Author: BWorld 5/28/2007

By 5 a.m., the Zobel brothers are already up, perusing the latest news from around the globe, catching up on paperwork, and reading reports. When a detail needs to be clarified, it is not uncommon for them to send a text message to their managers asking if it's OK to call -- a small habit that implies an awareness that the rest of Ayala corporation does not run on their time, even if they head the country's largest conglomerate. "They're gentlemen down to their fingertips," said Victoria Garchitorena, Ayala Foundation, Inc. president, who remembers that when her office was located at the Ayala Museum , she was rarely summoned by the brothers to their offices when they wanted to meet. "They would walk from their office to mine, it was no skin off their nose. And I guess they also knew that it was good for the foundation staff to see them once in a while." Even before corporate social responsibility (CSR) was pushed into the limelight, the brothers already wanted Ayala's core business competencies to contribute to the greater good, "The full flowering of that idea is doing business at the bottom of the pyramid," said Ms. Garchitorena. Manila Water's "Tubig Para sa Barangay," and Globe Telecom's Bridging communities (BridgeCom) program are two concrete examples of how Ayala-led companies have CSR projects that are congruent to their business plans. "That's the perfect situation because your business goals and your social development goals are aligned." "One of the things that make them different from other owners or CEOs is that they're so eager to learn from everyone. They're not know-it-alls or the 'listen-to-me-and-I'll-tell-you-what-you-need-to-do' type," said Ms. Garchitorena. During management meetings, neither Jaime nor Fernando will hesitate to ask questions when they don't quite get what's being said. "They really have deep respect for their management team. They're open to ideas and they also have the humility and the self-confidence to say, 'Wait a minute, I don't understand. Please explain.'" Ms. Garchitorena added that the brothers share the same sense of humor, which manifests itself in the form of tricks, teasing, and verbal repartee, in turn, they're also willing to be the object of jokes. Jaime and Fernando always present a united front when it comes to Ayala Corporation. Although they may initially have different ideas, they are committed to threshing things out until they reach a decision that is amenable to both of them. And once that decision is reached, they support each other all the way. The Zobels possess a winning combination of good genes and a good upbringing. Ms. Garchitorena credits Don Jaime and Bea Zobel, Jaime and Fernando's parents, for the brothers' shared work ethic and down-to-earth demeanor. "They didn't feel that they were entitled to all these privileges because they were Zobels. They're very hardworking," she said. For example, when Jaime was a child, he sent his mother a letter apologizing for the extra cost that they would be burdened with because he had enrolled in an additional class; Ms. Garchitorena believes it was gardening. "He had no idea how wealthy they were. I thought that was so telling of how they were brought up. They don't take things for granted. I think that's indicative of why they are what they are now," she said. Asked to expound, Ms. Garchitorena replied: "They're good looking, they're intelligent, they're articulate, they're rich, they're successful, they're charming, they're disciplined, they're sincere and honest, they're generous, they're good sons and husbands and fathers, and they have a heart for the poor. Need I say more?"

Labels: Alveo Land, Ayala Land, Bonifacio Global City, Canlubang, condominium for sale, for rent, fort bonifacio, house for sale, Meranti, Nuvali, One Serendra, Sequoia, Serendra, Tagaytay, Two Serendra

Continuation of a truly wonderful Korea Seoul Travel Package...

DAY 02   :  Mt. Seorak / Everland / Suwon                                       

After early breakfast in the hotel, we rode the bus for a cable car ride to the mountain site of Mount Seorak. It was a cultural experience to see the temples high above the snow capped mountains. It is  a tab short though of our Nami Island experience. Or probably we just felt so tired of the day before.

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We then visited more temples plus the Teddy Bear Museum after lunch. We were supposed to go to Everland Outdoor theme Park but the rainy weather prevented us from doing so. The tour guide then decided to just bring us to Lotte World indoor amusement park where we equally had fun.









 

After dinner, check in hotel.
DAY 03   :  Suwon / Bucheon / Seoul 

After breakfast in our hotel. Trip to Bucheon, enjoy first hand strawberry picking in the farms. Transfer to Seoul and visit N Seoul Tower with lift. It is the highest tower and observation point in Seoul South Korea. My son got to pee in the highest restroom.

Visited Ginseng Center and  Amethyst factory.  I was able to buy an amethyst pendant which they say recharges the body. Ginseng manufactured in Korea was of the highest grade and accompanied with it a high price. After buffet dinner, we checked in at our hotel.

DAY 04   :  Seoul / ICN

After breakfast in hotel, visit Kyungbok Palace, National Folk Museum and pass by the Blue House. The day was also spent on a trip to the duty free shop, Cosmetic Shop and  shopping at the famous Myeongdong shopping street. It was a shopping splurge and last minute shopping for the entire family.

