Metro Cebu Archives - JEG Tower @ One Acacia Cebu, Philippines

October 19, 2021October 19, 2021

Redefining Work-Life Balance in the New Normal

If there is something positive that came out of the COVID-19 pandemic, experts agree that it is emphasizing the importance of employee health and safety, exploring the possibility of a more flexible working arrangement, and reiterating the importance of space – especially in the office.

As more economies and industries reopen in the new normal, many companies and businesses are becoming more aware of their responsibilities in taking care of and prioritizing the well-being of their employees. As an effect of the long-term remote work scheme, most employees have also realized the importance of work-life balance.

What is Work-Life Balance in the New Normal?

Mobile devices, cloud sharing applications, and video conferencing platforms have played key roles in making remote work possible during lockdowns. As modern technology offered this possibility and convenience, it also further blurred the line that separates work and the private lives of many workers. In an article published by Forbes Magazine in May, many employers and employees alike reported burnout because of this. International corporations and even local businesses have recognized how “the blurring of lines between home and work and the relentlessness of the pandemic workday have taken a toll on their well-being.”

Redefining work-life balance in the new normal became crucial for companies in order to address it better during business re-entry. With the transition to a more flexible work arrangement, work-life balance now emphasizes the importance of working efficiently without sacrificing the employees’ health and wellness. Work-life balance in the new normal should also highlight rest and strengthening one’s immune system as protection against the virus. Moreover, it should also focus on working within safe and healthy workspaces.

Healthy Spaces for Work-Life Balance

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a healthy post-pandemic workplace should be a balance of occupational health and safety, as well as health promotion efforts and initiatives.

JEG Tower @ One Acacia was designed and built with its occupiers’ health and safety in mind. Even before the pandemic, this premium 22-storey commercial establishment aimed to offer the best workplace in Cebu City.

Homegrown developer, JEG Development Corporation (JDC), has focused on pivoting the evolving needs of the workplace in the new normal and has incorporated systems, fixtures, and technology to inspire work-life balance and provide a safe space for its tenants.

Through the intelligent utilization of technology, sustainable design and construction methods, and integrated and holistic approach to the well-being of its occupiers, JEG Tower @ One Acacia is the perfect new normal workplace in the heart of Metro Cebu. This premium green building was named 2020’s Best Green Commercial Development in the Philippines for its design and utilization of top-grade amenities to elevate the experience of its tenants. It also recently achieved a LEED Gold certification, making it one of the most sustainable developments in the country.

Looking for a safe workplace post-lockdown in Metro Cebu? Reach out to Lorenzo Rodriguez at (+63) 917-825-6884. Schedule a viewing with us today by calling (+63) 2-8403-5519 or sending an email to jegtower@kmcmaggroup.com.

September 7, 2021September 7, 2021

Why Locate your Business in a LEED-certified Office Building?

Due to the pandemic, more Filipinos grew more conscious of their health and safety, especially in shared spaces. It became an added challenge for employers to provide workspaces that do not only induce productivity but also offer spaces that prioritize their well-being.

Designed to promote sustainability and holistic wellness, LEED-certified buildings have become a more ideal location for companies that are looking for their office space in the new normal. As economies start to reopen and people return to work, these premium green buildings have become the new standard for many. Here are some reasons why companies should locate in LEED-certified office buildings:

Save up on Operational Costs

LEED-certified buildings are constructed to use energy more efficiently and conserve water by utilizing top-graded technology and systems. This may include high-efficiency variable refrigerant flow (VRF) air conditioning systems, installation of Low-E glass to reduce heat from the sun on the building’s interiors, installation of LED lighting throughout all buildings, the use of solar energy, and energy-efficient elevators.

When it comes to water efficiency, some LEED-certified buildings also have rainwater collection systems and facilities to lessen the demand and reliance on potable water sources.

Happier, Healthier Employees

Numerous studies have shown that employees working in LEED-certified buildings are happier and healthier. Because of numerous cumulative factors such as exposure to natural lighting, the optimal indoor air quality, and access to green spaces, these premium green buildings are linked to improved productivity, increased output, and better work performance.

