I recently flew to Bangkok to attend the International Property Awards (IPA) 2025, where Italpinas Development Corporation (IDC) was honored with three prestigious awards for Asia-Pacific at the Hotel Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park.
We are truly humbled by these recognitions as they reaffirm our commitment to sustainable development, green architecture, and innovation. Two of the awards were for Firenze by IDC Prime, Inc., a remarkable project that combines elegance, sustainability, and global standards, made even more special by our partnership with Dusit International, a renowned hospitality brand. The third award was for Verona Gusa by IDC Homes, Inc., which received recognition in the Sustainable Residential Development category. Located in Cagayan de Oro, Verona Gusa is designed for first-time homeowners, proving that sustainability is not limited to luxury properties— it is a universal necessity.
Accompanying me in Bangkok to receive these honors was our young and hardworking Chief Operating Officer (COO), Engr. Giuseppe Garofalo, whose dedication to excellence has been instrumental in our continued growth.
For those who may not be familiar with him, Giuseppe has been with IDC since 2017, when he started as a Project Manager, later rising to his current appointment in 2021 as COO. His tenure has been instrumental in IDC’s expansion into hospitality and brand diversification. Under his leadership, IDC has not only strengthened its core commitment to sustainability but also broadened its reach, tripling its project portfolio. Giuseppe’s strategic direction led to a milestone agreement with hospitality group Ascott from Singapore for two distinguished properties—an achievement that further establishes IDC’s leadership in sustainable development.
I thank the IPA for honoring us again with these awards. This was not the first time that Italpinas has been recognized by the body. Since our inception, we have been committed to pushing the boundaries of sustainable real estate, and this dedication has been acknowledged in multiple award cycles. In 2023, for example, our Verona Green Residences won Best Mixed-Use Development at the IPA- Asia Pacific Property Awards, demonstrating our focus on energy-efficient, thoughtfully designed spaces. Prior to this, IDC received international acclaim for Primavera Residences in 2014 and Primavera City in 2017, both recognized for their pioneering green strategies, including passive cooling technology and solar energy integration.
These awards serve as milestones, but more importantly, they inspire us and reinforce our long-term vision: creating sustainable, future-ready developments that seamlessly integrate environmental responsibility and architectural excellence. Sustainability is not just an optional feature for IDC—it is the very foundation of every project we build. Whether it’s a luxury high-rise or a home for first-time buyers, we ensure that our developments uphold world-class green standards.
Personally, beyond awards and accolades, the past few weeks have been filled with meaningful conversations. Last May 19, I had the privilege of speaking at the Solar & Storage Live 2025, held at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, where we explored the future of solar energy and battery storage solutions for residential and commercial developments.
The following day, May 20, I participated in the Energy Box 2025 event at the Conrad Hotel, joining an insightful panel discussion on scaling residential solar and the future of solar energy in the Philippines. Our discussions and exchanges of ideas reaffirmed the urgency of integrating clean energy solutions into real estate and infrastructure planning.
These past few days have been demanding yet deeply rewarding. Flying from Bangkok to Manila and jumping straight into back-to-back speaking engagements was exhausting. But was it worth it? Without a doubt, yes. The exchange of ideas, discussions on sustainable solutions, and collaboration with fellow industry leaders reaffirm the importance of pushing green innovations forward.
Conversations like these are critical in shaping a more sustainable future. They reinforce our collective responsibility to integrate energy-efficient practices into the industry and push for the advancement of solar solutions in residential developments. IDC has always been actively participating in this space, and we will continue to advocate for green architecture that benefits both the environment and homeowners.
As we look ahead, we will continue to push boundaries, redefine standards, and challenge conventions in sustainable development. This will remain our mission. The journey is far from over—and I’m excited for what’s next. Congratulations once again to the organizers and co-winners of the International Property Awards 2025, as well as to the brilliant minds behind Solar & Storage Live 2025 and Energy Box 2025, whose discussions and initiatives are shaping the future of clean energy. It is through collaborative efforts like these that we move closer to a greener, more sustainable world.
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