Moncello Crest Honored by PALA for Landscape Design Excellence

In the photo (from left to right): Diomari G. Centeno - Chair, Organizing Committee GantimPALA 2025; Zenaida D. Galingan - Member, Judging and Criteria committee; Ruben Henry L. Francisco - Landscape Architect, DMCI Homes Concepts and Landscape Management Department; Joseph S. Diquit - Landscape Architect, DMCI Homes Concepts and Landscape Management Department; Alexis S. Valiente - AVP, DMCI Homes Concepts and Landscape Management Department; April Marie Tañedo-Emocling - Manager, DMCI Homes Concepts and Landscape Management Department; Maria Vio Bianca F. Yumikura - Head, Judging and Criteria committee; Norman June V. Brito - President, Philippine Association of Landscape Architects (PALA). 

DMCI Homes Leisure Residences’ Moncello Crest in Tuba, Benguet, has been recognized by the Philippine Association of Landscape Architects (PALA) as one of the GantimPALA 2025 Merit Awardees, earning distinction as the sole winner in the Developer Awards Category. 

 

The Gantimpala Awards is PALA's awards program that celebrates projects that exemplify design excellence, innovation, environmental sensitivity, and professional distinction in Philippine landscape architecture. The awarding ceremony was held last October 25 at the Quezon City Meetings, Incentives, Conference & Exhibitions (M.I.C.E.) venue. 

 

Among 19 entries, Moncello Crest emerged as the only development recognized in the Developer Awards Category, which honors Filipino landscape architects working in real estate development corporations and the developers who recognize the vital role of landscape architects in creating spaces where people live, work, and spend recreation. 

GantimPALA 2025 Merit Award trophy awarded to Moncello Crest by the Philippine Association of Landscape Architects (PALA).

Designed by DMCI Homes’ award-winning Concepts and Landscape Management Department, led by Assistant Vice President, Landscape Architect Alexis S. Valiente, Moncello Crest was lauded for its remarkable landscape design that harmonizes the beauty of the Cordilleras with thoughtful, community-centered planning. 

 

Shaped by Nature, Rooted in Old Baguio Charm 

 

Moncello Crest is an eco-agricultural mountain resort condotel that redefines the highland experience through a dialogue of nature, community, and design. Rooted in ecological responsiveness, experiential design, and community well-being, the development evokes the old Baguio charm—cool pine landscapes, terraced gardens, and intimate communal spaces—while embracing the land’s natural topography, integrating sustainable architecture, and celebrating cultural identity. 

Designed with sustainability at its heart, only a quarter of Moncello Crest's four hectare-land area will bear structures. (Artist’s illustration)

Perched within an enclave just a few meters from Marcos Highway, Moncello Crest serves as a gateway to the highlands, offering sweeping views of mist-covered mountains, cool, refreshing air throughout the day, and sunsets that cast warm hues across the horizon. 

 

Designed with sustainability at its heart, only a quarter of its four-hectare property is developed, leaving the rest untouched for the mountains, sky, and forest to define the setting. Its architecture complements Tuba’s natural contours, blending seamlessly with the mountain skyline. 

 

Beyond its scenic landscape lies Benguet’s vibrant eco-agri community, where farm-to-table dining celebrates local produce and guided tours reveal how land and livelihood remain deeply connected. 

 

Through partnerships with local farmers, community groups, and stewards of the land, DMCI Homes Leisure Residences nurtures a shared sense of belonging and respect for the environment. 

 

A Sanctuary for Rest and Connection 

Beautiful gardens bring color and calm, while fire pits provide a cozy space to spend evenings with family or friends. (Artist’s illustration)

As an eco-agri condotel, Moncello Crest is envisioned as a haven of simple comforts and shared experiences. Guests can enjoy coffee with mountain views at the café, unwind at the spa and jacuzzi, or gather around fire pits beneath the stars. Lush gardens, open parks, and children’s play areas offer spaces for families to connect and slow down amid nature’s calm. 

 

Valiente said the recognition from PALA’s GantimPALA 2025 Awards stands as a proud affirmation of DMCI Homes’ enduring commitment to creating meaningful, sustainable spaces where people and nature thrive together. 

 

“The integration of landscape architecture and its resulting outdoor spaces has always been essential in developing DMCI Homes’ resort-inspired communities. We always aim to create environments that enhance the well-being of residents, foster connection, and bring everyday life closer to nature,” Valiente said. 

 

DMCI Homes Leisure Residences is the new brand of Quadruple A developer DMCI Homes offering resort condotels in sought-after vacation destinations all over the country. True to DMCI Homes’ brand of superior value, each DMCI Homes Leisure Residences property features best-in-class product and service features found in top-rated luxury resort properties, at price points that will delight value-discerning clientele.   

   

To learn more about Moncello Crest, call (632) 5324-8888. News and other updates are also posted on the company’s official website and social media accounts on Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube.