The Dominance of Master Planned Developments in North and Central Luzon: An Outlook on Tourism, Growth, and Infrastructure by Vista Land

The Dominance of Master Planned Developments in North and Central Luzon: An Outlook on Tourism, Growth, and Infrastructure by Vista Land

Tuesday, October 1, 2024

North and Central Luzon are undergoing a significant transformation due to the emergence of urban hubs, which are becoming key regions for the Philippines due to the synergy of cultural preservation, economic advancement, and infrastructure enhancement. This evolution is driven by collaboration between the public and private sectors, positioning these regions as major contributors not only within the country but also in the broader Southeast Asian landscape and beyond.

Vista Land, the Philippines' leading integrated property developer, has aligned itself at the forefront of this change. The company has laid a strategic plan focusing on master planned developments and condominium projects, resonating with the regional shift towards self-sustaining communities that flourish amidst rapid urbanization, cultural conservation, and economic growth.

Tourism: Merging Heritage and Modernity

Vista Land is developing a master-planned community called Querencia in Vigan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Ilocos Sur.

Vista Land master planned developments in North and Central Luzon tap into the rich cultural heritage and diverse tourist attractions of the regions. For instance, Vigan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Ilocos Sur, is famous for its well-preserved colonial architecture. As infrastructure projects like the Luzon Spine Expressway Network improve accessibility, Querencia, a Vista Land master planned development, aims to offer contemporary living while honoring the historical essence of the area. 

In Alaminos, Pangasinan, the Ylana estate aims to enhance the region's eco-tourism appeal while promoting sustainable practices.

In Alaminos, Pangasinan, the renowned destination of Hundred Islands National Park is complemented by Ylana, which aims to enhance local eco-tourism efforts while promoting environmentally friendly practices. Similarly, in Subic, Zambales, a major tourism and economic hub in Central Luzon, Montessa will combine the natural beauty of the location with state-of-the-art amenities, making it an attractive getaway for tourists and residents.

Montessa in Subic, Zambales, will seamlessly blend natural allure with thoughtfully designed amenities

Growth Centers: Emerging Economic Powerhouses 

In addition to tourism, the company is focusing on the economic potential of North and Central Luzon. These regions are becoming economic powerhouses due to their strategic locations, availability of land, and expanding industrial sectors. Vista Land master planned communities are being developed in provinces such as Bulacan, Pampanga, and Bataan to support the growing local economy.

One example is Verida in Balanga, Bataan, a sustainable and technologically oriented estate attracting residents from business process outsourcing (BPO) firms, tech companies, and educational institutions bolstered by the Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge project. Similarly, Amistelle in San Fernando, Pampanga, caters to the growing residential demand in this regional commercial hub, strategically located near key infrastructure like the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and Clark International Airport.

The Crescent in Santa Maria, Bulacan, features residential nodes designed to cater to professionals and expanding families who wish to take advantage of the increasing job opportunities in the area.

The development of the New Manila International Airport in Bulacan is a game-changer, enhancing connectivity for local and international markets and spurring the growth of adjacent areas into industrial and commercial zones. In Santa Maria, The Crescent is designed for professionals and families who are drawn to the job opportunities in the area and proximity to Metro Manila.

Provence is Vista Land’s 350-hectare master planned development in Malolos, Bulacan, designed in the French-Mediterranean style.

The capital of Bulacan, Malolos, is also experiencing significant progress, driven by modernization initiatives and the rise of new business districts and residential enclaves like Provence, a 350-hectare French-Mediterranean estate. Baliwag, another fast-growing town, is capitalizing on its heritage and status as a gateway to North Luzon, with integrated estates like Castellana benefiting from improved road networks.

Infralink Projects: Paving the Way for the Future

Vista Land master planned developments in North and Central Luzon are intricately linked with the regions' ongoing expansion of expressways, railways, and airports. These projects enhance connectivity, reduce congestion, and stimulate economic growth, making the areas more attractive to investors, tourists, and residents.

For instance, upgrades to Laoag International Airport in Ilocos Norte and road development projects like the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX) are enhancing access to areas like Bramasole in Laoag, which combines modern amenities with cultural charm. Similarly, Tuguegarao in Cagayan Valley is set to benefit from the expansion of Cagayan North International Airport and highway improvements, with Rosevale offering a mix of residential and commercial options to accommodate the growing population.

