by Ferry Bayu | Aug 29, 2023 | Business
Forresta: Villar City’s luxurious green oasis
Nestled within the expansive 3,500-hectare Villar City is Forresta, a visionary modern residential community that promises an exquisite fusion of urban sophistication and tranquil natural surroundings fit for the affluent few. This massive 119-hectare community in Alabang, the first ultra-luxury project being developed by Brittany Corp., presents a complete mix of components that will ensure a distinct, sophisticated, and vibrant lifestyle for its future residents.
Opulent oasis
Amid a million lush trees and landscaped pocket gardens, this “city in the forest” will be home to premium grade, high-rise office towers in what will soon be a dynamic central business district (CBD), upscale residential condominiums, ultra-exclusive residential lots and leisure hubs—all cradled in an opulent oasis you can readily access right outside your doorstep.
Add to that the thoughtfully designed eco-smart homes and residential buildings, energy-efficient lighting solutions within the community, availability of a seamless internet fiber connection, and a 24/7 secure and fully electric perimeter fence with RFID subdivision gates.
The most discerning investors of Vista Land & Lifescapes’ luxury residential arm have thus sought to quickly claim a piece of this beautiful exclusive oasis as this premier themed community is poised to ensure elegance, safety, convenience and exclusivity. It offered limited lots, with sizes ranging from 857 sqm to 1,461 sqm, equivalent to only five lots per hectare, thus making it a truly prominent address reserved for the well-heeled.
Redefining eco-luxury
A remarkable aspect of Forresta’s allure would be the abundance of verdant landscapes.
Fifty percent of the community’s expanse will be devoted to green spaces, including the enchanting Forresta Fields and Forresta Park. Beyond aesthetics, this greenery-rich community will also contribute to enhanced air quality and promote healthier lifestyles. The lushness of green spaces here can foster a sense of community while providing a serene environment that can help soothe senses and encourage outdoor activities.
Elevating lifestyles
Beyond its verdant allure, Forresta will further elevate your lifestyle through its array of modern amenities and sustainable infrastructure. With its thoughtfully planned spaces for recreation, relaxation, and socialization, residents can expect a holistic lifestyle catering to diverse tastes, needs and preferences.
This vast promising community will likewise place its future residents in an exceptional location, enabling them to find the right balance between tranquil and dynamic living.
Forresta readily connects you to Metro Manila and key locales in South Luzon through major road networks including Daang Hari Road, Daang Reyna Road and Manila-Cavite Expressway (MCX). Strategically located transport hubs and the availability of public transport will further ensure easy access to educational centers, health institutions, golf and country clubs, and lifestyle hubs like Evia Lifestyle Center.
Thriving nexus of growth
Most notable to point out is the fact that Forresta will rise within Villar City, the new center of gravity of Metro Manila.
Spanning 15 towns and cities in Metro Manila and Cavite province, Villar City is envisioned to become Metro Manila’s “new center of gravity”, a thriving nexus where economic, lifestyle, cultural, and leisure activities will converge.
As the ambitious legacy project of self-made tycoon Manuel B. Villar Jr., Villar City will be a massive masterplanned integrated development composed of 15 satellite cities which are seen to complement one another to provide residents, entrepreneurs, and companies with a conducive environment, be it for growing careers, for raising families, or for expanding businesses. These planned cities will include a modern CBD, a Tech Valley, a university town, and a premier lifestyle hub, among others, set amid verdant landscapes with some 1 million trees.
An address of prestige, privilege
To be in Forresta thus means having the privilege to be part of a visionary estate that is Villar City—an emerging multifaceted, multifunctional development that will be in a class of its own. To be here also means having a prestigious address that will allow you to enjoy the multitude of benefits that come only with locating in such a modern, thriving, upscale city.
Without a doubt, Forresta delivers a privilege that’s second to none. With all the plans and developments underway, your best bet is here in Forresta.
Touted as Metro Manila’s “new center of gravity”, the 3,500-hectare Villar City is an emerging masterplanned development comprising 15 satellite cities, all poised to cater to the multifaceted lifestyles of today’s urban dweller. For more information on Forresta and Brittany’s collection of luxury properties, visit www.brittany.com.ph or follow them on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube
by Ferry Bayu | Aug 28, 2023 | Business
Stamford Shipping adopts Vasco Emissions Solution
Stamford Shipping Partners with Vasco for Enhanced Environmental Compliance and Efficiency.
Vasco announces Stamford Shipping’s formal adoption of their system after a successful 9-month pilot program. Stamford Shipping has chosen to implement the system to effectively manage and report their CO2 emissions, solidifying their position as a leader in emissions monitoring within their fleet. This strategic decision underscores Stamford Shipping’s commitment to proactive environmental stewardship and positions them at the forefront of responsible emissions management in the maritime industry.
” Stamford’s ESG initiative takes paramount importance, and partnering with Vasco demonstrates our commitment to responsible environmental practices”
- Mark Robert Haines, Managing Partner, Stamford Shipping
“We have been working closely with Stamford for a number of months now with our seamless implementation process coupled with AI driven logic. We foresee a long-lasting relationship with Stamford as we embark on this journey together, leveraging technology to drive efficiency and innovation in the maritime sector”
- Tim Spragg, CEO, Co-Founder Vasco Systems
Vasco Systems has innovated a maritime voyage management solution offered as both Software as a Service (SaaS) and Platform as a Service (PaaS). This comprehensive offering goes beyond managing day-to-day voyages and ship operations. It empowers customers by providing them with the ability to monitor their emissions output throughout the voyage lifecycle. With advanced forecasting capabilities, customers can assess their emissions beforehand, track them during the voyage, and evaluate them afterward. This enables proactive decision-making to effectively reduce their carbon dioxide (CO2) output.
