(The following are exclusive interviews of TheSugarFairy during the Verdana Homes ASYANA Grand Launch. Photos courtesy of Annie May Alegato-Valdez)
Hon Cong. Monico Puentevella:
TheSugarFairy: I am a Professional Nurse and I find it very hard to cross both straits (Iloilo and Cebu) just to process my Professional License Card. How about Bacolod having a satellite PRC Office just like DFA?
Monico: “I have always thought about that, and right now, I am working on that possibility. Soon enough, Bacolod will have its own PRC.”
TheSugarFairy: What can you say about The Verdana Homes ASYANA? Its whole concept and its target market?
Monico: “I am very happy for Ayala Land’s 3rd Residential Project in Negros. And the whole thing is very beautiful, unique and very Asian. What makes me happier is the fact that this project is affordable and more Negrenses could benefit from it.”
TheSugarFairy: (I Introduced SSC to Congressman Monico, our purpose, our objectives and our passion in Promoting the City of Bacolod and the Province of Negros Occidental in general through Open Forum and Blogging)
Monico: “Thank you for doing all this for the betterment of Bacolod and Negros. And it is nice to know that there are people like you who are active in promoting our City and Province. Whatever support you want for your group, please don’t hesitate to approach me and I will be very happy to help you.”
Mr. Jay Visco, VisMin Head for Marketing and Sales – ALI
TheSugarFairy: ASYANA launch for me is a Success. And I believe that this project would be a hit just like Plantazzione. Are there more to come from the Ayala after this?
Jay Visco: “Ayala has been very optimistic about the market in Negros, and definitely, ASYANA wont be the last on its list of developments.
TheSugarFairy: I heard from a very reliable source that you are going to start the construction of up coming retail strip “ala Serendra” as soon as possible. How true is this?
Jay Visco: “We are certainly hoping that it will commence soon…”
TheSugarFairy: But what are the chances?
Jay Visco: “The chance is high. The plan is already there. And what we need now is the right timing… we are very bullish with Bacolod and Negros and that the good news…”
TheSugarFairy: Don’t you think its RIPE time to put up such projects in Bacolod?
Jay Visco: “We can see that Bacolod is now ripe for all these developments. With three large Malls and a lot of Local Malls in the city, it’s no wonder that the city is doing quite impressive. And to think that Bacolod City isn’t what it used to be 5-7 years ago, its pretty impressive for a city to be developing this fast. That is why ALI has decided not to put up a BIG mall in Bacolod/Talisay because of the already based Big and Local Players. Instead, we have come up with the retail strip project and we certainly hope this is a change in trend that the Negrenses would like to have and would openly accept.”
TheSugarFairy: I certainly would love that kind of change. And I believe that Negrenses would be able to accept it with arms wide open. I also heard of ALI’s plans to put up BPO spaces within the AYALA Property. How true is this?
Jay Visco: “This is Very true. But we have no definite date when to start it. It’s high time for Bacolod/Talisay/Silay for the BPO business and Bacolod is quite intimidating with all these BIG BPO PLAYERS already set foot in the city. I am very happy that Bacolod is getting a big share of the Pie and we can see the BIG POTENTIAL in the coming years. That is why the ALI BPO Building won’t be that long. Who knows, maybe next year, the Retail Strip and the BPO Buildings will be a reality.”
TheSugarFairy: Is that statement some sort of a riddle? I would like to see ALI in Action for Metro Bacolod. Because I’m pretty sure that when ALI plays the game, it plays to be the Winner.
Jay Visco: “I don’t mean that statement to be true or false. But all I can say is that, ALI is very Bullish about Metro Bacolod. And when ALI prepares for the Game, it prepares Hard.”
TheSugarFairy: Do you have the Master plan for the whole AYALA Project in Metro Bacolod? Can I see it? (With laughs).
Jay Visco: “Yes we do have the Master plan, but it remains to be a top secret to most. But be patient, everything will be slowly revealed and you will be surprised with what Ayala has in store for you.”
TheSugarFairy: Oh… I’m Getting excited about it already… but Bacolod and Negros would be patient enough to wait. We just can’t stop our excitement and anticipation for the whole Ayala Development.
Jay Visco: “In due time, everything will unfold right before your very eyes.” “In Due Time….”
Mr. Francis Monera – VP Ayala Land Inc.
TheSugarFairy: I have talked to Sir Jay earlier, and we have discussed about the future plans of AYALA in Metro Bacolod and Negros. Including the Retail Strip, BPO Spaces, etc… Can you shed light on this, sir?
Francis Monera: “Ayala has long been bullish with Bacolod and Negros and we remained to be bullish up to this date. That is why we have the ASYANA. And regarding the Retail Strip, we have the PLAN but no definite date when to build it. But the thing is, it is there ready to rise up soon. And it will be a unique development especially made for the market of Bacolod and its surrounding neighbors. With regards to the BPO Spaces, it is also in our plans and I can see Bacolod is now ready to host more major call centers because its location is prime and you are one if not the best city to have adequate and 1st class infrastructures. Bacolod is Booming Fast and I don’t think AYALA would be left behind by others. Sooner than every Negrenses have expected, you will see these AYALA Developments unfold in your very eyes.”
The Company
TheSugarFairy: We are the SSC and we promote Bacolod City and Negros Occidental in General. Tourism, Developments, Infrastructure, Services, etc…
The Company: “We always frequent Bacolod City even before. Bacolod City is very close to our hearts and we would never be The Company without Bacolod. Before, we are very sad that the development in Bacolod is very slow paced yet everyone can see the potential of the city to excel in almost all corners of developments. It’s very sad back then how Bacolod has been viewed by many as a city with 10% Elites and 90% Poor. But now, we are very happy with Bacolod. Personally, your developments here are the best in the country. No tall buildings but the old world charm are unsurpassed by others. The light feeling when you’re driving down the streets, the gentle feel of the people’s hospitality. (One of the members said) Personally, I find your SM mall here the best and the most crowded in the country. But the people flocking in your mall are very enthusiastic. SM Design is one of the best I had been to. Robinsons on the other hand is one Hot Giant. The same feeling of grandeur and splendor is still there as of 10 years ago.”
“Bacolod City will forever be in the Company’s hearts and we feel proud of what Bacolod has achieved in the past few years. And I personally believe Bacolod will go a Long Way. And Ayala will be here to put you one step ahead among others.”