From resource-intensive mass production methods that often lead to overconsumption, to anti-green practices that contribute to the continuous degradation of the environment, many of today’s investment strategies employ models that are not sustainable. Lombard Odier has aptly named these models WILD or “Wasteful, Idle, Lopsided, Dirty”, an issue UnionBank Private Banking is similarly trying to address, in the context of sustainable investing in the local landscape.

There are many factors that Filipino ultra-high net worth individuals consider when choosing a bank. Sustainability, one such factor, is starting to grow in weight of preference. According to the whitepaper “Connection, Transition, Transformation: engaging Asia’s UHNWI in the New Normal” published in February 2021 by Lombard Odier and UnionBank Private Banking together with Lombard Odier’s other strategic alliances in the region, many UHNWIs have noted their concern for climate change and the need for action once the pandemic has ended with 89% of the respondents believing that the sustainability trend in one form or another is here to stay in the long run.

As an answer to the WILD model, Lombard Odier has created the CLIC™ framework. Short for “Circular, Lean, Inclusive, Clean,” the CLIC™ framework promotes sustainable and forward-looking business practices and further drives the ongoing shift toward a circular and leaner economy, where waste and emissions are minimized, and growth is inclusive. Through the framework, Lombard Odier aims to meet the long-term objectives of its private banking clients through strategies that are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

“The CLIC™ economy leverages efficient production and consumption, and the sharing economy, reducing the wasteful accumulation of idle assets. It reduces the dependence on ever-greater extraction of mineral resources and draws on the substantial value of the materials and components that constitute the products that we so readily discard today. The transition to a circular, lean economy; one which invests to protect and regenerate its natural capital; will unlock trillions in untapped value,” said Dr. Christopher Kaminker, Head of Sustainable Investment, Research, Strategy and Stewardship at Lombard Odier.“The transition is already underway, and we are seeing many regions across Asia embrace the CLIC™ revolution.”

UnionBank Private Banking believes in the power of the CLIC™ framework to usher in a new age where economic growth can enjoy a harmonious co-existence with eco-conscious efficiency and innovation. Because the framework synergizes perfectly with UnionBank’s “Tech Up Pilipinas” advocacy, the Bank is once again leveraging on its strategic alliance with Lombard Odier to inspire Filipino UHNWIs to become catalysts of the CLIC™ economy in the Philippines.

“UnionBank’s “Tech Up Pilipinas” sustainability thrust revolves around three focus areas- Digital Transformation, Sustainable Finance, and Inclusive Prosperity, which are compatible with Lombard Odier’s CLIC™ framework. We are happy that this synergy allows us to be one of the movers in the local banking industry to pioneer an ESG-led investment program for our UNHWI clients.” said UnionBank Senior Vice President and Head of Private Banking Atty. Arlene Agustin.

“The Philippines is one of the countries in the region that is on the lower side of the transition towards Sustainable Investments. However, we see positive change where more and more investors are looking towards the better business models and practices. UnionBank Private Banking continues to strive towards a more cognizant approach towards sustainable investing and pave a way towards more sustainable frameworks such as CLIC™. We are committed towards this positive change that could lead to a shift in methods within the local market. We share the same belief as Lombard Odier that it is time to let go of old wasteful, idle, lopsided, and dirty practices to bring forth a clean change towards society.” Arlene added.

Join UnionBank Private Banking and Lombard Odier in a live virtual event “E-conoMix: Shaping the Future with Sustainable Investing” on July 29 where subject-matter experts from both banks will share their current global and local market views as well as insights on sustainable investing and transitioning to a CLIC™ Economy.

The event is open to the public and will be live-streamed via YouTube on July 29 from 3:00 to 4:30 PM. To access the event, visit tinyurl.com/Economix-Sustainability.

For any concerns, you may contact us through our Customer Service Hotline at (+632) 8841-8600 or through customer.service@unionbankph.com. Union Bank of the Philippines is an entity regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) with website address: https://www.bsp.gov.ph.

Located at the bustling economic and cultural capital of Mindanao, Dusit Thani Residence Davao has become a paragon in the region in how leisure and luxury can safely thrive in the middle of the pandemic.

Launched in 2019, the Dusit Thani Residence is part of a larger, mixed-use complex that has become one of Davao’s most exciting addresses. Combining well-appointed interiors with full-service amenities, Dusit Thani Residence Davao exudes the elegance and graciousness that the Dusit brand has come to be known for.

