Gulapa & Lim (Gulapa Law) > Manila, Philippines > Firm Profile
Gulapa & Lim (Gulapa Law) Offices

UNIT 12A, 12TH FLOOR, MARCO POLO ORTIGAS
MANILA SAPPHIRE ROAD, ORTIGAS CENTER
1605 PASIG CITY, METRO MANILA
Philippines
Gulapa & Lim (Gulapa Law) > The Legal 500 Rankings
Philippines > Projects and energy Tier 1
Aris Gulapa at Gulapa & Lim (Gulapa Law) has a vast array of experience in public-private partnerships, and Charmaine Rose Haw-Lim has considerable expertise in the energy sector, particularly renewable energy projects; she also handles projects involving toll roads and is skilled at advising government-owned and controlled corporations on the procurement of power. The team has also been notably active in advising various multi-lateral financial institutions and private bidders on numerous PPPs involving infrastructure elements (particularly rail assets, IT infrastructure and airports) and several healthcare projects. Teodulo San Juan, Jr. has also been involved in some renewable energy projects.Practice head(s):
Aris Gulapa; Charmaine Rose Haw-Lim
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Asian Development Bank
SM Prime Holdings Inc.
Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc.
Infracorp Development Inc.
Kyushu Electric Power Co. Inc.
International Finance Corporation
Solar Pacific Pristine Power, Inc.
Watermatic Philippines Corporation
Work highlights
- Assisting Kyushu Power Electric Co. Inc. with its investment in micro grid sites that will offer electricity to off-grid areas which will help small communities have access to electricity.
- Assisting SMPHI with the bidding to contract out the development of its ambitious PHP100bn reclamation project dubbed Future City, and advising on Philippine Law issues and preparation of the contract forms using the FIDIC contract template.
- Assisting the ADB with the Metro Manila Subway project which is a subway system that will run north to south between Quezon City, Pasig, Makati, Taguig, and Pasay.
Philippines > Antitrust and competition Tier 2
Head of practice Aris Gulapa at Gulapa & Lim (Gulapa Law) has a wealth of experience in competition and antitrust law enforcement issues across numerous jurisdictions with notable expertise advising on merger control issues in PPPs. The group frequently advises financial institutions, government agencies and private companies on obtaining clearances for major projects under the PCC, in addition to other compliance matters pertaining to antitrust and competition laws, rules and regulations. Junior associate Theodore S. Ballesteros is another key member of the team.Practice head(s):
Aris Gulapa
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Asian Development Bank
Ayala Corporation
AXA Philippines (Philippine AXA Life Insurance Corporation and Charter Ping An Insurance Corporation)
Work highlights
- Advising the Asian Development Bank on the procedure for obtaining a Certificate of Exemption for unsolicited projects being tendered by the Department of Transportation and liaising with the Philippine Competition Commission on behalf of the client.
- Advising Ayala Corporation on the acquisition of shares in a special purpose vehicle in relation to one of the country’s flagship PPP projects.
- Assisting AXA Philippines in its merger with a wholly-owned subsidiary Charter Ping An, which is engaged in the business of non-life insurance.
Philippines > Intellectual property Tier 2
Led by Oliver Baclay, the IP team at Gulapa & Lim (Gulapa Law) has notable expertise in the pharmaceutical sector and regularly assists foreign clients on trademark registrations, both locally and internationally. The practice is also skilled in handling patent portfolios for foreign clients, in addition to trademark infringement and unfair competition cases. Baclay advises on disputes concerning patent, copyright and trademark infringements, and associate Maria Isabelle Poblete is another key figure in the team.Practice head(s):
Oliver Baclay
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Gulapa Law is a reliable, excellent and houses a notable team of young and smart lawyers. Gulapa Law is ideal for those seeking cutting-edge work with innovative clients.’
‘The firm boasts a respectful culture where clients feel supported by partners and have the legal resources/expertise to soar with high-level matters.’
‘Gulapa Law is innovative, constantly improving their services for clients. As a client, we very much appreciate their business ethics and working style.’
