Representing the Philippines on the Global Dance Floor: National Winner, JXYB Heads to Red Bull Dance Your Style World Championship

In a collision of genres, cultures, and personal flair, the Red Bull Dance Your Style National Finals concluded last September 2 at 5th Ave. Bonifacio High Street, where the 8 finalists from the Cebu and Manila qualifiers competed against 8 wildcards in an electrifying mix featuring unique styles and techniques. 

Red Bull Dance Your Style is a unique competition showcasing creativity, individuality, and exploration of the different dance genres. Unlike traditional competitions, Red Bull Dance Your Style stands out as a unique 1v1 showdown with the only judge being the crowd itself. The crowd decides who gets to move further in each round, and ultimately determines the champion. This, coupled with unpredictable music, mastery, and dance prowess, makes Red Bull Dance Your Style competition a unique experience, with every performance consistently keeping both the audience and dancers captivated and engaged.  

Half of the Top 16 hailed from the Cebu and Manila qualifiers, which took place last July 15 and July 22, respectively. The other half were wildcard entries with different backgrounds, performance styles, and accolades. Together, they battled it out on the stage for a chance to represent the Philippines on the world stage.

Each finalist gave it their all throughout the National Finals, but in the end, Louries Dhztine 'JXYB' Bernardino secured the title of champion. Having bested the competition with their signature Krumping technique and personality, JXYB is now on track to represent the Philippines in the World Finals.

“Red Bull Dance Your Style is really challenging. In a normal battle, you only have to please three judges but in Red Bull Dance Your Style you have hundreds, even thousands of people to please. So what I do is I just try to show my skills and at the same time enjoy it, and hope that I get to reach the crowd with that and they see my soul with my performance. Mickey has so much crowd control. He knows how to please an audience, and that’s something I look up at him for. Something I also want to develop for my future performances. For the finals in Germany, I’ll look to the many inspiring people from the Philippine dance community. We are so advanced here in dancing that even as I have won Red Bull Dance Your Style, I know that I may still lose in other, maybe even smaller, battles locally. That’s how good our dancers are. That’s how advanced the Philippine dance community is when it comes to freestyle battling but that’s a big advantage for me - I come from a good community of dancers and I’ll be taking that experience to Germany. I plan to maintain my style and enjoy my dance more but I’ll for sure train every day and begin inserting new techniques I can use.” ~Louries Dhztine 'JXYB' Bernardino, Red Bull Dance Your Style National Finals Champion 2023

JXYB battled it out against the first-ever  Red Bull Dance Your Style Philippines Champion, Mickey Paolo Yatar in the semi-finals. The showdown elicited loud cheers for the then title holder and JXYB, shining the spotlight on the individual prowess of both dancers. 

JXYB also went against wildcards “Heidra” and “O-shady” who brought out a range of hip-hop and pop grooves, but the finale performance against fellow krumper Juan “BLVCKZIK” Carlo De Leon brought out the largest cheers in an adrenaline-pumping 1 on 1 where JXYB ran off stage and through the center crowd, catching every beat and transforming the energy and applause into a routine made to remember. 

With the winner of the National Finals now secured, the spotlight shines even brighter on their journey as they prepare to represent the country on the global stage. The highly-anticipated Red Bull Dance Your Style World Finals is set to take place in Frankfurt, Germany, in November 2023. Dancers representing different countries will come together to showcase their unique flair and celebrate different styles of dance.

Red Bull Dance Consultant Lema Diaz says Red Bull has partnered with the best of the Philippine dance community and is more than ready to train JXYB with the best local dancers in preparation for the World Finals. 

“We work with the best of mainstream and underground dancers and we have the full support of Red Bull and of our partners for this journey. We also know that there are so many skilled dancers in the Philippines that can compete globally. We are local going global, and these people are not new to the world stage. They have been competing and carrying our flag around the world. There is no need to train abroad when the best is already here with us. Red Bull has given us a platform and I’m so thankful for them to have given wings to the Philippine dance community.” ~Lema Diaz, Red Bull Dance Consultant

For JXYB, the World Finals would not only mean endless training, but also collaboration with the Philippine dance community, and finding inspiration in his personal experience in the local dance battle and freestyle scene in the country. 

JXYB is set to represent the Philippines on the global stage this November in Germany. For updates and news regarding JXYB, Red Bull Dance Your Style, and upcoming Red Bull events, visit https://redbulldanceyourstyle.com/ and the following social media pages: 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/redbulldance | Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redbullph/ and TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@redbullph.