Transfer to Incheon for departure via Korean food & Souvenir supermarket.

It was a truly wonderful Korea Seoul Travel Package!

Labels: asian travel, Bangkok, korea, Philippines, senior travel, singapore, tours and travel, travel agencies, travel agents, travel to asia

Movie theaters, fashion boutiques, cafés, video game arcades and all other types of entertainment and diversions come to us easily. But while all these distractions are positive fruits of a modern and ever-evolving society, these should never take the place of personally interacting with family and friends.




Where Space Brings People Closer

When you hear the word "space," the image that probably comes to mind is an empty area or gaps. But with The Meranti at Two Serendra, Alveo Land's third and newest phase of its high-rise development in Fort Bonifacio Global City, the word "space" has come to mean the something different entirely.

Interaction and the pursuit of life's many pleasures are the focus of The Meranti. Featuring Two Serendra's trademark of lush greens, as well as a highly thematic aesthetic, The Meranti offers residents an ideal environment where they can share time, conversation and even fun with family, old friends and new neighbors. Well-designed units allow for a comfortable setting for enjoyable family talks and activities as well as a place for intimate parties with friends and relatives. This inherent social equity is extended beyond the front door. The Meranti's different social zones, located within thedevelopment's Living Museum, also provide residents with the perfect venues for interaction.
For more info, email us at: twoserendra@myserendra.com



Where Connections Are Made

Foodies can indulge their culinary calling and entertain guests at The Culinary Studio, which features a fully equipped, professional-grade kitchen and grill area as well as a cozy dining room. Nature lovers, on the other hand, may relax in the peaceful serenity of the lush verdure and flowers of The Meranti's Tropical Garden, a virtual paradise enclosed in glass. The Tropical Garden is also an ideal venue for big and memorable events, gatherings and a romantic setting for intimate walks. Holding casual meetings or brainstorm ideas with contemporaries take on a different, luxurious spin at the Enterprise Lounge, a business facility that provides a bar, a chiller, a pool table and even a flat-screen television for after-work bonding sessions. Learning, growing and interacting with children and other members of the family can be enjoyed at The Discovery Hall, which also provides a cozy library and a lounge with WiFi connection, so residents can research or catch up with neighbors. The Stellar Peak is another ideal place to talk with friends or chill out with your loved ones at night. This comfortable, landscaped rooftop deck offers an amazing view of the Manila sky--the perfect venue for a romantic rendezvous.


 For more info, email us at: twoserendra@myserendra.com

Outside The Meranti, one can find even more places and areas conducive for interaction and bonding. Restaurants at Serendra offer a variety of cuisines for a delectable dinner with family, while cafes give you venues for intimate conversation with close friends.
Although we do have all the leisure and entertainment options open to us, we shouldn't lose sight of what is really important--our ties with our family and our friends. At The Meranti, you can enjoy all the pleasures that the modern world has to offer while talking, interacting and keeping in touch with peers and loved ones.
The Meranti at Two Serendra
Alveo Land Corp. sets the benchmark for innovation in Ayala Land. Armed with sharper foresight, unparalleled excellence and total commitment, Alveo Land Corp. is a real estate company that doesn't just find the means to provide the most innovative homes, it looks for ways to make you live the life you deserve.

For more info, email us at: twoserendra@myserendra.com

Labels: Alveo Land, Ayala Land, Bonifacio Global City, Canlubang, condominium for sale, for rent, fort bonifacio, house for sale, Meranti, Nuvali, One Serendra, Sequoia, Serendra, Tagaytay, Two Serendra

Party in Paradise
Man, it has been stated time and time again, is a social being. His growth and development is greatly helped by the interactions with the people he loves, respects and cares for, as well as the new friends he makes throughout his life. That being said, there is no other richer environment for socialization and interaction than get-togethers—from intimate tête-à-têtes with close friends to fun-filled celebrations with a larger group of people.

Interestingly enough, just like good wine is largely dependent on the terroir (to quote another French word) in which grapes are grown, an excellent and successful party or gathering is also influenced by the setting in which it is held. And, with themed gardens, reflective ponds, function rooms and social halls, Two Serendra has definitely created ideal venues for socializing and interacting with friends, family, business associates and neighbors. Located in the bustling Bonifacio Global City, Alveo Land's latest high-rise condominium development gives you a home within a community that fosters friendships and builds ideal places for interaction and gatherings. Three different, well-design buildings (The Aston, The Red Oak and The Meranti) offer various spaces to hold your perfect party.

