Pontevedra Estate in Santa Rosa City: The perfect balance between old-world luxury and modern conveniences

Brittany Corporation launches Pontevedra Estate,Santa Rosa last April 21, 2023 at Palazzo Verde, Las Pinas. The launch was attended by Former Senator Manny Villar and Brittany Corporation executives.

Adding unique and unexpected elements to a living space can really elevate it and make it feel special. It's always interesting to see how designers and architects incorporate these elements into their work, and how they can add depth and meaning to a space.

A prime example of modern and historic interplay in a mixed-use development is the Pontevedra estate in Santa Rosa City, Laguna. 

When Heritage Meets Modern Luxury

 

Inspired by an inviting, small riverside city in Spain that combines history, culture, and style, Pontevedra is Brittany's 34-hectare estate in Santa Rosa, Laguna, that merges old and new with residential and commercial properties embodying a modern design, timeless quality, and artistic heritage. 

 

Like a work of art set in the heart of Santa Rosa City, Pontevedra is beautiful in its own right, with interlocking lanes and plazas and charming squares abuzz with cafes and unique restaurant concepts. 

 

A Mission-Style Estate

The estate drew inspiration from mission-style architecture, which reminds of the Mediterranean region, well suited to this contemporary part of the city's locale, climate, and lifestyle.  

                

Featuring an elemental material palette such as warm rubble and cut stone, carved wood accents, and earthy terracotta roof tiles, and design elements like soft arches, outdoor patios, and stone terraces, Pontevedra's architectural style is simple yet functional, with rustic charm, emphasizing allowing the finished materials and surfaces to show the hand of the craftsman. 

 

Discoveries on Foot

 

Parallel to the Spanish city from which the name was derived, Pontevedra creates the impression of a sanctuary where everything is just a step away and where each district has its main courtyard as an artery, defining its character. 

 

Parks, tree-lined avenues, fountains and gardens, establishments with coats of arms on their façades, squares that are full of life, and pavement cafés with a lively atmosphere punctuate the interlinked streets while the commercial district's gleaning stone-and-glass buildings are dripping with potted greenery, making it more environmentally integrated when you stroll along the streets. 

 

Pontevedra encourages future residents to discover the different districts on foot, strolling and enjoying every corner. It invites one to walk through its most emblematic squares, feel the atmosphere of its streets, taste its delicious gastronomy, and discover its character by exploring its intimate community.

Distinct Character and Personality

 

Each district in Pontevedra has its character and personality, full of life, passion, creativity, and joy. 

Aveiro by Pontevedra: Mesmerizing Ambiance

Pontevedra has a soon-to-rise exclusive high-rise vertical village set to deliver the best in luxury living through spaces embedded with nature and architecture. 

 

Imagine waking up to the tweeting of birds, the sound of human voices, and the tinkle of coffee spoons, Aveiro by Pontevedra has pocket gardens peppered between private spaces throughout the building and private balconies wrapped around the building's exterior. 

 

Viento by Pontevedra: Land of Picturesque Patios

Dotting the horizon of Sta. Rosa, Laguna is Viento by Pontevedra, a series of low- and mid-rise residential buildings amidst open courtyards and landscaped gardens, enabling the internal spaces always to stay open, letting the wind through and affecting natural ventilation.

 

Viento will provide a space to gather, interact, and enjoy a unique experience with unrivaled views.

Vizcino by Pontevedra: Near and Neighboring Communities

With the rise of modern infrastructure and property developments, Santa Rosa City in Laguna has become a growing urbanized region, now home to various industries. It has a lot to offer in terms of commercial and retail businesses.

 

Vizcino by Pontevedra brings to life a surrounding neighborhood that offers many shopping opportunities, restaurants, retail spaces, and office buildings. 

 

Envisioned to be the estate's growth center, Vizcino will feature generously sized commercial areas for business and investment that will be complemented by residential communities and transport hubs that will cultivate a dynamic environment for ventures and entrepreneurial pursuits.

 

Valenza: A Mix of Modernity and History

Unique for such a busy city, Valenza is Pontevedra's 22-hectare residential community, which includes access to a quaint semi-enclosed garden that offers moments of peace away from the vibrant city that surrounds it. 

