garbage are collected in the city to minimize pollution. The average garbage collected in most megacities is high compared to out-of-town provinces. Megacities have serious garbage problems due to lack of proper dumpsites. Proper sanitation is worse and public toilets are congested compared with those in provinces due to consistent influx and daily activities of people. Try visiting Iloilo and you’ll see minimal trash problems and public toilets are less congested. The city government of Iloilo is doing its best to counter the problems of garbage, littering and push for more clean-up drive projects in local communities.

Iloilo Floodway Project in Jaro District, photo from livefromiloilo.wordpress.com

10. Less flood levels

Probably one of the most visible dilemmas in major cities especially in the Philippines, is the unstoppable flooding during rainy season. Big metropolitan cities suffer a lot and cause delays such as suspension of work and classes in schools during typhoon. A lot of investment and business opportunities are lost for multinational companies, government services are delayed and millions of calamity funds from the city’s tax are spend to fix infrastructure damages and support victims of flooding. Flood levels in Iloilo have been minimized over the years because of a major flood control project centered in Jaro district. The local government is also pursuing an improved drainage system project within the city.

The surging investment and business opportunities in the country has long been potentially presented by megacities but less popular for their beneficial lifestyle and stress-free elements that can be seen in provinces. Iloilo City’s relentless rise as the next economic center point in the Visayas may prove as a game-changing concept of business mixed with desirable lifestyle for investors, visitors and its locals. The infrastructure and economic developments are elevating but the vision of ecological conservation is prominently emphasized. Leading real estate company, Megaworld Corporation has long seen this unique potential in Iloilo City by transforming the 72-hectare old Iloilo Airport in Mandurriao district into a mixed-used development community, a township solely dedicated for business and high-end leisure facilities known as Iloilo Business Park.

Who said megacities have everything it has to offer in determining its prominence and promising opportunities? Think about another concept of it: a city of greens and swift infrastructure expansion leaping a notch higher in defining a better quality of life.

Make Iloilo Business Park your new Home and Business Address

Iloilo Business Park is a vibrant destination for tourism, leisure and great opportunities in Western Visayas (Photo by Marx de Silva)

Amidst the bustling economy and infrastructure developments happening in Iloilo City, everything remains the same for Ilonggos – it still feels like home. Living in a city where the glorious past remains intact with the present and anticipate a bright future, this stunning city of inspiration comforts many Ilonggos around the world with pictures and images of their hometown, a place where there passion and love remains whole.

Iloilo Business Park, a 72-hectare mixed-use commercial complex in Mandurriao District is considered as the city’s new face of vibrancy and progress where a new competitive ladder of developments, success and opportunities open a new horizon to chase. Megaworld, the township’s developer has the leading reputation of developing modern communities and townships in Luzon for 26 years. Bringing their success vision of “live-work-play” in Iloilo, Megaworld designed Iloilo Business Park as a township that drives swift elevation of the city’s lifestyle, leisure, tourism, economy and opportunities for Ilonggos.

Envisioned as the future home of Iloilo’s elites, business magnates, professionals and even visitors who will fall in love with the effervescence of the township, and opted to invest and stay, Iloilo Business Park have what it takes to offer for a lifestyle that most of us are dreaming of. Work in nearby multinational companies located in BPO companies and enjoy the perks of a lively township. US-based BPO companies StarTek and Transcom hold their Iloilo headquarters in One Global Center and Two Global Center. Two more BPO companies are underway for completion – the One Techno Place and Two Techno Place. Across One Global Center, you can experience luxury and first-class comfort provided by Richmonde Hotel Iloilo. The hotel’s aptly popular restaurant, The Granary attracts diners and visitors for their luscious “Ensaymada” and other excellent culinary fare. The Bizbar is the hotel’s classy chill-out bar for acquaintances and bonding. The Iloilo Convention Center is a 3,700-seating-capacity event venue symbolizing Iloilo’s grandiose culture and destination for prominent conferences. It is now the venue of APEC 2015 ministerial meetings from September 21 to October 6. Underway for completion is the Festive Walk Mall, the shopping center of the township where 8 world-class cinemas will soon open, a food court, an events center and a line-up of international branded boutiques and retail shops will soon thrill mall-goers. Across the shopping mall is the 1.1-kilometer Street of Festive Walk, envisioned as the longest shop-and-dine strip in the country where culinary bistros, restaurants, pubs and retail shops will keep a large number of crowd and visitors entertained next year for its grand opening. The biggest McDonald’s in the Panay island is located across the Street of Festive Walk.

For luxury-lovers and lifestyle visionaries, Iloilo Business Park’s residential towers One Madison Place, Lafayette Park Square and The Palladium are considered the epitome of their dreams. These stunning condominium towers offer classy condo units in various styles, sizes and astonishing amenities that elevate the kind of living paralleled to Megaworld’s lifestyle signature. The Palladium is the highest tower in Western Visayas with 22 floors, a penthouse level where ultra-classy Loft Units reflects pure luxury, four multi-level sky gardens and other extraordinary amenities.

