Company Profile

The Century Properties Group is the recognized leader in real estate marketing, management and development in the Philippines. Founded in 1986 by Jose E. B. Antonio, the company was formed for the purpose of marketing and developing high-quality commercial and residential properties.

Since then, we’ve built a solid reputation people can count on. Our organization has grown from a humble size of 30 employees in 1986 to an approximate total of 3,200 employees in the year 2004.

We offer a complete range of business operations and services to serve all our client’s real estate needs, from Marketing & Sales to Property Management and Construction & Development.

Every person who works with the Century Properties Group, from its seasoned executives to its highly motivated real estate and technical staff, share a common goal: SERVICE EXCELLENCE.

Recent Awards

Throughout its operating history, the Century Properties Group has built a solid relationship with some of the largest corporations in the Philippines. These corporations have continuously relied on our group to satisfy their diverse real estate needs.

Some of these companies include:

A. Soriano Corporation
ABN-AMRO Securities
ABS-CBN Corporation
Alexandra Condominium Complex
Asian Development Bank
Asian Petroleum Corporation
Austrian Trade Commission
Baker & McKenzie Law Offices
BMW Philippines
Citibank N.A.
Columbian Motors Sales Corp.
Credit Lyonnais
Del Monte Fresh Produce
Development Bank of the Philippines
Embassy of Austria
Embassy of France
Embassy of Spain
Equitable PCI Bank
European Commission
Far East Bank & Trust Company
Fargo Properties Hongkong
Federal Express
Hitachi Asia
ING-Barings Bank
International Commercial Bank of China
International Nederland Bank N.V.
Japan Asean Investment Co., Ltd.
Japan External Trade Organization Manila
Japan International Cooperation Agency
Jimenez DMB & B, Inc.
Jollibee Foods Incorporated
KSA Realty Corporation
Kuok Properties Phils., Inc.
NEC Corporation
New Millenium Investments Corp.
Nichimen Corporation
Oracle
Penta Pacific Realty Corporation
Philippine Long Distance Tel. Co (PLDT)
Prestige Cars
Quisumbing Torres Law Offices
Republic of France
San Miguel Corporation
Shangri-La properties
Spanish Commercial Office
Sycip Gorres, Velayo & Co.
The Taiwanese Embassy
Toshiba Corporation
United Airlines

Marketing Management

Century Communities is the professional real estate sales and marketing organization of the Century Properties Group.

From the conceptualization to the sell out of a project, Century Communities provides a creative brain bank of talented and experienced specialists that assemble the right strategy to position a project to be a marketing success.

First-class developments at cost-efficient prices and flexible payments terms.
Projects are strategically located near schools, hospitals, churches, major malls and are accessible to public transport.
The building features, amenities and individual unit designs are well-planned and conveniently-sized.

Meridien Development

A partner of Century Properties Group in real estate construction and development, Meridien Development Group, Inc. (MDGI) has earned a solid reputation for developing reputable high-rise condominiums in the Philippines. Its lean and experienced organization coupled with an integrated operations center has set standards that other developers try to emulate.

During the past 12 years, Meridien has successfully completed more than 15 buildings. Projects include, among others: Le Triomphe, La Maison Rada, Le Metropole, Pacific Place, Le Domaine, One Magnificent Mile, West of Ayala, Oxford Suites, Medical Plaza Ortigas, Medical Plaza Makati and its flagship development Essensa East Forbes.

Ongoing projects include: Bel-Air Soho, Soho Central and South of Market.

Century Properties Management, Inc.

Century Properties Management, Inc. (CPMI) is the real estate property management arm of the Century Properties Group. As property managers, CPMI provides management services to commercial and residential properties, as well as a full range of property consultancy services including pre-development advisory and property management consultancy.

CPMI was organized in October 1996, and is the largest private property management company in the country and the first independent property management firm to introduce international standards to the local property market.

Its homegrown experience and local knowledge, coupled with international standards make CPMI the recognized leader. To date, the company has garnered more than 20 awards on safety, security and building administration.

CPMI prides itself on the tight security and high standards of safety that it offers its managed properties. To date, the company has garnered more than 15 safety and security distinctions from the Safety Organization of the Philippines.

