Filigree will let its products do the ‘talking’
by Linda Bolido

Some companies rely on their names to establish the quality of their products. Filigree, a new player in the high-value property market, is turning things upside down – it is counting on its products to build its reputation as a developer of residences that may yet set the benchmark for what genuine luxury is.

With four completed and ongoing residential development projects in some of Metro Manila’s most exclusive addresses, Filigree is hoping to redefine luxurious living. And while some developments simply want people to equate expensive with high-end, Kate Ilagan, head of Filigree says, at Filigree, there will be no doubt in the buyers’ minds that high price means truly upscale, that their money is well spent. Luxury is not just about excesses and opulence anymore. Every peso a buyer pays is reflected in the attention to detail every unit gets, its customized design based on its residents’ lifestyles and the quality of the finished product.

“Value for money” and “getting what you pay for” may have become cliches, more honored in the breach than in the observance, but for Filigree they remain words to live by and road signs to guide the way it does business.

“We don’t compromise. What buyers see on paper is what they will actually get.” There may be other luxury residential developments in the market but Kate believes their products’ good locations, specifications, price and quality make them very competitive, if not the best choice.

Each of the four projects – Botanika Nature Residences at Laguna Heights Drive and Bristol at Parkway Place on Parkway Ave. corner Corporate Ave., both in Filinvest City in Alabang, Muntinlupa City; The Beaufort on 5th Ave. corner 23rd St., Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City; and The Enclave Alabang along Daang Hari Road– has its own strengths. They are specially designed to adapt to individual needs, says Kate.

One with nature
As the name suggests Botanika Nature Residences is all about respecting and preserving the natural environment. It is designed to embody lushness and abundance.

A pioneer in green building design, it makes the most of nature to improve quality of life and eventually reduce energy consumption. The leaf-shaped structure and roof atrium design allow abundant natural light and ventilation, while keeping the indoor air quality at optimal level.

Unit cuts in this mid-rise, low-density condominium development that will be completed in the fourth quarter of this year are as ample as in single-detached houses. The three structures are pulled together by central gardens accessible from any part of the complex through open-air landscaped ground lobbies. With only 101 units in tower 1, Botanika offers privacy when needed, as well as every opportunity to socialize with neighbors.

In keeping with its name, the gardens – the Courtyard, Sculptural and Central Gardens – are a major component of the design, occupying a large share of the 1.55 hectare prime property.
Shining beacon
Bristol at Parkway Place is expected to be the iconic signature structure of Filinvest City, “a shining beacon that will accentuate this garden city skyline.” It is located in what has become known as Millionaire’s Row, Corporate and Parkway Avenues.

Bristol, the second phase of the master-planned upscale residential development Parkway Place, will only have eight residential units on each of its 40 floors.

Everything an urban dweller needs for a comfortable and sustainable lifestyle in the city are well within easy reach – shops; leisure, rest and relaxation places – yet far enough to allow for moments of peace and quiet. It is also near schools, hospitals and other essential services.

Bristol typifies ease, openness and sophistication, embodying modern gentleness in its flow and design, a unique cosmopolitan living experience soon to materialize with its unit turnover starting the first quarter next year.

Urban refuge
The Beaufort, a stunning two-tower world-class condominium that is ready for occupancy, has only four units to a floor, guaranteeing unparalleled privacy and plenty of room to breathe. It is a soothing, calming and quiet refuge to escape the hustle and bustle of the city without having to leave the metropolis.

Designed with understated elegance, it boasts of first-class amenities and facilities and affords breathtaking views of the Makati skyline and Manila Golf Course, among others.

Its grace and grandeur have obviously not been lost on discerning house hunters who have snapped up most of the units available, leaving only a few still waiting to be occupied.

Exclusive village
The Enclave Alabang is a tropical modern village. Designed to be a close-knit, exclusive community, lot sizes range from 304 to 600 square meters. Buyers may choose from three architectural designs adapted to the Philippine climate or they can develop their own dream homes, provided they conform to the overall theme of the community.

All the 10.5 hectares in Phase 1 are masterplanned to ensure that residences naturally extend living spaces outdoors while retaining the sense of exclusivity. Features harness the beauty of the outdoors, from tree-lined avenues to verdant spaces. Almost half, 40 percent of the property, has been set aside for open spaces. The Enclave Alabang’s crowning glory is the Central Park, which features a mini man-made lagoon. Lot turnover started in the second quarter of the year.

“We feel very proud of our projects,” Kate says. She is confident “once people see our projects, they will appreciate their value. Our products will speak for themselves.”

Filigree intends to live up to the reputation it expects its products will build for itself by continuing to be very selective in its choice of locations for future projects and by ensuring their sustainability, Kate says.