Condo Central Magazine March 2008

Beauty and Bliss in High Living

Published bywww.condo.com.ph

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The Global Pinoy Caravan Cranks uPundersTandinG Condo ConTraCTsCondo mania in The CiTy

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a saluTe To The GraduaTes

a walk down Jobstreet

The big bPo bubblesmall space suggestions

showcasing the art of condo living

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WITH SERVO-DRIVE SYSTEM, THE NEW ELECTRIC OPENING MECHANISM BY AUSTRIAN FITTINGS MANUFACTURER BLUM, ANYONE CAN BE A SMOOTH OPERATOR IN THE KITCHEN.

Ever seen how people move around in the kitchen? Here’s a familiar scenario. Watch as they pull out a drawer and close it with a slight swing of the hip. And if there are smudged fingertips or hands full of pans and pots involved, many kitchen users can attest to the wishful thinking of having a third hand.

So, when Austrian fittings manufacturer Blum designs its latest products, it aims to enhance user convenience and meet contemporary design requirements. To do that, it begins by observing how kitchen users move around the space. The result of Blum’s research and innovation is Servo-drive, a touch open mechanism designed to assimilate the way we naturally use the kitchen. The electric opening support for drawers and high fronted pull-outs is an innovation that adds a new dimension to their characteristic soft and silent motion.

Servo-drive works on the basis of a small actuator that sends an opening signal and sets the pull-out motion from the back of the cabinet. Opening the drawer or pull-outs becomes a fascinating experience with Blum’s Servo-drive technology. Just a slight touch on the handle-free fronts or a soft tug on handles will open the drawers and pull-outs immediately. So all you need is a nudge of your knee to open the base units. You’ll have both hands free to retrieve or return items to their places. Ultimate con-venience, indeed.

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The high fronted pull-outs and drawers run freely with no rigid connection to the drive unit to ensure maximum safety. Stop them at any position as they open or close. Set them in motion as they effortlessly close. You don’t have to worry about the drawers opening all the way if you don’t want them to. And should there be a power failure, the pull-outs can still function as per normal without a glitch.

This touch open mechanism is a breakthrough for high-fronted pull-outs and drawers. By eliminating the need for handles or grooves meant to aid the opening and closing of the units, it ranks high in the style department. With a focus on comfort and functionality that appeal to our natural movements, the latest trend in Europe to hit our island will turn into smooth opera-tions in the kitchen.

DEEPE MARKETING CORPORATION #13 Bonifacio Drive, Pasong Tamo Quezon City 1107 Philippines Telephone : (063) 952-9854 Telefax : (063) 456-6863 E-mail : [email protected] Website : www.blum.com

VISIT US @ WORLDBEX on MARCH 12-16, 2008 at the World Trade Center, Manila (BOOTH NOS. 1009, 1010,1011,1012,1031,1032,1033 & 1034)

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editor’s note

Arnold A. [email protected]

Beauty and Bliss in High Living

Vol. II No. 5March 2008

EDITORIAL

Daniel r. dela CruzPUbLISher

Arnold A. Altamira

eDITor IN ChIef

John Anthony A. ConcepcionMANAgINg eDITor

Ariel N. ValerioSeNIor eDITorIAL CoNSULTANT

Chrysler r. de guzmanArT DIreCTor

moetwainChIef PhoTogrAPher

godwin S. NeronaSeNIor LAYoUT ArTIST AND PhoTogrAPher

edwin Calica Cacayorin, Jr.

rene IsidroCoLUMNISTS

Jigs Adefuingrip bueta

oscar benedict Contreras, Jr.Katrina guevarra

Shaira LunaKat Villanueva

CoNTrIbUTINg wrITerS

SALES AND MARKETING

Cherie Mae M. AyongaoMArKeTINg DIreCTor

edlyn CarreonLucy ClementeNizzel Labador

emma MangalindanCyd Ponce

ACCoUNT exeCUTIVeS

CIRCULATION

bong CayananCIrCULATIoN MANAger

guiller M. ramosMark Jofferson M. ramos

CIrCULATIoN ASSISTANTS

SUPPORT

Dexter r. dela CruzProDUCTIoN SUPerVISor

Alfred Matrimonio

web DeSIgNer

is published monthly by Condo.Com.Ph, Inc; 2nd floor P&L building, 116 Legazpi St., Makati City 1229, Philippines; Tel number (632) 812-3333; fax number (632) 893-8134; e-mail [email protected]; website www.condocentral.com.ph. opinions expressed in Condo Central are solely those of the writers and are not necessarily endorsed by Condo.Com.Ph, Inc. we welcome unsolicited manuscripts and photographs. Kindly accompany them with a self-addressed stamped envelope if they are to be returned. while every reasonable care will be taken by the editors, no responsibility is assumed for the said materials. Copyright © 2006-2008 Condo.Com.Ph, Inc. All rights reserved. Ipinagmamalaki, gawang Filipino. Distributed by A-Z Direct Marketing, Inc.

TO PRO wRESTLING fANATICS of my generation, it is Macho Man randy Savage’s dramatic entrance theme. To music scholars, it is Sir edward elgar’s classic opus of five marches for orchestra. To everyone else, it is known simply as “that graduation song.”

This month and carrying on to early next, “that graduation song” will blare repeatedly across the entire archipelago as thousands of students march and take center stage to receive the rolled-up piece of paper that represents the culmination of years of scholastic toil and extra-curricular frolic. Peers will be delivering emotionally-charged speeches that already look longingly back and excitedly forward. Meanwhile, elders of significant accomplishment will wax romantic and dispense advice on how these youngsters should go about in the “real world.”

we salute the class of 2008. whether the real world is a two-by-two-meter office cubicle, an ambitious entrepreneurial endeavor, further studies, or the dogged pursuit of a treasured passion, we wish them all the success. we hope they hold on to their youthful idealism as they navigate through this societal confusion wrought by generations of uncaring caretakers.

Moving on, the condo unit is increasingly becoming the preferred residence of young professionals and fresh graduates on their first foray at independent living. In this issue, we

carry various stories and helpful tips related to sweet solo living. we also have as our main property feature The gallery by Crown Asia. It is a 27-storey residential condominium project soon to rise in busy Salcedo Village, which is ideally situated and designed to fit the needs of today’s young urban warriors.

Speaking of initial sorties, we introduce in this issue Bahay Central, a special section that focuses on the broader subset of realty development that is, as the title suggests, housing projects. here, we showcase the equally vibrant horizontal development scene, as well as allied services and features. we see this baby progressing into a regular, full-scale publication in no time.

Lastly, we tip our hats off to the brilliant and brave men and women behind the global Pinoy International roadshow. They are currently crisscrossing the United States -- and later on europe and the Asia Pacific region -- in a gallant attempt to “bring home” filipinos from all over the globe. we cheer them on and share their dreams.

Mabuhay!

Pomp and circumstance

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EDITOR’S NOTE 6Pomp and circumstanceArnold Abanes Altamira

REVIEw CENTRAL 65 The hottest lifestyle picks

CONDO GUIDE 86Your condominium hypermarket

CENTRAL MARKET 92Classified ads

HAPPENINGS 94The 10th International Madrid real estate exhibitionbrittany breaks groundThe residences at greenbelt wins awardw.h. Taft residences assigns management contractor

i n e v e r y i s s u e

contentsCOLUMNSI-designMoving to a new place? Here are some hot tips 76Jigs Adepuin

LegalUnderstanding condo contracts 78Atty. Edwin Calica Cacayorin, Jr.

Multiple MeaningBlending of forms 80Ariel N. Valerio

The Condo CaféCondo mania in the city 82Renne Isidro

The Global PinoyCrossing the coasts with dreams 84Daniel R. dela Cruz

IS A PUbLICATIoN ofwww.condo.com.ph

Daniel r. dela Cruz Ceo/ PreSIDeNT

Danilo r. dela Cruz, Jr.ChIef oPerATINg offICer

bing LauexeCUTIVe VICe PreSIDeNT

renne IsidroSeNIor VICe PreSIDeNT – ADMINISTrATIoN

AND MArKeTINg

Patrick r. blancoVICe PreSIDeNT – SALeS

Andy bellajaro

VICe PreSIDeNT – INVeSTor reLATIoNS

Mary rose S. espina VICe PreSIDeNT – INTerNATIoNAL

SALeS (gLobAL MArKeT)

Justin ParkMANAgINg DIreCTor – INTerNATIoNAL

SALeS (KoreAN MArKeT)

Michelle SantosoPerATIoNS MANAger

Nel garbanzosADMINISTrATIoN AND CoLLeCTIoN offICer

Atty. edwin Calica Cacayorin, Jr.LegAL CoUNSeL

global headquarters:Condo.Com.Ph, Inc.

