Villar-led Vista Land posts P2.19-B profits in H1, up 25%

RAPPLER - Villar-led Vista Land & Landscapes reported a 25% jump in net income for the first 6 months of the year, reaching P2.19 billion from P1.74 billion during the same period last year on the back of strong demand and expansion.

"The macroeconomic situation of the philippines has been good for real estate, there's a lot of confidence," said Company President and CEO Manuel Paolo A. Villar.

Sales were robust, registering 47% growth to P20.0 billion. Revenues grew 22% to P8.1 billion in the first half of 2012 from P6.6 billion in the first half of 2011.

The company launched 15 subdivision projects worth about P12 billion during the first half.

Vista Land is the holding company of the real estate units - Brittany, Crown Asia, Camella Homes, Communitities Philippines and a condominium development subsidiary, Vista Residences.

For more details on Vista Land & landscapes projects, you may e-mail reby_ramirez@yahoo.com or contact her at 0922.883.9308 / 0916.4044.555 / 0919.699.3572 / 4044-534.

For latest update on real estate development and its RA 9646, the Real Estate Service Act of 2009, visit www.ra9646.com.

Camella Homes readies more projects for Mindanao sites

Businessworld -- Camella Homes, Inc., the low-cost unit of Vista Land & Lifescapes, Inc. is looking at building more projects in Mindanao this year.

The company is initially targeting sites in Cagayan de Oro City and Ozamiz City in Misamis Occidental, Koronadal in South Cotabato, Valencia in Bukidnon and Butuan City in Agusan del Norte as part of its mixed horizontal and vertical expansion plans, Marlon B. Escalicas, general manager of Camella Homes Davao, said.

In Cagayan de Oro for example, the company is planning a vertical development sometime this year, which is seen to employ green design. This will reportedly include solar panels and ultraviolet-resistant glass that keeps internal temperatures cool.

Davao City is also included in the blueprint as the company’s plans to set up two offices to serve the north and south portions of the area.

This will make it easier to facilitate inquiries and applications as well as scope for new sites for expansion, Mr. Escalicas said.

“We acquired 20 hectares near the Davao International Airport.

The development is now in the works and we are looking to opening it towards the end of third quarter or fourth quarter this year,” he said.

The cost of developing horizontal projects is pegged at around P100 million per hectare, he said.

Earlier, Camella Homes similarly announced it would expand its Mediterranean-inspired subdivision project in a nine-hectare land in Mintal district.

The site is about 30 minutes away from Davao City’s downtown. The company has allotted P500 million sourced internally to build more units.

Plans for other potential investment areas, outside of Davao and Cagayan de Oro, could change depending on the availability of land and market demand. Buyers of the company’s residential units, Mr. Escalicas said, are mostly entrepreneurs, overseas contract workers, foreigners, and investors who purchase units to rent out.

Cynthia A. Villar, mother of Vista Land president and chief executive Manuel Paolo A. Villar, for her part said the family-owned business is bullish on Mindanao, citing existing communities Camella Homes has developed in the cities of Cagayan de Oro, Davao, Tagum, Butuan and General Santos.

For more details on Camella Homes projects, you may e-mail reby_ramirez@yahoo.com or contact her at 0922.883.9308 / 0916.4044.555 / 0919.699.3572 / 4044-534.

For latest update on real estate development and its RA 9646, the Real Estate Service Act of 2009, visit www.ra9646.com.

Puregold ties up with Vista Land on store space lease

MANILA, Philippines—Grocery chain Puregold Price Club Inc. is set to open by year’s end a new supermarket in The Lakefront property of Vista Land & Lifescapes Inc. in Sucat, Parañaque City.

This is seen as an opening salvo to more retail property deals between the groups of businessman Lucio Co and Senator Manny Villar.

Villar-led Vista Land announced on Saturday the signing of a 10-year lease agreement with Puregold covering an area of 2,350 square meters at the 60-hectare The Lakefront, which boasts of a commercial hub called The Wharf hosting restaurants, convenience stores, spa and beauty salon, a bank and some offices.

This is part of a previously announced plan by Vista Land, whose core business is selling residential property, to likewise generate recurring earnings by developing a substantial leasing portfolio.

“Vista Land and Puregold are currently exploring the possibility of signing similar lease agreements in other key projects under development by Vista Land such as Evia in Las Piñas, Cavite and Sta. Elena in Sta. Rosa, Laguna,” the Vista Land statement said.

“We appreciate the confidence and support shown by Puregold in choosing to partner with Vista Land and become a key locator at The Lakefront,” said Vista Land chief executive officer Benjamarie Therese Serrano. “We are looking forward to building a mutually beneficial relationship with Puregold through this and other commercial transactions in the future.”

