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FNG draws on Filipino and Japanese expertise to shape a smarter, better way of living
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FNG draws on Filipino and Japanese expertise to shape a smarter, better way of living

Vaughn Alviar

When two real estate powerhouses join forces, expectations run high. Federal Land Inc. and Japan’s Nomura Real Estate Development Co. (NRE) not only met but surpassed those expectations.

In 2022, following the success of The Seasons Residences and MITSUKOSHI BGC, the two companies forged a long-term partnership: Federal Land NRE Global, Inc. (FNG). This new venture showcased the best of the Philippines and Japan, uniting aesthetics, craftsmanship, and future-ready development in one vision.

Track record of excellence

Built on shared values and a spirit of innovation, the partnership rests on a track record of excellence.

Federal Land has been redefining city skylines and creating spaces that elevate the quality of life of Filipinos since 1989. Founded in 1957, NRE meanwhile is one of the greater Tokyo area’s premier developers of condominiums and detached houses.

From day one, FNG has set out to bring that aspirational Japanese-inspired living to the Philippine context, adapting to the specific needs and practices of Filipino customers. Its commitment to thoughtful localization and design excellence earned recognition early on: PropertyGuru named FNG Asia’s “Best Breakthrough Developer” in 2024.

Building a robust portfolio

The real estate industry watches FNG closely as it builds a robust portfolio. This includes projects in the Bay Area, Mandaluyong City, Cavite and Cebu—collectively transforming 250-ha of prime land into economic and cultural meccas filled with residences, offices and commercial spaces.

Among its projects is Yume at Riverpark, a horizontal residential project within Riverpark, Federal Land’s flagship community in General Trias, Cavite. In Mandaluyong City, The Observatory is rising as a landmark for urban renewal in Metro Manila.

What drives FNG’s steady rise is the Japanese principle of “kaizen,” or continuous improvement. This appetite for constant evolution—whether in localization, systems, or customer experience—guides the organization.

It is embodied by a team of Japanese and Filipino staff, contractors, manufacturers and more, all committed to generating long-term value and satisfaction for homeowners.

The Observatory will also have a retail area that opens to sweeping views of the Pasig River.

THE OBSERVATORY

YOUR PIECE OF TRANQUILITY IN THE METRO

A serene sanctuary in the heart of Metro Manila may sound like a paradox. But for FNG, it is a vision come to life.

A landmark condominium development in Mandaluyong City, The Observatory makes urban living a unique blend of central and restorative.

While Mandaluyong is now celebrated for its connectivity, the “Tiger City of the Philippines” was not always like that.

Central location

Its location places it at the crossroads of Metro Manila’s premier retail destinations, leading central business districts (CBDs), major hospitals, top schools and essential transport networks. Residents had accepted noise and hurry as a tradeoff for convenience.

The Observatory shifts that narrative. Located along Pioneer Street, it is just steps from Edsa, and minutes from Makati, Bonifacio Global City and Ortigas CBDs.

As such, it offers unparalleled access to workplaces, malls, lifestyle hubs and transport links. However, it also cultivates an atmosphere of genuine tranquility.

That’s because FNG wants to bring Japanese-inspired living to the Philippine setting.

The Observatory is a bold addition to the Mandaluyong cityscape that promotes what many admire about life in Japan: An intentional focus on peace, well-being, safety and harmony with nature, all coming—and not at odds—with accessibility.

Its moniker actually stems from its remarkable transformation from a quiet municipality into one of the Philippines’ most dynamic urban centers in just a matter of years.

Best qualities

The Observatory also marries Japanese functionality and Filipino warmth, the best qualities of both worlds. That direction resonates with FNG’s mission, rooted in the shared values of its founders, Federal Land and Nomura Real Estate.

Spread across 4.5-ha of prime land, The Observatory is a mixed-use community of nine towers—eight residential, and one dedicated to offices and retail. Its name references its vantage point, revealing sweeping views of the Pasig River and the BGC skyline. Work, life and play coexist in one thoughtfully planned destination.

Prime residences

The first tower to rise is Sora, a 36-story residence named after the Japanese word for “sky” and inspired by Tokyo’s Shibuya district. It offers studio, oneand two-bedroom cuts. The bigger options are three-bedroom and penthouse layouts.

Each unit integrates practical Japanese influences, including a “genkan” or traditional entryway, adjustable kitchen cabinets and modular closets. It also comes with a Japanese-branded water closet, a spalet in the master bathroom, and a space-saving sink in the kitchen.

Key card access for elevators and main doors underscores a future-forward approach to security and everyday convenience.

Productivity and well-being

Furthermore, amenities at The Observatory are curated for productivity, connection and well-being—ideal for today’s cosmopolitan urbanites, including those who alternate between office and work-fromhome routines.

