Insights from Cyndy Tan Jarabata, Chairperson of the PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards Judging Panel
As the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards marks its 20th year, Philippine real estate continues to show stronger depth across asset classes and regions. This year’s entries stood out not for a single headline project, but for the consistent quality seen across developments nationwide—reflecting a more disciplined approach to planning, execution, and long-term value.
In an interview, Cyndy Tan Jarabata, Chairperson of the PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards judging panel, said this shift was evident across submissions. “What stood out this year was the depth and range of quality across multiple asset classes,” she said. “We saw strong showings in industrial, office, and luxury categories, alongside very competitive housing and township entries.”
She cited industrial estates such as LIMA Estate and Biz Hub at LIMA, as well as office developments including Johndorf Tower, GBF Centers, and LIMA Tower One, which she said “reflect a very deliberate approach to master planning, sustainability, and connectivity.”
Luxury developments also showed stronger alignment with global benchmarks. “Luxury projects such as The Velaris Residences North Tower and The Residences at The Westin Manila demonstrate how Filipino developers are matching global expectations for design, liveability, and branded experiences,” Jarabata said.
Across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, she added, the best entries showed “thoughtful integration with infrastructure, climate-conscious design, and user-centric spaces that allow people and businesses to thrive.” Taken together, she noted, “this combination of design excellence, ESG performance, and regional diversification shows how far the Philippine market has evolved in planning and execution.”
Judging standards continue to rise
From a judging perspective, Jarabata said expectations have moved well beyond visual appeal. “The bar has moved well beyond attractive architecture,” she said. “The developments that stand out now are those that integrate sustainability, liveability, and long-term value in a very holistic way.”
Judges now place greater weight on ESG performance supported by measurable outcomes. “We look for clear ESG intent backed by measurable outcomes, whether in energy-efficient design, social impact programs, or climate-resilient planning,” Jarabata explained, noting that sustainability-related awards signal this shift is now a baseline expectation.
Connectivity and master planning remain key considerations, particularly for estates aligned with new airports, expressways, and ecozones, as well as mixed-use developments designed to support evolving work and lifestyle needs. Equally important is how well projects respond to real market demand. “When design excellence is matched with innovation, accessibility, and genuine contribution to local economies, that is when a project becomes truly award-winning,” she said.
Philippine wins at the Asia Grand Final
These standards translated into a strong Philippine showing at the Asia Grand Final during the awards’ milestone year. “It is very meaningful to see more Filipino finalists on the regional stage in the 20th year of the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards,” Jarabata said.
“The Philippines sent 24 entries to the Grand Final and came home with 10 Best in Asia titles, which is a powerful statement about how our developers now compete head to head with the region’s most established names,” she added.
She pointed to the performance of Robinsons Land, RLC Residences, Robinsons Hotels and Resorts, alongside Aboitiz Economic Estates, Aboitiz Land, and FIESTA Communities, noting that “the strengths we recognized nationally are truly world-class.” Their wins across industrial estates, hospitality, lifestyle retail, luxury condominiums, and connectivity-focused housing highlight the competitive edge of Philippine projects in sustainability, community impact, and design.
Beyond the awards, Jarabata said the results reflect a broader industry shift. “The Philippines is sending a very clear message that it is a diversified, ambitious, and increasingly influential real estate market in Asia,” she said.
Growth is no longer concentrated solely in Metro Manila, with developers in Batangas, Cebu, Davao, and other Visayas and Mindanao hubs delivering projects that meet international standards. The expansion of award categories such as Best Township Developer and Best Community Developer, she noted, mirrors the market’s widening scope across asset classes and income segments.
Looking toward 2026
Looking ahead, Jarabata sees continued momentum driven by integrated, well-connected developments. The expansion of master-planned communities beyond Metro Manila, the rise of industrial and logistics estates, and growing interest in branded residences are expected to shape the next phase of growth.
“Recent reports show that the Philippines now ranks second in Asia in terms of branded residence market value,” she said, adding that long-term leadership will depend on balance. “Developments that balance aspiration with practicality and strengthen community resilience will increasingly define leadership in the Philippine market.”
Overall, Jarabata expects healthy competition, diversification, and innovation to continue driving strong Philippine performance—both nationally and on the regional stage.
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