“We actually started our turnover this year, allowing our buyers and investors to safely occupy their new homes in line with health protocols,” notes Tomas Lorenzo, chief executive officer of Torre Lorenzo Development Corporation. The pioneer in student residences in the country, Torre Lorenzo has grown its portfolio to include leisure and mixed-use developments, including the Dusit Thani Residence Davao.

Hotel living

Lorenzo highlighted the company’s commitment to deliver elevated living experiences to its buyers and investors. “Our commitment, of course, does not stop with turnover of units, but continues with our topnotch property management that allows our residents to enjoy impeccable service and amenities, as well as a myriad of conveniences that come living close to a premium hotel.”

Dusit Thani Residence Davao is part of a complex that also features the dusitD2 Davao Hotel, allowing residents access to hotel-style services and amenities, thus elevating their living experiences.

Residents get to enjoy privacy with amenities exclusive to them, such as a dedicated building entry, residential lobby, swimming pool, and fitness center. Additionally, residents may accessdusitD2’s lap pool, spa, and fitness center at special rates. Residential units have self-contained kitchenettes and private balconies, some of which have sweeping views of the expansive Davao gulf.

Just an elevator ride away too are some of Davao’s most noteworthy culinary attractions, all located at dusitD2 – Benjarong Bar and Restaurant serves authentic Thai cuisine, Madayaw Cafe provides flavor experiences from the world’s major cuisines, and the Siam Lounge transforms into a relaxing refuge for intimate gatherings over tea or drinks. A private jetty is also close to the hotel. This serves as an entry point for guests traveling to Dusit Thani Lubi PlantationResort, nestled just off the coast of the Davao Gulf.

Peace of mind

Perhaps the most essential requirement for any resident or guest at the moment is safety – and this is something the Dusit Thani Residence Davao management has prioritized.

Beyond adhering to government health protocols, all of the residences and hotel staff have been vaccinated, giving residents and guests peace of mind

“Safety is our utmost concern, and we aim to give our residents truly elevated living experiences without compromising security and safety,” underscores Lorenzo, who is optimistic about the region’s post-pandemic recovery.

By: Robbie Antonio

As the coronavirus outbreak ravaged the world, people were locked down, hospitals got overcrowded, and the global economy shut down. 

Revolution Precrafted Philippines, Inc., my property tech firm that set out to democratize the ownership of designer homes, found itself in the middle of a supply chain disruption. This resulted in cross-default situations and forced my company to pivot back to our core business.

In this article, I take stock of lessons I learned and share them to aspiring and fellow entrepreneurs. I hope these will help inoculate businesses against threats in this volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous world now under a COVID-19 siege.  

1. An asset-light business model is not always a good model.

I have always envisioned Revolution Precrafted to be an asset-light, intellectual property-based company. Our exclusive designs are our primary assets. However, the downside of this is that you will have less control over other parts of the business. As you outsource some segments of your operations, you exercise less supervision over contractors compared to full-time employees. Since independent contractors have greater flexibility over what they can contribute, you are taking on a risk that they may be unreliable, may not fulfill your business requirements, or may not deliver the quality you expected.

With the disruptions to the housing and property sector, we at Revolution found our own operations as a builder-supplier of homes to partner-developers affected by the general economic downturn. 

The lesson is that we must never stray again into such aspects as building the homes ourselves, and instead concentrate on our core and high value-added work of promoting home designs and art creations. And so our pivot now involves going back to our core business which is to leverage on our intellectual property, our revolutionary home designs, and license them to any developer or end-user for their own homes or projects, using their own contractors.

2. Practice constant communication.

I believe that empathetic and transparent communication is very important especially in times of a crisis when employees and consumers are confused and feeling vulnerable. 

During a pandemic, consumers generally understand that most companies are facing a difficult time and they are more tolerant of minor mistakes and delays, as long as we communicate with them in an honest and timely manner.

3. Going global is very difficult.

My big idea was to make globally acclaimed designer homes affordable to a mass market by rolling them out using new prefab home technology. But I realized that an aggressive vision of going global immediately sometimes does not work. 

As international borders closed and the global economy shut down, vulnerabilities in Revolution’s supply chain were exposed. Temporary trade restrictions pushed economies to be self-reliant and placed domestic companies under immense pressure to look inward and reduce their reliance on global supply chains that are now perceived as risky. 

