THIS YEAR'S EDITION TO FEATURE THE PROVINCES' BEST DEVELOPERS, AS JUDGED BY EXPERTS AND CONSUMERS, AMID DECENTRALISATION AND DIVERSIFICATION

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Industry leaders and award-winning developers gathered today at the Fili Hotel within the NUSTAR complex for Asia Connect Cebu 2026, marking the Visayas and Mindanao legs of the 14th PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards launch.

(L-R) Jules Kay (General Manager, PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards & Events), Lloyd T. Tan (Partner, Diaz Murillo Dalupan and Company HLB Philippines), Cyndy Tan Jarabata (President, TAJARA Leisure & Hospitality Group Inc), Ricardo Floirendo Lagdameo (President & CEO, Damosa Land, Inc), Atty. James Abadia (Vice President, Business Development and SBU Head, Visayas, Cebu Landmasters, Inc) and Carlo Cordaro (President and CEO, Atelier A)

The PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards returns for its 14th edition in 2026 with an expanded lineup of categories reflecting market dynamics across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The gala dinner and presentation will be held Thursday, 20 August 2026, in Manila, ahead of the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final in December 2026 in Bangkok where Philippine winners will compete with peers across Asia Pacific for the title of Best in Asia.

Key dates for the 2026 edition are:

• 19 June 2026 – Entries Close

• 6-28 July 2026 – Site Inspections

• 13-26 July – People’s Choice Awards voting period

• 20 August 2026 – Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony in Manila

• 11 December 2026 – Regional Grand Final Gala Dinner in Bangkok, Thailand

Resilient property market

Asia Connect Cebu explored how world-class infrastructure, end-user demand, and a maturing business ecosystem have built Visayas into a resilient property market. Metro Cebu, in particular, has transformed into a distinct real estate ecosystem and co-equal primary market alongside Metro Manila, with buyers acquiring homes for long-term occupation and wealth preservation.

Metro Cebu's ascendance comes as infrastructure investments enhance connectivity and liveability across Visayas. The Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) has significantly expanded its international network with new flight routes connecting Cebu directly to US territories, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Australia, strengthening its position as a gateway to the Philippines. The Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX), the longest and tallest bridge in the Philippines. continues to improve economic mobility and link mainland Cebu to Mactan Island, producing fresh tailwinds toward tourism and hospitality.

These transport arteries have transformed Cebu into a highly connected urban centre and MICE destination, further diversifying the local economy beyond traditional drivers. Cebu's property market remains resilient across asset classes. The office sector captures strong provincial take-up as BPO firms decentralise, while residential demand stays healthy, fuelled by OFWs, local investors, and the IT-BPM workforce.

Exemplifying provincial excellence was Cebu Landmasters, Inc. , which took home titles for Best Housing Developer, Best Developer (Mindanao), and Best Developer (Visayas) at the 2025 PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards. These were supported by wins for developments throughout the islands including Mivela Garden Residences, Casa Mira Towers LPU Davao, and Velmiro Plains Bacolod.

Atty. James Abadia, vice-president for business development and SBU Head for Visayas, Cebu Landmasters, Inc., said: "Participating in the PropertyGuru Philippine Property Awards reinforces our commitment to excellence in Visayas and Mindanao and validates the quality and standards we uphold in every development. What drives us is a deep understanding of our market—we build thoughtfully planned homes and real estate solutions that respond to real needs, support long-term community growth and help close the housing gap."

Mindanao’s ascent

Parallel to Cebu's ascent, the Davao Region has emerged as one of the Philippines' most attractive property markets outside Metro Manila, drawing both local buyers and foreign investors with its combination of economic stability, lower crime rates, and major infrastructure projects underway.

A substantial infrastructure budget endorsed for 2026 is fuelling demand across Metro Davao's residential and commercial segments, with transformative projects set to reshape the metropolis between now and 2027. These include a major terminal expansion at Davao International Airport, the landmark Samal Island-Davao City Connector (SIDC) bridge, and the new Davao City bypass road featuring the country's first long-distance mountain tunnel.

Davao-based Damosa Land, Inc. won Best Boutique Developer in 2025, a recognition that affirms the company's deep-seated commitment to Mindanao. The company is entering 2026 with its strongest development pipeline yet as it prepares to open Mindanao's newest international-branded hospitality project and Samal's first four-star global hospitality brand.

Ricardo "Cary" Florendo Lagdameo, President & CEO of Damosa Land, Inc., said: "It is a deeply meaningful milestone for Damosa Land, Inc., especially as a developer rooted in Mindanao, to be named the 2025 Best Boutique Developer at the PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards. This recognition affirms the dedication, passion, and thoughtful intent our team pours into every development. More than placing us on the national stage, it validates our purpose of creating communities shaped with care, vision, and a genuine understanding of the people we serve."