2nd floor P&L building,116 Legazpi St., Legaspi Village, Makati City 1229, Philippines

Telephone number (632) 8123333fax number (632) 8938134

website www.condo.com.phe-mail [email protected]

International representative office:global Pinoy roadshow, Inc.

710 South Third Street, Las Vegas, NV 89101, USA

Telephone number (702) 3108888fax number (702) 3108899

Mobile numbers +17025537303 +17025255772

Offering a new design approach 42A life free of worries 44Living, loving green 46Home is the reluctant star 49Basic guidelines for bedroom decoration 52Sofas are back in style 54Interior decoration with exclusive lighting designs 56

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C O v e r s T O r y

24 THE GALLERy: Showcasing the art of condo living Crown Asia offers affordable luxury as it ventures into high-rise development for the first time

F e A T u r e s

Designer’s CornerMinute style 10Smart hints for small spaces

in good tasteThe one-man show 14The joys of kitchen mastery

FeatureYour dream job is just a click away 20The Jobstreet commitmentThe big BPO bubble 22The jobseekers’ manna

Man on TopDeveloper-at-law 16Legacy Ventures head honcho

Dweller yellerOh, the nearness of work 30Condo yuppies get to gloat

condo memoTransferring condos within the CBD 32A condo denizen’s “moving” story

TipsPersonalizing a new home 34

spotlightIt’s Señor at the helm of Genesis! 36The Spanish gentlemanin charge of dispensing Filipino hospitality

PreviewLoving urban living 58Steadily moving up 60The joys of loft living and shopping 62

EpilogueOffering to the people 98

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A STUDIO TyPE or one-bedroom condominium unit…what are the possibilities?

A common residence for young professionals, students, fresh graduates and even sometimes newlyweds, the studio or one-bedroom is not exactly a vast space but a cozy nest usually situated smack in the heart of the city with the dweller living the fast-paced, urban lifestyle. The scarcity of space however, shouldn’t be taken as a limitation but instead, a chance to display one’s creativity and personality. here are some tips on how to tackle the challenge at hand:

Know the occupant. first and foremost, assess yourself -- your personality, behavior and lifestyle. Are you a law student who loves to take out and goes home to your parents’ house on weekends, or a 5-star hotel chef who loves throwing parties? Are you newlyweds in the I.T. business who work from home most of the time, or a senior US citizen who visits every six months then leaves a caretaker to look after the unit during your absence? These are evaluations you have to do before designing the space.

Since this is a place where only one or probably two persons will be living in, might as well treat it like a

bedroom that has everything “you” in it. This will make sense when you see how much space you have or do not have. Common questions you may ask: why do I need this much space for a kitchen when I don’t plan on cooking at all? Do I need a sala set when I know I won’t be inviting guests over? Maybe I need a dining table for four because I often invite friends over for dinner? where do I put all my clothes and law books? I plan on having my clothes washed at the Laundromat downstairs so why do I need to have a laundry area? once this is settled, the division of space to answer your needs can be derived. Now, we move on to what can be found in these spaces.

Multi-function areas/furniture. for sleep, entertaining guests and relaxation, the common pieces are the daybed, sofa bed, futon and the La-zyboy recliner. These pieces are used for seating and sleeping purposes. Thus, if you plan on inviting guests, there will be enough room for them to lounge and even sleep on. If there is a bedroom, the daybed with pullout or bunk bed with pullout works best to maximize space and squeeze in more people. The sofa bed, futon and recliner in the living area can accom-modate sleepovers as well.

The all-around table can be used for dining, food preparation, studying,

Interior desginer Kat Villanueva shares how a little creativity, common sense, and design savvy can make that “transition” studio or one-bedroom unit roomier, livelier, and more liveable

Minute style

designer’s corner

Photography and illustration by Kat Villanueva

CondoCentral | 11

working, hobbies, etc. get the size that best suits your needs. If you feel you don’t need one, scrap it off your list! The ottoman is also a sure winner because it can act as a seat, coffee table or footrest. Decide on which activities can coincide or not, what the routine will be. Do you eat while studying or working on your laptop? will you watch TV while lying in bed? Do you need a bed separate from the sofa so you can nap while some guests are watching TV in a different area? Think of what works for you. Do not plan your unit in such a way that you will have to build your routine around it. It should be the other way around.

Partitions and Screens. Now that

you have the different areas figured out, you may want to put a demarca-tion line to separate spaces based on their purpose. Most of the time, parti-tions are a no-no for these units since putting walls will make it look smaller, and even obscure the only existing window that provides natural light and air circulation. Sometimes, though, these partitions are needed for privacy

in the bedroom or a way of keeping the kitchen stench out or confine the aircon breeze within one room. other ways of dividing the space without building walls would be putting divid-ers or screens, elevating some areas, a different wall color, furniture layout or simply placing an area rug on the floor. These are ways to differentiate areas without sacrificing the airiness of the space.

Light and Shade. Lighting plays a vital role in making the space look bigger, and so does color. observe the natural light that enters the room, if any. Do you mind getting a high electricity bill or not? Do you need task lighting for your work or it doesn’t matter so much because when you get home, all you do is relax and sleep? what feel do you wish to achieve? Dark colors usually make a room look smaller so it’s best to work with bright and light hues in these spaces but bear in mind that light and color work hand in hand. Dark colors wouldn’t matter so much if there’s sufficient lighting to make the space look more vibrant

and bright. Conversely, even if you use light colors but provide minimal light-ing, the space may still appear dim and dull. So, even if you paint your walls a pale white, you may still achieve a cozy ambience if you combine it with warm white lights because the lights will make the walls appear yellow.

Think vertical. The floor area

is already constant, with no way to

Putting dividers or screens, elevating some areas, painting walls with a different color, furniture layout, and an area rug are ways to divide space without building walls.

Your units layout should be built

around your routine.

expand. So, no other way to go but up! Make use of wall space with built-ins. These built-ins may consist of cabinets, open shelves, furniture, hooks that serve as storage, display and even extra seating or desk space. This system helps maximize space and save on furniture pieces. A typi-cal example of this are those double decked beds that have a bed on top and work space underneath. You can play with this idea depending on what you need. The bed on top and your closet underneath? or maybe an enterainment center below with a lounging area on top? An entire side of the room can be filled with a built-in cabinet concealed by doors that make it look like a wall. This way, there’ll be enough storage space and all clutter is out of sight. If you are blessed with high ceilings, you may get away with a mini loft.

These are just some tips to help you get started and make designing that studio or one-bedroom unit a little less challenging. Again, it never hurts to ask help from professionals. bottomline is, the same questions should be addressed: what do you want? what do you need? what is feasible? Designing isn’t all technical; the human factor is very much a part of it. The end goal is not just to de-sign a house or a home, but a lifestyle as well.

Lighting and color play vital roles in making space look bigger.

SIDE BY SIDE REF AD (CONDO CENTRAL MAGAZINE) SIZE TRIM: 8.5” x 11” BLEED: 8.75” x11.25”

Maximize space by making use of wall

space with built-ins.

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SIDE BY SIDE REF AD (CONDO CENTRAL MAGAZINE) SIZE TRIM: 8.5” x 11” BLEED: 8.75” x11.25”

14 | CondoCentral

in good taste

I NEVER THOUGHT I would learn how to cook. while my dad usually gets up at 4 in the morning to buy the freshest meat in the market and stock our pantry silly, my younger brother and I would only budge after the wonderful aromas have wafted from the kitchen into our noses. we weren’t required to help out, but we hAD to taste everything he cooked, and tell him if it was either good or very good!

from pata tims and yang chow fried rice to roasted pork loins and heaping bowls of linguine with olive oil and fresh tomatoes, there was always more than enough food for the three of us to go around. My interest in cooking basi-cally started and ended at what dish would be prepared next!

but when I moved out, I realized that I would have to step up to the plate so to speak, if I wanted any of the home-cooked goodness we were so accustomed to. Though I had not (and probably never will) develop a palate for instant noodles or canned food, the idea of ordering take-out or buy-ing cooked viands day in and day out didn’t appeal to my senses either. It was time to bring on the elbow grease.

