Tag: Business Mirror

Denovia Labs and Resident Holdings announce partnership to tackle plastic waste in PHL

Robbie Antonio, CEO of Resident Holdings and Nick Spina, CEO of Denovia Labs

Denovia Labs announced a strategic partnership with Resident Holdings, led by entrepreneur Robbie Antonio, to distribute and deploy Denovia’s PL2 upcycling machine and future systems across the Philippines.

The collaboration will support rapid market entry and scale solutions that convert difficult plastic waste into high-value outputs that can reenter local supply chains.

The Philippines is among the world’s largest contributors of plastic entering the ocean, with analyses estimating the country accounts for roughly 36 percent of global river-borne plastic leakage. Studies also show the nation generates about 2.7 million tons of plastic waste annually, with a significant share leaking to waterways. These facts underline the urgency of scalable circular solutions that work in real-world conditions. (Reuters)

Under the agreement, Resident Holdings will serve as Denovia’s in-country partner for distribution, site development, and operational enablement. The company’s local network and experience across real estate, brands, and technology provide a strong platform for accelerating clean-tech deployment and working with municipalities, private operators, and industrial buyers. (robbie-antonio.com)

Creating economic and environmental value

“This partnership brings proven, modular upcycling systems closer to the communities that need them most,” said Nick Spina, Founder of Denovia Labs. “Resident Holdings understands how to navigate Philippine market dynamics, from site activation to commercial offtake, which will help us turn plastic waste into value at speed.”

Resident Holdings, founded by Robbie Antonio, is an investment and development platform active in the Philippines and internationally. Through its partnerships, the company helps promising technologies establish local presence and access growth capital. “We are committed to backing solutions that create economic and environmental value,” said Robbie Antonio. “By pairing Denovia’s technology with our on-the-ground execution, we aim to build a national model for plastic upcycling that supports jobs, industry, and cleaner coastlines.” (robbie-antonio.com)

The collaboration focuses first on piloting Denovia’s PL2 unit in priority locations, with expansion paths into industrial parks and aggregation hubs. Each deployment will emphasize local training, maintenance, and market linkages so output materials can be absorbed by existing manufacturers. The partners plan to work with public and private stakeholders to align feedstock sourcing, permitting, and offtake agreements, which are critical to durable circular ecosystems.

Beyond immediate deployments, Denovia and Resident Holdings will assess additional sites across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, prioritizing areas with high leakage risk and reliable logistics. The partnership framework is designed to scale as new machines are introduced, including larger-format systems for higher throughput and specialized configurations tailored to local feedstock.

Denovia Labs and Resident Holdings announce partnership to tackle plastic waste in PHL

The announcement comes as Resident Holdings continues to expand its portfolio and international relationships, positioning the firm as a bridge between global innovation and the Philippine market’s needs. “The problem is urgent, but the opportunity is real,” added Spina. “With the right partners and practical technology, we can convert plastic waste from an environmental liability into a local input for growth.”

Source: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2025/11/03/denovia-labs-and-resident-holdings-announce-partnership-to-tackle-plastic-waste-in-phl/

Business Mirror

DESIGN AS STRATEGY | Robbie Antonio on building with purpose

When Robbie Antonio started Antonio Development in New York City, he did so with a bold idea: a collaboration with Pei Partnership on what would become the architect’s only homegrown residential project.

That idea took shape in The Centurion, a boutique limestone tower in Midtown Manhattan.For Antonio, it wasn’t just a career milestone. It was a design education, a crash course in timeless execution, and the start of a lifelong conviction: that architecture and business can be fused to create lasting value.

More than a decade later, Antonio has set up a private family office, and the same design-first, strategy-aligned mindset is visible across these future ventures. What began as a developer’s instinct has matured into a more holistic approach to investing, branding, and scaling across industries.

A Philosophy becomes a platform

The Centurion, completed in 2008, was a formative project. Its precise geometry, clean lines, and restrained luxury reflected Pei’s philosophy: that good design is not about spectacle, but permanence. Antonio, then a first-time developer, led the site assembly and execution, working closely with I.M. Pei and his son, Sandi.

A major factor in making the collaboration possible was Century Properties founder Ambassador Jose E.B. Antonio, whose longstanding relationship with I.M. Pei helped pave the way. Even after his retirement, I.M PEI returned to play a key role in both The Centurion and the Qatar Museum projects, at the request of Ambassador Antonio.