Century Asia Corporation

Century Asia is the communications division of Century Properties Management, Inc. which specializes in data and voice communication. It provides state-of-the-art electronic commerce to commercial end-users.

Its high-speed internet access solutions allows for a more efficient use of broadband intensive multimedia applications and services such as an electronic building concierge, video conferencing, push technologies and business site hosting.

What sets Century Asia apart is the Company's vast knowledge and experience in serving the needs and interests of its properties. It is in a better position to maximize and integrate the communication needs of a building. Through its position as a building's property manager, it enables companies to effectively manage its network components. More importantly, it is able to defray part of the installation and operating expenses of the system, making it a unique risk-free opportunity with absolutely no cost to the condominium corporation and minimal outlay to the property owner.

Century Asia is able to provide tenants and occupants of CPMI managed properties data services such as high-speed Internet access, corporate data networking solutions, web-hosting and design and other value added services on data.

The experienced management team of Century Asia and its strategic partnership with telephone carriers offer reliable, superior and intelligent business solutions, thus revolutionizing how business, both large and small, receive, use and maximize information.

In this day and age where information technology becomes more and more central to the way people conduct business, Century Asia can help your business realize the opportunities that arise every day.

Century Sports & Leisure, Inc.

A primary business operation of the Century Properties Group, Century Sports is a new venture centered in professionalizing sports and leisure management in the country.

The company engages in project development, marketing, and management services of sports-related real estate projects. Part of its services also include a comprehensive business development research, market surveys, and industry reports.

One of the strongest points of Century Sports is its experience in the planning, launching and marketing of golf and country club shares as shown in the successful sales of True North Golf and Country Club in Clark Special Economic Zone, Vista de Loro in Puerto Azul, and the Riviera Golf and Country Club in Cavite.

RP on verge of biggest real estate boom in 30 years

THE PHILIPPINES IS ON THE CUSP OF what could be the country's biggest property boom in nearly three decades fueled by money from overseas Filipinos, investments from businessmen and increased government spending.

“If politics is neutral, we are at the threshold of the biggest real estate boom since 1997,” says Albay Representative Joey Salceda.

Since the Asian financial crisis brought the property sector into a long swoon in 1997, the industry has been on a slow but steady climb in the last few years.

Salceda expected the property boom would be broad based from residential houses and condo units to office towers, leisure facilities and hotels.

Tapping OFW market

At least $1 billion in remittances from Filipinos living or working abroad flow in every month (not counting the dollars sent through informal channels), and it is expected that these dollars will be spent on buying new houses for their families, high-end condos or resort homes for their own use.

Demand for quality

Industry sees that there is an underlying flight to quality in the growing demand for property. Buyers are more knowledgeable now that they were before and they will go to developers that have a long track record, that build classy units and deliver their products on time. With people looking for more quality products, the industry's growth is expected to be sustained.”

Gov't role

Despite its political troubles, the Arroyo administration has also contributed to setting the stage for a surge in property demand. Salceda said.

Aside from keeping interest rates low through prudent debt management, Salceda said the government was poised to further kick up interest in the real estate sector by jacking up its capital spending by 52 percent next year the first time in five years that it would be boosting investments infrastructure.

“This should make the 4.2 million housing backlog a real demand.” Salceda said.

Hot demand for office space

Aside from houses and residential condos, another hot factor in the property sector is the rising demand for office space, with vacancy rates dropping from their peak of 60 percent to between 9 and 15 percent at present.

GB Richard Ellis, the worlds largest real estate advisory firm, said robust demand for office space was being driven mainly by relocations multinationals corporations and embassies from Grade B and C buildings and my continued demand from new and expanding call centers, business process outsourcing (BPO) provides, and information technology companies.

Bulls Running

“Despite medium term domestic economic concerns, the outlook for the office property sector remains bullish.” CB Richard Ellis said. “Limited supplies of suitable Prime/Grade A office space in the Makati CBD will keep vacancy levels in the single digits for the near and medium terms while expirations in 2006 will be closely watched as they are expected to impact the amount of available space.”