Hold Affairs to Remember at The Aston

Spend quality time with your family through casual barbeques at The Aston at Two Serendra. Enjoy the cluster's glorious water features and reflecting ponds and let your kids interact with your neighbors as they play in the river boat, which is docked by a splash pool or the fun tree house. Sculptural fountains surrounding the children's pools create thrilling venues for exciting experiences, which your kids will definitely remember fondly as they grow older.

Enhance Your Body, Mind and Spirit at The Red Oak

With a relaxing ambience enhanced by suburban open spaces and refreshing water elements, The Red Oak creates an ideal environment to pursue a completely healthy and peaceful life. With body spa pavilions, meditation gardens, floating cabanas as well as walking paths and dance or exercise studios, The Red Oak gives residents various options wherein each one can pursue total wellness-be it within the body, mind or spirit.

This translates to conducive areas for small-knit gatherings surrounded by a peaceful environment, enhanced by the camaraderie of guests. Hold small bridal or baby showers within the pavilions or celebrate your birthday with a unique wellness theme by treating your close friends to a yoga session at the exercise studios. The Red Oak helps you create one-of-a-kind tête-à-têtes that promote health, wellness and togetherness.

Celebrate Life at The Meranti

Hold elegant affairs, like debuts and wedding anniversaries in the Tropical Garden of The Meranti at Two Serendra. Featuring a lush, well-landscaped garden enclosed in glass, the Tropical Garden provides the perfect backdrop for stylish parties and exquisite soirees. Plan an elegant affair with delectable cocktails and food or exquisite wine and cheese pairings while enjoying the company of friends and relatives in a glass paradise. Engage your friends in a little astronomy, as well, at the Stellar Peak, a landscaped rooftop deck that offers a breathtaking view of the night sky, creating a cozy setting for chill-out shindigs complete with yummy canapés and cocktails or more informal bashes with ice-cold beer and chips.

Good wine, company and conversation, most say, create the perfect ambience for a great party. And just as climate, soil type and topography produce an ideal terroir for excellent wine, The Aston, The Red Oak and The Meranti of Two Serendra offer gorgeous and exquisite landscapes, huge trees, water gardens, open lawns, as well as ponds and streams, create your own party paradise that is close to home.

Labels: Alveo Land, Ayala Land, Bonifacio Global City, Canlubang, condominium for sale, for rent, fort bonifacio, house for sale, Meranti, Nuvali, One Serendra, Sequoia, Serendra, Tagaytay, Two Serendra

Taking its place at the heart of the "Home of the Passionate Minds" in BGC,High Street South will soon become BGC's Cultural District.

BGC comprises the country's first world class science museum, public art, and interactive sculptural elements that reconnect you to the country's rich history and culture.

Alongside are top corporations that offer great opportunities for vibrant careers, lush expansive parks, and a football field where you can keep an active lifestyle.

Feel like true citizen of the world as High Street South celebrates creativity and possibility.

High Street South Block will be on eight parcels of land to create a world renown destination of community and commercial areas. Thoughtfully zoned areas highlight integrated features of the district.

Two Maridien will be located at the center of the action. The buildings are located at the central block of High Street South with direct views of two prominent parks at the heart of BGC.

The main park is created for families and children to explore their creativity and is surrounded by galleries, theaters, dance halls, music lounges and jazz clubs.

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Two Maridien presents a rare opportunity for you to make the best out of your city life. As the second tower in High Street South, it promises to feature prime qualities of residential living.


Need more info? Suggestions / comments?

Email us at twomaridien@myserendra.com

Labels: Alveo Land, Ayala Land, Bonifacio Global City, Canlubang, condominium for sale, for rent, fort bonifacio, house for sale, Meranti, Nuvali, One Serendra, Sequoia, Serendra, Two Maridien, Two Serendra

Timeless Tagaytay Experience
A low density residential condo where you can rediscover the spaces, connecting with your surroundings, with friends, families, and with yourself. It is all about touching lives.

Quiet Tagaytay Location
Tagaytay Calamba Road, San Jose, Tagaytay City. Fronting Estancia Hotel, around 1.3 kilometers away from the rotunda

Masterplanned for Natural Living
An intimate cluster of low-rise condos on lush natural terrain made over 80% open spaces, parks, roadways and amenities.

Relaxed and Effortless Condo Lifestyle.
A Low density community with views of amenities, refreshing indoor and outdoor spaces, features custom made for leisure.

Quaint Retail Setting
Quaint destinations for leisurely, natural pursuits. Alfresco boutiques and bistro row to compliment the Tagaytay experience

Spacious Units Planned for a Leisure Condo Experience
Kasa Luntian will be a low-rise and low-density community with 5-7 floors per building and 11 units per floor.

