Amaia Land celebrates 5th year of providing quality homes to more Filipinos

Aiming to help hardworking Filipino families have a house they can call their own, Amaia Land continues making those dreams come true as the company celebrates its 5^th year in the industry.

Amaia was borne out of the vision of its mother company, Ayala Land (ALI), to broaden its residential product line to cater to the wider Philippine population.  In 2010, this came into fruition with the incorporation of Amaia Land and its subsequent launch of the first Amaia Scapes economic housing project, thereby reinforcing ALI’s thrust of “enhancing land, enriching lives for more people.”

Amaia celebrates its fifth year of providing Filipino families quality yet affordable homes in an event last Feb. 6 at the Acacia Hotel Manila.

The company’s maiden project, Amaia Scapes Laguna established Amaia as a competitive brand in the real estate industry.   Amaia’s “Scapes” house-and-lot product line, which now consists of 16 communities, has revolutionized the economic housing segment. Some features that homeowners love about the community are its cluster type development, patio greens and full complement of shared amenities. Meanwhile, housing units are sought after for their attractive facades, modern design and efficient space planning.

he team heads of Amaia Land who work hard to give more families quality yet affordable homes during the company’s fifth anniversary at the Acacia Hotel Manila last Feb. 6. (From L-R: Francis Mallari, Amaia Land Human Resource Department Head; Bobby Dy, Ayala Land President and CEO; Ricky Celis, Amaia Land President; Nikie Lingad, Amaia Land Project Strategic  Management Group Head; Petes Gamboa, Innovation and Design Group Head)

In 2011, Amaia launched its condominium product lines: the mid-rise Amaia “Steps” and high-rise Amaia “Skies”.  Amaia Steps now boasts a total of nine communities. These homes are ideal for those who aspire for bigger living spaces within city limits. Meanwhile, there are now four Amaia Skies developments, which offer private abodes for urban dwellers and on-the-go working individuals desiring a balanced work-play lifestyle.

Amaia Scapes Cabanatuan’s model for its village patio.

Last year, Amaia introduced Amaia “Series”, a pure townhouse development designed for families with growing need for space, and Amaia “Square”, shophouses made for entrepreneurs who want their home and store in one convenient address.

Amaia Scapes San Fernando promises a dream home within your reach.

So far, Amaia has served over 12,000 families across the country.  The brand is present in key locations in North Luzon (Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Urdaneta), Metro Manila (Quezon City, Paranaque, Manila, Caloocan, Pasig, Mandaluyong and soon Las Pinas), South Luzon (Laguna, Cavite, Batangas, Quezon and soon Bicol) and the Visayas (Bacolod, Cebu and soon Iloilo). This year, it will venture to CDO, Mindanao.  Homes are made affordable by easy-on-the-pocket paying options such as cash, deferred, bank financing, Pag-ibig and in-house financing. 

The village patio of Amaia Scapes San Fernando is where families can do recreational activities.

The company opened a significant numer of jobs for Filipinos including a 17,000-man sales force in 18 growth centers and sales offices nationwide.  Its online followers has soared and includes over 500,000 facebook fans, propelling the brand’s dominance in the digital platform.

Amaia Scapes San Pablo offers an affordable yet picturesque home in Laguna.

“Our fifth year anniversary marks Amaia’s success over the years and the company’s mission in the years to come,” says Amaia Land president Ricky Celis. “We will continue to contribute to nation building by serving thousands of families with quality yet affordable homes in more locations nationwide.”

Amaia Scapes San Pablo is a horizontal development situated in Brgy. San Lucas 2—a site that gives homeowners a picturesque environment.

For inquiries, visit www.amaialand.com or like www.facebook/AmaiaLand.

McJim kicks off second season of Dreams Get Real talent search

WILL you be next big star of Original Pilipino Music (OPM)?

After successfully launching the careers of three of the most promising acts today, iconic brand McJim Classic Leather opens doors of opportunity for aspiring stars to become legitimate recording artists in the second season of “Dreams Get Real : The Search for the Next OPM Star. ”

“This year, we aim to make Dreams Get Real talent search even bigger, brighter, and better. We are now offering a full album and music video grant, P100,000 in cash prize, artist marketing support, and a talent management contract to the sole winner!“ said Chris Cahilig, Dreams Get Real project head. 