I started with the simplest recipes from my thrift-bookstore cookbooks and google searches (i.e., “cooking for dummies,” “breakfast 101”) – like scrambled eggs and beef patties and then pastas and stir-fries, and eventu-ally made my way to the oven for batch after batch of singed, rubbery brownies and cakes that had the life deflated from them. It wasn’t easy, and certainly not always appetizing, but since no one else had to endure the distress of sampling my “creations,” I kept persevering until I pleased my harshest critic: myself!

Now that I have a few good recipes up my sleeve, I wonder if I should have ever stepped in the kitchen; because I don’t really want to get out! It’s not a case of gluttony, mind you – aside from being so much fun, I’ve found that preparing your own meals can actually help you lose weight and even save you a lot of money! You know

The one-man show Condo Central contributing photographer Shaira Luna shares her story about how living independently has helped her become the kitchen wizard she now is

exactly what’s going into your system, and you’re less likely to consume all those sugars and preservatives that come with ready-made meals.

what about leftovers, you ask? well, here’s one of the greatest tips of all: befriend your freezer and zip-lock bags! breads, rice, soups, stews – there are very few things that can’t be frozen and then thawed when you need it. Cook

it once and eat it twice or thrice, that’s what I say. Microwaving and reheating really is more efficient than making every meal from scratch; just don’t forget to label everything with the name and date before packing them in the icebox!

The only downside to this whole she-bang is that after a while, you long for someone to feed your ego and go ooh

and aah over your labor. why, cooking is as much about you as it is the food! from me to you, just make the most out of your space and time, so once the opportunity to cook for other people arises, you’ll surely hear the finger-lick-ing and lip-smacking resound.

Now please excuse me while I cook some Spicy braised Spareribs with Tausi that’ll make my dad proud!

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man on top

Developer-at-lawThe company ambitiously aims to revolutionize the real estate industry and uplift the country’s standards in the fields of commercial, industrial, and residential development. Condo Central talks to the man tasked to make it all happen Photography by Godwin Nerona

CondoCentral | 17

In an industry dominated by

businessmen, lawyer Carlos Wilfredo Pineda

shows his top form as the brains behind

Legacy Ventures.

HE SPENT long years and huge sums studying and training to be a lawyer. when he finally became one, he real-ized he wanted to be a salesman. And thus began the colorful corporate journey of Carlos wilfredo b. Pineda, President of Legacy Ventures realty and Development, Inc.

while it is true that he shunned the litigation aspect of his profession very early in his career, he maintains that his law education still serves him in good stead. In every position he has held in every company he has been with, his legal background has always given him an advantage.

“In realty development as in any trade, at the end of everything, there is always the legal facet,” the Ateneo Law School alumnus points out. “Among many others, there’s taxation, the corporate code, contracts, hLUrb and local government regulations, and building codes. All of these require a keen understanding of the law so in this vein, I haven’t really stopped be-ing a lawyer,” he says.

but of course, it is in sales and mar-keting where he really made his mark. he had previously weaved his magic for San Miguel Corporation, gotesco Properties, Inc., and most recently, for a Dutch insurance company.

“At Legacy Ventures, I am tasked to conceptualize and implement market-ing plans and strategies more than anything else,” Pineda says. “And of course, to also be a team leader who can manage and make people move.”

right now, the focus of his at-tention is on Legacy Venture’s pilot project, Sentosia. It is an exclusive cluster of 127 elegant duplex and qua-druplex condominium townhousing units along fast-developing Macapagal Avenue near the Manila bay.

The project, which takes on an attractive neo-Singaporean theme, was launched last year. It is composed of five phases featuring charming residences interspersed with first-class amenities and facilities. Phase I will be ready for occupancy by this month while Phase II will be completed by the end of the month. The third phase is more than fifty percent finished, while work is underway for the fourth phase. by the end of this year, the entire 1.7-hectare development will have been finished. “we are selling something that you can already see. we don’t take the buyers’ money first before constructing,” Pineda says.

18 | CondoCentral

when Pineda is not on site visitation, he is engaged in marathon meetings -- with stakeholders, brokers, suppliers, and other members of his team. he counts himself lucky to be surrounded by people of impeccable credentials and integrity. he explains: “we are a young, dynamic organization of professionals from different fields. but we are all friends here. we discuss and we listen to each other. The good relationship has always been there. That makes it a lot easier.”

Pineda’s leadership has indeed done wonders for Legacy Ventures. Sentosia is almost sold out and the company is all set to break ground for its next two projects. “The second undertaking will be a unique two-tower development which will be launched most probably the third quarter of this year,” he says. “After that, we are having another vertical development which will romantically bring back the old Manila charm. These should be exciting times for the property market.”

No matter how silly or trivial the question may seem, I’d ask right then and there if I don’t know. I won’t pretend to

know something I don’t. Just don’t be afraid or embarrassed to say that you don’t know, and you will learn.

Pineda is on his third year at the helm of Legacy Ventures. he proudly says that he is now versed with practi-cally every aspect of the industry. he admits, though, that at the beginning, he groped with the technical side of the business. he had to do heavy self-studying and fast-track his learn-ing of basic architectural, engineering and design concepts. he also credits his team of engineers and architects for walking him through the salient points of the trade.

More than all these, however, Pineda says that he learned so much so fast because of his inquisitive na-ture. he shares this parting shot: “No matter how silly or trivial the question may seem, I’d ask right then and there if I don’t know. I won’t pretend to know something I don’t. Just don’t be afraid or embarrassed to say that you don’t know, and you will learn.”

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feature

THE POPULATION of the Philip-pines is estimated to hit the 90 million mark very soon. with this eventuality comes the ever-growing problems that plague our society – poverty, housing, food security, education, and employment.

Surely, one of the areas that our government has to focus on is how to provide gainful employment to the thousands of new graduates each year. however, it’s not only the government’s problem. Civic groups, Ngos and various institu-tions have come up with numerous programs to address this concern. on the corporate side, companies like JobStreet.com are doing their fair share to give our youngsters a brighter future.

JobStreet.com is the No. 1 Job Site in the Philippines and runs the lead-ing recruitment site, www.jobstreet.com. The company operates in various countries in Asia, including Japan, Indonesia, India, Singapore, bangladesh, Malaysia, Vietnam, and of course the Philippines. Accord-ing to their statistics, they help 1.4 million filipinos each year land employment.

grace Colet, JobStreet.com’s Coun-try Manager says that despite the admittedly sorry state of our educa-tion system right now, our workforce remains to be competitive here and

abroad. Anyone can find a respect-able job, all it takes is hard work and the drive to succeed,” says Colet.

JobStreet.com offers jobs for people looking to move up the career ladder, fresh graduates, and even those who are not degree holders. of the millions of jobseekers they try to assist, 27% are entry level applicants. Their website boasts of over 10,000 jobs monthly from over 10,000 companies nationwide. Job-Street.com has also forged alliances with foreign recruiting partners,

examples of which are from Australia and China, to better improve the jobseekers’ opportunities.

In addition, to the market of fresh graduates, JobStreet.com actively participates in job fairs and career events for students. They continu-ously work hard to remain top-of-mind of students when it comes to online job portals. The company also partners with various websites like Philstar.com and PeP.com – sites that youngsters usually visit – to reach out to their computer-savvy

Grip Bueta takes a walk down Jobstreet and discovers how this young company is turning millions of dreams into productive and lucrative realities

Your dream job is just a click away

CondoCentral | �1

clientele. The company says that one of

the ways they help in alleviating the education problem in facilitating employment is by making it easier for employers and employees to cre-ate a perfect match. Through their website, employers are able to specify what kind of detailed information they need, and the website allows them to require this from their appli-cants. on the employee-applicant’s side, with the detailed description of the jobs that are posted, they can

easily chose a job and a career that fit their preference. This ‘system’ makes it quicker and indeed easier for a person to find a job, and for an employer to add a potential asset to his/her workforce.

