Fusing tourism and real estate

Creba Speaks

By CHARLIE A.V. GORAYEB

August 18, 2011

MANILA, Philippines — Many countries have looked at tourism as a measure to promote development and economic progress. Their experiences show that tourism can have a string of other significant effects, among them social, cultural, physical and environmental impacts, as well as the potential to alleviate poverty.

'Real Living' releases Designer Special

(The Philippine Star) Updated August 13, 2011

MANILA, Philippines - When it comes to decorating your home, every homeowner is presented with two options: hire an interior designer or do it yourself. Real Living helps you work your way through both options by giving you a Designer Special this August.

Intimidated by the thought of hiring a designer? Editor-in-chief Rachelle Medina says, “The only thing that may be hampering you is fear of the unknown … if you think your home really needs an interior designer, all you have to do is ask.” Medina devotes her editor’s note this month to the things every homeowner should consider when meeting with an interior designer.

SHDA Housing Fair defies competition among developers

By: Theresa S. Samaniego

Philippine Daily Inquirer

8:32 pm | Friday, August 12th, 2011

Forget about competition, rivalry.

Over the last few days, the country’s top property developers and home providers have again banded together to rally for a noble cause—providing a roof over the head of every hardworking Filipino.

Through the SHDA Housing Fair that runs from August 10 to today, the Subdivision and Housing Developers Association (SHDA) has gathered around 20 of its member-companies to showcase their developments—from condominiums to house and lots, or lots only—from which potential homebuyers can choose.

Living Your Brand

By: Isabel Berenguer Asuncion
Philippine Daily Inquirer

August 5th, 2011

What is a brand? “Brand” refers to the sum total of associations or experiences of any one company, product or service. For most, it is the DNA that defines a company, product or service. “Branding” is the storytelling process of bringing the brand’s DNA to life, of creating real and perceived characteristics that make that company, product or service unique.

In my world of spaces and places, branding works somewhat like an organizing system for design thoughts and concepts. Aside from triggering images of the end-product, a “brand” also defines the kind of user experience or emotional engagement the design must elicit. Given many design problems to tackle, it is also my way of defining one need from another, and of creating something that will engage the user into a distinct lifestyle. It makes that particular space special.