The Dominance of Master Planned Developments in North and Central Luzon: An Outlook on Tourism, Growth, and Infrastructure by Vista Land

North and Central Luzon are undergoing a significant transformation due to the emergence of urban hubs, which are becoming key regions for the Philippines due to the synergy of cultural preservation, economic advancement, and infrastructure enhancement. This evolution is driven by collaboration between the public and private sectors, positioning these regions as major contributors not only within the country but also in the broader Southeast Asian landscape and beyond.

Vista Land, the Philippines' leading integrated property developer, has aligned itself at the forefront of this change. The company has laid a strategic plan focusing on master planned developments and condominium projects, resonating with the regional shift towards self-sustaining communities that flourish amidst rapid urbanization, cultural conservation, and economic growth.

Tourism: Merging Heritage and Modernity

Vista Land master planned developments in North and Central Luzon tap into the rich cultural heritage and diverse tourist attractions of the regions. For instance, Vigan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Ilocos Sur, is famous for its well-preserved colonial architecture. As infrastructure projects like the Luzon Spine Expressway Network improve accessibility, Querencia, a Vista Land master planned development, aims to offer contemporary living while honoring the historical essence of the area. 

In Alaminos, Pangasinan, the renowned destination of Hundred Islands National Park is complemented by Ylana, which aims to enhance local eco-tourism efforts while promoting environmentally friendly practices. Similarly, in Subic, Zambales, a major tourism and economic hub in Central Luzon, Montessa will combine the natural beauty of the location with state-of-the-art amenities, making it an attractive getaway for tourists and residents.

Growth Centers: Emerging Economic Powerhouses 

In addition to tourism, the company is focusing on the economic potential of North and Central Luzon. These regions are becoming economic powerhouses due to their strategic locations, availability of land, and expanding industrial sectors. Vista Land master planned communities are being developed in provinces such as Bulacan, Pampanga, and Bataan to support the growing local economy.

With the vision to become Bataan’s premier eco-estate, Verida’s 50 hectares will be given over to open spaces, eco-tourism opportunities, and renewable energy advocacies.

Five Things You Should Know Before Getting Lip Fillers

Getting lip fillers can be an exciting way to enhance your appearance and boost your confidence. However, there are a few essential things to keep in mind before you take the plunge. Here's a handy list to help you understand what to expect for natural-looking results.

1. Lip fillers can look and feel natural

Many people worry that their lips will not look natural after a lip injection and that others will notice they've had something "done." Achieving natural-looking lips means they should look natural not only when your face is at rest but also when you smile and talk.

Restylane Kysse is made with Optimal Balance Technology™ (OBT™), an innovative crosslinked hyaluronic acid (HA) gel created for precise, natural-looking results. Dr. Mary Kevinne Foz, also known as ‘Dr. Gorj’, of A1 Medical Aesthetics noted that it helps her patients achieve a subtle enhancement yet provides a high level of patient satisfaction.

In a “kissability study” conducted with Restylane Kysse, 100% of participants were satisfied with their lip filler, and 96% agreed that their lips feel and look natural. Even their partners found them more attractive post-treatment.

Caption: Dr. Foz, more endearingly called Dr. Gorj by her patients, is the only WHO-accredited doctor for Transgender Health in the Philippines.

Dr. Foz adds, “For me, the main advantage of Restylane Kysse is that you keep people guessing. The only people who should be able to tell if you’ve had a procedure is yourself and your romantic partner when they kiss you.”

2. Lip fillers require upkeep

Dr. Foz mentions that the number one question from patients is about the longevity of lip fillers. For Restylane Kysse, the effects are clinically proven to last up to 1 year, but results may vary based on your body chemistry and the amount of product used. It’s essential to discuss with your injector the best treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Caption: Dr. Gorg with Kim Dabu, winner of Doc Gorj Foz award during Reyna ng Turismo ng Cavite 2024

Restylane Kysse is a part of the Galderma Aesthetics product line, known for personalized treatment plans to ensure patients receive the best care possible.

3. Lip fillers are for everyone

Dr. Foz is the only Filipino doctor accredited by the World Professional Association for Transgender Health. She emphasizes the importance of choosing the right kind of fillers and avoiding unregulated products. Educating patients about safe and effective options like Restylane Kysse is crucial, especially for those exploring their gender identity and seeking aesthetic enhancements.

“Sometimes, patients will get treatments from clinics that are not FDA-approved. Or they will buy fillers online that are not regulated and ask these clinics to inject it for them,” Dr. Foz says. “So, as a Doctor to trans-women patients, I have to educate them regarding the best, safest options available to them.”

4. Contoured lips are in

Current beauty trends favor lined lips topped with gloss, and Restylane Kysse can help achieve that contoured look. Whether aiming for a well-defined Cupid’s bow, symmetrical pout, or enhanced lip color and texture, Restylane Kysse can help you achieve your aesthetic goals.

Caption: Julia Masungsong, Cavite’s Reyna ng Turismo 2024 title holder, before and after getting Restylane Kysse.

“My patients really like Restylane Kysse because of the contoured look it adds to the lips,” Dr. Foz says. “As Filipinos, our lips tend to be thinner. So, they want more plumpness and a more defined shape, with angles, to make the experience of putting on lipstick more fun.”

5. Don’t take risks

For lasting effects and an enjoyable lip filler journey, Dr. Foz recommends a few precautions. Stop smoking to avoid introducing harmful chemicals through injection openings.