As to how the company plans to expand, they say that they will focus their efforts on building more partnerships, tapping industrial and professional organizations, and thus be able to offer wider variety of jobs. They also said that they will continue on improving and enhancing the

services they offer in their website, to make it easier and more convenient for the public to use. Add to this the plan of the company to create career enhancement seminars and training programs for fresh graduates and other jobseekers alike.

The efforts of companies like JobStreet.com are indeed impressive. And with the internet becoming more and more accessible, applying online becomes the fastest, easiest, and most cost-effective way to land that dream job.

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feature

BUSINESS PROCESS OUTSOURCING (bPo) is one of the latest trends in the career industry. It involves contract-ing a third-party to provide certain services for a company. The most widely known segment of bPo is the contact center sector, or what is more popularly known here as call centers. Apart from call centers, bPo also includes the back office operations for non-voice, software development and maintenance for IT services, engineer-ing and design, transcription, and animation and game development.

Mitch Locsin, President of the business Processing Association of the Philippines (bPAP) reveals that

the bPo industry remains viable eight years after its inception in the country. “while we are currently rec-ognized the number two player in the world after India, we are the fastest in terms of growth,” says Locsin. “Since 2000 we’ve been growing by 35-40% each year.”

bPAP’s clients include giant mul-tinational companies such as hSbC, Citibank, JP Morgan, Deutsche bank, bank of America, and Capital one. International air carriers are likewise part of its growing clientele.

The continuing trust these com-panies give our workforce has made the bPo industry one of the leading

providers of employment at present. It has become, in fact, the fastest growing industry in the Philippines.

Among all bPo sectors, the contact center is the biggest. There are more or less 124 contact centers in the country with about 160,000 full-time employees and 95,000 total seats. Its estimated revenue for the year 2006 reached up to US$ 2.3 billion. “The need is in the thousands per month for contact center agents,” says Locsin.

however, the acceptance rate for contact center applicants is only 10%. This problem is currently being ad-dressed through companies providing english proficiency and communica-

tion skills trainings, which take any-where from 50 to 100 hours. “Normal-ly 60-80 % of the people being trained are eventually hired,” says Locsin.

Indeed, it seems there’s a bright future ahead for the bPo industry in terms of expansion and stability. “we are seeing a lot of growth and moving up the value chain, and doing higher-value type of services. we are also seeing a lot of growth in the engineer-ing services outsourcing, and the ITo, which is the software development and maintenance side,” concludes Locsin.

If not for this pleasant phenomenon that hit our shores eight years ago, our unemployment statistics could be so much worse. Katrina Guevarra cursorily

examines the industry that continues to provide gainful careers to thousands

The big BPO bubble

CondoCentral | ��

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cover story

Crown Asia continues to cultivate a balanced, healthy and active community life that fosters values and goodwill among homeowners as it builds the ideal haven for today’s breed of young, driven individuals

Showcasing theart of condo living

CondoCentral | �5

AS THE REAL ESTATE trade gets increasingly competitive and the property market more discriminating, developers are constrained to come up with more than just superficial marketing gimmickry. To stay afloat, they have to deliver absolutely smart innovations and offerings.

for Crown Asia, its sound corporate philosophy has enabled it to stand head and shoulders above the growing pack of developers catering to the middle-income segment of the market. for over a decade now, the proud Vista Land & Lifescapes affiliate has not only built superb and stylish homes for thousands of filipino families, it has likewise stayed committed to cultivating a balanced, healthy, and active community life that fosters values and goodwill among homeowners.

As a result, Crown Asia has been able to perpetuate thriving, lived-in communities in key locations in and outside Metro Manila.The list includes La brea and granwood Villas in Quezon City; beacon Place in Las Pinas; La Mediterranea, Citta Italia and Vivace in Cavite; La Marea and fortezza in Laguna; Cottonwoods, Maia Alta and Mia Vita in Antipolo; and Presidio in Paranaque City.

Now, Crown Asia treads new and exciting ground as it endeavors to break into the vertical development scene by way of The gallery – a 27-storey residential condominium opus. It is envisioned to be the ideal haven for today’s breed of young,

driven individuals as well as starting out families who give high premium on practical purchases and intelligent investments.

ostensibly, the project’s location is its biggest come-on. Situated at the corner of LP Leviste and San Agustin streets in Salcedo Village in Makati City, The gallery sits at the heart of a pulsating patch of workplaces and leisure attractions.

Just outside its borders are the corporate-headquarters of leading local and multina-tional companies. It is likewise surrounded by a steadily growing number of offices that house burgeoning call centers and other business process outsourcing firms.

Meanwhile, charming restaurants, trendy bars and quaint specialty shops speckle Salcedo Village’s side streets, affording The gallery residents a smorgasbord of fine recreational picks. on Saturdays, the famed Salcedo weekend Market attracts hundreds of shoppers from all over the Metro for its bargain of fresh and cooked food, regional delicacies and specialties, organic fruits and vegetables, and decorative plants and flowers.

Plus, of course, neighboring Legaspi Villageboasts of some of the grandest entertainment and commercial establishments.

Apart from its desirable location, The gallery likewise carries the illustrious crest of Crown Asia as a builder of dwellings that feature structures of superior quality and designs of enduring excellence.

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The high-rise masterpiece takes on an urban and modern design marked by bold, clean lines. only top-of-the- line construction materials such as hardwood floors, as well as the latest textures and colors, are used.

The efficiently laid out living spaces, which range from 25 sqm for the one-bedroom suite to 200 sqm for the three-bedroom unit, are characterized by big, beautiful picture windows that open up to majestic skyline views.

Slated to be ready for occupancy by the last quarter of 2011, The gallery also boasts of amenities and activity areas that are aligned with the updated lifestyles of its intended residents. The ground floor is dedicated to choice retail outlets such as coffee shops, bars, and restaurants. The amenities deck,

which can be found on the seventh floor, includes a fully-equipped gym and fitness center, a good-sized infinity pool, and multi-function rooms – all for the exclusive use of its homeowners. Moreover, a mini-theater is available for private viewing and intimate gatherings.

but arguably, the best part about The gallery is that it allows you to own a piece of prime property that puts you in the midst of all the action, but does not put you in a serious financial dilemma. with packages that start at P2.2 million and an array of flexible financing schemes to choose from, The gallery truly becomes an affordable luxury.

how Crown Asia manages to do that is yet another work of art.

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dweller yeller

Jasmin Age: 28 Sycamore Tower, Mandaluyong

IT’S NOT ACTUALLy that near but since I work in Makati and my sister works in ortigas, our place is in between making it convenient for both of us. I would say that living in a condo is convenient in the sense that we don’t have to take care of paying utilities since everythig is

done by our admin office, keeping our area/environment clean due to janitorial services and also pest control services, worrying about safety/security and in times of power interruption, there is a generator.

THE PRIMARy ADVANTAGES I see in living in a condominium is that I don’t have to worry about security that much. being alone, I don’t have to think who would I entrust my place to. Also, most condominiums now are located at the center of the city wherein many establishments are a taxi ride away, instead of bringing my car and worrying about parking space.

Paul Age: 22Alpha Salcedo Condominium, Makati

LIVING IN A CONDO near work’s the most convenient aspect in urban lifestyle. No traffic hassle. Less costs — no gas expense.

Age:25Cedar Mansion, ortigas Center

Ivanna

One of the advantages of living in a condo is that it puts you in the middle of everything: work, recreation and lifestyle. We ask some young condo denizens how being near their respective places of work makes everything a little bit easier and more comfortable. Let’s hear what they have to say

Oh, the nearness of work

Age: 23 Valero Plaza,Salcedo Village

fOR ME, living about 15 minutes (without traffic) from work is easier and less stressful. I don’t have to drive that far to get to work that’s why I think once I’m in the office I still have the energy to do my job and reach 105% performance of what has been expected of me. Also, I could work late and not mind because I have a short traveling time.

