ONE of the success factors of property titans Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) and Megaworld Development Corp. is their knowledge of and ability to listen well to the market.
In a webinar held last Saturday, Wong + Bernstein Advisory Group Director Professor Enrique Soriano III cited the success of ALI’s Ayala Greenfield Estate and Megaworld’s BGC Uptown Mall as proof that they have done their homework well in the planning and the development of these two projects. Moreover, this is also a way for ALI and Megaworld to show they care and value their clients. “They also always listen to change,” Soriano said in the webinar called “The Critical Role Business and Project Development Play in Your Real Estate Project.”
Soriano, also the Asean Turnaround Business Advisor, revealed that the big players are always open to change and new ideas. “You will be surprised that these big players are humble and always welcome to work with people with innovative ideas,” he said.
Furthermore, Soriano said ALI and Megaworld have developed competent market intelligence teams to keep them abreast of the latest developments in the real-estate sector.
Alagang AyalaLand
ALI’s innovative practices include extending assistance to the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) which have been severely hit by the Covid-19 pandemic. Through its Alagang AyalaLand program, ALI aims to provide livelihood opportunities to social enterprises, among other initiatives, giving these enterprises their own spaces in ALI developments nationwide wherein they can grow their businesses.
ALI Vice President and Head of Alagang AyalaLand Council Manny A. Blas said ALI is apportioning rent-free spaces in its malls and estates to jump-start the growth of these small businesses, in turn fueling local consumption and helping to accelerate the country’s recovery.
“We hope to help the community by starting a sustainable program focused on livelihood creation. Through our developments, primarily our malls, we want to provide social enterprises with direct access to potential customers, and inspire them to promote their unique, locally authentic products,” Blas said.
There is no doubt that social enterprises took a big hit from the pandemic. As of June 2020, data from the Department of Trade and Industry showed that 46 percent of the MSMEs are partially operating and 10 percent remain closed.
“Our various business units—from the estates, residential and commercial groups, will collectively support our goal of nurturing at least 300 social enterprises in our malls and properties by December of this year,” added Blas. There are now a total of 289 social enterprises primarily set up in Ayala Malls nationwide.
Zamboanga-based organic and soap-making social enterprise Bukid ni Bogs is one of the beneficiaries of Alagang AyalaLand. Bukid ni Bogs also promotes women empowerment while teaching people about the importance of an organic way of life.
“With the help of Alagang AyalaLand, we’ll be able to share our stories and advocacies to a wider audience. We owe all of this success to our loyal patrons who continue to fuel our passion of preserving our communities and the environment,” said founder Bogs Castro.
Marianne Dagohoy’s The Pure Bites enterprise, a provider of healthier food choices such as salad meals, nutrient-filled s moothies and tofu dishes, has also capitalized on Ayala Land’s program to increase awareness about the importance of a balanced and healthy diet for Filipinos.
“The Alagang AyalaLand program has paved the way for my small business to prosper. This is our family’s bread and butter. Our workers are able to have a job again after losing their jobs because of the pandemic. Our whole team is beyond thankful for this opportunity,” said Dagohoy.
Alagang AyalaLand is ALI’s community engagement program centered on generating livelihood and jobs through social enterprises, providing disaster relief to its surrounding communities, and promoting a sustainable environment.
A track record in caring
In the same webinar, consultant Theo Pido pointed out that putting small scale business establishments in development projects is correct and timely to help the MSMEs survive especially in the pandemic. “Pocket developments inside complement major developments,” Pido said.
“As long as you can plan it efficiently and come up with strong financial support, it will enhance development in the area,” Pido added.
Just like its parent company, Amaia Land also carries ALI’s DNA as far as responding to the market needs is concerned. It recently held a groundbreaking at the Junction Place Estate. Aside from providing the regular amenities typically found in Amaia projects, Junction Place Estate has allocated commercial spaces for MSME entrepreneurs. “We are now seeing multi-developments in these projects,” Pido pointed out.
Furthermore, Amaia is also quite good at listening to the market needs of the affordable market segment.
“Amaia Skies Shaw is the latest project of the company seeking to provide professionals and business owners who prefer to stick right in the heart of the Metro to support their mobile lifestyle,” Amaia sales development and marketing head Loreene Fabi said in a press statement.
Rising on Shaw Boulevard corner Samat Street, Barangay Highway Hills, Mandaluyong City, Amaia Skies Shaw offers one-bedroom and two-bedroom units ranging in size from 26 to 50 sq m and 36 to 93 sq m, respectively.
As a low-density development that ensures privacy and fostering harmony in the community, Fabi said the project is well-suited to telecommuting professionals, online learners, and entertainment-savvy residents as Amaia Skies Shaw units are Internet connection-ready.
Fabi said Amaia Skies Shaw’s proximity to commercial centers, business centers, food outlets, drugstores, banks, hospitals, educational institutions and service centers in the vicinity will be very advantageous to the residents.
“Meanwhile, daily commuters will save time and energy with Amaia Skies Shaw’s proximity to transport hubs such as the MRT, the SM Megamall bus terminal, and the Starmall transport terminal,” she said.
Finally, Soriano said: “Bringing conveniences enhances the value of the property and brings goodwill to the community.”
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