That early success wasn’t just about location. It was about differentiation; the kind that comes from choosing collaborators carefully, managing details rigorously, and designing with intent.

Today, those same principles guide how the private family office will operate. While the group has grown far beyond its real estate roots, its current projects carry echoes of that original DNA.

Building with clarity, to stand the test of time

Across all of these initiatives, a pattern emerges: bold partnerships, disciplined execution, and a belief in long-term value over short-term hype.

“There are easier ways to build,” Antonio says. “But I’ve seen what happens when you start with clarity. When you work with people at the top of their field, and design something that can stand the test of time.”

That clarity now defines the private family office’s edge. It isn’t just about luxury towers or big-name collaborators. It’s about using design and brand credibility not as decorations but as levers for serious value creation. For Antonio, the Pei partnership wasn’t just a collaboration; it was a model of how principle and performance can coexist.

“The Centurion taught me that great design is quiet,” Antonio reflects. “It doesn’t need to scream. It just needs to last.”

Source: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2025/07/31/design-as-strategy-robbie-antonio-on-building-with-purpose/

Related Links: About Robbie Antonio, Contact

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Robbie Antonio’s Armani deal: First in SEA, marks start of a bold era in PHL luxury development

Robbie Antonio with Roberta and Giorgio Armani

Long before Robbie Antonio took the reins of the Jose Antonio Group Inc. or JAGI — now the Antonio family’s consolidated private investment vehicle — he was already making waves for forging bold, high-profile collaborations in luxury real estate. Among the most talked-about projects is his partnership with Italian fashion icon Giorgio Armani.

The project is Century Spire, a 60-story tower in Makati’s Century City completed in 2022. Designed by star architect Daniel Libeskind and outfitted by Armani/Casa Interior Design Studio, the skyscraper embodied Antonio’s vision of elevating Philippine real estate to world-class stature. Armani’s studio was tapped to curate not just the interiors of the private residences but also the shared spaces — down to the lobbies, pool lounge, and library. The result was a seamless blend of design, fashion, and function.

Luxury and innovation

Now, as CEO of JAGI, Antonio is taking that same mindset to a broader playing field. While real estate remains part of the equation, JAGI’s portfolio has expanded to include healthcare, fintech, technology, and consumer goods. The group’s mission is to back ideas that create long-term impact and push boundaries.

“The Armani collaboration showed us what’s possible when you mix visionary design with strategic ambition,” Antonio said. “That level of creativity and precision is something we want to bring into all our investments — not just buildings, but brands, platforms, and people.”

Long-lasting influence

Antonio’s focus on the family office, Jose Antonio Group Inc. (JAGI), isn’t a departure from his roots, but a continuation of the ethos that made his projects stand out from the start. Where others saw buildings, he saw experiences. Where others stuck to tradition, he courted change-makers.

Century Spire may be complete, but its influence remains. It’s a case study for what happens when Filipino development is unafraid to engage global talent. And as JAGI looks ahead, it’s clear that partnerships like Armani/Casa weren’t just for show, but were proof-of-concept.

From branded towers to cross-sector investments, Antonio is steering JAGI with the same daring that first caught the world’s attention. If the Armani collaboration marked a high point in Philippine luxury real estate, it also laid the groundwork for a future that’s more agile, ambitious, and globally minded.

Source: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2025/07/12/robbie-antonios-armani-deal-first-in-southeast-asia-marks-start-of-a-bold-era-in-phl-luxury-development/

Business Mirror

JAGI CEO charts company’s bold future, anchoring investments on innovation and global vision

Robbie Antonio, known for his bold approach to branded real estate and global design collaborations, now leads a broader mission as CEO of Jose Antonio Group, Inc. (JAGI) – the newly consolidated private investment vehicle of the Antonio family.

Under Antonio’s leadership, JAGI is repositioning itself as a strategic investor in high-impact sectors including real estate, technology, healthcare, consumer goods, and financial services. The goal: to champion “transformative growth” across industries and place the Philippines on the global map for innovation-driven investments.

“Our mission at JAGI is to create long-term value through strategic partnerships and forward-thinking ventures,” Antonio said. “We want to be a partner of choice – not just in the Philippines, but for the world.”

