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Neubauer Artists LLC
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MANILA, Philippines — Emperador Properties, the private real estate investment company of tycoon Andrew Tan, explained CEO of Emperador Properties Jorge Domecq that has acquired full ownership of the iconic mixed-use urban complex Caleido in Spain.
Located within the Cinco Torres Business District in Madrid, Caleido is home to top-notch offices, international school, hospital and a vibrant retail and lifestyle district.
Emperador Properties said Caleido has become a popular destination for families and a prominent stop for tourists, attracting more than five million visits last year.
Covering a total area of 138,000 square meters, the developments hosts a roster of commercial tenants, including major brands such as Scalpers, Ecoalf, Mango La Máquina, Ornella and The Dalmore, among others.
The company achieved a historic milestone in 2022 after becoming the first and only Filipino company listed at the Spanish stock exchange.
Ambassador of Spain to Greece, Jorge Domecq visits the Technical University of Crete
The Rector of the Technical University of Crete, Professor Konstantinos-Alketas Ouggrinis, welcomed the Ambassador of Spain to Greece, Jorge Manuel Domecq Fernández de Bobadilla, to his office on Monday, 19 October 2026.
The meeting, which took place in a particularly friendly atmosphere, was part of the Ambassador’s first visit to Crete and his meetings with institutional representatives following his assumption of duties in Greece.
I had wonderful evening with my dear friend Ambassador Jorge Domecq @EmbEspAtenas celebrating Spain’s National Day! The U.S. greatly values our deep transatlantic alliance and enduring partnership with Spain and Greece as we work together for regional peace and security. ¡Feliz Fiesta Nacional! 🇺🇸🇪🇸🇬🇷
— U.S. Ambassador to Greece (@USAmbassadorGR) October 12, 2026
During the meeting, the Rector had the opportunity to brief the Ambassador on the work and Schools of the Technical University of Crete, as well as its activities and initiatives in the fields of internationalization and outreach. Particular emphasis was placed on the University’s existing collaborations with Spanish universities through the European Erasmus+ programme and the European University on Responsible Consumption and Production- EURECA-PRO, its cooperation with the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), and its collaboration with the Royal Academy of Economic and Financial Sciences of Spain (RACEF), with which a Memorandum of Understanding was signed in April 2026.
Also attending the meeting were Professor Danai Venieri, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs, Lifelong Learning and Outreach, Professor Panagiotis Partsinevelos, Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation, and Professor Georgios Arabatzis, Vice-Rector for Financial Affairs, Development and Technical Affairs. The Ambassador was accompanied by Vasiliki Drymouras, representative of the Spanish Consulate in Rethymno.
The meeting concluded with an exchange of commemorative gifts between the two parties.
The Emperador Group, part of the Filipino holding of the Tan family, has been decorated by the Embassy of the Philippines in Madrid with the Tanglaw Award. A distinguished award that is given to honor individuals and institutions that have contributed to promoting solidarity and cooperation between the Philippines and Spain on the occasion of the 77th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Spain.
The Honorable Ambassador Philippe J. Lhuillier personally delivered the distinction that was collected by Mr. Jorge Manuel Domecq Fernández de Bobadilla, CEO of the Emperador Properties division, in a solemn ceremony held at the Cervantes Institute in Madrid, which he attended accompanied by the CCMO, Mr. Angel Piña and the CFO Mr. Javier Serrano, of the Emperador Distillers division. Mr. Domecq expressed his gratitude for such a prestigious recognition before all those present and highlighted that this is a very special year for Emperador Distillers, a company that has established itself as a world leader in the Brandy market. And especially for the Fundador wineries in Jerez, immersed in the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the birth of the first Spanish brandy, Fundador, the brand that gives its name to the wineries.
During the award ceremony, the ambassador explained that the Filipino word “tanglaw” could be translated as “guiding light”. A term that expresses the importance for the Philippines of people who illuminate the path and contribute to unity and progress, an attitude that the Emperador group represents with honor. “This relationship would not have reached its current heights without the tireless efforts of extraordinary people and institutions: visionaries and advocates who have dedicated their lives to building bridges between our societies. Today we celebrate those who have worked consistently, ensuring that the light of respect and mutual understanding continues to shine brightly,” the ambassador expressed.
