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Manila Bulletin devider Opinion devider Building the future

Building the future

Published Aug 29, 2025 12:05 am  |  Updated Aug 28, 2025 05:18 pm
EDITORS DESK
There’s something magical about an industry moving forward as one and celebrating with peers. That’s how I would describe the energy at the 13th PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards, held last Aug. 15, 2025, at the grand ballroom of Shangri-La The Fort in Taguig City.
With close to 70 categories, the evening was nothing short of a grand showcase of Philippine real estate at its finest. From innovative design and sustainable development to the visionaries and leaders who continue to push the industry forward, the night was dedicated to recognizing the very best.
“The PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards plays a vital role in this journey by spotlighting the developers, designers, and leaders who are helping shape communities that are smarter, greener, and more liveable. Tonight’s honorees exemplify this mission, setting benchmarks for quality, creativity, and integrity in the built environment,” said Cyndy Tan Jarabata, chairperson of the judging panel and president of TAJARA Leisure and Hospitality Group Inc.
But getting to that moment of celebration took more than just submissions and nominations. It took months of careful, on-the-ground work. From Luzon to Visayas to Mindanao, the judges visited sites, inspected projects, and asked the difficult questions. The rigorous process spanned over two months, a testament to how seriously the panel upholds the integrity of the awards.
“Together with highly esteemed judges, we have conducted a thorough and impartial review of this year’s entries. Our diverse expertise across development, design, hospitality, asset management, and real estate has enabled us to fairly assess each nominee, ensuring that every Winner and Highly Commended recipient reflects excellence in vision, execution, and community impact,” Jarabata continued.
The distinguished judging panel included respected leaders from various sectors of the industry: Carlo Cordaro, president and CEO of Atelier A; Carlo Rufino, co-managing director of NEO Group of Companies; Jaime A. Cura, vice-chairman of The RGV Group of Companies; Jean de Castro, CEO of ESCA Incorporated; Kathleen P. Obcemea, principal interior designer of KPO Beyond Designs Co.; Luis Enrique T. Mangosing, CEO of Metro Development Managers, Inc. (MDMI); Michelle Barretto, CEO of Vitamin B, Inc.; Philip Mareschal, head of property and asset management at JLL Philippines; and Richard Raymundo, managing director of Colliers Philippines.
The night also highlighted many landmark wins such as Robinsons Land Corporation capturing a historic fourth consecutive Best Developer award. That in itself made the night more unforgettable and filled the atmosphere with energy.
Awards for individual achievements were also given, with Robinsons Land Corporation chairman Lance Y. Gokongwei was bestowed with the first-ever Life Achievement Award. Rafael Fernandez de Mesa, president and CEO of Aboitiz Land and head of Aboitiz InfraCapital Economic Estates, was named Personality of the Year, while Jessica Bianca T. Sy, vice president and head of Design, Innovation, and Strategy at SM Prime, was conferred with the Rising Star Award.
What stood out from these recognitions was not just the prestige of the titles, but the humility of the honorees. All three leaders spoke not so much of their accomplishments but more of what lies ahead, of the work still to be done. Not for individual companies, but for the country, and the role the property sector plays in nation-building.
Beyond the glitz and glamour of the awards night, the 2025 edition also marked another milestone: PropertyGuru is celebrating 20 years of being a regional platform that champions the people and projects shaping the future of real estate in Asia. The Philippines’ contribution to this continuing legacy is proof that the country’s property sector is not only thriving but also evolving in ways that set new standards for the region.
It was more than just a night of recognition but more of a reminder that Philippine real estate, with its growing emphasis on sustainability, community, and innovation, is stepping confidently into the future.
The winners now move on to the regional grand finals at the Asia Property Awards gala in Bangkok this December 2025, where the Philippines is set to showcase once again why it stands as a leader in the real estate industry.
(Rey Robes Ilagan is the editor of Manila Bulletin’s Lifestyle, Environment and Sustainability sections.)
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