4. Decentralization is the new normal.

The pandemic has compelled society to take action and seize the moment in many areas where we have dilly-dallied in the past — such as climate action and decongesting cities and even in providing connectivity for all. The push for decentralization is an irreversible trend given the government and private sector’s massive infrastructure build-up and reverse transmigration (e.g., Balik Probinsya) programs.

I believe that the new systems and protocols such as blended-distanced education and telecommuting or work-from-home will become permanent options for people and institutions. These have positive impacts on society, such as less traffic, and just better public health, order, and safety. Single-detached homes have become increasingly relevant in this New Normal. More and more people are moving out of the metropolis, supported by more robust digital infrastructure and they are again choosing single detached homes — on the ground.

5. Adapt quickly.

With the pandemic, decision-makers are faced with a rapidly-changing business environment that gives us very little time to respond to threats. 

The key is to develop the ability to evaluate ongoing changes and react immediately and appropriately to disruptions, and to continuously repeat this cycle. 

We should practice new ways of problem-solving in an unpredictable environment and be prepared to reinvent ourselves in order to survive and cushion the impact of the crisis on our businesses.

6. Leverage technology.  

With government-imposed lockdowns, we saw that companies with established online platforms are in a better position to take advantage of the rapid migration of consumers to online channels. Quick-thinking entrepreneurs accelerated their digital transformations — selling their products on social media and mobile applications, accepting online payments, and partnering with delivery services. 

I believe that physical distancing and the trend of in-home consumption are likely to continue even after the pandemic, and that businesses must embrace technology in order to connect to customers. Those that still do not have an online presence need to react fast and implement their long-overdue digital transformation.

7. Associate your brand with the good.

In this time of crisis, consumers will not forget brands that displayed acts of kindness, especially if done with genuine generosity. 

These could be in the form of donations of medical supplies or assistance to the community, or by sharing messages that promote positivity despite the pandemic.

8. Prepare an emergency plan. 

Micro-entrepreneurs without formal crisis management planning are among the hardest hit by the pandemic. This highlights the importance of a business continuity plan, which may include prevention, response, and recovery. 

A contingency plan will help leaders remain rational as we are guided by a planned set of tactics when responding to a crisis and making decisions, allowing our businesses to bounce back stronger after a disaster. 

9. Know your customers’ needs. 

The pandemic and the resulting economic downturn resulted in changes in consumers’ buying behavior. These include prioritization of essential needs and sanitization products amid a tightening of household budgets. As a consequence, some products suffered from slowing demand. 

As entrepreneurs, we need to be flexible and to make the necessary adjustments to ensure the survival of our businesses.

10. Coopetition is key.

Lastly, we can only defeat this crisis if we put aside our differences and present a unified front. Coopetition, which is simultaneous cooperation and competition, can help us overcome lack of resources. 

By looking at joint vaccination drives among local companies, we can see that strategic alliances may be a good option for businesses and may provide opportunities that are otherwise not available. Entrepreneurs must consider possible partnerships and start communicating with potential allies.

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Innovative flexible workspace company brings more style and flexibility to work with new resort partnership

Innovative workspace company KMC Solutions announced today that it is partnering with resorts across the Philippines to provide a new inspiring, high-quality, and flexible workspace solution to its members.

Launching this month, Flex By KMC will allow staff, clients, and members to work from hotels at discounted rates including the most picturesque locations across the Philippines. Starting with resorts such as Bravo, in the beautiful Siargao Island; Hue Hotels and Resorts in sunny Boracay; and Amorita Resort, on the southern edge of Bohol’s Panglao Island, the new program gives leaders and members the opportunity to foster a healthier work-life dynamic with a dream workcation.

Flex is designed as an incentive for which KMC staff, but members and our staff leasing clients can also purchase for their staff as a reward, so they can lounge by the beach, while still staying productive. The KMC brand promise is that every room is properly equipped with a ‘productivity space’ consisting of desk and chair, good internet for optimal working, and coming soon, productivity coaches on demand.

“With extended lockdowns in the Philippines and more people experiencing fatigue and mental health issues from isolation, and being true to our vision of ‘making work + life better’, we wanted to offer a way to find a better work-life balance that is truly inspiring,” said Gian Reyes, VP of Marketing & Strategic Partnerships. “Likewise, due to a significant decrease in tourism, we’re also supporting resort operators for results that are twofold.”

As people across the country return to work for the first time since Covid-19, increased flexibility is in high demand. With flexible workspaces in over 20 locations around Metro Manila, Cebu, Clark and Iloilo, KMC Solutions enables their clients to work in the most efficient, effective, and safest way possible.