Nearly 70 golden statuettes and more than 30 developers took the stage at Shangri-La The Fort for the 13th PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards, a night that affirmed how Philippine real estate is expanding in ambition, geography, and impact. Robinsons Land led the winners—taking Best Developer for the fourth consecutive year—while Cebu Landmasters, Damosa Land, Aboitiz Group companies, and many others showcased how quality projects now span Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
Excellence with purpose
For Awards chairperson Cyndy Tan Jarabata, the celebration was about more than trophies—it was about a standard the industry is choosing to uphold. “This year’s esteemed awardees have set the bar with outstanding achievements in design and development,” she said, noting their role in both industry and economic momentum.
She framed the Awards as a platform that advances a bigger mission, “The PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards plays a vital role in this journey by spotlighting the developers, designers, and leaders who are helping shape communities that are smarter, greener, and more liveable. Tonight’s honourees exemplify this mission, setting benchmarks for quality, creativity, and integrity in the built environment.”
Jarabata underscored that sustainability is now foundational, not decorative. “We commend those who are embracing innovation and sustainability not as optional add-ons, but as essential pillars of future-proof development. This year’s standout projects demonstrate bold thinking in design, energy use, and placemaking, while remaining sensitive to cultural identity and community needs.”
A diversified, decentralised market —ready for the regional stage
Offering a regional view, Jules Kay, general manager of PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards and Events, highlighted how the Philippines’ growth story now stretches far beyond Metro Manila.“The properties and companies on the shortlist demonstrate the ever-increasing quality and variety on offer in the Philippines, both within Metro Manila and in emerging, fast-growing destinations like Visayas, Davao, and Mindanao.”
Kay pointed to diversification and decentralisation as defining forces—and to a pipeline that aligns with seekers of homes, workplaces, and investment. “Our awardees have made a strong impression with a wide variety of properties to live, work, and thrive in the Philippines. The real estate market continues to diversify and decentralise across the islands with master-planned and strategically located projects in the archipelago’s urban centres.”
He also underscored international momentum, “Even beyond country borders, last year the Philippines emerged as the most awarded market at the annual PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final, with an impressive 12 accolades. We look forward to seeing some of tonight’s winners receive international recognition when we announce the Best of the Best in Asia in Bangkok this coming December.”
Individual honors
The evening also spotlighted the leaders shaping Philippine real estate’s present and future. Lance Y. Gokongwei, chairman of Robinsons Land Corporation, received the inaugural Life Achievement Award for his decades of leadership and contributions to sustainable growth. Rafael Fernandez de Mesa, president and CEO of Aboitiz Land, Inc., was named Real Estate Personality of the Year for pioneering climate-conscious, industrial-anchored development nationwide.
Equally notable was the recognition of the next generation of leadership. Jessica Bianca T. Sy, vice president and head of design, innovation, and strategy at SM Prime and SMDC, received this year’s Rising Star Award, underscoring how younger voices are shaping the property sector with bold ideas and fresh perspectives.
A testament to progress
As Jarabata’s purpose-driven call, Kay’s regional perspective, and the recognition of individuals like Gokongwei, de Mesa, and Sy came together, the evening’s message was clear: Philippine real estate is widening its map, deepening its standards, and aiming higher—at home and across Asia.
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