The future of work - sustainable office building

Green, the color of nature, has become the color people look for and want - in the products they buy, their homes and even the place where they work. Green means environmentally friendly and sustainable.

Parkway Corporate Center in Filinvest City, Alabang wears “being green” as a badge of honor, presenting itself as a sustainable office space in a sustainable garden central business district. Filinvest City, is a complete and thriving CBD, has the distinction of being the first central business district in the Philippines to receive the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design LEED v4 Gold for Neighborhood Development (LEEDv4 ND) from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), and one of the largest neighborhood developments in Southeast Asia to pass the world’s most rigorous green building rating system.

Parkway Corporate Center boasts of premium amenities to make working in it as good for the health as it is good for business because the development was planned and designed for this purpose.

As Metro Manila and the rest of the country prepare themselves to resume their routines that were rudely interrupted and disrupted by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, they also brace themselves for the resumption of the old headaches - monstrous traffic jams, limited seats in public utility vehicles, and a very polluted atmosphere. Those who are fortunate would have the good luck to work at Parkway Corporate Center would have the luxury of being cocooned in a healthy working environment where they can take advantage of the development’s distinctive green building features such as its excellent indoor air quality, and breathable open spaces. According to research findings conducted by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), green buildings make employees healthier and happier. With more employees returning to their office set up in the midst of the emerging pre-pandemic hustle and bustle of Metro Manila, this is the ideal time to find sustainable office spaces in a prime location at a competitive price range. Parkway Corporate Center offers the complete package. It is located in a prime location and has the added advantage of being a green building, so employees can be productive and efficient but healthy as well.

Parkway Corporate Center is green not just because it is located in Filinvest City, but because it also has its own LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certification from USGBC to prove it. The LEED certification is an honorable seal that not only validates Parkway Corporate Center as a sustainable office building but also establishes its tenant’s confidence in providing their employees a safe and healthy environment to work.

In addition, it offers premium amenities and access to major transportation hubs and roads that connect Parkway Corporate Center to cities north and south of Filinvest Cityit. It has the prime business spot in Filinvest and provides greater mobility and convenience. It is close to Festival Mall, five-star Crimson Hotel, Westgate, Asian Hospital and the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine.

H1 Architecture and Design, one of the country's top architectural firms, designed its future-proof, premium-grade office tower that is now ready for occupancy. Modern features and amenities include high-speed elevators, an elegant lobby, modern business centers, a podium deck garden, and spacious parking spaces. All unsold units of Parkway Corporate Center are available for leasing, with price starting at 900 pesos per square meter. Units range in size from 36 to 252 sqm and may be combined.

To know more, visit parkwaycorporate.com

DOT launches “Keep the Fun Going” sustainable tourism campaign with gamified challenges

The Department of Tourism (DOT) launches the second phase of the Save Our Spots (SOS) campaign titled, “Keep the Fun Going”, to encourage tourists to practice eco-friendly travels.

The campaign builds on the gains of the SOS phase one that was launched in 2019 to educate travelers about becoming responsible tourists. “Keep the Fun Going” aims not only to educate but also motivate travelers to take part in sustainable tourism practices, mainly through gamified challenges.

“The DOT has been integrating sustainable tourism principles in its projects, programs and policies, even involving tourists to be part of these efforts. Through the SOS campaign, we aim to raise awareness about responsible travel and emphasize that every small act goes a long way to ensure that future generations will continue to benefit from and enjoy nature’s abundance,” said Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat.

The Philippines is home to some of the world’s richest ecosystems and diverse species, which are facing both climate change and human threats, such as over tourism and neglect of the environment.

Loboc River Cruise, Bohol. Photo courtesy of the Department of Tourism.

To inspire more tourists to practice sustainable travel, the campaign will highlight a gamified experience featuring four eco-friendly ways to travel. The challenges will be demonstrated through collaboration with local key influencers, after which, the public will be enjoined to accomplish at least two of the four activities, which are:

● The “Certified Foot Soldier Challenge” that encourages travelers to walk, hike, or bike more often;

● The “Zero-Waste Warrior”, which inspires travelers to reduce waste by avoiding single-use plastics and always bringing reusable water bottles, utensils, and shopping bags;

● The “resTOURism Advocate Challenge” that encourages tourists to volunteer in restoration efforts of communities, such as planting activities, clean-up drives, and wildlife preservation; and,

● The “Eco-Staycationer Challenge” that motivates tourists to book in eco-friendly accommodations, such as local homestays or ANAHAW-awardee hotels that take action to promote sustainability.

