Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel, a community chapel at the heart of Filinvest City in Alabang, Muntinlupa City, earned a spotlight at the most sought-after Asia Pacific Property Awards for its spiritual significance and architectural design.
Situated atop a hill and amidst the lush greenery of River Park of Filinvest City, the chapel is designed after an inverted white lily. The design evokes calm and tranquility and depicts the purity of Mother Mary. Its towering structure that can be seen from afar and its curves seemingly reaching towards the heavens give it an inviting appeal and make it an ideal place for worship and prayer.
The Chapel was recently recognized in the 2024 Asia Pacific Property Awards in the Public Service Architecture category, earning a 5-star rating for its architectural merit and its significance to the community. This 5-star rating achievement signifies not only national recognition but also propels the Chapel into the final round of competition at the Asia Pacific level.
The International Property Awards is a prestigious program that recognizes excellence in the real estate industry worldwide. It celebrates the highest levels of achievement by companies operating in all sectors of the property and real estate industry. Awards are given across various categories, including architecture, development, interior design, and marketing.
Winners are selected through a rigorous judging process conducted by a panel of experts. These experts evaluate the design brief, location, architecture, sustainability, and innovation, as well as the suitability for the category.
Succeeding this rigorous assessment signifies exceptional quality, innovation, and professionalism within the real estate field. It shows the commitment to create a space that not only embraces architectural brilliance but serves the well-being and needs of its community.
The award further sets the chapel as a distinguished example of architectural excellence and a beacon of exemplary public service architecture.
Enduring legacy
The Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel is a brainchild of the late patriarch of the Gotianun Family, Chairman Emeritus Mr. Andrew Gotianun Sr. As his heartfelt tribute, Mr. Gotianun guided the initiation of a closed design competition to craft a central place of worship in Filinvest City, the flagship neighborhood development of Filinvest.
While Mr. Gotianun regrettably passed away in 2016 before the conclusion of the competition, the family took over the responsibility of reviewing and approving designs from the participating firms, namely LAUD of Singapore, NAP Architects of Japan, and Kaza Architects of the Philippines.
NAP Architects, led by Tokyo-based architect, Hiroshi Nakamura, won the competition. The Chapel is Nakamura’s first completed work in the Philippines. Sacred spaces in Japan, including the Sayama Forest Chapel and Ueno Toshogu Shrine Meditation Pavilion, are his masterpieces.
Filinvest said the process is a realization of the esteemed patriarch’s final wishes, a testament to his enduring legacy.
“The dream for Filinvest City has always been to build an environment that inspires and enables possibilities,” said Francis Gotianun, Director of Filinvest Development Corporation. “Once everything was built and done, we wanted to finally welcome her (the Chapel) to Filinvest grounds so that the community may have another space where they can feel safe, protected, and at peace.”
The Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel opened in October 2021. Its triumph three years later in the International Property Awards not only reflects its architectural brilliance but also serves as a testament to Filinvest City’s commitment to fostering vibrant communities enriched by cultural and spiritual landmarks.
Landscape’s centerpiece
By embracing the chapel as a centerpiece of its landscape, Filinvest City reinforces its commitment to developing holistic urban spaces, fostering an environment where residents and visitors find solace, inspiration, and a sense of belonging.
Furthermore, Filinvest City completes its “live, work, play” approach by creating a space that serves both as a convergence hub and a place of worship. Transcending mere functionality, the space promotes work-life balance and community cohesion through regular mass and other religious activities.
Visitors are welcome to visit the chapel and enjoy its serene atmosphere daily, from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Mass is celebrated every Saturday at 5:00 PM and on Sundays at 8:30 AM, 10:00 AM, and 3:30 PM, providing opportunities for spiritual reflection and worship.
Through this Chapel, we hope people can discover that within the vibrant expanse of Filinvest City, there’s a quiet space where they can find peace,” Don Ubaldo, First Vice President of Filinvest Townships at Filinvest Alabang Inc., said.
Award-Winning Properties
Other properties located in Filinvest City were also awarded and recognized at the 2024 Asia Pacific Property Awards. Parkway Corporate Center celebrated a momentous win for being the Philippines Award Winner for the category of Sustainable Commercial Development. Energy-efficient lighting and appliances, along with a focus on natural ventilation, minimize the building’s carbon footprint. Additionally, on-site green spaces and water-saving fixtures further solidify Parkway Corporate Center’s LEED certification and commitment to sustainability.
Filigree’s 1001 Parkway Residences also won a prestigious 5-star rating for the category of High Rise Residential Architecture for the Philippines. 1001 Parkway Residences is not just a residence, it’s an architectural marvel crafted by Filigree. A soaring testament to modern living seamlessly integrates nature’s beauty with cutting-edge design.
The addition of Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel to Filinvest City isn’t merely an expansion, it’s a profound testament to the enduring legacy of the development. Here, amidst the sleek lines and innovation of award-winning properties, a sanctuary of peace has been established. This harmonious coexistence speaks volumes about Filinvest City’s vision – a place where commerce thrives alongside a deep appreciation for community and spiritual well-being. The chapel serves as a lasting symbol, not just of Filinvest’s achievements, but of its commitment to fostering a holistic environment that caters to the multifaceted needs of its residents and visitors.