Dr. Foz explains, “Restylane Kysse for me is not just ideal; I think it’s the perfect lip filler because I trust the science behind it. They get the lips they want, and still look natural. I do request patients to stop smoking after getting their lip filler injection. Because of course, the small openings that happen when you inject, I don't want the tar, the nicotine, the chemicals to go inside. Avoid infections.”

Caption (L-R): Reyna ng Turismo Cavite 2024 Queens Julia Masungsong, Fhie Amon with Dr. Foz and Reyna ng Turismo Cavite 2024’s Doc Gorj Foz Awardee Kim Dabu.

Choosing the right filler and following these guidelines can help ensure a positive experience with lip enhancements. Restylane Kysse offers a reliable and natural-looking option to achieve your desired look.

Get irresistibly kissable lips with A1 Medical Aesthetics! Enjoy exclusive discounts from August 1-31, 2024. This offer is available for a limited time only, so don't wait—book your appointment now by messaging A1 Medical Aesthetics on Facebook or Instagram.

About Galderma - Galderma is a global leader in dermatology and provides a wide range of innovative medical solutions to meet the dermatological needs of people throughout their lifetime, while serving healthcare professionals around the world. For more information, please visit galdermaaesthetics.ph

About Dr. Mary Kevinne Foz - Dr. Mary Kevinne Foz, also known as Doc. Gorj, is a pioneer member of The World Association of Transgender Health (WPATH) and is a skilled surgeon. She possesses extensive experience in assisting individuals who are undergoing the transition process. Her reputation for providing compassionate care and her profound understanding of the unique needs of the transgender community establishes her standing in the field.

Sterling Bank of Asia Recognized as One of BSP's 30 Outstanding Institutional Partners

In Photo (Left to Right): BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona Jr., SBA Senior Vice President Luisito S. Mayor, SBA President & CEO Cecilio D. San Pedro, SBA First Vice President Joseph T. Sulit, and BSP Deputy Governor for Regional Operations and Advocacy Sector Bernadette Romulo–Puyat at the recognition ceremony for the 2024 Outstanding BSP Stakeholders Appreciation Ceremony (OBSAC) held on August 2 at the BSP’s Manila Head Office.

Manila, Philippines – August 9, 2024 – Sterling Bank of Asia (SBA) has been honored as one of the 30 outstanding institutional partners by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). This prestigious recognition was presented during the 2024 Outstanding BSP Stakeholders Appreciation Ceremony (OBSAC), held on August 2, 2024, at the BSP's Manila Head Office.

In his address at the ceremony, BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. highlighted the significance of the awards, stating, "As we bestow our latest set of awards, we recognize that the two decades of OBSAC are evidence of the rare community of partners with which the BSP is blessed. We hope you, our partners, take pride in the role you play in the BSP's efforts to provide an enabling environment for growth."

The OBSAC, launched in 2004, has been a platform for the BSP to acknowledge outstanding partners who actively support its mandates of maintaining price stability, ensuring financial stability, and promoting a safe and efficient payments and settlements system.

Sterling Bank of Asia was specifically acknowledged for its exceptional performance in sourcing its total currency requirements through the Cash Service Alliance (CSA), achieving the highest percentage among all CSA-participating banks. This accolade underscores SBA's proactive approach to enhancing operational efficiencies and its unwavering commitment to supporting BSP's initiatives.

The bank's strategic involvement in the Cash Service Alliance program not only ensures a stable and efficient currency supply chain but also contributes significantly to the overall stability and reliability of the Philippine financial system.

Mr. Cecilio Paul San Pedro, President and CEO of Sterling Bank of Asia, expressed his gratitude for the recognition, saying, "On behalf of Sterling Bank of Asia, I am honored to accept this prestigious award. This recognition underscores our commitment to supporting BSP's mandate and initiatives on price stability, financial stability, a safe and efficient payment system, and financial inclusion."

He added, "We are grateful and dedicated to our mission of excellence. This award reflects the hard work and dedication of the entire Sterling Bank team."

This recognition honors SBA's accomplishments and highlights the bank's commitment to contributing significantly to the growth and stability of the nation's financial landscape.

For more information about Sterling Bank of Asia and its programs, please visit www.sterlingbankasia.com.

Loans Can Fuel Business Growth

In today's very competitive market landscape, ease of access to funding may well be one factor that will ensure any growing business's success. Entrepreneurs need the assurance that they have easy access to financing through banks. This allows them to take advantage ofvopportunities in the marketplace, thereby ensuring business growth.

As one of the country's leading thrift banks that provides various business solutions to its clients, Sterling Bank of Asia (SBA) has pledged its support to help small and medium enterprises thrive in the ever-competitive marketplace.

SBA offers a wide range of business loan products that cater to the different needs of its customers, ranging from startups to established enterprises. Their offerings include term loans, trade check discounting, developmental loans, domestic bills purchase, and more.

Choosing the right bank financing product is crucial for a business's success. With the appropriate loan funding, businesses can reach their full potential. Entrepreneurs are encouraged to carefully evaluate their funding requirements and select from the wide array of banking products available to meet their specific goals.

Sterling Bank of Asia is committed to supporting businesses every step of the way. Their team is always ready and willing to assist clients in finding the perfect financial solution to achieve their business aspirations.

For those looking to grow their business, explore SBA's loan products and contact their team today to begin the journey toward success.

Timeless Pieces That Are Worth Investing In

Financial planning looks like a challenging task for all especially if you are just an average earner. You might ask what and where to invest your hard-earned money. Personally, what I do is I follow the financial planning pyramid. 

First, I protect the wealth that I have by getting an insurance such as life and health insurance. In case you also have debt, you might want to choose to reduce it. Establish your current and savings account too, as well as your emergency fund and time deposit if possible.