 

Valenza features an impressive array of homes amidst a charming neighborhood, with amenities such as a pool, pocket gardens, and a basketball court, offering families the luxury of living in a serene and secure community while still having access to the comforts of the metro.

Segovia: Great Food, Great Memories

Seeking to convey a sense of the city's urban life within one smart vertical concept, Segovia is a mixed-use project that combines condominiums, offices, and restaurants, all of which contribute to a "live, work, play" lifestyle.   

 

Located within the Pontevedra estate, a few blocks from Ramblas, Segovia has modern city views, but the decor pays homage to classical Spanish design. Segovia offers future residents the perfect retreat with a sense of rustic luxury.

Huesca: Gateway to the City

Enjoying a fabulous location in the charming Pontevedra estate, Huesca is a residential building full of nature, magic, and contrasts that are well worth a stroll. 

 

A string of buildings that follows one after the other, Huesca is another charmer, considered the gateway to the city, with promenades.

 

The Iconic Strips

Pontevedra's pedestrian and quiet streets invite future residents to go shopping while strolling and enjoying the local commerce of proximity. These iconic strips feature a comfortable, green, friendly cultural promenade with more pedestrian space. A wide array of luxurious shops and places full of charm offer residents and guests a warm welcome. 

 

Ramblas: Where the Party Never Ends

In a relatively small and comfortable radius at Ramblas, one will find every option possible to enjoy life more - a strip of quaint and quiet cafes to start the night, unique restaurant concepts, and after-hours. 

La Unidad: The Green Street

Lining Pontevedra’s different districts is La Unidad, a kilometer line of parks running from Viento to Aveiro, and connecting the estate’s waterways via landscaped footpaths and water features.

 

Future residents can take advantage of La Unidad to explore the community, enjoy the natural surroundings and appreciate the community’s scenic beauty. It will be accented with different plantings for variety, in layered combinations of color and texture, for a natural, lush tropical look. 

Dilaw has set the 2023 Spotify record for the Philippines’ most streamed local song in 24 hours "Uhaw (Tayong Lahat)

 

Baguio-based indie-alternative band, Dilaw, has set the 2023 Spotify record for the Philippines’ most streamed local song in 24 hours. The group’s melodic single “Uhaw (Tayong Lahat)” even surpassed BLACKPINK’s “Shut Down” and Joji’s “Glimpse of Us” number of streams within a day in the Philippines, gaining global traction in Indonesia, United States and Australia.

 

The six-piece band from the north composed of the core duo of vocalist and lyricist Dilaw Obrero and guitarist Vie Viloria, drummer Tobi Samson, bassist Wayne Dela Rosa, guitarist Leon Altomonte and keyboardist En Altomonte is thrilled to reach a significant achievement together.

 

“As musicians, all we wanted is for people to listen and relate to our music and our journey, and this record-breaking achievement is simply amazing. We are grateful to Spotify, an audio platform that enables the global discovery of our band and the repertoire of our work. This continues to motivate us to work on our craft and explore new musical possibilities,” shared Dilaw.

“Celebrating local music and building a deeper connection between artists and fans have been a top priority for us. It is incredibly encouraging to see Filipino artists continuing to rise in the local charts and break more boundaries than ever before,” said Kossy Ng, Head of Music of Spotify Asia.

 

For the past three weeks, Uhaw (Tayong Lahat) has held the #1 spot on Spotify’s Top 50 Philippines chart. After seeing a huge listenership on Viral Hits Philippines, Spotify amplified the band further through its editorial playlist ecosystem and featured them on Tatak Pinoy and magmuni-muni. The band’s popularity showed no signs of slowing down, and eventually clinched a spot in Spotify’s Hot Hit Philippines. With a remarkable increase of more than 200% in followers on Spotify in the past month, it’s clear that more listeners are discovering Dilaw’s musical prowess. 

 

With their artful lyrics, dreamy sonic layers, and captivating vocals, Dilaw takes listeners on a journey to a world that is uniquely their own. Their hit song 'Uhaw' describes the thirst for something, whether it be a person, thing, or feeling. As the band continues to create experiences for fans through their music, one thing is certain: Dilaw is a testament that regional talents deserve the global spotlight.

