by Penny Angeles-Tan | Dec 12, 2017 | Real Estate
Botanika Nature Residences, an upscale, low-density vertical community in the dynamic Metro South is finally ready to usher in its distinguished residents as it turns over units with the completion of its first tower.
An exceptional development by Filigree, the newest luxury real estate brand in the country, Botanika stands as a promise fulfilled in keeping with its commitment to complete the project on time and at best quality. Consisting of superior quality mid-rise condominium towers that offer resort-inspired amenities, Botanika Nature Residences is designed for people with discerning tastes.
To assure utmost privacy and exclusivity, Botanika has a low floor area ratio (FAR) – the ratio of the total net floor area of a building to the total lot area. This means generously-sized condominium units that are tailor fit to your needs and your lifestyle.
Select from two-bedroom suites, three-bedroom flats, three-bedroom with garden bi-level units – with sizes ranging from 123 to 343 sqm. – and grand penthouse units all offering breathtaking views, exceptional finishes, and the finest craftsmanship.
Following the principles of bioclimatic architecture, the development harmoniously co-exists with its environs, earning a registration in the Philippine Green Building Council’s BERDE (Building for Ecologically Responsible Design Excellence) certification system, even as it offers lavish details like those found in a gated village. From planning and construction down to delivery, Botanika is guided by a special consultant, Ecotektonika, in ensuring that the building’s environmental performance is in line with green building, thus forging a milestone in local real estate.
Adding to Botanika’s desirability are its first-class amenities and features – at every inch exuding a feeling of opulence and grace. From the landscaped drop-off area that brings forth a dramatic entrance to the chic and elegant lobby that welcomes you all the way to the scenic elevators that take you to your floor while having a view of the amenity area at the atrium’s core.
Take a dip or go on an exhilarating swim in the lap pools surrounded by a lush landscape with a sun deck. Let your kids roam free in the outdoor play area with treehouses, frolic in the kiddie pool, or romp around in the children’s indoor play area. Conduct important meetings at the business center that’s most conducive to productivity or just catch-up on the latest best-seller or literary classic. The atrium, on the other hand, has a calming water feature and a 360-degree view of lush spaces.
Behind all the princely amenities, large unit cuts, and verdant landscapes is the building architecture itself, which was conceptualized and executed by a team of experts commissioned by Filigree to create a brand that’s a cut above the rest: Leandro V. Locsin Partners, Architecture International, AECOM Singapore, and Miaja Design Group.

Andy Locsin of Leandro V. Locsin Partners
Andy Locsin of Leandro V. Locsin Partners shares how they see Botanika’s amenities coming to life. “For Botanika, it’s simple. We designed it to be a resort-like environment. If you notice, the center space has a lagoon pool. It’s really meant to be a lagoon pool. The idea was for it to be an oasis within a forest,” he says.

Armando Casibang of AECOM
Armando Casibang of AECOM describes the inspiration behind the design of the buildings, saying that they crafted a beautiful iconic structure inspired by a bud for Botanika. “The Botanika word itself evokes a sense of nature or a budding flower. That was very interesting,” he adds.

Isabelle Miaja of Miaja Design Group
With the help of Isabelle Miaja of Singapore-based Miaja Design Group, even Botanika’s interior design is intricately planned.
“With Botanika, there is a city feel in another sense because [the structure] is sharp and crisp. But, organic and beautiful classic lines are also combined here. You have to take your time to appreciate what we have done for Botanika. Each piece pops out. These pieces do not necessarily come to you at once, but you love them when you come in and you start to appreciate everything.”

click to enlarge the map
Botanika’s sought-after location within Filinvest City, Alabang – the premier garden business district in Metro South – makes a variety of establishments and services within reach: Palms Country Club for an afternoon of recreation, Festival Alabang for shopping and dining, Crimson Hotel, Asian Hospital & Medical Center, as well as private academic institutions like De La Salle Zobel, and San Beda College Alabang.
The Ninoy Aquino International Airport and Makati City are a mere 15-minute drive away, both accessible by major thoroughfares to SLEX, Skyway, C5, Daanghari Road, and Alabang Zapote Road.
Indeed, Botanika Nature Residences is a luxury residential condominium masterpiece, a manifestation of everything Filigree stands for: excellence, exclusivity, and opulence. It is not likely to be replicated in the South or elsewhere.
To learn more, visit www.botanika.com.ph.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Dec 11, 2017 | Advocacy
SM Supermalls marked another milestone in its pursuit to make each day better for all at the launch of SM City Trece Martires’ solar system, held in Trece Martires City, Cavite. At the ‘switching on’ ceremony, SM highlighted that the solar system rollout all over the country was only part of the many sustainability programs SM has been doing for years.

