Prim Nolido; Essential Traveler

Prim Nolido:

The essential traveler

By CArLo s. suerTe feLipe

The current boom in the real estate industry is challenging the creativity and innovation of developers like Pueblo De Oro Development Corp. (PDO). For company President Prim Nolido, the key is to constantly bring in fresh ideas. A change of scenery, or a new experience can do wonders to the busy mind. This is the reason why Prim loves to travel.

Travelling is not just a way to escape the stress brought about by the corporate world. So far, Prim has visited five continents and it’s not because he’s the company’s head honcho. Apparently work follows the president everywhere he goes. And so when Prim travels abroad, work doesn’t stop.

“Travel is important in real estate because you’re able to get ideas from other countries. You bring home the knowledge from those experiences,” he explained.

For example, Prim shared how communities are developed abroad. In the past, township designs in the Philippines were very similar to Spain. The church is the center and is surrounded by the market, plaza and other commercial areas.

“In the newer townships we’re developing right now we see different kinds of master planning,” Prim explained. “In some areas, it’s very similar to the US where the government is at the center and it’s surrounded by businesses. There are also developments like New York City - Central Park is at the center, and the commercial value of properties around it are very high. It’s somehow applied by subdivision developers - the basketball court, park or club house is at the center of the residential spaces.

He also revealed that about 30 percent of the sales of Pueblo De Oro come from overseas Filipino workers. “OFWs tend to acquire properties with a design they are familiar with - it’s either they’ve seen that particular design abroad or maybe they worked or stayed in that particular type of house.”

Around the country and beyond

Prim personally oversees and visits all

You get to see more things when you walk rather than ride a vehicle. And you’ll get to appreciate the areas even more. I like to walk so I always bring a pair of sturdy yet comfortable shoes. ”

the developments of PDO in Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Batangas and Pampanga every month. Then, trips done out of the country are usually done with his two daughters. “I make it a point that I travel outside the country two to three times a year during my breaks - usually during the Holy Week, during the semester break of my kids (by the end of October up to first week of November) and during Christmas break. The trip is usually longer around these times. However, if it’s a long weekend or a short holiday, I’d still travel but in Asian countries.”

Prim schedules most of his trips during long holidays which is also considered peak season for travelers. Planning ahead by booking plane tickets and hotel accommodations early is his key to a hasslefree trip. To maximize the time spent for each trip, he would join tour groups and visit the best tourist spots.

“Do a partial research of the places you’re going to using any available travel apps,” he explained. “And join tour groups because it somehow maximizes time you spend on each area.”

Another travel tip from Prim is to always bring an extra empty luggage. He usually brings one when he travels to make sure he has that extra space for gifts or souvenirs that he’ll bring back home.

And since he needs to document the places he visits, he brings a dualSIM smartphone where he can use an international data SIM that will keep him connected to his office in Manila.

Travel while you’re still young

Prim’s travel advice would be to travel while you’re still young and embrace the culture of each place you visit. Get out of your comfort zone and make the most out of each trip. “Try the local food and drinks and go where the locals go.”

“Travel while you’re still in shape,” Prim explains, “when you’re already too old, you might find it tiring and you will not appreciate the experience anymore.”

Feast your eyes on your new surroundings by walking around the area.