Employees that work in workplaces inside LEED-certified buildings are also found to be more motivated at work and more productive. They are exposed to optimal indoor air quality, natural lighting, and access to green spaces that can have significant effects on their cognitive functions, physical, and mental health.

According to data, higher indoor air quality significantly enhanced nine specific areas of functional domains namely basic, applied and focused activity levels, task orientation, crisis response, information seeking, information usage, breadth of approach, and strategy. Improved air quality also resulted in better sleep and fewer health symptoms at work.

Stand out among Competition

As people started to put a premium on their health and well-being, companies that lease offices in a LEED-certified building stand out as a business that values and supports sustainability. This can be a major differentiator for your business, helping you to secure new customers and increase customer retention to positively impact your sales revenue.

Businesses that provide the best workplace for their employees will have a stronger and better brand identity and characteristics, attracting not only potential customers but also new talent once they expand operations.

Now is the best time to locate your office in a LEED-certified building.

With the bigger emphasis on health and safety and more competitive office lease rates in Cebu City, companies are looking forward to locating their office in a LEED-certified development. JEG Tower @ One Acacia offers premium office and retail spaces for businesses in Cebu City. This 22-storey LEED Pre-certified Silver establishment was named Best Green Commercial Development in the Philippines in 2020.

Schedule a viewing with us today. Contact Lorenzo Rodriguez at (+63) 917-825-6884. For inquiries and more information, call us at (+63) 2-8403-5519 or send an email to info@kmcmaggroup.com.

July 6, 2021July 6, 2021

Key steps in finding the best retail space in Cebu

Cebu City has quickly become the economic center of the province and the whole Visayan region. With its bustling commercial profile, growing population of a consumer market, and a huge influx of local and international tourists, having a retail space in Metro Cebu is an attractive business opportunity for many Cebuanos.

Finding the best retail space in Cebu may be intimidating for some. Similar to choosing the ideal office location, deciding where to locate your business can be a major impact on your public presence, foot traffic, and revenue among others. Here are some key steps in finding the best retail space for your business in Cebu:

Set your Size Requirement

Hunting for a retail space in Metro Cebu should start on knowing what your business needs, especially the size you need to operate. It will also be beneficial to consider options that have provisions for expansion in the future.

Consider the Best Location

Location is always the top priority when it comes to choosing a commercial space for business. However, the best retail location in Cebu for your business should depend on more considerations such as the type of goods you sell, your target market, accessibility, and competition. The location can also determine other operational expenditures in the long run.

Accessibility for Employees and Clients

Your retail business’ location should be accessible not only to your clients and target market but also to your employees. Locating in an accessible location can promote a better work-life balance for your employees. Another factor is its proximity to key and other essential establishments.

Cap your Budget

Lease rates should also be one of the most crucial considerations in finding the best retail space for your business in Cebu. Locating in a space that is priced too high can affect your return on investment (ROI) and could put a strain on the business’ sustainability.

Inspect the Site

Before signing your lease, make sure to visit the actual space to learn more about it. Ask your broker about maintenance fees or other concessions you can enjoy if ever you sign as a tenant. It is important to visit the space to make sure that you can make use of it efficiently, make yourself familiar with the neighborhood, and plan for your next business steps.

Named as 2020’s Best Green Commercial Development, JEG Tower @ One Acacia is also offering retail spaces for businesses who want to locate in the heart of Metro Cebu. Get in touch with Lorenzo Rodriguez at (+63) 917-825-6884 to learn more about our offer.

June 22, 2021June 30, 2021

Why JEG Tower is the perfect new normal workplace

Even before the pandemic, JEG Tower @ One Acacia aimed to offer the best workplace in Cebu City. As businesses are more open to going back to the office, this 22-storey premium office building has focused on pivoting the evolving needs of the workplace in the post-lockdown business landscape.

Defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), a healthy post-pandemic workplace should be a balance of occupational health and safety, as well as health promotion efforts and initiatives. According to the international health agency, “a healthy workplace is one in which workers and managers collaborate to use a continual improvement process to protect and promote the health, safety, and well-being of workers and the sustainability of the workplace by considering the following, based on identified needs.”