“Our supermarket at the Lakefront should be open for business by the fourth quarter of 2011,” said Puregold president Leonardo Dayao. “Puregold is pleased to have forged this agreement with Vista Land and we expect to further strengthen our business relationship by setting up stores in other key developments of Vista Land in the coming years.”

Vista Land has completed several subdivision developments and buildings at The Lakefront over the past few years.

These include San Francisco-inspired subdivisions La Posada and Marina Heights and the mid-rise buildings Presidio and Marfori. The company recently announced the launching of mid-rise projects in the area.

Puregold, owned and operated by the family of Co, has a network of about 70 stores, which would be built up to 100 by year’s end. It also plans to debut on the Philippine Stock Exchange and sell as much as P11.2 billion worth of shares to the public.

For more details on Vista Land projects, you may contact Reby Ramirez @ +63 919.699.3572 / +63 922.883.9308 / +63 916.4044.555 / +632 404-4534 or e-mail her @ reby_ramirez@yahoo.com.

Lastly, FYI for related information on the new real estate law, RA 9646, please proceed to www.RA9646.com, the online repository of updated information on Real Estate Service Act of 2009 (RESA).

source: Philippine Daily Inquirer, Apr 10, 2011

Camella Tarlac and Camella Apalit

Tarlac today stands proudly as a crossroads of art, history and progress.

Guests are treated to the many natural, historical and cultural sites it offers. Most popular is the Mt. Pinatubo trek where adventure seekers get to go up to the crater formed after the volcano’s eruption in 1991. There are also the Bueno Hot Springs and the Dolores Springs which are believed to be medicinal.

The residents of Tarlac have literally risen from the ashes of Mt. Pinatubo to re-fashion this heritage-rich province into a modern melting pot where traditional culture has blended with the new. The presence of economic zones resulted into rapid industrialization, bringing in more jobs. The completion of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) has cut travel time from Manila, making the travel safer and faster for commuters.

Just 10 minutes away from the exit of the SCTEX is a growing community that is now providing a safe and secure home appropriate for the modern Tarlac resident. Camella Tarlac is a 61-hectare property that offers stylish homes that are affordable.

"Its proximity to the commercial hubs, financial districts, major universities and hospitals makes it an ideal property investment – its value rising as the growth of the province continues," said Camella President Maribeth C. Tolentino.

"It has three enclaves that provide this community a variety of options with seven model homes," added Dante Julongbayan, Camella’s Head for North Luzon. "Each was designed to respond to specific needs of varied homeowners."

With the launch of Camella Tarlac, visitors can view and experience the advantage that the Camella lifestyle offers. A showcase area features the Affordable Series and the Lessandra Series – space-efficient homes designed to respond to various requirements.

The Lessandra series offers model homes such as Reana, Margarita, Reena and Marga. The Affordable Series has five model home choices namely Lara, Marvela, Carmela, Drina and Elaisa.
The new community also offers amenities that are standard in residential developments in the country’s major cities. This includes a clubhouse, swimming pool, basketball court, tree park, jogging park, picnic area, playground and exercise area. The development likewise offers various security measures to ensure the community’s safety. There is also a shuttle service that brings residents to drop off/pick up points in the city proper at specific hours.

Tarlac’s neighbour, Apalit, is also showing signs of progress and prosperity. It is no surprise then to find a Camella development in this place. Formally established in 1582, this municipality is a gateway to Pampanga and the northern regions – it being the first town of the province located right next door to Bulacan.

Today, the presence of many manufacturing firms, refineries, and a multinational oil corporation has fast-tracked Apalit’s growth and attracted commercial, financial and retail establishments to cater to the needs of residents.

Camella Apalit is a Mediterranean-themed community on a 15-hectare property. Homeowners can enjoy amenities at par with developments in the country's major cities including a clubhouse with swimming pool, parks and playground, and a basketball court. It offers 12 model homes – each one tailor-made to respond to the market’s varied needs.

From the Crown Jewels series, model homes Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire, Pearl and Jade are available. From the Camella series, one can choose from Elaisa, Drina, Carmela and Marvela. And from the Lessandra series are Rina, Marga and Reana.

Camella Tarlac and Camella Apalit are developments of Camella, a subsidiary of Vista Land & Lifescapes, Inc., the country’s largest home builder.

For details on Camella Tarlac and Camella Apalit, contact Reby Ramirez @ +63 916.4044.555 / +63 922.883.9308 / +63 919.699.3572 or e-mail her at reby_ramirez@yahoo.com.

