Filinvest City, Lourdes Chapel win historic FIABCI Gold Awards for the Philippines

The twin victories mark the country’s first-ever win at the FIABCI World Prix d’Excellence, one of the most prestigious competitions in global real estate.

Filinvest Alabang Inc. has placed Philippine urban development on the global map after earning two Gold Awards at the FIABCI World Prix d’Excellence in Vienna, a first for the country in the long-running international real estate competition.

Filinvest City received Gold in the Master Plan category, while the Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel, located within River Park inside Filinvest City in Alabang, Muntinlupa, was recognized under Purpose Built, placing both projects alongside leading developments from around the world.

The recognition is a milestone not only for Filinvest but also for the local real estate sector, which rarely finds itself competing directly against top developments from more than 60 countries. Often described as the “Oscars of Real Estate,” the FIABCI World Prix d’Excellence honors projects that demonstrate excellence in planning, design, functionality, and long-term community impact.

For Filinvest City, the award highlights a vision that has guided the 244-hectare Alabang central business district for more than three decades. The township was designed around a connected mix of offices, homes, schools, commercial establishments, and open spaces, allowing residents and workers to access much of what they need within a single community.

The development is also the Philippines’ first and only central business district to hold both LEED and BERDE certifications, reinforcing its focus on sustainability and efficient urban planning.

Meanwhile, the Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel earned recognition for its architecture and civic purpose. Designed by Hiroshi Nakamura & NAP Architects, the chapel rises from a natural hill within River Park, with its distinctive form inspired by a white lily. Its location creates a transition from the pace of the surrounding business district to a space intended for reflection and worship.

Filinvest Alabang President and CEO Catherine Ilagan received the awards during the June 11 ceremony in Vienna. She said the recognition affirms the company’s vision of building communities designed around people and the future.

The double Gold victory marks a rare moment for Philippine real estate on the world stage, showing that locally developed communities and public spaces can stand shoulder to shoulder with some of the most highly regarded projects across the globe.

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