J.Ann

Jasmin Age: 28 Sycamore Tower, Mandaluyong

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Before embracing the condo lifestyle, Oscar Benedict Contretras, Jr. lived most of his life in an exclusive subdivision in Pasig City. Today, this Product Manager for PHINMA

Education Network cannot see himself living elsewhere

condo memo

DURING THE LAST qUARTER of 2006, our family of three (my wife, my then 4-year-old daughter, and I) moved out of the Ayala-developed and -managed Asia Tower in Legaspi Village. It was time to upsize from the 77-square meter, two-bedroom, two-bathroom unit that my parents had generously allowed us to use rent- free since my wife and I got married in 1999.

our new home would be a 180-square meter unit at the Megaworld and globus Asia-developed Salcedo Park in hV dela Costa in Salcedo Village. The unit was a lot more spa-cious than our Asia Tower pad with 3 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms plus a maids’ room with its own toilet and bath. The space was more than adequate for my family and the two members of our household staff. It was also good that each floor had only three units.

while space was the main factor

in our decision, we were pleased to discover that the amenities of Salcedo Park were also quite impressive. The infinity pool at the 6th floor was by far one of the better condo pools we had seen.

but there were also trade-offs, if you can call them that. our old condo at benavidez street was literally across the greenbelt malls and for mall rats, it can’t get any more convenient than that. Salcedo, on the other hand, is farther from the action, although it has its own attractions like the famous Saturday market and a decent number of good small restaurants.

There’s also property management. Though Ayala-managed residential properties are known for their rela-tively high quarterly dues, the superb service provided by the Ayala Proper-ty Management Corporation (APMC) is close to legendary. During the seven years we stayed at Asia Tower, staff members -- from the front desk to

the janitors -- had a ready smile and hearty greetings of “good morn-ing!” or “good evening!” The staff responded to our requests and solved our problems with dispatch and ef-ficiency. residents were always kept informed of any significant events and occurrences. The common areas were kept meticulously clean.

what we first encountered in our new home was an administration of-fice staffed with people hired directly by the condo association. while Ayala requires that all their developments be managed by APMC, Megaworld pretty much allows the condominium associations to make their own prop-erty management arrangements. we thus had to contend with indifferent guards and maintenance people, and elevators which did not work a hundred percent.

early last year, however, the as-sociation at Salecedo Park decided to engage the services of first oceanic

Property Management, Inc. – the property management subsidiary of Megaworld. Thankfully, there have been some improvements since then. we are hopeful that first oceanic will soon be able to provide us with service at par with what we had been used to in our old place.

So there you have it, our quick story of our pleasant and not so pleasant ex-periences in transferring condos. In the end, it all really depends on what you think is your priority at the moment. In our case, space was the primary consideration and we are quite happy with the decision we made.

Special or straightforward, happy or horrific, your stories as certified condo dwellers are welcome here. E-mail [email protected]

Transferring condos within the CBD

�4 | CondoCentral

tips

Personalizinga new home

MOVING HOUSE is always traumatic. The upheaval of packing boxes, carefully protecting your precious possessions and entrusting all to a removal company lorry is full of angst, but it all becomes worth it when you finally arrive at your new home. or is it?

As you stand in your new hallway and look around at the blank walls and bare floors as you walk through empty echo-ing rooms or sit surrounded by boxes, the feeling of loss can be overpowering. fortunately it doesn’t last long. Suddenly you will feel an overpowering urge to make the place your own.

A new house is always sterile and char-acterless; so it is about this time an average person starts thinking about color charts, carpets and long conversations with deco-rators and builders. It doesn’t generally take long before the new house starts to look like a home but invariably there is some-thing very important missing.

That “special something” is your memo-ries. Now is the time to add something special to your home. Interior designers know that one of the quickest ways to make a place feel like home is to hang pictures. Not just any pictures, but carefully chosen photographs of people and places that are really special to you.

Think about the things that are impor-tant in your life. family and friends will be at the top of your list followed by places

you love. Take a minute to look out your old family photos. get them scanned and printed properly and you will be amazed at how good they can look on your walls.

If you really loved your old house then why not take a little of your old home with you when you move? Carefully chosen im-ages of your old neighborhood (and maybe your old neighbors!) will make a lasting reminder of the good times you shared.

If you are concerned that a simple photograph may not look as sophisticated as you would like, then think again. These days there are companies which can take your basic digital image, edit and enhance it and turn it into a real piece of art. by printing your image onto canvas or tex-tured art paper rather than conventional matt or gloss, you can end up with an heirloom.

but that isn’t the whole story. You can also use distinctive images to personal-ize your space in other ways. If you have a room that is slightly darker than you might like then use a brightly colored photo to lift the highlights. go out with your digital camera and capture a brilliant autumn

woodland scene with oranges and yellows, or maybe use a seascape from your last summer holiday complete with the sun shining on the water.

from the grottiest bedsit to the grandest stately home; no matter where you move, it won’t take long before you make the place your own, but always remember that you can stamp your personality on a new home simply by using personal pictures. Just use your imagination and no matter what im-ages you choose your new home will soon look absolutely fantastic. enjoy!

Interior design and the photograph go together like that famous horse and car-riage, and as Learntodream offers the very highest quality photographic printing ser-vice you can imagine, the marriage between them and the world of interior design is one that is made in heaven. So when you have a new home and want to make the inside just you, think about having one of your own digital photos enlarged. See their site at http://www.learntodream.co.uk .

Article source: http://www.Articlebiz.com

Your new home should reflect the kind of personality you have. read how you can give your new house a touch of “you”

CondoCentral | �5


fOR A MAN Of HIS STATURE, Señor Miguel g. Cerqueda surprisingly fills the room with a unique sense of ease and composure. There is absolutely no sign of the overbearing temperament that usually characterizes men of immense success, considering that Cerqueda is considered one of the big names, if not a pillar, in the hotel and hospitality industry in the Philippines. Perhaps the operative word here is hospitality. And as a person who has made quite a mark in an industry that peddles such an amiable human

trait, Cerqueda surely knows how to use it and further a filipino brand of hospitality.

endeared to be “The Señor” to his people, colleagues and friends, Cerqueda has been in the hotel and hospitality business for more than 35 years, both locally and abroad. he is currently the president of genesis hotels and resorts Corporation, a company that manages a chain of hotels, resorts and full -serviced residential suites nationwide. his previous engagement was with The

For long-time hotelier and Genesis president Miguel “Señor” Cerqueda, the Filipino has a distinct brand of hospitality that deserves acclamation

It’s Señor at the helm of Genesis!

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Manila hotel Corporation, where he spent most of his years as a hotelier and where he occupied various key positions, the last of which was as vice president and general manager until 1999. he also previously held similar distinguished functions in Inter-Continental hotels before he worked for The Manila hotel in 1977.

“I felt it was a good time for me to go on my own,” Cerqueda says, while recounting how he worked for The Manila hotel for over 20 years.

but before we go into his current job as the top man in genesis, let us provide you with a little background on Cerqueda and how, as a Spanish national, he had made the Philippines his home.

Cerqueda was born in Seo de Urgel (Lerida) in Spain on March 29, 1947. he received his primary education at the Andorra Municipal high School while finished his secondary education at the La Salle in Seo de Urgel, where he also attended college.

In 1967, Cerqueda graduated from the ecole hoteliere de Lausanne (ehL) in Lausanne, Switzerland, the world’s first “hotel school,” established in 1893. ehL boasts of around 25,000 members of the alumni who are hotel executives around the world.

spotlight

A one-bedroom suite of the plush A.Venue Hotel Suites located in the Antel Lifestyle City in Makati Avenue, Makati City.

Cozy, relaxing bedroom of the

Antel Spa Residences located in the Antel

Lifestyle City.

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a cross between a condominium residence unit and a hotel. Simply put, it has the characteristics of both a condominium residence and the fully-serviced hotel.

“A condotel has two of the main components of dwelling: first is the resi-dential aspect which is what you buy; and the hotel component, which has the transient aspect,” Cerqueda says.

In a condotel, the housekeeping is provided for, including laundry and other services you wouldn’t find in an ordinary condo residence. genesis provides the management for the condotels it handles, including the people and systems. The company currently manages properties that include the Astoria Plaza, the regalia Tower Suites, The baguio burnham Suites and the A.Venue hotel Suites in Makati which is slated to open this month. genesis will also manage some upcoming properties, such as the one Tagaytay Place (set to open late 2008); the Antel Spa residences (opening on the third quarter of 2009); and The henry (also opening late 2008). Cerqueda says genesis has just concluded another management contract with Camarines Sur gov. elrey Villafuerte for the CamSur Villas.

he says condotels as an investment is beginning to be appreciated more because of an abundance in the market of tourists and transients who want more than just a hotel or a condo unit. he encourages developers of high-rise properties to lean more into building condotels as a matter of investment.