Source: Manila Bulletin, 24 November 2010

RA 9646, popularly known as Real Estate Service Act ( RESA ) has been approved for implementation when its Implementing Rules and Regulations ( IRR ) was published on July 24 2010 at Philippine Daily Inquirer and Philippine Star. For details on the RESA Law, visit www.ra9646.com, the central repository of all updates on RA 9646.

EVIA: Vista Land joins the big league

Vista Land and Lifescape, Inc. is the latest property company to enter into the development of big-ticket projects, following in the footsteps of Ayala Land, Eton, Megaworld and Filinvest.

Vista Land’s announcement of developing "Evia" this week ushers the company into the league of big community developers, larger than the image it has carved for itself when the Villar-led company first became known for its affordable market brand Camella and Palmera Homes in the 90s.

Evia is eyed as a "dynamic, self-contained 600-hectare city" carrying a mix of business, commercial, educational, and leisure communities, integrating "concepts in urban development, community planning, environmental and energy friendliness, innovations in hosting businesses, education, healthcare and leisure facilities, efficient transportation, and IT applications," said Benjamarie N. Serrano, Vista Land chief executive officer.

The focus now is for Vista Land to establish the commercial and community aspect of the property. The company initially budgeted a capital expenditure of P11 billion to establish its Lifestyle Center, the Riverwalk, church, and the University Town.

The 20-hectare Lifestyle Center is expected to start construction by the end of the year, according to Vista Land Corp. Communication officer Kit Trajano.

"The idea is to develop the first prime five hectares area," said Trajano.

The development of the community marks the maturity of the Evia from the spot developments that was initially started on the property.

The company’s three units, Brittany, Crown Asia and Camella already have projects in the area. Brittany’s Portofino, Crown Asia’s Ponticelli, and Camella’s Cerritos, now have almost 5,500 residential units on about 150 hectares or about 25 percent of the total property, according to Serrano.

Vista Land already has a plan for the property when it was first acquired, said Serrano in an earlier interview, though its development was driven by the demand.

The property has by now created the necessary household mass to unveil the grander plan of a community.

The decision to unveil Evia’s development was timed with the unveiling of masterplan for similar community for Vista Lakefront in Sucat, Vista Sta. Elena in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, and Vista Crosswinds in Tagaytay, all vast properties that the company developed slowly in the past 20 years, according to Serrano.

Evia’s announcement is the first major announcement for the community project, though Vista Lakefront was already soft-launched earlier, according to Trajano.

The launch of Evia and the other community is eyed to boost the image of Vista Land as a realty brand in relation to its units.

"Normally yung sikat kasi are the brand. So now we want to integrate and develop it. Kasi hindi masyado na-ha-highlight yung masterplan project because stronger yung brand... So we want to integrate now under Vista Land," said Serrano.

"This year we want to make Vista a stronger brand, although it’s a holding company" she added.

Since 2007, the company’s image has gone into a transformation from being that of the affordable housing developer listed with the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) to that of a multi-sectoral property developer with projects in all segments of the market.

Probably no small thanks to the ‘97 Asian crisis which nearly crushed the aggressive developer due to mounting debts, the group came back aggressively to cut what was then a P1.26 billion obligation at post-restructuring to P96 million in four years.

The company now also holds a total asset of P52.83 billion as of end-September, nearly double that of the 2006 asset of P29.74 billion asset.

Vista Land’s underleveraged status has allowed the company to tap the financial market with a $100 million, five-year unsecured bond issue, with an interest of 8.25 percent a year.

The company is also looking to borrow another P1.5 billion from local banks to bankroll capital spending for next year.

For its nine-month operation this year, the company reported a profit of P2.17 billion a 36 percent increase from the previous year’s P1.59 billion.

Revenues stood at P8.2 billion, up 14 percent from the previous year’s P7.17 billion, while reservation sales for the first nine months reached P15.36 billion.

In the nine-month report of the company in 2007, Vista Land reported a P2.72 billion profit and a revenue of P6.18 billion.

The company expects sales for the year to exceed the target of P20 billion.

For the fourth quarter, Vista Land, through its five units --- Brittany, Crown Asia, Camella Homes, Communities Philippines and Vista Residences --- will be launching six to eight more projects valued at P5 billion and equivalent to 2,000 units, expected to rise in areas like Ormoc and Cebu, among others.

Serrano said its affordable brand, Camella will continue to carry the company’s revenue with the demand boosted by the accommodative lending environment for end-users.

The company plans to spend P7.5 billion for its vertical projects next year, which would add to its portfolio worth P5.03 billion. Vista Land will also venture into the office and retail space leasing business through its existing master-planned communities.

As of end-September, Vista Land has a total landbank of 1,653 hectares, 326 of which are joint ventures.