 

“Dilaw started out as a humble duo from Baguio, armed with nothing but an undeniable talent. We discovered them and knew right away that they had the potential to be something special. Since then, Dilaw has blossomed into a full six-piece band that have the potential to touch many with their unique sound and innovative approach to music-making.Together with Spotify, we are excited to be part of this ride with them,” said Kelley Mangahas, Artists & Relations Philippines, Warner Music Group. 

 

Available on Spotify Premium or Free, listen to Dilaw and discover more Filipino artists on Tatak Pinoy.

Estancia Mall welcomes Bistro Group Concepts to bring more casual & fine-dining experiences

 

 

Exciting dining destinations await at Estancia Mall with the newly-opened Bistro Group Concepts restaurants. From casual to high-end dining, these delicious offerings will satisfy your tastebuds:

 

Texas Roadhouse specializes in juicy hand-cut steaks that you can pair with sides like rice, mashed potato, and salad. There are also other meat dishes, such as hamburgers, oven roasted chicken, and baby back ribs that are perfect for sharing. Located at G/F East Wing.

 

Craving for a hearty Italian meal? Italianni’s has you covered with its family-style pasta and pizza dishes, and its signature starter, Tuscan and Focaccia bread served with olive oil and aged balsamic vinegar. Located at G/F East Wing.

Bistro Group brings more delicious dining options at Estancia Mall. (L-R) William Abuel, Bistro Group Vice-President for Operations, Marilu Rivera, Bistro Group Chief People and Culture Officer, RC Tiongson, Bistro Group Chief Operating Officer, Arch. Renee Bacani, Ortigas Malls Vice-President, Guia Abuel, Bistro Group Chief Operating Officer, Cathy Duenas, AVP of Mall Leasing, Monique Castaneda, Ortigas Malls AVP and Head of Corporate Marketing, Lisa Ronquillo, Bistro Group Chief Marketing Officer, and Randy Torres, Head of Mall Operations, attend the ribbon cutting of Bistro Group concepts' newest branches.

 

 

Get your all-day breakfast fix at Denny’s and Randy’s Donuts. Open as early as 7am, enjoy filling meals, like the Big Breakfast and The Original Grand Slam, with loved ones, and top it off with a box of sweet donuts with coffee on the side afterwards. Located at G/F East Wing.

 

Cap off your workweek with dinner and drinks at TGI Fridays. The nostalgic all-American restaurant serves classic favorites, like Pacific Grilled Pork Chop, Grilled BBQ Chicken, and so much more. Located at The Royalton, Capitol Commons.

 

Download the Ortigas Malls app to find out more about upcoming events, and sign up for the Ortigas Community Card for exciting perks from Bistro Group Concepts. Also visit Estancia Mall’s social media pages for more details! 

PUMA held an exclusive preview of its Maiden AW23 Collection Party in PH

Global sports brand PUMA is officially marking its presence in the Philippines with an exclusive preview of its autumn/winter collection, which will be available in the market starting July this year. Inspired by its FOREVER FASTER mantra, PUMA’s invite-only AW23 collection preview party was a brazen ode and homage to the streets and humans of Manila.

PUMA opened its first flagship store last November 2022 in Glorietta, Makati City and now has 22 franchise stores nationwide. 

As part of its expansion plans in the market, the German sports brand will open a few new stores in this quarter, serving more PUMA’s fans in Metro Manila, Laguna and Cebu.

“The Philippines, being a nation of loyal sports fans and fashion-savvy consumers, has so much potential and presents a lot of wonderful opportunities for the brand. This was a major factor in our decision to come in stronger as a full-on subsidiary and increase our presence in every aspect of the business,” said PUMA Philippines Country Manager Paolo Misa.

Beyond expanding its footprint for PUMA stores, the brand has also started growing its presence in key sports and lifestyle retailers, online and offline, nationwide. PUMA plans to be visible in terms of supporting key athletes, partnering with lifestyle icons, and pushing major events that are representative of the exciting categories that the brand represents.

 

The AW23 collection showcased a range of activewear fitted for the sports and street style-savvy Filipinos.

@lola_lamon @PUMA held its invite-only AW23 collection preview party with #kylieversoza #danielmatsunaga and #marlonstockinger joining the runway #pumaph #pumainmanila #foreverfaster ♬ Live Your Beautiful Life - Gray Griggs

 

“Sports is at the heart of PUMA. We are eager to play our part and help nurture it in the country, with emphasis on youth development. For 75 years, PUMA continues to push sports and culture forward by challenging conventions, innovating through design, and supporting the next generation. Through history, culture, performance and design, PUMA is committed to being FOREVER FASTER” PUMA South East Asia General Manager Sanjay Roy explained.