Iloilo Business Park is the home of the biggest and most-expansive financial and commercial district where commercial lots are available for investors. In fact, some of the country’s biggest banks such as Metrobank and Union Bank have already secured their respective lots in the commercial district. More investors and visitors are eyeing to put up their business ventures in Iloilo Business Park where tourism, economic prominence and countless leisure destinations converge into one exciting township that Ilonggos can now call home, a home for their rich cultural heritage and investment for a brilliant future.  Now, wouldn’t you want to make Iloilo Business Park your new home and business address?

Call us now at (033) 330-3462 or visit us online at http://www.iloilobusinesspark.ph. For condominium inquiries, visit our showroom at the ground level of Richmonde Tower, 8 Enterprise Road, Iloilo Business Park, Mandurriao, Iloilo City.

High-life Destination: Street of Festive Walk

September 2015 photo updates (construction) of the Street of Festive Walk set to be completed on the second quarter next year

Imagine one amazing avenue of pleasure and leisure, the longest 1.1 kilometer dining and commercial strip in the country opening in the very heart of Iloilo Business Park (IBP), Western Visayas’ biggest township. True to the vision of Megaworld Corporation, IBP’s developer, the Street of Festive Walk is one of the most anticipated destinations opening on the second quarter next year to energize the current wave of developments happening in Iloilo City. It is another addition to the world-class sights and sound of city life that swiftly elevates the modern Ilonggo lifestyle.

Beyond its concept as a specific spot of retail stores, restaurants, pubs and coffee shops combined together, the Street of Festive Walk is envisioned to leave a mark in the leisure culture of Iloilo City and its neighboring provinces. Day in or day out, this will become a vibrant destination for people whose passion is to experience ultimate dining, shopping and seeking for entertainment that is “high brow” and classy.  Megaworld ensures that everything you seek for pleasure by day and highly-elevated “nightlife” will perfectly converge in a long-stretching avenue of good times, extraordinary experiences and savor the best of exclusive lifestyle perks that IBP has to offer. High-end names in the restaurant and dining business will converge to offer luscious culinary cravings in the Street of Festive Walk. Expect fine dining bistros will blend well with local restaurants that showcase Iloilo’s excellence as a culinary haven in the country. For nightlife lovers and crowd, pubs and brewery-exclusive bistros will open to ensure great happenings. Conversations and memorable bonding among families and group of friends will enjoy the top-notch line-up of coffee shops, al fresco dining and open space walkways. Shopping for international brands will never be far away for shopaholics as chic boutiques and retail stores will provide visual deluge. The Street of Festive Walk combines visual pleasure, high-end leisure choices and countless enjoyments as it opens in 2016.

Artist’s perspective of the Street of Festive Walk by Megaworld Corporation

Lifestyle-wise, it is adjacent and a stone’s throw away from IBP’s other attractions and establishments including the region’s next sensational shopping center – the Street of Festive Walk Mall and across the IBP’s residential district where condominium towers like One Madison Place, Lafayette Park Square and The Palladium will become the home of Iloilo’s elites. The Street of Festive Walk is surrounded by BPO Buildings where multinational companies provides competitive career to professionals, and a few steps away from Richmonde Hotel Iloilo, Iloilo Convention Center and Courtyard by Marriot.

With the Street of Festive Walk set to change the dining and shopping habit of Ilonggos to another level, there is no need to imagine the impossible. Truth is, it is happening sooner than we expected as Megaworld’s Iloilo Business Park offers more than business and pleasure to Ilonggos – the township offers “life-and-style culture” like no other real estate developers has offered before in the region.

Explore more at Iloilo Business Park. Call us at (033) 330-34-62 to 65. Our online website is http://www.iloilobusinesspark.ph or check out IBP showroom at the ground level of Richmonde Hotel Iloilo, 8 Enterprise Road, Iloilo Business Park, Mandurriao, Iloilo City.

Chasing the Art of Photography with Felipe Uygongco

“For me, photography is both passion and art,” says Felipe Uygocongco, an Ilonggo photographer whose extensive work in photography captured most of Iloilo’s beautiful landmarks, tourism sites, hidden gems, and vibrant faces of people for the last five years of his triumphant return to photography. His interest in photography started during his early days in high school and college. Back then, he mastered the use of point-and-shoot camera, a very ordinary gadget that never failed to evoke his interest in photography.

“I’ve always been a lover of beautiful images and visuals that speaks about different stories,” he continues. After college, he decided to dedicate his life in their family business, his career elevation and soon had his own family to take care of. But his inclination for photography never slowed down and remained intact in his heart.