Julie’s Releases New Video Fresh from the Oven

Julie’s, the country’s largest neighborhood bakeshop chain established in 1981 in Mandaue, Cebu, has released a splashy new video on their YouTube channel. Check out the Fresh Test with Kim Chiu! It's a catchy, short video that shows you how light and soft Julie’s bread is. With freshness in every bite, you are sure to be satisfied with the bread at Julie’s.

 

Kim, a Cebuana herself, has been a representative of the company since February 2023. Kim brings her signature brand of humor and cheekiness to the production, displaying her bubbly personality and enthusiasm for Julie’s bread.

 

The video features a gameshow gimmick of a person hanging in midair searching for Julie’s bread among the pan de bato. His pan hits a few pieces and they make a hard sound showing him they are too stale to be Julie’s pandesal. Then he hits a piece that bounces and he knows right away, that’s Julie’s! This playful short reminds customers that Julie’s bread is soft and fluffy every time. That’s how they know it’s the right bread to buy.

 

“At Julie’s, we have always made sure to make customers satisfied and one of the things they look for is the freshness of breads they buy. Every day, our Julie’s bakers rise early to craft these delectable treats from scratch, ensuring that they reach customers' hands at the peak of freshness. Anyone who shows up at Julie’s is treated to fluffy, freshly baked bread every time. With “The Fresh Test” our team is spreading the word about Julie’s quality. We are reaching out to new customers to expand Julie’s reach." ~Marc San Juan, Julie’s Marketing Director

 

Julie's takes pride in keeping its loyal customers satisfied by consistently delivering top-notch quality in every bite. At the same time, Julie’s is eager to introduce its delicious offerings to new customers, aiming to share its commitment to excellence with a broader audience, highlighting Julie's dedication to both its traditional patrons and those who are yet to experience its delightful treats.

 

With forty years of industry experience, Julie’s has a clear understanding of the critical importance of sustaining long-term success by continually providing fresh and delicious breads to its consumers. And just because it's serious about quality doesn’t mean it can’t have a sense of humor about its products.

 

From the crackling crust of a pandesal to the fluffy goodness of an ensaymada, Julie's Bakeshop prides itself on using the finest ingredients and traditional recipes to create a range of baked goods that cater to all tastes.

 

Julie’s is the country’s largest neighborhood bakeshop chain. It was the brainchild of then canteen operator Julie Gandionco because of her need to provide bread for her business. It has since expanded into an empire bringing bread to every corner of the Philippines.

 

With its diverse range of fresh and flavorful treats, Julie’s has earned its place as a cherished brand for anyone seeking a taste of affordable and delicious breads. So, the next time you're in search of a delightful snack to complete your merienda or almusal, always remember that: "Basta Julie's, Fresh Yan!" 

To find out more about Julie’s please visit www.juliesbakeshop.com.ph, and be a part of the community by liking their page at www.facebook.com/JuliesBakeshop. Don’t forget to use the hashtag, #BastaJuliesFreshYan! in your social media posts!

UNIQLO showcases the art of modern layering in 2023 Fall/Winter collection preview

(L-R) UNIQLO Philippines Senior Marketing Manager Reichelle Vergara, UNIQLO Philippines Chief Operating Officer Geraldine Sia, Matteo Guidicelli, Sarah Geronimo-Guidicelli, UNIQLO Philippines Chief Operating Officer Ikezoe Osamu, and UNIQLO Philippines Vice President for Marketing Georgette Barrera-Jalasco

UNIQLO celebrated the art of mixing and matching layered clothing for the upcoming season in the Press Preview of the 2023 Fall/Winter collection at SM Aura in Taguig City. 

UNIQLO’s latest season collection preview featured the Art of Modern Layering, set to be a fashion staple in the coming months for warmth and comfortable styling.

Simple, chic, practical and classic, the new collection showcases an essential modern wardrobe mood with a limitless range of styling possibilities, perfect for travel and events during these -ber months. It’s a fashion fusion that gives the art of modern layering three key aspects: style, color & texture, and function.

