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Philippines – Robinsons Land Corporation (RLC), a real estate development company in the Philippines, has appointed Maria Socorro Isabelle ‘Mybelle’ Aragon-GoBio as its president and chief executive officer, effective on February 1, 2025.

The appointment comes after Lance Gokongwei, currently the chairman of RLC, stepped down as president and CEO, which he has held since January 8, 2024.

Aragon-GoBio’s appointment marks her as the first female president and CEO of RLC, reflecting the company’s commitment to inclusivity, progressive leadership, and meritocracy.

Having first joined RLC in 1993, Aragon-GoBio has over 30 years of experience in the industry and has held leadership positions in logistics, residential and office developments, and mixed-use estates.

Aragon-GoBio has significantly contributed to RLC, having served as president and CEO of Robinsons Logistix and Industrials and leading project developments as senior vice president of Robinsons Destination Estates.

In her early career at RLC, she helped establish the company’s High-Rise Buildings Division and increase revenue through condominium and office projects.

Additionally, Aragon-GoBio spearheaded the launch of various residential brands, forged partnerships, and contributed to projects with government institutions.

Aragon-GoBio is also currently the director of Luzon International Premier Airport Development Corporation and Altus Property Ventures.

“Ms. Aragon-GoBio brings with her a wealth of experience, deep industry expertise, and a forward-thinking vision that will drive Robinsons Land Corporation into a new chapter of growth and innovation. Her steadfast commitment to operational excellence, customer-centricity, agile approach and sustainable development will undoubtedly strengthen RLC’s market leadership and create long-term value for all stakeholders,” RLC’s Board of Directors expressed in a press release.

Singapore – PropertyGuru has announced its inaugural reality series, ‘Home Run: Singapore’. The show unveils the heartfelt and personal journeys behind finding and creating a home in one of the world’s most competitive property markets. It also offers an authentic and intimate look at what housing and living in Singapore truly mean.

‘Home Run: Singapore’ follows three passionate property agents—Claire Tan, Shawn Wong, and Nadiyah Kamsani—as they take on career-defining challenges. The four-episode series dives into the fast-paced, high-stakes world of Singapore’s property market while exploring the human stories behind each transaction.

Guided by host and mentor Charlyn Ding, the agents tackle tasks as diverse as selling luxury waterfront homes and highlighting the charm of heritage properties. Across the episodes, they compete fiercely, pitch to discerning homebuyers, and receive candid feedback in a bid to claim the title of Singapore’s top agent and win PropertyGuru credits.

Beyond the competition, the series also spotlights the deeper stories of the people and neighborhoods that make a house a home, celebrating the connections and aspirations behind each property journey.

As a homegrown company with 17 years of history in Singapore, PropertyGuru continues its tradition of celebrating the country’s unique identity. Earlier this year, the company launched notable campaigns, including the National Day initiative ‘Scents of Singapore,’ which explored the sensory essence of home, and Sense of Home, honoring local heroes shaping communities. ‘Home Run: Singapore’ extends this narrative by focusing on the human connections and stories that transform houses into homes.

For Disha Goenka Das, chief marketing officer at PropertyGuru Group, ‘Home Run: Singapore’ is more than a real estate competition—it’s a window into the personal and professional journeys of the agents and the lives they touch.

“The series highlights the passion, resilience, and heart that our agents bring to every challenge as they help people find their dream homes. It’s not just about properties; it’s about the shared aspirations, connections, and milestones that make a house a home. Through this series, we hope to inspire viewers to see the human side of real estate and the emotional depth of what it means to live, work and thrive in Singapore,” Disha said.

Singapore – Global real estate firm JLL has released a new campaign showcasing that “there’s no going back” to outdated methods of improving the bottom line, enhancing employee satisfaction and productivity, and achieving environmental responsibility.

The campaign, done alongside BLKJ Havas, positioned JLL as being able to highlight real estate as a powerful tool in addressing these modern workplace issues, encouraging potential tenants to partner with them for forward-thinking solutions and a brighter way to move forward.

Central to the campaign is a film which takes viewers on a museum tour, highlighting issues like noise distractions, erratic temperatures, misleading sustainability practices, and inconvenient access to basic amenities. It demonstrates how these outdated conditions can harm a company’s bottom line, hinder talent retention, and undermine environmental efforts.

