Property Report attended the grand opening of Cebu Landmasters Inc. (CLI)’s new office in Makati City, a milestone that marks the VisMin leader’s expansion into Luzon. This significant move demonstrates CLI’s readiness to bring its expertise and customer-focused approach to the Mega Manila market and beyond.
Located on the 3rd floor of the newly built CWC Design Center, the 329-square-meter office houses CLI’s Manila Sales Office, Investor Relations Office, and multifunctional spaces for training, conferences, and collaboration. It also includes a showroom highlighting CLI’s standout projects from Visayas and Mindanao (VisMin), making them more accessible to the Manila market. As CLI’s first regional hub outside VisMin, the Makati office symbolizes its ambition to become a national developer.
During the media briefing, CLI’s leaders shared their enthusiasm for this expansion.
“Firstly, we would like to say that VisMin is still full of opportunity, where it is more affordable to build,” emphasized Jose Franco B. Soberano, Senior Executive Vice President and COO, highlighting the company’s robust demand and growth in Davao, Cebu, Bohol, and the sold-out inventory in Bacolod and Iloilo. “So, why are we here in Manila? We’re in Manila to reach our investors more. We are a publicly listed company, and we want to create awareness in Manila, which is still the financial and economic capital of the Philippines. We feel that with our 20-year experience, we can make a good difference here. We are very hands-on as a developer, and we want to create that generous type of development here. Despite more competition, and more expensive costs to, I believe we have aces up our sleeves,” he added.
This expansion comes after CLI’s dominant presence in VisMin, where it has developed nearly 130 projects across 17 cities since its founding in 2003. Known for its end-user-focused developments, CLI’s diverse portfolio includes residential properties, offices, hotels and resorts, co-living and co-working spaces, mixed-use developments, and large-scale townships.
“The whole team is excited. Our hands were already full, but they will become fuller as we deal with this new area. It’s not just Metro Manila, it’s the whole of Luzon—that’s what real estate is all about, the vastness of opportunities where you are also able to identify how it fits your organization’s capabilities, from a resource point of view and how it blends into the overall mix of your financial plan,” shared Jose R. Soberano III, Chairman and CEO.
CLI plans to launch two initial projects in Luzon: a horizontal development in southern Luzon, potentially in Batangas or Cavite, and a vertical project in Metro Manila. Land acquisitions are expected to be completed by mid-2025, with project launches targeted for 2026. CLI’s current “zero supply” in Luzon positions it as a fresh entrant, offering differentiated options in a competitive market.
Beyond real estate development, the opening of the Makati office signifies CLI’s dedication to strengthening relationships with investors. Establishing its Investor Relations Office in Makati City, the financial capital of the Philippines, provides a strategic venue for investor briefings and collaborations. Since becoming publicly listed in 2017, CLI has introduced several innovative financial instruments, including its first bond offering in 2022 and preferred shares listed in 2024. The company also plans to launch its own Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT), supported by its growing recurring income portfolio.
“This new office symbolizes our readiness to bring the Cebu Landmasters brand to Luzon, leveraging our experience and expertise to serve a broader market,” reiterated Jose R. Soberano III.
As the leading developer in VisMin, with a 19.3% market share as confirmed by the Colliers Real Estate Market Study 2024, CLI’s entry into Luzon is both strategic and timely. This move reflects its aspiration to connect its VisMin success with the Luzon market while continuing to deliver value-driven developments rooted in its core principles of quality and innovation.
With its Makati office as the springboard, Cebu Landmasters is poised to take a bold step toward national growth, reinforcing its commitment to excellence, collaboration, and innovation.
