The Icon Residences at BGC
-------------------------------------

A powerhouse cast
by Mary Ann LL. Reyes
Philippine Star - 2/20/05

Ricky Razon of ICTSI, Freddie Burgos of Landco, Ramon Sy of International Exchange Bank, Wilso Lim of the Stock Exchange and Rally Martinez formerly of RFM's Philtown hav banded together to form "Xcell Property" that recently won in the bidding for that Philrealty Property in Fort Bonifacio, besting the likes of Megaworld, Robinsons Land, and Philtown when it posted a bid of P800 million for the two lots. The company used to go under the name "Next Properties".

Its first project called The Icon Residences which will be launched anytime this month, is a 32-storey twin-tower high-rise reasonable luxury residential condominium with cuts of between 40 and 100 square meters and prices of between P4 and P8 million (compared to its neighbors whose unit prices can go up as high as 30 million), most of which will be facing the Manila Golf Club. And unlike its neighbors, this new project will only have 10 units per floor compared to the average 12 to 14.

Located near the Pacific Plaza Towers and one Mckinley Place, expect the units to sell like hotcakes when it is turned over to the buyers three years from now.

So why did Freddie Burgos who already heads Landco decide to put his own money in this new venture? Or why did Ricky Razon of ICTSI decide to enter the real estate business for the first time? Or why did Rally Martinez leave a high-paying job as head of Philtown to be the managing partner of this new company?

They believe that a real estate company does not have to be owned and managed by landed families to become successful. Professional entrepreneurs like these people can make a lot of difference.

Rally, who was behind the success of One McKinley Place, also puts into good use his key learnings from his previous endeavor. He says that any amenity other than a pool, gym, or function room will just be a waste and will only increase the association dues. Gone are the days when you over-deliver, he says.

Cool...a cheaper alternative to BGC living:D No renderings yet?

Sweet. :yes: Looking forward to this.

any renderring in this project

wow, another twins. excited to see the rendering. i hope this will not be reqular shaped.

Can anyone pinpoint the exact location of this:?

it will be on the parking lot being used by UCC(?).
Please see map below.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v633/edges/map.gif

Thanks, the edge... That area next to Manila Golf Course is really filling up.

another twin? Why do our developers have a sick obsession with twins?

Oh well. I guess it would make a unique skyline :)

another twin? Why do our developers have a sick obsession with twins?

Oh well. I guess it would make a unique skyline

because development is staggered when you have twins or triplets. there's budget constraint here. if you construct twins, you can finish first tower and deliver, then proceed with 2nd tower. risk is also less. that's because most developers rely on the CF from pre-sold units. so if the project doesn't sell well, its easier to abandon the project.

wow! very excited with this project, price is right also!

another twins! does FBGC have a ruling of having twins if you construct a 30 something storey residential building? there are more twins now than singles.
and that area is gradually filling up. after Fifth ave, Forbes Town, Fairways and Bellagio is done, that part will surely make a nice skyline.

Maybe because the lots these developers buy are quite sizeable..... I dunno. And yes good observation francis.

And maybe because developers want to maximize their land area without having to build much taller, which cost more...BGC's land value is still not high enough for developers to go taller. Maybe:dunno:

PhilRealty's lot is the UCC/Macdonalds parking lot.

BGC's land value is higher than makati on FAR basis, you've got at least 10,000 per square ON THE BUILT PORTION.

The units are inexpensive on an absolute basis but expensive on a per square meter basis 40 sq.m. at 4,000,000 means 100,000php/sq.m. selling price. for something that promises to underdeliver.

twins or multiple buildings are easier to develop for the reasons edge has stated.

Another one is it's harder to build more surface area (windows) on one floor which will be required inorder to interest this kind of market and still maintain high efficiency in the floor plate thereby forcing you to go up and eventually making the building more expensive. As Greyx has pointed out they need to maximize their allocated FAR Gross without neccesitating building high needlessly.

ANd you get A&E costs lowered because you get the same design twice!

sounds good... I wanna see renderings too. haha...

do we have a new list of the existing plus up and coming scrapers for BGC already...? haven't been able to browse the forums to often the past weeks. too much school stuff to do... grr!! haha!

ummm..

out of my memory:D

Bellagio's (3 have been spotted from Megaworld)
Fifth Avenue Place (Robinsons)
Fairways Tower
Forbes Town (numerous high-rises from Megaworld)
Serendra (low-rises and phase II has some high-rises from Ayala Land)
Icon Residences (twins from Philrealty)
South Of Market (twins from _______)

^should we also consider fairways tower/s as twins? you see, there are two wings with seperate lobbies.
forbestown has six towers so far
SOMA is co-development by Meridien and Century Properties
Megawolds still has lots of reserved lots for future development.

Kind of off-topic (but not really)....

I hope the Icon Residences look as good as this! This is "The Icon" in Jakarta (not related to our Icon Residences, just has a similar name)
http://img214.exs.cx/img214/8913/compresseddsc017073dr.jpg
Photo by Alvin

GreyX, the full name of that apartment is in fact 'The Icon Residences" :) exactly the same haha

hehehe...yeah exact name, just like The Bellagio in both cities.

here's a better pic of the Jakarta Icon Residences...by joko
http://img82.exs.cx/img82/2853/icon2.jpg

i hope prospective clients should be careful in choosing the properties they buy, i heard buyers of units in the bsa twins towers in ortigas cant moved in or worst can get titles to their units after making full payment coz metrobank kept all the documents in their vaults and wont release them. the developer apparentlly defaulted in the loan payment, and now metrobank has auctioned the property to satisfy the developers debts... is this true

hehehe...yeah exact name, just like The Bellagio in both cities.

here's a better pic of the Jakarta Icon Residences...by joko
http://img82.exs.cx/img82/2853/icon2.jpg

i thought this was the rendering for the icon residences in BGC, got excited, hope the design would be better than this :)

^hahaha yeah...I was afraid those renderings would get ppl excited:D

hmmm.. looks quite alike like SOMA if I'm not mistaken... but I guess I hope that it would look a bit closer to that.. :D

I don't think BGC's Icon Residences would be that glassy.

I don't think BGC's Icon Residences would be that glassy.

hope it would glassy and very modern....we are talking about smaller size units, so there would be glass all troughout a floor since they would need solid walls for units partition, but i still di hope that it would another showcase for BGC, we've seen some not very impressingdesign building in BGC....

me too, I don't think it will have a large amount of glass. It's cheaper to the buyers, so probably they won't spend it like the developers of Essensa or Pacific Plaza have. But the last thing BGC needs are boxy twins. Something like South of Market perhaps?

Yeah, it doesn't have to be glassy to be beautiful. As long as it's not boxy and the design is unique, then that would be fine.

As long as its not boxy and plain...then its ok for me!

looking forward to see the actual rendering of this project...hopefully maganda!

holy shoot!! i thought that rendering was the BGC Icon... hahaha!! that was pretty exciting indeed!! luckily the BGC version will be as good...

http://www.theicon.ph

http://202.57.121.2/images/home_image.jpg

It is surpringsingly glassy considering that they're claiming it to be an affordable luxury condominium.

wow! :eek2:

wonder how much and how big the units are?

wow! would like to see more renderings once they are done with their website

awesome! the building looks great. the web site looks cool and very promising. it's all great! looking forward to this. thanks for the update, aaron :D

hmm... must be the BGC regulations that had forced it to well.. make it at least look un-Cityland:D

but I don't really know what affordable is in Global City if you know what i mean:D

:eek: Now that is what i'm talking about!:okay: This one has a great design...and remember they are twins:)

Looking forward to that site getting finished and us seeing more info.

You can say it wasn't that big of a surprise it looks this nice 'cause it's in BGC:D If it was in Makati, Manila, or Ortigas, we'd be shocked big time hehehehe;)

the developer is aggressive about this project, i like it a lot, reminds me of SOMA, i couild tell the top of the building wont be boring...this units must have a hell of a view!

Xcell Property Ventures and Metro Society Magazine invite you to the launch of The Icon. The newest residences across The Manila Golf. The event is on March 16 at Embassy at 6PM.
This was sent to me by the associate editor of Metro Society Magazine

i can't see the renderings. sigh...

