By Bryle B. Suralta
Soon, Filipinos won’t have to travel to Japan to experience a slice of the Land of the Rising Sun’s way of life, because they may soon own a virtual piece of Japan in the thriving metropolis of Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.
Federal Land, Inc., one of the country’s top real estate companies, announced that it has partnered with two of the biggest names in Japan’s prime real estate and retail industries—Nomura Real Estate Development and Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings, Inc.—to create the said residential property.
“We know a lot of Filipinos and expatriates would love to get a Japanese experience within the comforts of their own home,” shared Federal Land, Inc. chairman Alfred V. Ty. “The Seasons Residences is the first of its kind in the country where residents can live, shop, and dine the Japanese way.”
Meanwhile, Nomura Real Estate Development Co., Ltd. chairman Eiji Kutsukake says that the company is honored to “bring the excellence that Nomura Real Estate is known for.”
Kutsukake added: “We’re very happy to find a good partner in Federal Land, Inc. so we can transform our vision of integrating all that is precious to people and communities into reality.”
The Seasons Residences is a $400-million joint venture among the three companies. It will be an integrated lifestyle center that will be home to four residential towers, ranging from 41 to 51 levels. The partners say that the overall design will reflect the “harmonious balance between Japanese technology, architecture and Filipino hospitality.”
To channel Haru, a section of the amenity floor will house a gym and a lush garden. As for integrating a sense of Natsu, The Seasons Residences will have a separate pool for kids and adults, ensuring safety. The area will also have a karaoke station, function room and game room.
For a touch of Aki, the business center and music studio will be available for residents to get creative. Fuyu, on the other hand, is felt at the dry garden, where individuals can meditate and spend some time in the spa to detoxify.
The first Mistukoshi Mall in the Philippines
“We are excited to open the first mall of its kind in the Philippines,” said Toshihiko Sugie, president and CEO of Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings Ltd. “We know how much Filipinos love to go to the mall to shop and eat, or simply to relax, so we hope Filipinos will enjoy their Mitsukoshi Mall experience.”
Each store and restaurant at the mall will be carefully curated to reflect the brand’s dedication to providing the ultimate Japanese shopping experience. Mall-goers can expect a selection of Japanese homegrown brands, restaurants offering authentic Japanese fare, as well as well-known international brands.
Mistukoshi Mall will also be bringing its signature supermarket. Shoppers can expect a wide array of high-quality goods from Japan, which can be found in the supermarket’s own sweets shop, fresh items selection and premium food court.
Japanese elements, Filipino hospitality
The developers worked together to find a balance between Japanese elements and Filipino hospitality, reflected in the buildings’ architecture and design, as well as its amenities. Japanese technology and design principles were observed to convey the style, convenience and eco-friendliness of Japanese living.
“The residential towers of The Seasons Residences will focus on four key aspects: functionality, safety, harmony with the environment and Japanese technology,” Ty claimed.
All four towers of The Seasons Residences will incorporate a sophisticated damper system, which is a highly sophisticated earthquake vibration control technology that can withstand strong winds and vibrations.
Meanwhile, the property’s indoor security features include a state-of-the-art keycard access system for the elevators and main doors. Additionally, to address environmental concerns and conserve resources, energy-efficient lights and Japanese-branded ecological bathroom fixtures will be installed in every unit.
Japanese space-saving solutions, like the kitchen floor cabinets and a spacious shoe rack, are installed in each unit as well.
Residents can even share this metropolitan sanctuary with friends and families with “The Guest House.” Located at the amenity deck, this unique feature sports a Japanese-inspired tea room and a spacious bedroom where guests can rest, relax and stay.
“We look forward to our fruitful partnership with Nomura Real Estate and Isetan Mistukoshi,” said Ty. “We’re very excited to bring a piece of Japanese life to the Philippines.”