JLL advocates for modern real estate solutions to overcome these challenges. The campaign is further supported by EDMs, guides, and a dedicated website, which all urge businesses to avoid reverting to inadequate office spaces and instead invest in innovative, effective workplace environments.

Moreover, its unconventional approach to corporate real estate advertising sets this campaign apart. Using humour, the campaign engages the audience and highlights the absurdity of outdated office settings. It also taps into a trending topic to stay topical and relevant. Most importantly, the messaging has been humanised, acknowledging that HR managers, CEOs, and the LinkedIn Business community are all people at the end of the day. This approach ensures the campaign resonates on a personal level, making it more impactful and memorable.

Carryn Francis, marketing director of markets advisory for APAC at JLL, shared, “At JLL, our offices embody our research-backed, people-first philosophy. Located near transport hubs and amenities, our spaces cater to diverse employee needs with quiet zones, collaborative areas, and biophilic elements like natural light and greenery. Smart technology for lighting and climate control boosts efficiency. These optimized environments demonstrate the benefits of supportive workplaces — benefits we aim to deliver to our clients.”

She added, “BLKJ Havas collaborated closely with us from the get-go, conducting in-depth interviews with clients and brokers to gather key insights for our campaign. Their unique, human approach towards corporate real estate advertising unconventionally combines humor and topicality, offering a fresh perspective on the challenges organizations face today. By capturing the evolving needs of the modern workforce, their work delivers our message in a relatable, impactful manner while entertaining the business community.”

Meanwhile, Fiona Huang, general manager at BLKJ Havas said, “Our new campaign takes a refreshingly honest and witty approach to the workplace challenges we all recognize. By humorously spotlighting these outdated issues, we’re highlighting JLL’s innovative solutions that truly enhance productivity and well-being. Yes, we are addressing the business community, and we definitely mean business. But can we also deliver a chuckle while striking a chord with them? Absolutely.”

She added, “From gaining insights into the business to taking bold steps with us — moving away from the usual jargon and embracing a more human approach — we’re fortunate to have clients who share this vision. Their trust and active involvement have been essential in nailing it.”

Australia – realestate.com.au, the commercial property website under REA Group, has partnered with creative agency 72andSunny to launch its ‘Keep Moving’ campaign, unveiling a fresh brand strategy and innovative creative platform.

The ‘Keep Moving’ campaign aims to inspire and motivate buyers, sellers, and renters to pursue and find their next dream home, with realestate.com.au providing support throughout the journey.

Featuring a film directed by award-winning Australian director Nick Ball of Finch, the ‘Keep Moving’ campaign presents a heartfelt story of the highs and lows of finding a new home. It illustrates how realestate.com.au can guide buyers, sellers, and renters through the process with a deeply personalised property experience.

Moreover, the campaign highlights the property platform’s consumer experience capabilities that can support Australians in taking the next steps in searching for a property.

Sarah Myers, general manager for audience and marketing at REA Group, commented, “As a leading Australian brand, we are proud to continue to feature Australian music and work with Australian talent across our campaigns. Eurogliders track, ‘Heaven (Must Be There)’, became the heart of this story, with the lyrics and composition perfectly narrating the many lows and highs of the featured family’s journey.

“Our focus on deeply personalising the property experience helps arm property seekers with the right tools and the confidence to find their own piece of heaven. As we move into the key spring property season, our audience continues to grow, and we’re seeing strong consumer engagement with an ongoing uplift in buyer inquiries on our platform,” Myers added.

Meanwhile, Laura Popa, head of brand at 72andSunny, said, “The strategy positions realestate.com.au as a trusted partner, empowering and supporting all Australians to progress their property journey. We are really proud to work alongside realestate.com.au, Finch, and Kaimera to craft this story and campaign.”

Launched during the Paris Olympics coverage on July 27, the multi-channel ‘Keep Moving’ campaign will run across TV, BVOD, YouTube, OOH, cinema, radio, digital display, and social media via Kaimera. Future iterations will highlight realestate.com.au’s realEstimate tool, home loan options with Mortgage Choice, and new product features.