Fifth Dynamics. Fast-rising band Fifth Dynamics who released two chart-topping songs “Anyare” and “Pogi Kame” is a product of Dreams Get Real Talent Search last year.

Last year’s triple-tie winners, Fifth Dynamics, JBK and Neo Domingo, are rocking the music scene after recording chart-topping hits and are busy with television guest appearances, and mall and corporate shows across the country. The talents are likewise completing their debut albums produced by award-winning arranger and composer Jonathan Ong of SonicState Studio.

Fifth Dynamics, led by former The Voice of the Philippines contestant Mark Cordovales, is a fast-rising band. After winning the Dreams Get Real talent search, the group has released two chart-topping single titled “Anyare” and “Pogi Kame.”

Neo. Dreams Get Real Grand Champion Neo Domingo has released song “Pagbigyan Mo Na,” which is heavily played on different radio stations across the country.

On the other hand, vocal trio JBK, which is composed of Joshua, Bryan, and Kim, is making everyone’s heart melt. The group’s R&B-infused ballad, “Anong Meron Ka,” gets major airtime on popular radio stations nationwide.

Likewise, Neo Domingo topped national and local charts with his debut single “Pagbigyan Mo Na”. It was likewise named as the Most Wanted Song of 97.1 Barangay LS FM. His follow up single“Kaching-Kaching” featuring Fifth Dynamics is now heavily aired on Metro Manila and provincial radio stations.

This year’s contestants will work with award-winning musical talents and will have a chance to perform at big venues. “They will have a first-hand experience of the entire recording process and will get a chance to perform in shows while they are in the competition,” Cahilig said.

JBK. Vocal trio JBK composed of Joshua, Bryan, and Kim released the hit song “Anong Meron Ka” after winning the Dreams Get Real Talent Search and has been doing shows across the country ever since.

The talent search is open to all unsigned male and female solo artists, aged 15 to 35 years old, with Filipino lineage.

To audition, interested artists need to send a video recording or Youtube link of their performance/s (they may opt to submit a cover or an original song of any genre of their choice) together with the filled-out application form.

An initial pool of twenty contestants will undergo a series of weekly eliminations—starting in July—until only 10 finalists remain in the competition. The finalists will record and film viral videos to be posted on the TV Get Real YouTube channel of McJim Classic Leather, where the Top Six will be chosen from. The remaining six will then battle it out in an epic grand finals night, which will be held on November 15, 2015.

Dreams Get Real. The talent search that launched the careers of three of the most promising OPM acts today is back for another season.

“The contestants need to go through an elimination process to reveal who truly has star quality. They will also experience what it’s like to do a professional recording session,” Cahilig explained.

“The local music industry is very hard to penetrate; it’s a highly competitive arena,” Cahilig pointed out. “Dreams Get Real is here to help new artists break into the music scene. We will give them the platform—a ticket to possible stardom.”

Like the official McJim classic leather facebook page at www.facebook.com/OfficialMcJIM and get more information on how you can be the next OPM star.

Benefits Given to Employees to Loan with a Lowest Interest Rate from the Company

Recently, the Company I am currently working with were able to fulfill the benefits to lend a loan to its employees with a lowest interest rate.

However, it is a prerequisite to the employee to contribute a specified monthly contribution as savings and should be a regular employee.

For me, I was thankful that this policy was implemented for the benefit of both the employer and employees.

What’s cooking: TV5 resident chef’s recipe for a healthier lifestyle

Having dealt with food for most of his life, chef turned host Jeremy Favia never imagined seeing himself hosting his own show on television.

Growing up, Chef Jeremy always knew that he was born for the kitchen; not necessarily as a chef, but someone whose work involves food—be it a restaurant manager or an owner.

Unknown to many, however, the 29-year-old chef had different dreams. At one time he wanted to be a doctor; as a little boy, he wrote on his yearbook: “I want to be a priest!”