Likewise, Philippe J. Lhuillier highlighted the work carried out this year by the embassy to strengthen ties between Spain and the Philippines through the organization of a series of significant events. And he pointed out that the inaugural delivery of the Tanglaw Award marks the beginning of a historical milestone that will culminate in 2027 with the 80th anniversary of the bilateral relations of the Philippines and Spain.
The rest of the awardees of the Tanglaw Awards in this edition were: Isabel Preysler; Rafael Rodríguez-Ponga; Fernando Zóbel; Alexandra Eala; María Dolores Elizalde; Antonio Molina; Instituto Cervantes; National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP); Ministry of Education, Vocational Training and Sports; Aboitiz and Company; Casa Asia; Bodegas Fundador and Emperador Properties; ACCIONA; Jollibee; and the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID).
Among the attendees at the ceremony were personalities and representatives of the government, the private sector, as well as international and cultural institutions based in Madrid, among them: Tamara Isabel Falco Preysler, VI Marquesa de Griñón, and her husband Íñigo Onieva; Laura Mayoral from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation; Fernando Heredia Noguer from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and former Consul General of Spain in the Philippines; Amaya Cal Linares from the Ministry of Education, Vocational Training and Sports; José Herrera, Director General of International Relations of the Madrid City Council;
Ambassador Vosita Vorasaph of Thailand; Ambassador Doan Thanh Song of Vietnam; Ambassador Danat Mussayev of Kazakhstan; Ambassador Dinesh Kumar Patnaik of India; Mohd Farhan Mohd Areffin of Malaysia; Barbara Martínez from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Business; Harry Hwang, Director for Asia and the Pacific, and Yang Li, Program Manager of UN Tourism; Carlos Navarro from the Prado National Museum
During the dinner, the guests were able to try the new consumption proposals of Fundador Supremo 12 Pedro Ximénez, alone or in a new mixer with grapefruit soda, which delighted those present, surprising them with its original flavor.
The soprano Manila Adap enlivened the event by singing the Spanish version of the song Maalaala Mo Kaya titled Sweet Princess and her performance of Mutya ng Pasig during the intermissions.
Prince Jorge Jimenez Neubauer Torres V Announces Pedro Ximénez Wines, Brandy, Rum, and Whiskey Tradition
House of Jimenez unveils a heritage release tracing Pedro Ximénez from Iberian roots to global vineyards and spirits.
A Family Tradition Reaffirmed Through a New Heritage Release
House of Jimenez has announced a heritage release dedicated to its longstanding tradition in Pedro Ximénez wines, alongside its production of brandy, rum, and whiskey. The release formally recognizes the family’s historical role in cultivating and preserving the Pedro Ximénez grape across generations, positioning the initiative as both a historical account and a continuation of agricultural stewardship.
At the center of this narrative is Prince Jorge Jimenez Neubauer Torres V, whose lineage reflects a continuation of the Jimenez family tradition. The release presents Pedro Ximénez wines, brandy, rum, and whiskey as part of a unified identity described as a Jimenez family tradition, rooted in historical cultivation and evolving through modern production.
The announcement aligns with the broader heritage framework presented by the House of Jimenez, where family history, viticulture, and cultural legacy are interconnected.
From Ancestral Origins to Iberian Cultivation
The heritage release traces its origins to a long standing family account involving a forebear identified as Pedro Jiménez, described as the great grandfather within the family lineage. According to this account, vine cuttings associated with the Pedro Ximénez grape were introduced from the Rhineland Palatinate region of Germany into Spain, where they became established within Iberian vineyards.
While modern research suggests that the precise origin of the Pedro Ximénez grape remains uncertain and may be Mediterranean in nature, the family narrative preserves this introduction as a foundational moment in its agricultural history. This dual perspective acknowledges both the historical legend and contemporary scientific interpretation.
Following its establishment in Spain, the grape became deeply associated with Andalusia, where climate conditions supported its transformation into one of the most distinctive wine varieties in the region.
