Green Architecture: The in-thing in Real Estate Investments in the Philippines

By: Fredolin P. Aguinaldo - Doha State of Qatar

With Elements Eco-Efficient building in mind, the developer’s perspective in urban eco-living will be envisioned on their up-coming project at the Nerou Tower and the Aire Tower which is tragically located at the heart of Metropolis along Shaw Boulevard, Kapitolyo, in Pasig City.

Elements Eco-Efficient Residences Invites all kind of conveniences and amenities to complement your modern unban living. Resort -style swimming/lap pools, child-safe indoor playground, theater room, a spa and wellness center, fully equipped gym, Wi-fi lounge, business center and boutique mall with cozy restaurant and quaint shops are just step away from your elements.

In order to see and hear the features and award winning specs of the above project themselves despite everyone’s busy schedule shifting from work and social activities including that of OFW’s right to choose and vote for their bet in National and Local post trough the absentee voting in various locations in Qatar, a sizable crowd of fifty (50) prospective investors gathered for the grand launch of the newest landmark in Shaw Boulevard was held last night at Emerald Function Room at Holiday Villa Hotel & Residences Doha, Qatar.

The organizing head of the event Ms. Evangeline A. Yia thanks everyone who participated in the preparations including those logistics made by the sales team of Qatar and further, welcomes all visitors.

Ms. Doreen L. Carlos talks about the art of investing and found that her exemplary professionalism on how she managed to keep the crowd alive and on fire and to further amuse those heckling questions from the crowd makes her very successful in her chosen field.  To top it all - She further says, as OFWs one has to learn to manage their finances well and channel their extra income trough Real Estate investing.

Charmaine addressing the crowd

The beauteous Ms. Charmaine Ibanez from the Elements Eco-friendly Residences said that due to the project buyability, the zoning requirements in the area has been slightly altered to accommodate the futuristic twin-building design that has been up-graded to 28 floors iconic green architecture who then expertly explains all the technical aspect and building details of the project.

Prices ranges from P2.0 million to P8.3 million with livable areas from 23 square meters to 90 square meters. 

The site preparations are now in full-swing according to her and buyers is set to move-in by December 2015 she continues.

International food menu was served to the delight of everyone attending the presentation – and while everybody is busy having dinner; Ms. Ibanez gladly announces buyers who confirms their interest on the project.

The presentations last past 10:00 P.M, Doha time and by gauging Filipinos interest in Real Estate investments – there is still a lot of room for Real Estate investments by our own OFW’s in Qatar to whom I recon – will be a delight to those more than hundred-fifty (150) home-grown property developers in the Philippines.

PAQ members donate blood

By: Fredolin P. Aguinaldo – Doha, State of Qatar

Courtesy of Jen Pacleb - ABS-CBN correspondent, Doha, Qatar

In order to achieve optimum stock level of blood - Hamad Medical Corporation mobilized their resources after various campaigns urging Qatar residents to donate blood.

To serve the request of different organizations, Hamad Medical Corporation deployed mobile blood donation centers at strategic locations in order for Qatar residents to have easy access in joining the bloodletting program.

Today (still going on at this writing) through the initiative of Ms. Minda S. Obeidat, creator of Pinoy Ads Qatar along with PAQ administrators, the Filipino Workers Cultural and Development Center at Bin Omran, Doha, State of Qatar was swarmed by eager Filipino volunteers to donate blood. Seventy (70) registered individuals, comprises mostly of PAQ members along with fifty-one (51) members of the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers, Inc.,  passed the initial screening and donated the greatest gift another human can receive, life.  

Ms. Minda S. Obeidat said that as a health professional who works and has lived in Qatar for most of her life, it is her vision to help everyone especially our “kabayans” (fellow Filipinos) to have access to the best medical care offered by the State that is almost free-of-charge and subsidized payments for most of the medicines given to its residents trough various government health care facilities in Qatar.

