In the world of real estate development in the Philippines, Federal Land is one of the proud pioneers. As it celebrates a legacy of more than 50years of shaping the country’s landscape with world-class developments, the property developer continues to grow its development portfolio with innovative and future-proof projects.
Property Report talked to Federal Land executives Stephen S. Comia—Group Head of Project Development Group, and Ar. Gilbert M. Berba—Group Head of Urban Planning and Design to learn more about the company’s rich history and how it is adapting to the needs and aspirations of modern consumers.
According to Comia, Federal Land’s expansion to master-planned communities is a “natural progression” that signifies a new era for the company.
“At Federal Land, we believe in building for evolving realities in the property industry. In our newest endeavor—Federal Land Communities—we combine our 50 years of local real estate experience with a line-up of global and local partners who are best in class to make a difference in the lives of our clients,” he said.
Milestone projects
Looking back at the company’s journey, it is evident that Federal Land has contributed many firsts to the Philippine real estate landscape, helping define the country’s ever-evolving skyline.
Among their milestone projects are the five-star Grand Hyatt Manila in BGC and the award-winning two-tower Grand Hyatt Manila Residences, the first in Southeast Asia to carry the Grand Hyatt distinction. The high-end condominium was hailed “Best Branded Residential Development in Asia” at the 2023 PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards.
“The Seasons Residences is the first development with a distinct Japanese concept. MITSUKOSHI BGC is the first of its kind in the country,” said Comia.
Since it opened in November 2022, MITSUKOSHI BGC has given Filipinos an authentic taste of Japan right in the metro. In 2023, the Japanese mall earned the winning titles for the “Best Retail Development” and “Best Retail Interior Design” categories at the 2023 PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards.
Meanwhile, The Estate Makati along Ayala Avenue, the first Foster+Partners project in the country, is considered one of the crown jewels of Philippine luxury real estate. Over the years, Federal Land has established a track record for creating a mix of residential and commercial properties in strategic locations in the Greater Manila Area and beyond.
“In the past, Federal Land built Tytana Plaza and Mandarin Mansion, considered as Binondo, Manila’s first high-rise office and residential building that catered to the specific needs of the Filipino-Chinese community. Metrobank Plaza on Gil Puyat Avenue is among the first few tall buildings in Makati CBD. In Cebu, Federal Land developed Marco Polo Plaza Cebu hotel and Marco Polo Residences, the first branded residences in the area,” Comia said.
Building smart
Federal Land’s approach to real estate continues to adapt to the needs of the modern market. In recent years, their properties have evolved to incorporate smart living and sustainable design and include open spaces to address the preferences of first-time homebuyers from younger generations and as a result of pandemic-era restrictions.
“The Philippine real estate market has undergone a discernible shift with the emergence of millennials as first-time homeowners. This connected generation prioritizes smart living, sustainable, and conveniently located properties. Additionally, the global pandemic in the last three years taught them the importance of having open spaces, wellness amenities, and integrated retail segments,” said Comia.
To address the shift, Federal Land has modernized the way they design their properties, building smarter and better for the millennial and Gen Z market.
“Federal Land Communities has adapted by incorporating multi-use, versatile spaces, and ensuring accessibility in our developments, aligning our offerings with the ever-evolving aspirations of the local market.” Ar. Gilbert M. Berba said.
Anchored on versatility, their master-planned and multi-use developments now provide a range of wellness amenities, retail and dining options, and outdoor recreation facilities for customers.
Multi-functional approach
Federal Land puts a distinction between the multi-functional approach versus the mixed-use concept.
Berba said that developing a community that is multi-functional/multi-use employs a more thoughtful approach to the use of open space, as different areas in development can be deliberately designed to support multiple functions.
“It is hinged on flexibility, designed to adapt to and accommodate multiple users present for different purposes. For example, parks can be gardens, and bridges can be recreational areas, following the “x but also y” structure. This contrasts with mixed-use estates that employ only zoning to assign specific functions to areas such as residential, commercial, or industrial and are not as versatile,” Berba said.
Communities are reimagined for modern living, as seen in ten townships that aim to create dynamic communities for future generations.
Projects in development include Grand Central Park (GCP) in Bonifacio Global City, Met Park in Pasay, and an emerging community in Marikina.
GCP is a master-planned community within North Bonifacio Global City that will be home to exclusive contemporary residences, exciting dining destinations, and chic lifestyle hubs. Plans include a high-rise office building designed to accommodate Bonifacio Global City’s office demands.
Met Park is a master-planned community positioned as the Cosmopolitan Cultural District of Bay City in Pasay that will support a flourishing Art District through street art galleries, workshops, concerts, and more. Met Park will introduce a new Japanese-concept residential and retail development to complement the established office and residential towers in the area.
Meanwhile, an emerging city center will rise as a master-planned community in Marikina.
Self-sustaining communities
Federal Land ensures that all their communities remain dynamic not just for current owners, but for future generations.
According to Berba, they practice smart living principles to build dynamic self-sustaining communities for the next generation to enjoy. This includes mixed-use zoning, flexible mobility, green spaces and outdoor recreation, access to public transportation, social connectivity, safety and security, water conservation, as well as accessible and inclusive design.
“These principles are applied in Riverpark, Federal Land Communities’ largest undertaking to date. It will integrate the existing rivers, streams, and natural waterways with landscaped parks, integrated pedestrian and bike lane networks, as well as residential homes and commercial spaces,” said Berba.
Located in General Trias, Cavite, Riverpark is a new community dubbed “The Next Gen City of the South.”
This dynamic 600-hectare township will provide smart living, and lifestyle-enhancing developments integrating both river and park side experiences. The multi-use and self-sufficient community with thoughtfully designed infrastructure aims to provide accessibility, leisure, and opportunities to everyone.
The plans include everyday conveniences and weekend recreation; residential options including lots, house and lots, and vertical residential developments; commercial lots; institutional facilities like schools and hospitals; and offices.
The first segment of Riverpark’s main spine road, which will connect different communities through a tree-lined road with bike lanes, and sidewalks, is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.
Future-proof projects
What else does Federal Land have in store for Filipino residents and retail consumers in the years ahead?
The developer is forging ahead with partnerships to elevate possibilities for residents and industry locators.
“The next chapter of Federal Land’s journey is Federal Land NRE Global, Inc. (FNG). Our partnership with Nomura Real Estate Group will allow us to do things we couldn’t do alone. Together, as FNG, we shall introduce best-in-class developments built on the strength of Japanese innovations and smart living concepts,” said Comia.
Aside from Cavite’s Riverpark, Federal Land’s partnership with FNG will introduce dynamic project developments within Federal Land Communities in three strategic locations, namely Pasay, Mandaluyong, and Cebu. The developer is also looking to strengthen their world-class developments in the South Luzon growth region, as well as the Visayas.
“We will be expanding our portfolio with new and exciting residential, commercial, and community developments that make a difference in the lives of Filipinos,” Comia added.
For more information, visit www.federalland.ph.