A third from the record-high foreign remittances sent back home by overseas Filipino workers is spent mainly on real estate investments, therefore making our local property market more stronger than the previous years, all according to industry players and market watchers.

This trend marks the end of the era where almost all of the OFW remittances were spent on consumer goods, with little left for savings and other investments. According to statistics, in 2006, OFWs sent back their local beneficiaries amounting to $ 12.6 billion through the banking system alone. It is estimated by the central bank that this amount is even understated by an average of 30 percent because of funds sent home through informal channels. This means that as much as $4.2 billion in OFW funds were spent on real estate last year—a number that will further rise, given the expectations of the central bank of as much as $14 billion in remittances for the year 2007.

Large and small real estate developers are now investing heavily on getting their expatriate Filipino buyers. These organizations go for periodic sales tours in Europe and the US, targeting Filipino buyers, some even setting up their own sales offices in areas with high percentage of potential clients. According to the National Statistical Coordination Board, it shows that the property sector has recorded the fastest growth rate in the recent months.

If you would like to know more about Sta. Elena Estates, feel free to visit their website at www.staelena.com or contact them through [email protected] A member of Rustan’s Group of Companies, Sta. Elena knows what really counts.

New and developed Laguna properties in the Philippines are fast becoming one of the most sought out lands to invest on, simply because of the lush and quiet environment that the city of Laguna can offer. One of the best developed land properties that invested in this area would be Sta. Elena Villages. They offer residential real estate properties that define sanctuary, peace, and serenity. Two different villages are included in the estate, having two different ambiances. But Sta. Elena does not stop from there, for they have amenities that boast true relaxation and bonding for the whole family.

Knowing how environmental friendly the area is, they have created an area where families could spend time and live as if it is the weekend everyday. Sta. Elena introduced Fun Farms, an area inside the property wherein children and the children at heart can enjoy the nature’s beautiful creations—animals. Sta. Elena houses more than a hundred friendly and tamed animals that can be approached by kids without danger. From horses, cows, guinea pigs, to fishes of all sorts, the children can be well educated with nature, all because of Sta. Elena’s efforts to bring nature closer to you and your family.

In Sta. Elena, they respect family privacy, but also practice Filipino hospitality. In order to bind these two together, they created a Guest house for residents to use whenever they have guests arriving. Visitors can experience the beauty and service of Sta. Elena in their own special way, since the guest house offers superb service from trained staff, ready to help your visitors in any way possible.

Of course, these amenities are only enjoyed by families and investors living in the two villages inside Sta. Elena. The Banahaw village in Sta. Elena offers a taste of paradise that can be enjoyed by everyone in the family. Situated near the golf course, and with nature inspired environment, the Banahaw village would surely make the family feeling peaceful, calm, and relaxed. If the family chooses for space and an area that would make them feel well rested, then Sierra Madre Village in Sta. Elena would be the right choice. Sta. Elena also boasts their golf course as being voted number one in the Philippines by Asian Golf Monthly. The service and quality of play is excellent, and golfers can also get a chance to unwind and dine near the golf course. Experiencing Sta. Elena would give your family a chance to enjoy nature’s bounty, and at the same time live to the fullest.

If you would like to know more about Sta. Elena Estates, feel free to visit their website at www.staelena.com, or contact them through [email protected] A member of Rustan’s Group of Companies, Sta. Elena knows what really counts.