July 8, 2025 | 12:03 am

By Beatriz Marie D. Cruz, Reporter

MULTINATIONAL office space provider International Working Group Plc (IWG) said it is optimistic about expanding in regional areas in the Philippines as more companies show interest in adopting work-near-home arrangements.

Marc Descrozaille, chief executive officer at IWG for the Middle East, Africa, and Asia-Pacific, said some employees have been leaving their jobs when employers fail to provide flexible work arrangements.

“This trend means that now there is a need for working close to home. We are expanding into other districts, suburbs of the main cities, other cities, and other provinces,” Mr. Descrozaille told BusinessWorld last week.

“This expansion that we see throughout the world is particularly true in the Philippines — interestingly, more than in some of the surrounding countries, where much of the discussion is focused on the capital city.”

IWG has been applying the 15-minute city concept, Mr. Descrozaille said, which is an urban planning approach that ensures daily necessities and services are reachable within a 15-minute walk. This has led to the development of mixed-use spaces combining residential, office, and retail components.

The company has been focusing its expansion outside central business districts such as Ortigas, Makati City, and Bonifacio Global City, said IWG Country Manager for the Philippines Rowena Bravo-Natividad.

“Since the global pandemic, a lot of workers have moved back to their respective homes and refused to go back to [the traditional] office,” she said.

“So, it brought to life the third dimension of the hybrid working model, which is the work-near-home. It actually underpins the national expansion plan of IWG,” she added, noting IWG’s plans to expand in tier two and three cities.

At present, IWG operates 39 flexible workspace centers in the country under its brands Regus, Spaces, and Signature by Regus. It aims to have a total of 50 centers in the Philippines by yearend.

IWG said it has secured 14 new locations in the Philippines, with some sites already operational and others scheduled to open between the fourth quarter of 2025 and 2026.

These new locations include the Cebu Exchange Tower, Island Central Mall, and Asiatown IT Park in the province of Cebu.

In Makati City, IWG has secured new locations at the Century Diamond Tower, The Stiles Enterprise Plaza, the Laureano di Trevi Towers, and the Kalayaan Building.

Other new locations in the pipeline include E-Square Mall in San Juan City; Vertis North Plaza in Quezon City; Elijah Hotel and Residences in Dasmariñas, Cavite; The Galleon; Alveo Financial Tower in Bonifacio Global City; and Mabuhay IT Park in General Santos City.

“Our footprint outside urban hubs enables us to better serve businesses of all sizes and industries, supporting their growth and agility,” Mr. Descrozaille said.

IWG is also set to open its first Regus flexible workspace center in Tagbilaran, Bohol in October. The new 255-seat Regus center will be built in partnership with Uptown Tagbilaran Realty Corp.

On April 25, 2024, the Labor Standards and Health Committee of the IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) convened their General Membership Meeting (GMM)  meeting in collaboration with Lobien Realty Group (LRG), Century Properties Group Inc (CPGI)., and Eccon Prime. This gathering was spearheaded by IBPAP’s HR Consultant, Tess Azicate, and took place at the prestigious Century Diamond Tower, strategically located at the intersection of Kalayaan Avenue and Salamanca Street in Makati City.

The Century Diamond Tower (CDT), with its state-of-the-art facilities and prime location, proved to be the ideal venue for such a noteworthy activity. CDT’s amenities and sophisticated environment provided a conducive setting for productive discussions and networking among industry leaders.

During the session, Jed Dominguez, Managing Director of LHH Philippines, delivered an insightful presentation on financial well-being. His talk encompassed valuable tips and practical advice on saving and managing finances, which resonated deeply with the attendees. Dominguez’s expertise and engaging delivery ensured that the session was both informative and impactful, leaving participants with actionable strategies to enhance their financial health.

The meeting was graced by the presence of several key figures from Century Properties Group Inc. (CPGI), including President and CEO Marco Antonio, COO for Leasing Group Rey Dimaano, VP of HR Ritchelle Cordero, and AVP of Leasing and Business Development Geraldine Gaite. Their attendance underscored the importance of the event and highlighted Century Properties’ commitment to nurturing industry collaboration and professional development.

CDT’s facilities, including its training room and high-speed internet connectivity, adding up its modern infrastructure, made it the perfect venue for this event. Its strategic location in Poblacion, Makati City, a bustling business hub, further added to its appeal, providing easy access for attendees and contributing to the overall success of the meeting.

The event not only facilitated meaningful discussions on labor standards and health but also provided a platform for networking and knowledge sharing among industry professionals. This collaboration exemplified the power of partnership in driving industry advancements and promoting best practices.