At the launch of The Green Switch from left to right: Senior Vice President For Marketing Jonjon San Agustin; SM Vice President for Operations Lisa Silerio; SM Supermalls President Annie Garcia; Mrs. Aiza De Sagun, representing Trece Martires Mayor Melendres De Sagun; Solar Philippines President Leandro Leviste; Executive Assistant Vincent Bae; Engineer Ernesto Cenizal; and Regional Operations Manager Dominador Caringal, Jr.
The SM City Trece Martires solar facility houses 2,914 solar panels capable of generating 0.5 megawatts of electricity, enough to fully charge 130,000 cellphones, light up 15,500 10-watt LED lamps, run 4,500 30-watt electric fans, and provide power to 300 households. The use of solar energy promotes clean air and saves the environment by helping reduce carbon footprint from electricity produced from combustion of fossil fuels.
Other Sustainability Programs
Other sustainability programs of SM include the ‘Trash to Cash’ recycling markets in SM malls, and the integration of transport terminals in malls to mitigate traffics for cleaner air. With disaster risk reduction taking center stage on sustainability, SM has been building ‘resilient’ malls with water catchment basins to help manage flood-prone areas.
SM Prime, alongside UNISDR and ARISE Philippines, also hosts the Top Leaders Forum. The theme for 2017 is ‘Business for Resilience – Towards a Resilient Philippines’.
As a private sector conference aspiring to find concrete measures to make businesses more resilient against disasters, the Forum this year underscores invaluable collaboration between the science and technology community and the private sector towards global disaster preparedness.
Technology Partner

Leandro Leviste, Solar Philippines President and Founder
At the helm of SM’s partner in promoting eco-friendly shopping in the country is Solar Philippines Founder, Mr. Leandro Leviste.
Leading the largest developer of solar rooftop power plants in Southeast Asia, Mr. Leviste was recognized in the Forbes Magazine 2016 30 under 30 Asia, a roster of young game-changers, entrepreneurs, and social leaders who are under 30 years old.
With SM’s solar system rollout and other green programs, SM continues to go beyond mall development and management as it integrates environmental sustainability into its operations to ultimately support communities for a better tomorrow.
For exclusive news about SM Supermalls, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow SM’s official social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram; and get an insider access to all the fun happenings at SM Supermalls nationwide through SM’s Viber Public Chat.
Tweet your thoughts, upload and share your photos about your memorable moments at SM, then use its official hashtag #EverythingsHereAtSM.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Dec 9, 2017 | Lifestyle
Looking for the perfect present to give your loved ones this Christmas? Epilogue makes it easier for you as its resident Chef Hiroyuki Meno arranged the best holiday package to be shared with family and friends.
Enjoy its selection of Artisan Chocolates, Classic Stollen and Traditional Fruit Cake and pair this with Epilogue’s masterfully roasted KRO Coffee Beans. Guaranteed to be a sumptuous addition to everyone’s holiday cheer. Available at Epilogue G/F S Maison, Conrad Manila, Ocean Drive, Mall of Asia, Pasay City or go to epilogue.ph/gift-order to order.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Dec 8, 2017 | Lifestyle
MANILA, PHILIPPINES, 8 December 2017 – Fans of Apple can now buy their favorite Apple products on Lazada, Southeast Asia’s leading eCommerce company.
As an authorized online reseller, Lazada’s customers will be able to choose from a wide range of Apple products including iPhone, MacBook, MacBook Pro, iPad, iPad Pro, Apple TV, Beats by Dr. Dre, and other accessories.
Start shopping this holiday season
Consumers can start browsing this holiday season when the Apple ‘Shop-in-Shop’ on Lazada officially launches today (8th December) in the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, and Singapore. This will be followed by Malaysia on 11th December, and then in Vietnam.

