This certainly called for a celebration, and the well-attended affair began with cocktails at the Cebeles Room of the Cebu Waterfront Hotel.
Flying in from Manila to welcome the guests were Landco top executives led by president and chief executive officer Alfredo Xerez-Burgos, and executive vice president and chief operating officer Francis Ceballos. Director and advisor of Metro Pacific Corp. Augusto Palisoc and Alby Xerez-Burgos of Leisure Farms joined them.
While sipping excellent wine and savoring the sumptuous picas, we learned that the massive development would entail over 200 hectares of prime hillside estates within the island. With elevation of up to 500 meters above sea level, the property will surely have the best views of the city, the sea and the nearby islands of Mactan and even perhaps Bohol on a clear day, not to mention a relatively cooler climate compared to the metropolis.
"Unlike other developments in the Philippines that try to copy foreign locations, this one is different," says Augusto Villalon. "It brings traditions, particularly Cebuano traditions, into the 21st century. It is an undertaking proud to be Cebuano. It has pride of place. It is a destination. Above all, it is home."
The project will feature amenities that include a resort-inspired clubhouse, meditation gazebos, Wi-fi access throughout the area, state-of-the-art security systems, and even lakes and fishponds. A commercial area will rise to support the communities’ lifestyle and recreational needs.
After the highly informative slide presentation, guests were requested to proceed to the Pacific Ballroom where dinner was served.
The highlight of the evening was the musical concert by Tony award-winning star Lea Salonga, who mesmerized the entire audience with her awesome performance, belting out Broadway hits, classical pieces and love songs.
To Lando Pacific Corporation, welcome to Cebu. May this project be the first of many, many more.