I guess their site is down so I'll just upload the pic to geocities.
http://www.geocities.com/aaron_ofngol/home_image.jpg

Xcell Property Ventures and Metro Society Magazine invite you to the launch of The Icon. The newest residences across The Manila Golf. The event is on March 16 at Embassy at 6PM.
This was sent to me by the associate editor of Metro Society Magazine

go! and get broshures and please share it here :)

thanks tomasian.
looks good. hope to see more pics of this. i just don't like the color.

wow... I like how it looks... very metallic.. hehehe.. :D

at least the color will be unique in BGC.

yeah, glassy and metallic...and curvy like One McKinley...it complies with FBGC regulations! haha...

I love the color WOW!!!

looks thin...probably trying to conform with the FAR regulations. and note, there will be twins!

it's FAR 9, so it must be thin to be tall. lot is just around 4000 sq.m. (that's only a guess) :):):)

i still don't like the color. metallic but rustic.

nice!!!! hehe! I love the curved design and the metallic/glassy exterior. I can't really tell what colour it is though, from that picture. looks a bit gold-ish/brown to me. I thought it was a bit like 1322...

The Icon Residences at Fort Bonifacio Global City

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Icon Residences at BGC
-------------------------------------

A powerhouse cast
by Mary Ann LL. Reyes
Philippine Star - 2/20/05

Ricky Razon of ICTSI, Freddie Burgos of Landco, Ramon Sy of International Exchange Bank, Wilso Lim of the Stock Exchange and Rally Martinez formerly of RFM's Philtown hav banded together to form "Xcell Property" that recently won in the bidding for that Philrealty Property in Fort Bonifacio, besting the likes of Megaworld, Robinsons Land, and Philtown when it posted a bid of P800 million for the two lots. The company used to go under the name "Next Properties".

Its first project called The Icon Residences which will be launched anytime this month, is a 32-storey twin-tower high-rise reasonable luxury residential condominium with cuts of between 40 and 100 square meters and prices of between P4 and P8 million (compared to its neighbors whose unit prices can go up as high as 30 million), most of which will be facing the Manila Golf Club. And unlike its neighbors, this new project will only have 10 units per floor compared to the average 12 to 14.

Located near the Pacific Plaza Towers and one Mckinley Place, expect the units to sell like hotcakes when it is turned over to the buyers three years from now.

So why did Freddie Burgos who already heads Landco decide to put his own money in this new venture? Or why did Ricky Razon of ICTSI decide to enter the real estate business for the first time? Or why did Rally Martinez leave a high-paying job as head of Philtown to be the managing partner of this new company?

They believe that a real estate company does not have to be owned and managed by landed families to become successful. Professional entrepreneurs like these people can make a lot of difference.

Rally, who was behind the success of One McKinley Place, also puts into good use his key learnings from his previous endeavor. He says that any amenity other than a pool, gym, or function room will just be a waste and will only increase the association dues. Gone are the days when you over-deliver, he says.
__________________


come to think of it, it's not that cheap at all. this means smaller units cost 100k per square meter, whereas larger cuts at 80k. :eek2:

i hope the units are fully fitted and furnished just like SOMA :cheers:

what happened to their website? i hope they didnt change their monds about this project =)

@the edge, perhaps it's supposed to be a cheaper alternative, but not cheap, if you know what I mean;)

It's like a normal sedan and a luxury-version sedan, compared to a dilapidated truck.

yes i know, but look at SOMA it doesn't look cheap for me but really affordable. it's cheaper than essensa and pacific plaza because the units are smaller. fifth avenue place looks cheap, because it is indeed cheap.

it can get cheap in BGC? :?:D

Just had a look at the "ICON" site..not much there yet..but it does look promising..got me exited..can anyone tell me the price range of the units?..been checking out units in thats in my budget range for a few years...so far South Of Market is my choice another is fifth ave place ..<---"dont like the location though as its in the outer most corner"..but i hope this unit will be much lower priced than the likes of One Mckinley and Pacific Plaza... the design looks nice though...cant wait to see Global City Completed..I dont see much construction about companies moving there though..only bits of news..i hope they mix it up a bit...too many condo's there now...nice though!!

The location is actually nice as it faces the Manila Golf directly.

http://202.57.121.2/images/sitemap.jpg

they're supposed to have their launching today, march 16th, according to their web site. any updates? i guess this is the only update they have on their site, plus some minor stuff.

edit: oh wait, there's more. here's the floor plan. please check web site na lang for the rest www.theicon.ph

Discover what really means to live it up with 32 storeys high of urban living beyond the usual. The Icon offers studios, one-bedroom units and two-bedroom units appointed with generous space. World class technologies highlight function fused with contemporary interiors by C/S Design Consultants.

Following the building’s contour, the eye-shaped layout of each floor enables maximum view of the magnificent vista. Truly, your home becomes the “eye” to the beauty that surrounds The Icon; windows to your soul’s deepest desires for luxury living.

http://202.57.121.2/images/flrplan.gif

hmm... in near proximity to the current cluster of Net One, One McKinley and Pacific twins. Here comes our core BGC skyline:)

nice... eye-shaped.... :D

http://202.57.121.2/images/sitemap.jpg


This rendering looks weird, it's like the building is leaning and sinking on the ground. :D

doesnt look like it's a very large floor area, didnt mentioned about the other twin.

Great location...yeah, that rendering isnt that good, but at least it helps indicate its location

I went to their event last night at the Embassy. Nice building. Small lot but they seemed to have maximized the space nicely. Basement parking and infinity pool. Nice. Forgot to get pictures! Sorry!

So are they planning twins or what?

i read from one of the earlier article on this tread that is it twin building

All the articles that I read says there will be twins.

Well that website didn't mention twins.. so I was just making sure:)

Maybe the other twin will be launched only when they have sold a significant number of units here.

Does anybody know the price range for units at the icon?...Ifs its really affordable?..I hope its cheaper than SoMa or fifth ave place.

expect a starting price of 95,000/sq.meter (not including parking). that is my guess based on the article of 4million at 40 sq.meters. I'm assuming this is at the lower floors of the tower, the higher the floor, the higher the price per sq.meter.
lastly, i dont think this will be cheaper than SOMA or Fifth Ave because this is a much better location with a much better view. That's why the developer paid premium for the lot.
Also, not sure if they will be building two separate towers. One Mckinley Place is only one building but is subdivided into two towers. Tower North and South. My parents live in the 24th floor of the South Tower. It has a really nice view of the Manila Golf Club/Manila Polo Club/Makati Skyline all the way to the beautiful Manila Bay sunset. Unfortunately, I'm not sure what repercussions ICON's rising will have on their view. Anyway, but that is a different topic by itself...

Thanks men...ow well i sort of guessing the price then...if its out of my budget..then i'll just have to settle for South Of market Or maybe fifth ave...Im after a two bedroom...but i assume as time go by more project could still come?..Or do u think There will be more projct after The Icon?...About The Icon's view..im not so sure but Wont One Mc kinley and Pacific Plaza block it?...They're much taller and in front of it right?...correct if im wrong...cheers....

SOMA and Fifth Avenue are both great projects. You will definitely get your moneys worth on any of those.
As far as the view from Icon... One Mc and Pacific Plaza are more like beside each other(not in front of each other), they are actually between a park like rotunda. Depending on how the Icon will be positioned in the vacant lot will it affect it's view. I know for sure it will infringe on the view of my parents One Mc unit as far as the aspect ratio of the view is concerned. Instead of 16:9 aspect ratio... magiging 4:3. (Or instead of wide screen tv, it becomes regular screen).hahahahaaa...

It will be a single structure and not twins. This was clarified by the people of Excell.

Well thanks for clearing that up. I'm still waiting for better renderings, I'm sure the ones who want to buy a unit here would want floor plans, and more info.

Really? This would have looked better if they were twins. Oh well...one is enough.:)

I guess one is enough so as not to block One McKinley and Pacific Plaza's view of the Manila Golf.

And i am starting to think that there isnt enough space down there for twins:D

And i am starting to think that there isnt enough space down there for twins:D

yeh i know...if it were twins it would have an impact of the view of pacific plaza and one mc...anyway..the skyline is starting to take shape...hehe nice!

Does anyone know if there are model units for this availabe yet?...if so where?..im just interested to know thats all.........

An e-mail I got from one of their brokers....


Dear Sir/Madam:



Greetings!



We are cordially inviting you to be one of our distinguished investors to experience another "distinctive" vertical development in the realm of high-end residential condominium.