Participants will have a chance to win by completing at least two challenges and posting them on social media with the following guidelines:

STEP 1. Take a photo of yourself doing the challenges.

For Certified Foot Soldier, you may use an app to track or record your steps or bike ride as proof.

For Eco-staycationer, best if you can include an eco-friendly practice of the establishment in your video. Camping and staycation trips (in a green hotel) are qualified.

STEP 2. Upload your photo.

Put a geotag and write a short description.

STEP 3. Tag the official DOT social media accounts:

Tiktok: tourismphilippines

Instagram: tourism_phl

Facebook: facebook.com/DepartmentOfTourism

Twitter: TourismPHL

STEP 4. Include the #KeepTheFunGoing and #ChallengeDone hashtags in your caption

STEP 5. Tag 3 of your friends in your post

STEP 6. Make sure to set your profile in public so we can see your entry

All entries will be drawn through an electronic raffle. Weekly winners will be announced every Saturday and will be notified thru Facebook Personal Message. The two grand winners, which will be chosen from all the qualified entries, will win a FREE TRIP for two to Palawan.

Join the #KeepTheFunGoing movement today and be an eco-warrior. To learn more about the campaign, visit philippines.travel/saveourspots.

Travel Green: Explore Banwa Private Island at its greenest

Green season is every frequent traveler’s best kept secret. It is the perfect opportunity to explore Banwa Private Island where nature is in full bloom.

Green season means drizzles in the warm and sunny mornings, ideal for swimming, hiking, nearby island adventures and outdoor activities. The cool,. fresh breeze make the days more relaxing, finding paradise in whatever you do.

Set in a pristine marine sanctuary in North-eastern Palawan, Banwa Private Island boasts stunning beachfront villas wrapped in the shade of palm trees and tucked in lush vegetation. Architecturally designed to sit in harmony with nature, each villa truly offers the luxury of space for a pure tropical hideaway. Wake up to the gentle hum of the waves, with the sun gleaming through the private veranda offering unobstructed views of the endless turquoise waters.

Plan your island escape as Banwa Private Island offers a seamless, attractive all-inclusive Green Season rates starting May 2022. For more information and enquiries, please contact the Reservations team through mobile/WhatsApp: +639178882864, send an email to reservations@banwaprivateisland.com, or visit www.banwaprivateisland.com.

‘Go where your mind’s been wandering’ – A new campaign by the DOT, TPB, and BBDO Guerrero

The Department of Tourism (DOT) and Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) have launched a beautiful outdoor, press, and online campaign, with the help of BBDO Guerrero, to promote domestic tourism in the Philippines as the country recovers from the pandemic and travel restrictions are eased.

The campaign 'Go where your mind's been wandering,' highlights the re-opening of 10 popular tourist destinations, from white sand beaches to strawberry farms, in captivating photos that illustrate the unique characteristics of each place and, if you look closely, reveal a silhouette of a hidden face.

From surfing in La Union, diving in Cebu and hiking in Davao, you're sure to find something you love, no matter where your mind's been wandering.

The campaign was produced together with STILLS MNL Photographer Jason Quibilan and UGL Post Production with minimal retouching, inviting domestic tourists to rediscover the beauty of the Philippines - safely and responsibly.

Stop dreaming, start planning, now ‘go where your mind’s been wandering’.

Discover amazing entourage - dedicated Axis facilities of Banwa Private Island, the perfect destination for meaningful experiences

Boasting powder-white beaches, diverse marine life, luxurious private villas, and a green ethos that supports, nurtures, and protects its precious natural surroundings, Banwa Private Island is the perfect destination for meaningful experiences.

From destination weddings, and family reunions to work retreats, elevate your next event with an exclusive island charter at Banwa Private Island.

Unique to Banwa Private Island, discover our amazing Axis facilities providing comfort and style suitable for entourage and support team or children sleep-over adventures, available by chartering the whole island.

The facilities comprise eleven garden rooms accommodating up to 22 guests with views over our 9-hole (Par 3) short game golf course, a dedicated lounge with snooker table, pool kitchen, BBQ deck with pizza-oven, and its own infinity swimming pool. Not to mention our spectacular birds-eye view from the one-bedroom 360° Axis Suite situated at a spectacular vantage point.