Also in attendance was the resident officer of Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), OWWA-Officer in Charge & Project Director Mr. Philip T. Alano who assured that donors and volunteers had a pleasant stay at the center.

By giving blood – one is regenerating a healthy supply of blood in his/her own system. Sharing a little bit of one’s time, a single blood donation can make the difference between life and death. This just proves that not only superheroes have the ability to save lives. 

Note:

The author is a big ”C” survivor since 2010 who spent his medical treatments at leading health care providers of St. Luke’s Medical Center, Philippines and National Center for Cancer Care and Research, State of Qatar and still productively working at Qatar Petroleum since 1985. 

CLICK Image for ABS-CBN Report

Pinoy Pop (P-Pop) Love Songs: Mga awit at Kuwento ng Pusong Pilipino - Featuring Fred & Bellen Love Story

By: Fredolin Pagdilao Aguinaldo – Doha, Qatar

CLICK Image to see the VIDEO

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10151319042623583

As part of "Himig Handog" song writing competition who produced a handful of Original Pilipino Music (OPM) hits that are still heard on radio today, like "hindi na Bale", "Kung Ako na Lang Sana", Hanggan", and "This Guy's in Love with You. Pare. "ABS-CBN and Star Records has re-launched the project, with the theme "Pinoy Pop (P-Pop) Love Songs: Mga awit at Kuwento ng Pusong Pilipino. " The competition also encouraged viewers all over the world to share their Love Stories and have a chance to be featured at ABS-CBN Valentine's Special.

This year - Aiza Segerra's interpretation of " Anong Nangyari Sa Ating Dalawa" is adjusted as the Best P-Pop Love Song.

Our 25^th year wedding videos was part of the ABS-CBN's Himig Handog 2013 feature and was also shown on TFC as their Valentine's Plug.

Credits:
Song: This Song Is For You (Himig Handog 2013)
Performed by: Erik Santos
Composed by: Jude Thaddeus Gitamondoc
Wedding video courtesy of Zoombox Wedding Videos
Video Provided by: Cath Recio
Special thanks to our daughter Rea Lynne Lopez Aguinaldo who narrated our Story.

My wife’s dream wedding becomes a reality: A tribute to our 25th year’s married life.

By: Fredolin Pagdilao Aguinaldo – Doha, Qatar

Because of my wife Evelyn’s dream to be blessed in a church wedding ceremony, my eldest daughter Rea Lynne together with my son Fredolin II and youngest daughter Anna Mae planned six (6) month ago supposedly surprise wedding and celebration to our 25th year of marriage life.

However our plan wasn't the surprise we hoped it would be because we had to reveal it a few weeks earlier for some Roman Catholic Church requirements that needs the bride’s personal appearance. Nevertheless we still managed to prepare all the necessary arrangements without her knowing. We managed to ask her to dress-up for a supposedly photo shot for Fredolin II school project but ended up bringing her to the Basilica De San Sebastian in Quiapo, Manila for a needed pre-wedding seminar and other paper requirements.

A twist of event nearly ruined all our efforts and plans when I had a misunderstanding with our only son Fredolin II the night of Pagdilao’s clan yearly reunion on the 30th of December 2012. Thank God we were able to sort-out our differences before the year ended despite missing out on the opportunity to be with my extended family and friends.

Two (2) weeks ago, Evelyn and I finally shared our vows in a church wedding together with our family, old and new friends minus a very important figure – my father Anton who passed-away early last year. The effort of our event coordinator daughter Rea Lynne to bring the best for our wedding anniversary celebrations paid-off when she saw that everyone was having fun. Every detail was masterminded by her up to the tiniest detail.

I felt like a stranger when we had our civil wedding rites twenty-five (25) years ago (because I went to General Santos City all alone) – but the adrenalin that ran through my whole body during that time still lingers as of today. Evelyn is still gorgeous as she used to be despite having three (3) kids taking a toll on her once slim body. I on the other hand survived four (4) chemo therapy sessions due to cancer which made my body really frail. Twenty-five (25) years has passed and after treatment a brand-new and better me is all I can offer and share with my wife.