Iloilo Business Park Head of Sales and Marketing, Jennifer Ann Palmares-Fong presented a token and certificate of appreciation to Felipe Uygongco.

“Photography has always been there inside me, waiting for the right time to bring it out and express it,” he uttered with confidence. After decades of dedicating himself with his career, business, and family life, he decided to pursue his passion for photography.  It was more than five years ago when he decided to make photography his most anticipated retirement hobby that awakened the slumbering artist inside of him.  Once again, he learned to appreciate the beauty of natural scenery and places that he  visited around the world through photography.

“Light makes photography work. Using it and embracing it is making more than just art,” he said. For him, photography is about creating balance and harmonizing the light that creates a visual story. For most of his time as a photographer, he is a storyteller who always waits and chases the “blue hour,” the period of twilight each morning and evening when the sun is a significant distance below the horizon and the residual while indirect sunlight takes a predominantly blue hue. When most people in their retirement years pursue the life of comfort and stress-free lifestyle, Uygongco still has the burning passion to chase the hard life of a photography artist whose flair is to satisfy the heart, seeking the thrill of adventure and difficulties, all in the name of perfecting a craft and achieve true artistry.

“I had to wear thick clothes just to keep myself warm during our photo shoot sessions in cold countries abroad. Sometimes, when you love to do something, there’s no obstacle that you can’t get through. Everything becomes easy when you’re willing to do it right,” he said. Constantly, he keeps on learning and developing his skills, trying to discover a lot of techniques and apply it with his craft. Together with his group of photography buddies, they are striving to hone their skills and travel as much as they can. The closest photography subject in his heart is capturing the images of Iloilo’s culture, landmarks, people and heritage, from the old buildings in Calle Real to Iloilo River and a lot more.

“Iloilo Business Park is a picture of progress for Iloilo City these days. As a photography artist, it is a challenge for me to capture the visual scenery in this township that started to open a gateway of world-class opportunities and strong infrastructure developments not only in the city but the whole Region VI,” he further enthused. With great enthusiasm, he immediately agreed to accept the invitation in taking part in Iloilo Business Park’s photo exhibit event entitled “La Fotografia: Capturing the Progress of IBP” weeks ago. With confidence in his craft, he showcased the vibrant side of the township through his stunning photos during the exhibit last September 19, 7pm at Richmonde Hotel Iloilo. His seven exhibited photos grandiosely presented Iloilo Convention Center, Richmonde Hotel Iloilo and other scenery in the township that defines the vivid concept of Iloilo’s glorious economic rise.

“We Ilonggos have come a long way from a sleepy city into a progressive rise as the original ‘Queen City of the South.’ Aside from considering these photos as part of my life’s greatest work and journey, let these images tell you how great it is to be an Ilonggo,” he spoke with sincerity, concluding his speech with a spark of vigor in his eyes.

Investment Strategies and Tips for Condo Buyers

Condominiums are sprouting from everywhere in the Metro. Thanks to the developers who are capitalizing from the low interest rate, and from the cash flows of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) abroad and the employees of the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector.

As a newbie condo buyer, it maybe easy for you to join the bandwagon and buy seemingly desirable condo property that is offered to you. Whether buying a condo is primarily for the purpose of residence or as a mean to generate passive income by renting it out, having a good condo strategy would give you a well-defined course of action. Below are some of the best condo investment strategies that you can apply if you are thinking of buying a condo.

Location is the key. The main advantage of a condo over house and lot is location. You’re investing in a condo because of it’s location, bringing you into a more convenient lifestyle. It may be near from your place of work or located in a prime location where you can cater to a lot of potential tenants. Since condos are mostly located near commercial areas, go there during rush hour traffic. Chances are, the estimated travel time in the marketing brochure you have seen will not take into account heavy traffic. Remember that you will need to travel during rush hour and travel time to and from your condo should be an important consideration.

Apart from the issue of traffic, try to pass by the location during heavy rains and check if flooding is an issue. In addition, aside from the location of the condo building itself, you should also consider the location of your unit within the building. If you work on the graveyard shift and need to sleep through the day, pick a unit on the upper floors so you can isolate yourself from the street noise. Units which are near the elevator or the garbage chute are cheaper for a reason – elevators opening and garbage plummeting down the chute make a lot of noise. Choose wisely not only the location of the building but your unit in the condo building as well.

Financing your condo. How are you going to pay your condo that you intend to buy? Are you going to pay in cash or borrow money for it? In answering this question, take note of your cash reserve and cash flow. Buying in cash can help you get a much better price because most developers offer significant discounts as an incentive for you to do so. However, make sure that you have enough cash reserve to fund your expenses in cases of emergency. Unlike paper assets such as stocks and mutual funds, a condo is not easy to sell and requires time to liquidate.

