By Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines–The construction sector in three to five years will experience a boom, helped by low inflation levels and an expanding real estate sector, according to property consultant CB Richard Ellis Philippines Inc.

Inflation, or the rise in prices of goods and services, greatly affects the material and labor costs. Inflation has fallen to single digit-levels, with the lowest rate recorded at 2.2 percent in March 2007.

A real estate boom usually precedes a construction boom, ensuring that demand will sustain the latter.

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By Charles E. Buban
Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines–Consumers these days are increasingly yearning for a “feel-good” space in their homes — an area where they could not only nourish their body but also their soul. For them, such a place could only be their bathroom.

“The bathroom has indeed come a long way from being purely functional. It is now being viewed as a place of relaxation, and consumers are investing more time and money to create a place of seclusion and escape,” promised Steve Courso, GM of Dornbracht, manufacturer of high-quality bathroom fittings and accessories from Germany.

Dornbracht is among the high-end lines that recently become available in the Philippines through a globally acclaimed sanitation ware distributed by Hamburg International Sales Corp.

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By Elizabeth Sanchez-Lacson
Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines–Property giant Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) on Wednesday unveiled its massive mixed-use development in Canlubang, Laguna, said to be eight times larger than the Makati central business district.

Called Nuvali (pronounced as New Valley), the first phase of the 1,600-hectare project will cost P3.5 billion, Miriam Katigbak, head of ALI’s strategic landbank management, said after a press launch at the Ayala Museum.

Nuvali is so far ALI’s largest master-planned regional hub in the country.

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By Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines–Paramount Hotels & Facilities Management Inc. has been appointed by a unit of SM Investments Corp. to manage the group’s beach club in its eco-tourism project in Nasugbu, Batangas.

Costa Del Hamilo Inc., the developer of the beach club and a subsidiary of SMIC, appointed Paramount to manage Pico De Loro Beach & Country Club in Hamilo Coast.

Due to be operational in the third quarter of 2008, Pico De Loro Beach & Country Club is an exclusive membership club featuring resort, recreational and leisure facilities, SMIC said in a disclosure to the stock exchange.

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By Elizabeth Sanchez-Lacson
Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines–Eton Properties Phils. Inc., the property arm of the Lucio Tan Group, launched on Monday its second condominium project in Greenbelt, Makati City, which targets professionals working in the central business district.

Eton president Danilo Ignacio said during the launch that the 34-story Eton Parkview Residences is on Gamboa Street behind the Asian Institute of Management.

The project will offer 230 all-loft units. A one-bedroom unit ranges from 40 to 57 square meters, and will sell at about P3.6 million.

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