In the span of just a few days in October, I had the privilege of joining two important gatherings that reflected the evolving landscape of Philippine real estate and tourism. On October 19, I sat on the “Hot Seat with Developers: The Next Generation of Developers” segment of this year’s National Real Estate Convention (NREC) at the Waterfront in Cebu City. A few days later, on October 24, Italpinas Development Corporation (IDC) participated in Exceed Hospitality 2025: Tourism Rewired, Hospitality Transformed at SMX Aura in Taguig City, where we were honored with the Sustainability in Real Estate Award.
Both events, though different in focus, carried a common thread: the need to rethink how we build, how we host, and how we tell the story of the Philippines. They brought together developers, brokers, subject matter experts, and industry leaders, all asking the same question: how do we create spaces that are not only profitable, but also sustainable, inclusive, and future‑ready?
I joined a group of developers to share our perspectives on the market outlook at the Cebu convention organized by Filipino Homes, which is considered the largest comprehensive real estate solutions portal in the Philippines, providing one-stop-shop services for real estate buyers and sellers.
As panelists, we were asked to reflect on our companies’ directions and the current state of the market. For Italpinas, the conversation naturally turned to sustainability. Too often, green architecture is dismissed as expensive or impractical. I emphasized that there are both passive and active strategies that make sustainable design not only possible, but also competitive in today’s market.
I also shared why IDC chose to begin in Cagayan de Oro rather than Metro Manila some 16 years ago. At the time, many questioned that decision. But today, with the provinces showing steady growth while Metro Manila seems to be on a plateau, our forward‑looking approach has proven to be the right path. As supported by many forecasts and studies now, the future of Philippine real estate lies in the regions where demand is rising and communities are eager for development that considers the welfare of both people and the environment.
Looking back at 2025, Italpinas has grown significantly. We closed new joint ventures, launched new projects, and strengthened our presence in the provinces. For 2026, I believe the trend will continue: Metro Manila may take time to absorb its ready‑for‑occupancy (RFO) inventory, while the provinces will remain the engine of growth.
Just a few days later, at SMX Aura, the conversation shifted from real estate to tourism and hospitality. Exceed Hospitality 2025 gathered stakeholders under the theme “Tourism Rewired, Hospitality Transformed.” In this event, Italpinas was recognized with the Sustainability in Real Estate Award—an honor that affirms our commitment to creating world‑class, environmentally conscious developments.
During my speaking slot, I presented our upcoming hospitality projects, including developments with Citadines and Dusit Thani. These projects are designed not only to serve international visitors, but also to respond to the growing strength of domestic tourism. Filipinos are rediscovering their own country, traveling from Luzon to Mindanao, from any part of the archipelago, and experiencing the diversity of cultures, cuisines, and landscapes that make the Philippines unique.
Yet challenges remain. We were all in agreement that accessibility and affordability continue to hinder tourism growth. Flights to local destinations can cost more than international tickets, and hotel prices are often higher than in neighboring countries like Thailand. Add to this the issues of infrastructure and some negative perceptions abroad, and it becomes clear that we must do more to position the Philippines as a competitive destination.
But I remain optimistic. As an expat who has chosen to live in the country since 2009, I strongly believe that the Philippines has what no other country can replicate: extraordinary cultural diversity, natural beauty, and a people renowned for their hospitality. What it needs is better infrastructure, stronger marketing, and a compelling national narrative that tells the world—and the Filipino people—that the Philippines is ready to welcome travelers with excellence and authenticity.
As I reflect on these two events, I am reminded that progress is never about perfection. It is about taking action step by step, project by project, community by community. I would like to acknowledge the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Manila for its consistent efforts to promote tourism in the Philippines and to foster exchange among stakeholders. Their commitment to organizing hospitality events is commendable, and it plays an important role in shaping the narrative of the Philippines as a destination. I am equally grateful to Filipino Homes for convening gatherings that highlight and champion the values of sustainable, future‑ready development.
Through these undertakings, developers are reminded to build not just structures, but more importantly, to build legacies of resilience, sustainability, and renewal for the Philippines.
#PropertyReportFeature
#FeaturedStory
