Industry leaders, developers and government representatives gathered at the historic Blackbird at Nielson Tower on March 4 for Asia Connect: Manila, a forum organized by PropertyGuru Group to discuss investment opportunities, infrastructure development and the future of Philippine real estate.
The half-day event brought together about 55 executives and stakeholders ahead of the launch of the 14th PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards, one of the region’s most established real estate recognition platforms.
Opening the event, Jules Kay, general manager for awards and events at PropertyGuru Group, said the Philippines continues to attract growing investor interest as the property sector enters a new phase of development.
“The people, the quality of developments, and the growing interest of investors in the Philippines make this an exciting moment for the industry,” Kay said.
Panel discussions explored how infrastructure, economic zones and workforce advantages are shaping the country’s property landscape.
Cyndy Tan Jarabata, president of Tajara Leisure and Hospitality Group and chairperson of the awards, said the country’s hospitality and tourism sectors hold strong long-term potential despite lagging slightly behind some regional markets in domestic travel.
She noted that the country’s service culture remains one of its greatest advantages.
“Filipino hospitality, when properly trained and supported, has tremendous potential,” Jarabata said. She added that the industry must focus not only on development but also on ensuring projects create livelihoods and long-term resilience for communities.
For many participants, the event underscored a shared outlook: that infrastructure expansion, skilled human capital and integrated developments will continue to position the Philippines as a compelling destination for long-term real estate investment in Southeast Asia.
Former Asian Development Bank executive director Ambassador Chantale Wong expressed confidence in the Philippine economy, pointing to a dynamic workforce and major infrastructure investments underway.
She said the country’s strength in assembly, testing and packaging—particularly in the semiconductor industry—positions it well within regional supply chains.
International capital, she added, remains available but increasingly selective. “Investors are looking for measurable resilience and long-term competitiveness,” Wong said.
Government initiatives were also highlighted during the discussion.
Erwin Kenneth Peralta, vice president for investment promotions and marketing at the Bases Conversion and Development Authority, presented updates on the agency’s flagship projects, including developments connected to the Metro Manila Subway Project.
Peralta said three subway stations will be located within BCDA properties and that infrastructure investments are helping unlock growth beyond Metro Manila.
He pointed to New Clark City as a key example of the government’s long-term development strategy.
“It is our newest and largest property — a smart, green and disaster-resilient city being developed transparently by the government,” Peralta said.
Private sector developers also shared how evolving workplace and industrial needs are shaping property strategies.
Jonathan Paul Balboa, vice president and leasing head of Robinsons Offices at Robinsons Land Corporation, said flexible workspaces are increasingly helping international firms establish a presence in the country.
“Flexibility allows companies to scale up or down while finding their footing in the Philippine market,” he said, adding that Robinsons is also focusing on premium office experiences to retain tenants and support business growth.
Meanwhile, Jolan Formalejo, vice president at Aboitiz InfraCapital, highlighted the importance of integrated economic estates that combine infrastructure, industry and talent development.
He said partnerships with universities are helping ensure estates remain future-ready as technologies such as artificial intelligence reshape workplaces.
“Filipinos bring genuine care and strong work ethic into the workplace,” Formalejo said. “If we combine that with the adoption of AI, it becomes a competitive advantage.”
The forum also introduced new award categories for the 2026 PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards, including recognitions for golf, marina and wellness hospitality developments—segments organisers say reflect evolving investor and lifestyle trends.
For many participants, the event underscored a shared outlook: that infrastructure expansion, skilled human capital and integrated developments will continue to position the Philippines as a compelling destination for long-term real estate investment in Southeast Asia.
