As a country located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, seismic and volcanic activity in the Philippines are frequent. Luckily though, these earthquakes are more often than not, short and weak.
Most people are actually completely unaware that one happened up until they when they read the news. In fact, only three significant quakes were felt by Metro Manila in more than 10 years. This long interval, coupled with the recent 6.1 magnitude and the two smaller ones that followed in quick succession suggests the frightening possibility that the Big One is soon to follow. The question then is are we sufficiently prepared when it does happen? Are we fully equipped to handle the Big One?
Japan, on the other hand, considers earthquakes as a part of daily life. It’s something that locals have come to expect and have grown accustomed to. When tremors happen, earthquake drills are automatically performed like clockwork, after which everything goes back to normal. This seemingly casual nonchalance is owed to their confidence that advanced measures are in place, ensuring them that if a big quake does hit, they’ll be safe.
By constantly being hit by earthquakes, Japan has through the years adapted their buildings and infrastructure to resist various natural disasters, gaining a unique insight one can only attain from first-hand experience. Through these seismic events, they’re able to gather information that help plan for the future. One of their biggest innovations in earthquake vibration control technology, the Visco-elastic dampers (VCDs), is actually used by the world’s tallest buildings like Tokyo Skytree and Taipei 101.
The Seasons Residences at Grand Central Park, the residential project born of Federal Land’s partnership with Japanese conglomerates Nomura Real Estate Development Co., Ltd. and Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings Ltd., also employs state of the art Japanese damping technology. The mixed-use, lifestyle center features the marriage of Japanese innovation and design with the Philippines’ unique brand of community. True to its roots, The Seasons Residences uses special high-performing damping technology that’s used to protect over 300 buildings across the world from Japan, Taiwan, Canada, Mexico, USA, and now the Philippines.
On April 27, 2019, Federal Land held a short talk led by experts in the field namely Mr. Keisuke Sugihara, General Manager of PNS Advanced Steel Technology, Inc. (Nippon Steel Engineering Group) and Mr. Raul Manlapig, Managing Director of Ove Arup & Partners Hong Kong Ltd. where they discussed earthquake preparedness, structural design, and the intricacies behind the damping technology of The Seasons Residences. One of the features highlighted was the use of the Visco-elastic dampers (VCDs) system which acts as shock absorbers to ensure that residents are safe and comfortable during earthquakes and typhoons.
Aside from the state-of-the-art damper systems installed, The Seasons Residences also strictly adhere to the Philippines’ National Building Code to further ensure an earthquake-resistant structure.
For more information, call our hotline at (632) 359-6756 or visit the showroom at 7th Ave cor. 34th St, Grand Central Park, North BGC, Taguig City (across Lexus Manila Showroom from 7th Avenue).