Suntrust launches La Sonrisa township in Talisay City

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By Dolly Yasa

TALISAY CITY, Negros Occidental – Suntrust Properties, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Megaworld Corporation, officially launched its newest township development, La Sonrisa, in Talisay City alongside the inauguration of its new office on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025.

The milestone event was attended by Talisay City Mayor Atty. Rowena Lopez Lizares, members of the Ledesma family as landowner-partners, Suntrust executives, business collaborators, and contractors.

The launch reinforced Suntrust’s commitment to making homeownership accessible to Filipinos across regions.

Suntrust President Atty. Harrison M. Paltongan described Talisay as the “next growth area” on Negros Island and a strategic location between Bacolod City and Silay City.

“Why are we here in Talisay? Because we are looking to the day that we will call it Metro Talisay,” Paltongan said.

“It is strategically located between Bacolod City, the commercial hub, and Silay City, the international gateway,” he added.

He said Talisay offers the ideal environment whether for young professionals starting out or for families seeking a place to grow.

Paltongan noted that amid the growing demand for housing outside Metro Manila, Suntrust is expanding its footprint in Negros Occidental to deliver thoughtfully designed communities tailored to Filipinos’ evolving needs.

“With its strengthened presence, Suntrust ensures that Filipinos not only receive a place to live in, but a community to thrive in,” he said.

He emphasized that the company sees economic opportunity across Negros and the Visayas and aims to support regional growth through quality, well-planned developments.

“Through the development of well-planned residences in strategic locations, Suntrust supports the region’s progress and the aspirations of every Filipino family’s homeownership dreams,” he added.

Paltongan said Suntrust is dedicated to building future-ready communities that provide long-term value, stability, and enhanced quality of life.

Suntrust First Vice President for Sales and Marketing Jerry Rubis shared that La Sonrisa—Spanish for “I smile”—is a 40-hectare residential development and the first phase of a larger 110-hectare township.

Of the 110 hectares, 85 were entrusted by the Ledesma family to Suntrust, with 25 hectares under consideration for acquisition by its parent company.

The township will feature two grand entrances—one along Lizares Avenue and a “super grand entrance” along the airport road—designed for connectivity to nearby developments.

Rubis emphasized the affordability of La Sonrisa homes, which start at PHP 450,000.

“Imagine, while your neighbors are priced from PHP 35,000 to PHP 80,000 per square meter, we are offering homes for as low as PHP 450,000,” Rubis said.

“This is our first compliance with socialized housing, giving ordinary families the privilege of living in a classy location surrounded by high-end developments,” he added.

Rubis cited the success of Suntrust’s earlier 50-hectare project, The Fountain Grove, which transformed sugarcane fields into an upscale residential community.

He noted that those who invested early in Fountain Grove saw land values quadruple, creating ripple effects for the local economy.

Suntrust is also set to launch Valle Verde Green Park, a development targeting the middle to high-end market with single-detached homes priced between PHP 6 million and PHP 8 million.

Rubis said this move builds on the success of The Fountain Grove and addresses rising demand from residents in Bacolod and Talisay.

He added that Suntrust also aims to attract overseas Filipino workers seeking to invest in their hometown.

“For those who call Negros home—and for those who choose to lay down new roots in this dynamic province—La Sonrisa represents a fresh beginning and a brighter future,” he said.

“Suntrust strives to reinforce its promise to make the dreams of every Negrense a reality, one home at a time,” Rubis added.

La Sonrisa will offer a variety of contemporary house models and resort-style amenities designed to meet residents’ lifestyle needs.

Its proximity to key business hubs, retail centers, and the Bacolod-Silay International Airport positions La Sonrisa as an ideal home base in the region.

Mayor Lizares, who led the inauguration, said the launch coincided with the city’s 26th Minuluan Festival and the 175th anniversary of San Nicolas de Tolentino Parish.

“Talisay is a city where the old and the new meet,” Lizares said.

“We celebrate our rich history while inviting innovation. With the entry of Suntrust and Megaworld, we are on our way to becoming Metro Talisay,” she added.

She thanked the Ledesma family for enabling large-scale development and acknowledged Suntrust for choosing Talisay as its newest township site.

“May this partnership be fruitful and prosperous for our city,” Lizares said.

The La Sonrisa project is expected to stimulate housing growth and boost the local economy in Talisay and surrounding areas.

By placing affordable homes alongside upscale developments, Suntrust envisions a community that bridges the socialized, middle, and high-end residential markets.

“We intend to provide for all levels of the market, depending on your purpose in life,” Paltongan said.

“This is just the beginning. La Sonrisa will bring more smiles to Talisay.”