Amenities Inspired by Nature
True to its leisure proposition, the ambience within the development will be relaxed and casual, filled with lush and naturally landscaped open spaces and amenities geared toward passive recreation, family gatherings, and laid-back social encounters amid tranquil mountain atmosphere.


Need more info? Suggestions / comments?

Email us at kasaluntian@myserendra.com

Labels: Alveo Land, Ayala Land, Bonifacio Global City, Canlubang, condominium for sale, for rent, fort bonifacio, house for sale, Meranti, Nuvali, One Serendra, Sequoia, Serendra, Tagaytay, Two Serendra

Bonifacio High Street Serendra truly epitomizes the spirit of Bonifacio Global City and the balanced live-work-play lifestyle it encourages. Pioneering the concept of mixed-use developments in a unique main street setting, Bonifacio High Street is comprised of nearly a kilometer long landscaped park with restaurants and retail stores on the first floor, and offices on the second floor -- including large and pioneering companies like Del Monte Philippines and BayanTrade to name a few. The calm scenery has an obviously uplifting and relaxing effect on the office workers of Bonifacio High Street. "I love coming to work!" asserts Michelle Dabuet, Marketing Head for BayanTrade. "We actually encourage our employees to bring their family members," adds Dante Briones, President and CEO for BayanTrade. The park features family-friendly interactive artworks that encourage thinking and exploration. This unique experience becomes a strong factor for drawing people to the location. "Bonifacio High Street attracts people from as far as Quezon City in the north, and Alabang plus other areas further south." says Jun Bisnar, Head of Commercial Operations for Fort Bonifacio Development Corporation (FBDC). [caption id="attachment_129" align="alignnone" width="300"] MySerendra.com | Bonifacio High Street Balanced rock fountain photo near Ayala Serendra[/caption] Bonifacio High Street sets the stage for a balanced lifestyle that is conducive to mental and physical well-being. While mostly urban in nature, the pace of work and life is manageable, or as aptly stated by Marivic Anonuevo, Group Head for Corporate Business of Ayala Land, "It's fast-paced but Bonifacio High Street provides more stress breaks and relievers." Live, Work, Eat! At Bonifacio Global City , dining has come to mean more than the typical hour-long break. In this city, the dining experience provides another opportunity for residents, tenants and visitors alike to bask in the relaxed aura of Bonifacio Global City . From the high-energy spots of The Fort Square to new dining establishments in Bonifacio High Street , Bonifacio Global City will never fail to disappoint varied tastes. CJ Jesena, Senior Division Manager for the Ayala Malls Group, describes some of the unique culinary spots of Bonifacio High Street. "Mary Grace which started as a kiosk in malls, opened their first cafe in Serendra, Bonifacio High Street called Cafe Mary Grace," Jesena explains. "From the L'Opera group, they opened Balducci, which features a more casual, rustic and laid-back feel." Larry J. Cruz opened two restaurants, including Larry's Cafe & Bar, which offers light dining and Abe Restaurant, which specializes in Kapampangan fare. Further down Bonifacio High Street you'll find Texas Roadhouse Grill and Mini Shabu-Shabu -- just two of the many unique restaurants which have recently opened. Proposing this unique dining concept to owners of restaurants and cafes was met with positive response. "Anna Rocha (owner of Tatami] loved the concept while Larry Cruz saw the opportunity," he says, proudly. Wired and Ready to Go 2012 Ongoing developments at Ayala Alveo land Serendra Fort Bonifacio Global City As the country's next premier CBD, Bonifacio Global City is fully equipped with amenities that encourage the wireless lifestyle. At par with the technological-savvy of the modern urbanite, several areas in Bonifacio Global City are Wi-Fi hotspots, allowing for high-speed internet surfing -- an unquestionable tool in this era of efficient technology. Moreover, plans to fully wire the city are underway and soon enough, internet surfing will be possible at any point within the territory. Complementing the technological advancement is the fact that a 25-hectare portion of Bonifacio Global City is a PEZA-accredited IT Zone. As an IT Zone, Bonifacio Global City locators enjoy generous government incentives like tax holidays and other benefits," says Henry Yap. Head of Property Planning and Design for FBDC. "It is also easier for foreign companies to bring in their foreign executives because of the ease in obtaining work permits. The companies or locators also get tax incentives when they purchase land or export products," Yap explains.

Labels: Alveo Land, Ayala Land, Bonifacio Global City, Canlubang, condominium for sale, for rent, fort bonifacio, house for sale, Meranti, Nuvali, One Serendra, Sequoia, Serendra, Tagaytay, Two Serendra