“Our latest collection echoes our LifeWear philosophy. In the modern world where we see constant change in trends, LifeWear is UNIQLO’s dedication to bring quality products designed to last and grow with you through the evolution of your own personal styles and tastes.” ~Geraldine Sia, UNIQLO Philippines Chief Operating Officer

Modern layering is all about creating your own unique layering style to make the cold weather season both fun and comfortable. This is why in terms of style, it promotes the classic yet modern, the casual yet chic. Cozy knits, utility bottoms and more allow individuals to express themselves with truth and sophistication.

The UNIQLO 2023 Fall/Winter LifeWear Collection celebrates the art of modern layering. The modern layering of color & texture presents a vast array of wools, knits, and other warm textures, alongside tone-on-tone gradation colors in gray, berry, and off-white.

The modern layering of style promotes the classic yet modern, the casual yet chic. Sheer knits, utility bottoms, and more allow individuals to express themselves with truth and sophistication.

The modern layering of function features cutting-edge technologies and UNIQLO’s renowned HEATTECH innovation, keeping wearers warm, and in style, throughout the season.

Meanwhile, the color & texture centers on a simple modern look with tone-on-tone coordination. The collection presents a vast array of wools, knits, and other warm textures, alongside tone-on-tone gradation colors in gray, berry, and off-white.

On the other hand, the modern layering of function features cutting-edge technologies and UNIQLO’s renowned HEATTECH innovation, keeping wearers warm, and in style, throughout the season.

Sarah Geronimo-Guidicelli and Matteo Guidicelli show off their modern layering-inspired outfits during the UNIQLO 2023 Fall/Winter LifeWear Collection Press Preview

Also present during the event were UNIQLO Philippines ambassadors Sarah Geronimo-Guidicelli and Matteo Guidicelli who expressed their excitement on perfecting the art of modern layering.

Alongside the Fall/Winter 2023, UNIQLO showcased its collaboration collection with British fashion designer JW Anderson. Featuring casual yet sophisticated designs, the collection takes inspiration from Anderson’s British roots and traditional university life. Graphic checks and playful animal motifs match wardrobe essentials such as trench and duffle coats in the pursuit of perfection. 

Meanwhile, the UNIQLO U 2023 Fall/Winter collection stands for everything simple, chic, practical and classic. It comprises a wide assortment of garments with clean lines and generous proportions for styling made more effortless and genderless than ever. Its key colors consist of brown and rust, charcoal and gray, beige and off-white.

The UNIQLO 2023 Fall/Winter LifeWear Collection also celebrated the 20th anniversary of HEATTECH and featured how HEATTECH has continued to evolve since its debut in 2003.

For the ladies, the UNIQLO collaboration collection with Ines De La Fressange is one to keep an eye on. It affirms the rich diversity of fashion’s origins and influences, with nature-inspired materials and colors of denim. The collection presents the colors chic indigo, denim blue, tweed brown, and burgundy, while the knit line-up features the vibrancy of magenta pink, Ines red, and mandarin orange.

Lastly, UNIQLO will surely delight everyone with their new collections of UT Graphic T-shirts; showcased during the event were new designs featuring Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars as part of its Magic For All Forever collection; as well as new designs from the popular anime Jujutsu Kaisen. Moreover, UNIQLO also displayed new designs in collaboration with the renowned contemporary artist KAWS. 

To learn more about #UniqloPH and #LifeWear, check out www.uniqlo.com/ph/en/ and follow https://www.facebook.com/uniqlo on Facebook and https://www.instagram.com/uniqlophofficial on Instagram.

About UNIQLO LifeWear

Apparel that comes from the Japanese values of simplicity, quality and longevity. Designed to be of the time and for the time, LifeWear is made with such modern elegance that it becomes the building blocks of each individual’s style. A perfect shirt that is always being made more perfect. The simplest design hiding the most thoughtful and modern details. The best in fit and fabric made to be affordable and accessible to all. LifeWear is clothing that is constantly being innovated, bringing more warmth, more lightness, better design, and better comfort to people’s lives.

About UNIQLO and Fast Retailing

UNIQLO is a brand of Fast Retailing Co., Ltd., a leading Japanese retail holding company with global headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. UNIQLO is the largest of eight brands in the Fast Retailing Group, the others being GU, Theory, PLST, Comptoir des Cotonniers, Princesse tam.tam, J Brand, and Helmut Lang. With global sales of approximately 2.3 trillion yen for the 2022 fiscal year ending August 31, 2022 (US $16.6 billion, calculated in yen using the end of August 2022 rate of $1 = 138.7 yen), Fast Retailing is one of the world’s largest apparel retail companies, and UNIQLO is Japan’s leading specialty retailer. 