“Tight supplies of suitable existing of fice space in Metro Manila is forcing call centers and BPO's with large space requirements to consider locating to areas outside the major central business districts.” Said CB Richard Ellis, citing the rising trends toward the construction of more build to suit buildings(specially in Alabang and Fort Bonifacio), and the conversion of shopping malls and other types of retail establishments to space suitable for call centers.

Leisure and Hotels

The property sector is also humming in the leisure and hotel business, with average occupancy rates improving to nearly 75 percent this year from less that 50 percent a few years ago, the highest growth being registered in deluxe suites, according to CB Richard Ellis.

Tourism arrivals are on track to hit 2.66 million this year (up to 6 percent last year), with tourism revenues expected at $2.2 billion (up by 14 percent from last year).

With international arrivals predicted to rise by 15 percent next year (in line with the government's goal of having 5 million tourists by 2010). CB Richard Ellis noted an increasing number of foreign investments going into building deluxe hotels and resort facilities.

Making the Philippines worth coming home to

DESPITE the exodus of Filipinos to all parts of the world, the Philippines remains home for many of them.

"The biggest asset of the country is the country itself, and this will never change, no matter what the political situation, no matter who comes in the government or whoever will be next. The fundamentals of the country remain the same: it's a great place to live and to travel," said Jose E.B. Antonio, chairman of Century Properties Group.
And indeed, at the end of the day, Filipinos who sojourned to foreign lands are likely to return. And to cater to the housing needs of overseas Filipinos, Century Properties, one of the Philippines' dynamic real estate companies, go for developments that suit the sophisticated tastes of the balikbayans, be it for a visit or for retirement.

"We try in our role as a private sector developer to produce those products that are internationally accepted in terms Making the Philippines worth coming home to

Making the Philippines worth coming home to

of quality-standards," Mr. Antonio said.

INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS

Considering that Filipinos who have stayed in the United States for quite a time have adopted to more sophisticated ways of living, Century Properties came up with property developments that are at par with the developments abroad. For instance, Essensa, its upscale development at the Fort Bonifacio Global City, was judged by Asiaweek magazine as one of the best residential buildings in Asia , a testimony that Century Properties is capable of producing world-class developments.

As a follow-up to this feat, Century Properties has come up with other developments, which do not only cater to the housing needs of local residents, but also of overseas Filipinos coming home.

For those who prefer a place to live in in the metro, Century Properties has two landmark developments that provide comfort and style, much more making the active urbanite accessible to practically any points in Metro Manila.

One is the South of Market (SoMa), a 39-storey, twin-tower residential development that is also located at Fort Bonifacio Global City. One can take advantage of this prime location as SoMa is near retail establishment Market! Market!, several international schools, and the Makati and Ortigas business districts. SoMa is also the first residential condominium in the Philippines where the units come fully furnished. However, one must not be intimidated because SoMa is by far the most affordable residential condominium at the Fort. Unit prices start at only P2.9 million and available at attractive payment terms.

Meanwhile, for those who put a premium on accessibility, SOHO Central may be the answer. Located at the corner of Shaw Boulevard and EDSA in Mandaluyong City , SOHO Central is the first transportation-oriented development in the Philippines as it provides a direct link to the Metro Rail Transit (MRT). "It's only now that a developer like us in the Philippines has fully recognized the advantage of being close or connected to a transportation system," Mr. Antonio said.

Because this concept is patterned to similar convenient apartments in London , New York , Japan , Hong Kong , and other developed cities, being a unit owner at SOHO Central can make one breeze through the northern and southern points of Metro Manila in a matter of minutes, sans the hassles of traffic jams.

SOHO Central is a twin 35 storey residential project, the first one to rise at the 24-hectare Greenfield District-a commercial, business and transportation hub next to the Ortigas business district and a number of shopping centers such as SM Mega Mall, Shangri-La EDSA Plaza, and the newly revived EDSA Central.

Finally, for those-seeking a retirement or leisure haven, Canyon Ranch is Century Properties' bet.

"That is what we want to communicate: that people should look up to the Philippines as a retirement place," said Emil Perez, Jr., Century Communities senior vice-president and chief marketing officer, who spearheaded the company's campaign in the U.S. And indeed, Century Properties created a different kind of environment for those who love the outdoors in a 17-hectare property in Carmona, Cavite.