"The ICON" residences across Manila Golf is soon to rise on the last piece of the most sought-after site inside the "Big Delta" of Fort Bonifacio Global City. Guaranteed to endow you with the ideal home ambiance, the 34 storey premiere residential condominium gives you the following benefits:



- You are a stone's throw away from:

- Soon to rise St. Luke's HospitaL

- U.S. based warehouse retailer, Price Smart Shopping Center

- MC Home Depot (a furniture warehouse)

- Market! Market! (an Ayala Shopping Complex)

- Rows of casual to fine dining restaurants and leisure hubs



- In the environs of premiere educational institutions:

- International School

- British School

- Japanese School

- Colegio de San Agustin

- Assumption College



- You are within the "most prime" residential location within Global City that gives you the breath-taking view of Manila Golf, Manila de Bay, Makati Skyline, The Fort Square, Laguna de Bay, Antipolo and Marikina Valleys:



- Aside from the hotel-like lobby, The Icon pampers you more with:

- Lifestyle & Fitness Gym

- Playground Area

- Adult & Kiddie Infinity Swimming Pools

- Locker & Changing Rooms

- Function Rooms



You have choices from Executive Studio (36 sqm.), One Bedroom (61 sqm.) and Two Bedroom (95 sqm) Units. We can also accomodate your request for combination of units, should you require bigger space. Attached herewith is a presentation to show how the beautiful the project is going to be. For inquiries and special discounts please feel free to call me through my Mobile No: 0918-6113957.



Thank you very much and hope to hear from you soon.



Respectfully,





GIRLIE F. PLATON

Property Consultant

www.theicon.ph

Some facts I also gathered from the newspaper:

The guy from the stock exchange, I think is Wilson Sy, not Wilso Lim as on the article in the first page. At least that is how I remember it when I saw a signing picture they had on the paper.

Also, they mentioned something in the paper (Philstar Business Section sometime last week), that Philrealty, the partner and owner of the lot that the Icon is going to be built on will be getting Php 800,000,000.00 for the 4,400 or so sqm lot. (around 181,818.00 per sqm), which is high, given that Ayala selles its most expensive lot in the BGC with a FAR of 9 at 90,000.00 per sqm only.

It was mentioned in the paper that the proceeds of the lot will be used in 5-6 years to finish the Andreas project of Philrealty...a major project that remains uncompleted until now...don't know exactly when it started though.

Also, if it is 90,000 plus, it is almost the price of Serendra...which is the most expensive in BGC...!

so it's only 34-storey? or is this the number of floors that have available units in it?

...

It was mentioned in the paper that the proceeds of the lot will be used in 5-6 years to finish the Andreas project of Philrealty...a major project that remains uncompleted until now...don't know exactly when it started though.

The project that depends on the Icon Residences for completion (so lets all pray that Icon sells out well) is the SKYLINE TOWER of the ANDREA NORTH condominiums in QC.

You're Right, its a major uncompleted project... and also a major eyesore in that area.

Skyline Tower
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid99/pab42e1d5dceb5061990bf95ccb7bbcb8/f9ec894e.jpg

so its a high end project after all.....dang!

Does anyone know if there are model units for this availabe yet?...if so where?..im just interested to know thats all.........

model units will be avilable for viewing by 3rd wk of April, they say...
it's U/C at tektite ground floor.

here are some pictures that i got from the scale model. sorry they're not that clear since i took it from my phone lang...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v633/edges/Picture046.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v633/edges/Picture050.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v633/edges/Picture052.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v633/edges/Picture049.jpg

wow... looks nice....

how were you able to take pictures of it?.... know somebody who makes the model?...

:okay: :) man that's nice. Yeah not Pacific Plaza levels of glass. But it's good. More variety for BGC.

Reminds me of Aurora Tower, here in Sydney.
http://www.moveandstay.com/picture_apartments_main/executivecentre_abn-amro_tower_sydney.jpg

nope. i went to their sales office and asked about the project. my tita would like to make an investment but want to have a variety of choices. i've seen FAP and SOMA, they are also nice.

very nice, thanks.....wish it could have been taller

actually it looks wide and thin. the leaf-shaped condo looks short when you are viewing at the wider axis yet it looks tall as viewed from the narrower axis.

they only have 1 tower in the drawings, but from the look of it, there's going to be another tower since the FAR is not maximized. they made use of only 1 lot I think so there is definitely be a twin of this if tower 1 becomes successful.

the color shld have been "bronze" side which was not achieved in the scale model.

it looks short and stubby...but it does have nice aesthetics! yeay for BGC! yeah....i agree...it should be a little bit taller, even just 10 more floors would make a difference...but great nonetheless.

wow! it looks nice. thanks, the edge :okay:

Far from stubby imo. I counted 34 floors. But I guess only 32 will have units, the first two for recreational purposes. But it has maybe 2-3 floors worth more with the crown.

Also the cutaways on the side remind me of Insular Life in Alabang.

The top portion of the building is similar to the 2.7 billion dollar Wynn Resort (http://www.wynnlasvegas.com) in Vegas, its at an angle. I guess the similarity ends there. Hehehehe.

Jon

thanks.......nice pics......any price info?

Wow...Beautiful curves.:okay: Its corners and facade are also well designed. I also wish it was taller..would look totally awesome if it was.

actually it looks wide and thin. the leaf-shaped condo looks short when you are viewing at the wider axis yet it looks tall as viewed from the narrower axis.

they only have 1 tower in the drawings, but from the look of it, there's going to be another tower since the FAR is not maximized. they made use of only 1 lot I think so there is definitely be a twin of this if tower 1 becomes successful.

the color shld have been "bronze" side which was not achieved in the scale model.

yeah, from the previous news articles it says that they have two adjacent lots in bgc. but you said that only one lot is used... so there'll really be a twin is this one gets sold-out. I think twins will look nice because of the angled roof that'll look good side by side.

BTW, thanks for the pics. :okay:

A Pacific Plaza-type of twins, close but not mirror copy twins would work best.

http://www.realestatemovers.com/127_2739%20-%20resize.JPG

http://www.realestatemovers.com/127_2738%20-%20resize.JPG

http://www.realestatemovers.com/127_2737-%20reesize.JPG

http://www.realestatemovers.com/127_2759-%20resize.JPG

http://www.realestatemovers.com/127_2754-%20resize.JPG

thanks for that photo someguy, what a prime location!

cool...!! right beside Pacific Plaza and McKinley Tower!

I think the only thing I find the Icon is missing is a nice podium... the pool in the scale model looks weird right at ground level beside the driveways and stuff. haha!

cool...!! right beside Pacific Plaza and McKinley Tower!

I think the only thing I find the Icon is missing is a nice podium... the pool in the scale model looks weird right at ground level beside the driveways and stuff. haha!

yeh it sure could use a nicer podium...but the building itself is excellent. :)

thanks for that photo someguy, what a prime location!
no probs Edmund...yeah....location is ideal..

wow cool. Thanks for showing us. Looks like there is space for twins:D

From the model it looks like the building is squeezed for space, but aren't they gonna put a swimming pool, trees, landscaping around the lot, which is quite sizable like many have mentioned?:D

I was talking with my friend today who works directly for the Campos group, and he was telling me about The Icon. :D Also struck a deal with him to sell of course ;)

I've got price lists, floor plans, availability charts in case anyone's interested :D

Just to confirm things already posted here:

31 available floors (with units, not counting lobby and rooftop), 10 units per floor. Studio, 1BR, 2BR available. Prices range from P2.882M (2nd level 36sq.m. studio unit) to P8.352M (31st floor 2BR). Prices include VAT, but not parking which is 575k - 625k depending on depth, separate.

Unit cuts are 36 (studio), 61 (1BR), and 95sq.m. (2BR)

Reservation fee P25k non-refundable, but applicable to payments.

Not sure about the Twin towers, but there is an adjacent lot which is marked "for future use".

I was thinking of getting a unit myself! Will look into bank financing tom ;)

Have friends abroad who are asking me to scout for properties here in Manila. This one looks good. MWAHAHAHA!

I want something in BGC!!!

thanks for the info noisy cricket! you live up with your nick eh? nway...ive seen the ad at Phil Star monday last week. they are preselling the first tower. let's assume the 2nd one will pursue. the developer, contractor and marketnig arm do not sound familiar tho. i tried contacting the numbers written at the ad, but to no avail. i might have pinned the wrong keys. please do keep us updated on this project.

Got this information from the icon sale agent.
http://edmundtanso.smugmug.com/photos/26249833-M.jpg

http://edmundtanso.smugmug.com/photos/26249837-M.jpg

:)

Hmm... future expansion. :yes: :D

yeah, and the shape... :)

wow funny shape.............its unique..its shaped like a football

kisap mata

mukhang mas maganda view ng susunod

What's that big white lot across the current area of development?