Singapore-based real estate enterprise OrangeTee has recently embarked on a recent brand refresh effort, the first of its kind for the brand since its inception in 2000. For the company, the new branding efforts puts highlight on its three key pillars – productivity, presence, and partnerships – to drive the company’s growth in the real estate industry.

We recently sat down with Jon Tan, senior vice president and head of brand, digital marketing and communication at OrangeTee, to learn more exclusively about OrangeTee’s conceptualisation process on the brand refresh effort, how it reflects both its desire to expand operations and its diverse stakeholders base, as well as how it evokes the “kampung” or compassionate and communal spirit.

‘Find Your Place’

For Tan, the simple yet profound slogan ‘Find Your Place’ is the heart of the new OrangeTee brand: focusing more on resonating deeply with anyone who is navigating the complexities of the real estate landscape.

“Whether you are finding a place to call home, a strategic space for business expansion, or a platform for professional growth, the presence of a trusted partner to navigate the real estate journey is indispensable. Our renewed vision is to help everyone in the real estate journey, making it understandable and accessible to all. By empowering individuals to find their rightful place in the world, we aspire to enrich lives and redefine standards within the industry,” he explained.

He also added that the decision to embark on OrangeTee’s brand refresh stems from a deep-rooted commitment to staying ahead in an ever-evolving industry. For him, recognising the necessity to redefine their brand identity aligns them with the evolving needs and perceptions of their internal and external stakeholders.

“Through extensive consultations with key stakeholders, involving board members, management staff, and key agency leaders, coupled with a comprehensive whole-of-agency brand survey involving our agents and staff, we gleaned invaluable insights that formed the bedrock of our brand refresh. This inclusive approach seeks to foster buy-in from everyone close to the company, allowing us to discern their sentiments and aspirations for change,” he explained.

How the brand refresh efforts stresses importance of ongoing stakeholder engagement

Prior to the brand refresh unveiling, Tan said that he personally conducted a series of Brand Refresh briefings to engage their internal stakeholders, including agents, agency leaders, corporate management, and staff, facilitating a comprehensive understanding of their new brand direction.

“Our Brand Sentiment Survey revealed an impressive 97.6% alignment with our updated Vision, Mission, and Core Values amongst the attendees—an affirmation of our brand’s revitalised direction, compared to a mere 52.4% comprehension of our previous brand identity. Through these engaging briefings and surveys, we have ensured that every member of the organisation not only understands but also aligns with our refreshed vision, mission, and core values,” he said.

“By nurturing a culture where these values are not just espoused but embodied, we empower our team to effect meaningful change and “SEE” the true spirit of OrangeTee coming to life,” Tan added.

For him, the essence of OrangeTee’s core values lies not merely in words but reflected in our everyday actions. He explains that in OrangeTeeo’s brand refresh, they have transitioned from static nouns to dynamic action verbs, underscoring their steadfast commitment to actively embodying these values in the company’s daily endeavours.

“This brand refresh has underscored the importance of ongoing stakeholder engagement. It serves as a testament to the need for continual dialogue and interaction to refresh, reaffirm, and fortify our brand identity, ensuring that every individual within our organisation is imbued with a renewed sense of purpose as they find their place in the workplace,” he explained.

On standing out from the rest and embodying a sense of community

When asked how OrangeTee separates itself from the rest of the industry, Tan states that their differentiation strategy stems from a profound understanding of their stakeholders, particularly the agents and staff, who form the cornerstone of the business.

“Through extensive discussions and the brand survey, we’ve gleaned invaluable insights that have shaped our brand identity. These insights have guided our creative agency in developing meaningful proposals that have been exceptionally well-received,” he said.

Tan also added, “By capitalising on our distinctive brand name and iconic orange colour, complemented by a modern, dynamic, and edgy aesthetics, we are poised to stand out in a crowded marketplace. Our commitment to professionalism and trust, coupled with a deep-rooted sense of community and solidarity, sets us apart as a beacon of excellence in the real estate landscape.”

He also highlighted how the branding efforts highlights the company’s mission of embodying a sense of community, adding “At the heart of our brand refresh lies a profound sense of community and solidarity—a reflection of the “kampung spirit” ingrained in OrangeTee’s DNA. Our approach to this brand refresh is not merely cosmetic; it is a testament to our unwavering commitment to inclusivity and collaboration.”