Meanwhile, if you are considering borrowing money from the bank to buy your condo, make sure that you have strong cash flow to pay for the monthly amortization. For those who are buying it for the purpose of renting it out for passive income, check the amortization amount versus the potential rental income. You may want to buy a condo with a significantly lesser monthly amortization amount than the potential monthly rental income for it to be a self-liquidating investment.

That being said, you should also consider the lower end of your average monthly cash flow before taking on a loan.  A good gauge would be to have a surplus of about 10% to 20% of your average monthly cash outflows after subtracting the monthly amortization on the condo. Why? Not at all times, your condo unit is guaranteed to have a tenant as there may be times when your unit will be vacant.  If you are able to save about 10% to 20% after subtracting the monthly amortization, you’ll have enough funds to cover for amortization during vacant times and to provide for you and your family’s needs.

There are other costs. You should be concerned not only to your monthly amortization but also to other expenses associated in owning a condo. Condominium buildings will also charge you monthly or annual condo dues for the maintenance of common areas of the building. This cost will vary depending on the size of your condo unit, and the type of services and amenities available to unit owners. Aside from condo dues, as a real estate property owner, you will also need to pay for annual real property taxes and insurance.

In addition to the monthly or annual costs, there maybe one-time payments needed that must also be considered when buying a condo. Most contract to sell will normally state that you will have to shoulder the costs of transfer tax and the registration of the condo title in your name. This should amount to no more than an additional 4% of your purchase price.

Read the fine print. For the common good of all unit owners, your condo will be governed by a deed of restrictions. The restrictions will dictate what you can and cannot do when you move in to your condo. Ask for a copy of the master deed and restrictions of the condo project and read through it. If you are a pet lover, you should know if the building will restrict or even prohibit pet ownership. Some condominium buildings may also prohibit the use of LPG.

The numbers don’t lie. When it comes to return on investment or ROI especially for those looking to rent out their condos for passive rental income, the numbers don’t lie. With a lot of condo projects that are on sale nowadays, given location as being equal, you might be asking yourself, shall I buy a brand new or a second hand condo unit? Let’s run the numbers.

If you want to ensure minimal vacancies for your unit, the best price to offer potential tenants is the lowest possible rate, inclusive of condo dues.  For example, say you have the cash and you are thinking of buying a Php 1.5 million second hand unit versus a Php 2.5 million brand new unit.

If you rent out a second hand condo unit at Php 10,000 per month, inclusive of condo dues, at an average acquisition price of Php 1.5 million, your estimated annual ROI would be:

Annual ROI = Annual Rental Income ÷ Acquisition Cost

Annual ROI = [Monthly Rental x 12] ÷ Acquisition Cost

Annual ROI = [Php 10,000 x 12 months] ÷ Php 1,500,000.

Annual ROI = 8%.

However, if you bought a brand new condo unit at an average price of Php 2.5 million and you would like to earn at least the same ROI as the second-hand unit, you’ll need to rent it out at:

Monthly Rent = [Acquisition Cost x Annual ROI] ÷ 12 months

Monthly Rent = [Php 2,500,000.00 x 0.08] ÷ 12 months

Monthly Rent = Php 200,000 ÷ 12 months

Monthly Rent = Php 16,666 (inclusive of condo dues)

If you want to ensure minimal vacancies for your unit, the best price to offer potential tenants is the lowest possible rate, inclusive of condo dues.  For example, say you have the cash and you are thinking of buying a Php 1.5 million second hand unit versus a Php 2.5 million brand new unit.

Now, put yourself in the shoes of ordinary office worker who would like to rent it to save on time and effort on commuting, which one will you choose? Chances are, you’ll go for the second hand because you will just basically use it as a shelter to eat, sleep and go to work.

Condominium investing is truly a good source of passive income. However, before you plunge your hard-earned money into it, make sure you are armed with your strategy so as to become a successful condo investor.

Must-have Condos at Iloilo Business Park

At Iloilo Business Park, Megaworld’s 72-hectare business township offers the most high-end residential condominium towers for those looking for near-perfection, if not, the classiest and most exciting in terms of amenities and location. Iloilo Business Park’s three most iconic residential towers are the contemporary-designed 3-tower One Madison Place, the vintage architectural-designed Lafayette Park Square and the 22-floor, sky-garden-lifestyle The Palladium. Each of these tower offers condominium units in various style and sizes, mood and vision, financing and payment mode that suits your needs, your passion and ensures your money’s worth when investing for a lifestyle you desired most. For more information, you may visit our showroom at the ground level of Richmonde Tower, 8 Enterprise Road, Iloilo Business Park, Mandurriao, Iloilo City or call (033) 3303462-65 or visit us at http://www.iloilobusinesspark.ph.

(Article source : http://www.millionaireacts.com/3246/condo-investment-strategies-and-tips-for-buyers.html)