Rosevale in Tuguegarao City,  is a 100-hectare estate, poised to benefit from the expansion of the Cagayan North International Airport and improved highways.

Urdaneta, Pangasinan, is poised to become a key commercial hub in North Luzon, owing to its strategic location along TPLEX. Giardana capitalizes on the improved accessibility, positioning the city as a prime location for businesses and residents. In Bulakan, Bulacan, the anticipated completion of the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) will further enhance connectivity to Metro Manila and Clark, with Silaya providing new housing solutions for the growing population.

Vista Land: Leading the Charge in North and Central Luzon, Shaping Developments for Tomorrow

Vista Land is committed to creating master planned developments that will flourish in the changing landscape of North and Central Luzon. As these regions continue to transform into economic powerhouses, the company is poised to lay the groundwork for innovative urban developments that promote regional growth while honoring the unique cultural and natural heritage of the area.

For more information on Vista Land master planned developments, visit www.vistaestates.vistaland.com.ph and follow @VistaLandAndLifescapesOfficial.

Read More

Iconic dream pop band Sugar Hiccup to headline 4-city tour in the Philippines and Singapore next month

Iconic dream pop band Sugar Hiccup to headline 4-city tour in the Philippines and Singapore next month

Friday, September 27, 2024

The award-winning quartet will be reuniting in time for their post-30th anniversary

Pioneering Filipino dream-pop outfit Sugar Hiccup will embark on a Philippine tour next month to commemorate more than 30 years as a band. The award-winning indie quartet has announced their four-show run with stops in Manila, Singapore, Baguio, and Cebu.

The Manila leg, which is produced by GNN Entertainment Productions and The Flying Lugaw, will feature long sets by the four-piece band, and will be supported by guest acts such as Aunt Robert, The Purest Blue, Taken By Cars, and Barbie Almalbis. The tour also partnered with Not Very Noise and John Bottles Events to bring Sugar Hiccup to Baguio and Cebu, respectively.

Fans of Sugar Hiccup are in for a treat as the current lineup, composed of Melody del Mundo (vocals, lead guitars), Czandro Pollack (rhythm guitars), Iman Leonardo (bass), and Mervin Panganiban (drums), will be performing some of the cult favorites from their hit albums, Oracle and Womb, as well as some rarities and new recordings.

Tickets to Sugar Hiccup 30: Reunion Tour will be available on September 19, 2024. Check out the tour schedule:

October 19: 123 Block, Mandala Park, Mandaluyong City

(Produced by GNN Entertainment Productions and The Flying Lugaw)

Feat. Aunt Robert, The Purest Blue, Taken By Cars, and Barbie Almalbis

October 20: Cuba Libre, Clark Quay, Singapore

(Produced by TAF Productions)

October 25: Canto Bogchi Joint, Baguio City

(Produced by Not Very Noise)

Feat. Kahel, Medyo Maybe, Turncoats, Monochrome, and Transmission Division

October 26: TBA, Cebu City

(Produced by John Bottles Events)

Feat. Sheila and the Insects, KRNA, Folding Bed, Bedtime Television, and Coney Reyes On Camera

Sugar Hiccup is one of the most iconic bands of the ‘90s alternative rock boom. Their ethereal sound, driven by shoegaze influences, dynamic drums, and high-pitched vocal stylings, opened the doors for female-fronted indie artists to embrace non-conventional forms of pop/rock music and deep-dive into the dreamier end of songwriting and production.

Their debut album, Oracle sold more than 20,000 copies and won the Best Alternative Recording at the Awit Awards (the Philippines' version of the Grammys), while its banner single “Five Years” earned two KATHA awards for Best Alternative Song and Best Alternative Performance by the songwriters' organization KATHA. In 1998, the band released their sophomore album, Womb to critical acclaim.