UNIQLO continues to open large-scale stores in some of the world's most important cities and locations, as part of its ongoing efforts to solidify its status as a global brand. Today the company has a total of more than 2,400 stores across the world, including Japan, Asia, Europe, and North America. 

With a corporate statement committed to changing clothes, changing conventional wisdom and change the world, Fast Retailing is dedicated to creating great clothing with new and unique value to enrich the lives of people everywhere. For more information about UNIQLO and Fast Retailing, please visit www.uniqlo.com and www.fastretailing.com.

Shopee launches 9.9 Super Shopping Day with Vice Ganda as new Brand Ambassador, partners with the League of Provinces to digitize MSMEs

This 9.9 Super Shopping Day, Shopee delivers more unbeatable deals, non-stop entertainment, and continuous support for local entrepreneurs across the country.

Shopee continues to bring joy to the Filipino community as it kicks off the highly-anticipated shopping season with more fun and entertainment for users, a wide assortment of unbeatable deals, and a commitment to digitize MSMEs across the nation through its partnership with the League of Provinces of the Philippines. Shopee gives Filipinos plenty to look forward to as this year's 9.9 Super Shopping Day promises to be bigger, better, and more rewarding than ever.

Delivering unkabogable fun and joy as Vice Ganda joins the Shopee family

Keeping to its promise of giving users delightful shopping experiences, Shopee proudly welcomes the Unkabogable Star Vice Ganda as the newest brand ambassador. The multi-talented comedy icon will serve as the face of Shopee's campaigns and community initiatives, amplifying the platform's commitment to delivering

happiness to its millions of users.

"We are thrilled to welcome Vice Ganda into the Shopee family. Her infectious energy, effortless wit, and vibrant personality make her the perfect fit for Shopee. With her popularity among people across all ages and from all walks of life, we look forward to bringing joy and delight to even more Filipinos. Shopee has always been committed to empowering and supporting local businesses, and our partnership with the League of Provinces of the Philippines aligns perfectly with this mission. We believe that by working together, we can enable MSMEs in every corner of the country to thrive in the digital economy." ~Vincent Lee, Head of Shopee Philippines

This 9.9 Super Shopping Day, users can expect a wealth of entertaining content from the It's Showtime host as she stars in a Shopee Live stream and its new TV commercial.

Helping MSMEs go digital in partnership with the League of Provinces

During the launch of Shopee's 9.9 Super Shopping Day, the e-commerce platform also announced a groundbreaking partnership with the League of Provinces of the Philippines. This strategic collaboration aims to support and accelerate the digital transformation of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across the country, driving economic growth and inclusivity.

The League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP), an organization that represents the country's 81 provinces, has long championed the cause of local development and empowerment. By joining forces with Shopee, LPP aims to harness the power of e-commerce to uplift the livelihoods of MSMEs, especially those in rural and

remote areas.

The partnership starts with the training and onboarding of entrepreneurs in Quirino province, led by LPP National Chairman and Quirino Governor Dakila Carlo "Dax" Cua. Shopee provided seller training workshops, educational resources, and onboarding support for sellers of Quirino-made products, such as coffee, chocolates, ginger and turmeric tea, as well as home decor.

Governor Dax Cua expressed his excitement and optimism.

"Our provinces are rich with talent and unique products. This partnership with Shopee will help our local entrepreneurs connect with a wider market, learn valuable digital skills, and ultimately improve their livelihoods. We are also excited to give Shopee users access to the wealth of products the Philippines has to offer." ~Dakila Carlo "Dax" Cua, LPP National Chairman and Quirino Governor

Introducing more entertainment with Shopee Live & unbelievable shopping delights

• 70% off on Shopee Live Buong Araw: Get ready for an all-day shopping spree with stunning 70% off Shopee Live-exclusive vouchers with no minimum spend, which can be used on livestream-exclusive deals from notable brands like L'Oreal and INSPI through Shopee Live, keeping the excitement alive from dawn till dusk and giving shoppers an extended opportunity to snag their favorite items at incredibly low prices. Users can also watch out for their favorite celebrities like Candy Pangilinan, Mariel Padilla, Dianne Medina and many more!
• Free Shipping Araw-Araw: This 9.9 Super Shopping Day, shoppers can enjoy free shipping on all their purchases with no minimum spending, making online shopping more accessible and affordable than ever.
• Fashion and Beauty Extravaganza: Dive into the world of fashion and beauty with a remarkable selection of brands like Unilever Beauty and Belo, and a wide assortment of fashion items priced at PHP 99 and below, allowing everyone to refresh their wardrobes and beauty routines without breaking the bank.