As a matter of business philosophy, Cerqueda says it always wise to invest in people. he says he relies a great deal on the filipino brand of hospitality not only in the area of direct service but also in management. he says filipinos can shine in this industry because we have that innate quality of unqualified accommodation.

In fact, most of the people under him are filipinos, including the managers in every condotel they handle. he says these are the same people he worked with in the past and who have earned his trust and confidence because of the quality of work they provide.

Take for example Ping regalado, hotel manager for the Astoria Plaza. he says “The Señor” is like a father to them, who treats them with unqualified support and guidance. of course most fathers will employ discipline to erring children, but that is but normal in a family, much more in a filipino family.

“he only wants what’s best for his children,” regalado says of Cerqueda.Ditto with Jose Antonio C. Mijares, the hotel manager of A.Venue hotel Suites in Makati. “Señor Miguel g. Cerqueda is not only a fatherly mentor to us all but is also a patient guide and teacher, always with us all the way. It is quite amazing that a man of his stature and experience has managed to always stay humble and very down-to-earth,” Mijares adds.

for genesis, Cerqueda reveals grand plans for the company. Soon, he says, they plan to expand abroad.

he said he was lured to the shores of the Philippines after he married Christine Aguado, a filipina. It was at this point that he started his long career as a hotelier.

In 1999, he went on his own and co-founded the genesis chain of hotels. At first glance it would seem that it is a bit of a deviation from his previous employment as a hotelier, but Cerqueda assures that they are more similar than different.

A condotel, he explains, is literally

A room at the Regalia Tower Suites in P. Tuazon St., Cubao, Quezon City.

Facade of the Baguio Burnham Suites located in Kisad Road

overlooking the famous Burnham Park in Baguio City.

but first, genesis has to establish a good and solid local name that will be the object of recognition. It has been in existence for nearly nine years and it has already created a niche in the management of hotels, resorts and condotels. he says currently, there are a few filipino management companies engaged in providing condotel service to developers and owners, but he says, “I believe we are the one that can offer more experience and more management know-how because of our deep understanding of the industry.”

Cerqueda indeed has earned the right to flaunt experience as a key factor in managing condotels. As the top man for genesis, developers and owners can rest assured that they are in good hands.

For inquiries and reservations on any of the Genesis - managed properties, you may call telephone numbers (+632) 635-5558 and (+632) 633-6766 or visit their website at www.genesishotels.com

Astoria Plaza’s spacious room in the Ortigas

Business District.

A suite at One Tagaytay Place in Tagaytay City, slated to open late 2008.

Ping Regalado, hotel manager for the Astoria Plaza.

CondoCentral | �9

40 | CondoCentral

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We are the condo.

Real estate brokers are not created equal...

Condo.Com.Ph, Inc. associateshave the better view of local property market and client needs.

www.condo.com.phThe Condomin ium Specia l i s tB U Y S E L L R E N T

Earth+StyleNuvaliCommonwealth EstatesRica Peralejo opens her doorBasic bedroom decorationChoose the right sofaSet the mood with lighting

Edited by John A. Concepcion

Vol. I No. 1

March 2008

4� | CondoCentral

Earth+StylE Corp. plans to imple-ment a new design approach that will provide a new level of modern home architecture for the families in Jubilation New Biñan.

Dubbed the Amanzaya Home Series, the designs were inspired by the Filipi-no’s quest for harmony and happiness.

Jubilation New Biñan is Earth+Style’s fast rising township community in La-guna that offers modern and traditional Filipino outlook. This is where families grow in an environment that combines the elements of cosmopolitan and small town living.

“The name Amanzaya is a fusion of different Asian languages that embodies the idea of an abundance of harmony and happiness, reflecting our goal in of-fering unique home designs for people who want to live in Jubilation,” says Leonardo Dayao Jr., design manage-

ment group head.Dayao explains that the Amanzaya

series continues the story of fusion that guided the development of Jubilation New Biñan, where one finds homes that bring together the best elements of Asian culture.

“With the Amanzaya home series, we wanted to create houses that em-body the personality of the families that will soon live in them. We de-signed elements that they would want in their houses, making them feel more comfortable and happier in their new homes,” says Cecille Umagtang, home design department head.

Umagtang said that the Amanzaya homes were divided into three design themes; each reflecting the personal tastes of the different prospective buy-ers.

Hana was inspired by minimalist and

Zen architecture, presenting a sophisti-cated and uncluttered set up for those who desire a calm and peaceful abode; Sundara, on the other hand, embraces an exotic look highlighted with distinc-tive Asian elements in order to present a more grandiose living space for the family; Anika features a contemporary architectural approach that captures international Asian styles that present a perfectly timeless home where one can raise a family.

Colors are also used to bring out the personalities of each home design with terra cota to embody a vibrant home, azure grey for that cool and calming atmosphere and thistle mauve for those who desire a mix of both.

Brown is a prevalent color in the house designs, unifying all the elements while giving each home a natural, earth-ly and Asian feel; while black is used as

Offering a newdesign approachEarth+Style is banking on a new design concept that will surely captivate the modern and traditional Filipino family’s values by building homes with different themes

property showcase

CondoCentral | 4�

the accent in each design, giving a cer-tain degree of mystique, sophistication and drama to the house series.

“We designed for the future, ensur-ing that each house is structurally sound and using materials that are able to withstand the test of time. We want to create homes where people will grow in,” says Umagtang.

Among the materials featured in the Sundara and Hana variants are armor wood and engineered wood, whose moisture content is less than that of ordinary wood and thus can withstand weathering.

Roofing comes in the form of con-crete tiles, which is more resistant to wear and tear, possesses good insulat-ing properties and is both aesthetic and functional.

Anika variants, on the other hand, feature doors and windows that are pre-

fabricated and prepainted to make them more resistant to wear and tear. The doors are also protected with chemi-cally treated brackets and even feature a warranty to guarantee quality and du-rability.

The windows have steel casements that help protect them from the ele-ments.

According to Umagtang, the best fea-ture of the Amanzaya home series is the confluence of space that is incorporated in the designs.

The Amanzaya home designs offer 45 different variants, with prices ranging from P2.4 million to P5 million, ensur-ing flexibility of choice for those seeking to build new homes.

More information is at www.earthand-style.com.

44 | CondoCentral

property showcase

Learn how a maverick realty company has lasted for decades providing stylish but affordable homes in the Queen City of the South

A life free of worries

CEbuanoS arE known as a frugal lot, always demanding value for their money’s worth. Companies could splurge on marketing and advertising to hype their products but if Cebua-nos don’t find value in it, it will never stay long in the Cebuano market. On the other hand, even if one just relies on word-of-mouth marketing, if the product has value, it will sell like hot pan de sal.

And that’s exactly what has kept Cebu-based Commonwealth Estate, Inc. (CEI) going through the years. Having been in the property develop-ment business for almost two decades now, Commonwealth has learned more than a thing or two about what Cebuanos want in looking for a place they can call home.

A holistic approach on a whole range of considerations that goes in the bu-ying of a house like structural sound-ness, aesthetics, site security, amenities available, on-time delivery of the unit, and future resale, are all the order of business at Commonwealth. After con-sidering these, the buyer should gain the value of peace of mind.

Peace of mind that when one final-ly decides to buy a Commonwealth Estate unit, worries of whether the structure will crack or not, or wheth-er the family will have security in the premises, or even whether when the property is eventually sold if it will gain economic value, will all be erased.

“A life free of worries with a com-fortable and secure home and neigh-borhood is the kind of lifestyle that we give, as we all want the best for our families,” intimates Steve Liu, President of Commonwealth Estate, as their motivation in every project the company undertakes.

A simple testament to this is the re-peat purchases of several CEI home-owners. Some buyers acquire as many as six units in different CEI deve-lop-ments to either be one’s home, or be rented out, or just acquired as a real property investment.