Read More

Puerto Princesa businesses boost MSMEs, tourism resilience efforts with help of PLDT and Smart

Puerto Princesa businesses boost MSMEs, tourism resilience efforts with help of PLDT and Smart

Tourism in Palawan is on the path to recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic and onslaught of Typhoon "Odette" in 2021. In 2023, tourist arrivals in Puerto Princesa City climbed to 556,608—a significant increase from 2021's 32,170, and nearly half of 2019's 1.18 million.

PLDT and Smart Communications, Inc. are supporting tourism resilience efforts in the province by enhancing business opportunities with the help of technology. PLDT Enterprise, the corporate unit of PLDT, in collaboration with the Puerto Princesa Tourism Council, recently organized a forum at Costa Palawan Resort attended by hotel and resort owners, travel operators, hospitality business workers, students, and other tourism stakeholders in the city.

The event themed, “#FurtherTogether: Rebuilding Tourism in Puerto Princesa,” featured learning sessions on tourism destination resilience led by former Cebu Tourism Head Boboi Costas and lectures on the use of e-commerce platforms for micro, small, medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to widen their reach. The session also highlighted the significance of the Smart Messaging Suite as a go-to market strategy to reach customers for MSMEs in the region.

“Tourism brings employment opportunities, creates revenue for the local government, and stimulates economic growth for the region. Our goal is to bring our products and solutions to SMEs here in Puerto Princesa. At PLDT Enterprise, we are committed to driving the success of our partners nationwide by helping them expand their business and boost their profitability,” said Rafael P. Davila, SMBiz Regional Luzon Business Head, PLDT Enterprise.

According to Costas, sustainable tourism can be achieved by being resilient. He added that this could be done by identifying risks, engaging stakeholders, and drawing strategies, such as instilling preparedness and investing in early warning systems.

During the activity, the participants also learned about how they could maximize e-commerce platforms, such as TikTok Shop, to increase their income and reach.

“Through our eBizNovation program, we empower MSMEs, which include small-scale tourism-oriented enterprises, with digital skills to market their products online. We collaborated with TikTok Shop to train entrepreneurs on using e-commerce to enhance the competitiveness of their businesses,” said Stephanie V. Orlino, Stakeholder Management Head, PLDT and Smart.

During the event, Cyril Negosa, City Tourism Office's Training and Information Section Chief, emphasized that some of the biggest challenges for residents happened at the start of the pandemic and during Typhoon Odette. Most of the residents relied on tourism for their livelihood, and as tourism later reopened, technology also played a big role in the rebuilding efforts. “How can we promote our products and destinations without technology? Connectivity is really helpful to us, especially because Palawan is an island,” Negosa added.

PLDT and Smart have been supporting the tourism sector by championing digital innovations that promote local destinations, and resilience among communities where tourism is a primary livelihood.

The group's programs designed to uplift farmers and MSMEs through technology signify its commitment to UN Sustainable Development Goal 1: No Poverty; and 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. These efforts also highlight PLDT Group's support to the Go Digital Pilipinas Movement, as a founding member of the Digital Infrastructure pillar of the Private Sector Advisory Council.

Read More

Calauag Crab Craze: M Lhuillier Joins the Alimango Festival Celebration

Calauag Crab Craze: M Lhuillier Joins the Alimango Festival Celebration

Friday, September 20, 2024

The coastal town of Calauag has transformed once again into a vibrant canvas of color and joy as the annual Alimango Festival, also known as the Katang Festival, is celebrated to pay homage to the town's abundant mud crab population. This year, M Lhuillier, a leading financial services provider, proudly joined the festivities.

The highlight of the festival was the procession featuring the iconic "Higanteng Alimango" (Giant Mud Crab) mascot. As the towering creature led the way through the streets, the crowd was captivated by the infectious energy of the dancers, singers, and participants. 

M Lhuillier's involvement in the Alimango Festival showcased their commitment to supporting the local community and its rich cultural heritage. The company's representatives proudly marched alongside the town's mayor, amidst the cheering crowds of tourists from near and far.

M Lhuillier, recognized as the “Tulay ng PaMLyang Pilipino” (Bridge of the Filipino People), expressed their gratitude for being part of the event, reflecting their strong ties with the community. "It is a true honor and privilege to be acknowledged as part of this wonderful festival," said a M Lhuillier representative. 