Celebrating our love along with our two lovely girls Rea Lynne and Anna Mae including our only son Fredolin II made it a memorable occasion. I always tell my siblings that this might be my last “hurrah” but they always ignore my jokes and say: “masamang damo-mahirap ma-matay” – how I wish it is true.

After so many disagreements in life throughout those twenty-five (25) years of living together, I think we are still in love. No - we are still in love. My siblings, close friends and family members think that NGO’s and Women’s advocates should give my wife “matiisin or martyrdom” award because of my temperamental attitude. I still remember when I was bedridden for 6-months I would say “wiwi” (I want to pee) and my wife was always there to assist me. I fully agree that the “matiisin” award is best fitted for her; no one can surpass my wife Evelyn - because of that I love her more than my life.

Marriages is not an easy journey, but with our faith to each other were able to weather it all. We have each other to cling on and those three (3) beautiful children; they are the reason for living. Every negative incident we encounter should be forgotten and replaced with love and affection.

I have found happiness with Eve and never have I planned to let her go. I know I have shortcomings but I will always try to find ways to make up for them. I always treasure her love and as a result hope to be together with her until the very end.

CLICK Image for more VIDEO & PHOTOshoots

878 España – Not Your Ordinary College Address.

By: Fredolin P. Aguinaldo – Doha, Qatar

878 Espana investors, guest & Vista Land representatives - Doha, Qatar

With almost 35 percent reservations on its initial LOI offering, officials of Camella  Qatar is gearing up to top all sales abroad including that of Singapore who is leading the sales race for now.

Despite some un-expected turn of events, a sizable crowd gathered for the grand launch of the newest landmark in the university belt Manila that was held last night at Emerald ballroom at Holiday Villa Hotel & Residences Doha, Qatar.

The same ladies who cared for me at St. Lukes & Hamad during my hospitalization

Everyone is at awe as soon as they entered the venue because everything is on its best.

The organizing head of Vista Land thanks everyone who participated in the preparations including those logistics made by the sales team of Qatar.

Abraham M. Malicdem International Marketing Manager welcome all visitors and after the ceremonial wine toasts, He introduces the 37-storey building that completes Camella Condo Homes' university project series, built to upgrade every students' usual college experience, and designed to generate income for the persistent investor. 878 España will prove to be more than your usual college address.

Engineer Rowel Santiago said that due to the project un-expected volume on its initial LOI offering and inquiries, the original 25 floor building design has been up-graded to 37 floors iconic green architecture who then expertly explains all the technical aspect and building details of the project.

...now they are all busy selecting their OWN units

Prices range from P2.4 million to P5.0 million and areas from 25 square meters to 72 square meters. 

The construction is set to begin in May next year while buyers will be able to move in by June 2017 He continues.

International food menu was served to the delight of everyone attending the presentation – and while everybody is busy having dinner, Rowel continues his presentation on various payment scheme designed to attract all kind of interested condo investors.

Young but persistent investor

While everyone settles down – Abe on the other hand introduces one of Qatar community leader.

Since “ako pala yun” - I then continued introducing myself and further about my own experiences in real estate investing.

Being on the business for almost 10-years now – I did assure the audience that condo rental situated at the university belt area is on its best and continue to be a “SURE FIRE” passive income generator as long as students from abroad as in the provinces continue to flock Manila for their studies.

As OFWs, one has to learn how to manage their finances well. What we see and learn today from those presentation made by industry experts - is an alternative or approach for earning and investing.

It is not how much an individual could earn my friend - but how much one get to keep or save.

In order to attain this, please continue to seek alternate avenues to be educated in order for you to be literate to know how to save or keep and eventually grow ones saving. My friend there is always a way, and that is trough investing. 

878 Espana will be a trusted brand and a good part of one’s investment portfolio.

Thank you all - Good Morning.

