Few names resonate with as much impact as Manny V. Pangilinan in the Philippine business community. His reach spans across multiple industries, and the businesses under his leadership have grown successful enough to be of national importance, with the likes of PLDT-Smart, Meralco, and Maynilad.

Landco Pacific Corp., a subsidiary of the Pangilinan-led tollways and infrastructure conglomerate Metro Pacific Investments Corp.(MPIC), aims to do the same in the landscape of leisure real estate in the Philippines. Under Mr. Pangilinan’s visionary guidance, Landco is consistently pushing the boundaries of luxury, sustainability, and community-centric development, creating a lasting legacy in the process.

One of the crown jewels in Landco’s portfolio is Punta Fuego, and it serves as proof of Mr. Pangilinan’s vision as the name has become synonymous with elite beachfront living. Developed in partnership with Roxaco Land Corp. in the 1990s, Punta Fuego has set a benchmark for luxury communities with its prestigious enclave, encompassing Peninsula de Punta Fuego and Terrazas de Punta Fuego, complete with its marina, golf course, and distinguished residential community.

“Punta Fuego resonates with us, it’s something special, it’s a creation that’s more popular than the creator but that’s fine with us. What is special about Punta Fuego when all developments in Nasugbu face the Nasugbu bay?  Why is it that when you cross the fence to Punta Fuego, the price of the lot is four times higher?” Erickson Y. Manzano, CEO of Landco said in a statement about Punta Fuego.

“It can be about our legacy as developers and being a subsidiary of MPIC or probably the marina or the golf course. But my personal take is that it’s probably because who your neighbors are, because of who lives in the area. This Punta Fuego, you add Peninsula, Terrazas, and now The Residences. This latest development is Landco’s last piece of property in Punta Fuego, and it’s providential that it’s in a beachfront. It is the culmination of the Punta Fuego development, we are offering you the privilege to be part of this exclusive community, that I think centuries from now will continue to be relevant,” Mr. Manzano elaborated.

The latest addition, The Residences at Terrazas de Punta Fuego, epitomizes Landco’s commitment to luxury and sustainability. This exclusive beachfront condominium offers panoramic views of Nasugbu Bay, blending Spanish Mediterranean and Asian Tropical architecture. It promises low-density living, spacious units with high ceilings, and modern amenities, all designed to provide a seamless blend of luxury and nature.

A three-bedroom unit at The Residences at Punta Fuego

Sustainable development is a significant part of developing The Residences, as it is pursuing EDGE Certification with a commitment to energy and water efficiency, tree preservation, and support for electric vehicles. The incorporation of a double-pipe water system, rainwater harvesting, and environmental initiatives further demonstrates Landco’s dedication to sustainability, ensuring that providing luxury does not have to be at the cost of the environment.

In fact, the company’s BeachTowns, including Playa Laiya and Club Laiya in Batangas, are master-planned communities designed with environmental consciousness in mind. These developments feature permeable, tree-lined walkways, bike lanes, and a double-pipe water system for efficient water recycling, marking them as pioneering sustainable communities in the Philippines. Club Laiya and BeachTowns CaSoBe (Calatagan South Beach) are both sustainable developments that are LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)-registered.

Moreover, Landco has received accolades at the 2023 Global Economics Awards held in Bangkok for its sustainable developments, naming Landco as the Best Leisure Real Estate (Resort Estate) Developer of the Year. In the leadership category, Landco CEO Mr. Manzano was recognized for his Outstanding Contribution Towards Sustainability in Real Estate Development.

“We are thankful for The Global Economics Awards for recognizing our sustained efforts in developing distinctive leisure concepts particularly the BeachTowns in Batangas to cater to the modern lifestyle of Filipino families as we promote tourism in the destination and champion sustainability,” Mr. Manzano said.

“These awards energize us to continue ramping up the sustainability initiatives in our developments to leave a lasting and sustainable legacy for future generations and for other players in the real estate industry to emulate,” he added.

Meanwhile, Club Laiya, another standout project, received the Gold Award for Outstanding Development in Luzon at the 2024 Fédération Internationale des Administrateurs de Bien-Conselis Immobiliers (FIABCI) Philippines Property and Real Estate Excellence Awards. This 23-hectare beachfront resort estate is celebrated for its master-planned design, community benefits, and environmental sustainability, reinforcing Landco’s reputation as a leader in innovative and sustainable leisure properties?.

The Spinnaker, a 22-storey beachfront condotel at Club Laiya, was also recognized at the 2024-2025 Asia Pacific Property Awards as the Best Sustainable Residential Development with Five Stars. The Spinnaker also won the Award for Condominium Development in the Philippines. The development offers 247 units with expansive sea views, state-of-the-art amenities, and a strategic location within the vibrant Club Laiya, making it an attractive investment for those seeking a blend of luxury and sustainability.

“These awards inspire us to continue pushing boundaries, shaping the future of luxury resort living in the Philippines and in the region, and ensuring that our developments become a lasting and sustainable legacy for future generations and for other players in the international real estate industry to emulate,” Mr. Manzano said.

THE PHILIPPINE STAR FILE PHOTO

It is through Landco that Mr. Pangilinan’s influence on the real estate industry can be seen. Through his strategic vision and unwavering commitment to excellence and sustainability, Landco has redefined upscale leisure property development in the Philippines.

Each project, from Punta Fuego to Club Laiya, is a testament to Landco’s pioneering spirit and dedication to creating world-class communities that not only enhance the lives of their residents but also set new standards for the industry.

“Prioritizing sustainability is key to our role as a reliable partner in nation building, as it creates a concrete roadmap for us to charter a better future for our people and our planet,” Mr. Pangilinan said in a speech to MPIC.

“Sustainability is part of Landco’s DNA not because we have to, but because it’s the right thing to do,” Mr. Manzano added. — Bjorn Biel M. Beltran