PropertyGuru kicks off search for topnotch real estate firms

CEBU, Philippines — Another set of real estate developers in Cebu will take the spotlight, as PropertyGuru kicked off its search for the 2024 edition of the PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards.

PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards is set to present the highest marks of excellence to real estate enterprises and design leaders across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

As the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards program continues to evolve, we welcome entrants from all over the Philippines, especially growth areas beyond the capital such as Cebu. From Luzon to Visayas and Mindanao, our goal is to showcase excellence in real estate nationwide, highlighting market development and diversity across multiple destinations. With its resilient economy and strong fundamentals, as well as ambitious infrastructure projects and competitive industries, we look forward to recognizing another exciting phase in the evolution of Philippine real estate this year,” said Jules Kay, general manager of PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards and Events, during the “Connect with Southeast Asia” event recently held at the Grand Ballroom of Fili Hotel NUSTAR Cebu in Cebu City.

In an interview with Kay, he said that the Awards in 2024 will continue the tradition, setting the Gold Standard of real estate across categories representing property markets in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

The award categories this year will also recognize developers across various specializations for their operational portfolios and impact on environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG). The categories include marks of excellence for development and design, in addition to recognition for the achievements of prominent individuals in the industry.

The diversification of award categories and recipients reflects the emergence of key growth areas outside Metro Manila, like Cebu.

These destinations gain traction as foreign investments and infrastructure projects continue to stimulate development and boost property values across the country, according to Property Report by PropertyGuru, the official magazine of the Awards.

The independent panel of judges comprises experts from various segments of the property sector and related fields.

The judging process is professionally run and fully transparent, culminating in the selection of shortlisted nominees and the announcement of winners. Top winners then advance to compete against their peers across Asia Pacific at the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final.

HLB, the global network of independent advisory and accounting firms, supervises the entire selection process.

According to Cyndy Tan Jarabata, chairperson of the independent panel of judges and president of TAJARA Leisure & Hospitality Group Inc., the opening of the latest edition of the PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards, again provides a wide array of accolades for the finest real estate in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

“The 12th edition of the Awards builds on more than a decade of inclusivity, representation, and recognition for the achievements of property markets throughout the archipelago. Over the years, our independent panel of judges has taken an active role in influencing developers on the decentralization of urban and property development from vibrant Metro Manila to the country’s fast-developing regions, secondary cities, and provinces. This process has only accelerated post-pandemic with the growing preference for open, green spaces and leisure-oriented destinations as well as the influx of tourist arrivals and foreign direct investments,” Jarabata said.

In 2023, Aboitiz InfraCapital Economic Estates won the Best Industrial Developer (Asia) award as well as the Best Industrial Development (Asia) award for West Cebu Estate at the Grand Final.

Likewise, Cebu Landmasters, Inc. (CLI) was hailed Best Developer (Mindanao) at the 2023 Awards in the Philippines, supported by the Best Retail Architectural Design award for DGT City Center. CLI’s Casa Mira Towers Bacolod won the Best Condo Development (Visayas) award for the company while Casa Mira Iloilo won Best Housing Development (Visayas). Casa Mira Homes Danao won Best Housing Development (Metro Cebu) while Costa Mira Beachtown Panglao won Best Waterfront Condo Development.

The PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards are part of the regional PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards series, which marks its 19th year in 2024. The series covers key markets across the region, spanning Southeast Asia, East Asia, South Asia, and Oceania, with exclusive gala dinners and ceremonies that represent the most anticipated property events of the year.

Organized by PropertyGuru Group, the 12th PropertyGuruPhilippines Property Awards are supported by platinum sponsor Kohler; gold sponsor Boysen Paints; silver sponsor DongpengCeramic; official magazine Property Report by PropertyGuru; official publicity partner Ripple8; and official supervisor HLB.

The timeline for the grandest celebration of real estate was unveiled during the “Connect with Southeast Asia” event at the Grand Ballroom of the award-winning Fili Hotel NUSTAR Cebu in Cebu City.

Key dates for the 2024 edition: 14 June 2024 – Entries close; 1 July - 9 August 2024 – Site Inspections;   12 August 2024 – Final Judging; 6 September 2024 – Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony in Manila, Philippines; and   13 December 2024 – Regional Grand Final Gala Presentation in Bangkok, Thailand.

Launched in 2013, the PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards have diversified over the years to honor outstanding companies and projects in growing cities and investment hubs such as Cebu, Davao, Batangas, Bacolod, and Iloilo.