The entrepreneur author & Fe Martinez - Ex. Volunteer Business Counselors of Doha 

Last Goodbye: A loving father’s Tale of Love, Loss and Forgiveness

By: Fredolin P. Aguinaldo – Doha, Qatar

I had just woken up from a fuzzy dream in my family house in the province when I heard a voice belonging to  my father asking “Sinu ang namatay?” (Who just died?) - scared to the bone, my heart skipped a beat. I tried to get up as quick as I can for he is the very reason why I took an emergency leave of absence from my work abroad (Middle East) - in order to attend his wake.

I just couldn't stop crying for I knew that even upon death my father’s love and affection was still flourishing within me - that even in my sub-conscious inner feeling he is still guiding. I can’t remember any moment in my entire life where I’ve been so scared – but at that time I felt both fear and relief. I was thankful because my father was able to communicate with me for the last time - even if it was only in my dreams.

I went straight to our family room where the body of my father was laid for his town mates to see and make last wishes before his final resting day. My mother Julia was there sobbing continuously, beside his coffin, holding a beautiful framed picture of them together.  As I said a little prayer - I could see different framed accolades of various organizations where he served adorn his coffin, what is the use of these various accolades now that he is dead – I asked myself, why acknowledge him now?

Being the eldest among the siblings, my father Anton thought me how to be tough - together we weathered all kind of hardships just to sustain our everyday lives while continuing to foster his dream that one day his children would be better-off in any directions of their choice. 

My father’s dreams were slowly being fulfilled until a deafening screech from a fast-moving passenger bus pushed him thirty-five (35) meters away from where he was standing and ended his life. How painful is it to watch someone you love dying? Some might perhaps do nothing but wipe away their tears until the last breath, but my youngest brother Ronnie came to the rescue and lovingly carried our father’s bloodied body while the bus driver hurriedly pulled away from the accident scene without even extending any assistance. He drove hurriedly zigzagging until the bus vanished from sight.

Baguio Christmas 2011

I thought I was the toughest sibling of us all by weathering my early life in Manila during my college days away from home. I remember the exact moment when I started slip away from my father since I was a working student - life back then was hard and that eventually led to my slowly parting away from my own family. My contact with my family eventually became less what with me landing a job in the Middle East and raising a family of my own. Despite the lack of communication I would always see to it that on my annual vacation I visit my parents and bring them to Manila or Baguio for some much needed rest. 

My father Anton is a victim of a hit-and-run by a bus flying the Maharlika Highway route in the province of Cagayan Valley. The fatal accident happened on July 2012 - Friday the 13^th.  I am not a firm believer in the paranormal but after what had happened - I can’t help but wonder. Despite what has happened I pray that my father is at peace and hope that he is remembered well by people he has met in this life.

Tatang,

We will always remember you because there can never be another father and grandfather who can replace you in our hearts. Our love will always be with you.

Happy Birthday - we miss you.

Juanito Agnir Aguinaldo Grand Children

PSD Unveils Qr 180M school project during their 20th Foundation Day Ceremony

By: Fredolin P. Aguinaldo - Doha, State of Qatar

The unveiling of the New School Project of the Philippine School Doha was held yesterday at 8:00 A.M. inside the current school gymnasium at the Saad Bin Surara, Al Messilah area in Doha, Qatar. In order to boost-start the activity - attendees assembled at gate 6 of the school where enthusiastic student and teacher usherettes guided participants to their designated place. Everyone was impressed by the agility and beauty of majorettes who swayed like swans with the accompaniment of the lively PSD school roving band.

To give a little twist on the occasion - a lion dance was performed by the PSD student body with the help of their monitor teachers who painstakingly guided performers navigate the tight corridors of the school. Both amateur and professional photographers were delighted with the sight that they couldn't stop clicking their cameras to take mementos. The ceremonial releasing of balloons by the PSD Board of Directors, PSD Parents Teacher Association team, founding parents and other community organizations was also a highlight event along with the well executed field demonstrations. After all the outdoor festivities everyone was directed inside the brightly lit and fully air-conditioned school gym. 