‘The outstanding lawyer and founding partner Aris Gulapa together with Oliver Baclay, represent clients in different industries including pharmaceutical, telecommunications and automotive sectors. They have extensive experience in trademark and patent prosecutions, anti-counterfeit strategies and copyright and patent litigations around the world.’
‘Oliver Baclay heads up the trademarks department and handles trademark and patent applications and also leads the IP litigation group. Gulapa Law practice is unique because every team member is not only highly competent but very client-oriented and service-minded.’
Key clients
APO-UGEC Security Printing Joint Venture (APO Production Unit, Inc. and United Graphic Expression Corporation)
United Graphic Expression Corporation
Frontiir PTE LTD
Fashion Box S.P.A.
Intake TM Pte Ltd
Asian Development Bank
Island Air Products Corporation
Work highlights
- Assisted Frontiir PTE LTD., a Singaporean entity, in the national phase entry applications of multiple inventions under the Patent Cooperation Treaty in 11 jurisdictions in Asia.
- Assisted in the review of all IP agreements including agreement on the comics characters, story line, other copyright protected contents and trademarks of its Philippine-based client in its investment in a Delaware Limited Liability Company engaged in the production of comics.
- Assisted an Italian entity in the protection and enforcement of its intellectual property rights over its well-known trademarks in the fashion industry.
Philippines > Real estate and construction Tier 2
Aris Gulapa and Jose Maria Angel Machuca jointly lead the department at Gulapa & Lim (Gulapa Law), which focuses on the construction aspects of renewable energy and water projects, with demonstrable experience advising on large-scale infrastructure projects. The group assists developers of reclamation projects in drafting FIDIC contracts, while acting for multilateral financial institutions and private bidders on PPPs.Practice head(s):
Aris Gulapa; Jose Maria Angel Machuca
Key clients
Asian Development Bank
SM Prime Holdings Inc.
Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc.
Infracorp Development Inc.
Solar Pacific Pristine Power, Inc.
Watermatic Philippines Corporation
Work highlights
- Assisting Asian Development Bank in advising the Department of Transportation and the Philippine National Railways on the procurement of the operation and maintenance of the North-South Commuter.
- Assisting SM Prime Holdings Inc. in the bidding to contract out the development of its PhP100bn reclamation project dubbed Future City and advising on Philippine Law issues.
- Assisting the Asian Development Bank in the Metro Manila Subway project which is a subway system that will run north to south between Quezon City, Pasig, Makati, Taguig, and Pasay.
Philippines > Banking and finance Tier 3
Gulapa & Lim (Gulapa Law) has a diverse banking practice that is increasingly advising on cross-border security agreements as well as advising clients in the digital banking sector. It is also skilled at handling the financing aspects of public-private partnerships and project financing matters (especially those involving infrastructure financing). Aris Gulapa and Jose Maria Angel Machuca co-head the practice.Practice head(s):
Aris Gulapa; Jose Maria Angel Machuca
Key clients
Infracorp Development, Inc. (an affiliate of Alliance Global Group, Inc.)
Altus Capital Corporation
GoTyme Bank Corporation
MFT Group of Companies
Work highlights
- Advising the Altus group of companies on the proper implementation of a comprehensive corporate and debt restructuring.
- Assisted a Philippine borrower on the drafting and review of a working capital loan, governed by Singaporean Law, that it intends to obtain from a third-party financier based in Hong Kong.
- Advised GoTyme and drafted the agreements regarding its partnership with the Robinson’s Group.
Philippines > Corporate and M&A Tier 3
With Aris Gulapa and Melissa Ester Chavez-Dee at the helm, Gulapa & Lim (Gulapa Law)’s practice focuses on share and asset acquisitions of public utilities, with demonstrable experience advising mergers in the insurance sector and assisting clients in the establishment of new corporate vehicles. Gulapa has recently advised various multinational clients on cross-border share and asset acquisitions, while Chavez-Dee covers a wide range of corporate and commercial matters.Practice head(s):
Aris Gulapa; Melissa Ester Chavez-Dee
Testimonials
‘Gulapa Law’s edge is its willingness to learn about the client’s business and to provide effective legal solutions for its concerns.’
