By Jinggoy I. Salvador

The recent grand launching of Likha Residences Davao at the Dusit Thani Hotel Grand Ballroom marked a significant milestone in the city’s real estate landscape. This exclusive event showcased the fusion of Filipino culture, modern lifestyle, and exceptional artistry, setting a new benchmark for an “art you can live in.”

In his welcome message, Ernesto C. Paredes, PHINMA Properties COO and chief compliance officer said, “At PHINMA Properties, we deeply understand that the Filipino dream is beautifully simple — to live a life of comfort and ease. True comfort is found in places that resonate with our hearts and honor our heritage. Likha Residences embodies these values, offering not just luxurious townhomes, but a space that fosters community and cultural pride.”

From the moment guests arrived for cocktails, the atmosphere was filled with excitement and anticipation. They were greeted by event host, Cara Eriguel-Rabat, and the evening began with a captivating performance by soprano-songwriter, Lara Maigue, setting the tone for a night of elegance and cultural appreciation.

One of the key highlights of the evening was a video interview with Architect Gelo Mañosa, who provided an in-depth look into the inspiration and design philosophy behind Likha Residences Davao. Despite being unable to attend in person, Mañosa’s insights were brought to life through a video message. Following this, a detailed project video gave guests a first-time viewing of the townhomes' interiors, showcasing features like private elevators and bedroom balconies, designed to offer both luxury and practicality.

“We’ve tried as much as possible to make sure that the unit that they buy meets our standards. We have specified good materials which I believe are of good quality, and they should last quite a bit,” shared Gelo Mañosa in his video message to the guests present at the gathering. “We created a design which we are hoping can be just as flexible to a greater good, because it’s very difficult to design a home for a client you do not know. It’s easier to design for a client that you do know. So, we’ve always tried to imagine ourselves, to look at it at a larger spectrum, how we would see ourselves using the space. And that’s one of the things I always look at – if this were my home, how would I look at that space?”

Likha Residences Davao will be a low density residential project comprising 94 master-crafted modern Filipino townhomes with amenities within a 1.7 hectare property in the northern area of Davao City. Each unit is designed with three floors with an option to install an elevator.

“Likha means ‘to create’ and we are creating homes in the design philosophy of Mañosa—climate conscious, purposeful designs suited for the Philippine climate. You will be see our townhouses have optimal sunlight with not much heat gain, cross ventilation, maximum airflow, windows are big and customized size for the doors, traditional Filipino elements like the adobe stones for the exterior, pretty much the Mañosa touch in our townhouses,” said Alicia dela Peña-Villanueva, sales and marketing manager for Likha Residences, adding that Likha will be in the distinct Mañosa palette to give it that timeless look rather than trendy.

Likha Residences Davao will imbibe the soul of the locality. In this case, a Davao tribe. Embracing the rich heritage of the Mandaya tribe's intricate artistry with Dagmay, the residential development weaves a tapestry of tradition and modern living. Inspired by the sacred craft of handwoven abaca textiles, the design echoes the soulful narratives of Filipino folklore and beliefs. Every space is meticulously adorned with patterns and elements unique to the Davao region, creating a harmonious blend of cultural reverence and contemporary comfort.

The event also featured a panel discussion with prominent figures from the project, including PHINMA Property Holdings Corporation President and CEO Raphael B. Felix, Mañosa & Co. Production Head of the Architecture Department Ar. Dave Portoza, and Guang Ming Feng Shui Principal Geomancer Melvin Sua. They discussed various aspects of the project, from its sustainable design and feng shui elements to its impact on the local community and real estate market.

When asked how Likha Residences Davao contributes to the local community and real estate landscape, and how it will shape the future of upscale living in Davao City, Felix replied, “There are the 800- to 1,000-sqm lots, big houses which you’re looking at maybe P80 to P100 million upwards, and there are the condominiums for you to choose from—high-rise, very well situated, nothing in between. Either way, you’re paying a fortune for both. We marry those things—you’re in a horizontal development. Yes, it’s a bit smaller than your house and lot, but it’s similarly sized or even much larger than a condominium, for the price of a condominium. So that is how we are changing the landscape.”

“Likha is we’re going into relatively old communities developed years ago, and we’re changing the look, we’re modernizing it, we’re giving life into an old community, giving it a breath of fresh air with new residents, younger residents, just by the kind of architecture, and the kind of development there is. It’s really kind of like a social obligation for us to be able to reshape urban communities,” he added.

In a ceremonial toast, PHINMA Group Chief Financial Officer, EJ Qua Hiansen, and Joint Venture Partner, Mr. PepC Velez celebrated the launch, marking the beginning of a new chapter in upscale living for Davao City. Guests were then treated to a fine dining experience accompanied by another stellar performance from Lara Maigue. The program’s finale featured a runway preview of Emilia Sitjar Jewellery, which highlighted the concept of "Art You Can Wear." The bespoke pieces, designed to be heirlooms, paralleled the enduring value of Likha Residences.

The grand launch of Likha Residences Davao was more than just an unveiling of a new real estate project; it was a celebration of art, culture, and the promise of a luxurious and harmonious living experience.

PHINMA Properties has once again demonstrated its commitment to creating exceptional communities that resonate with the Filipino spirit.