Building inclusive economies, building a better world. This is the theme of this year’s ongoing Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meetings, wherein 21 member economies are seeking to foster free trade and economic prosperity within the region.

Various APEC activities have been and are currently being conducted since the beginning of the year to gather information, facilitate the exchange of opinions, engender support, and formulate policy initiatives and recommendations, all directed towards common goals and priorities. And one such priority was the creation of sustainable and resilient communities.

Data from APEC showed that the region has already incurred over $100 billion in losses due to natural disasters yearly over the last decade, thus prompting the need to boost defenses and resiliency against the “new normal” of increasing natural disaster threats due to climate change.

To advance APEC 2015’s thrust of “Building Sustainable and Resilient Communities, the Third Apec Senior Officials Meeting held in Cebu in September even included a Symposium on Urbanization.

The Symposium on Urbanization ( formerly “Building Better Cities— A Forum on Liveable, Sustainable, and Competitive Cities”) brought together local city executives from Apec economies, government officials, and the private sector to discuss challenges commonly faced by urban centers across economies, and collective solutions offered in partnership between cities or public private institutions and urban centers.

In the Philippines, developers and urban planners have long talked about the need to build sustainable infrastructure and resilient communities as this would help ensure the safety of individuals and at the same time provide better working conditions for many.

One developer who has long realized the value of creating and delivering high-quality developments is trusted property developer Empire East Land Holdings Inc. Since it was established in 1994, the company has already built a number of landmark residential communities that transformed the urban and suburban landscapes.

The people behind the company believes that to create a better world means to provide everyone a fair opportunity to gain access to a basic right such as housing. And this it has done over the last two decades when it started to provide Filipinos structurally sound and world-class developments that allowed them to achieve that perfect balance and equilibrium.

With a first mover advantage in the middle-income housing segment, Empire East has managed to built up a portfolio of successful projects located in choice settings that brings to homeowners the benefits of harmony, well-being and value to their residents.

A top of mind choice among homebuyers, Empire East success could largely be attributed to the company’s genuine desire to respond to the needs and preferences of its clients and the desire to help individuals attain that comfortable and relaxed lifestyle they long deserved.

This, the company said, is the very inspiration that drove them to sustain their desire to continuously conceptualize and construct world- class, high quality homes in the most strategic locations in Metro Manila. And what further makes an Empire East development an even more practical investment of choice would be the very commendable terms of payment it created and introduced to the market.

Here are four Empire East projects whose amenities, location, design and layout are not only seen to make for a great investment but more so help build better world for Filipinos who aspire to live a life that’s comfortable and convenient.

Kasara

The resort-inspired Kasara Urban Resort residential development, which is centrally located at the junction of Eagle and P. Antonio Streets in Ugong, Pasig City, has about 65 percent of its area dedicated to greenery, wide, open spaces and water-oriented amenities.

As it was inspired by a water theme park, this 1.8- hectare development brings a distinctive vacation feel to everyday living. From its sparkling water features and an infinity pool to a 24/ 7 minibar and lounge, homeowners are sure to find ways to cool off. A nearby basketball court and pathway meanwhile encourage healthy activity while being surrounded by nature.

More privileges further await future residents given the development’s fun podium amenities, including pocket pools, jogging paths, gazebos and putting greens. Facilities such as the gym, bar, day care center and library have also been provided for added comfort and convenience.

The six- tower Kasara is thus perfect for those seeking a sense of balance and calm to life after a long day at work. Indeed, homeowners will be given that rare privilege to discover a true paradise here within the heart of the city.

Pioneer Woodlands

Pioneer Woodlands was put up to enable people to experience the between modernity and nature.

The entire development has been lined with pathways and sitting areas, and boasts of a swimming pool, playground, gym and garden, as well as a two-storey retail arcade meant to provide residents comfort, convenience and enjoyment.

Such a custom environment at the Pioneer Woodlands saw the integration of a design that is centered on integrating natural elements and modern sensibilities that are both aesthetically appealing and significantly functional.

This development, which has unit cuts ranging from 20.50 to 61 sqm, is thus seen to appeal to young urban professionals and students who have active and driven lifestyles.

These are the so-called “city adventurers” who need to be out and about in the city, or those with office responsibilities that require proximity to central business districts and yet, they aspire for that soothing calm that a laid back, nature-centered lifestyle brings.

A bonus, of course, is Pioneer Woodlands’ link to the MRT-3 Boni Station along Edsa, which positions residents at the center of the north and south, thus allowing them to easily go from one exciting destination to another.

Rochester

Designed with a mixture of chic and rejuvenating amenities, the modern Asian- themed Rochester provides its residents the much needed access to a lifetime of relaxation, amusement and leisure.

And with its fully constructed clubhouse and its complete array of indoor and outdoor amenities, the resort vibe of The Rochester, is undeniable.

The Rochester offers a variety of vibrant outdoor amenities that continue the vein of upscale recreation. Surrounding the centerpiece 25- meter- long lap pool and children’s pool is a children’s playground, gazebo, basketball/ tennis court, jogging paths and pocket gardens.

Future homeowners will further be spoiled for choice at the clubhouse, which showcases a bar with lounge, a game area for billiards and darts, a gym, as well as a function hall that can accommodate up to 100 guests.

With a large part of the community set aside for open spaces and greenery, getting truly connected to oneself and to others becomes an everyday privilege at Rochester.

Little Baguio Terraces

Strategically located along N. Domingo Avenue and Aurora Boulevard near San Juan’s Greenhills district, Little Baguio Terraces boasts of amenities and facilities that would make every student’s life a breeze.

Such amenities are expected to enable students to focus on their school work and still find time to catch up on their hobbies and other activities as well. Nearby shopping centers, restaurants and malls meanwhile provide students and other residents with alternative hangouts.

Apart from its easy access to public transport and major roads, Little Baguio Terraces has the advantage of being just minutes away via bus or jeep from Manila’s university belt, where prestigious academies for higher learning can be found.

A total of 1,226 condominium units in four of the project’s six residential towers have been made available to customers who consider it a privilege to own a San Juan address and a mobile lifestyle.

To know more about Empire East developments, please visit www.empire-east.com and Facebook , Twitter or Instagram or call 810-3333. ADVT.