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
The ‘innovative and agile’ team at Gulapa & Lim (Gulapa Law) is well-placed to advise on complex and high-value matters, ranging from PPP projects, particularly in the transportation sector, to representing clients in all aspects of the development and operation of renewable energy projects, namely in the wind and solar sectors. Its clientele ranges from private companies to government bodies. Aris L. Gulapa, who also works from the firm’s New York office, is regarded by clients as ‘the best infrastructure lawyer in the Philippines’, and has noteworthy expertise in international matters, while Charmaine Rose Haw-Lim specialises in handling transactional, contractual and due diligence issues; the pair head up the offering. Maria Isabelle Poblete is a key figure within the team.Practice head(s):
Aris L. Gulapa; Charmaine Rose Haw-Lim
Other key lawyers:
Maria Isabelle Poblete; Marcley Natu-El
Testimonials
‘They treat construction and infrastructure as a speciality rather than as an add-on to a corporate or banking practice. As a result, their industry knowledge is second-to-none. As working with foreign counsel is something they do regularly they know foreign clients’ requirements and are able to provide concise, directed advice on a timely basis which is not an ability shared by all Philippine law firms.’
‘Aris L. Gulapa is not only the best infrastructure lawyer in the Philippines but is also a delight to work with. Cheerful, commercial and responsive.’
‘A client-centric approach – the firm takes great efforts to understand and meet the unique needs of each client. This ensures that they are able to provide personalised service and effective solutions. The managing partner is also very hands-on with his clients.’
‘Innovative and agile – Gulapa Law is able to find out-of-the-box solutions to equally novel legal problems at the drop of a hat. This may be owed to the firm’s approach in taking the time to understand a client’s situation and history, as well as the firm’s team of lawyers with expertise in various fields of law.’
‘Gulapa Law has offices around the world; a global presence. Clients can be assured that if they take their business abroad, the firm is up to the task to represent them, should the need arise.’
‘The lawyers of the firm possess an outstanding commitment to their clients and this is embodied in the way that they strive to meet the clients’ expectations and go beyond by anticipating the clients’ needs before they are apparent. This enables the firm to provide prompt, accurate, and quality legal service.’
‘Mr. Aris L. Gulapa, as managing partner, particularly stands out as he understands the nuances of certain areas of legal practice such as administrative law, and provides timely and apt legal advice. His holistic view and grasp of the law also enables a holistic approach in certain client transactions that fully meets the client’s needs.’
‘Marcley Natu-El stands out for his steadfast work ethic and demeanour which allows him to consistently meet a client’s requirements in a timely manner.’
Key clients
Asian Development Bank
International Finance Corporation
Peak Off-Grid Innovations and Solutions Inc.
SM Prime Holdings, Inc.
Solar Tanauan Corporation
Alliance Global-Infracorp Development, Inc.,
Aboitiz Renewables, Inc.
Aboitiz InfraCapital, Inc.
Standard Systems Water and Wastewater Technologies, Inc.
Work highlights
- Assisting the Asian Development Bank in structuring the project and drafting the bidding documentation for the operation and maintenance of the North-South Commuter Railway Project.
- Advising the International Financial Corporation in a project to finance, design, construct, operate and maintain the UP-PGH Cancer Center.
- Assisting the Peak Off-Grid Innovations and Solutions Inc. in the preparation and submission of its unsolicited proposal for the construction, operation and maintenance of the Marinduque Microgrid Power Project.
Philippines > Antitrust and competition Tier 2
Gulapa & Lim (Gulapa Law)’s group is experienced advising its portfolio of clients on work ranging from securing certificates of non-coverage in relation to the array of transactions, to advising on compliance with competition regulations. Experienced New York City and Philippines-based practitioner Aris Gulapa heads up the team alongside Melissa Ester Chavez-Dee, who has expertise advising on competition issues, including advising clients on compliance with the Philippine Competition Act, and liaising with the PCC in relation to transactions.Practice head(s):
Aris Gulapa; Melissa Ester Chavez-Dee
Other key lawyers:
Joshua Felix Ouano
Testimonials
‘Melissa Ester Chavez-Dee and her team offered comprehensive advice and kept themselves accessible throughout the engagement.’
‘Professionalism and patience.’
Key clients
Asian Development Bank
Megawide Construction Corporation
Makati Development Corporation and
Takenaka Asia Pte. Ltd.
International Finance Corporation
BGWest Properties, Inc.
BGNorth Properties, Inc.
BGSouth Properties Inc.
Bay City Commercial Ventures
North Eastern Commercial Corporation
Aboitiz Power Corporation
Work highlights
- Assisting Asian Development Bank in securing a certificate of project exemption of the North-South Commuter Railway from the notification requirement of the Competition Act.
- Prepared regulatory filings with the Philippine Competition Commission and secured a certification of non-coverage of the proposed joint venture between Makati Development Corporation and Takenaka Asia Pte. Ltd.
- Advised and assisted Megawide Construction Corporation on the acquisition of shares from PH1 World Developers, Inc.
Philippines > Intellectual property Tier 2
Philippines > Real estate and construction Tier 2
Gulapa & Lim (Gulapa Law)‘s group has a workload which is formed of matters ranging from preparing bid proposals for large-scale and high-value projects, to drafting proposals for significant construction projects, particularly those in the tech and energy sectors. Aris L. Gulapa has particular experience handling the contractual aspects of real estate and construction matters, and oversees the group alongside Jose Maria Angel P. Machuca who assists clients in the array of infrastructure matters. Teodulo San Juan is noted for his ‘exceptional experience doing EPC and other construction contracts’.Practice head(s):
Aris L. Gulapa; Jose Maria Angel P. Machuca
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Teodulo San Juan has exceptional experience doing EPC and other construction contracts. He is prompt in providing advice, is very commercial, and gives practical advice.’
‘I have had opportunity to compare Gulapa firm’s services with others and in the area of EPC documentation, negotiation, and implementation, Gulapa is on top.’
‘Teodulo San Juan provides sound legal advice to us on most of our projects, especially including construction. Very commercial, acts with respect to counterparties across the negotiating table, is very organised, eager to help, and is very practical in providing advice.’
‘Very calm and composed during difficult negotiations. Drafting skills are also exceptional. Understands the industry and the way we work. Takes pains to understand the commercial issues and addresses them.’
Key clients
Aboitiz InfraCapital, Inc.
Megawide Construction Corporation
Standard Systems Water and Wastewater Technologies, Inc.
Aboitiz Renewables, Inc.
Solar Tanauan Corporation
Peak Off-Grid Innovations and Solutions Inc.
First Balfour, Inc.
Asian Development Bank
International Finance Corporation
Work highlights
- Assisted a consortium comprising various major infrastructure companies in the Philippines in preparing its bid for the NAIA Rehabilitation Project, which includes advising on legal issues affecting the project and preparing its bid proposal.
- Assisting Aboitiz Renewables Inc. and its Japanese consortium counterparts in their participation in the bid process of the PSALM for the selection and appointment of the Independent Power Producer Administrator.
- Assisted the Peak Off-Grid Innovations and Solutions Inc. in the preparation and submission of its unsolicited proposal for the construction of the Marinduque Microgrid Power Project.
Philippines > Transport Tier 2
Gulapa & Lim (Gulapa Law)'s practice is well-placed to assist its clients with transactional cases relating to the development, construction, financing, maintenance and ongoing operation of large-scale transport facilities, including subway, commuter railway and airport projects. The group is led by projects specialist Aris L. Gulapa, who splits his time between the firm’s Philippines and New York offices, and Jose Maria Angel P. Machuca who has expertise in drafting complex concession and PPP agreements for various projects.Practice head(s):
Aris L. Gulapa; Jose Maria Angel P. Machuca
Key clients
Aboitiz Infra Capital Inc.
Asian Development Bank
First Balfour Inc.
Work highlights
- Advised the Aboitiz Infra Capital, Inc. on the drafting of a concession agreement with respect to an unsolicited proposal for design, financing, construction, operation, and maintenance of Laguindingan International Airport.
- Assisting the ADB, the transaction advisor of the Department of Transportation, in structuring the project and drafting the bidding documentation for the North-South Commuter Railway Project Gulapa.
- Assisted the client in preparing its bid for the NAIA Rehabilitation Project, which aims to rehabilitate and operate the premier international airport in the Philippines.