Years after, he now finds himself in front of the camera doing some hosting jobs for different cooking shows as TV5’s resident chef. Armed with his killer smile and natural charm, Chef Jeremy has gained popularity not only because of his culinary skills, but also because of his looks and the positive aura that he exudes.

While hosting a cooking show is something he truly enjoys, Chef Jeremy says he’s now more focused on his job at The Center for Wellness and Aesthetics of The Medical City in Ortigas, Pasig. It’s an immensely fulfilling job that allows him to help empower people who are suffering from various ailments to improve their health.

As the Wellness Center’s in-house chef, Chef Jeremy prepares special meals that are planned around an individual’s health problem, like hypertension or diabetes. The goal is for a client to cut down on his maintenance medicines as he benefits from the nutritional contents of the food Chef Jeremy cooks. Absolutely hands-on with his job, the chef even delivers the food right to their clients’ doorsteps.

“Isasabay mo ‘yung specially prepared food sa medicine mo hanggang sa mabawasan ‘yung tini-take mong gamot,” Chef Jeremy explains. “I have a client na diabetic, who subscribed to a meal plan for thirty days. After he completed his subscription, nagbawas na siya ng gamot.”

The venture inspires Chef Jeremy to be creative in doing the special meal plans, knowing that he plays a crucial role in setting his clients on the path to recovery.

Believing that the secret to a healthier lifestyle is smarter food choices, Chef Jeremy advises people to include fiber like C-Lium in their daily diet.

“Fiber naman talaga is very good for your digestive system and over-all health. May times namagluluto ka ng hindi ‘ganun ka-healthy so you’ll need fiber to help flush many of those unhealthy foods,” he says.

Chef Jeremy also relates that he used to eat a lot whenever he was stressed out. In such times he takes fiber supplements, specifically C-Lium Fibre, to help make him feel lighter.

“’Yung C-Lium hinahalo ko siya sa juice. I always feel lighter whenever I use C-Lium and there are times na kumakain ako ng ‘di ganun ka-healthy so C-Lium helps me to have enough fiber in the body,” he says.

C-Lium Fibre is made from natural psyllium plant, which is a good source of soluble and insoluble fibers. According to the National Fiber Council, the soluble fiber in psyllium absorbs water, turns into a gel, and attaches to food, sugars, cholesterol, and fats in the stomach and helps to expel these from one’s digestive system. A high-fiber diet also lowers the risk of developing life-threatening diseases such as heart disease, certain forms of cancer, diabetes, and stroke. 

Chef Jeremy likewise says that with proper diet and active lifestyle, almost anyone can achieve optimum health.

This conviction is what drives Chef Jeremy to handle a new cooking show and other ventures outside television. Being in his best shape ever, he looks forward to even more opportunities coming his way.

C-Lium Fibre comes in two formats--husk powder and capsule form-- and is available in leading drugstores and supermarkets nationwide.

Teriyaki Beef With Egg at Pepper Lunch

Last week, an organizer invited me as one of the persons who will attend a real estate event this day somewhere in Paranaque City.

Before we proceed to the venue, the organizer set a group lunch at Pepper Lunch in Mega Mall, Mandaluyong City.

I took my lunch this day at Pepper Lunch with Teriyaki Beef with Egg, one of their Japanese Classics in their menu.

For me, I am satisfied with the taste of the food and the food services.

Top 10 Movie Properties

One of the key features in any movie is a memorable property. Something that makes the audience think “I wish I lived there!” Lamudi, the global property portal, takes a look at the top 10 properties from some of the best loved films.

1. ‘El Fureidis’ in Scarface

Image via Wikimedia Commons

Stretching over a jaw-dropping 10 acres of land, El Fureidis—Tony Montana’s mansion, is now up for sale for a staggering US$35 million. The Roman-style stucco estate has recently undergone an exquisitely detailed renovation, allowing its four bedrooms, numerous Persian gardens, and glistening swimming pools to return to their original splendor. Located in Santa Barbara, California, El Fureidis offers luxury living of the highest order, combined with an incredible history and provenance.