‘The individuals we have worked with at Gulapa Law are very hardworking. They are also flexible enough to perform their work despite the remote set-up.’
Key clients
Kyushu Electric Power Co., Inc.
Ayala Corporation
AXA Philippines (Philippine AXA Life Insurance Corporation and Charter Ping An Insurance Corporation)
Alternergy Group
Work highlights
- Assisting Kyushu Electric Power Co., Inc. (“Kyuden”) in implementing the investment agreement between the parties, as well as advising on all ongoing relevant legal issues in relation to the acquisition of shares of Kyuden in Powersource, a Qualified Third Party under the Philippine Electric Power Industry Reform Act.
- Advising and assisting Ayala Corporation in the acquisition of shares in the Special Purpose Vehicle in relation to one of the country’s flagship PPP projects.
- Assisting AXA Philippines, which is engaged in the business of life insurance, process its merger with a wholly-owned subsidiary Charter Ping An Insurance Corporation, which is engaged in the business of non-life insurance.
Philippines > Dispute resolution Tier 3
Led by Oscar Carlo Cajucom, the team at Gulapa & Lim (Gulapa Law) is well-placed to advise on infrastructure litigation cases, in addition to commercial and construction arbitrations. Recent highlights include assisting government-owned corporations and private companies in government procurement litigation. Other key areas of expertise include advising on cyber libel cases, illegal dismissal issues and matters concerning unauthorised use of LPG cylinders.Practice head(s):
Oscar Carlo Cajucom
Other key lawyers:
Hazelmer Fernande
Testimonials
‘They are very much ahead of everything. Kudos to all of the team.’
‘Special mention to Oscar Carlo Cajucom and Hazelmer Fernande for always being on top of everything.’
Key clients
JBROS Construction Corporation
Philippine South East Asian Games Organizational Committee Foundation, Inc.
United Graphic Expression Corporation
Island Air Products Corporation
Filinvest Land, Inc.
Hyundai Cebu, Inc.
East Asia Utilities Corporation
Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc.
Work highlights
- Successfully secured an arbitral award in favour of JBROS Construction Corporation before the Construction Industry Arbitration Commission (CIAC) for breach of contract against the government.
- Assisted the Philippine SEA Games Organizational Committee (PHISGOC) Foundation, Inc. in prosecuting two cyber libel cases against the editorial and publishing team of two newspapers in the Philippines.
- Assisted a private entity firm in obtaining a favourable award in an arbitration, involving a shipbuilding contract.
Philippines > Immigration Tier 3
Al-Shwaid Ismael and Phillip Don Recentes lead the practice at Gulapa & Lim (Gulapa Law) and act for foreign national employees and consultants on immigration compliance matters. Other key areas of expertise include advising on the procedures for alien employment permits and exemptions, in addition to issues surrounding inbound international travel restrictions and entry exemption documentation during the COVID-19 pandemic.Practice head(s):
Al-Shwaid Ismael; Phillip Don Recentes
Key clients
CCL Label Industries Philippines Inc
Watermatic Philippines Corporation
Pivot-Hawks Manila, Inc.
Work highlights
- Advised Watermatic Philippines Corporation on the requirements and procedures to secure an entry exemption document necessary for their foreign engineers and consultants.
- Advised a client on the application for a special resident investors’ visa, allowing a foreign national multiple entries into the Philippines.
Philippines > Labour and employment Tier 3
Under the leadership of Oscar Carlo Cajucom, the team at Gulapa & Lim (Gulapa Law) advises on novel matters, including gender discrimination and fraudulent labour cases. The team has been kept busy advising clients on various employment options during the Covid-19 pandemic. Senior associate Phillip Don Recentes is another key member of the practice.Practice head(s):
Oscar Carlo Cajucom
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
AXA Life Insurance Corporation
Work highlights
- Assisted a client in a labour dispute and won the case against their employer for having been illegally dismissed on the basis of transgender discrimination.