Indoors, residents can unwind in the garden lobby, stretch in the yoga studio, or stay active in the fitness gym. Afterwards, they can head straight to the coworking lounge or business center to attend an online meeting or finish workplace tasks.

They may invite friends or coworkers for face-to-face meetings in the function room. After putting in a hard day’s work, they can let loose in the entertainment room.

Outdoors, a suite of amenities promotes rest and recreation. These include the swimming pools, an outdoor lounge, a children’s play area, and a dedicated pet park.

The Observatory may sound like a paradox, but it is the new standard for next-level living taking shape in the heart of Metro Manila.

Yume at Riverpark is FNG’s flagship horizontal development in General Trias, Cavite.

YUME AT RIVERPARK

YOUR PIECE OF SERENITY IN THE SOUTH

Simplicity, elegance and ingenuity have long defined the allure of Japanese living. Those qualities, deeply woven into everyday life, partly explain why Filipinos prefer traveling to the “Land of the Rising Sun” and find it so hard to leave.

Well, what if those qualities were already shaping homes on Philippine soil?

FNG would point you to Yume at Riverpark, its flagship horizontal development in General Trias, Cavite. Bringing smart living, sustainability and wellbeing together, the project celebrates Japan’s most admired qualities while embracing the sensibilities of Filipino living.

Sustainable suburban living

Spanning 18-ha, Yume at Riverpark takes its name from the Japanese word for “dream” or “vision,” reflecting FNG’s aspiration for serene, sustainable suburban living.

The village features 296 lots ranging from 300 sqm to 527 sqm—ample space for families to grow, pursue passions, or simply enjoy life at their own pace. The homes draw inspiration from Japan’s four seasons and incorporate thoughtful layouts and efficient design.

All of them sit within a secure and nurturing environment where families can relax, bond, and build meaningful connections with their neighbors.

See Also

The fusion of Filipino and Japanese influences is evident throughout the estate.

Fusion of influences

The fusion of Filipino and Japanese influences is evident throughout the estate, beginning with the Central Park Clubhouse—a collaboration between award-winning Filipino architect Ed Calma and Japanese design firm UDS Ltd.

The structure evokes the warmth of a Filipino kubo and the elegance of a traditional Japanese home.

The clubhouse anchors an array of indoor and outdoor amenities that embody Yume at Riverpark’s commitment to balance and well-being. Inside the clubhouse, residents can unwind in the lounge, host gatherings at the function room or multipurpose hall, or recharge in the Wellness Spa’s jacuzzi and sauna.

Step out and nature will readily welcome you—whether through the open lawn, the Japanese garden, the swimming pool, or the multipurpose court.

Yume at Riverpark is generous with open spaces. The neighborhood is dotted with outdoor fitness zones that include jogging paths, fitness stations and yoga areas. Pocket parks are placed within a 100-m radius of every home, linked by connected parkways that make walking both convenient and enjoyable.

Sustainable features

The neighborhood is also built on smart, sustainable principles.

RFID technology ensures that only authorized residents can access the village premises. The community design intentionally preserved mature trees and placed utility installations below ground on the main roads to maintain uncluttered streetscapes.

FNG’s refreshing approach to suburban living did not go unnoticed. At the 12th PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards in 2024, Yume at Riverpark was named “Best Subdivision Development,” recognizing its forward-looking masterplan and strong commitment to livability.

Appealing location

Its location further strengthens its appeal. Cavite is already one of the most progressive provinces of the Philippines, but it will be bolstered further by upcoming big-ticket government projects. It is at the heart of one of the country’s most ambitious infrastructure corridors.

It now benefits from the South Luzon Expressway and the Manila-Cavite Expressway, and is poised to gain more from the Cavite-Laguna Expressway, the LRT-1 Cavite Extension, Sangley Point International Airport, and the Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge, among others.

Yume at Riverpark’s value, however, does not depend solely on government projects.

It also thrives because it sits within Riverpark, the 600-ha Federal Land estate envisioned as the “Next Gen City of the South.” While Yume at Riverpark offers quiet suburban comfort, the wider district provides access to commercial and lifestyle spaces that enrich daily living.

Yume at Riverpark will also rise alongside the 6.9-ha Riverpark North Commercial District, which quickly sold out its first 16 commercial lots in mid-2025.

Riverpark North will feature SM City General Trias and the Uniqlo Logistics Facility. In October, Ateneo de Manila University announced a new campus in Riverpark in partnership with GT Capital Holdings Inc., Federal Land’s parent company. The place will include a 7,700-sqm open area and a 16-ha Central Park.

In the coming years, Riverpark will emerge as a self- sustaining community that blends urban convenience with opportunities for exploration, connection and growth. It cements FNG’s desire not simply to build homes but to create a meaningful lifestyle.

There’s no need to daydream about living in a Japanese-inspired home. Yume at Riverpark is that dream home, beckoning.

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