Filinvest Land – Author Carlo Carrasco

Filinvest Group still optimistic with Alabang central business district

June 29, 2025October 22, 2025carlocarrasco

Even though there are emerging rivals that each have distinctive attractions for businesses and residents, the Filinvest group remains confident and optimistic with its 244-hectare Filinvest City in Alabang, Muntinlupa, according to a business article by BusinessWorld. This is about the current state of corporate cities or central business districts (CBDs) which are contributing a lot to the economy of the Philippines in terms of financial value, jobs, properties and new residential communities.

For the newcomers reading this, Filinvest City is located within the Alabang area of Muntinlupa City, and it is connected with both the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and the Metro Manila Skyway (which itself is connected to the NAIA Expressway and the North Luzon Expressway) which makes travel connectivity convenient.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the business article of BusinessWorld. Some parts in boldface…

THE FILINVEST group is banking on unsold inventory and infrastructure readiness at its 244-hectare Filinvest City in Alabang, Muntinlupa to support growth in its township portfolio, as new large-scale developments emerge in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

Catherine A. Ilagan, president and chief executive officer of Filinvest Alabang, Inc. (FAI), said Filinvest City continues to attract interest from businesses and residents, even as estates such as the 3,500-hectare Villar City, the 700-hectare Vermosa in Cavite, and the 74-hectare Arca South in Taguig expand their footprints.

“We’re the most developed. We have the essentials to back it up. We have the infrastructure and all of the utilities. All of that are already in place. Accessibility is also key. We also have access to talent,” Ms. Ilagan said in an interview with BusinessWorld.

“It takes a long time to develop into a real central business district (CBD),” she added.

FAI is the real estate arm of the Filinvest group, overseeing townships and high-end residential developments.

“In terms of densifying, there’s still a lot of potential for Filinvest City. The outlook for Filinvest City is really positive,” Ms. Ilagan said.

“The release of inventory is very deliberate,” she added.

According to a regulatory filing by the Filinvest group’s listed conglomerate, Filinvest Development Corp. (FDC), FAI beneficially owns 76.4 hectares of unsold lots in Filinvest City as of end-2024, indicating further growth capacity.

Launched in 1995, Filinvest City is a mixed-use township that integrates a CBD, residential communities, leisure destinations, educational institutions, and medical and wellness centers.

It is the country’s only CBD to hold both Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and Building for Ecologically Responsive Design Excellence (BERDE) certifications.

“The LEED and BERDE certifications are testaments to Filinvest City being a green development,” Ms. Ilagan said.

Filinvest City’s sustainability features include a district cooling system that reduces energy use and emissions by servicing multiple buildings, an integrated electric-powered transport system known as the 360 Eco-Loop, and dedicated green spaces and sustainable buildings in Northgate Cyberzone.

Under Ms. Ilagan’s leadership, FAI is replicating the Filinvest City model in other areas as it grows its portfolio of master-planned, sustainable townships and premium real estate developments under the Filigree brand.

Ms. Ilagan brings more than 30 years of experience in real estate and urban development.

“Filinvest City is a ten-minute city. Everything can be reached in ten minutes. This is the DNA that we want to replicate in the other townships,” Ms. Ilagan said.

“We’ve always subscribed to the idea of a balanced live-work-play. That’s the DNA of all of our townships, a well-rounded and balanced development,” she added.

Other FAI-led townships include the 58-hectare City di Mare in Cebu, the 201-hectare Filinvest Mimosa Plus in Clark, Pampanga, the 288-hectare Filinvest New Clark City in Tarlac, and the 677-hectare Timberland Heights in Rizal.

“Whether it’s a small development, a bigger development, a high development, or a denser development, there should always be that balance of live-work-play components. As a real estate developer, that is the sustainable way to do things. Now, we want everything to be walkable,” Ms. Ilagan said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? What do you think that Villar City, Arca South and Vermosa don’t have when compared with Filinvest City? If you are developing properties, do you find Filinvest City advantageous and attractive for your business needs?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

P25 billion worth of residential projects planned by Filinvest Land, Inc. (FLI) this year

May 2, 2024April 22, 2024carlocarrasco

Filinvest Land, Inc. (FLI) will continue to be aggressive with property development as they recently announced they will introduce this year more residential projects worth an estimated P25 billion located in different parts of the country, according to a BusinessWorld news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the BusinessWorld news report. Some parts in boldface…

GOTIANUN-LED property developer Filinvest Land, Inc. (FLI) has announced plans to introduce residential projects worth P25 billion this year.