The dedication and efforts of the M Lhuillier team were instrumental in making this year's Alimango Festival a resounding success.

The Alimango Festival is more than just a celebration of food. It manifests the deep connection between the people of Calauag and their natural resources. The mud crab, once a humble catch, has become a symbol of the town's identity and a source of pride for its residents.

To learn more about M Lhuillier's commitment to give back to the community and the charitable activities they support, visit mlcares.mlhuillier.com

Read More

ACEL to migrate to the Netherlands early next year, announces album launch and farewell concert

ACEL to migrate to the Netherlands early next year, announces album launch and farewell concert

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

 Filipino singer-songwriter ACEL has announced that she’ll be starting a new life in the Netherlands early next year.

The former Moonstar88 lead vocalist acknowledged the limitless possibilities that come with starting a new journey in an official statement that she posted on her social media accounts.

“I don't intend this as a farewell, but rather as a fitting homage to the family, friends, and colleagues who have contributed to my journey over the years,” the pop-rock icon clarifies. “The baggage that comes with leaving reminds us of places, people, and memories that truly matter, even in the grand scheme of things. As I make space for new beginnings and experiences, part of my heart will surely long for the feeling of being completely home. This country has defined who I've become as a person and an artist.”

Following the announcement, ACEL extended an invitation to her friends, family, and fans to join her for a final performance in a major concert that GNN Entertainment Productions is co-producing.

Dubbed Being And Becoming, the farewell concert and album launch will serve as a gift to her friends, loved ones, fans, and colleagues who have become part of her life and career journey through ups and downs.

The One Love hitmaker explains, “The concert will present the new songs from my newest album release, Being And Becoming. For this concert, I’ll be very honest and vulnerable in sharing the things that I struggled with when I was younger, and the things I realized that helped me to be the person I am today.

This album is a result of the things I’ve processed from the past, coming to terms with how I see myself and knowing the truth of who I am and who I am meant to be.”

ACEL adds, “Now that my family and I have decided to move to the Netherlands, I want to take this opportunity to celebrate this gift of music that was entrusted to me, hoping that I would be able to encourage and empower those who will attend.”

Aside from the performances and surprise guests, ACEL’s upcoming solo show will also highlight the advocacies of her NGO, Right Start, which she started out with friends 14 years ago to provide creative caring opportunities for children in disadvantaged communities.

The intimate concert will take place at the Teatrino Promenade in Greenhills, San Juan on Friday, October 11, 2024, from 7:00 pm onwards. Tickets to Being And Becoming are available here: bit.ly/acelconcert.

Read More

Halsey releases new single “Ego”

Halsey releases new single “Ego”

Monday, September 16, 2024

GRAMMY® nominated, genre-blending artist Halsey has released her latest single, “Ego”. Alongside the new single, Halsey also premiered the 90’s-inspired video for the song, which she directed and plays both lead roles.

Halsey unveiled the artwork and trailer for her forthcoming 5th studio album, The Great Impersonator, which will be released on October 25th. The Great Impersonator, described as a “confessional concept album” is an exploration of time and fate, and what type of artist Halsey would be if she existed in different decades.

As an extension of the concept, for the album artwork reveal, Halsey shared clues to fans to discover time capsule boxes hidden around the world. The first cover was located in London, with four additional decade themed covers found in New York, Toronto, Los Angeles, and Sydney. The additional covers are available for pre-order as vinyl variants.

Additionally, her cover of PAPER MAGAZINE, in celebration of the publication’s 40th anniversary was released last week.

“Ego” follows the releases of “Lonely is the Muse”, “Lucky” and "The End". Halsey is set to perform “Ego” at the MTV Video Music Awards on September 11th at 8 p.m. ET/PT from New York’s UBS Arena.

Halsey has amassed more than 50 billion global streams, over 75 million RIAA-Certified adjusted singles, with all 4 of her previous albums RIAA-Certified. She is one of the only artists ever to have four different songs hit 1 Billion streams on Spotify, as well as have 2 RIAA-Certified-Diamond records.