Also note that in the site photos and the plans Icon will be taller than street level, because of some setbacks elevating the ground a couple of meters.

not sure what's that white lot across the current development...

The property line encloses it, so that must be included in the lot of the developer. maybe for future use as well. @ bustero, i think the 1st tower would have better views of makati. i dunno. let's see.

When will the groundbreaking be? Any news?

Anyway some model unit pics

Model Units - 1 Bedroom

Living Room
http://www.theicon.ph/launch/Pic13-2.jpg

Bedroom
http://www.theicon.ph/launch/Pic12-2.jpg

Kitchen
http://www.theicon.ph/launch/Pic14-2.jpg

very nice model units....clean look..i like it!

Nice models, looks like those I've seen in Vancouver, Canada new pre-selling condominium websites. Furnitures made it look like the unit has 9ft ceiling.

Got this information from the icon sale agent.
http://edmundtanso.smugmug.com/photos/26249833-M.jpg

http://edmundtanso.smugmug.com/photos/26249837-M.jpg

:)
cute shape

yeah lots of windows!

I'm still wondering what the white lot is for.

I'm still wondering what the white lot is for.

actually, that could be tower 3 of the icon

actually, that could be tower 3 of the icon
what?? there's tower 2 already?! woah... haha!

what?? there's tower 2 already?! woah... haha!

not at the moment, but they would start selling tower 2 once they've sold a chuck of tower 1

So we'll have to wait for Tower 2 to sell-out before we can see Skyline Tower get finished? Or Tower 1 will be enough to fund Skyline?

Will depend on their aggressiveness eh? I mean some developers go full-on and put all of the 3 buildings on sale :yes:

They're not selling Skyline yet, right? I still haven't seen any rendering of it until now.

nakatayo na ito no? halos buo na? kasi parang may nakita ako sa buendia flyover na bago ng kalapit lang ng pacific twins.

Ha??? Hindi ah!!! Baka Kensington place yung nakita mo.

siguro ewan. wala ako alam dito e.

Cge antay na lang tayo ng comments. baka may masasabi pa sila. :)

it couldn't be the Icon. no work has been done for this, has there?
it must be kensington. pero di pa din nagagawa kensington. must be Penhurst? hehe...or what about Fairways?

Could be Kensington or Fairways kasi they're both already above ground.

may nakakaalam ba kung ang icon residences, piped-in gas din at kung ang 2br units facing 26th street may view pa rin ng golf course o matatakpan na nag forbestown buildings? pano kaya ang positioning ng tower two kung sakali? magiging ganito kaya / \ position nila na ang pointed part facing manila golf?

I guess they'll be using piped-in gas to take advantage of BGC'c gas pipeline.
Almost all, if not all condos and establishments there use piped-in gas.

may nakakaalam ba kung ang icon residences, piped-in gas din at kung ang 2br units facing 26th street may view pa rin ng golf course o matatakpan na nag forbestown buildings? pano kaya ang positioning ng tower two kung sakali? magiging ganito kaya / \ position nila na ang pointed part facing manila golf?

please see previous post of edmundtanso. you are correct about the position. they're supposed to be a pair of leaves opening towards bonifacio center.

and yes, i think units DEFG will still have the manila golf view. unit G might be partially blocked but will still have a view in its peripheral.

a friend who went to see the model unit told me that the white part of the site plan is not owned by xcella and will not form part of icon's future development plan. can you confirm this? ano kaya ilalagay don if ever? sayang naman sana bilihin na lang din ng icon developers

The Icon Residences at BGC
-------------------------------------

A powerhouse cast
by Mary Ann LL. Reyes
Philippine Star - 2/20/05

Ricky Razon of ICTSI, Freddie Burgos of Landco, Ramon Sy of International Exchange Bank, Wilso Lim of the Stock Exchange and Rally Martinez formerly of RFM's Philtown hav banded together to form "Xcell Property" that recently won in the bidding for that Philrealty Property in Fort Bonifacio, besting the likes of Megaworld, Robinsons Land, and Philtown when it posted a bid of P800 million for the two lots. The company used to go under the name "Next Properties".

Its first project called The Icon Residences which will be launched anytime this month, is a 32-storey twin-tower high-rise reasonable luxury residential condominium with cuts of between 40 and 100 square meters and prices of between P4 and P8 million (compared to its neighbors whose unit prices can go up as high as 30 million), most of which will be facing the Manila Golf Club. And unlike its neighbors, this new project will only have 10 units per floor compared to the average 12 to 14.

Located near the Pacific Plaza Towers and one Mckinley Place, expect the units to sell like hotcakes when it is turned over to the buyers three years from now.

So why did Freddie Burgos who already heads Landco decide to put his own money in this new venture? Or why did Ricky Razon of ICTSI decide to enter the real estate business for the first time? Or why did Rally Martinez leave a high-paying job as head of Philtown to be the managing partner of this new company?

They believe that a real estate company does not have to be owned and managed by landed families to become successful. Professional entrepreneurs like these people can make a lot of difference.

Rally, who was behind the success of One McKinley Place, also puts into good use his key learnings from his previous endeavor. He says that any amenity other than a pool, gym, or function room will just be a waste and will only increase the association dues. Gone are the days when you over-deliver, he says.



Just additional info on PhilRealty's Icon (aka Skyline Twins) Project taken from Manila Times and Yes they are building the Icon as twin towers.

PHILIPPINE Realty and Holdings Corp. (Philrealty) plans to enter into joint ventures this year to develop its properties in Fort Bonifacio.

The company said joint ventures are needed for the development of its 1,600 square meter twin-tower midmarket condominium development in Fort Bonifacio.

Amador Bacani, Philrealty president, said the company expects to get P900 million from its first joint venture for its Fort Bonifacio project called “Skyline.”

However, the company needs P800 million to finish the project and is expecting more funding from a possible second joint venture with another company. The firm did not disclose the names of the potential joint venture partners.

The company invested P200 million to acquire the property in 1996 and 1997. The twin-tower project would be purely residential since it is near a golf course.

The units, which would go for P80,000 to P85,000 a square meter, would be sold for as much as P8 million each.

Bacani said the first tower already enjoys a 50-percent take up.

“The second tower may have slightly higher unit sizes [than the first tower], but would still be targeted for the middle-income market,” he said.

The company was incorporated on July 13, 1981, but development activities began only in 1986 when capitalization was increased to P100 million from the initial P2 million to accommodate the entry of new stockholders.

Its main real-estate activity since it started operations has been the development and sale of residential/office condominium projects and to a limited extent, the lease of commercial and office spaces.

The company, which suffered from liquidity problems in the wake of the Asian financial crisis, is under rehabilitation.
--Cai U. Ordinario

About the "Skyline" project thing mentioned in the article, it's not in Fort Bonifacio, Skyline Tower is part of Philrealty's Andrea North Condominiums, There should've been like three towers in the Andrea North project but only the Skyline Tower is being built but is currently on hold.

If I'm not mistaken, Philrealty has other lot/s in Fort Bonifacio aside from the one to be occupied by Icon Residences, maybe Bustero can confirm.

http://www.geocities.com/aaron_ofngol/home_image.jpg
Just to give an idea of the view in The Icon once it's built. Btw the empty land w/ cars parked in front of One Mckinley on the middle/right hand side of the picture is the approximate site where one of the two Icon Towers will be constructed so once standing, One McKinley units along this wing won't have as nice of a view in the future as they do now.
http://www.realestatemovers.com/141_4127_resize.JPG
http://www.realestatemovers.com/141_4125_resize.JPG

Bump. This project has been very quiet lately.

Dec 17, 2005 No sign of activity

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y215/jafhoy/100_0066.jpg

Showroom soon to open

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y215/jafhoy/100_0064.jpg

I like that rendering better. Thanks Fhoy. :okay:

Nice prime location. Thanks c0ke.

i saw the plans of the icon... and ok naman sya, well ventilated naman ang mga units which is good...

Despite the seemingly slow pace, you can be assured that the principals behind the project have the money.

Thanks, Fhoy. Yeah, that rendering is better. haha, there is some sign of activity. They are almost finished with the construction of the showroom:D

the building looks like the rcbc building but still,its nice

the model unit (1 bedroom) of Icon in tektite ortigas is soooooo nice. i just saw it this afternoon after a meeting. the broker showed us some documents indicating that tower 1 has 5 units left and theyre opening the reservation already for tower 2 which is more expensive. 1 bedroom is around P6M.