 

More than a fashion show: FOREVER FASTER in the streets of Manila

PUMA showcased its AW23 collection on a make-believe streets of Manila-styled runway. The show narrated the different stories of Pinoy bravery witnessed by the streets of Manila; lauded      Filipinos’ inherent confidence; paid homage to Pinoy pride; and celebrated Filipino resiliency. 

 

The brand’s maiden fashion show also featured Pinoy movers, breakers and game-changers in the Philippines, representing the brand’s four core values namely Pinoy bravery, confidence, determination and joy – the same core values under the brand’s FOREVER FASTER mantra.

 

Former motorsports and racing driver Marlon Stöckinger, Miss International 2016 Kylie Versoza, and actor Daniel Matsunaga hit the AW23 collection runway. Model Santino Rosales, the son of renowned actor Jericho Rosales, also walked the runway.

The Face of PUMA Philippines

In addition to the brand’s expansion plans, PUMA is also celebrating another milestone with the introduction of professional basketball player Kai Sotto as its first-ever Filipino brand ambassador. The brand surprised the preview party guests with a short video of Kai Sotto greeting Filipino fans. Stay tuned for more.

 

7-Eleven widens your options with 21 To Go Chicken for a flavorful Taiwanese twist

If there’s a foolproof Filipino go-to for a quick, easy, and buck-saver meal, there is no doubt that the top choice is awarded to the OG chicken and rice combo. Convenience giant 7-Eleven is aware of this craze, and if there is anything that the brand knows like no other, it is to whip up an ordinary meal into a unique tummy filler for their customers. This time, its newest addition is a chicken meal with a tasty Taiwanese twist — 21 To Go Chicken. 

Ribbon cutting ceremony for the opening of the 21 To Go concept store held last April 20, 2023. From L to R Nan-Kai Wang, 21 Plus Taiwan Director of Operations; Richard Lee, Philippine Seven Corporation Chief Operations Officer; Jose Victor Paterno, Philippine Seven Corporation President & CEO; Mei-Jung Lai, 21 Plus Taiwan President; Brgy Captain Jaime Bontilao, Brgy Merville Parañaque

With the Philippines being a chicken-loving nation, Pinoys continue to witness and taste the transition from regular chicken to foreign-infused flavors such as Korean and Japanese. In partnership with the famous Taiwanese fast-food chain 21 Plus Chicken, Filipinos’ favorite convenience store unveils the authentic, tasty twosome treat of 21 To Go Chicken, either roasted or fried. 

21 To Go’s Taiwanese-style fried chicken and classic roasted chicken with Ala carte prices starting at P79

Starting at P79 for an ala carte order, the Taiwanese-style fried chicken promises a crispier and more flavorful twist for the taste buds. And if one is craving homey ulam feels, customers can also opt for the savory and seasoned roasted choice starting at only P135. For a bigger burst of flavors, get the best of both worlds at only P214 for the roasted and fried chicken combo. For only P95, 1pc fried chicken can also be paired with rice or rice and drinks starting at P120.

Made accessible and affordable, these mouthwatering offers are perfect for those who are always out and about seeking fresh and flavorful grabs, students who miss the freshness and aroma of a homey concoction, or simply those who are on the lookout to spice up their regular plate of chicken. 

Newly-opened 21 To Go store located at Merville, Parañaque

The 21 To Go Chicken offering is not the ordinary quick-stop experience because 7-Eleven is also launching its first-ever 21 To Go Concept Store, revamping its existing Merville, Parañaque store. Here, diners can grab their orders, sit down, and enjoy a fast-casual restaurant layout. Launched on April 20, 2023, the brand welcomed this new addition along with Taiwanese representatives from 21 To Go Chicken and 7-Eleven Management for a ribbon-cutting ceremony, store blessing, promotions, and more.

 

Anchored to its brand identity of vitality, delicacy, and value, 21 To Go Chicken is known for serving ever-fresh, mouthwatering chicken meals in Taiwan for over 40 years. Looking for healthy fast food? This brand has been up and on top of its game with a menu that uses high-quality ingredients in its mix. With 7-Eleven being a generator of twists and flavors to Filipinos, together, both brands season up a healthier and savory combo meal available at a price that any craver can afford. 