- Assisted AXA Philippines and secured a favourable ruling in its favour. The case is for illegal dismissal with a claim for actual, moral and exemplary damages, monetary benefits, and attorney’s fees, accompanied by a claim for reinstatement filed by one of the Financial Solutions Specialist.
- Assisted an electronics manufacturing company in successfully thwarting a strike illegally mounted by agency employees and secured the withdrawal of the notice of strike that was filed by the union.
Philippines > Tax Tier 3
Under the leadership of Al-Shwaid Ismael, the group at Gulapa & Lim (Gulapa Law) is well-placed to advise clients on various tax and compliance matters as well as handling clients’ tax cases with the tax authorities. It is also skilled at advising on applications for relief and at resolving tax assessments. At associate level, Marcley Augustus D. Natu-el is well-regarded.Practice head(s):
Al-Shwaid Ismael
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Asia Development Bank
APO Production Unit Inc.
United Graphic Expression Corporation
Watermatic Philippines Corporation
Cebu Industrial Park Developers Incorporated
Work highlights
- Assisted the Asia Development Bank with structuring the project and drafting the bidding documentation, and in advising the Department of Transportation and the Philippine National Railways on the procurement of the operation and maintenance of the North-South Commuter Railway project.
- Advised a multinational group of companies on how to reorganise its structure and operations across multiple jurisdictions including the Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore, and Japan, to achieve tax efficiency.
- Advised and assisted a client to (a) establish a business vehicle in the Philippines, which will hire, train, and compensate workers for US-based clients; (b) transfer the employees and assets of the existing Philippine contractor; (c) send some of the client’s personnel to the Philippines.
Philippines > TMT Tier 3
The team at Gulapa & Lim (Gulapa Law) has been notably active advising various public and private clients on the establishment, development and operation of smart cities and the provision of e-government services. Other areas of expertise include assisting web platform and mobile app developers with various matters including drafting e-commerce agreements and advising on technology transfer agreements. Aris Gulapa leads the department, which also fields Dan Kevin Mandocdoc.Practice head(s):
Aris Gulapa
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Asian Development Bank
APO-UGEC Security Printing Joint Venture (APO Production Unit, Inc. and United Graphic Expression Corporation)
Ayala Land, Inc.
International Finance Corporation
AC Infrastructure Holdings Corporation
Work highlights
- Currently advising ADB and Bases Conversion and Development Authority in relation to the proposed Information, Communications & Technology Infrastructure Project for New Clark City under a potential public-private partnership.
- Advises APO Production Unit, Inc. (a State printer) and United Graphic Expression Corporation (a private company) on the implementation of their joint venture agreement to upgrade APO’s printing facility to become a world-class printer to enable APO to print the Philippine ePassport.
- Assisting the International Finance Corporation in conducting a study on the feasibility of implementing the Department of Information and Communications Technology’s national broadband infrastructure investment plan through all available modes of procurement including public-private partnership.
Gulapa & Lim (Gulapa Law) > Firm Profile
The firm: Gulapa & Lim (Gulapa Law) was established by Aris L. Gulapa in September 2015. From a complement of 6 lawyers, Gulapa Law now has a total of 36 legal staff (29 lawyers and 7 underbar associates).
Before setting up Gulapa Law, Aris was a partner at Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio from October 2011 to September 2015. Previously, Aris has advised sponsors and lenders in relation to the financing of important government projects in Manila, Singapore, Vietnam, and Tokyo. Aris worked at SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan (December 2003-June 2006); Kelvin Chia Partnership (Singapore and Vietnam offices, July 2006- June 2008); and Anderson Mori & Tomotsune (Tokyo office, July 2008- June 2010). He also worked as research assistant to Harry First, former head of the Antitrust Bureau of the Office of the Attorney General of New York, from September 2010 to May 2011.
In February 2017, the firm became the first Philippine-based law firm to establish an office in New York City through its affiliate, Gulapa & Baclay LLP. Earlier in 2017 as well, the firm expanded its capabilities, particularly by developing its litigation practice.