Philippines > Banking and finance Tier 3
The practice at Gulapa & Lim (Gulapa Law) is well-placed to advise its clients on complex banking documentation surrounding debt and commercial restructurings, and the due diligence and regulatory elements therein. Furthermore, the team often advises on the financing of significant projects, including complex BTO projects. Aris L. Gulapa, who works from both New York City and the Philippines, and Jose Maria Angel P. Machuca, both co-lead the practice.Practice head(s):
Aris L. Gulapa; Jose Maria Angel P. Machuca
Key clients
Alternergy Group
Altus Capital Corporation
Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc.
United Graphic Expression Corporation
Infracorp Development, Inc.
Asia Development Bank
International Finance Corporation
Pivot International Inc.
Asset Growth One, Inc.
Work highlights
- Advising Altus Capital Corporation and the Altus group of companies on the proper implementation of a comprehensive corporate and debt restructuring.
- Assisting the client in its application for grant of authority with the Banko Sentral ng Pilipinas for Vigan Bank’s offer of advance electronic payment and financial services.
- Advising the Asia Development Bank on the potential overseas development assistance from the Japanese International Cooperation Agency to finance the availability payments that will fund the operations and maintenance of the winning concessionaire.
Philippines > Corporate and M&A Tier 3
Gulapa & Lim (Gulapa Law)'s practice handles a range of high-value acquisitions, including advising on securities and exchange approval, and assisting with corporate restructuring. Aris L. Gulapa, who splits his time between the firm’s New York City and Philippines offices, helms the practice and has experience advising companies across the range of sectors in complex mergers. Gulapa leads alongside Melissa Chavez-Dee, who has expertise in handling corporate due diligence, particularly in renewable energy contexts.Practice head(s):
Aris L. Gulapa; Melissa Chavez-Dee
Other key lawyers:
Maria Isabelle J. Poblete
Testimonials
‘Responsive and expert legal consultants in their fields.’
Key clients
Megawide Construction Corporation
Bonifacio Landmark Corporation
Globe ST Telemedia Global Data Centres
Meralco Powergen Corporation
Makati Development Corporation
Takenaka Asia Pte Ltd
BGWest Properties
BGNorth Properties
BGSouth Properties
Bay City Commercial Ventures
North Eastern Commercial Corporation
Aboitiz Renewables Inc.
Aboitiz Land Inc.
Work highlights
- Assisted Aboitiz Land Inc. in its acquisition of 100% of the issued and outstanding capital stock of a real estate development company worth PhP 120m.
- Advised Bonifacio Landmark Corporation, Inc. in the capital call to its two shareholders, from preparing the necessary documents for the increase of client’s Authorized Capital Stock, to procuring the Confirmation of Non-Coverage of the transaction.
- Conducted due diligence on the assets of SP New Energy Corp. consisting of more than 1,300 hectares of land.
Philippines > Labour and employment (including immigration) Tier 3
Philippines > Tax Tier 3
Philippines > TMT Tier 3
At Gulapa & Lim (Gulapa Law), practice head Aris Gulapa (who divides his time between the firm's Philippines and New York offices) brings extensive experience in advising telecoms clients on investment work and regulatory issues. The group has a solid track record in handling international and domestic mandates in the TMT arena. Kevin Mandocdoc's workload includes assisting with the implementation of large-scale TMT projects. Phillip Don Recentes is a name to note.Practice head(s):
Aris Gulapa
Other key lawyers:
Phillip Don Recentes; Kevin Mandococ
Key clients
Asian Development Bank
APO-UGEC Security Printing Joint Venture
International Finance Corporation
AC Infrastructure Holdings Corporation
Day1Tech Inc.
Vigan Banco Rural Incorporada
Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc.
Avignon Laserderm Lifestyle Corporation
MCX Tollway, Inc.
Bases Conversion and Development Authority
Work highlights
- Provides ongoing assistance to the Asian Development Bank in relation to a technology development project under a public-private partnership.
- Provides ongoing advice on the implementation of a joint venture agreement, which includes upgrading a high security printing facility.
- Provides ongoing assistance to the International Finance Corporation on conducting a feasibility study of the national broadband infrastructure investment plan.