Get first dibs on some cluck time with 21 To Go Chicken today when you visit their physical store in Merville, Parañaque, or grab your chicken variant of choice in Bicutan, Taguig,  Parañaque, and other select branches in the Metro. 

 

Like us on 7-Eleven Philippines Facebook, follow @711ph on Instagram, and @711philippines on Twitter for more information, the newest treats, and upcoming events. 

Watsons is strengthening its sustainability commitment by increasing the number of Sustainable Choices products to 8,000

As Earth Day is approaching, Watsons, the flagship health and beauty brand of A.S. Watson Group, is strengthening its sustainability commitment by increasing the number of Sustainable Choices products to 8,000 and pledging to offset over 2,000 tons of Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) emissions, as part of its mission to provide more sustainable options for everyone, everywhere.

 

Malina Ngai, CEO of A.S. Watson (Asia & Europe) says, “Fighting against climate change is pressing priority for all of us today. As a leading health and beauty retailer, together with our customers, we are a massive force for good and play a significant role in making an impactful change to our planet. Watsons is now accelerating its efforts in tackling environmental challenges and investing in nature-based solutions and carbon compensation projects.” 

Making Sustainable Choices Easy 

Sustainable Choices is a scheme which empowers customers to make behavioural changes towards a sustainable lifestyle. Products that qualify as Sustainable Choices must meet specific criteria, such as being made with better ingredients or materials, using better packaging, offering refill packs, featuring reusable or replaceable components promoting less waste. Making it easier for customers to find these products which are good for the environment, Watsons is now offering over 8,000 Sustainable Choices products globally; and in the Philippines there are over 1500 products available ranging from skincare to shampoo, both in stores and online. 

 

Teaming up with ClimatePartner, Watsons will launch a carbon compensation project in July that will offset carbon emissions from seven Sustainable Choices products. The carbon emissions of these product have already been measured by calculating the emissions from cradle-to-customer plus end-of-life, and then the remaining emissions will be offset through a nature-based project independently verified for its social and environmental impacts by TÜV Austria, an internationally recognised specialist in environmental auditing.

 

The seven Sustainable Choices products are: 

 

●      Naturals by Watsons Coffee Exfoliating Soap

●      Naturals by Watsons Aloe Vera Shampoo

●      Watsons Antibacterial Cleansing Wipes

●      Watsons Bamboo Toothbrush

●      Watsons Fruity Mask

●      Watsons Bamboo Paper

●      Imew 04 Centalla Asiatica Booster

 

Customers will be able to identify the carbon compensated products by the ClimatePartner Certified Labels with a QR code to know more about the carbon compensation project supported.

Going Beyond our Climate Change Commitments

As part of the carbon compensation project to fight climate change, Watsons is supporting ClimatePartner’s Forest Protection initiatives in Rimba Raya, Indonesia. Through reforestation in degraded areas, the forest is restored, carbon stocks are increased, and the overall health of ecosystem is promoted. In addition, the natural habitat of endangered Bornean orangutans is preserved as the Rimba Raya Biodiversity Reserve is home to a wide variety of animal and plant species.  

 

This carbon compensation project is A.S. Watson’s sustainability commitment on top of its greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction which has already been vetted and validated by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi). 

 

A.S. Watson’s GHG emission reduction targets include: 

●        Reducing Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 50.4% by 2030 from a 2018 base year

●        Reducing Scope 3 GHG Emissions from purchased goods and services, upstream transportation and distribution, and use of sold products by 58% per Hong Kong dollar value added by 2030 from a 2018 base year

●        Pledging that 33% of its suppliers by emissions covering purchased goods and services, upstream transportation and distribution will have science-based targets (SBTs) by 2027 

 

Ngai concludes, “Watsons understands that its responsibility goes beyond being a health and beauty retailer. We’re dedicated to setting an example in fighting against climate change.”

 

“Everyone plays a crucial role in making a meaningful difference, and together we can make a big impact. By embracing our social purpose of ‘Look Good. Do Good. Feel Great.’, Watsons will continue to inspire our customers to join us in our journey towards a greener, more sustainable future.”