In addition to these enticing deals, users can expect to enjoy discounts from prominent fashion and brands like:

Vice Cosmetics, Mikana, Shigetsu, INSPI, Penshoppe, OXGN, Regatta, Havaianas, BENCH, KEDS, and Crocs. They can also look forward to more exciting promos from tech brands such as vivo, GameXtreme, Aukey, Tecno, itel, Platinum Karaoke, and OPPO, as well as healthcare products from GSK.

Mark your calendars for a shopping experience like no other! Download the Shopee app from leading app stores and visit this link for more information about Shopee's 9.9 Super Shopping Day.

About Shopee

Shopee is the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia & Taiwan. Shopee promotes an inclusive and sustainable digital ecosystem by enabling businesses to digitalize and grow their online presence, helping more people access and benefit from digital services, and uplifting local communities.

Shopee offers an easy, secure, and engaging experience that is enjoyed by millions of people daily. Shopee is also a key contributor to the region's digital economy with a firm commitment to helping homegrown brands and entrepreneurs succeed in e-commerce.

Shopee is part of Sea Limited (NYSE: SE), a leading global consumer internet company. Sea's mission is to better the lives of consumers and small businesses with technology through its three core businesses: Shopee, Garena and SeaMoney.

Let the games begin! 3 things to expect from Comedy Island Philippines

Prime Video today hosted a press conference for its first-of-its-kind Filipino Original series, Comedy Island Philippines, which is set to premiere on August 31 in the Philippines and in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide. The six-part series will run for two weeks from August 31 to September 7 with three episodes streaming each week. During the press conference, director Randolph Longjas, producer Tanya Yuson of BASE Entertainment, Quark Henares, Head of Amazon Originals Philippines, Carlo Aquino, Andrea Brillantes, Cai Cortez, Justine Luzares, and Drew Arellano talked about the show’s unique genre and their fun experiences on the island on and off camera. Here are three things viewers can expect from the series.

 

A hybrid of scripted and improve

 

Comedy Island Philippines is a hybrid reality series that ingeniously blends comedy and adventure, scripted and unscripted formats, and planned and improvisational scenes. This means that some parts of the show are scripted, while other parts are purely up to the cast’s creativity and humor, taking viewers on a unique and fun viewing experience. This innovative genre highlights Prime Video's dedication to producing local content that not only entertains but also showcases authentic Filipino storytelling.

 

A solid ensemble cast

 

Comedy Island Philippines features seven comedians and actors from the Philippines as well as up-and-coming social media celebrities: Carlo Aquino, the Forever Crush ng Bayan; Rufa Mae Quinto, Super B; Andrea Brillantes, the Soap Opera Princess; Jerald Napoles, Theater and Indie Film Chameleon; Cai Cortez, the Nation’s Favorite Bestie; Awra Briguela, Viral Sensation Turned Comedy Superstar; Justine Luzares; the British Chismosa; and Drew Arellano as Dodong the gamemaster.

 

As they strive to survive in the mysterious Tawa-Tawa Island by playing in the island’s exhilarating so-called centennial games, viewers will be treated to the cast’s funny antics, hilarious bloopers, and unpredictable experiences.

 

“Thank you for giving me this opportunity and finding a different version of myself that I can share. Hopefully the audiences can see this in the show.” ~Drew Arellano 

The harder the laughs, the longer you stay

 

If you found yourself stranded on a remote island, what would you do to survive? In Comedy Island Philippines, Carlo Aquino, Rufa Mae Quinto, Andrea Brillantes, Jerald Napoles, Cai Cortez, Awra Briguela, and Justine Luzares compete for a chance to go home and bring a precious gift to humanity. In each episode, players take on different challenges that put their comedic and improv skills to the test. But there’s only one way to survive: make the people of the island laugh.

 

As the cast pulls out all stops to overcome each challenge with wit and determination (unscripted, of course), Comedy Island Philippines sets the stage for a unique entertainment that appeals not only to Pinoys but also to global audiences.

 

Will the players survive and find their way home? Find out and watch Comedy Island Philippines, and let fun and adventure begin, only on Prime Video!

