Kris Aquino prefers high-rise living

More than just a retreat for relaxation, home is a place where one can regain one’s bearings and recharge the creative spirit. Thus, it is perhaps fitting that high-profile celebrity and presidential sibling Kris Aquino claims to prefer high-rise condominium living. With an extensive view of the surrounding landscape and away from the prying eyes of an intrusive public, a high-rise abode allows her time alone to enjoy the freedom of unimpeded space.

 “I can’t explain i,t but I just like riding in elevators,” said Kris at a press conference. The more introspective of her supporters will probably read additional meaning into that statement by saying that Kris rides the challenges that life throws at her like one would ride an elevator. But indubitably, it is the candor by which Kris shares both the high and low points of her life that makes her constantly interesting and practically a mainstay in the public’s eye. And thus, it is not surprising that she was named as the leading celebrity female endorser by a public opinion poll held last year.

A front-row seat to a scenic view at Filinvest’s Laeuna de Taal

The endorsements continue in 2012, with real estate giant Filinvest recently naming Kris Aquino as its brand ambassador. Explains Filinvest Development Corporation director and president-CEO Josephine Gotianum-Yap, “Like Filinvest that has grown throughout the years and endeared itself to the Filipinos, we believe that Kris has earned the trust of the Filipino people.”   While Filinvest’s business has historically focused on the development and sale of affordable and middle-market residential lots and housing units to lower and middle-income markets, it has expanded its residential business to include high- end income segments and themed residential projects with a leisure component, such as farm estates and developments anchored by sports and resort clubs.

Home ownership ranks high in the Filipinos’ list of aspirations. By building homes ranging from 400,000 to millions of pesos, Filinvest is able to cater to the housing needs of a wide market. As one of the largest home providers in the Philippines throughout the Philippines, the real estate company has developed over 2,100 hectares of land, and provided home sites for over 120,000 families.

A feeling of spaciousness in a high-ceilinged Brentville home

“I know the value of hard work and saving for a dream home,” says Kris. “Everybody knows I worked hard for everything I have. Investing in properties and building a house of your own are very important life decisions which could be realized with a trusted brand such as Filinvest.” But since previous experience proved that building a house from ground up entailed more stress than expected, she realized, “It would be better to buy from a reputable developer and make the necessary alterations.”

Kris shares that because her sons study at Brent International School in nearby Santa Rosa, she is particularly interested in a high-end residential condominium that Filinvest will build in Alabang.

Kris says, “I am excited to represent such a big name in the real estate industry. Their tag-line says it all: “We build the Filipino dream.” But her manager Boy Abunda says, “This wasn’t a short negotiation. It was important that we really help build the Filipino dream.”

Filinvest has expanded its business to include the high-end Crimson Resort at Spa in Cebu.

Abunda reveals that a key factor in the endorsement agreement is for Filinvest to donate school buildings to AGAPP or Aklat, Gabay, Aruga Tungo sa Pang-angat at Pagasa (books, teacher training, feeding, livelihood and parenting support programs towards a better quality of life and hope), a foundation that aims to provide day-care learning centers and classrooms called Silid Pangarap in areas of the Philippines where they are most needed. The foundation is headed by Kris’ sister Pinky Aquino-Abellada and enjoys support from various individuals including world-renowned recording artist Apl.de.Ap. (Allan Pineda Lindo Jr.)

 “Apl.de.Ap donated 20 classrooms but he is an international star, so I told Pinky I will just aim for 10 classrooms with Filinvest now,” says Kris in the irrepressibly outspoken manner that has endeared her to the general public.

 What is her personal experience with Filinvest? She matter-of-factly reveals that she and ex- husband James Yap invested in a 3,000-square-meter property in Timberland, a Filinvest project in Quezon City that offers a wonderful panorama of the surrounding countryside. Kris says that the property went to James after their marriage was annulled.

A villa with a private plunge pool at the Crimson Resort and Spa

Kris Aquino endorses Filinvest: In photo are director and president-CEO of Filinvest Development Corporation Josephine Gotianun-Yap; Kris Aquino; Joseph Yap, president and CEO of Filinvest Land, Inc., and Boy Abunda.