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Luxury market thriving despite economic challenges

The Fortis Residences’ facade provides a view of Manila Bay

In the words of the great Francis Scott Fitzgerald, “the rich are different from you and me.”

Despite the current economic challenges, the local luxury market is thriving as shown by the confidence of companies and the launching of high-end products for the local market.

DMCI  Homes Inc.,the real-estate arm of DMCI Holdings, recently launched  the Fortis Residences,  the company’s second project under its premium brand, DMCI Homes Exclusive.

DMCI Homes President Alfredo Austria told reporters in a recent  press briefing  that the upscale 37-story residential tower will play a key role in Makati Southwest Gateway’s development plan that seeks to transform the area into a vibrant business and residential area. Austria said the area will provide greater mobility as Fortis will be within walking distance from the Magallanes MRT-3 station and a few minutes from the airport and Metro Manila’s main highways: Slex, Skyway, Edsa, and Osmeña Highway.



“The best thing about the 5.80-kilometer stretch of Chino Roces Avenue is its convenient access to the country’s premier Makati business district via Edsa, Arnaiz, or Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue which makes it a high-value investment for the future,” Austria said.

Located along Chino Roces Avenue, Fortis Residences will include a residential tower with an exclusive set of first-rate amenities tailored for the needs of buyers’ shifting lifestyle priorities. Moreover, Austria said the mixed-use building will have office and commercial spaces located in the One Fortis Plaza to provide accessible modern living conveniences.

Superb lifestyle

Austria assured future Fortis residents that they will experience the joie de vivre through grand floorplan options, which will be delivered with exceptional fixtures and quality finishes fit for the discriminating taste of DMCI Homes Exclusive’s highly discerning clientele.

He  said Fortis owners can also enjoy the work from home scheme as it can use the property’s built-in commercial-grade internet service and hotel-like concierge. “On top of concierge services, DMCI Homes Exclusive clients will also have a dedicated Customer Care support team who will ensure a worry-free customer experience,” Austria said.

Sustainable design

To promote a healthy and sustainable lifestyle, Austria said Fortis Residences will introduce the Lumiventt Technology, which enables natural light and fresh air to surround the units, is present in the upscale residence.

“Another feature that deserves the spotlight is Fortis Residences’ full water-recycling facility, capable of collecting and treating wastewater, making it fit for general use, landscape irrigation, and maintenance of amenities,” Austria explained.

Going hand-in-hand

Kohler, Milwaukee-based Kohler considers the Philippines a stable market as Filipinos have shown strong support to the 149-year-old company.

Angela Yang, president of Kohler Kitchen and Bath Asia Pacific told journalists in a press briefing recent held in Manila that its latest Statement Showering Collection provides the local market a range of unique shapes and an array of sizes to the shower, breathing new life into well-loved standards and marrying the latest in technology with enduring craftsmanship. She added Innovative sprays elevate the showering experience, and universal compatibility means the system works wherever in the world it is installed. Inspired by iconic furniture and home goods, and defined by soft, approachable designs, the collection carries an underlying familiarity while creating striking aesthetics within the space. “To add to Statement’s overall ease of use and provide peace of mind to designers and specifiers, the components were designed to be universally compatible,” Yang said.

“The collection is designed-from  thread to size to flow rate-to work globally, no matter how different the local codes and standards may be,” Yang expounded.


“Showering is so much more than just getting clean. It is a chance to feel rejuvenated, a moment to focus on self-care,” says Lun Cheak Tan, Kohler VP of Industrial Design. “A shower should provide a rich experience—through design-forward craftsmanship, meaningful functionality and uncompromised focus on the user.”

Leo Leong, general manager of Kitchen and Bath South and Northeast Asia told reporters the pandemic changed the mindset of consumers as they focused on wellness. In response to the market demand in the Philippines and other markets, he said Kohler introduced unique colors, forms and shapes which has become part of wellness and well-being.

Yang said Kohler has made showering the  core of customer experience. Kohler’s  oblong showerhead provides a more enveloping water coverage for the whole body, and seven immersive spray experiences offered within the collection include a Deep Massage spray composed of twisting jets that knead sore muscles and a Cloud spray that swathes the body in a warm mist.

After all, the rich don’t mind as the legendary  Ernest Hemingway said “the rich have more money.”

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The article was originally published in Business Mirror and written by Rizal Raoul Reyes.

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