2. Corleone Family Home in The Godfather

Ever since Francis Ford Coppola’s magnum opus, The Godfather, graced the screens in 1972 to universal critical acclaim, the Corleone family home featured in the film has been a residence recognized the world over. Measuring an astounding 6,248 square feet, the English Tudor-style mansion located in Staten Island, was center stage in the unforgettable wedding sequence which starts off the film. Renovated in the style of the Godfather in 2012, the estate is now worth an estimated $2.895 million. However, the original Godfather house was set in a small town in Italy called Savoca, this is where the first movie in the trilogy was filmed.

3. Hearst Castle in Citizen Kane

© Dan Schreiber via Shutterstock.com

“Cost: no man can say” goes the famous newsreel at the beginning of Orson Welles’s epic in reference to Charles Foster Kane’s staggeringly vast private estate. Named in Citizen Kane as Xanadu, it is clear that Hearst Castle in San Simeon, California, is the inspiration behind Kane’s stately home. Now it is one of America's most enticing museums and one of the most well-known properties in the world.

4. St. Joseph Plantation in 12 Years a Slave

© Joseph via Flickr

This 12,000-square-foot raised Creole-style estate was built in the 1830s and is still operational today as a family-owned sugar plantation. Located along the Mississippi River, St. Joseph’s Plantation recently gained worldwide recognition after its memorable appearance in Steve McQueen’s 12 Years a Slave.

5. Palace Bristol Hotel in The Grand Budapest Hotel

Wes Anderson’s 2014 masterpiece earned more BAFTA nominations than any other film, including Best Film and Best Director. Crucial for the film’s success was the set design and visual aesthetic which were admirably supplied by the Palace Bristol Hotel which served as the inspiration for Anderson’s Budapest Hotel. Built at the end of the 19th century, the Palace Bristol Hotel contains 48 single and double rooms, as well as luxury and presidential suites, which cater to the tastes and desires of the wealthy.

6. Bag End from The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings

© Chris Cooper via Flickr

Located at the end of Bagshot Row in Hobbiton, Bag End provides the perfect backdrop for the antics of Tolkien’s most endearing characters. According to the floorplan provided in The Hobbit book and designed by Daniel Reeve for the movie, about a third of the space is intended for the preparation and consumption of food, while the remaining areas allow for the pursuit of quieter pleasures such as smoking and writing.

7. The McCallister family home in Home Alone

© Minh Phan via Flickr

Based in Winnetka, Illinois, this red brick colonial Georgian house comprises an awe-inspiring 4,250 square feet and is within a stone’s throw from Lake Michigan. Up for sale in December of 2014, this piece of real estate sold for $1.58 million.

8. The Razor Residence in Iron Man

Comprising 11,000 square feet and overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the Razor Residence can be seen center stage in Jean Fareau’s 2008 American superhero film Iron Man. Perched on the edge of California’s Torrey Pines State Park, the house resembles a glass monolith, fitting perfectly into the landscape whilst standing out as a piece of modern art. Designed by San Diego based architect Wallace Cunningham, the estate caters to the most luxurious tastes, whilst retaining its simple and elegant beauty.

9. Christ Church College in Harry Potter

Image via Shutterstock

Who could forget Harry’s first time in the great hall at Hogwarts? The floating candles, the Sorting Hat, the incredible tension electrifying the atmosphere, and the original Dumbledore making his first appearance before our hero is placed into Gryffindor House are all unforgettable features of our favorite movie adaptation. This crucial part of the series was filmed in the Great Hall, modeled after the Great Hall at Christ Church, Oxford, and is one of Harry Potter’s best moments.

10. Elrod House in Diamonds Are Forever

In Sean Connery’s final outing as the super-slick MI6 agent James Bond, director Guy Hamilton needed an equally mesmerising house. Elrod House was brought to life by architect John Lautner in 1968. Lautner’s design manages to create a seemingly floating concrete roof structure which blurs the line between interior and exterior, as well as showcasing the panoramic landscape view of the Palm Springs desert. These factors combine to make it the best known property to ever feature in a film.

The Value of Small Things

I believe the idea on how to value small things first before valuing bigger things. Knowing and learning the basic principles and applying them in every day living. 

To be trusted in handling small things first before bigger things. I believe that this is a part of the process of maturity and responsibility. 

We have to learn how to value things regardless of its size or quantity.