He added: “Our deep-rooted connection to the region continues to guide us. As the Davao Region experiences sustained growth in infrastructure and development, driving demand for commercial, industrial, and residential spaces, we do more than respond—we thoughtfully curate and strategically design each project to be resilient, inclusive, and future-ready. Our goal is for every development to be more than just a  property; it is a place that homeowners, tenants, and locators can genuinely call home—where lives are enriched, businesses thrive, and communities grow.”

New categories 

The 14th PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards promises to set new benchmarks with new categories including Best Condo Developer, Best Affordable Housing Development (Luzon), Best First Home Development, Best Wellness Hospitality Development, Best Marina Development, and Best Landmark Development.

For the first time, the programme introduces the People's Choice Awards, consumer-driven accolades voted by residents and citizens to determine the Top 10 Developers in the country. All parent companies of developers in the judged categories automatically qualify for these awards, supported by Inquirer Property.

Jules Kay, general manager of PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards and Events, said: “Decentralisation and diversification remain powerful engines of national growth in the Philippines, particularly across the Visayas and Mindanao. Tourism is expanding into new    destinations, supported by airport upgrades and new routes, while strong demand for affordable housing sees buyers’searching for value beyond Metro Manila. With infrastructure progress and renewed investor confidence, VisMin is becoming one of the country’s most promising property frontiers, so we’re excited to celebrate its finest developers at this year's PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards.”

Cyndy Tan Jarabata, chairperson of the independent judging panel and president of TAJARA Leisure & Hospitality Group Inc., said: “With the launch of the 14th PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards, we anticipate continued progress, decentralisation, and diversification across Visayas and Mindanao, where primary markets like Metro Cebu and Metro Davao are experiencing their own suburban expansions akin to the national capital region, driven by rising project activity, renewed investor and purchaser interest, and tourism growth. These regional hubs have consistently contributed strong entries, supported by transport infrastructure upgrades, including modernised airport facilities, and industrial growth, while we observe increased participation from both branded developers and domestic firms, including boutique companies, expanding their market share. This year’s awards cycle is expected to scale in scope and competitiveness, showcasing the stronger presence and performance of VisMin companies and projects as they build thriving ecosystems in the provinces.”

The PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards is supported in 2026 by gold sponsor Boysen Paints; official newspaper The Philippine Star; official print and online news partner Inquirer Property; official magazine Property Report by PropertyGuru; official publicity partner Ripple8; media partners Bridges, BusinessWorld, Manila Bulletin, Philippine Daily Inquirer, PhilStar Property Report PH, and Real Estate News PH; and official supervisor HLB.

A New Era for Philippine Real Estate

The 13th PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards launched at the Asia Connect: Cebu event, where real estate leaders gathered to share their insights into the growing markets of Visayas and Mindanao. The awards, which will run through 2025, coincide with the 20th anniversary of the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards, Asia's most respected awards program for real estate. Known as the “Gold Standard” in the region’s real estate sector, these awards recognize excellence in property development across 15 dynamic markets.

Key Dates for 2025 Property Awards

The PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards are officially open for entries, with deadlines and key dates as follows:

• June 6, 2025 – Entries close
• June 23 to July 11, 2025 – Site inspections
• July 14, 2025 – Final judging
• August 15, 2025 – Gala dinner and awards ceremony in Manila
• December 12, 2025 – Regional Grand Final Gala Dinner and Awards Presentation in Bangkok

Visayas and Mindanao: The New Frontiers of Real Estate

Visayas and Mindanao are quickly positioning themselves as viable alternatives to Metro Cebu, Metro Davao, and Metro Manila. These regions are booming thanks to substantial infrastructure investments, such as the Build Better More initiative, which is set to boost the real estate sector by modernizing airports, expanding expressways, and investing in energy projects. This push is expected to enhance local tourism, create jobs, and stimulate both residential and commercial real estate development.

Last year’s 12th PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards highlighted the successes in Visayas and Mindanao, with Cebu Landmasters winning Best Developer (Mindanao) and projects like Casa Mira Towers Guadalupe, lyf Cebu City, and Velmiro Greens Bohol all taking home awards.

B. Grant Cheng, EVP & CFO of Cebu Landmasters, emphasized the company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation, saying their Sustainability-Linked Bonds were oversubscribed by three times, signaling a growing demand for sustainable real estate solutions in the region.