For Tan, they have prioritised the engagement of all stakeholders closely associated with their brand, many of whom have been integral members of the OrangeTee family for years, considering it a second home. He further explained that by fostering a culture where every voice is valued and heard, they have forged a collective vision of growth and success.

“From engaging discussions to inclusive briefings and feedback sessions, we have provided a platform for every member of our OrangeTee family to contribute, participate, and thrive. In doing so, we not only reaffirm our dedication to accessibility and understanding within the real estate realm but also epitomise the essence of community—a place where everyone finds belonging and purpose,” he concluded.

Australia – Real estate agency Domain has launched a new campaign with three films starring actors Rose Byrne and Bobby Cannavale.

In partnership with Howatson+Company, the films introduce the new brand platform ‘Know what we know’ which reflects Domain’s commitment to provide customers with confidence in their property journey.

In the films directed by Australian director Trent O’Donnell, Byrne and Cannavale play a couple who go to extreme lengths to try and uncover information that will help them find the right property.

The situations in the film are resolved by Domain’s brand new search experience, including exclusive features such as ‘Search by School Zone’, ‘Recently Sold Prices’, and ‘Suburb Insights’.

Talking about the campaign, Rebecca Darley, chief marketing officer at Domain, said, “In an era where information is the most valuable asset, ‘Know What We Know’ bridges the gap between the experts and the seekers. As a data and tech-powered business, Domain is on a journey to leverage its assets to guide Aussies through every step of their property journey.”

“Many Australians can relate to that feeling of property obsession, going above and beyond in their property search to feel confident they are making the right decision. This proved fertile ground to bring to life the new re-imagined search experience in the Domain App, and stretch the brand into a lighthearted and entertaining territory. With Domain, gone are the days of undercover suburb stakeouts and uninformed decisions, you have the power to know what the experts know, empowering you to navigate your property journey with confidence,” she added.

Meanwhile, Richard Shaw and Jeremy Hogg, executive creative directors at Howatson+Company, added, “Since day one, Rebecca and the Domain team have spoken of their ambition for the business and the brand — you can see that ambition in this first campaign. We couldn’t be more excited to launch ‘Know what we know’ for Domain and continue to build the platform together.”

The campaign includes TV, Online, OOH, Radio, Social and sponsorship of Allianz Stadium.

Singapore – Asian smart living management system Habitap announced a strategic partnership with real estate company JLL to curate a super-app that provides a smart building experience with a range of smart functionalities for JLL’s clients.

Powered by Habitap, the super app called ‘COMPASS SG’ allows JLL clients access to a wide range of control and management over their smart households, as well as avail other features such as security and building services.

The COMPASS SG app is fully customisable based on each clients’ individual needs, allowing for a fully integrated, connected tenant experience programme that combines technology, tenant experience and community features. In addition, this app includes a real-time access control management portal that allows tenants to track important building information.

Various visitor access options are also available to allow tenants to manage their visitors more efficiently. For example, they can register through facial recognition, HID Mobile Access or a QR code sent to them before their visit and or via a kiosk powered by Habitap. Other features include wayfinding, electronic lockers, and car park management tools.

The app further provides access to real-time data, giving greater security and control over their facilities. Tenants can also apply for building and maintenance services as well as send circulars, push notifications, and emergency broadcasts. Furthermore, the smart concierge feature, facility booking, and Building Management System integration feature automates administrative tasks for the clients so that they can focus on running their businesses.

Additionally, the community functions of the app enable tenants to easily offer promotions and news to their customers, as well as a more efficient way for users to sign up for upcoming events and redemption of vouchers, allowing for better capability to drive promotions and to engage the community.

Commenting on the partnership, Franklin Tang, founder and CEO of Habitap, said, “We are thrilled to partner with JLL – a trusted global name in the commercial real estate industry. Habitap’s goal has always been focused on helping organizations transform through vision and technology to ultimately enable people to experience a Smart Living lifestyle.”

Meanwhile, Derek Soh, executive director of JLL, said, “We are excited to be working with Habitap, whose commitment to delivering experiential real estate solutions mirrors our own. Our partnership with Habitap is a testament to our dedication to providing the best-in-class, innovative solutions that drive our clients’ experiences to the next level.”