The invocation/Doxology was performed by Yara Leanne Fabricante and Dominique Vicencio whilst the singing of the “Prayer” was done by students that will most likely hit the You Tube screen soon and become the next singing sensation next to Charice & Jessica (who both lost their respective singing contest but became household names internationally). I would like to ask all voice coaches within the PSD school campus and even those from outside to please help these students hone their talent so that maybe-just maybe one of this days PSD can produce one professional singer.

Of my 20 years attending PSD's Foundation Day ceremonies – I have seen so many good memories of the school that is already etched in my heart forever, however I have not seen any speaker nor school official who breaks down during a very crucial speech but Dr. Alexander S. Acosta – the best speaker in town that I have known do just that. I had the chance to browse the audience's reaction but everyone was also in a state of shock - everyone was eagerly waiting for the good principal’s next set of word to be uttered. At that particular time: the school gym was at its full capacity- in-fact, excess attendees had to content themselves with exploring the different kiosks at the school ground which included those that offered various snacks and PSD memento by the student body. The Pag-Ibig Fund, a government program was also present. Back inside, the presence of the not-so-young former parents and new-current parents of the school, old friends and acquaintances was remarkable – the overwhelming support of everyone for the school was probably the reason that triggered such a raw emotion from the principal. 

The Chairman’s message by Mr. Gerardo P. Macasa Jr. highlighted their plan to put-up a world class educational institution in Doha. They are planning to have the first accredited Philippine Science School in the Middle East (Qatar) and around the world outside of the Philippines. The proposed school would not only compete to be the one of the best in academic excellence but in sports as well.

Celebrating PSD@20

The real highlight of the event was the unveiling of the proposed school's miniature scale model. As part of Al-Mana’s design consortium, a miniature sculpture of the building was an integral part of their services to the school. Everyone was invited to the auditorium stage in order to witness the sneak peek of the future school. I learned that the school project will be constructed to the estimate of Qr 180M - an uphill task had just begun.

After the unveiling of the New Philippine School Doha building miniature, a female Canadian national delivered a speech and shared a story. One day a curious foreigner followed a group of students during their class breaks - these students happened to be from Philippine School Doha at the then Al Saad campus. The man never hesitated and started to look for the school principal until finally he met Dr. Alexander S. Acosta and become friends with him. She then shared with us the quote: "an educator is always an educator", she was telling the story of her husband, Harry and his fondness for PSD. One can guess what the man's profession was after hearing her story.

While working at the College of North Atlantic-Qatar, Harry devoted his time and expertise by sharing his knowledge of vast services in the educational field. He also held conversations with ordinary parents as well as the students at the school campus of PSD. He was loved by his fellow educators and parents of the school until KIESWETTER, HARRY beloved husband of Sue, father of Tyler and Kirby, passed away unexpectedly in Doha, Qatar, on Sunday, October 23, 2011, at the age of 62 years. His legacy will never be forgotten in the hearts of people from all walks of life as well as his PSD family whom he shared his life and story. His loving wife SUE KIESWETTER traveled back to Doha Qatar during the 20th foundation celebration of the school to hand-over a donation of Qr 73, 624.30 for a much needed start-up as a booster fund-raising campaign to the realization of the future PSD campus. I was so touched with her story that I never really got a chance to click my ever trusted camera  - until the whole event was over.

During the same event, a Filipino group leader and former PSD Board of Director - Engr. Fidel Escurel also handed-over another donation worth Qr 50, 000.00 on behalf of his group - the PInOC 2012 who caters mostly in overseeing and running of events during Philippine Independence Day celebrations in Qatar.

Now, it is up to you my dear friends to come-forward and join the bandwagon and share your blessing to the realization of the new Philippine School Doha - a school that we can proudly call  "our own". 

For more PSD Write-ups please continue reading here: http://elabizproperties.blogspot.com/2011/08/our-own-school-abroad-philippine-school.html