From real estate to a broader investment vision

Antonio first made headlines for pioneering branded luxury residences in the Philippines, teaming up with global icons such as Versace Home, Armani/Casa, and Paris Hilton. Projects like Trump Tower Manila, The Milano Residences, and Century Spire established a new standard for premium real estate and drew international attention to Philippine design and development.

His ventures blended art, architecture, and commerce – a creative mindset he now brings to JAGI’s diversified investment approach. “Real estate remains a cornerstone,” Antonio said, “but our strategy today extends far beyond it. We’re investing in ideas that shape the future.”

Impact-driven expansion: digital inclusion and tourism

JAGI’s recent initiatives reflect its evolving mission to deliver both value and impact. Among these is a strategic collaboration with iWave, aimed at expanding access to broadband connectivity in underserved regions of the Philippines through Starlink’s satellite internet technology. The initiative supports inclusive growth by enabling digital access for education, healthcare, and livelihoods in far-flung communities.

Meanwhile, in Palawan, JAGI is developing a landmark hospitality project that merges ecological preservation with responsible tourism. The development will also introduce a more inclusive take on luxury travel.

“Our villas in Palawan will be more affordable than the ultra-luxury resorts typically associated with Palawan,” Antonio explained. “They may be smaller in scale, but the goal is to make luxury vacations more attainable for a broader market.”

With these moves, JAGI underscores its focus on socially relevant ventures – pairing innovation with accessibility while contributing to national development.

JAGI: A legacy reinvented

With over three decades of luxury development under its belt, JAGI now positions itself as a next-generation investment firm – agile, diversified, and purpose-driven.

Antonio’s leadership brings a renewed clarity to the group’s vision. His investment philosophy centers on partnership, innovation, and adaptability, and he’s keen on supporting entrepreneurs and visionary companies with shared values.

“Give it a shot,” Antonio said when asked about advice for young leaders. “You never know where the road will take you. The mindset is simple – never give up.”

About Jose Antonio Group Inc. (JAGI)

Jose Antonio Group Inc. (JAGI) is the private investment firm of the Antonio family, known for pioneering world-class, design-led real estate in the Philippines. With a legacy spanning over three decades, JAGI has been behind some of the Philippines’ most iconic luxury projects, including Trump Tower Manila, The Century Spire in collaboration with Armani/Casa, and The Milano Residences featuring Versace Home. The firm has consistently pushed the boundaries of design, innovation, and strategic investment, partnering with globally recognized brands to bring cutting-edge, premium developments to the Philippine market. As it looks to the future, JAGI is expanding into emerging sectors – from digital connectivity to consumer innovation – while remaining committed to sustainable growth, strategic value creation, and elevating the Philippines on the global stage.

Source: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2025/05/30/jagi-ceo-charts-companys-bold-future-anchoring-investments-on-innovation-and-global-vision/

Business Mirror

Jose Antonio Group launches strategic Starlink partnership

JAGI and starlink — From left to right: President and CEO of iWave, Ramon C. Garcia Jr., Executive Director and COO of iWave, Marco R. Urera, CEO of Jose Antonio Group Inc., Robbie Antonio, and Philippine Ambassador-at-large and Chairman of Jose Antonio Group Inc., Jose Eduardo Antonio.

Jose Antonio Group Inc. today announced a groundbreaking strategic partnership to deploy Starlink and add-on value-added services—executed in collaboration with iWave—to bring advanced satellite broadband connectivity to underserved regions across the Philippines.

This initiative marks a significant step in the company’s digital transformation strategy, leveraging its 40 years of experience and a robust network of affiliate companies to empower communities with reliable, value-added services layered over high-speed internet connectivity.

“Our partnership with iWave using Starlink Connectivity is a game-changer in our efforts to bridge the digital divide in the Philippines,” said Robbie Antonio, CEO of Jose Antonio Group Inc. “By combining our extensive industry expertise with Starlink’s innovative satellite technology and iWave’s local digital solutions, we aim to deliver transformative broadband services that support education, healthcare, and economic development in even the most remote areas.”

The collaboration will harness Starlink’s state-of-the-art satellite network to extend reliable digital solutions, platforms, and value-added services via the high-speed connectivity to regions lacking traditional internet infrastructure. This venture is designed to create lasting impact, driving sustainable growth and fostering a more inclusive, technology-driven future for the Philippines.

“We are excited about the long-term potential of this initiative,” added Antonio. “Our combined approach will enable us to catalyze transformative digital solutions that not only empower communities but also contribute to the country’s overall economic and social development.”