“(We) aim to optimize our land bank and sustain our strong market presence in cities where we are already present,” FLI President and Chief Executive Officer Tristaneil D. Las Marias said during the company’s virtual annual stockholders meeting on Friday last week.

Some of the residential projects eyed to be launched this year are located in Cavite, he added. These include the company’s first mid-rise condominium project in Bacoor, as well as new developments for its 94-hectare The Wood Estates residential township in Trece Martires.

“We will upgrade our Wood Estates… with commercial shops, transport terminals, and affordable low-rise condo developments,” he said.

Mr. Las Marias also announced that FLI will launch the 11.4-hectare Iloilo Centrale residential township in Leganes, Iloilo, which will include supermarkets, daycare centers, public transport terminals, a park, and a football field.

“Iloilo Centrale will also offer our first walk-up project which will provide very affordable condo units located in a complete residential setting that provides social spaces, outdoor sports, activity event areas, and modern amenities at very affordable prices,” he said.

“We have also kept a balanced geographical portfolio for our residential business by exploiting residential business opportunities in key cities in Visayas and Mindanao,” he added.

He said that FLI will open several mid-rise condo buildings in Dumaguete, Zamboanga, and General Santos.

The company also plans to launch taller condo buildings in Cebu and Davao to “match the growing market potentials in these highly urbanized cities and optimize land bank values.”

“We have also seen the huge unserved demand in housing. We plan to continue to offer affordable housing projects in Rizal, Cavite, Laguna, Bataan, Zamboanga, and other second class cities in Visayas and Mindanao with the intent to make housing accessible to as much government and private workers within the mass market income bracket and help more Filipinos build their dream,” he said.

FLI is also planning to complete nine additional ready-built factories at its Filinvest Innovation Park in the next two years. The planned factories will span 12,500 square meters each.

Last month, FLI completed the turnover of a ready-built factory to StB GIGA for the production of lithium iron phosphate batteries.

The Filinvest Innovation Park is within the Filinvest New Clark City mixed-use township, which is part of the 9,450-hectare New Clark City development in Capas, Tarlac.

“We also have about 55 hectares of land available for long-term lease already built at the moment,” he said.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the planned residential projects of FLI will make positive socio-economic impact in the mentioned locations around the country? Do you think there is good demand for new homes around the country?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Filinvest REIT Corp. (FILRT) remains as one of the top taxpayers in Muntinlupa City

April 1, 2024March 20, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, Filinvest REIT Corp. (FILRT) was recognized by the City Government as one of the Top 10 taxpayers in the city and this is also the 3^rd consecutive year the corporation made it in the prestigious rankings, according to a Malaya Business Insight news report.

For the newcomers reading this, Filinvest REIT Corp. (FILRT) describes itself as “a real estate investment trust backed by Filinvest Land, Inc. (FLI), one of the largest property developers in the Philippines with an established portfolio of residential, office, retail and industrial developments around the country.”

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of the Malaya Business Insight. Some parts in boldface…

Filinvest REIT Corp. (FILRT), the pioneering real estate investment trust (REIT) arm supported by Filinvest Land, Inc. (FLI), and renowned as the country’s first sustainability-themed REIT, has once again received recognition as one of Muntinlupa City’s top taxpayers for the third consecutive year. Acknowledged alongside nine other esteemed businesses by the city, under the guidance of Hon. Mayor Ruffy Biazon, FILRT has been commended for its significant contribution to the city’s economic progress, bolstering various local government initiatives such as scholarships, healthcare, and security infrastructure.

Maricel Brion-Lirio, FILRT President and CEO, affirmed, “We are steadfast in our commitment to embedding sustainability in our Muntinlupa developments, and we remain dedicated to investing in projects and endeavors that champion environmental and social responsibility. FILRT and FLI stand as steadfast allies of the government, offering unwavering support for the city’s continuous pursuit of advancement.”

FILRT currently owns and manages 16 eco-efficient buildings encompassing over 280,000 square meters of gross leasable area within Northgate Cyberzone, an IT BPO campus-style hub accredited by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) in Filinvest City, Alabang, Muntinlupa City. Notably, FILRT’s office property portfolio boasts a globally competitive tenant mix predominantly consisting of blue-chip BPO companies.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, are you delighted to see how much socio-economic progress FILRT contributed to the city? Are many members of your local community working in a company occupying properties within the Northgate Cyberzone or at Filinvest City?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Remember how lively Festival Mall’s original cinemas used to be?

