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The first Wi-Fi integrated community at MCJ’s Canyon Ranch

EYE CATCHER

Resty Vergara

08/06/2008

One sunny afternoon, we found ourselves trooping with good friends May and Dr. George Neri to one of the high-end real estate development projects of Manila Jockey Club (MJC) in Carmona, Cavite, upon the invitation of its chairman and president lawyer Alfonso Reyno Jr., who was more than gracious to keep company through much of the most enjoyable part of the trip.

With us in the out-of-town getaway of sorts were top-level friends in the business, namely, among others, MJC food and beverage manager Ramon Pimentel, Edgardo Vasquez, Lito Perdido, Lil Dominguez, Mike de Jesus, Lucy Enriquez, Lani Schoof and the eternal beauty queen-actress Gloria Diaz. It maybe recalled that through the years, lawyer Reyno Jr. has been at the forefront of various profitable undertakings and initiatives that brought the MJC to greater heights, as well as in protecting and promoting the interests of the company’s stakeholders.

In particular, the brilliant lawyer told us that the development projects in Carmona were made through a joint venture with Century Communities in which a 17-hectare portion of the properties of the company at the San Lazaro Leisure Park was used for the development of a residential community now widely known as Canyon Ranch, which has sold almost all of its residential and commercial units there.

The Canyon Ranch is now at the forefront of luxury development south of the metropolis. Its prime locations offer a different living experience for people who enjoy a majestic view of the exhilarating rolling terrain from outside the window of the Italian Mediterranean-themed properties. Located within the 77-hectare property, the Canyon Ranch is almost completely developed. A total of 70 houses have been completed and 67 are under construction. Canyon Ranch, being the first and only Wi-Fi integrated community in the country today, will certainly complement the transformation of the park into a special economic zone. It promises the best that the world has to offer by bringing high-technology comforts to an ecological and idyllic environment, and by facing the challenge of changing lifestyles and businesses.

It is a dream house for communing without the noise and pollution of city living. Its interior is contemporary in look infused with modern Asian touches. The model units boast of platform beds and other homey configurations to maximize the use of space where one can still enjoy the modernity and vibrancy of the urban lifestyle. Indeed, it is not only an ideal home with excellent climate and views, but also a vacation home, a retirement place or a weekend destination to bond with family or entertain friends and business associates. That was how we felt exactly as we made the rounds of some of the houses, which showcased ultra-cozy showrooms.

In keeping with the notion of corporate responsibility, MJC works closely with host communities through various social development programs in partnership with ecological protection and environmental management including business and livelihood linkages through capacity building with concerned constituents.

Lawyer Reyno Jr. also pointed out that the company has achieved a lot in all its business undertakings. The San Lazaro Leisure Park, the first Racino in Asia, is now known to be one of the country’s gaming and leisure destinations. The Pagcor Club San Lazaro is already in its high gear operations as its members continue to grow since its opening.

To put the company on a new growth path, it has sought to diversity and develop its non-core assets, while expanding the gaming business and at the same time developing real estate properties that have since then contributed substantially to its revenues and profits.

Apart from contribution in taxes (remitted indirect taxes of more than P746 million in 2007), it is actively involved in corporate social responsibility programs that focus on improving health conditions and social services, as well as generating employment opportunities.

“With the power of great service performance, integrity and a compassionate hand, Manila Jockey Club Inc. is moving forward and leaping even higher as it continues to explore better ideas and taking immediate steps in improving its operation that will be beneficial to both the company and the stockholders,” points out Lawyer Reyno Jr.