Meanwhile, in June 2018, the firm established a representative office in San Francisco to liaise with its US West Coast-based clients with Philippine bound legal concern.
On December 18, 2020, Gulapa Law continued to expand within the Philippines by officially launching its fourth office in Cebu City, Gulapa & Ismael. The Cebu office currently has 5 lawyers.
In 2022, Gulapa Law will take root in one of the emerging cities in Southeast Asia.
Through the years, Gulapa Law has achieved various forms of recognition, specifically:
Chambers & Partners (Global)
- Projects, Infrastructure & Energy, Band 3 (2022)
Chambers & Partners (Asia Pacific)
- Projects, Infrastructure & Energy, Band 3 (2022)
Asian Legal Business Southeast Asia Law Awards
- Rising Law Firm of the Year, winner (2019)
Asian Legal Business Philippine Law Awards
- Boutique Law Firm of the Year, winner (2017)
- Rising Law Firm of the Year, winner (2018)
Asian Legal Business
- One of the “Firms to Watch” and “Best Boutiques” in Asia (2017)
International Financial Law Review — Financial & Corporate Guide
- Ranked Tier 3, Project Finance (2022)
- Notable Law Firm, Banking and Finance (2022)
- Ranked Tier 3, M&A (2022)
- Ranked Tier 2, Project Development (2022)
- Notable Law Firm, Restructuring and Insolvency (2022)
The Legal500
- Real Estate and Construction (Tier 2) (2022)
- Corporate/M&A (Tier 4) (2022)
- Technology, Media, and Telecommunications (Tier 3) (2022)
- Project and Energy (Tier 2) (2022)
- Antitrust and Competition (Tier 2) (2022)
- Intellectual Property (Tier 3) (2022)
- Dispute Resolution (Tier 4) (2022)
Asialaw Profiles
- Competition/Antitrust (Recommended Law Firm) (2022)
- Construction (Recommended Law Firm) (2022)
- Corporate/M&A (Recommended Law Firm) (2022)
- Real Estate (Recommended Law Firm) (2022)
- Energy (Recommended Law Firm) (2022)
- Infrastructure (Recommended Law Firm) (2022)
- Technology and telecommunications (Notable Law Firm) (2022)
- Intellectual Property (Notable Law Firm) (2022)
- Dispute Resolution (Notable Law Firm) (2022)
Asia Business Law Journal
- One of Asia’s Dealmakers of the Year (2017)
- Private Equity & Venture Capital Firm of the Year (2021)
- Projects & Infrastructure Firm of the Year (2021)
In-House Community Awards
- Philippine Firm of the Year in Compliance & Regulatory (2021)
- Honorable Mention, International Arbitration (2021)
- Honorable Mention, Banking and Finance (2021)
- Honorable Mention, Competition and Corporate/M&A (2021)
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Corporate/M&A | Aris Gulapa | aris.gulapa@gulapalaw.com | |
Corporate/M&A | Melissa Chavez-Dee | melissa.chavez@gulapalaw.com | |
Banking and Finance | Aris Gulapa | aris.gulapa@gulapalaw.com | |
Banking and Finance | Angel Machuca | angel.machuca@gulapalaw.com | |
Real Estate and Construction | Aris Gulapa | aris.gulapa@gulapalaw.com | |
Real Estate and Construction | Angel Machuca | angel.machuca@gulapalaw.com | |
Project Development | Aris Gulapa | aris.gulapa@gulapalaw.com | |
Project Development | Charmaine Haw-Lim | charms.haw@gulapalaw.com | |
Project Financing | Aris Gulapa | aris.gulapa@gulapalaw.com | |
Project Financing | Butch San Juan | butch.sanjuan@gulapalaw.com | |
Dispute Resolution | Oscar Carlo Cajucom | caloy.cajucom@gulapalaw.com | |
Intellectual Property | Oliver Baclay | oliver.baclay@gulapalaw.com | |
Antitrust and Competition | Aris Gulapa | aris.gulapa@gulapalaw.com | |
Antitrust and Competition | Al-Shwaid Ismael | alshwaid.ismael@gulapalaw.com | |
Technology, Media, and Telecommunications | Aris Gulapa | aris.gulapa@gulapalaw.com | |