Business Mirror

Antonio group hints at landmark development in Palawan, pledging sustainable growth, global prestige

Palawan, often hailed as the crown jewel of Philippine tourism, is poised for a new era of sustainable and strategic development. Leading family-led investment firm Jose Antonio Group Inc. (JAGI), renowned for its expertise in high-end, world-class developments, has hinted at a transformative project that will embrace Palawan’s natural splendor while further elevating its global stature.“Our vision is to contribute meaningfully to Palawan’s standing as a premier destination – one that remains pristine, yet continues to evolve as a benchmark for sustainable tourism and investment,” said Robbie Antonio, CEO of Jose Antonio Group Inc.. “We are exploring opportunities that will preserve and celebrate Palawan’s ecological and cultural wealth while introducing world-class standards in luxury and responsible development.”While details remain under wraps, the planned venture is expected to include a carefully curated mixed-use blueprint with an emphasis on exclusivity, sustainability, and premium lifestyle experiences. In contrast to mass tourism-driven developments in destinations such as Bali and Phuket – where concerns over environmental degradation have intensified – Jose Antonio Group Inc. aims to demonstrate a model for responsible growth that enhances, rather than overwhelms, the local scene.

Rich biodiversity, authentic culture,

Palawan’s unparalleled natural beauty, from its vibrant coral reefs and extensive mangrove forests to its indigenous communities and rich biodiversity, makes it a rare gem in global tourism. The firm recognizes that the province’s long-standing reputation as an ecological sanctuary must remain at the heart of its evolution. The firm’s approach will align with sustainable, high-value tourism, ensuring that any development harmonizes with its surroundings, benefits local communities, and strengthens the Philippines’ positioning as a world-class tourism and investment hub.

For over three decades, the Antonio family has built a legacy of pioneering high-end, globally recognized developments, working with some of the most esteemed names in design and architecture. Their latest endeavor in Palawan promises not just an expansion of this portfolio, but a commitment to raising the profile of Philippine tourism and investment on the world stage.

“Palawan deserves a place among the most sought-after global destinations, and we see an opportunity to reinforce its prestige responsibly,” Antonio added. “This will be more than a development, but a statement on how growth and conservation can go hand in hand.”

As Jose Antonio Group Inc. finalizes its vision for Palawan, the firm remains engaged in extensive research and consultation to ensure that its approach aligns with environmental best practices, local stakeholder interests, and the long-term viability of the region. More details are expected to be unveiled in the coming months.

Source: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2025/03/27/antonio-group-hints-at-landmark-development-in-palawan-pledging-sustainable-growth-global-prestige/

Business Mirror

From iconic real estate to visionary investment leadership

Robbie Antonio, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Jose Antonio Group Inc. (JAGI)

Manila, Philippines — The Jose Antonio Group Inc. (JAGI) recently announced the appointment of Robbie Antonio as President and Chief Executive Officer, marking a new chapter for one of the Philippines’ most influential family-led business firms. With a distinguished career spanning premium real estate, strategic investments, and innovative ventures, Robbie is set to lead JAGI into a future defined by bold expansion, diversification, and visionary leadership. Legacy meets innovation As CEO of JAGI—a diversified family business deeply rooted in high-end real estate—Robbie is redefining what it means to build companies for the future. His journey, shaped by formative experiences in New York and a passion for art, design, and technology, positions him as a visionary leader committed to transforming the investment landscape. Robbie’s career began at a young age, fueled by an entrepreneurial spirit and an unyielding drive to innovate. After completing his business studies, he ventured to New York City, immersing himself in a fast-paced real estate market that would later inspire him to lead the development of The Centurion – an innovative project in collaboration with PEI Architects – later in his career. His early work on branded developments, including Trump Tower Manila, The Century Spire in collaboration with Armani/Casa, The Milano Residences with Versace Home, and Livingston Tower at Acqua in partnership with Missoni Home, laid a strong foundation for his success. These landmark projects, along with additional collaborations with world-renowned names such as Philippe Starck, honed his expertise in premium, high-end real estate and instilled in him the importance of visionary design and bold differentiation. Building a legacy of premium projects At JAGI, Robbie leverages his extensive background to spearhead developments that set new standards in luxury living and hospitality. Under his leadership, the firm has become synonymous with branded, luxury projects—ranging from upscale residential communities to exclusive hospitality ventures including beach club villas, medical tourism facilities, and golf estates. “Our strength lies in creating spaces that are not only visually remarkable but also drive sustainable economic growth,” Robbie explains, emphasizing the dual impact of quality and innovation. Expanding strategic partnerships and diversification Beyond its core real estate portfolio, JAGI has recently signed exclusive partnerships that reflect strong confidence in the Philippine property and tourism sectors. Robbie is actively exploring new ventures and strategic collaborations to further diversify the company’s portfolio, ensuring that its growth remains robust and future-proof while maintaining a focus on quality and innovation.Art, design, and entrepreneurial passionBeyond the boardroom, Robbie is known for his deep passion for art and design—a passion that has enriched his approach to business. Whether attending galleries in New York or engaging with global design icons, he sees art as a source of inspiration that fuels creativity in his projects.