Read More

Create waves of positive change with SM at the 2024 International Coastal Clean-Up

Create waves of positive change with SM at the 2024 International Coastal Clean-Up

The International Coastal Clean-Up (ICC) is back for another year and is shaping up to be the biggest one yet, taking place simultaneously on September 21 in 15 different SM Supermalls across the country: SM By the Bay at SM Mall of Asia Complex, SM Tuguegarao Downtown, SM City Tuguegarao, SM City Bataan, SM City Olongapo Central, SM City Olongapo Downtown, SM City Sorsogon, SM City Legazpi, SM Daet, SM City Puerto Princesa, SM City Roxas, SM City Cebu, SM City Seaside Cebu, SM City Mindpro, and SM City General Santos. Together, we can make a significant impact on our oceans and create a cleaner, healthier environment for all.

In 2023, SM Cares recorded more than 100,000 kg of trash collected with the help of an estimated 17,000 total volunteers from 15 SM Supermalls nationwide. This year, in celebration of its 20th year of supporting communities and creating a positive impact on the environment, SM Cares aims to double the amount of solid waste collected to 200,000 kg, eyeing a volunteer count of 20,000.

If you're interested in joining the global movement towards cleaner seas and oceans, SM Cares is inviting you to be part of this year's ICC!

For participants from NCR, you may register via SM Malls Online through this link: https://click.smmallsonline.com/DFqS/ICC2024

For participants from Cebu, you may register via SM Malls Online at https://click.smmallsonline.com/DFqS/ICCSMSSXSMCC

For outside of NCR and Cebu, you may visit this link: https://bit.ly/ICC2024-Registration

SM Cares is the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, responsible for initiatives that promote sustainability and the development of the community. SM Cares’ advocacies include programs on Women and Breastfeeding Mothers, Persons with Disabilities, Senior Citizens, and Children and Youth, as well as the Bike-Friendly SM initiative, in addition to its Programs on Environment.

Read More

Top Five Reasons to Shop at SM Malls in the East Metro for the Super September Sale

Top Five Reasons to Shop at SM Malls in the East Metro for the Super September Sale

Friday, September 13, 2024

Gear up this weekend as SM City Marikina, SM City Masinag, SM City San Mateo, and SM Center Antipolo Downtown go on a Super September Sale from September 13-15, 2024. With up to 50% off on selected finds from SM affiliates, these malls exclusively offer a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking to score great deals.

Here's why you should make these malls your go-to shopping destinations this weekend:

1. Early Christmas Shopping

Get a head start on the holiday season by shopping for gifts for loved ones at SM Store Marikina, Masinag, and San Mateo. Also, at Watsons and Uniqlo SM City Marikina. Find adorable Christmas treats and gifts for your fur babies too at Pet Express SM City Masinag. 

2. Errands Made Easy

Take care of your household needs with ease at ACE Hardware Marikina, Masinag, San Mateo, and Antipolo Downtown for all your home improvement essentials and Our Home SM City Marikina for stylish home decor. For the most up-to-date home gadgets and appliances, visit SM Appliance Center.

3. Closet Update

Refresh your wardrobe with trendy pieces for the Holidays from SM Store, Uniqlo, and Sports Central in SM City Marikina and SM Center Antipolo Downtown.

4. Beauty and Wellness

Pamper yourself with beauty products from Watsons in SM City Marikina, Masinag, San Mateo, and Antipolo Downtown, or The Body Shop in SM City Marikina.

5. Retail Therapy

Simply indulge in some retail therapy and treat yourself to something you've been eyeing.

With so much to offer, the SM Malls in the East Metro are the perfect destinations for your shopping needs this Super September. Don't miss out on the amazing deals and discounts! The Super September Sale is Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. R4A-RIZ 256, Series of 2024, and DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-202084 Series of 2024.

Read More

Orange & Lemons to celebrate 25-year milestone with a major concert

Orange & Lemons to celebrate 25-year milestone with a major concert

Monday, September 9, 2024

The award-winning Filipino band will be performing a three-hour set featuring timeless and obscure songs from their critically-acclaimed, four-album catalog

Filipino pop-rock band Orange & Lemons are staging a one-night concert to commemorate their 25 years of unforgettable musical journey. 