Century Properties Group Inc. (CPGI) is thrilled to announce its membership in the IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP), marking a significant milestone in CPGI’s journey to becoming the destination of choice for growing businesses. This participation is a testament to its dedication to industry growth and excellence which makes headway to allow CPGI to tap into IBPAP’s extensive network, aligning perfectly with the company’s goal of fostering business growth and innovation.

On March 1, 2024, IBPAP convened its Annual Membership Meeting at the prestigious Shangri-La at the Fort Grand Ballroom. The event included the induction and oathtaking of new members, with Geraldine Gaite, AVP for Office Leasing and Business Development, representing the company among the new inductees.  This occasion brought together industry leaders and key stakeholders to unveil major initiatives that will shape the future of the IT and Business Process sectors. The assembly provided a valuable platform for networking, enabling hundreds of attendees to gain insights into the pivotal strategies driving collective success within the industry.

The event was a cornerstone for industry advancement in 2024, offering participants the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions and share best practices. As CPGI continues to foster connections with key stakeholders, these efforts are poised to shape future collaborations, reinforcing its commitment to being the preferred destination for businesses seeking optimal office spaces to expand and thrive.  The initiatives presented during the meeting are set to redefine industry standards and contribute significantly to shared growth and development.

CPGI is proud to be part of IBPAP’s growing family. Its involvement in this esteemed organization underscores its commitment to supporting the IT and Business Process sectors.

The Annual Membership Meeting was not just a gathering but a fundamental moment for the industry CPGI is excited to contribute to this dynamic ecosystem, promoting an environment where businesses can flourish.

BILYONARYO.COM
February 15, 2024

Makati City, Philippines – February 15, 2024 – Century Diamond Tower, a Grade A, PEZA Certified office building by top real estate developer Century Properties Group (CPG) positions itself as a top choice for businesses looking for a space to lease as it redefines the standards of corporate excellence in Makati. Strategically located within Century City along Kalayaan Avenue in Makati City, this architectural gem offers unparalleled accessibility, flexibility, and prestige, making it the prime choice for discerning businesses.

Completed in November 2019, Century Diamond Tower features a sprawling 57,142.48 sqm. gross leasable area, catering to the diverse needs of local enterprises, multinationals, and startups alike. With a range of options including bare, warm shell, and fully fitted spaces, businesses can customize their office environments to suit their unique requirements, fostering productivity and innovation.

“The Century Diamond Tower represents a convergence of convenience, efficiency, and sophistication,” remarked Mr. Rey Dimaano, Chief Operating Officer of Commercial Leasing Assets at Century Properties Group. “Its strategic location within Century City places it at the epicenter of Makati’s vibrant business landscape, offering tenants a lot of opportunities for growth and success.”

Situated near major thoroughfares such as Ayala Ave., Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Kalayaan Ave., and J.P. Rizal, Century Diamond Tower ensures seamless connectivity to key destinations within and beyond Makati. Additionally, its adjacency to premier residential towers including Milano, Knightsbridge Residences, Gramercy, and the mixed-use designer building Century Spire underscores its status as a coveted address for both work and play. A stone’s throw away from Century Diamond Tower is Century City Mall, a central retail and shopping destination providing all the necessities and entertainment options within the Century City community and neighboring areas. Just beside Century Diamond Tower is Centuria Medical Makati, a one-stop, outpatient techno-medical center offering state-of-the-art facilities and advanced support systems for various medical needs. Furthermore, Century Diamond Tower is a walking distance away from the vibrant Poblacion district, a popular destination and a melting pot of culture known for its myriad of choices of restaurants, creative coffee shops, and nightlife spots.

Businesses within Century Diamond Tower benefit from 24/7 operations and the distinct advantage of PEZA certification, qualifying them for valuable tax exemptions. This, coupled with the building’s exceptional amenities and dynamic surroundings, positions Century Diamond Tower as the ultimate destination for companies seeking to thrive in Makati’s bustling business ecosystem.

“Currently, our tenant mix represents a diverse array of industries, reflecting our commitment to accommodating a wide range of occupiers. While we wholeheartedly embrace the presence of Business Process Outsourcing (BPOs), logistics companies, and co-working spaces within our premises, we extend our invitation to businesses from diverse sectors. At present, we are engaged in discussions with potential tenants, aiming to attract companies operating in sectors such as finance, healthcare, human resources, and maritime industries, among others. Our objective is to create a vibrant and inclusive community within Century City,” Geraldine Gaite, CPG’s Assistant Vice President for Office Leasing and Business Development, affirms CPG’s commitment to welcoming these entities into its office buildings, fostering an environment conducive to collaboration and growth.