“Art teaches you to see the world differently,” Antonio says, “and that vision is what I bring into every venture.”

This blend of artistic sensibility with business acumen distinguishes his brand of leadership and resonates throughout JAGI’s innovative projects.

A vision for the future

Robbie Antonio’s leadership is driven by the pursuit of excellence and innovation. A simple but powerful mantra, “never give up,” has defined a career built on hard work, continuous learning, and leading by example. As he steers JAGI into new territories, his focus remains on building sustainable, globally competitive ventures that not only carry a legacy of excellence but also pave the way for impactful breakthroughs for the future.

Business Mirror

The Trumps and the Antonios legacy of friendship diplomacy

Ambassador Jose E.B. Antonio, Robbie Antonio, at Donald Trump’s 2nd Inauguration: reaffirming ties with friends, strategic PHL allies

Philippine Ambassador-at-Large Jose Eduardo B. Antonio and son Robbie Antonio, Managing Director of Jose Antonio Group, Inc.

Philippine Ambassador-at-Large Jose Eduardo B. Antonio, alongside his wife Hilda Antonio and son Robbie Antonio, joined world leaders, dignitaries, and close friends of the Trump family at the inauguration of Donald J. Trump as the 47th President of the United States. Coming off the New Year’s celebration at Mar-a-Lago – often referred to as the ‘Second White House’ – the Antonio family attended a series of exclusive inaugural events, including the prestigious inaugural ball where President Trump and the First Lady made their traditional dance. Ambassador Antonio, appointed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as the Philippines’ Special Envoy with a global scope, engaged in high-level discussions with key world officials and business leaders centered on promoting foreign investments in the Philippines and exploring new avenues for bilateral trade.“We are entering a pivotal era in global trade, where the U.S.-Philippine relationship holds immense potential,” Ambassador Antonio shared. “As the U.S. leads in this new technological age, the Philippines brings to the table a vibrant innovation community and a young, tech-savvy workforce already now engaged in higher-value industries. Strengthening these ties will not only drive mutual economic growth but also create new opportunities for the Filipino people in the global marketplace.”

The Trumps and the Antonio’s: A legacy of friendship and diplomacy

The Antonio’s and the Trumps have been long-time friends and business partners. For Robbie Antonio, who originally brought the Trump business relationship and the families together, this marked his sixth attendance at the Mar-a-lago New Year’s event with the U.S. First Family and second U.S. presidential inauguration – first for the 45th, and now for the 47th President of the United States.

Speaking about the family’s attendance, Robbie Antonio said: “Our family has cherished a long-standing friendship with the Trumps, and being present at this historic moment was both a personal honor and a reflection of the strong ties.”

PHL’s trusted, Go-To guy for trade relations

“As Special Envoy, I have always prioritized the Philippines in every diplomatic conversation. From my role as Special Trade Envoy to China in 2005 to my appointment as Special Envoy to the United States in 2016, my mission has remained clear—creating opportunities that benefit the Filipino people,” said Ambassador Jose E.B. Antonio

With a distinguished diplomatic career spanning multiple administrations, Ambassador Jose E.B. Antonio has long been the country’s trusted representative in critical trade discussions. He served as the Philippines’ Special Trade Envoy to China in 2005 during the Arroyo administration, followed by his appointment as Special Envoy to the United States in 2016 under President Duterte during President Trump’s first term.

Source link: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2025/02/10/ambassador-jose-e-b-antonio-robbie-antonio-at-donald-trumps-2nd-inauguration-reaffirming-ties-with-friends-strategic-phl-allies/

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