ULI Asia Pacific Awards 2025: Filinvest City’s Church is the only Philippine Champion
The Lady of Lourdes Chapel in Filinvest City received honors at the 2025 Urban Land Institute (ULI) Asia-Pacific Excellence Award, making it one of the most prestigious honors in the real estate and development industries.
Selected as one of only 14 winners of the region’s 43 entries, especially the only Philippine project to be recognized this year, a major milestone for Filinvest and the country.
The award program is a regional extension of the ULI Global Excellence Award, which has recognized excellence in land development since 1979. It celebrates outstanding projects in the private, public and nonprofit sectors in the Asia-Pacific region.
World-class architecture
The biofriendly and minimalist structure located on the hill is the breath of fresh air that is easily reflected in the fast pace of urban life. The church is integrated into the green system of the Philin Investment City, which features several interconnected parks that allow people to easily access the church’s grounds. This provides an inclusive and open atmosphere that promotes the unity of faith and community.
The church stands out among the sharp lines of the surrounding offices and commercial buildings. Inspired by the inverted white lily, a symbol of the pure ladies of Lourdes, it soars, its curved structure gently stretches toward the sky, bringing a sense of calm, grace and spiritual excitement.
Its roof and ceiling spread out like petals, and each segment is decorated with stained glass windows. These vibrant panels filter natural light into the space, casting gentle tones throughout the interior. This effect enhances the tranquil atmosphere of the church, invites reflection and provides a quiet, glowing shelter in the urban area of Filinvest.
The project was designed by Hiroshi Nakamura & Nap Architects, Japan, a building known for its work on religious structures that blend with nature. The eaves of the church were designed by Helen Whittaker, creative director of the British Barley Studios, and were made by Kraut Art Glass, the country’s oldest stained glass maker. The chairs were made by a furniture company Pacific trader based in Cebu, while the altar’s cross and religious sculptures were designed by Filipino artist Daniel Dela Cruz.
Based on faith and community
Our Lady of Our Lady of the Church of Lourdes originated from the vision of Phelin Investment to create a spiritual anchor that unites and enhances the community while living a life and pursuing dreams. Since opening in 2023, church attendance has increased. It has also collaborated and participated in philanthropy and advocacy, including support for Elsie Gaches Village, the country’s largest residential care facility for children with developmental disabilities.
Our Lady of Lourdes magnifies the philosophy of Filinvest City to build an inclusive, sustainable and resonant urban space. This reflects How is the design of a city integrated into its development On-site work Philosophy that allows it to complement and improve its communities while maintaining its functionality and sustainability.
As the only winner of this year’s ULI Asia Pacific Excellence Award, Our Lady of Lourdes is a powerful symbol of excellence in architecture and citizenship in the country. This recognition reaffirms Filinvest City’s position as a forward-looking urban area that advocates meaningful places and civic pride at the heart of development.
“This recognition of the Asian Pacific means a lot to us – not only for the beauty of the Lourdes Church, but for the beauty it represents,” shared Don Ubaldo, township director of Filinvest. “It’s not just a landmark, it’s a space for service and community. It affirms that we create places on the right path to bring people together and achieve greater goals. We proudly share this honor with all those who helped bring this vision to life.”
To discover more Filinvest cities, visit https://filinvest.com/about-us. For enquiries about churches, please follow Our Lady of Lourdes on Facebook @lourdeschapel.alabang.
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