'I've always loved the Philippines. It's just a special place....' - Donald Trump

MANILA - US President-elect Donald Trump will find an easy connection to the Philippines in case he visits the country.

Standing tall in the heart of Century City, Makati, Trump Tower Manila is the first residential building in the Philippines licensed under the brand of the newly-elected US president.

It was in late 2011 when Century City Development Corp., a unit of Century Properties Group (CPG), announced the construction of Trump Tower Manila. Groundbreaking of the building began in mid-2012.

According to Trump Tower Manila's official website, the whole building has been completed as of May 2016.

In a statement released early 2015, CPG said 94 percent of Trump Tower's units had been pre-sold two years before its projected completion.

"I've always loved the Philippines. I think it's just a special place and Manila is one of Asia's most spectacular cities. I know that this project will be second to none," US President-elect Trump, who is also the chairman and president of the Trump Organization, said about the project.

CPG has yet to announce when Trump Tower will be ready for occupancy.

SPECIAL ENVOY

Last Monday, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced the appointment of Century Properties Group Chairman and CEO Jose E.B. Antonio's appointment as special envoy for trade, investment and economic affairs.

Antonio will "enhance business ties and strengthen the economic affairs," between the Philippines and the US, the company said in a statement.

Century Properties is known for partnering with celebrities for its luxury developments. Aside from Trump Tower Manila, the company also built a condominium complex with a man-made beach designed by American socialite Paris Hilton.