 

For more updates on Comedy Island Philippines, follow Prime Video on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and YouTube. Stream anywhere, anytime at primevideo.com or download the Prime Video app on Google Play, Apple Store, and Microsoft.

 

 

 

About Prime Video - Philippines

Prime Video offers customers a vast collection of TV shows and movies—all available to watch on hundreds of compatible devices:

 

• Included with Prime Video: Watch thousands of popular movies and TV shows, award-winning Amazon Originals and other exclusives, and more. Think global Amazon Original series such as Citadel, The Lord Of The Rings: The Rings Of Power, The Boys, The Wheel of Time, and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, as well as critically acclaimed Amazon Original movies like Coming 2 America, The Tomorrow War, and exclusive local titles such as Ten Little Mistresses, Walang KaParis, Cattleya Killer, Fit Check: Confessions of an Ukay Queen, and Deleter, Korean titles such as Island and Jinny’s Kitchen, anime hits such as Demon Slayer, and many more.
• Instant Access: Watch at home or on the go with your choice of hundreds of compatible devices. Stream from the web or use the Prime Video app on compatible smartphones, tablets, game consoles, or select smart TVs.
• Enhanced Experiences: Make the most of every viewing with 4K Ultra HD- and High Dynamic Range (HDR)-compatible content. Go behind the scenes of your favorite movies and TV shows with exclusive X-Ray access, powered by IMDb. Save it for later with select mobile downloads for offline viewing.
• Personalized: Customers can browse the user interface in their own language and watch popular TV shows and movies with subtitles.

 

About Amazon

Amazon is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Amazon strives to be Earth’s Most Customer-Centric Company, Earth’s Best Employer, and Earth’s Safest Place to Work. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfillment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Career Choice, Fire tablets, Fire TV, Amazon Echo, Alexa, Just Walk Out technology, Amazon Studios, and The Climate Pledge are some of the things pioneered by Amazon. For more information, visit amazon.com/about and follow @AmazonNews.

Coastal land reclamation: A glimpse into today’s urban development strategies

Photo credit to Anastasia Yudin. An aerial shot of Flower Dome in Singapore.

Coastal land reclamation is increasing and will continue to grow and be a popular urban strategy in places that experience urban growth.

This is according to a study, “Mapping 21st Century Global Coastal Land Reclamation,” that analyzed landsat satellite images from 2000 to 2020 to quantify spatial extent, scale, and land use of urban coastal reclamation of 135 cities globally with populations exceeding one million.

Key findings indicate that 78% of these cities have turned to reclamation to create additional land, resulting in 253,000 hectares of new land, an area equivalent to Luxembourg. Land reclamation is the process of creating new land from the sea. It’s often used in places with scarcity of land and high population density for many purposes. From Western Europe and West Africa to the Middle East, East Asia, and Southeast Asia, these countries’ cities reclaim lands for port extension, residential/commercial, and industrial purposes aimed at creating tourist and green spaces. Key drivers like global trade and rapid urbanization are already ubiquitous, so for the next step, these cities desire prestigious place-making efforts and enhanced international reputation.

Architect Ian Fulgar, the Principal Architect of Fulgar Architects. It allows cities to preserve valuable ecosystems and resources from urban sprawl by expanding spaces without encroaching on existing natural land. More importantly for architects, urban planners, and modern city dwellers, it presents an opportunity to have purpose-built urban environments specifically designed to meet their needs.

“Coastal land reclamation is a forward-looking approach to urban development. Architects and urban planners can design sustainable and efficient infrastructure with a blank canvas, incorporating the latest technologies and best practices in urban planning. This approach can lead to more resilient and adaptive cities capable of mitigating the effects of climate change and other environmental challenges. Not only have they transformed their respective landscapes but also captured global attention. These projects have created iconic and visually striking landscapes by pushing the boundaries of engineering and urban design. Sustainability is often at the forefront, integrating practices and technologies that minimize environmental impact and enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors. The future of city development, especially in coastal areas, rests with stakeholders prioritizing sustainability and disaster resilience. By adopting a comprehensive, collaborative, and adaptable strategy, they can transform the design, construction, and management of waterfront development – ultimately creating more sustainable, resilient, and prospering urban environments that benefit both people and the environment. Trends and insights on global reclamation illustrate the potential of reclamation projects in addressing various urban development, environmental conservation, and community well-being needs – leading to more sustainable and resilient urban planning worldwide. By adopting these lessons and focusing on sustainable growth, the Philippines can capitalize on its potential and carve a path to a brighter future.” ~Architect Ian Fulgar, Principal Architect of Fulgar Architects

Photo credit to Abid Bin Nazar. An aerial view of Palm Jumeirah.

