As the real estate and energy sectors continue to innovate and implement sustainable practices, their role in shaping a green centric future becomes increasingly significant. To further raise awareness about their roles in building a sustainable future, the Manila Bulletin is launching its first-ever Sustainability Focus Session.

Taking place on Sept. 24, 2024, at the University of Santo Tomas, this event promises to bring together thought leaders, advocates, and industry experts to bring new perspectives about sustainability.

One of the main things to look forward to is the opportunity to listen to the lineup of keynote speakers with in-depth knowledge and expertise in the real estate sector. Included in the roster of speakers are renowned architect William Ti Jr. and a leading figure in real estate.

William Ti Jr. is the principal architect and founder of WTA Architecture and Design Studio who advocates for social architecture, promoting humanist designs that build and strengthen communities. He is one of the key people behind projects such as The Book Stop Project in Intramuros, Manila, the 419-hectare Horizon Manila, and the Emergency Quarantine Facilities that were vital during the pandemic. These works earned him and his firm global recognitions and awards including the Jury’s and People’s Choice awards from Architizer A+Award in 2017, Asia Pacific Entrepreneurship Award (APEA) in 2019, and BCI Asia Top Ten Architectural Firm in 2018.

Being a firm believer in sustainable planning and the advantages of urban living, Ti Jr. strives to introduce well-thought-out communities where better interactions and pleasant environments exist. His commitment to sustainable architecture is evident in his urban planning projects, where he explores new ideas about our surroundings, and in his ability to integrate sustainability into large-scale urban developments.

Sheila Lobien is the Chief Executive Officer at the Lobien Realty Group, a full-service realty estate consultancy and property investment strategy firm in the Philippines that offers office and commercial spaces, as well as lots and properties for sale and lease. Lobien was formerly the Regional Director and Head of Project Leasing of Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated (JLL), prior to that, she was the General Manager of Regus Manila, a pioneering company for modern and flexible workspace solutions. She was one of the key figures who spearheaded Regus' innovative concept of co-working and plug-and-play office spaces in the early 2000s.

Aside from excelling in the real estate sector, Lobien also champions women by advocating women empowerment, she currently chairs the Women in Business Committee of the European Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (ECCP). The ECCP is a bilateral foreign chamber that supports the European interests in the country and vice versa. The committee Lobien chairs provides a platform for mentoring and uplifting Filipina professionals.

Lobien gained her expertise in real estate through her comprehensive experiences in the industry, such as her extensive stint at JLL, where she spent over a decade, beginning as an Associate Director and eventually achieving the role of Regional Director. Her skills and proficiency in the industry make her an exemplary keynote speaker, who provides valuable insights about the evolving landscape of sustainability in real estate.

Ti Jr. and Lobien’s profound expertise in the industry provide invaluable insights and contribute to meaningful discussions about the real estate sector’s efforts in conserving the environment.

Join the inaugural MB Sustainability Focus Session and learn more from these exceptional industry leaders. Interested individuals who would like to be a part of this event may visit and follow the Manila Bulletin Facebook page for more updates.