Tower 2? Good for them, although... 'not good' for some McKinley Residents which would have blocked views of Manila Golf.

This aerial pic shows the approximate site where The Icon Towers will stand, very prime indeed. The Icon Twins will be constructed around the front right side of One McKinley where one of the two towers will indeed block some of One McKinley's Manila Golf and Makati Skyline views as Thomasian mentioned. :ohno:

http://www.philskies.net/library/pancreas/Planespotting/Feb_March/Dsc05881.jpg

Icon Tower 1 model

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v633/edges/Picture046.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v633/edges/Picture050.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v633/edges/Picture052.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v633/edges/Picture049.jpg

anyone have pics of the model units?

hmm.. tried looking for you in the website, none yet, just floor plans.

looks like every developer has locked-out the front row views for the golf course and Makati CBD

the building looks like the rcbc building but still,its nice
yeah. para ngang rcbc.

Tower 2? Good for them, although... 'not good' for some McKinley Residents which would have blocked views of Manila Golf.


yup. they have tower 2 and its starting to sell. there were already reserved units on 8F.

i wasnt able to take photos of the model unit but the designer is Anna Sy. the design is minimalist. the good thing about the unit also is it has a high ceiling as compared to the others. thats why the 1 bedroom (61 sqm) looks big.

The Icon Residences Showroom --they have a scale model of the towers inside.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d83/jafhoy2/100_0197.jpg

wow thanks sa update coke!

how much nga pala ulit mga units dito?...high end to diba?

Passed by this place yesterday. Looks ok. 9 foot ceilings, smart project. They gave customers what they want no useless amenities which most people don't really use but drives up your condo dues.

Apparently tower 1 is sold out and tower 2 is now selling . Tower 1 delivery will be in 2008 and tower 2 2009. Groundbreakingnext week.

40 sq.m studio about 4 million without parking includes all taxes, cash less 15%. But they're raising their prices next week (hehe always naman)

Anyway here's their webpage. http://www.theicon.ph/icon.html for those asking for interior shots .

thanks for the info bustero... yeah this is a neat project, overall design and ofcourse the view!

^^ Bustero,
Just wondering, when you checked the Icon's model unit(s), were you by any chance able to get info if the units are suppose to have floor to ceiling windows or just mid-height windows as shown on the first 2 pics posted below?

Anyway some model unit pics

Model Units - 1 Bedroom

Living Room
http://www.theicon.ph/launch/Pic13-2.jpg

Bedroom
http://www.theicon.ph/launch/Pic12-2.jpg

Kitchen
http://www.theicon.ph/launch/Pic14-2.jpg

For most part they are like that. Only the 2 bedroom units at the ends have all glass I think.

^^ Thanks for the info Bustero. The 2 bdrm units will prove to be really nice and sweet as those floor to ceiling windows will be able to fully take advantage of the panoramic golf course / Makati skyline views. I wonder which tower will actually have a better view? :okay:

i love the interiors ... simple yet stylish ... ganda talaga ...

^^ Thanks for the info Bustero. The 2 bdrm units will prove to be really nice and sweet as those floor to ceiling windows will be able to fully take advantage of the panoramic golf course / Makati skyline views. I wonder which tower will actually have a better view? :okay:
3cr... I was at the launching of the second tower.They was I see it, Tower 2 seems to have a better vantage view of Makati skyline and Manila golf club all the way to the Manila bay sunset.
Bili na para, neighbor din kita diyan.....

3cr... I was at the launching of the second tower.They was I see it, Tower 2 seems to have a better vantage view of Makati skyline and Manila golf club all the way to the Manila bay sunset.
Bili na para, neighbor din kita diyan.....

hey guys we also bought a Unit G at 28th flr 1 bdrm at tower 2, wow may mga kapit bahay na pala ako dito

3cr... I was at the launching of the second tower.They was I see it, Tower 2 seems to have a better vantage view of Makati skyline and Manila golf club all the way to the Manila bay sunset.
Bili na para, neighbor din kita diyan..... fbgcxxxx,

Hey neighbor thanks for your reply as well as the info you provided regarding the Icon in the Fairways Tower thread. Now I understand why you are willing to give up your unit in FT for your unit in Icon. Mmmm...boy that's a very tempting suggestion my friend but before I can realistically as well as feasibly do any more realestate investing, I'll have to rid myself of the Metropolitan unit I picked up as a package deal when I bought my unit in Fairways. Got both during pre-selling at max multi-unit discount prices since the Metropolitan is another Philtown project. Well let's see my friend hopefully it will not be too difficult flipping that unit eventhough it's not yet built since the price I got it is much lower than current and I suspect price will even get higher as the cost of materials and transport continues to escalate. Guess need to start working on that then if I am to be your neighbor again (and Islandhoney's) Hehehe... :) Just out of curiosity, any idea how many units (and which floors) in Tower 2 are designated penthouse/balcony units facing of course our favorite Manila Golf / the Makati skyline views and if there's any available left? I bet they're super expensive and too rich for my blood but nevertheless quite curious lang naman if you're the luckiest of them unit owners who bagged the big prize! Hehehe... :)

passed by the location the other day, and based on my observation, i think they have started digging there...

hey guys we also bought a Unit G at 28th flr 1 bdrm at tower 2, wow may mga kapit bahay na pala ako dito

That's great islandhoney... actually, my brother got at the 25th floor. Kaya,mag kikita kita tayo lahat doon. Hope to meet you someday....
btw.. I really loved the 1 bedroom interior at the showroom compared to the 2 bedroom. :)

I guess their site is down so I'll just upload the pic to geocities.
http://www.geocities.com/aaron_ofngol/home_image.jpg

is this a twin building?

^^ yup, twins...

fbgcxxxx,

Hey neighbor thanks for your reply as well as the info you provided regarding the Icon in the Fairways Tower thread. Now I understand why you are willing to give up your unit in FT for your unit in Icon. Mmmm...boy that's a very tempting suggestion my friend but before I can realistically as well as feasibly do any more realestate investing, I'll have to rid myself of the Metropolitan unit I picked up as a package deal when I bought my unit in Fairways. Got both during pre-selling at max multi-unit discount prices since the Metropolitan is another Philtown project. Well let's see my friend hopefully it will not be too difficult flipping that unit eventhough it's not yet built since the price I got it is much lower than current and I suspect price will even get higher as the cost of materials and transport continues to escalate. Guess need to start working on that then if I am to be your neighbor again (and Islandhoney's) Hehehe... :) Just out of curiosity, any idea how many units (and which floors) in Tower 2 are designated penthouse/balcony units facing of course our favorite Manila Golf / the Makati skyline views and if there's any available left? I bet they're super expensive and too rich for my blood but nevertheless quite curious lang naman if you're the luckiest of them unit owners who bagged the big prize! Hehehe... :)
There are only 2 floors considered Penthouse units that have balconies. This units are the only ones facing Manila Golf, the other end of the floor facing Fort have not balconies.
The floors are 32nd and 33rd floor designated as Penthouse. Im not sure what the 34th floor would be. Siguro the principal investor are lining it all up for themselves, but I dont think its for sale. I myself am lucky to bag the 33rd floor, because if I got 32nd, the awning of 33rd floor would block my aerial view to the starts...hehehehe. Hence, the 33rd floor to me was the better choice
3cr, you can afford it, since you got a 2bedroom at the Fairways... btw, our Fairways latest appraised value has gone up again. yyeeepeeeeee for us

wheres the other one on the picture?

^^ yup, twins...
twins in an actual inverted v shape kinda like this... / \

wheres the other one on the picture?

if you can visit their showroom, they have a model of their project there...and the model shows twin towers side by side...

twins in an actual inverted v shape kinda like this... / \..

..

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d113/fbgcxxxx/manila2006068.jpg http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d113/fbgcxxxx/manila2006070.jpg
LAUNCHING OF TOWER 2 iCON RESIDENCES
Actually, that's my favorite broker all the way from Fairways to Icon Residences

that broker must have been rich now... hehe

that broker must have been rich now... hehe

actuallyl, she's so stressed out .... but such a workaholic. check out the singing band. They are very "hot' right now amongst the pinoys,,,http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d113/fbgcxxxx/manila2006069.jpg
MYMP.....

mymp is so overrated...

mymp is so overrated...

i think you're right... actually, Juris does not stand a chance if Carol Banawa was still active...
ok... i dont think this is the right forum to discuss this issue... sorry moderator.