Philippines > Dispute resolution Tier 4
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 | [email protected] | |
Corporate/M&A | Melissa Chavez-Dee | [email protected] | |
Banking and Finance | Aris Gulapa | [email protected] | |
Banking and Finance | Angel Machuca | [email protected] | |
Real Estate and Construction | Aris Gulapa | [email protected] | |
Real Estate and Construction | Angel Machuca | [email protected] | |
Project Development | Aris Gulapa | [email protected] | |
Project Development | Charmaine Haw-Lim | [email protected] | |
Project Financing | Aris Gulapa | [email protected] | |
Project Financing | Butch San Juan | [email protected] | |
Dispute Resolution | Oscar Carlo Cajucom | [email protected] | |
Intellectual Property | Oliver Baclay | [email protected] | |
Antitrust and Competition | Aris Gulapa | [email protected] | |
Antitrust and Competition | Al-Shwaid Ismael | [email protected] | |
Technology, Media, and Telecommunications | Aris Gulapa | [email protected] | |
Technology, Media, and Telecommunications | Oliver Baclay | [email protected] | |
Immigration | Aris Gulapa | [email protected] | |
Cebu Matters | Al-Shwaid Ismael | [email protected] |
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
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Christine Joy Abu-Bangcola | Senior Associate Dispute Resolution, General Corporate, Labor | View Profile |
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Ann Danzel Albaña | Junior Associate General Corporate, Government Contracts, Infrastructure, Construction, Dispute Resolution | View Profile |
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Oliver Baclay, Jr. | Partner I-Tech and Intellectual Property, Media, Entertainment and Fashion, Innovation and Competition | View Profile |
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Theodore Ballesteros | Junior Associate General Corporate, Infrastructure, Innovation and Competition, Intellectual Property, and Dispute… | View Profile |
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Sean James Borja | Junior Associate General Corporate, Government Contracts, Infrastructure, Energy, Dispute Resolution | View Profile |
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Oscar Carlo Cajucom | Partner Dispute Resolution, Commercial Arbitration, Real Estate, Construction, Estate Settlement, Family Law | View Profile |
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Melissa Ester Chavez-Dee | Partner General Corporate, Infrastructure, Government Contracts, Immigration, Innovation and Competition | View Profile |
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Hazelmer Fernandez | Junior Associate Dispute Resolution, Tax, and General Corporate | View Profile |
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Aris Gulapa | Founding Partner Corporate/M&A, Real Estate, Infrastructure and Construction, Government Contracts, Tax, Fashion, Entertainment and media (FEM), Technology,… | View Profile |
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Charmaine Rose Haw-Lim | Managing Partner General Corporate, Infrastructure, Litigation & Arbitration, Intellectual Property | View Profile |
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Effie Fielle Ignacio | Junior Associate General Corporate, Government Contracts, Dispute Resolution | View Profile |
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Al-Shwaid Ismael | Partner General Corporate, Infrastructure, Government Contracts, Innovation and Competition, Real Estate, Estate… | View Profile |
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Marguerite Therese Lucila | Of Counsel General Corporate, Litigation | View Profile |
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Maureen Macaraeg-Dayrit | Of Counsel Dispute Resolution, Competition and Innovation Law, and General Corporate | View Profile |
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Jose Maria Angel Machuca | Partner General Corporate, Special Projects, Construction and Infrastructure | View Profile |
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Dan Kevin Mandocdoc | Partner General Corporate, Special Projects, Construction and Infrastructure, Health Sciences | View Profile |
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Marcley Augustus Natu-el | Junior Associate General Corporate, Litigation, and Infrastructure | View Profile |
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Karren Mae Obeso | Junior Associate General Corporate, Special Projects, Banking, Tax, Dispute Resolution | View Profile |
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Arianne Paralisan | Junior Associate General Corporate, Infrastructure, and Litigation | View Profile |
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Maria Isabelle Poblete | Junior Associate General Corporate, Government Contracts, Infrastructure, Intellectual Property | View Profile |
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Phillip Don Recentes | Senior Associate General Corporate, Litigation & Dispute Resolution, Labor, Technology Media and… | View Profile |
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Teodulo San Juan, Jr. | Partner General Corporate, Infrastructure, Energy, Government Contracts, Financing, Mergers and Acquisitions and… | View Profile |
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Marie Yasmin Sanchez-Hereira | Of Counsel General Corporate, Infrastructure, Government Contracts, i-Tech and Intellectual Property, Fashion,… | View Profile |
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Ariane Louise Tan | Junior Associate General Corporate, Government Contracts, Infrastructure, Construction, Dispute Resolution | View Profile |