October 13, 2023October 10, 2023carlocarrasco

For decades now, I have been living in Alabang and I witnessed how much Muntinlupa City modernized along the way. Bordering Barangay Ayala Alabang is Filinvest City (formerly called Filinvest Corporate City) which itself is home to several business or facilities such as the Filinvest Tent, Commercenter, Acacia Hotel Manila, Crimson Hotel, Westgate and, of course, the wildly popular place to be in – Festival Mall.

For the newcomers reading this, Festival Mall opened in May 1998 with its initial name Festival Supermall. Way back then, out of pure curiosity, I entered the mall for the first-time ever during its soft opening on May 1, 1998 (Labor Day here in the Philippines) as I was already looking for a new place and new discoveries at a time when I got tired of Alabang Town Center (ATC).

Being very new back then, Festival Mall’s presence of retailers or tenants was not yet dynamic as there were still businesses inside that could not open in time for the mall’s opening. I do remember walking down seeing lots of vacant retail spots covered with signs such as “opening soon”, “coming soon” and the like. Back in those days, the Philippine economy and society itself were dampened by the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis.

As the months passed by, more businesses opened and Festival Mall’s early attractions include the X-Site Amusement Center (which already had the indoor roller coaster) and, of course, the brand new cinemas which had several screens operating at a very spacious area on the top floor. I still remember seeing lots of people lining up for tickets and seats to watch Armageddon which ended up as the highest grossing movie of the world in 1998.

While I could no longer remember what was the first movie I saw at Festival Mall’s original cinemas (note: this is to differentiate it from the more modern cinemas of the mall located at the expanded area) back in the old days, I do remember watching several movies there through the years such as Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999), The Blair Witch Project (1999), X-Men (2000), Marvel’s The Avengers (2012), The Mummy Returns (2001), The Matrix (1999), Star Trek Into Darkness (2013), Mission: Impossible II (2000), X-Men: First Class (2011), and Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within (2001) to name some. I also saw some Tagalog films at Festival Mall’s old cinemas.

Indeed, for more than a decade, Festival Mall’s original cinemas became a favorite destination of mine to watch movies in Alabang and I definitely was not alone. I also remember the times when the said cinemas attracted a whole lot of moviegoers when the annual Metro Manila Film Festival’s (MMFF) opening day (every December 25) happened resulting in long lines. Watch the YouTube videos below…

As you can see in the above videos, Festival Mall’s original cinemas was a hot spot for moviegoers. It should be noted that the mall is strategically located in close proximity to the Alabang Viaduct and the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) which ensures visibility to motorists and accessibility to commuters on a daily basis. The old cinemas were also a hot spot for a variety of small businesses selling different kinds of food and drinks to moviegoers and others who just passed by.

Festival Mall at 25

This past May, Festival Mall turned 25 and its anniversary was highlighted with special events as well and publicity through the media. There were these Festival Mall 25th anniversary feature articles that got published in different newspapers almost simultaneously. In the commemorative article that got published in the Manila Bulletin, President and CEO of Filinvest Development Corporation Josephine Gotianun Yap was quoted which goes as follows in the excerpt below. Some parts in boldface…

“We would not be where we are today without the unwavering support of our customers, merchants, suppliers, and employees who have journeyed with us through the years. It is humbling to think that when we first opened the mall, we only had 30 stores and no anchor supermarket. But thousands of visitors came on our first day, attracted by our amusement centers, cinemas, and food court. And now the mall has 800 tenants and eight leading anchor stores. We value our collaboration with major retailers, which has enabled us to bring together SaveMore, Ace Hardware, Robinson’s Department Store, Handyman, Shopwise, H&M, Decathlon, and Landmark all under one roof. As we build on its strong foundations for the future, we see Festival Mall continuing to serve as a place where time stops for making memories with family and friends,”

As seen above, the Filinvest Development Corporation executive clearly referred to the original cinemas which was one of the early attractions of Festival Mall way back in 1998. As mentioned earlier, Festival Mall today has more modern cinemas located at the expanded area on the same floor but several meters away from the original cinemas. So how does Festival Mall’s original cinemas look like nowadays? Watch the video below…

Yes, indeed the mall’s original cinemas have turned depressing. There are much less customers who pass by the area and many of the businesses that operated within have closed down! As I personally found out, Festival Mall is still using a few screens at the old cinemas for moviegoers while leaving the many others closed and left in the dark. If you think about it carefully, what does the mall management have in mind with regards to all of those cinema seats, sound systems, projectors, screens and other pieces of equipment inside each and every closed screen of the original cinemas?