Hi fbgcxxxx. Thanks for the replies you have posted in the Fairways and Icon threads. They not only have good information but also included some welcome news to me as well. Very tempting indeed! :)

this project is very nice. A little bit on the expensive side and kind of isolated.

i think you're right... actually, Juris does not stand a chance if Carol Banawa was still active...
ok... i dont think this is the right forum to discuss this issue... sorry moderator.
why did she leave in the first place if she was a hit at home, making so much money trading that for an ordinary life in Canada where she would have to start from scratch. Maybe a life of anonymity is her wish.

why did she leave in the first place if she was a hit at home, making so much money trading that for an ordinary life in Canada where she would have to start from scratch. Maybe a life of anonymity is her wish.

i believe, she followed her heart (not head).... her former manager is a cousin of my wife.

photo by fbgcxxx
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d113/fbgcxxxx/manila2006068.jpg

noticed the shape of the hanging lights. does it have something to do with the shape of the building?

hello, guys. congrats to those who bought units at the icon. both the building's facade and the model unit look stunning.

btw, does anyone know who to contact regarding this project? Thanks.

hello, guys. congrats to those who bought units at the icon. both the building's facade and the model unit look stunning.

btw, does anyone know who to contact regarding this project? Thanks.



if you are buying a property i can refer you just let me know and i can pm you the info

isn't it the powerhouse behind icon was also the same group who failed with there previous development? i heard they just changed their corporate name..is this true?

Ethan,
My understanding is this is a totally new company na (Excell Properties) that took over the Icon project from the original developer (PhilRealty) who failed to deliver their previous project. The new company is composed of ex-Philtown crew headed by Rally Martinez who delivered One McKinley and developed Fairways Tower, both of which are Philtown projects. Part of the money to be raised from the Icon condo unit pre-selling will then be used to finally complete and deliver that said unfinished Skyline condo project and proceeds from that will then be reinvested back to Icon's construction. Below is a post by Thomasian/Aaron which touches on the relationship of the participants of the Icon's development and future construction. Hope this helps clarify things. :)

It's the Skyline Tower of the Andrea North Condominiums by Philrealty.
It's currently on-hold because Philrealty is having "financial problems".

There's a chance that Skyline will still be finished when Philrealty gets money from their lots in BGC, one (or two kasi Icon is composed two lots yata, but I'm not that sure) of which has been entered into a joint venture with Excell Properties and will be developed as the Icon Residences (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=182479). The remaining lot(s) will also be used to help fund this Skyline Tower.

the Icon Residences Across Manila Golf has updated their web site. go check if you haven't yet. www.theicon.ph it looks much better now. and the twin towers look awesome. did they change the color to red? if i remember it right, the old rendering of the bldg is mostly silver.

http://img127.imageshack.us/img127/7230/icon0015gp.jpg

http://img378.imageshack.us/img378/4297/icon0020sh.jpg

http://img378.imageshack.us/img378/1169/iconfloorplan1pa.jpg

photos courtesy of www.theicon.ph

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d83/jafhoy2/100_0197.jpg
Also from the Icon Website:

Imagine a lifespace surrounded by everything plush – a panorama of Manila Golf on one side and the incredible cityscape on the other. On the last piece of Makati’s most prime spot at the Fort Bonifacio, Global City will soon rise THE ICON, the ultimate in residential condominiums designed by distinguished architects Recio + Casas.

Xcell Property Ventures invites you to discover The Icon, the new residence across Manila Golf (and within the De Jesus Circle). Explore your new lifespace at The Icon designed to exceed the standards in urban living. With a full circle, breathtaking view of the greens and the skyline, plus easy access to everyday conveniences, The Icon promises to excite your senses in every way.

...http://img378.imageshack.us/img378/1169/iconfloorplan1pa.jpg

photos courtesy of www.theicon.ph

Got this information from the icon sale agent.
http://edmundtanso.smugmug.com/photos/26249833-M.jpg
:)

I noticed that the space on the lower-right (on Tyronne's site plan) and upper-right (on Edmund's site plan) is not part of the property-line so that space is technically for "future development", meaning another tower could rise there in the future.

Yup looks like it Aaron. The white area in Edmund's post is indeed big enough for future development of another decent size building. Pwedeng pwedeng Icon Tower 3 if they can secure that space di ba? :)

Looks very much like it but those guys won't have much of a view.

I like it better now kung 2 siya... about the lot there, malas na lng sila if the building going to be build there is very high.

http://img127.imageshack.us/img127/7230/icon0015gp.jpg
Although they would look best in green glass, the new bronze color is kinda nice. It'll set it apart from the rest of developments, and could complement the colors of Essansa Towers and that Regent bldg. Maybe that was the reason behind the color change?

Just got back from Manila and took this picture from my parents unit in One Mck....


http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d113/fbgcxxxx/manilaMay2006030.jpg

This will be a view of unit owners facing Manila Golf and Makati skyline
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d113/fbgcxxxx/manilaMay2006026.jpg

^^ Hi FBGCXXXX. :)
Great view from the unit! If you don't mind me asking what floor of One McKinley were the above pics taken? Also just wondering if your parent's Makati skyline view be blocked by the Icon twins?

Btw a relative has shown interest in my unit in the Metropolitan. It's still in the prelim stage and I'm keeping my fingers crossed na sana matuloy. Available pa kaya that unit (with the balcony) below yours? Hehehe umaasa pa no? Wishful thinking at nagbabaka sakali lang naman, just in case matuloy yung transaction sa Metropolitan. Btw have you visited the Fairways thread lately? There were some interesting posts not long ago. :)

^^ Hi FBGCXXXX. :)
Great view from the unit! If you don't mind me asking what floor of One McKinley were the above pics taken? Also just wondering if your parent's Makati skyline view be blocked by the Icon twins?

Btw a relative has shown interest in my unit in the Metropolitan. It's still in the prelim stage and I'm keeping my fingers crossed na sana matuloy. Available pa kaya that unit (with the balcony) below yours? Hehehe umaasa pa no? Wishful thinking at nagbabaka sakali lang naman, just in case matuloy yung transaction sa Metropolitan. Btw have you visited the Fairways thread lately? There were some interesting posts not long ago. :)
Hey... 3cr... Bakit gising ka pa??? Wala kang magawa no... How's the weather in San Francisco, down here in L.A. nag high 90's kami. Shoot, ang init. Anyway, my parents unit is on the 24th floor and yes, the ICON twins will block a portion of the Makati skyline. We already anticipated that when buying this unit, that's why we chose the South tower, para at least the view of Manila Polo club is still there all the way to the Manila Bay.... Yup, read about the Fairways thread and also posted a pic for you there, check it out. It was quite interesting to hear that... from what I hear. The supposedly delivery "turnover" date would not be met, and basically expect a turnover by the second quarter of '07 to be more conservative. Not really alarmed by what I hear because just like One Mck... they really have not completed the project yet. I noticed a cut in labor force towards the end of the project. In fact, the basement parking of One Mck is not completed yet. Nasa 3rd basement palang sila, kaya wala pang assigned parking slots. Free for all nga kami as of now.

^^ Hi FBGCXXXX. :)
Great view from the unit! If you don't mind me asking what floor of One McKinley were the above pics taken? Also just wondering if your parent's Makati skyline view be blocked by the Icon twins?

Btw a relative has shown interest in my unit in the Metropolitan. It's still in the prelim stage and I'm keeping my fingers crossed na sana matuloy. Available pa kaya that unit (with the balcony) below yours? Hehehe umaasa pa no? Wishful thinking at nagbabaka sakali lang naman, just in case matuloy yung transaction sa Metropolitan. Btw have you visited the Fairways thread lately? There were some interesting posts not long ago. :)
Good luck on your unit in Metropolitan. Sana mabenta mo... Kaya lang taken na yung unit below me. B.T.W I will be having a meeting with my broker and with the EVP of SALES on Sunday ( they are on a USA roadshow, and currently here in SO. CAL). I'm having second thoughts on proceeding with the purchase of my penthouse. I really love to own that unit, but.... lately, not so sure if I could handle another debt that size for the next 4 years.... Anyway, wish me luck that I finally get to decide by Sunday....

^^ Uy Saturday morning na nga pala no. Ikaw din gising pa so I guess pareho siguro tayong may insomia! Hehehe... :)

Thanks nga pala for the pic you posted in the Fairways thread. Shoot too bad if Fairways will not be done by year's end. I was looking forward pa naman to spending the Christmas and New Year holidays in the Philippines lalo na with the Promenade slated to open on December. Oh well guess I'll just have to postpone my trip sa Pinas if Fairway's turnover will be pushed back.