Reminiscent of properties in New York where residents enjoy a view of the Belmont Park racetrack, Canyon Ranch is proud of its views of the San Lazaro Leisure Park just beside the property. "We chose something that will give potential buyers or those Filipinos living in the United States the wholeness factor and that is what we're doing in Canyon Ranch. It's elevated, it has clean air, and it has a lot of amenities," Mr. Antonio added.

Homes at Canyon Ranch are also fully integrated with the commercial complex that blends sports and entertainment facilities. Aside from the San Lazaro Leisure Park that has a twin-oval horse race track with expansive stabling facilities, jockey's quarters and a state-of-the-art turf club building, Canyon Ranch will also be right beside nearly-completed restaurants and bars, gaming and entertainment areas, an equestrian school, and a riding academy.

While Century Properties' developments can be something to lure Filipinos living and working overseas, Mr. Antonio said that more than anything else, the country itself is the best reason to go back home. "The biggest asset of the country is the country itself. This will never change, no matter what the political situation is," he said.

Crisis fails to dampen property sizzle

MANILA - The Philippine real estate sector expressed its optimism amidst the political turmoil that haunts the local economy.

Leading property developer Jose E.B. Antonio, chair of the Century Properties Group, told Philippine News that "despite the political noise going on, we remain to be bullish about the prospects of the industry."

The presidency of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has been under siege with allegations of her husband and other family members receiving illegal gambling bribes and tampering with the last presidential elections. As a result the economy has suffered, with international credit rating agencies giving the Philippines negative marks.

Still, Antonio waxed optimistic, saying that "as we mature as a nation, we will try to acknowledge that this (political crisis) is part of democracy."

He said the real estate industry is poised for more growth as it furthers its efforts in tapping Filipinos overseas as its market. "A significant part of our market that we want to tap is the overseas Filipinos," Antonio said.

There are an estimated 8.5 million Filipinos overseas, about a tenth of the Philippine population.

"The people who have worked in the United States for the past 25 years have amassed savings in the form of equity for their homes," Antonio said.

He noted U.S. Census figures indicating that the average annual family income of Filipinos in the U.S. is $65,189. The national average is $50,046. Philippine property developers have noted this purchasing clout and have launched aggressive sales campaigns in the U.S.

Also, Filipinos all over the world remit some $12 billion annually to the Philippines . "This is what's propelling to a large extent the purchase of new homes in the Philippines ," Antonio said.

The real estate industry is "going on a very strong recovery," he said. "The demand-supply situation [in the local real estate scene] is lopsided in favor of demand; there is very little supply," he said.

The Philippine National Statistical Coordination Board's (NSCB) data shows that the ownership of dwellings and real estate continued to expand to 6.8 percent as of May this year from the 4 percent growth it posted last year. This was brought about by increased sales of high- and mid-income developments and leasing operations which grew from 9.5 percent last year to 25.2 percent this year.

The ownership of dwellings, on the other hand, which accounts for 79 percent of the total 6.8 percent growth, grew at a slower phase from 2.9 percent in 2004 to 2.8 percent this year.

With the National Economic and Development Authority's (Neda) forecasting a 5.3 percent to 6.3 percent growth in gross domestic product•-(GDP) growth this year, Antonio said he was also optimistic that his company as well as the entire sector will be able to ride with the economic development.

Century Properties projects a 300 percent growth from 2004 with the sale of their recent developments such as Soho Central in Mandaluyong City , South of Market (SoMa) in Fort Bonifacio Global City in Taguig, and Canyon Ranch in Carmona, Cavite.

New Development at the Global City

Bases Conversion and Development Authority Chair Rufo Colayco hands out the contract for a 3,800-square-meter property at the New Development at the Global City

Fort Bonifacio Global City to Meridien Development Group Inc. chair Jose E.B. Antonio (middle) and vice chair Ricardo P. Cuerva (left). The lot will be the site of South of Market Condominium.

South of Market to Rise in Bonifacio Global City

Century Properties, Inc. recently won a public bidding conducted by the Bases Conversion and Development authority for 3,800 square meters of land located at the corner of 11 th and 23rd Avenuat Fort Bonifacio Global City.