New Categories to Reflect Emerging Trends

For the 13th edition of the awards, PropertyGuru has introduced 11 new categories to honor diverse property developments, including:

• Best Township Developer
• Best Mega Township Development
• Best Oceanview Condo Development
• Best Multigeneration Living Condo Development
• Best Affordable Condo Interior Design

Jules Kay, General Manager of PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards, pointed out the expanding role of Visayas and Mindanao in shaping the future of the country’s real estate scene. The strong tourism push, combined with large-scale infrastructure projects, will unlock even greater land values in these regions, and developers are ready to take advantage of these opportunities with both vertical and horizontal developments.

Jules Kay The 13th PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards

A Thriving Market

Cyndy Tan Jarabata, President of TAJARA Leisure & Hospitality Group Inc., and Chairperson of the awards' judging panel, highlighted the importance of infrastructure improvements, especially in airports and road networks, in boosting real estate growth. With new hubs outside Cebu and Davao emerging, the demand for well-designed, sustainable developments—ranging from affordable housing to tourism-focused projects—is expected to rise rapidly.

The Road to the Grand Final

The winners of the 13th PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards will not only earn local recognition but also have the chance to compete for the prestigious Best in Asia titles at the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final in December 2025. This marks an exciting opportunity for developers across the Philippines to gain global recognition, following the country’s success in the 2024 Grand Final, where 12 Philippine developers and projects earned regional awards.

Ready to Shine?

If you’re a developer in Visayas or Mindanao—or even in other parts of the country—the 13th PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards is your chance to gain recognition for your hard work and innovation. With new categories designed to showcase the diverse and thriving property developments across the nation, this year’s awards are set to highlight the incredible potential of the Philippine real estate market.

For more details, visit AsiaPropertyAwards.com or email awards@propertyguru.com.

Let's celebrate the future of Philippine real estate, and may the best projects shine!

CELEBRATION WILL SHOWCASE THE FINEST REAL ESTATE IN THE PHILIPPINES’ KEY GROWTH AREAS TO SOUTHEAST ASIA

CEBU, Philippines — The 2024 edition of the PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards is set to present the highest marks of excellence to real estate enterprises and design leaders across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. 

The 12th Annual PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards, presented by Kohler and supported by Boysen Paints and Dongpeng Ceramic, will be celebrated Friday, 6 September 2024 at Shangri-La The Fort, Manila. Submissions from the industry and the public are now accepted via asiapropertyawards.com/nominations until 14 June 2024.

The timeline for the grandest celebration of real estate was unveiled today during the “Connect with Southeast Asia” event at the Grand Ballroom of the award-winning Fili Hotel NUSTAR Cebu in Cebu City.

Key dates for the 2024 edition:

Diversification and decentralization

Launched in 2013, the PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards have diversified over the years to honor outstanding companies and projects in growing cities and investment hubs such as Cebu, Davao, Batangas, Bacolod, and Iloilo. The Awards in 2024 will continue that tradition, setting the Gold Standard of real estate across categories representing property markets in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. 

The award categories this year will also recognize developers across various specializations for their operational portfolios and impact on environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG). The categories include marks of excellence for development and design, in addition to recognition for the achievements of prominent individuals in the industry.

The diversification of award categories and recipients reflects the emergence of key growth areas outside Metro Manila. These pivotal destinations gain traction as foreign investments and infrastructure projects continue to stimulate development and boost property values across the country, according to Property Report by PropertyGuru, the official magazine of the Awards.

Jules Kay, general manager of PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards and Events, said: "As the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards program continues to evolve, we welcome entrants from all over the Philippines, especially growth areas beyond the capital such as Cebu. From Luzon to Visayas and Mindanao, our goal is to showcase excellence in real estate nationwide, highlighting market development and diversity across multiple destinations. With its resilient economy and strong fundamentals, as well as ambitious infrastructure projects and competitive industries, we look forward to recognizing another exciting phase in the evolution of Philippine real estate this year.”

Professionalism and transparency

The independent panel of judges comprises experts from various segments of the property sector and related fields.

The judging process is professionally run and fully transparent, culminating in the selection of shortlisted nominees and the announcement of winners. Top winners then advance to compete against their peers across Asia Pacific at the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final.

HLB, the global network of independent advisory and accounting firms, supervises the entire selection process.

