PropertyGuru honors national developers, regional growth engines
A historic four-peat win and a sweep of honors for regional developers capped off the prestigious 13th PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards, held last week at Shangri-La The Fort.
This highly esteemed tilt honored more than 30 local and national developers across 69 categories, celebrating projects that have made a distinct mark in Philippine real estate for pushing the boundaries in design and architecture; embracing sustainable practices; and essentially, setting new standards for how Filipinos live, work, and thrive across the country.
What notably stood out in this year’s edition was the depth of regional participation. Developers from Cebu, Davao, and other emerging urban centers matched the capital’s heavyweights with equally distinctive projects that span from coastal developments in Batangas to masterplanned, mixed-use communities in Mindanao.
Four-peat win
Robinsons Land Corp. bested all nominees to win Best Developer, its fourth consecutive win in this prestigious category. It was also named Best Luxury Developer and Best Sustainable Developer; Best Commercial Developer for Robinsons Offices; and Best Operational Hospitality Portfolio for Robinsons Hotels and Resorts, among many other accolades.
Lance Y. Gokongwei, chairman of Robinsons Land, received the first-ever Life Achievement Award at the PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards for decades-long efforts that include portfolio expansions and significant investments in renewable energy.
“This award belongs not just to me but to all the men and women of Robinsons Land, who have been quietly building, day by day, everything that we have achieved,” Gokongwei said in a recorded speech shown during the awards.
“This award is also a reminder that there is still much to be done. I hope it inspires all of us in the industry to keep building, not just more but better–with integrity, with imagination, and always with people in mind because we’ve always believed that when we build well, we help build the nation too,” he said.
Regional wins
Meanwhile, Cebu Landmasters Inc. took home titles for Best Developer (Mindanao) and Best Developer (Visayas), supported by wins for developments throughout the islands. Also hailed Best Housing Developer, Cebu Landmasters gained wins for projects like Mivela Garden Residences, Casa Mira Towers LPU Davao, and Velmiro Plains Bacolod.
Damosa Land Inc., winner of Best Boutique Developer, is among the victorious honorees from Mindanao. The Davao-based developer won recognitions for projects like Agriya Gardens, Kahi Estates, and Bridgeport Park.
Benedict Ventures Inc., a Cebuano developer, received wins for BE Uptown Park and The BE Group Corporate Office.
Also recognized were top projects in Luzon, particularly in Batangas. Among them would be LIMA Estate, Biz Hub at LIMA Estate, and LIMA Tower One by Aboitiz InfraCapital Economic Estates, who was hailed as Best Industrial Developer. Aboitiz Land’s Batangas project, Seafront Residences, was likewise recognized as Best Waterfront Housing Development. (See complete list of winners)
Standout individuals
Beyond project excellence and innovation, the awards also celebrated standout individuals who have been helping drive and shape Philippine real estate.
PropertyGuru named Jessica Bianca T. Sy, VP and head of design, innovation, and strategy at SM Prime and SM Development Corp. (SMDC) as this year’s “Rising Star”, following her assumption of a more senior leadership role at the SM Group. Last year, she was also recognized as one of the PropertyGuru Power Women of 2024.
“Tonight, I stand not as someone who has arrived, but as someone still in motion, learning, refining and reaching. This award is… a reminder that there is still much work to be done,” Sy said in her speech. “We are not really shaping skylines in this room. We are shaping the future. So to my fellow leaders, may we dare to dream responsibly—to build with both vision and compassion, and remember that our legacies will be measured not only in what we construct, but what we protect.”
Rafael Fernandez de Mesa, president and CEO of Aboitiz Land Inc. and head of Aboitiz InfraCapital Economic Estates, was meanwhile named Real Estate Personality of the Year.
De Mesa was recognized for leading the development of smart and sustainable, industrial-anchored, mixed-use developments across the nation. A champion of climate-conscious urban planning with a strong background in infrastructure development, he pioneered greenbelt initiatives and promoted job creation and regional development in partnership with economic zone authorities.
Diversified and decentralized
All the awardees in this year’s edition have made a strong impression, according to Jules Kay, general manager of PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards and Events.
“The real estate market continues to diversify and decentralize across the islands, and with these awards, the Philippines continues to show its commitment to sound, sustainable urbanization, whether in the form of masterplanned developments or strategically located projects in the archipelago’s urban centers,” Kay said.
“This year’s esteemed awardees have really set the bar with outstanding achievements in design and development. Their dedication to excellence has not only elevated the Philippine property industry but also contributed significantly to the country’s economic growth and progress,” added Cyndy Tan Jarabata, chairperson of the Awards in the Philippines and president of TAJARA Leisure & Hospitality Group Inc.
Award winners in the Philippines may now qualify for the Best in Asia titles at the forthcoming 20th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final, which will be held in Bangkok this December.