Century Diamond Tower represents more than just a building; it embodies a vision of success, collaboration, and growth. With its unparalleled location and diverse leasing options, it offers a winning proposition for landlords and occupiers alike.

Source: https://bilyonaryo.com/2024/02/15/century-diamond-tower-a-premier-destination-for-businesses-in-makati/brand-news/

By: Philippine Daily Inquirer – @inquirerdotnet
INQUIRER.net BrandRoom / 08:00 AM July 02, 2022

Written by Amy R. Remo 

In the midst of an economic momentum, the Philippines has begun seeing a great “return to office” starting late last year—a move seen by businesses as a critical milestone towards post-pandemic normalcy.

Rising demand 

With most companies now implementing either full scale operations or hybrid arrangements, demand for premium grade office spaces has thus grown—fueled largely by outsourcing companies that required bigger spaces not only for their planned expansions, but also for employees returning onsite after two years of working from home.

Data from CBRE showed that total demand for office spaces in Metro Manila and provincial districts had seen its strongest since the pandemic started at 156,800 sqm in the first quarter of 2022. The IT and business process management (IT-BPM) firms continued to account for bulk of the transactions in the first quarter followed strongly by traditional occupiers that included multinational companies engaged in energy, utilities, construction and engineering.

Similarly, Colliers Philippines pointed out in its latest report that the “Philippine office market appears to be turning a corner with the stabilization of occupancy as we recorded a positive net take-up after seven consecutive quarters of negative net absorption. The return-to-office and expansion plans of companies buoyed by (an) improving pandemic situation and economic stimulus measures should accelerate take-up for the remainder of 2022.”

Flight to quality 

Amid this growing demand, however, there continues to be a “flight to quality” among occupiers and tenants looking for suitable, conducive spaces that will address emergent needs. Companies are now increasingly and particularly drawn to workspaces that adhere to sustainable practices and which can offer certain privileges both for their businesses and their employees.

The 35-storey Century Diamond Tower (CDT) in Makati City exemplifies that ideal office today as it does not only offer healthy, sustainable, and future-proof workspaces that can aptly cater to the changing landscape and preferences, but can also provide its locators with a host of fiscal and non-fiscal perks, owing to its registration with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority.

Rising within Century Properties Group’s flagship mixed-used development Century City Makati, CDT gives locators that highly sought opportunity to be in a PEZA-registered building, as it is one of the few remaining ones in Makati City. Locating here will allow companies to enjoy certain privileges including tax holidays and exemptions.

At the same time, CDT presents a reimagined workspace that ensures not only the productivity of the employees, but also their health, safety and well-being.

This premium grade A office building, which has a gross leasable area of 57,121.95 sqm, ensures that green, sustainable features, such as the variable refrigerant flow (VRF) airconditioning and a building management system, have been integrated.

Ideal fit

As it is, all these exceptional features make CDT truly the ideal fit for businesses looking to set up or expand their operations, including IT-BPM, multinational companies, as well as banks, corporate offices and even providers of flexible or co-working spaces.

Here, businesses are given certain flexibilities as it offers a typical floor plate of about 2,000 sqm, which can accommodate up to 300 seats. It likewise provides options for both major and minor telco service providers.

But what further makes CDT attractive for many businesses is its highly strategic location—right within Makati, a city that continues to command a premium to this day, and near thriving districts such as Bonifacio Global City and Mandaluyong City.

CDT is also located within Century City Makati, an already prime business address that places its locators and their employees within walking distance to upscale residential towers such as Century Spire, Gramercy, Knightsbridge and Milano Residences, Trump Tower, the four-storey retail center Century City Mall, and the 28-floor outpatient and medical tourism hub Centuria Medical Makati.

Right outside Century City Makati are other key establishments, retail hubs, and commercial complexes that may appeal to working professionals. The hip and happening Poblacion district as well as the numerous dining and retail hubs along Makati Ave. are just steps away from CDT.

Come 2027, residents and locators within Century City Makati will likewise find easy access to a nearby station of the Metro Manila Subway Project—a 33-kilometer, 17-station underground railway system that is targeted to seamlessly connect Valenzuela City to Pasay City.

CDT is no doubt well poised to capture the growing demand for premium workspaces that can give businesses that formidable, incomparable advantage amid this so-called great return to office and the country’s postpandemic recovery.

Source: https://business.inquirer.net/351817/century-diamond-tower-built-to-go-beyond-the-emergent-needs-of-the-workforce

Iris Gonzales – The Philippine Star
June 17, 2022 | 8:00am

MANILA, Philippines — The towering Century Diamond Tower in Century City along Kalayaan Avenue in Makati stands out among the city’s skyscrapers. 

But it’s not only because of its unique architecture—it has superior features and a strategic location. All these and more make the building a desirable address for major enterprises. 

