MOVE IN NOW: Sustainability redefined with SMDC’s master-planned development in Novaliches

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A sprawling oasis in the heart of the city, Vine Residences demonstrates SMDC’s unique ability to create holistic ecosystems of sustainable communities. The development sits right within the SM City Novaliches complex, offering a premium integrated lifestyle.


Sustainability has taken a whole new shape in today’s world. The recent health crisis has put health, safety, and well-being in the center of the discussion, and climate change has placed disaster risk reduction and resilience front and center.

SM Development Corporation (SMDC), “Developer of the Year” at the DOT Property Philippines Awards 2022, remains resolute in building sustainable communities across the country that address the safety, security, and evolving needs of Filipino homebuyers.

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It’s more than just being green

Now more than ever, developers are being assessed against Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards — how they’re able to provide safe and secure environments, improve health, well-being, and overall quality of life, all while addressing the environmental impacts of real estate development.

One of the master-planned communities that encapsulates this trifecta is SMDC’s Vine Residences. This gated vertical community has dedicated 52 percent of its total land area to open spaces, which has rightfully earned Vine Residences the title, “Best Landscape Architectural Design,” from PropertyGuru Philippines in 2021. Its expansive amenity area brings the joys of the outdoors right to your very own backyard.

Sustainability is ingrained in each SMDC community. With its Nature Park, Vine Residences, a ready-for-occupancy (RFO) development, promotes green and healthy living in all aspects.

A slew of resort-style amenities await residents at the Central Park — intricately-designed swimming pools, an engaging children’s play zone, and lush sunken gardens that flaunt an exquisite use of space and foliage. If adventure is what you’re after, discover the beauty of nature at the Camp Hill Site. Go searching for treasure as you trek along the Eco Trail, or enjoy a competitive game of basketball or volleyball at the covered court.

What truly rounds up SMDC’s commitment to sustainability, however, are their upgrades or practices that, all in all, enhance each development’s resilience and overall efficiency while promoting environmental stewardship. For instance, Vine Residences has been raised from the ground by approximately three meters, not only to preserve the trees and vegetation in the area, but also to strengthen the community’s defense against flooding. It’s also equipped with a detention tank that controls and mitigates water discharge in cases of heavy rains. A rainwater collection system, on the other hand, enables rainwater to be recycled and used to water its landscape.




To an affluent lifestyle


Couple these with the way the hotel-like lobbies and right-sized units at Vine Residences are designed to maximize the use of natural light and ventilation, and the walkability that a home right within the SM City Novaliches complex provides, and you are granted a sustainable lifestyle in a disaster-resilient property.



Novaliches as a hyper-connected economic corridor

Shaping today’s property sector along with sustainability is infrastructure. Given real estate’s confounding implications on both the economy and the environment, these two go hand in hand in uplifting quality of life — sustainability practices future-proofing homes and prioritizing health and wellness, and infrastructure developments triggering economic opportunities and paving the way for hyper-connectedness inter- and intra-cities.

Novaliches, in particular, is in a particularly exciting position when it comes to reaping the benefits of sustainable infrastructure. The soon-to-be-completed MRT Line 7 will connect the area to the planned North Triangle Common Station, where transfers can be made to other train lines. The west of the metro will soon be easily reachable via LRT Line 1, and the MRT Line 3, together with the future Mega Manila Subway, will enable ease of travel down south.

This not only signifies utmost convenience in getting in and around Metro Manila. It also solidifies Novaliches as a key economic corridor, and marks it as a real estate investment hotbed to look out for.

A true economic catalyst and partner in nation-building, SMDC allows more Filipinos to afford an investment in property today, with discounts and terms through its Move in Now program



Real estate as the golden ticket to sustainable investments

When it comes to sustainable investments, financial experts agree that real estate is the safest, most practical choice. Real estate assets are not only income-generating, but inflation-hedging as well.

It is a must-have in one’s investment portfolio, primarily because real estate is bound to appreciate in value over time. It stays ahead of inflation, protecting your hard-earned money and even growing it in leaps and bounds in a 10 to 20-year horizon. For immediate yet steady returns, you can always choose to rent out your unit.

The secret lies in choosing the right developer. SMDC’s distinct formula of sustainable developments in progressive locations has, time and time, proven itself rewarding for both end-users and investors. Add to that the integrated mall lifestyle they’ve pioneered, and the human-centric approach to property management and leasing services they carry.

Steadfast in building an affluent nation of homeowners, the trailblazing developer has recently launched their Move In Now Campaign, which essentially enables more Filipinos to own and immediately move into luxurious and masterfully-designed, sustainable homes. The program allows prospective buyers to enjoy as much as 10 percent discount upon reservation on select SMDC RFO developments nationwide. It also lets them in on the opportunity to move in right away with a five percent spot cash payment. On top of that, SMDC gives prospective buyers a housewarming present with a premium furniture item from Our Home.

More than just an after-thought, sustainable homes are a necessity, and they are now made attainable to many, thanks to SMDC. Start living sustainably and holistically with SMDC, and move in now to Vine Residences.



To know more about the promotions you can avail of under the Move In Now Campaign, follow SMDC on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and Tiktok, or visit the SMDC website.