The hitmakers behind the generation-defining anthems “Hanggang Kailan,” “Heaven Knows (This Angel Has Flown)” and “Just A Splendid Love Song” will perform the greatest hits of their career in a three-hour concert happening at the Metrotent Convention Center in Pasig City on October 18, 2024, from 7 p.m. onwards.

Dubbed “Now & Then: Orange & Lemons 25th Anniversary Concert,” the special show serves as an important milestone for the four-piece band as they continue to grace the local music industry with captivating releases and memorable performances, albeit going through lineup changes through the years. 

“Reaching this quarter-century milestone feels like a dream come true, and it’s a testament to the incredible community that surrounds us,” shares Clem Castro, the lead vocalist and guitarist of seminal alternative rock outfit, Orange & Lemons. “We normally play short sets on the big stage all over the country, leaving out most of our catalog in favor of more popular ones. For this concert, we want to bring to the big stage and perform live, if not all, a majority of songs from our past 4 albums. The albums that defined different eras of our career in the music industry from the beginnings—the shot to commercial success, the psychedelic, and the cultural eras. Expect us to perform and tell our story for over 3 hours!”

As an established indie act who continuously pushes their boundaries from a genuine artistic standpoint, O&L promises to deliver a true concert experience like no other. The Bulacan-based alternative rock outfit considers the full-length concert as a special gift to their legion of supporters, who have been with them through highs and lows, from their beginnings as struggling artists to their well-received reformation. 

O&L explains this profound love and respect for their fans in a collective press statement: “The music industry has seen a lot of changes, and being flexible and open to evolving with the times has helped us stay relevant. Our fans have been a cornerstone of our journey. Their support, enthusiasm, and feedback have inspired us to keep pushing boundaries and to stay true to ourselves. We’re always looking to grow and improve, whether it’s through honing our craft, exploring new musical avenues, or learning from our experiences. Building a genuine connection with our audience and staying true to our artistic vision has been key to our lasting presence. It also helped a lot to learn that we have to wear different hats, a business and a creative one that keeps us on check and balanced, staying focused on the bigger picture and not letting obstacles derail our journey. We intend to last as long as we can.”

"NOW AND THEN" 25th Anniversary Concert is produced by Orange & Lemons and Lilystars Records, in cooperation with GNN Entertainment Productions. Tickets are available at https://orangeandlemons.helixpay.ph with the following tiers:

General Admission (PHP 2,000) - access to the concert

VIP (PHP 2,500) – access to the VIP section and access to the Meet and Greet

SVIP (PHP 3,500): access to the VIP section, access to the soundcheck and the Meet and Greet, and limited-edition merchandise

Read More

Rex Orange Country goes back in time with new single "2008"

Rex Orange Country goes back in time with new single "2008"

Rex Orange County shares new single "2008" ahead of this Friday's release of his new album The Alexander Technique. The song marks the 4th taste of Rex's forthcoming album and will be performed on Jimmy Kimmel Live! this coming Friday.

"2008" is representative of The Alexander Technique as a whole -- Rex's most unencumbered body of work to date, produced entirely by Rex himself alongside Teo Halm (Rosalía, SZA, Beyoncé) and Jim Reed, the latter a member of the Rex Orange County touring band since its inception. The Alexander Technique is named for a therapeutic practice in which back pain is treated to address deeper health problems, and it’s an apt name for Rex's most raw album to date: what may have begun as a simple exercise in changing the purview of his writing ended up becoming his most confessional, open-hearted album. Stripping back his sound to a skeletal mixture of stream-of-consciousness R&B and indie-folk, while retaining the orchestral lushness that’s become his trademark, The Alexander Technique marks the beginning of Act Two of Rex Orange County's career: a new chapter on which he lays everything bare, no matter how painful that might be. 

“The Alexander Technique is very much a look into my own brain and experiences over the last few years – it’s almost a diary,” he says. Longer than any project he’s ever made and more musically varied, The Alexander Technique was made over a matter of years, started before and finished after 2022’s WHO CARES?; listening to it feels like watching an artist grow in real-time, and face all the attending growing pains that come alongside. “I’ve made a lot of love songs over the years, and I feel as though this is the first time I’m trying to make a project about everything in life. In my mind, it’s exactly what I’ve always wanted to make.”

Read More