For details on Evia and Vista Land projects, contact Reby Ramirez @ +63 916.4044.555 / +63 922.883.9308 / +63 919.699.3572 or e-mail her at reby_ramirez@yahoo.com.

Source: Business Insights, December 07 2010

For details on the Real Estate Service Act or RESA Law > http://www.ra9646.com/

Crown Asia unveils Bellini Tower

Crown Asia unveils Bellini Tower
(The Philippine Star) Updated May 07, 2010 12:00 AM

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MANILA, Philippines - Emerging in the horizon of Manila South’s rapidly changing landscape is a haven where the frenzy of urban living comes to a halt, tranquility reigns, and the most fantastic view of Laguna de Bay can be enjoyed. Bellini Tower, the third low-rise, mixed-use building that will comprise Crown Asia’s Presidio, recently held a Grand Blessing to mark its completion.

Located at the Lakefront City Central just off the Sucat exit of the South Super Highway, this graceful structure was previewed for the first time by unit owners and prospective clients through a walkthrough of the property. Visitors had the opportunity to see the new one-bedroom model unit as well as the actual units that they have already purchased and will be calling their home soon.

Present during the event were Crown Asia COO Mary Lee Sadiasa, Production Head Engr. Earl Millanes, Marketing Head Mina Cuison, the Crown Asia Staff, Business Directors and Sales Networks who all shared good wine and much laughter with the Bellini Tower Unit owners.

“This is a momentous event,” said Sadiasa. “As we unveil the Bellini Tower, we are once again fulfilling a commitment we have made to provide high quality homes with excellent investment returns to continuously raise the standard of living to a level that every Filipino deserves to enjoy.”

For the launch, a coin shower was held to ensure luck, along with a wine-toast to celebrate the milestone. Guests were also able to enjoy the new grand lobby and the views from the poolside.

For more details on Presidio's Bellini Tower, you may contact Reby Ramirez @ +63 919.699.3572 / +63 922.941.4140 / +63 916.4044.555 / +632 404-4534 or e-mail her @ reby_ramirez@yahoo.com.

Vista Land's nature warriors

Vista Land's nature warriors
(The Philippine Star) Updated May 07, 2010 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Life, even in the harshest conditions, always finds a way. Even in the most densely populated concrete jungle, wayward shoots and leaves manage to bring greenery – bursting from tiny cracks on the hard cement – where it is often systematically wiped out in favor of polished floors. Concerned with the daily grind, it is easy to forget that it is precisely these greens that allow the city to breathe and, literally, make it livable for people to thrive.

At Vista Land & Lifescapes Inc., the country’s largest homebuilder, there is a group of people actually encouraging nature to flourish. Where others would find mercy and allow an accidental tree to live, they would actually plant the trees and make its presence intentional. They are called Greenscape and it is through their efforts that the beautifully lush landscapes and rolling terrains that people value when finding a place to live continue to thrive even in the midst of human activities.

Greenscape, Landscape Management Officer Norina Ocampo explained, handles the landscaping of Brittany, Crown Asia and Vista Residences. So intense was the need to integrate nature in the developments that the group was created specifically to ensure it would be cared for and allowed to flourish.

Greenscape, she noted, is not an afterthought. Their involvement begins as early as the creation of the land development plan where their inputs are valued and integrated when determining which areas of the property will be built on or left as an open space.

“A good example is Georgia Club,” she said, citing a Brittany development in Sta. Rosa, Laguna inspired by the architecture of the American South. “You can see old trees with which we made an effort to work around with and leave untouched. In the very rare cases when we had to designate an area with a tree as a lot for building, we ball it out and transplant it.”

This effort has left the property with interesting roadways and walking trails which added charm to the graceful property that evokes the opulence of Scarlett O’Hara and the romance of Rhett Butler in the classic film, Gone with the Wind.

Ocampo shared that they have transplanted five trees and all are thriving well in their new homes. It costs at least P20,000 to transplant a single tree. While the cost is steep, the long term benefit is priceless.

Every effort is made to save existing trees – not just century-old ones. In the event that cutting is inevitable for the young and more common species, Greenscape plants at least three new trees to replace the old one. It is also mandatory to plant at least three trees per lot.

Indeed, tree-planting begins as early as the land development stage to ensure that every area receives a fair amount of foliage. During and after construction, the Greenscape team continue to assess the situation and are always called upon to add more and more trees that ensure and cleaner and fresher air in every property.

For details on Vista Land Projects, you may contact Reby Ramirez @ +63 919.699.3572 / +63 92.941.4140 / +63 916.4044.555 / +632 404-4534 or e-mail her @ reby_ramirez@yahoo.com.

(Vista Land's PR source: The Philippine Star, May 07)