Tim Spragg
in**@**********ms.com
www.vascosystems.com
by Ferry Bayu | Aug 28, 2023 | Business
Global Trend in Green Finance by Financial Institutions
The tide is certainly turning and we see banks and insurers promoting the Green Finance agenda.
What
is Green Finance? The United Nations Environment
Programme defines green finances aim being to increase
the level of financial flows (from banking, micro-credit, insurance and
investment) from the public, private and not-for-profit sectors to sustainable
development priorities.
According to Forbes, going green
is no longer just a buzzword for businesses seeking to capitalize from social
cred. It’s a stand-alone concept and one in which more and more companies are
taking an interest. In 2021, green finance hit a market value of $540.6
billion, up from just $5.2 billion in 2012, showing exponential market growth.
In late 2021 accountancy firm Deloitte
noted that since May 2018, new funding directed to shipping organisations based
on ESG indicators has amounted to approximately US$14.5 billion.
We ask Mike Abbott on his views of the
global green ship financing.
Mike’s a seasoned board level executive and brings a wealth of experience in commerce, finance, commodities, and shipping. With a professional accreditation as a Chartered Certified Accountant (FCCA) and a BA with Honours degree from the University of London, Mike has also served as the CFO of the Petredec Group, a leading gas trading and shipping company.
What does that mean for a ship owner looking to buy a new ship or to refinance an old ship?
Owners need to understand that eventually all finance will become “green”. There won’t be finance offered that does not include ESG as an integral part of the credit approval process. This will naturally include emissions so far as ship finance is concerned.
Owners should be prepared to demonstrate not only that they technically manage their ships to a high standard, but that they are commercially employed and operated in an environmentally responsible manner. Fixing out a ship to a charterer or trade that is known to have a historically poor emissions profile, and then arguing that it’s “nothing to do with us” may no longer be acceptable.
How can ship owners take a more proactive approach with regards to green financing?
Owners that work hard to minimise their carbon footprint should push their lenders on pricing. Obviously ESG will only ever be a part of the credit approval process, but it must become an important part of it. If there are two owners with a similar financial credit risk profile, but where one is much further along their decarbonisation journey than the other, then it should be equitable that their relative pricing should include a delta to reflect this.
From the maritime financial institutions’ perspective, showing that they differentiate their borrowers on ESG, and reward / penalise as appropriate, should also help them to build their own ESG credentials. There’s lots of work to do here, by borrowers and lenders alike.
How you do you think the maritime industry should look at ESG holistically?
It will be incredibly difficult to accurately record the whole life ESG tariff of ocean-going ships that typically spend a couple of decades traversing the globe. The key is digitalisation as this will open the silos of data that we all know exist out there but are often inaccessible.
As an industry we’re often quite poor at being “joined up”. Whilst this may seem like yet another burden/ cost for the typical owner to carry, it’s important to note that better data often yields better decision making which yields better commercial performance, so think of it as an investment not a cost!
In Summary
The pivotal solution lies in digitalisation, as it holds the potential to break down the data barriers that exist and as an industry, we have to work together to have better connectivity to track a ships emissions. From the standpoint of maritime finance, considerable efforts are required from both borrowers and lenders to make meaningful efforts toward environmental sustainability. Lastly, the “it’s not our concern” attitude will very much be trying to steam against these changing tides.
If you would like to know how Vasco Systems can help in your Maritime ESG mandate, feel free to reach out to in**@**********ms.com.
Vasco has innovated a maritime voyage management solution offered as both Software as a Service (SaaS) and Platform as a Service (PaaS). This comprehensive offering goes beyond managing day-to-day voyages and ship operations. It empowers customers by providing them with the ability to monitor their emissions output throughout the voyage lifecycle. With advanced forecasting capabilities, customers can assess their emissions beforehand, track them during the voyage, and evaluate them afterward. This enables proactive decision-making to effectively reduce their carbon dioxide (CO2) output.
Tim Spragg
in**@**********ms.com.
www.vascosystems.com
by Ferry Bayu | Aug 28, 2023 | Business
Another Great Thailand pool villa by the Swan & Maclaren Group
Pool villa at Bang Tao beach Phuket Thailand, one of the renowned locations to witness breathtaking sunsets. With an unwavering commitment to creating an unforgettable experience, the designer Mr. Attahaphon Bunya of the Swan & Maclaren Group has meticulously curated to a space that capture the essence of seaside serenity, ingeniously presented the identity of Bang Tao through a fusion of natural materials in a Modern Tropical style.
This attention to detail permeates every aspect of the interior design, encompassing spacious communal areas, serene private retreats, and thoughtfully curated décor elements, it is meticulously crafted to ensure warmth and comfort. The house is enveloped by a swimming pool, serving as the core of relaxation.
Earlier this year, the group has won two awards for two of their projects in China, the Shanghai Raffles Hospital and Vietnam, the Lao Cai Project in Lao Cai City, respectively and the group aim to deliver more award-winning projects to their partnering developers.



Swan and Maclaren (www.swanmaclaren.group) have earned its place in history and the built environment in the region with its acclaimed heritage since its founding in 1892, in Singapore. Designing and enabling sustainable projects across Asia has been the company’s early advocacy and practice which can be seen in the company’s strong commitment towards creating a symbiotic and positive relationship between the projects and they are involved in, their user communities and society at large, driving towards a green sustainable and future carbon neutral agenda.
Gavin Cheong
in**@**********en.com
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