Optimal Indoor Air Quality & Contactless Technology

JEG Tower @ One Acacia utilizes the MERV-13 air filters and Fresh Air System for optimal indoor air quality. The Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values or MERV filters that can capture particles in the air from 0.3 and 10 microns (µm). Higher value in MERV ratings leads to better filtration, fewer dust particles, and other airborne contaminants. The tower’s MERV13 filter is one of the highest-grade filters in the industry that promotes an ideal indoor environment and eliminates the growth of bacteria, mold, mildew, or fungi.

The tower also uses the Fresh Air System that ensures the comfort of its tenants. According to the Environment Protection Agency (EPA), building occupants with little or no access to fresh air end up being more exposed to pollutants indoors compared to when they go outdoors. HVAC systems tend to circulate and recycle old air rather than drawing new and fresh air from the outside.

To address one of the most common health and safety concerns in common spaces, JEG Tower @ One Acacia has also integrated contactless and smart technology in all office floors and common areas in the building. Automatic sliding doors have been installed in the main entrance for touchless access. Motion-sensor bathroom fixtures are also made available for tenants to limit contact to surfaces in public areas.

JEG Tower also has stationed hands-free standing and desk temperature scanners to ensure the fitness of each employee or guest entering the premises.

The Destination-Oriented Assignment System (DOAS) elevators do not only manage crowds and limit contact, boost building security, but also assist in easier tracing or monitoring of foot traffic in the building. It is also one of the tower’s unique green and sustainable features as part of its pledge to sustainability and green real estate in Cebu.

Advocates of Holistic Health and Employee Well-being

JEG Tower in Cebu uplifts the health and wellness of its tenants. Committed to revolutionizing work and life balance, the building has designed office spaces to maximize the use of natural daylight, allow better indoor air quality in all work and common spaces, and organize initiatives to encourage healthier living for everyone.

Named as 2020’s Best Green Commercial Development in the Philippines, JEG Tower @ One Acacia is committed to providing a workplace that addresses the physiological, mental, and social needs of its employees and occupants.

By following global standards and optimizing building design and operations, it is one of the most ideal locations to work in Cebu City. JEG Tower puts a premium on its tenants’ health while practicing sustainability and energy efficiency.

Locate your business in Cebu City’s newest premium green building. Contact Lorenzo Martin E. Rodriguez at (+63) 917-825–6884. For leasing inquiries and more information, call us at (+63) 2-8403-5519 or send an email to info@kmcmaggroup.com.

June 15, 2021June 15, 2021

Vaccination of ‘economic workers’ to ease rising vacancy in Cebu City offices

After a full year in lockdown, Cebu’s office market has faced challenges in leasing and vacancy but still saw a few bright spots from January to March of 2021.

KMC data show that while Cebu IT Park and the Cebu Fringe continue to log increasing vacancies, Cebu Business Park has observed movement and absorption as BPO locators continue to choose the Visayan capital as the center of economic activity and ideal area of expansion outside Luzon.

According to KMC’s 1Q/2021 Office Briefing, both Cebu IT Park (CITP) and the Cebu Fringe continued to lose tenants, greatly contributing to the recorded 19.2% vacancy rate. Meanwhile, there was a recorded contraction of vacancies in the Cebu Business Park after 16,000 sq m of office space was occupied in the quarter.

Rental rates in CITP and the Cebu Fringe are also on a downward trend as landlords keep up with the increase in vacancies in both areas. On the contrary, office spaces within the Cebu Business Park posted a 0.3% higher rental rate. Average office rental rates in the Cebu Central Business District registered at PHP 577.6 per sq m / month, 2.3% lower than the start of the pandemic a year ago.

DOWNLOAD: KMC Cebu Office Briefing 1Q/2021

Around 117,300 sq m of new office supply is expected to be available before the end of the year. As consequent effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are still felt in the country, short-term demand is forecasted to remain muted and minimal as occupiers fare the new normal. There is, however, a slight improvement in various pre-leasing activities in the Cebu CBD, with the opportunity to occupy fresh spaces at current rates.

JEG Tower @ One Acacia is one of the office buildings that are expected to come online in 2021. Being one of the newest premium green buildings and PEZA accredited locations in the Cebu district, the 22-storey tower is expected to uplift the commercial pipeline for local businesses and multinational locators in the Visayan epicenter.