Good luck on your unit in Metropolitan. Sana mabenta mo... Kaya lang taken na yung unit below me. B.T.W I will be having a meeting with my broker and with the EVP of SALES on Sunday ( they are on a USA roadshow, and currently here in SO. CAL). I'm having second thoughts on proceeding with the purchase of my penthouse. I really love to own that unit, but.... lately, not so sure if I could handle another debt that size for the next 4 years.... Anyway, wish me luck that I finally get to decide by Sunday.... Condo investments are a big financial responsibility indeed so pag-isipan mo ng mabuti pards. Only you can decide and I wish you all the best in reaching that important decision. Good luck and God bless. :)

Just got back from Manila and took this picture from my parents unit in One Mck....


http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d113/fbgcxxxx/manilaMay2006030.jpg

Is the lot with buldozers going to be the site of the bronze twin towers? And the rectagular shape lot below, is that going to be the site of the football shaped building? Icon is going to be a nice addition in the area :) That is a big rotunda, why is ayala not taking good care of it --- parang brown na yata.

Is the lot with buldozers going to be the site of the bronze twin towers? And the rectagular shape lot below, is that going to be the site of the football shaped building? Icon is going to be a nice addition in the area :) That is a big rotunda, why is ayala not taking good care of it --- parang brown na yata.
Yes, the lot with the bulldozers is the future side for the twin buildings. Not sure what would happen to the vacant lot shaped like a "football" field. Re: the rotunda, actually, there's a dead tree that I wished they'd do something about it...For the dead grass, my mom says hopefully the rainy season will take care of it eventually... hehehe

thanks fbgcxxx, so i guess the tower next to rotunda will have the forever view of the golf course all the way to makati. regardless, very prime location. i like that they change the color from silver to bronze.

This will be a view of unit owners facing Manila Golf and Makati skyline
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d113/fbgcxxxx/manilaMay2006026.jpg


all i can say is WOW! thanks for this pic @fbgcxxxx.

if i may ask, who's the EVP for Sales?

all i can say is WOW! thanks for this pic @fbgcxxxx.

if i may ask, who's the EVP for Sales?
His name is Edward de Castro, he is both EVP and COO of Green Icon. Glad you liked the picture....

I love it too much. The view is beautiful. However, it is for this same reason (beautiful view) that I am not going to buy at Fairways Tower, Icon, or any other condo sharing the same vista. 3cr knows why. ;)

I love it too much. The view is beautiful. However, it is for this same reason (beautiful view) that I am not going to buy at Fairways Tower, Icon, or any other condo sharing the same vista. 3cr knows why. ;) Hi Sugarboy. Yup I still remember (hehehe)! Btw I will PM you Rachelle's (my ex-Philtown contact) contact info today. :)


Sugarboy, I tried sending Rachelle Chua's contact info but when I PM'd you it said your mailbox is full. Just PM me when you get the chance to clear up space in your mailbox and I'll be happy to send the info you seek! :)
Best Regards,
Boe/3cr :)

Hi Sugarboy. Yup I still remember (hehehe)! Btw I will PM you Rachelle's (my ex-Philtown contact) contact info today. :)

Rachelle Chua? :)

Rachelle Chua? :)
Yup that's her! You know Rachelle Chua too Gibson? Small world nga talaga. She was my contact in Philtown back then but guess she moved on to greener pastures na. She said she can sell basically any realestate development now that she's not affiliated. Does she get to sell G&W projects too? :)

Yup that's her! You know Rachelle Chua too Gibson? Small world nga talaga. She was my contact in Philtown back then but guess she moved on to greener pastures na. She said she can sell basically any realestate development now that she's not affiliated. Does she get to sell G&W projects too? :)

Yup, I know her...actually she already has worked with us and dealt with a couple of our units and owners. I think she made a great move in being independent, that way she can market and look at every project with objective point of view for the benefit of her client.

Yup, I know her...actually she already has worked with us and dealt with a couple of our units and owners. I think she made a great move in being independent, that way she can market and look at every project with objective point of view for the benefit of her client. Yes I agree with you that it was the right move for her. Even when she was affiliated with Philtown then, what I like about her is that she was very objective in her assessment of the areas (like Makati/Rockwell, Mandaluyong/Greenfield, and of course FBGC) I was considering and I never once felt she was pushing hard to sell me a Philtown product. Instead of the usual hard sell you get from realtors, she did her homework well (provides the pros and cons of the projects I was picking from), then fought hard for me during negotiations (I basically got pretty much everything I asked for), and provided excellent service (importante yan sa akin being outside the Philippines). On top of that nagpaalam pa sa akin when she left Philtown at hindi nawala parang bula after the sale. I felt lucky to have had her as my realestate contact when I picked up a unit in Fairways Tower.

Btw, I got your PM and have reponded back! Looking forward to meeting up with Cyril here in the BayArea! :)

Hello fbgcxxx.
Thanks for the photos of Fairways you've posted in the thread. I also have just read the message you posted and that is indeed very reassuring. I appreciated those posts very much. Btw so you've spoken with Rally Martinez and his Sales team na pala? How did your talks go with them, did you go through with the purchase? Balitaan mo na lang kami when you get the chance. Salamat ulit! :)

I love it too much. The view is beautiful. However, it is for this same reason (beautiful view) that I am not going to buy at Fairways Tower, Icon, or any other condo sharing the same vista. 3cr knows why. ;)
im confused and curious.... what is behind your reasoning for not wanting to buy along this corridor... share it naman. If not, i will have to coax 3cr to telling us...hehehe :)

fbgcxxx,
Clue: He is an avid golfer. I can fill you in on the details though better siguro kung kay Sugarboy na rin manggaling di ba? Sugarboy posted his reason(s) in the 1st Fairways thread. I also got curious and intrigued so I had to ask him after he said the same thing about Fairways. As it turns out it's just really a personal preference in his part. :)


Hi Sugarboy.
I've been trying to PM you Rachelle's contact info but it's not allowing me too since your mailbox is full daw. If you get a chance can you kindly PM when you're able to clear-up some mailbox space? This way I can forward you her info na. Thanks!

Best regards,
3cr/Boe :)

fbgcxxx,
Clue: He is an avid golfer. I can fill you in on the details though better siguro kung kay Sugarboy na rin manggaling di ba? Sugarboy posted his reason(s) in the 1st Fairways thread. I also got curious and intrigued so I had to ask him after he said the same thing about Fairways. As it turns out it's just really a personal preference in his part. :)


Hi Sugarboy.
I've been trying to PM you Rachelle's contact info but it's not allowing me too since your mailbox is full daw. If you get a chance can you kindly PM when you're able to clear-up some mailbox space? This way I can forward you her info na. Thanks!

Best regards,
3cr/Boe :)
ok... sugarboy must be a member of the Manila Golf club.... so far that's all i could think of.... Does he live in Forbes or Dasma ? Oh well, let me look for that darn old thread... :bash:

ok... sugarboy must be a member of the Manila Golf club.... so far that's all i could think of.... Does he live in Forbes or Dasma ? Oh well, let me look for that darn old thread... :bash:
fbgcxxx,
I'll save you the trouble my friend. If I remember correctly Sugarboy said something like as an avid golfer having Manila Golf as a view will be such a torture for him as he would be enticed into wanting to play golf there everyday he looks out of the window. Kaso nga lang ang mahal sobra ng membership and green fees duon. I think that's basically pretty much the gist of it. :)

Philrealty eyes Fort Bonifacio joint venture

PROPERTY developer and investment firm Philippine Realty and Holdings Corp. is looking at a possible joint venture for its 1,600-square-meter property in the Fort Bonifacio Global City prime development area near the Makati business district, Philrealty president Amador Bacani said. Philrealty acquired the property in 1996-97 for P200 million.

Bacani said Philrealty was in "very exploratory" talks with some foreign firms, which he declined to identify. He also said Philrealty was initially considering an office development in the Fort Bonifacio property and not ruled out a residential project.

The company earlier signed a joint-venture agreement with new property firm Xcell Property Ventures to develop "The Icon," which will have two 34-storey towers on Philrealty's 4,300-square-meter property in Fort Bonifacio. The property is an undeveloped lot facing the Manila Golf Club. Xcell president Rally Martinez said the cost of land and building reached P1.3 billion.

Xcell backers include Enrique Razon of port operator International Container Terminal Services Inc., Ramon Sy of International Exchange Bank, Alfred Xerez-Burgos of Landco Pacific, Gerardo Lanuza Jr. of Philrealty, and stockbroker Wilson Sy. Construction of The Icon is to start late this year and is expected to be completed in 2008.