*A closed screen at one end of the original cinemas of Festival Mall. Just imagine what is left of all the hardware (examples: projectors and speakers) and seats inside.*

This was a premium place to watch movies at. It had more comfortable seats and better equipment that made the cinematic experience more immersive. It was here where I saw 2001’s Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within.

*This is where I used to buy movie tickets for many years. For some time now, the selling of movie tickets here ha*s stopped. To buy tickets, you have to go to the modern cinemas of the mall several meters away by foot at the same floor.

Apart from seeing more of the screens of the original cinemas closed down, the number of small-time businesses that sold different kinds of food and drinks are also gone which is depressing. Those businesses offered moviegoers different choices of what to eat or drink apart from the usual popcorn and drinks sold by the cinema’s concessionaires. I do remember a certain business joint that sold really good coffee (both hot and cold) that is also affordable.

There used to be different kinds of small business joints that sold a variety of food and drinks located on the floor spots at the original cinemas area. Those businesses have since closed down and left.

*I remember the times I bought popcorn and drinks at this place before watching a movie. Now there are no food, no drinks and no people selling to customers anymore.*

With the way things are right now, walking through the original cinemas area of Festival Mall is lonely and depressing to do. The area is almost lifeless and it easily is the saddest place inside the mall which itself has become a major attraction for shoppers and families. I can only wonder if Festival Mall’s management has any plan to revive the original cinemas area. Will they someday renovate at least a few of the screens and install brand new seats and other equipment to accommodate more moviegoers? Do they plan to attract new businesses to occupy the vacant commercial spaces and floor spaces near the old cinemas?

*It would be nice to know if Festival Mall’s management or Filinvest itself has any plan to revive commerce at the original cinemas area which is now the saddest and loneliest part of the mall*.

To be very clear with you all reading this, I never worked for a shopping mall nor have I ever worked in the movie theater business. I am a long-time resident of Alabang who often visits Festival Mall for purchasing needed items, dining and availing of services. Watching movies at Festival Mall used to be a big reason for me to spend time at the mall. I know for a fact that operating movie theaters is difficult and attracting people to watch movies on the big screen is tougher because of streaming. It does not help that the COVID-19 pandemic convinced people that watching new movies at home via streaming is the new standard which also made them think that movie theaters are unnecessary.

As a movie enthusiast, I can say out loud that watching a movie inside the cinema is still the best and most definitive way to enjoy watching. The movie theater experience can never be matched by streaming nor could the biggest HDTV at home could ever come close to the size and visual impact of a cinema screen. That being said, I can only hope that Festival Mall could someday revive the movie experience and commerce at their original cinemas area. They already have the modern cinemas at the expanded area but those are only 4 screens.

If you are living here in South Metro Manila and you have been to Festival Mall several times before, what do you think the mall management should do about their old cinemas? Is Festival Mall your favorite place to watch movies in? Do you think that hosting multiple film festivals – both foreign and domestic – each year would justify renovating the old cinemas of the mall?

If you wish to join a group of movie enthusiasts and talk about cinema, visit the Movie Fans Worldwide Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/322857711779576

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Watch out for Belize Oasis Alabang

September 14, 2023September 12, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, developer Filinvest Land, Inc. (FLI) had a ceremonial topping-off at one of the key buildings of the Belize Oasis Alabang community, according to a BusinessWorld news report. Belize Oasis Alabang is the company’s resort-inspired, mid-rise residential community accessible by the East Service Road within Muntinlupa.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the BusinessWorld news report. Some parts in boldface…

LISTED property developer Filinvest Land, Inc. (FLI) recently topped off the first building in its Belize Oasis community in Alabang, Muntinlupa City.

FLI said in a statement that the Building Azul is a low-density tower with only 25 units per floor. It is part of Belize Oasis, the company’s first mid-rise development in Muntinlupa City under the Aspire by Filinvest brand.

FLI said Building Azul has a “Venti-lite” design that incorporates sky gardens, allowing natural light and ventilation to the hallways.