BingoPlus, Beks Battalion unite for laffs in Beks2Beks2Beks

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BingoPlus is pursuing its mission of livening up the entertainment and recreation industry by throwing its support behind up-and-coming artists like the Beks Battalion who are currently making waves in the show circuit.

The popular comedy trio of MC Muah, Lassy and Chad Kinis held their first live concert recently at the New Frontier Theater in Cubao and had a breakout night, amusing audiences with their original sketches and improvised skits. Bingo Plus co-presented the show.

The super-packed comedy extravaganza featured singers, showbiz personalities, popular vloggers, comedians from the live entertainment circuit with ace comedian Vice Ganda as special guest.

Jasper Vicencio, AB Leisure Exponent Inc. president, the company that launched the Bingo Plus brand, said: “We are always on the lookout for events, activities and favorite Pinoy pastimes that celebrate Filipino talent and culture. Bingo has been a favorite pastime for generations of Filipinos across genders, age groups and income levels and we have a kinship with sports and leisure activities that enhance the quality of life of Pinoy audiences.

“Our partnership with the PBA and participation in the MPBL together with our support of the San Miguel Beermen’s victory party and Gilas Pilipinas game with Saudi Arabia speaks of our love for the sports-going public. Now we also want to elate comedy fans by encouraging artistic talents like the Beks Battalion to do their thing. Entertainers, athletes, and BingoPlus are one in doing our share to bring joy to our fellow Filipinos.”

Maroons Far From Home: How Converge #DobleNa erases the distance for homesick hoopers

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In the life of every UP student-athlete, there is much sacrifice involved — from grueling training to time management — in order to achieve their dreams in both sports and academics.

For those who hail from the provinces and overseas, there is also the added layer of being away from their family and loved ones for most of the calendar year.

With their focus zeroed in on their careers and finishing their degrees, it is easy for precious time with those who are important to get lost in the thick of things.

But luckily for members of the UP Men's Basketball Team, Converge ICT Solutions Inc. dishes an assist in the form of high speed internet in their dorm to help the players communicate with their loved ones from miles away.

Fil-Canadian Antonio Eusebio and Fil-Am Henry Galinato Jr. had to adjust the most as they joined the helm of the Maroons, as they needed to get used to life in another country.

Though admitting it's a challenge to live independently, they are able to adjust with the help of Converge and technology.

"At first it was a struggle, but like this time, I think I've experienced all the things that I've needed to experience and it's much better. I'm having an easier time," said Eusebio, who says his mother gets upset when he misses a video call. "They're all very clingy."

"It's hard but I got pretty used to it because Zav [Lucero] helped when I was here. But, you know, I miss my mom and everybody over there. I'm a lot older so it's not as hard as if this was a few years ago, it probably would be much more of a struggle for me but it's not that bad [with technology]. It's not like I'm going away forever, it's how I see it," quipped Galinato.

UP newcomer Janjan Felicilda also noted the flexibility Converge's internet provides, as the threat of COVID-19 continues to loom and limits in-person visits with family members.

"Syempre malaking bagay sa amin yun kaya nagpapasalamat kami sa Converge na napadali yung pag-communicate namin sa mga magulang namin, sa mga mahal namin sa buhay lalo na syempre, may COVID parin so pinadali nila yung buhay namin," he said.

Reyland Torres, for his part, noted that because of the distance, he would only get to see his family for twice a year. Being able to communicate via the internet helps douse the homesickness.

"Yung family ko halos twice a year lang kami magkasama kaya sobrang nagpapasalamat ako sa internet na binigay sa amin, makapag-usap kami ng family ko kahit malayo sila sa amin and araw-araw minemake sure namin makausap sila, kung okay lang sila. Okay lang din ba kami dito," Torres said.

Felicilda hails from Butuan, while Torres is from Bacolod.

Being able to communicate with family with constancy is of the utmost importance for the Fighting Maroons, as a number of them say that their family is the source of their biggest motivation.

"Important role yung parents ko sa pangarap ko kasi sila nagbibigay sa akin ng motivation, simula pa nung bata ako, sila na yung palaging nagsusupporta sa akin. Sila yung laging nasa likod ko pag gusto ko abutin yung pangarap ko," quipped Harold Alarcon, who is also from Bacolod.

"Sobrang laking bagay nila kasi sila yung nagpupush sa amin araw araw para mabuhay, para maglaro tapos may kukuhanan ka ng lakas para magpursigi sa buhay," added Davao-born Cyril Gonzales.

Even without seeing their family personally for most of their lives as student-athletes, UP folk hero JD Cagulangan, who comes from Butuan City, says that their love is felt from miles away through Converge.

"Yung support laging nandyan, yung mga kuya ko, even yung mga relatives ko, nararamdaman yung support nila sa akin," Cagulangan said.

Converge's latest offering gives consumers double their money's worth with fast internet as the FiberX Plan 1500 now gives users up to 100Mbps from it's previous 50Mbps.

Like the Fighting Maroons, continue to fight the distance with fast and reliable internet.

The reigning UAAP champions tested their mettle in South Korea for their preseason preparations. As part of their training, they have been facing pro teams in tune-up games.



“Sa amin, sobrang laking tulong [nung games dito sa Korea] kasi yung mga kalaban namin, mga pro na. Malaking bagay talaga,” said Cagulangan.