This Cebu-based property devel-oper has continuously led the pack in the mid-end market segment despite the entry of Manila-based develop-ers, owing to their business philoso-

phy of giving every client that value of peace of mind.

Together with its sister company, Primary Structures, which itself is a homegrown heavyweight in the con-struction industry —CEI builds every project using only the most advanced construction technology and offering it to the market with the most inno-vative financing to make it easy for the middle class Cebuano to own a house.

Being a homegrown company gives Commonwealth Estate the ad-vantage of understanding better the Cebuano market. And in keeping in step with the changing landscape of Cebu, Commonwealth Estate is com-ing up with a new and affordable mid-end condominium project, the Woodcrest Residences.

Soon to be launched Woodcrest will be a nine-storey residential con-dominium community that will rise in the Guadalupe area, just minutes from the heart of Cebu City. The new development will carry the amenities of a high-end condominium project but will be affordable for the growing

mid-end market and with the quality of a Commonwealth Estate.

Gaining the market’s trust after years of successful projects, Com-monwealth Estate has also given back to the community by developing La Montaña Homes. La Montaña is the company’s corporate social responsi-bility project designed to give every blue collared Cebuano the chance to own affordable and quality homes.

With a string of residential subdi-visions and condominiums, from the very first of the Villa Del Rio series to its new projects as the Brookfield Sub-division, the Collinwood and 188 Sun-flower Drive, Commonwealth Estate has evolved to be a formidable name in the property development industry in Cebu, developing not only quality homes but well-planned and respon-sibly managed communities.

For more information, call Global Pinoy: Philippines +639285002391, +6328123333 USA +17025537303, +17025255772 www.globalpinoy.ph [email protected]

PhiliPPines +639285002391,+6328123333

UsA +17025537303, +17025255772

www.globalpinoy.ph [email protected]

HOTLINE

4� | CondoCentral

property showcase

Celebrate life, nature and technology all at once in this unique development that will soon rise in the country’s next modern metropolis

Living, loving green

property showcase

CondoCentral | 47

Combining EnvironmEntal sustainability with economic productivity, Avida Settings Nuvali prom-ises families greener living at a rising metropolis.

Nestled within the 1,600 hectare development envisioned to be the country’s next modern me-tropolis, Avida Settings Nuvali offers residents the chance of a revived life with a landscape of natural beauty at their doorstep.

Inspired by the concept of Evoliving (defined as the seamless weaving of life, nature and technol-ogy), Avida Settings Nuvali offers unique, earth-friendly features and amenities. Homes are not only models of modern design but of sustainable living, as evident in the use of double piping systems to use recycled water, among other design innovations.

Apart from its design principle of dedicating at least 45% of the development to open spaces, chil-dren are provided more room to play outdoors with the Avida-exclusive green ribbon neighborhood pattern that gives them access to a large garden via their own backyards. Jogging paths, tree-lined pe-destrian lanes and bike trails encourages healthier living, while reducing emissions from use of motor vehicles.

“Avida believes that living with nature revives your life. Imagine a place where carpets of grass

replace concrete roads. Birds chirping replace the drone of the engine. Tall trees replace skyscrap-ers. This place--where life is relived and revived--is what we are celebrating today. This is Avida Settings Nuvali,” said President of Avida Land, Leo Monte-negro, during the launch of Avida Settings Nuvali.

And while residents enjoy the benefits of being in touch with mother nature, Avida Settings Nuvali is also conveniently close to the urban pulse. Nes-tled within the South’s picturesque surroundings, it is approximately 15 minutes from the Sta. Rosa exit, 30 minutes from Alabang, and 50 minutes from Makati. Shuttle services are also available, both in and outside of the Nuvali community, so commut-ing is not a problem.

There’s also plenty to do within Nuvali itself. Aside from BPO office buildings in a campus set-ting, residents can hop on the water taxi to go to the retail center Overlooking a lake that is not only

scenic but will be used for irrigation and water re-cycling, they can enjoy al-fresco dining or have a cup of coffee while surfing the net via a wireless access point.

With clean surroundings and environmentally-friendly designs, Avida Settings Nuvali ensures the health and overall well-being of residents and their families. It also gives them peace of mind with its tight 24-hour security and efficient village management.

This worry-free promise also extends to their buying experience. Avida Setting Nuvali homes are not only affordable – easy and flexible payment schemes and dedicated customer hotline are also available to address all their concerns.

The serenity of nature contained within a bus-tling metropolis--Avida Settings Nuvali has the right formula to revive the spirit, rejuvenate the body and give new meaning to sure and secure living.

48 | CondoCentral

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Rica further clarifies that her reason for leaving is not burnout. She may not be as energetic and bubbly as she was when she started out as one of the pre-cocious pre-teens in Ang TV, but she definitely still has what it takes to cope with the physical demands.

“I’m not tired, I’m really just an in-trovert,” she confesses. “I usually lock up in my room and go out only when needed or when I want to, which is rare. And that is not a characteristic of an artista.”

Coming from someone who has spent more than half her life under glaring lights and probing eyes, such assessment can be seen as somewhat belated. Then again, “belated” is something she does not particularly mind being.

At 26, Rica has decided to go back to school. She is now on her second se-mester as a full time student at Ateneo where she takes up creative writing and where she gamely interacts with classmates ten years her junior. Her

Rica Peralejo opens her door —and her heart —and candidly shares stories about new passions and old dreams. arnold a. altamira listens in and writes

Home is the reluctant starPhotography by Godwin Nerona

return to the academe was not exactly prompted by the romantic notion of having to “obtain a college diploma no matter what.” Rather, it is pragmatism fuelled it.

She says, “If I am to do what I want to do, I should be able to know how to write. It is a tool for me, to help me be equipped.”

She knows she will eventually re-connect full-time with the industry, but mostly on a different capacity. She envisions doing documentaries and perhaps indie movies. She is like-wise keen on setting up her own ed-iting house. “I want to maximize the experience and the knowledge I have gained and integrate it with what I’m training for at present. But it will be more behind the scenes… the creative facets.”

For now, she builds the foundation as she buries herself into her books and pounds away on her computer keyboard, hoping to one day make a more meaningful difference in an in-dustry that, though far from perfect, is one that will always be dear to her.

whilE an unEnding StrEam of hopefuls jostle and claw their way just to be at the doorstep of the glitzy and glamorous world of show business, ac-tress Rica Peralejo – at least for the mo-ment – has decided to quietly slip out the backdoor.

Not that offers have become scarce or projects have become less finan-cially enticing. Far from that. The decision was a result of thorough self-assessment that brought forth a rather simplistic epiphany.

“I finally realized I wasn’t cut out to be a celebrity,” Rica shares. “I am an actress, yes, but I am not a star. Being a star with all the expectations attached to it is a part I just can not play right.”

Well, to be accurate, she is not to-tally removed from the business as she still has a hosting stint in the morning show, Umagang Kay Ganda. But un-dertakings as this, which she totally loves doing and absolutely desires, are about the only ones she will accept in a heartbeat.

She admits, though, that there will be some other projects or endorse-ments she might consider doing once in a while. “Of course I also have to earn,” she says.

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50 | CondoCentral

a new “old” home Siblings settling down and an aunt

migrating ushered in a rigodon in the Peralejo household. As a result, Rica found herself “gifted” by her mom with their old house that she has trans-formed into one that is now truly her own. “I sought the help of a designer friend, but most of this is me,” she proudly declares.

Her three-bedroom abode, which took almost a year to spruce up, is a charming confluence of personal taste and family heritage. Vivid colors and clean lines are pleasantly enhanced by naturally bright and airy interiors. An-tiques and vintage pieces are casually strewn all over the house.

“The grandfather clock, the vintage stovetop, the century-old rocking chair at the corner, and some other old stuff – I got them either from my mom or my lola,” she says. “The rest, I have accumulated over the years during my travels in and out of the country.”

She adds, “I never realized I was drawn to antiques and vintage items that much until I was putting the house together and discovered how plenty I have of them. I guess I’m an old soul.”

The absolute scene-stealer, however, is the long wooden table that straddles imposingly in what is supposed to be the living and dining areas.