Cities that lead coastal land reclamation

Singapore, Dubai, and Hong Kong, says Architect Fulgar, are some of the world’s most notable cities with impressive urban reclamation projects. 

Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay are testaments to the city-state’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. The former is a luxury integrated resort famed for transforming Singapore’s coastline and city skyline, whereas the latter is a spectacularly unique horticultural destination that combines art, science, and nature. These reclaimed land developments further boost the country’s international reputation and real estate value around the area.

For some parts of the United Arab Emirates, coastal land reclamation has significantly changed ts geography. Dubai, which has completely transformed into an ultramodern city, features ambitious projects now known as some of the most recognizable developments in the world like Palm Jumeirah and The World. “They have reshaped the coastline and established the city as a leader in innovative development, significantly elevating Dubai’s real estate value and worldwide interest,” says Architect Fulgar.

Palm Jumeirah is an awe-inspiring artificial archipelago shaped like a palm tree when viewed from above. It houses some of Dubai’s luxury hotels, residences, and entertainment venues. Likewise, The World is a groundbreaking project composed of small artificial islands in the shape of a world map.

Lastly, Hong Kong’s commitment to preserved art, culture, and ongoing sustainable urban development is exemplified by its West Kowloon Cultural District. It is a 40-hectare reclaimed site along Victoria Harbour’s waterfront designated as the city’s vibrant cultural quarter where the local arts scene can interact, develop, and collaborate throughout its sustainability principles.

Architect Fulgar, who firmly believes in creating spaces that foster belonging and unity, highlights that Singapore, Dubai, and Hong Kong share common denominators in their successful urban reclamation projects. These are innovative design and planning, focus on sustainability and commitment to cultural and societal development, and the subsequent increase in real estate value.

Architect Fulgar on these cities’ commitment to sustainability atop function and aesthetics.

Best practices of coastal land reclamation

Despite recognition of world-class reclamation projects, one of their primary challenges is facing criticism and potential issues over sustainability concerns. Architect Fulgar shares that the solution is through the responsibility of vital stakeholders to adopt a collaborative approach and adaptive strategies in implementing best practices, such as prioritizing sustainability and disaster resilience goals in waterfront developments.

Moreover, Architect Fulgar puts emphasis on a well-planned project that begins with the developers’ thorough research and analysis of the selected area about potential environmental impacts, disaster risks, and local community needs. Architects and engineers need to incorporate sustainable design principles and green and blue spaces to reduce the developments environmental footprint.

SM Foundation introduces rainwater harvesting for sustainable impact

In line with the SM Green Movement, the SM group, through SM Foundation, recently established a rainwater harvesting system at the Brgy. Irawan Birthing Facility in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. The initiative aims to strengthen their goal of preserving the environment and ensuring the health and wellness of future generations.

To enhance water conservation and management in the facility, the system collects rainwater from the roof and gutter, passing it through vinyl-coated mesh filters to help ensure water quality. With an 800-liter storage capacity, the harvested water serves the facility’s non-potable needs like watering plants, cleaning, and toilet flushing.

Midwife Narcisa Jagmis observes as the system collects rainwater from the gutters. SMFI Health and Medical Programs Senior Project Manager Albert Uy inspects the water catchment to ensure it reliability.

The rainwater harvesting facility also operates without electricity and features labeled faucets for intuitive recycled water use.

“Mahalagang hindi kami nawawalan ng tubig sa center, lalo na po pag nagsimula kaming magoperate bilang birthing clinic. Ngunit minsan po, walang dumadaloy na tubig at wala kaming mapagkukunan. Kaya napaka laking tulog po ng natural na tubig mula sa rainwater catchment system na. Madali namin itong naaccess upang gamiting panglinis o pandilig dahil konektado ito sa mga gripo. Ang tubig naman mula sa main line ay maitatabi namin para sa aming sterile operations.” ~Narcisa Jagmis, Midwife

Midwife Narcisa Jagmis, who leads the said birthing facility, said that the facility will help them reduce their reliance on the city’s water supply systems.