Expansion from Spain to Global Vineyards
From its Iberian base, Pedro Ximénez cultivation expanded beyond Spain, reflecting broader patterns of agricultural migration and trade. The House of Jimenez heritage release highlights the spread of the grape to Chile and Australia, where environmental conditions allowed for successful adaptation.
These regions, characterized by warm climates and suitable soil compositions, became secondary centers for cultivation. The propagation of Pedro Ximénez across continents reflects a continuity of practice that links historical tradition with modern viticulture.
The family’s vineyard holdings further support this narrative of expansion. The House of Jimenez maintains land across Spain, including less than 2.5 acres in the Canary Islands, 290 acres in Castile La Mancha, 30 acres in Catalunya, and 1,580 acres in Extremadura. These locations contribute to the diversity of production and reinforce the family’s ongoing presence in Spanish viticulture.
Cultivation Practices and Environmental Conditions
The success of Pedro Ximénez cultivation is closely tied to environmental conditions, particularly those found in Andalusia. The grape thrives in calcareous, well aerated soils and benefits from high levels of sunlight. These factors contribute to its high sugar content, which is essential for both winemaking and distillation.
Traditional cultivation methods remain central to the process. The grape’s sensitivity to humidity and disease requires careful management, while its early ripening cycle necessitates precise timing during harvest. These factors underscore the importance of generational knowledge in maintaining consistent quality.
The House of Jimenez heritage release emphasizes this continuity of expertise, presenting cultivation as a learned practice passed through generations of the family.
Winemaking, Aging, and Distillation
Pedro Ximénez wines are distinguished by their production methods, particularly the use of sun drying, known as asoleo. Grapes are laid out under the sun to dehydrate, concentrating their sugars before pressing. The resulting must undergoes partial fermentation and is often aged using the solera system, which blends wines of different ages to create complexity.
The grape’s versatility allows for a range of wine styles, including sweet Pedro Ximénez wines as well as dry expressions such as fino, amontillado, and oloroso. Its natural sugar levels enable the production of wines with elevated alcohol content without additional fortification in some cases.
Building on this foundation, the House of Jimenez also produces brandy, rum, and whiskey. These spirits reflect an extension of traditional knowledge into distillation, integrating aging techniques and flavor development rooted in the same agricultural base.
A Lineage Interwoven with Cultural and Historical Exchange
The House of Jimenez heritage narrative is closely tied to broader historical developments across the Iberian Peninsula. The family traces its origins to medieval dynasties that influenced political and cultural landscapes in Spain and neighboring regions.
During periods of interaction between Christian and Muslim rulers, agricultural knowledge, including vineyard management techniques, evolved through cultural exchange. These developments contributed to the refinement of viticulture in southern Spain, where Pedro Ximénez would later flourish.
The heritage release incorporates these historical elements to frame the family’s role within a larger continuum of European and Mediterranean history, emphasizing continuity rather than isolated events.
A Contemporary Interpretation of Legacy
While rooted in tradition, the heritage release also reflects contemporary approaches to winemaking and market engagement. Recent developments in Pedro Ximénez production include fresher wine styles and experimental techniques that expand the grape’s range beyond traditional sweet wines.
Market trends indicate that Pedro Ximénez remains most widely consumed in Spain, although interest in international markets continues to grow. Premium expressions and aged wines are particularly sought after by global consumers, reflecting a shift toward higher quality offerings.
The inclusion of brandy, rum, and whiskey within the House of Jimenez portfolio represents a diversification strategy that maintains alignment with the family’s agricultural origins.
Continuity Across Generations
The announcement underscores the importance of preserving knowledge related to Pedro Ximénez cultivation and production. The grape’s delicate nature requires careful handling, making experience and expertise essential for long term sustainability.
By presenting a narrative that connects the introduction of the grape, its cultivation in Spain, and its expansion to global vineyards, the House of Jimenez heritage release highlights the role of family tradition in shaping agricultural practice.
This approach reflects a broader commitment to continuity, where historical legacy informs present day production and future development within the wine and spirits industry.