Technology, Media, and Telecommunications | Oliver Baclay | oliver.baclay@gulapalaw.com | |
Immigration | Aris Gulapa | aris.gulapa@gulapalaw.com | |
Cebu Matters | Al-Shwaid Ismael | alshwaid.ismael@gulapalaw.com |
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | Christine Joy Abu-Bangcola | Senior Associate Dispute Resolution, General Corporate, Labor | View Profile |
![]() | Ann Danzel Albaña | Junior Associate General Corporate, Government Contracts, Infrastructure, Construction, Dispute Resolution | View Profile |
![]() | Oliver Baclay, Jr. | Partner I-Tech and Intellectual Property, Media, Entertainment and Fashion, Innovation and Competition | View Profile |
![]() | Theodore Ballesteros | Junior Associate General Corporate, Infrastructure, Innovation and Competition, Intellectual Property, and Dispute… | View Profile |
![]() | Sean James Borja | Junior Associate General Corporate, Government Contracts, Infrastructure, Energy, Dispute Resolution | View Profile |
![]() | Oscar Carlo Cajucom | Partner Dispute Resolution, Commercial Arbitration, Real Estate, Construction, Estate Settlement, Family Law | View Profile |
![]() | Melissa Ester Chavez-Dee | Partner General Corporate, Infrastructure, Government Contracts, Immigration, Innovation and Competition | View Profile |
![]() | Hazelmer Fernandez | Junior Associate Dispute Resolution, Tax, and General Corporate | View Profile |
![]() | Aris Gulapa | Founding Partner Corporate/M&A, Real Estate, Infrastructure and Construction, Government Contracts, Tax, Fashion, Entertainment and media (FEM), Technology,… | View Profile |
![]() | Charmaine Rose Haw-Lim | Managing Partner General Corporate, Infrastructure, Litigation & Arbitration, Intellectual Property | View Profile |
![]() | Effie Fielle Ignacio | Junior Associate General Corporate, Government Contracts, Dispute Resolution | View Profile |
![]() | Al-Shwaid Ismael | Partner General Corporate, Infrastructure, Government Contracts, Innovation and Competition, Real Estate, Estate… | View Profile |
![]() | Marguerite Therese Lucila | Of Counsel General Corporate, Litigation | View Profile |
![]() | Maureen Macaraeg-Dayrit | Of Counsel Dispute Resolution, Competition and Innovation Law, and General Corporate | View Profile |
![]() | Jose Maria Angel Machuca | Partner General Corporate, Special Projects, Construction and Infrastructure | View Profile |
![]() | Dan Kevin Mandocdoc | Partner General Corporate, Special Projects, Construction and Infrastructure, Health Sciences | View Profile |
![]() | Marcley Augustus Natu-el | Junior Associate General Corporate, Litigation, and Infrastructure | View Profile |
![]() | Karren Mae Obeso | Junior Associate General Corporate, Special Projects, Banking, Tax, Dispute Resolution | View Profile |
![]() | Arianne Paralisan | Junior Associate General Corporate, Infrastructure, and Litigation | View Profile |
![]() | Maria Isabelle Poblete | Junior Associate General Corporate, Government Contracts, Infrastructure, Intellectual Property | View Profile |
![]() | Phillip Don Recentes | Senior Associate General Corporate, Litigation & Dispute Resolution, Labor, Technology Media and… | View Profile |
![]() | Teodulo San Juan, Jr. | Partner General Corporate, Infrastructure, Energy, Government Contracts, Financing, Mergers and Acquisitions and… | View Profile |
![]() | Marie Yasmin Sanchez-Hereira | Of Counsel General Corporate, Infrastructure, Government Contracts, i-Tech and Intellectual Property, Fashion,… | View Profile |
![]() | Ariane Louise Tan | Junior Associate General Corporate, Government Contracts, Infrastructure, Construction, Dispute Resolution | View Profile |