A QUIET sanctuary in the heart of the city. Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel stands as Filinvest City’s spiritual anchor. Photo courtesy of Manuel C Generoso
NATION

Filinvest City’s Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel named sole Phl winner at 2025 ULI Asia Pacific Awards for Excellence

DT

Filinvest City’s Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel was honored at the 2025 Urban Land Institute (ULI) Asia Pacific Awards for Excellence, bringing home one of the most prestigious accolades in the real estate and development industry. Selected as one of only 14 winners out of 43 entries across the region — and notably the only Philippine project to be recognized this year — the award marks a significant milestone for both Filinvest and the country.

This awards program is a regional extension of the ULI Global Awards for Excellence, which has been recognizing excellence in land development since 1979. It celebrates outstanding projects across the Asia Pacific in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors. As the only Philippine project to be awarded, the Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel embodies Filinvest’s commitment to building civic spaces that are meaningful, environmentally responsive, and deeply integrated into the urban fabric. 

“This recognition from ULI Asia Pacific means so much to us — not just for the beauty of the Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel, but for what it represents.” shares Don Ubaldo, Head of Townships. “More than a landmark, it stands as a space of service, and community. It affirms that we’re on the right path–creating places that bring people together and serve a greater purpose. We proudly share this honor with everyone who helped bring this vision to life.”

World class architecture

Nestled on a hill, the biophilic and minimalist structure is a breath of fresh air, where one can easily go for reflection in the midst of the fast-paced rhythm of urban life. The Chapel is integrated into the Green System of Filinvest City, which features several interconnected parks, allowing people to easily access the chapel grounds. This provides an inclusive and open atmosphere that promotes oneness of faith and community.

The project was designed by Japan’s Hiroshi Nakamura & NAP Architects, well-known for their work in religious structures integrated with nature. The Chapel eaves feature stained glass windows designed by Helen Whittaker, Creative Director of Barley Studios in the UK, and manufactured by Kraut Art Glass, the oldest stained glass manufacturer in the country. The chairs are manufactured by Cebu-based furniture company, Pacific Traders. The cross and religious sculptures at the altar were designed by Filipino artist Daniel Dela Cruz.

A sanctuary anchored in faith and community   

Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel is rooted in Filinvest’s vision of creating a spiritual anchor that unites and uplifts the community as they live their lives and pursue their dreams. Since its opening in 2023, the chapel has experienced an increase in attendance. It has also partnered and participated in charitable causes and advocacies, including its support for Elsie Gaches Village, the country's largest residential care facility for children with developmental disorders.

Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel amplifies Filinvest City’s philosophy of building inclusive, sustainable, and resonant urban spaces. It is a reflection of how the city is thoughtfully designed, integrating into its developments a Live-Work-Play philosophy, so that it compliments and betters its communities, while maintaining functionality and sustainability. 

As the sole Philippine winner in this year’s ULI Asia Pacific Awards for Excellence, Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel stands as a powerful symbol of architectural and civic excellence in the country. This recognition reaffirms Filinvest City’s position as a forward-thinking urban district that champions meaningful placemaking and civic pride at the heart of development.