Cyndy Tan Jarabata, chairperson of the independent panel of judges and president of TAJARA Leisure & Hospitality Group Inc., said: “We open the latest edition of the PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards with a wide array of accolades for the finest real estate in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The 12th edition of the Awards builds on more than a decade of inclusivity, representation, and recognition for the achievements of property markets throughout the archipelago. Over the years, our independent panel of judges has taken an active role in influencing developers on the decentralization of urban and property development from vibrant Metro Manila to the country’s fast-developing regions, secondary cities, and provinces. This process has only accelerated post-pandemic with the growing preference for open, green spaces and leisure-oriented destinations as well as the influx of tourist arrivals and foreign direct investments.”

Ms. Jarabata joined Mr. Kay and Junefer Llena, head of project sales of Kohler Kitchen and Bath Philippines, the platinum sponsor of the Awards, at the launch event in Fili Hotel NUSTAR Cebu.

A project by Robinsons Hotels and Resorts, Fili Hotel NUSTAR Cebu won three titles, including Best Hotel Development, at the 11th PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards 2023 held in Manila. The development would go on to win the Best Hospitality Architectural Design (Asia) title at the 18th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final 2023 in Bangkok, Thailand.

Provincial markets represented

Cyel Auza, vice president for operations of Aboitiz InfraCapital Economic Estates, and Jose Franco Soberano, director, senior executive vice president, and chief operating officer of Cebu Landmasters, Inc. (CLI), represented the prominent winners from provincial markets in 2023 at the launch event.

Aboitiz InfraCapital Economic Estates won the Best Industrial Developer (Asia) award as well as the Best Industrial Development (Asia) award for West Cebu Estate at the Grand Final in 2023.

The company also won the Best Industrial Developer title, among other recognitions, at the 2023 Awards in the Philippines, with West Cebu Estate winning Best Industrial Development. LIMA Central Business District won the Best Mixed Use Development award for the company while LIMA Estate won Best Green Development. Aboitiz Land, Inc. meanwhile won the prestigious Best Housing Development (Philippines) award for Seafront Residences, in addition to winning titles for the projects Ajoya Cabanatuan and The Villages at Lipa.

Cebu Landmasters, Inc. was hailed Best Developer (Mindanao) at the 2023 Awards in the Philippines, supported by the Best Retail Architectural Design award for DGT City Center. Casa Mira Towers Bacolod won the Best Condo Development (Visayas) award for the company while Casa Mira Iloilo won Best Housing Development (Visayas). Casa Mira Homes Danao won Best Housing Development (Metro Cebu) while Costa Mira Beachtown Panglao won Best Waterfront Condo Development.

Jose R. Soberano III, chairman, president, and CEO of Cebu Landmasters, Inc., was honoured as the Philippines Real Estate Personality of the Year for achievements that include leading the expansion of the homegrown Cebu developer.

Cebu Landmasters, Inc. said in a statement: “Being awarded several times over the years by this prestigious award-giving body is a testament that CLI has masterfully planned sustainable developments and continues to add features based on the preferences and aspirations of our stakeholders. Having the awards also inspired us to surpass our limits and challenge our best and even do better than our previous accomplishments.”

The company aims to develop more quality homes and sustainable townships and communities as the Philippine economy continues to recover. The Philippines recorded an annual GDP growth of 5.6% in 2023.

Cebu Landmasters, Inc. also said in a statement: “The customers’ evolving preferences and sustained demand are strong indicators of market recovery. The market for residential housing also continues to be robust with more demand in the coming years due to the lack of supply for affordable housing.”

The PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards are part of the regional PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards series, which marks its 19th year in 2024. The series covers key markets across the region, spanning Southeast Asia, East Asia, South Asia, and Oceania, with exclusive gala dinners and ceremonies that represent the most anticipated property events of the year. 

Organized by PropertyGuru Group, the 12th PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards are supported by platinum sponsor Kohler; gold sponsor Boysen Paints; silver sponsor Dongpeng Ceramic; official magazine Property Report by PropertyGuru; official publicity partner Ripple8; and official supervisor HLB.

For more information, email awards@propertyguru.com or visit the official website: AsiaPropertyAwards.com.

CEBU DEVELOPMENTS REPRESENT THE BEST OF THE PHILIPPINES ON THE INTERNATIONAL STAGE

CEBU, Philippines — Organisers of the PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards expressed confidence in the recovery of the Visayas and Mindanao property markets, following a strong performance by competitors representing the island groups at the 2022 PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards series. 

