Bamberton Center integrates QuakeSafe seismic isolation technology for greater earthquake resilience

As conversations about earthquake preparedness grow louder, attention is turning to how the local buildings can better respond to the country’s natural conditions. For many in the property sector, resilience has become a marker of progress that supports both safety and long-term investment value. In Taguig City’s Arca South, one new development is bringing that principle into practice through innovation beneath its foundations.

Bamberton Center in Arca South, Taguig City

The Bamberton Center, an 18-storey office and commercial development with four basement levels, is being constructed using base-isolation technology that absorbs and reduces ground motion during earthquakes. The project is led by Maxblocks Construction Corp., a company that partners with engineers and industry experts with over 30 years of experience to deliver high-quality projects built for safety and durability.

This initiative is led by Dioceldo Sy, known for founding Ever Bilena, one of the Philippines’ leading local beauty brands. Having successfully built a nationwide enterprise, Sy has since diversified into real estate and development. His latest venture, QuakeSafe Phils. Inc., which is the company behind the system used in Bamberton Center, brings together technical partnerships and local expertise to promote earthquake-resilient design in the country.

  Installation of High-Damping Rubber (HDR) Seismic Isolation System completed at Bamberton Center

QuakeSafe Phils. Inc. is a one-stop solutions provider that promotes the use of seismic base isolation in local construction—from design and consulting to supply and project management. Its system for Bamberton Center uses 42 sets of High-Damping Rubber (HDR) bearings supplied by Bridgestone Japan, designed to dissipate seismic energy before it travels upward through the structure. Complementary components, including flexible pipe connections and seismic gap covers, help maintain the building’s functionality even during strong ground motion.

High-Damping Rubber (HDR) Seismic Isolation System

Sy views the property as a practical example of preparedness in development that balances business foresight with public safety.

On the importance of resilience, Mr. Sy said, "building with resilience means planning for the unexpected. Our goal is to create spaces that are safe and resilient, where occupants feel secure and businesses can operate with confidence. By focusing on long-term durability, we help ensure that the investments people make today remain valuable tomorrow."

He adds that beyond protecting occupants, resilient buildings reduce potential repair costs and operational disruptions, enhancing long-term returns.

The Bamberton Center’s integration of QuakeSafe technology illustrates how the property industry can respond to a growing public concern through innovation and initiative. As urban centers continue to expand, projects that prioritize resilience may help define the next phase of responsible growth in Metro Manila.

In doing so, developments like Bamberton Center show that progress in real estate is no longer just about reaching new heights, but ensuring the strength to stand firm when the ground itself begins to shift. As resilience becomes a defining value, projects built with such purpose are not only shaping safer skylines but also reinforcing investor confidence in a more future-ready Philippine property market.