This will be a view of unit owners facing Manila Golf and Makati skyline
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d113/fbgcxxxx/manilaMay2006026.jpg
it got the WOW FACTOR!!cool!

New firm with old faces to use tested formula

By Elizabeth Sanchez
Inquirer News Service

XCELL Property Ventures is a new name with old faces in business that is set to build "The Icon" this year, its maiden high-rise project which will sit on Fort Bonifacio's last prime property that has a sweeping view of the Manila Golf and urban skyline.

Xcell is backed up by corporate bigwigs -- Enrique Razon of port giant International Container Terminal Services Inc., Ramon Sy of International Exchange Bank, Landco Pacific president Alfred Xerez-Burgos, Gerardo Lanuza Jr. of Philippine Realty Holdings and veteran stockbroker Wilson Sy with its president and chief executive officer Rally Martinez at the helm. The Icon also brings together the design of architects Recio+Casas and contemporary interiors by C/S Design Consultants.

Martinez says in an interview that "the Icon" is a play of both old and new meanings. "The term icon is used to represent landmarks for men and women of distinction, so it has always been an old name. But it is also a new name, used in computer lingo. It is new in a sense because it is modern architecture but founded on old, time-tested techniques, in terms of number one, location, location, location. This is what real estate is all about, that's why we say we are on the primest lot on Fort Bonifacio. That is an old time-tested tradition," Martinez says.

He also says the Icon stands for "Inside Comfort, Outside Nature", marrying both comfort from the interior and its view of nature outside your unit which addresses complaints about living inside a condominium or the feeling of being confined within its four walls

The Icon will consist of two towers with 34 storeys each, and sits on 4,300 square meters of property. Project cost is estimated at P1.3 billion.

The Icon currently has a showroom at the lobby of the West Tower in Tektite, Ortigas City. "When I did the internal they needed for the mock-up, I wanted the space to feel modern but not too cold, not too minimalist, and I think the market, or I imagine the market for a building like this to be for people that are younger or for younger families," Anna Maria Sy, managing director of C/S Design Consultancy said.

Martinez says he considered the Icon to be a balance between aesthetics and functionality. "We never say we are ultra modern that we become dysfunctional. We are not too functional that we are considered boring," he says.

Since it launched its model unit last April, Martinez claims the Icon has sold 40 percent of its 330 units.

A studio unit at Tower One, with an area of 36 square meters would cost some P3 million at P85,000 per square meter. A one bedroom unit has an area of 61 square meters while a two-bedroom unit is 65 square meters.

Xcell offers its customers a flexible payment scheme. The unit is paid over a three-year period, with 60 percent on the third year and 40 percent when the unit is available. It charges no interest. With construction starting late this year, the project is expected to be completed by 2008.

Martinez has high hopes for the property sector, saying it is well on its way to recovery. "There will be parity between supply and demand. At least there will be enough demand to cover the current supply specially with the increasing interest from the Fil-Am market," he says.

[QUOTE=3cr]New firm with old faces to use tested formula

By Elizabeth Sanchez
Inquirer News Service

"Since it launched its model unit last April, Martinez claims the Icon has sold 40 percent of its 330 units. " -----> Tower 1 is practically sold out. They are now selling Tower 2.

"With construction starting late this year, the project is expected to be completed by 2008. " ---- > Tower 1 is ready by 2008. Tower 2 will be turned over to unit owners by 2009.

This is a picture of the ongoing excavation at The Icon. (Please pardon the reflection coming from the glass window.)

Picture taken last June 29, 2006 at One McKinley Place.

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i143/cynchyap/BGC%20-%202006/181_8109-1.jpg

Very prime location --- parang lahat na yata sa BGC prime :). Na-intrigue naman ako sa trees with color orange --- parang four seasons :)

@ realtor manila, thanks again for the photo. the best time to get a photo can be during the time of the day when you are not facing the sun. or at least the suns rays are not hitting the glass curtain wall. and it's nice to see Icon starting off construction. Hopefully, the twins would become real Iconic structures.

@ geebang, i'm not really sure about the tree you are referring. during summer until june, the orange flowers bloom. they are a bit similar to the Firetrees. Firetrees have more distinct orange color though. It would be nice to have a lot of firetrees lining FBGC streets. Pag nahuhulog ang flowers, all orange ang paligid. :)

@ realtor manila, thanks again for the photo. the best time to get a photo can be during the time of the day when you are not facing the sun. or at least the suns rays are not hitting the glass curtain wall. and it's nice to see Icon starting off construction. Hopefully, the twins would become real Iconic structures.

@ geebang, i'm not really sure about the tree you are referring. during summer until june, the orange flowers bloom. they are a bit similar to the Firetrees. Firetrees have more distinct orange color though. It would be nice to have a lot of firetrees lining FBGC streets. Pag nahuhulog ang flowers, all orange ang paligid. :)
Just like the rest of you guys. Na intrigue ako, coming from the States. Everytime I come home to visit and stay in Ayala alabang... Ang dami niyang Firetrees. Something we dont have here in California....

cuidao at makati iyang mga firetrees, daming higad

^^ cuidao?

^^be careful ! :)

^^be careful ! :)
is this a sign for us investors?????

It's just a friendly advice/reminder na mag-ingat at huwag humara-hara under the Firetrees kasi madami raw higad at talagang napakakati naman niyan pagnadapuan ka ng mga ito. It's actually almost like getting exposed to poison oak though not as severe. :)

Bakit tahimik na dito sa thread na ito? Is there a new one out there???

Not that I know of Greg. Baka wala lang worthy updates to report as of yet. I'm sure there will be some that will be posted as the project comes along further though it will be nice to see what's happening at the job site.
Pics anyone? Thanks in advance sa tulong niyo!

as of to-date.. the Icon site still has slow movement... they are still digging out...though it seemed that they are just levelling their digging as they seemed to have reached the bottom that they need..

as of to-date.. the Icon site still has slow movement... they are still digging out...though it seemed that they are just levelling their digging as they seemed to have reached the bottom that they need..

Honestly, they have been digging for the longest time. Sa tagal ng panahon, at this point, you should see steel bars above the ground already. (Very mind boggling because the way I look at it, technically , there should be no delays because Icon -Tower 1 is sold out already. Di ba kung sold out, todo na dapat ang construction. )

They have really good studio units really hope a 3rd tower is on the works

Honestly, they have been digging for the longest time. Sa tagal ng panahon, at this point, you should see steel bars above the ground already. (Very mind boggling because the way I look at it, technically , there should be no delays because Icon -Tower 1 is sold out already. Di ba kung sold out, todo na dapat ang construction. )

I have to agree with your assessment. Not sure what's with the slow pace of development, not good since this is their 1st project and they have yet to prove themselves.....

This is just at the back of Pacific plaza and One mckinley right? update us on some pics of the construction site and vicinity

I have to agree with your assessment. Not sure what's with the slow pace of development, not good since this is their 1st project and they have yet to prove themselves.....


right now under bidding pa lang kasi yung construction ng building maybe its the reason why hindi sila masyado nagmamadali.. and the one doing the excavation works is recommended by the cityhall kaya hindi sila pwde pagalitan ng owner :nono:

right now under bidding pa lang kasi yung construction ng building maybe its the reason why hindi sila masyado nagmamadali.. and the one doing the excavation works is recommended by the cityhall kaya hindi sila pwde pagalitan ng owner :nono:

After hearing of stuff like this, I am so glad I went with G&W. Being overseas and knowing that there is little or no progress at all, will drive me insane.

kailan ba daw turnover nitong Icon 1?

After hearing of stuff like this, I am so glad I went with G&W. Being overseas and knowing that there is little or no progress at all, will drive me insane.

Agree, but the selling point of this one that could keep sales alive even with very little or no progress is the fact that its along the Manila Golf Ridge, endless unhampered views of the fairways with the Makati skyline as a dramatic backdrop, a feature that no other pre-selling condo in BGC could claim. ;)

Agree, but the selling point of this one that could keep sales alive even with very little or no progress is the fact that its along the Manila Golf Ridge, endless unhampered views of the fairways with the Makati skyline as a dramatic backdrop, a feature that no other pre-selling condo in BGC could claim. ;)

I agree that views are a great selling point for highrise condos, which does not really pertain to me. I will probably only see my condo 2 weeks a year, but what are great views if you don't have the condo to view the view??