JULES KAY, General Manager, PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards & Events MYRA GILIG, Senior Vice-President for Sales and Sales Admin, AppleOne Properties Inc. CYNDY TAN JARABATA, President, TAJARA Leisure & Hospitality Group Inc.  LLOYD T. TAN, Partner, Diaz Murillo Dalupan and Company – HLB Philippines

Condominiums and house-and-lot (H&L) units in Cebu and property markets outside Metro Manila appreciated fast and recorded impressive annual price growth rates last year, according to research by Property Report by PropertyGuru, the Official Magazine of the Awards. Meanwhile, the completion of transport infrastructure developments such as the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway has boosted major developers’ interest in Cebu. 

Outsourcing firms will continue driving demand for office space within and outside Metro Manila, including Cebu, according to research by Colliers Philippines. Take-up in the provinces from outsourcing companies reached 149,800 square metres in 2022, with Cebu, Davao, and Pampanga covering 86% of the transactions.

The good news comes on the heels of the Philippine economy posting its fastest pace of growth in more than 40 years in 2022. Richard Raymundo, managing director of Colliers Philippines and a member of the independent judging panel of the Awards in the Philippines, said: “This is a positive signal for the property market which, over the past decades, mirrored the boom-bust cycle of the country’s economic output.”

Jules Kay, general manager of PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards and Events, said: “Over the years, the PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards have been part of the evolution of Cebu from a vibrant resort destination to a prosperous, self-contained property market in its own right. Our nominees from Cebu are no longer confined to local and national categories, but also successfully represent the Philippines at our regional Grand Final, even besting some of Asia Pacific’s finest real estate. We are excited to see how Cebu developers raise the Gold Standard once again in 2023.”

From Cebu’s finest to the Best in Asia

Winning developers from Cebu at the 10th PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards 2022 went on to garner regional ‘Best in Asia’ honours at the 17th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final. AppleOne Mactan, Inc. won Best Branded Residential Development (Asia) for The Residences at Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort while Cebu Landmasters, Inc. won Best Hospitality Architectural Design (Asia) for Sofitel Cebu City. 

Developers and projects in Visayas and Mindanao were well represented at the 10th PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards 2022. Cebu Landmasters, Inc. received multiple awards, including the Best Developer (Visayas) and Best Developer (Mindanao) titles. Homegrown Davao developers Damosa Land, Inc and UrbanEast Developments, Inc. also garnered winning titles, including those for developments such as Ameria and The Gardens at South Ridge. Torre Lorenzo Development Corporation and Grand Land Inc. meanwhile earned winning titles for its Mindanao projects Dusit Thani Lubi Plantation Resort and The Piazza, respectively. 

The most exclusive night for Philippine real estate in 2023 will take place at the main ballroom of the Fairmont Makati hotel on Friday, 29 September.

Key dates for the 2023 edition:

14 July 2023 – Entries Close

7 August – 1 September 2023 – Site Inspections 

6 September 2023 – Final Judging

29 September 2023 – Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony in Manila, Philippines 

8 December 2023 – Regional Grand Final Gala Presentation in Bangkok, Thailand

Nominations and entries are being accepted online until 14 July 2023: asiapropertyawards.com/nominations

Fair, transparent process

The highly anticipated 2023 edition of the PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards kicked off into high gear with a media launch today at the Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort. The media event, which was followed by a networking cocktail with property developers, was led by Jules Kay alongside Cyndy Tan Jarabata, chairperson of the independent panel of judges of the PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards and president of TAJARA Leisure & Hospitality Group Inc.; Myra Gilig, senior vice-president for sales and sales admin operations, AppleOne Properties Inc; and Lloyd T. Tan, partner with Diaz Murillo Dalupan and Company – HLB Philippines, the Official Supervisor of the Awards.

The independent panel of judges, comprising experts in diverse fields such as real estate consultancy, architecture and interior design, and sustainable development, will rigorously deliberate over eligible entries to the Awards. 

HLB, the global network of independent advisory and accounting firms, will make full use of a professionally run and fully transparent judging system, with an established reputation for fairness, credibility, and integrity. 

Main country winners of the Awards in the Philippines qualify to compete for regional honours at the 18th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final 2023 on 8 December in Bangkok, Thailand. 

Established in 2005, the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards continue to reward high-calibre work within the industry, encompassing property development, construction, architecture, interior design, and sustainable building practices. The series has expanded over the years to cover the region’s dynamic property markets, including Australia, the Chinese markets, Greater Niseko in Japan, and India. 

Organised by PropertyGuru Group (NYSE: PGRU), Southeast Asia’s leading property technology company, the 11th PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards are supported by platinum sponsor Kohler; gold sponsor Boysen Paints; official magazine Property Report by PropertyGuru; official publicity partner Ripple8; and official supervisor HLB.

For more information, email awards@propertyguru.com or visit the official website: AsiaPropertyAwards.com.