As part of the partnership, JLL has already rolled out the app in one commercial building in Singapore and will progressively implement it in more buildings by the fourth quarter of 2023.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Premier lifestyle property developer Eastern & Oriental (E&O) has launched a new digital documentary series, which spotlights the diverse insights and perspectives of Malaysian thinkers, entrepreneurs, and artists who help rethink how people should live their lives.

The documentary series, titled ‘Human Living’, imagines the future of our cities through veritable topics such as ‘Social & Cultural Capital’, ‘15-Minute City’, and ‘Secondary City Boom’.

It will also feature E&O’s developments from Conlay and The Peak in Kuala Lumpur, to Avira in Medini Iskandar, Johor, and The Meg and Arica on the much-anticipated prime reclaimed island, Andaman in Penang.

The first episode, which is currently out, invites viewers to delve into what makes cities rich in culture, such as Penang, Kuala Lumpur, and Johor, desirable destinations for ‘Social & Cultural Capital’ and what draws the creative class to live in these cities. Other episodes will feature how the shift to work-from-home modalities has opened up new possibilities for homebuyers looking to live outside of the big city and into properties that are larger and closer to nature, yet still affordable for a better quality of life.

Emily Teh, director of project and property investments at E&O Group, said that with over 20 years of experience in creating notable addresses in Penang, Kuala Lumpur and Johor, they are proud to see the evolution of their sophisticated clientele.

“Today’s homebuyer is urbane, they are thinking beyond themselves and their families, considering their role in a community–from cradle to care, to how their neighbourhood can enhance their quality of life from a safety, convenience, health and mental wellbeing standpoints. Most importantly, they are looking to navigate in and out of work and play seamlessly to fully enjoy every second of life,” Teh said.

Singapore – One of the leading professional services firms, JLL (Jones Lang LaSalle), has announced the appointment of its new head of communications. Laura Vallis will be responsible for leading the globally integrated strategy, implementation, and delivery of the firm’s communications to employees, partners and external audiences.

With the role to be effective this April, Vallis will be based in New York and reporting to CMO Siddharth Taparia.

Vallis brings with her a broad global perspective across diverse industries and areas of expertise. She was most recently the first chief communications officer at Manulife, where she established an integrated global communications function for the company. Previously, she was managing director and global head of corporate communications for Barclays’ Corporate & Investment Bank.

Furthermore, goes under her belt is serving as chief of staff to the president of Dow Jones and an extensive experience in the CPG industry, having spent much of her early career in corporate affairs leadership roles with AB InBev.

Taparia said that as JLL tells the story of its renewed brand promise, which is to the message of ‘See a Brighter Way’, Vallis’ two-decade of communications experience will be integral in guiding how the firm shapes its narrative.

“Her proven forward-looking thinking will support us in differentiating the JLL story in the market, from our technology ambition and sustainability efforts to our industry expertise,” commented Taparia.

Meanwhile, Vallis herself shared that the time is an exciting one to be joining JLL when commercial real estate can have far-reaching impact on some of the most pertinent issues of the present period.

“I can’t wait to tell the story of JLL’s purpose of shaping the future of real estate for a better world supported by its more than 100,000 employees globally in 80 countries,” she concluded.

Manila, Philippines – Popular mobile wallet GCash has teamed up with property developer Ayala Land to now allow users to view select properties, inquire and access cashless payments when investing in real estate.

According to a report by ABS-CBN, users can log in to the app’s GLife feature to browse Ayala Land’s property listings and submit an inquiry. Property listings can be viewed by tapping GLife and searching for the ‘real estate’ tab.

Martha Sazon, president and CEO of GCash, said, “With this partnership with Ayala Land, GCash enables potential homeowners and property seekers to conduct virtual unit viewing and, after they make the decision to buy a property, access cashless payment of reservation fees using their e-wallet account.”

Meanwhile, Bobby O. Dy, president and CEO at Ayala Land, commented, “As more and more individuals are turning to the convenience of online shopping, we strongly believe that buying home and real estate properties should not be any different. By launching four of our key brands on GLife, Filipinos can now have a more seamless experience in buying Ayala Land properties.”

The announcement comes after GCash recently announced the opening its new in-app stock trading platform service ‘GStocks’ and a digital wallet for minors ‘GCash Jr’.

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