Vaccination of ‘Economic Workers’

As the local government’s vaccination rollout is now open to the A4 priority group (employees reporting to the office), more leasing activity is expected in Cebu City and its business districts in the coming months.

According to the Visayas Vaccination Operations Center (VVOC), a total of 28,661 individuals have already been inoculated with their first dose of the vaccine as of June 10. Of this number, 4,697 have already managed to complete their inoculation schedules.

Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Steven Yu said the business community in Cebu is hopeful that the economic revival in the province will come sooner or later as more people are encouraged to get the vaccine.

“As more A4s get vaccinated, they become our role models/ambassadors which convince anti-vaxxers to become pro-vaxxers. As early as a few days ago, we could see a sea wave of change of heart from people, and they are now willing to be vaccinated because more and more of their friends/relatives had been vaccinated,” Yu said. “The future looks bright, and we need to ensure that we will have sufficient quantities of vaccines coming in regularly,” he added.

Get more relevant, in-depth market insights in Cebu’s central business district in the new normal. Reach out to Lorenzo Rodriguez at (+63) 917-852-6884. Send us an email at info@kmcmaggroup.com or reach out to us at (+63) 2-8403-5519 to know more about how you can lease JEG Tower @ One Acacia.

May 27, 2019September 14, 2020

Defining Innovation in Real Estate

“The people of Cebu deserve so much more.”

This is the message that JEG Development Corp. (JDC)’s Chief Operating Officer, Marko Sarmiento wants to communicate when he and his family conceptualized JEG Tower @ One Acacia, Cebu’s first green building to join the growing number of Metro Cebu’s skyline.

“We have always wanted to do things differently. We want to pursue projects that are not only innovative but relevant as well. Our latest project, the JEG Tower, is a testament to that,” Marko told in an interview with Sustar.

Leading towards a Greener Cebu

JEG Tower @ One Acacia, the city’s first green building, is the Garcia-Sarmiento clan’s pledge to a better Cebu. Driven to push forward this initiative to become the new standard, JDC specifically designed this 22-floor tower towards sustainability which made use of environment-friendly materials and would operationalize as energy efficient as possible.

“We’re building a high-end, LEED pre-certified Silver, sustainable office retail building which we’re taking as both a huge risk and opportunity to do something different than anyone else in the game,” Marko said.

The 1,700-square meter tower, which will fully operate by 2020, is the corporation’s first step leading towards a greener Cebu. While the green movement is in full motion in Metro Manila, it remains to be tapped in Metro Cebu.

“Green developments aren’t a standard yet in Cebu, but we want to take the initiative starting with this building,” Marko told the Freeman. “The green movement in the Real estate industry has so much potential, and I think the Cebuanos can benefit from it,” he said.

“I think we came in the right time,” Ayla Gomez, JDC’s Brand Manager adds. “The trend now is towards building offices and residences is geared towards sustainability.”

JDC’s long-standing presence in Cebu molded the family corporation’s vision to give back to the Cebuanos through their business.

“Constructing a green building is much more expensive compared to normal ones,” Marko admits, “but we’re doing this not with the cost in mind.”

“If they are building something, we are doing it the best way possible,” Ayla added.

Work-Life Balance Revolutionized

Hosting additional Grade A office spaces along Archbishop Reyes near the Cebu Business Park, JEG Tower is fit to house BPO companies and corporate offices in the South. The sustainable design of the building does not only benefit the environment but also takes care of the overall well-being of its occupiers.

Contributing not only to the productivity, but also the health and wellness of its tenants, JEG Tower @ One Acacia provides a lot of green spaces, bike racks, and shower rooms for them to use to their advantage. Its key location also prompts occupants of the building to have their dose of exercise needed by walking to work or to take some time off work and visit neighboring leisure establishments. The design also enhances interior space for maximum views and natural lighting to reduce energy costs.

“We’re going to locate our head office at JEG Tower too,” Marko shares, “We will also experience what our tenants will experience.”

By providing a working environment that improves the productivity and well-being of people, JDC continues to transform itself into a relevant and socially responsible real estate firm.

“It isn’t always about the bottom line but more about the greater good,” added Marko. “We just hope more developers do it. It would benefit the whole industry.”

Tag: Metro Cebu