By shopping on Lazada, customers can choose to pay for their Apple devices through Lazada’s 0% financing installment plans1. Exciting surprises also await Lazada customers looking to score savings from deals offered during the finale of Lazada’s Online Revolution shopping event, the Grand Christmas Sale. More details will be announced later.
http://www.lazada.com.ph/online-revolution/
The “preferred choice” for global brands


Lazada Group chief executive officer Max Bittner said the Apple ‘Shop-in-Shop’ concept is a testament to Lazada’s reputation as the undisputed and trusted online shopping and selling platform in Southeast Asia.
“Lazada is the preferred choice for global brands who, like us, want to drive the explosive growth of eCommerce in Southeast Asia,” said Mr. Bittner, adding: “It also underscores our commitment to give consumers better and convenient access to the world’s best brands and products, especially those from Apple.”
1Available to shoppers in only Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
About Lazada Group

Launched in 2012, Lazada is the number-one online shopping and selling destination in Southeast Asia – present in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
As the pioneer of the eCommerce ecosystem in Southeast Asia, Lazada helps more than 135,000 local and international sellers as well as 3,000 brands serving the 560 million consumers in the region through its marketplace platform, supported by a wide range of tailored marketing, data, and service solutions. With over 250 million SKUs available, Lazada offers the widest range of products in categories ranging from consumer electronics to household goods, toys, fashion, sports equipment and groceries.
Focused on delivering an excellent customer experience, it offers multiple payment methods including cash-on-delivery, comprehensive customer care and hassle-free returns through its own first and last mile delivery arm supported by more than 100 logistics partners. Lazada Group is majority owned by Alibaba Group Holding Limited (NYSE: BABA).
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Dec 8, 2017 | Events
Check out the Flash Sale tomorrow, December 9. With Christmas fast approaching the malls are filling up! Why not do your shopping from your computer or handheld device at Lazada?
Things to remember about shopping at Lazada
- No credit card? No problem! They accept cash on delivery.
- No account with Lazada? That’s ok. You can still make purchases. No sign-ups needed.
- In a rush to get your purchase? Some items are available for express delivery.
- Have a problem with the item you received? Free and easy returns are available. Just indicate on Lazada that your are returning your item for replacement or refund.
- Free Shipping! No need to worry about shipping cost at all.

| Timeslot |
Product Name |
SRP |
Flash Sale |
| 12am |
Fukuda FSW62 6.2kg Single Tub Washing Machine (White) with FREE Fukuda FI99D Dry Iron |
4,599.00 |
2,799.00 |
| 12am |
Capillary Wave Spinner Set of 3 Luggage Set – White |
9,000.00 |
3,699.00 |
| 12am |
Casio Digital Men’s Stainless Steel Strap Watch AE-1100WD-1AVSDF with 1 Year Warranty |
1,995.00 |
995.00 |
| 8am |
Cloudfone Thrill Snap 16GB 5.2″ HD 13MP Camera (Grey) |
3,999.00 |
2,699.00 |
| 8am |
Timeless Manila Candice Roman Numeral Chrono Metal Watch (Black) |
800.00 |
199.00 |
| 8am |
L’OREAL PARIS BROW ARTIST DESIGNER DARK BROWN |
500.00 |
250.00 |
| 10am |
Transcend StoreJet 25H3 1TB Portable Hard Drive (Purple) |
3,399.00 |
2,434.00 |
| 10am |
SIMPLE MICELLAR MUST-HAVES: MICELLAR WATER and MICELLAR WIPES |
798.00 |
399.00 |
| 10am |
Palmer 8pc Stainless Steel Cookware Set with Glass Lid and Bakelite Handles |
2,499.00 |
1,499.00 |
| 12nn |
30pc Party Set Flamingo Design |
999.00 |
399.00 |
| 12nn |
Elena Korean 123 Fashion Handbag (Red) |
1,699.00 |
549.00 |
| 12nn |
NIVEA Face Cellular Anti-Age Day Cream SPF15 |
599.00 |
299.50 |
| 12nn |
Bosch 46 pc. Screwdriver Set |
649.00 |
299.00 |
| 2pm |
Imarflex ISM-502W 2 Slice Waffle Maker (Black) |
899.00 |
559.00 |
| 2pm |
Lenovo HW01 Bluetooth 4.2 Smart Wristband Sports Fitness Tracker (Red) |
2,906.00 |
1,099.00 |
| 4pm |
MamyPoko Pants Easy to Wear Diaper XL 38’s |
441.44 |
309.00 |
| 6pm |
Silverworks X3231 Snowflakes Pendant Necklace with Earrings |
850.00 |
199.00 |
| 6pm |
American Heritage AHOT-6179 8L Oven Toaster (Black) |
999.00 |
679.00 |
| 8pm |
Xiaomi Piston Fresh In-ear Headphones (2017 Edition) (Black) |
1,499.00 |
274.00 |
| 10pm |
4 Grids PU Leather Travel Watch Storage Case Zipper Wristwatch Box Organizer – intl |
1,298.00 |
619.00 |
| 10pm |
Delsey Vavin Expansion Cabin 55cm 4W (Red) |
16,700.00 |
3,999.00 |

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