P.A. Properties Hankyu Hanshin builds over 5,700 houses

Eight years ago, a vision shared by two real estate firms—one Filipino, one Japanese—gave birth to P.A. Properties Hankyu Hanshin (PAHH). Today, that vision stands as a living blueprint for purposeful, people-centered housing development.

What began in 2017 as a joint venture between Philippine developer P.A. Alvarez Properties and Development Corporation and Japan’s Hankyu Hanshin Properties Corp. is now a significant contributor to the country’s middle-income housing landscape—with more than 5,700 housing units launched across six cities in four provinces.

“Our next 100 years begin with today,” said Keiji Okamoto, President of Hankyu Hanshin Properties Corp. Philippines “Through this partnership, we’ve seen how our philosophy of long-term, people-centered development can resonate in new contexts—and help address real challenges like urban sprawl and the housing backlog.”

At the heart of the partnership is a shared belief: that decent, affordable housing should not sacrifice quality or community. This belief materialized into the Idesia brand, which today is regarded as a model for livable, sustainable communities—built around Filipino values and Japanese discipline in planning and execution.

“The foundation of our success is trust—built through years of open dialogue, shared values, and mutual respect,” said Jonathan G. Lu, President of PAHH. “What makes this partnership work is not just complementary expertise, but a genuine belief in each other’s integrity and purpose. That trust allows us to make decisions with confidence and build communities that reflect both ambition and care.”

A Partnership of Complementary Strengths

The strength of PAHH lies in its balanced synergy: combining Hankyu Hanshin’s century of experience in transit-oriented and lifestyle-rich developments in Japan with P.A. Properties’ deep understanding of the Filipino housing market.

This balance has enabled PAHH to introduce new standards in economic and mid-cost housing—from site selection and construction methodology to architectural design and customer service thus redefining community living in the country. 

 “What we see in PAHH is not just a business success story,” said Romarico T. Alvarez, Chairman of P.A. Properties. “It’s proof that international partnerships can build tangible social impact—when the partnership is grounded in mutual respect and shared purpose.”

Communities with Character: A Different Kind of Growth

The Idesia developments are notable not just for their scale but also for their intentional design, where walkability, open spaces, and social connectivity are central. Unlike many large-scale subdivisions, Idesia communities are planned to foster neighborhood belonging rather than just occupancy.

The communities are currently located in:

• Dasmariñas, Cavite – Idesia Dasmariñas Phases 1 & 2, Idesia Heights, Idesia City

• Lipa, Batangas – Idesia Lipa

• Cabuyao, Laguna – Idesia Cabuyao and Idesia Cabuyao East

• San Jose del Monte, Bulacan – Idesia SJDM

Collectively, these developments span more than 73 hectares and are home to thousands of families who now enjoy access to integrated community spaces, essential services, and future commercial hubs.

Looking Ahead: Purpose-Driven Expansion

In 2024 and 2025, PAHH expanded with the launch of Idesia Cabuyao East (covering 20 hectares) and Idesia Heights Phase 2, signed MOUs for new projects in Pampanga and Metro Manila, and initiated plans to co-develop additional economic housing sites across Luzon.

Its aim: to become not just a builder of homes, but a shaper of livable futures—where Filipino families can thrive in safe, well-designed, and culturally relevant communities.

“We don’t want to grow fast. We want to grow well,” Lu added. “Our impact will be measured not just in houses delivered, but in how people live and feel in these spaces 10 or 20 years from now.”

Hachi: 8 Years of Partnership, Progress, and Purpose

As PAHH celebrates its 8th founding anniversary, it reflects not only on the communities it has built but also on the trust and shared mission that have fueled its journey. The Japanese word for eight, “Hachi,” symbolizes prosperity and continuity—a fitting theme for this milestone year: “Hachi: 8 Years of Partnership, Progress, and Purpose.”

Eight years on, PAHH continues to demonstrate how genuine collaboration—rooted in trust and guided by purpose—can create not just housing, but hope, belonging, and a better future.