This couldn’t be overemphasized now that the country’s workforce is returning to the office as the government pushes for economic recovery.

Indeed, the government has been encouraging businesses to return to either full-scale operations while still conscious of the safety and wellness of employees or hybrid arrangements. 

Against this backdrop, Century Diamond Tower is ready to welcome back its tenants and accommodate more businesses looking to set up their growing operations. 

The tower, for one, is an ideal site for BPOs and IT companies as well as the traditional tenants. Century Diamond is a 35-story premium office accredited by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA). 

Property expert CBRE said in a recent study that there is a reset in demand and supply with operational activity at its highest since the pandemic began and more project resumption with restrictions easing.  

With Century Diamond Tower one of the few remaining PEZA-accredited buildings on the fringes of the Makati CBD, companies can take advantage of the perks it offers. 

Aside from BPOs, it is also suitable for financial companies, banks, corporate offices and even flexible workspaces and co-working companies, its developer Century Properties said.

Among the advantages of Century Diamond is that it has a per floor plate of 2,000 square meters, a space that can accommodate up to 300 seats.

In terms of design, Century Diamond Tower is equipped with the latest building features including the variable refrigerant flow (VRF) air conditioning system, a building management system, 100% backup power with redundancy and fire detection and alarm systems.

For efficiency of its occupants’ movement, it also has separate building entrances, lobbies and elevators for low, mid and high zone floors.

To cater to varying operational requirements, Century Diamond Tower provides varied major and minor telco service providers.

In addition to these qualities, tenants of Century Diamond Tower will also benefit from a subway station which will be constructed close to the building.

The Makati City government said the subway will connect key points in the city including the Central Business District at the corner of Ayala and Sen. Gil Puyat Avenues, Circuit City, Makati City Hall, University of Makati, Ospital ng Makati and other new growth areas within the city.

Makati City Mayor Abigail Binay said the Makati Intra-City Subway project, which will see completion by 2025, will operate 18 hours a day and shuttle 700,000 passengers daily.

Location-wise, Century Diamond is part of Century’s flagship mixed-use development Century City Makati, which is colorful and upbeat for working professionals as it’s within the hip Poblacion district. 

It is also within Makati and close to BGC and Mandaluyong (both just a bridge or flyover away).

Century Diamond stands alongside the signature towers of Century City: the residential skyscrapers Gramercy, Knightsbridge and Milano Residences, Century Spire, as well as Trump Tower Philippines. 

The four-story retail center Century City Mall and the 28-floor outpatient and medical tourism hub Centuria Medical Makati are also only a few steps away.

Source: https://www.philstar.com/other-sections/supplements/2022/06/17/2189971/century-diamond-tower-shines-ideal-base-return-office-work

By TED CORDERO, GMA News
Published August 25, 2020 3:05pm

Antonio-led Century Properties Group (CPG) said Tuesday it acquired its joint venture partner Mitsubishi Corp.’s 40% stake in Century City Development II Corporation (CCDCII).

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, CPG said it entered into a buyout transaction with Mitsubishi for the Philippines-based property developer to acquire its Japanese partner’s common shares in CCDCII for P1.9 billion.

In 2015, CPG and Mitsubishi entered into a joint venture deal to form CCDCII, in which the Philippine company owns 60% while its Japanese partners owns 40%.

The buyout transaction was approved by the Philippine Competition Commission on August 11, 2020.

In effect, CCDCII will be a wholly-owned subsidiary of CPG.

With full ownership of the CCDCII, CPG is adding 25,000 square meters of floor area to its commercial leasing portfolio, growing it to 137,000 square meters of gross floor area this year.

The additional leasing space will come from the newly-completed Century Diamond Tower, which was developed jointly by CPG and Mitsubishi. The building is a 41-floor pre-Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified office building in Century City, Makati.

The tower is also accredited by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority.

This will account for a significant bulk of CPG’s recurring revenues in the coming years, the property developer said.

“This acquisition effectively builds up CPG’s recurring income assets in line with our strategy of growing the company’s high-margin businesses including office leasing. This has proven to be a resilient sector by nature of longer-term leases,” CPG president and CEO Marco Antonio said.

“We thank Mitsubishi Corp. for the trust, the fruitful partnership, and its invaluable support to this project. The completion of Century Diamond Tower is a milestone for CPG as we continue in our step forward to balancing our vertical residential and affordable housing portfolio with commercial leasing assets, while maintaining business resilience under the new normal,” Antonio said.—AOL, GMA News

Read more:
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/money/companies/752798/century-properties-buys-out-mitsubishi-corp-in-office-tower-joint-venture/story/