BIZ BUZZ: Kevin Wong bets big on southern living (2025)

MANILA, Philippines — While other property developers are slowing down on expansion due to fears of a burgeoning oversupply in the real estate sector, Kevin Wong, president and CEO of Height Realty, is going full speed ahead in the opposite direction.

Propelled by their belief that the upscale market is impervious to inflation, Wong and his team are stepping up the pace of the development of Southlinks Estate, a 33.6-hectare property in Las Piñas City that will feature 336 residential lots, with the smallest cut at 350 square meters (sqm) and the biggest spanning well north of 1,000 sqm.

Southlinks Estate is not scrimping on the details and amenities, not only because Wong intends to live there — with his chosen lot facing the future Paradise Clubhouse — but also because the project that will rise on a former golf course is his first major development, thus he wants to make a grand impression.

The gated Southlinks Estate boasts of underground utilities, 40-percent open space, high-level security, wide roads and dedicated areas for jogging, walking and other outdoor activities—all in keeping with their vision to make Southlinks Estate a place for “thoughtful living,” one that caters to the needs of the family, from the youngest to the oldest.

This is why Wong is eagerly looking forward to the completion of land development and construction of the well-equipped Paradise Clubhouse by 2027.

This way, potential buyers will see for themselves that the group is serious and that the Wongs are committed to seeing the project through, thus paving the way for more developments in the future.

Indeed, the property sector may already be crowded, but there is always room for a new contender. –Tina Arceo-Dumlao

URC expands footprint in Southeast Asia

Although it seems that we have enough snacks in the world, there always seems to be room for new flavors of our favorite treats or new products entirely.

In the case of Universal Robina Corp. (URC)—the local genius behind merienda favorites V-cut potato chips, Piattos and Cream-O cookies—the key is expanding its footprint and exploring opportunities elsewhere.

The Gokongwei-led snack maker on Thursday launched a new research and development center in Malaysia, under the care of its URMunchy’s subsidiary.

“This center is not just a facility: It’s a strategic asset,” URC president and CEO Irwin Lee says in a statement. The center is also seen to accelerate “URMunchy’s innovation pipeline, drive forward-thinking solutions and strengthen our ambition to lead in snack innovation across the region.”

READ: URC buys Malaysia’s Crunchy Foods for P23 billion

As one would expect for a snack maker, 50 product samples were showcased at the opening of the R&D center in Pasir Gudang.

At least 10 “packaging innovations” were likewise scrutinized.

Everything’s already there—product testing and development tech—it’s just a matter of producing a new snack that sets URC apart from what it already is now. —Meg J. Adonis

READ: URC earnings dip but core income up 4%