For more information and inquiries, please contact the Reservations team through mobile/WhatsApp +639178882864, send an email to reservations@banwaprivateisland.com, or visit www.banwaprivateisland.com.

'Stairway to a good life!'

'Room with a view'

'The suite life'

The Modern and Smart Choice: Upgrade Urban Living with Smart Home Decisions

Owning a home or upgrading one’s home and lifestyle has risen to the top many Filipinos’ priorities list these recent years. Staying indoors for a longer period contributed to this but so has the importance of living close to school or work as in the case of condo living or finding a place in the city for easier access to almost anything.

Although urban living in the Philippines can be challenging, what with the overcrowding, congestion and traffic problems, many find city life rewarding. This is why many continue to flock to the city or condos or upgrade their city life little by little. Being cooped up at home for two years has inspired more Filipinos to take a closer look into what lacks and what needs to be improved in their homes with regards to health, comfort and convenience. Making upgrades at home is no longer just a privilege but also a responsibility, and thanks to new technologies and smart and modern tools, homeowners can make life and health at home easier.

Energy-saving home equipment

Have you been monitoring your electricity bills at home? Home appliances consume a lot of energy. Having more appliances, better yet, unwise choice and use of appliances can cause one’s electric consumption – and bill – to surge. Furthermore, home appliances can be a major contributor of harmful greenhouse gases.[1]

Modern technologies have given rise to energy-efficient options such as inverter appliances. Solar-based equipment are now also increasingly available, with many installing solar roof panels as energy source.

These alternatives do not only help save energy and electric consumption but enhance home life for everyone in the family because they are easy to use and maintain. This means saving money from lower energy consumption and easier maintenance and repair. Moreover, these environment-friendly home appliances and equipment reduce the family’s carbon footprint for a more sustainable lifestyle.

Smart home devices

Smart home devices continue to rise in popularity for a reason. Besides giving the home that modern vibe, smart devices allow homeowners to control appliances and parts of the home such as lighting from anywhere around the house – and even from outside -- through digital assistants and voice commands.

Additionally, some smart devices send the user alerts and notifications to warn of any potential issue or remind them if they have left anything behind like an opened refrigerator door or a meal that has finished cooking in the oven.

When it comes to safety, CCTVs, doorbell security cameras and AI technology help homeowners monitor the house even remotely through the mobile phone. This means, homeowners can keep an eye on their home even when they are miles away on vacation or business trip.

Organization tools and hacks

With most everyone staying indoors much longer, keeping the home tidy and organized has become a priority. The growing range of storage solutions, from stylish baskets, plastic containers to wooden crates and metal racks, can fit any home aesthetic and needs.

Many Filipinos nowadays, especially young adults, see organizing things at home as therapeutic besides creating as aesthetic worthy of a post on social media. Organizing also helps homeowners focus better, reduce stress and overwhelming emotions, and create a lighter feeling overall.

Various organization tools are conveniently available even on online shopping sites, and homeowners can choose from a wide selection of designs, types, shapes and sizes.

Virus-eliminating appliances and tools

Plenty of virus-eliminating equipment and devices have surfaced amid the pandemic to help combat the COVID-19 virus.

Waterlogic, the leading global provider of home and workplace hydration solutions, takes this step with its COVID-19 safe water units, the Aqua SmartGuard.

Drinking the right amount of water is one of the most effective ways to strengthen the body against viruses and other threats to the health. But hydrating is just part of the solution. It is equally important to make sure the water the family consumes is clean, safe and healthy.

The Aqua SmartGuard “cube” is the perfect fit in any modern home with its compact and elegant design while its state-of-the-art technologies make for a safe and healthy partner. The cube features a patented Firewall UVC technology that sanitizes the water from contaminants, bacteria and viruses, including the COVID-19 virus. The Aqua SmartGuard also filters out particles that give the water a bad taste or smell without removing the necessary minerals.

This modern and safe water dispenser features an antimicrobial protection added on the unit’s surface, dispensing buttons, nozzle and tray. This BioCote keeps the unit exterior safe from germs and bacteria, giving everyone in the family added protection

The Aqua SmartGuard also provides the family with four temperature modes -- ambient, cold, hot and extra hot -- to accommodate various day-to-day hydration needs.

Besides complementing the home and kitchen aesthetic, upgrading to the Aqua SmartGuard eliminates having to haul gallon sized containers or wait for water supply. It also reduces, if not totally stops, using water bottles, which contributes to cutting plastic wastes.