“Soon, the future residents of Belize Oasis will have the privilege of enjoying the attractive features that this project has to offer. Nestled in a highly accessible area, Belize Oasis can be easily reached through major thoroughfares such as C5, South Luzon Expressway, and the Skyway,” FLI First Vice-President for Brand/Product and Regional Project Head for Medium-Rise Buildings Aven D. Valderrama said.

Belize Oasis is only a few minutes away from Filinvest City, FLI’s 244-hectare township in Alabang.

“Belize Oasis presents a golden opportunity to invest in a prime location with a ready rental market. Alabang has long been coveted due to its strategic positioning, excellent connectivity, and thriving commercial and business districts,” the company said.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a Muntinlupa resident, do you think Belize Oasis Alabang will attract a lot of new residents and add significantly to the economic dynamism of Alabang?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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StaySafe.ph app formally launched by Muntinlupa City and DOH

February 2, 2021February 1, 2021carlocarrasco

In an effort to strengthen its COVID-19 response and contact tracing efforts, the City Government of Muntinlupa in partnership with the Department of Health recently launched the Staysafe.PH app as the official digital contact tracing system in the city and will implement a “No QR Code, No Entry Policy” in all local establishments.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi, Department of Health exec Dr. Anatoly de los Santos, and other local officials led the launching event at Festival Mall Alabang this past Friday.

*Mayor Jaime Fresnedi personally scanned the QR code using the StaySafe.ph app at Festival Mall, Filinvest City, Alabang. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)*

*Mayor Fresnedi delivering his remarks during the launch event inside Festival Mall. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)*

Fresnedi said the adoption of StaySafe.PH in Muntinlupa was executed in compliance with the national government’s recommendation for a uniformed contact tracing system to prevent further COVID-19 transmission, especially with the detection of the B.1.1.7. SARS-CoV-2 variant (UK variant) in the country.

Also joining the ceremony were Congressman Ruffy Biazon, City Health Officer Dra. Maria Teresa Tuliao, Filinvest Land senior vice president Joselito Santos, Committee on Health and Sanitation chairman Coun. Allan Rey Camilon, City Administrator Engr. Allan Cachuela, MultiSys Technologies Corporation CEO David Almirol, and other local executives.

Following the launch event, members of the Muntinlupa City StaySafe.Ph Task Force will conduct an city-wide inspection to ensure compliance of local public and private establishments.

Muntinlupa City Council passed City Ordinance No. 2020-181 mandating the installation and use of Staysafe.PH system as an automated contact tracing through the use of QR Codes in all commercial establishments, workplaces, churches, and government offices in the city.

All residents and visitors who will enter, work, or do business in all indoor or enclosed public and private establishments in Muntinlupa shall be required to download and register at the StaySafe.PH application and secure a unique QR Code which they can store on their phone or print for physical copy. QR Codes for non-smartphone user registrants shall be generated by their respective barangays and shall be distributed to where the registrant resides.

Under the local ordinance, all establishments in the city are mandated to designate personnel to ensure each individual who will enter their premises possesses a StaySafe.PH unique personal QR Code. All customers, visitors, and employees of the public and private establishments shall not be allowed entry unless they present their own QR Code.

Allowing other person to use an individual’s unique QR Code to gain entry into the premises of the covered establishment and intentionally registering more than once for the purpose of possessing more than one unique personal QR Code shall be prohibited. Covered establishments shall be required to transmit a copy of their digital log book to the City Health Office on a daily basis for data integration.

For non-compliant establishments, violators will be charged with P2,000 penalty and suspension of franchise or business permit until violation has been rectified for first offense, P3,000 for second offense, and suspension or revocation of franchise or business permit including a P5,000 penalty for the third offense. In case the offender is a government official or employee, the maximum penalty shall be imposed including the filing of administrative, civil, or criminal action.

Recently, the Department of the Interior and Local Government issued MC No.2020-129 enjoining local government units to use of StaySafe.PH v.2 application system as the official social distancing, health condition reporting, and contact tracing system that will assist in the government’s response to COVID-19.

As of January 28, 2021, Muntinlupa City has 64 active cases, 5,326 confirmed cases with 5,094 recoveries, 168 reported deaths, 71 suspect cases, and 389 probable cases.

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The above information was provided by the City Government of Muntinlupa for the purpose of public information and transparency. Some parts were edited for this website.

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