The lot was fully paid to BCDA Chairman Rufo Colayco who is shown giving the lot tiles to Jose E. B. Antonio and Ricardo P. Cuerva, Chairman and Vice-Chairman of Meridien Development Group.

Meridien Development Group is the proponent that will construct the Co-Development project in the property.

Meridien Development has twenty years of development experience. Recent projects include the Essensa East Forbes, judged by Asiaweek as the "best residential project in the Philippines".

Current projects of the Century-Meridien Group include Bel-Air Soho, a 17 storey commercial residential project in Bel-Air Village, Makati; Soho Central, the first high-rise commercial-residential project in the New Greenfield District at the corner of Shaw Boulevard and EDSA. The latter is a joint venture development between Meridien and Greenfield Development Corporation, who is the partner of Ayala Land that took over the rein of in Fort Bonifacio Global City, as majority partners of Fort Bonifacio Development Corporation.

South of Market, or SOMA, is a 37 storey Twin -Tower residential project that will be the first of its kind in delivering "fully-finished and fully furnished" units to its owners. According to Century, the new breed of residential condominium units allows unit owners to move-in hassle free to their units without worrying about furnishing or finishing their units. And yet the units are priced about 30 percent lower than comparable competition.

The real estate market is poised to recover from a 7 year correction cycle that started in 1997, during the Asian Financial Crisis.

SOMA is located between The FORT and MARKET!MARKET!, and is also near the International School, British School, Victory Learning Center and the Japanese School. Market Market is the newest retail mall destination that will open by October 2004. Reports by Ayala, developer of Market Market, confirmed that about 80% of the retail units have been reserved by lessees.

Putting a new face to an enduring landmark

THE OPENING of Edsa Central Shopping Complex in the '70s marked the beginning of a concept called "midway point" wherein travelers either going to work or back home could go some place hlllfway their destination to shop, dine or just relax.

Ever since then, Edsa Central has become a people magnet, a fact that has contributed to the transformation of Edsa and Shaw Boulevard intersection into one of Metro Manila's busiest districts. Putting a new face to an enduring landmark

Putting a new face to an enduring landmark

The area around the complex is no longer just a large patch of grassy land and few office buildings like it was many years ago.

Because of these, Greenfield Development Corp., the property development firm that owns and manages the shopping complex has taken the bold step in providing a more modern and convenient commercial hub.

Today, travelers, shoppers and bargain-hunters alike will be delighted to see that Edsa Central is now bigger and better to serve the ever-growing market.

Major transformation

This is Edsa Central's major transformation since it opened in the '70s. The 8-hectare property is being redeveloped through several phases among which is the major makeover of the main mall, the three-level New Edsa Central Pavilion and the improvement of the Edsa Central Station, formerly the MRT Station Mall.

As the primary focus of the initial phase of the redevelopment, the Pavilion will carry the banner of the whole commercial complex, a reason Greenfield tapped the services of one of the country's leading architects, WV Coscolluela and Associates.

One of the major hurdles that the firm had to consider in the main mall's makeover was how to make use of the existing structure to minimize cost as well as how to merge it seamlessly into the Edsa-Shaw station of tb.e Metro Rail Transit now known as Edsa Central Station. Pavilion

"As you know, it's always easier to plan from scratch, where ideas are more freely expressed. Having to do with plans with existing limitations are always considered difficult and a big challenge for us architects," shared principal architect William Coscolluela.

Latest Trend

The design concept throughout the Pavilion's close. to 23,000-square-meter total floor area follows the latest trend in shopping center design wherein there is the balance between visual appeal and functionality.

"They must offer spacious ground floor, provide tenants maximum exposure whatever level they may be located, impart new experience to shoppers, and people must be able to conveniently navigate inside," explained Coscolluela. The design must give equal concern for both tenants and shoppers.

Indeed, the new design provided the Pavilion. a cavernous interior so that people can see more store facade (even those located at the second and third level). An entrance feature was constructed complete with water features, planters and benches to serve as a rest stop for busy and weary customers.

For effective customer traffic circulation, escalators were provided on both ends of the Pavilion.

On the second level, the Food Central occupies more than 3,000 sq m of space. It is dotted with fast-food restaurants and stalls to give mallers a pleasant dining experience.