To top it all off, Waterlogic offers a Total Care Service that takes care of the unit’s installation and maintenance such as replacement of filters and UV lamps. The Total Care Service, priced at Php1,490 only, can be paid using debit or credit cards or Peso Pay, bank transfer, payment Gateways auto-debit or GCash.

For more information on Aqua SmartGuard, its products and the Total Care Service, visit smartguard.ph.

About Waterlogic

Waterlogic is a leading global designer, manufacturer, distributor and service provider of home and workplace hydration solutions. Waterlogic provides the world’s purest and safest water to over 50 million households and offices in more than 70 countries. Waterlogic, with its decades of experience in delivering highly certified, great-tasting water in a safe and environmentally responsible way, aims to transform drinking water into a trusted, purified and sustainably abundant resource for all Filipinos.

[1]

https://www.astralenergyllc.com/5-significant-benefits-of-using-energy-efficient-appliances/#:~:text=Energy%2DEfficient%20Appliances%20Help%20Save,your%20energy%20bills%20at%20home.

CaSoBe and Millennial Resorts Hosted the Inaugural MVP LANDCO Golf Cup

CaSoBe (Calatagan South Beach) and Millennial Resorts recently hosted the inaugural MVP Landco Golf Cup. The inter-company golf tournament provided an opportunity among select executives of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation, various companies under the MVP Group and corporate partners to team up, meet face-to-face, have fun and build camaraderie in a friendly golf tournament at the Calatagan Golf Club.

 Global Business Powers represented by Dan Neil clinched the championship of the inaugural MVP Landco Golf Cup

It was also the perfect avenue for MVP executives to experience the ultimate in resort living and explore the 15-hectare CaSoBe, one of Landco’s latest Leisure Tourism Estates; and enjoy the facilities of Millennial Resorts on property.

MVP executives and their families were billeted at Crusoe Cabins, the first resort in the country that received the prestigious EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies)-Certification for its eco-efficient design. After the golf tournament, sunset cocktails and a fellowship night ensued by the white sand beach of CaSoBe.

Erickson Manzano, President and CEO, Landco together with Landco officers Patrick Gregorio, Senior Consultant for Hospitality and Tourism and Vivian Liban, Chief Finance Officer welcomed the participants and guests and graced the awarding ceremony of the first MVP Landco Golf Cup.

Global Business Powers with Dan Niel won First Place in the first MVP Landco Golf Cup

Taking home the First Place trophy was Dan Niel, Executive Vice President Head – Expanding Market Division Corporation, Global Business Powers (GBP) in the golf tournament that was also participated by some top executives of the MVP group of companies: Augusto Palisoc, Jr., Director for Metro Pacific Investments Corporation and President and Director at Metro Pacific Hospital Holdings, Inc. and Oslec Lopez, President and CEO, Santos Clinic, Inc.; Ramoncito Fernandez, Director for Metro Pacific Investments Corporation and President and CEO of Maynilad Water Services, Inc.; Christopher Lizo, Chief Financial Officer of Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation; Ferdinand Geluz, President of Spectrum and Meralco FVP, CCO; Exequiel Delgado, CEO, Radius Telecoms; Jude Turcuato, First Vice President - Head of Sports, PLDT and Executive Director, MVP Sports Foundation; Arvin Siena, VP and Head of Technology Strategy and Transformation Office, PLDT and Smart Communications, Inc.; Gerard Milan, Vice President and Head of Content Business Development, Smart Communications, Inc. and Ernesto Sta. Maria, Jr., President and CEO, Pilipinas Global Network Limited.

VIP guests included: Jonvic Remulla, Governor, Cavite; Oliver Jimeno, President and CEO, CTBC Bank; Bo Perasol, former Head Coach, Ateneo Blue Eagles and UP Fighting Maroons; Ernie Lopez, President and CEO, Creative Programs, Inc, an ABS-CBN subsidiary and Host of G Diaries TV Show; Boy Leonardo, Erwin Pobre, Adrian Borja; and Carmelo Andrei Lizo.

Siena of PLDT received the Special Award of  Clossest to the Pin

The awarding ceremony also recognized the team winners, with Global Business Powers clinching the first MVP Landco Cup. In second and third place were PLDT and Metro Tollways. Siena received a special award of Closest to the Pin.