"Those who prefer an al fresco setting can have their meal at the balcony that overlooks the entire Edsa Central or on the other side, the wb,ole stretch of the retail spaces at the. lower level," revealed Coscolluela.

Linkage to MRT station

The linkage to the MRT station was also given utmost consideration in the design of the Edsa Central Pavilion.

"The main mall's connection to the station (Edsa Central Station) must be seamless so we employed design patterns not too different to the MRT station's designs," explained Coscolluela.

Considering the tight space, curve lines were introduced in the interior space of the Edsa Central Pavilion, which provided the spacious look.

"The curved roof with specially designed trusses gave the interior the required grandeur: an airy, expansive, illuminated feel," shared Coscolluela.

The continuous frosted glass clerestory on both sides helped provide brightness of the interior.

The air-conditioned structure was built with reinforced frosted glass as windows and a curved ultra-high ceiling to give the mall fresh, expansive look.

More developments

Aside from the Pavilion, the spruced up Edsa Central Hub (the fonner jeepney park -area), Edsa Central Square (now the value center where the fonner cinemas were located), Greenfield is also planning to build a new chapel inside the Pavilion, as well as more shopper-friendly features such as pedestrian bridge link.

Areas to be redeveloped include the Edsa Central Marketplace, the only traditional wet market at the heart "of a commercial and business district.

Greenfield gradually realizes its vision in building not only a shopping complex but a real business district -- to be called the Greenfield District -- to serve the continually evolving - populace and to assist the government in its campaign for urban renewal.

With the redevelopment, the developers hope the Edsa Central Shopping Complex will ceaselessly remain a major crossroad for shoppers and major value haven for years to come.

Successful Grand Opening of Soho Central Model Unit

It rained hard in the morning of April 19, but fortunately drained mid-afternoon right in time for the Grand Opening of the Soho Central Model Unit at the EDSA Central Mall.

The affair which formally starts at 5 p.m. had guests arriving as early as 3 p.m. But with everything set and ready, the more than 500 guests were immediately treated to cocktails whilst they marvel at the showroom- a two bedroom and a studio cum one bedroom residences. Soho Central Grand Opening

The studio cum one bedroom features a living, kitchen and dining area with toilet and bath, while the two bedroom flat unit consists of a master's bedroom with closet space, a spare bedroom, adjoining living, kitchen and dining area and a toilet and bath. All Soho Central units extend into a balcony.

Despite the unit's apparent minimalism in design and concept, both yield a distinct style and a few pleasant surprises to the rigors of urban living. It gave guests a striking impression of the chic “ New York ” style of living. The spaces with its clean lines and uncluttered openness are punctuated by a few eclectic design elements in bold and dramatic colors. Precious decorative treasures and intriguing pieces also accentuate both model residences. The bedrooms become more intimate embodying a character all its own. The master's room is sophisticated and lucid while the 2 nd bedroom designed as a kid's room is enriched in bright playful mood. Both kitchens are modern and stylish.

To give a more comprehensive insight on the project and its master plan, guests were also presented an impressive audio visual presentation in the viewing area of the showroom. Highlighting the affair was the ribbon-cutting ceremony which was graced by the presence of guests-of-honor Mandaluyong Mayor Ben Abalos and Mrs. Hilda R. Antonio. Also in powerhouse attendance are Greenfield Development Corporations' senior executives to include chairman Joselito “Butch” Campos , President Carlos Ejercito and EVP and Director Jeffrey Campos. On the Meridien Development Group (MDG) and Century Properties Inc. (CPI) team, present were Chairman Jose E.B. Antonio, MDG CEO Ricardo Cuerva, President Rafael Yaptinchay and CPI CEO John Victor Antonio. Other prominent guests seen at the event were top notched PR Lady Becky Garcia, T.V. host and movie actress Dina Bonnevie, character actress Jean Saburit and renowned architect Roger Villarosa. The affair ended at pass 10 p.m. way over the mall's operational hours. But no one seemed to mind. With an outstanding 40 units closed that day on top of the notable number of pre-sold units, who wouldn't be in such high spirits. Indeed, a successful start to experience the allure of urban existence… the Soho way!