She narrates: “In my family, the din-ing table is where more than food, but memorable stories and hearty laughter as well, are shared. We spend count-less hours there no matter how seem-ingly cozier the other parts of the house are. So I had this big table made. I had a karpintero put together the three solid Oakwood planks I personally bought. This is where I eat, study, write, hang around, and entertain guests.”

And it is in bringing friends over and entertaining them that had her finally appreciate and acknowledge entitlement to the house. “Before, I used to still sleep in my mom’s room, which by the way is in the house just beside this one, even when I al-ready had this,” she explains. “But ever since I’ve started having guests around and serving them, I was like, hey, this is me… this is now really my own place!”

Undoubtedly, in love is what Rica is with her new home. “I can spend a week just cooped inside and wouldn’t notice the time.”

That is not hard to imagine as her co-coon – her hypnotically relaxing bed-room – is snuggled in a cozy continuum that has an amply equipped entertain-ment room on one end, and a spacious

shower and bath with walk-in closet on the other. And she boasts that she per-sonally takes care of the upkeep.

Aside from the new house, Rica has also invested in two condominium units. She says she intends to sell or rent them out eventually. If time per-mits, she is also looking into engaging in business ventures that involve things she is crazy about. “A coffee house maybe…or perhaps hand-made bags,” she says. “I don’t know yet. I’m bad at handling money so that is what I’d like to work on first.”

Also on her to-do list this year is to fi-nally be able to drive around the city by herself, join a mountaineering club, and go out on more diving expeditions.

Whatever she decides, or if she does resolve to take on all of them at the same time, she believes she can hack

it. “I feel I am making very sound deci-sions about life right now. I feel I have achieved a state of calm and balance and happiness that I’ve never experi-enced before. I attribute all that to my hero, Jesus Christ,” she says.

And such is Rica Peralajo’s new life. She may have stepped away from the spotlight and shunned stardom, but boy, the girl has not stopped shining.

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your bEdroom iS the perfect place to relax and rest. This is your personal space where you hope to rejuvenate after a long and tiring day of work. A good night’s sleep can provide the perfect rejuvenation for an enthusiastic beginning the next day. Thus, no effort must be spared while decorating your bedroom.

The first thing to remember while decorat-ing your bedroom is the ambience and mood that you want to set up there. Also, the kind of space you have in your bedroom and the wall color will make a lot of difference in the proper selection of bedroom furniture. This is the room you want to make most personal and so special attention needs to be paid to what you like to be surrounded with in your intimate hours.

Another point is that you will want your bedroom to be free of clutter and noise. Thus try to avoid any form of noise in your bed-room by keeping TVs or music players out or at least at low decibel levels. Moreover, try not to bring too many items in your bedroom

as that could make the bedroom look chaotic and crowded.

While you are decorating your bedroom, you must pay attention to the kind of sur-roundings you like. If you like a playful en-vironment, you can buy bright and colorful contemporary bedroom furniture. You could also use wall colors that are zestful and mood lifting. Pinks, light blues and whites are pe-rennial favorites of younger people. More mature ones could go for browns, grays or shades of green.

To create a sober look, you can get many exquisitely carved wooden furniture with matching beds, bedside tables and dressing tables from furniture stores. Even the closet can be made of wood to add to the formal look. Make sure that the furniture is not too close to each other. The bed, naturally, will be the centerpiece in any bedroom. Hence, you will have to be particular about the type of bed you purchase.

Before buying a bed, take a look at the size of your room. A small bed in a large room and

a huge bed dominating a tiny room will look awkward. Another important thing about any bed will be the comfort quotient. If you buy a fancy bed with lots of intricate work but real-ize that it is not very conducive to sleep on, you will be sorely disappointed. Always buy beds that are of the right size for your body. Beds that are too small can invite leg and back pains.

A dressing table in a bedroom depends entirely upon the person residing in it. For women who like using a lot of make up, stor-age space will be a necessity. Thus a proper dressing table with lots of separate drawers and a full length mirror will be a good choice. If, however, you are not too fussy about dress-ing up, you can opt for simple wall hanging type of mirror or mirror in the closet.

Make your bedroom special with a little thought about your own likes and habits. You can make it your own home within a home with a little care and thoughtfulness.

Article source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

The bedroom is the most personal of places in your house. Make sure you decorate it properly

Basic guidelines for bedroom decoration

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Basic guidelines for bedroom decoration

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whEn you purChaSE furniture for your house, you should care-fully consider incorporating it with the general lines and design of the walls; the shapes and colors of the windows; and the architectural at-mosphere you want to convey to both your guest and yourself. A sofa is a piece of furniture that does not only have to be beautifully and el-egantly created, but it also has to be comfortable and inviting.

Being the center piece of your liv-ing area, it will immediately become the center of attention and the start-ing point when appreciating the style

and aesthetics of a house. Your sofa choice should depend on the space available; the style of the house; and the young capricious members of the house that are likely to damage it in any way. You might want to consider a second hand sofa if you’re renting a place or don’t intend on staying too long in that certain apartment.

Quality sofas can be affordable and stylish or practical if you search closely. It is advisable to visit your local stores or, for more preten-tious buyers, one can arrange for a custom-made, personalized sofa that will have all your requirements

down to the very last details: color, style, texture, material, practical-ity or financial cost. There can be traditional sofas, with classic shapes or lavish leather sofas. Remember that this is a piece of furniture that is supposed to blend in with the rest of the living room or highlight sim-plicity, comfort and elegance. Never make it too obvious or too striking by choosing the wrong color or an outrageous size just to make up for the lack of opulence or décor in the surrounding areas.

The styles vary from two-seat sofas (for those hard up on space); section-

al sofa (three or four seats); a faint-ing sofa or couch (which is usually backless or part backless) a canapé (usually purchased for ornamental purposes) or an ottoman (known as a footstool). Again, if you are in dire need of some space, you can buy a sofa that can convert into a bed, thus becoming very practical.

www.salesofas.com is a website which is there to inform consumers when it comes to purchasing a sofa.

Article source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

Sofas are back in styleAny way you look at it, the sofa will remain the centerpiece of your living room.

So why not take your sweet time choosing the right one?

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At Communities PhiliPPines, it has never been about building houses - it’s about building homes for your family and for countless others across the nation. Our long years of experience in building lived-in communities have helped us master the art of listening to customers, and accommodating to their needs. Ask any of the more than 10,000 families who now happily come home to Communities.

davao

Cagayan de oro

bulacan

Cebu

Pampanga

batangas

iloilo

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wHEN REMODELING and decorat-ing, we usually look for furniture, paint, carpets and decorative items such as pictures. however, the lighting can have a big impact on the overall look of a room. The lighting design can evoke the right mood or ambiance of a space. with careful design and planning for the type, color and hue of the lighting, the room can be given a different ambi-ance. The right lighting can set a mood, improve productivity and contribute to people’s sense of well-being. It can transform unappealing spaces into desirable ones. bright rooms give a posi-tive and optimistic feeling, while darker rooms are more intimate and romantic. research had proven that light can make a big difference in how we feel.

good lighting design will not make you frustrated in the kitchen when you are not able to see what you are doing. And it will stop the arguments in the bedroom over whose turn it is to get up to switch out the light. Instead, you should be able to transform a room from a bright, vibrant living space to the setting for a romantic dinner for two.

Natural lighting is the light from the sun that comes through windows and doors. Direct sunlight is a healthy source of light, but the brightness and

intensity is very variable. The time of the day, the season or the weather all influence natural light. To control the quantity of natural light, different types of glass or curtains can be used. Diffusion and reflection are great ways to control this free light source. A good idea is to find the wall that received di-rect light from the sun and paint it in a bright color. The reflected light creates an ambiance in the room. The surface of the wall can control the diffusion of the light; rough surfaces have different effects than smooth surfaces.

Artificial lighting can be any kind of lamp. This light source can be controlled in every aspect; intensity, color, and the area of spreading. To get the desired effects in a room, the best idea is to use a combination of different types of artificial lighting. Ambience lighting is to lighten the whole room and give a certain ‘mood’ to the space. Accent lighting is used to illuminate certain aspects or details of the interior decoration, as sculptures, pictures or display shelves.

Lighting could be functional or aes-thetic. functionally, the lighting needs to be correct for the intended purpose. A great example of functional lighting is task lighting: lamps for reading, lights

Interior decoration with exclusive lighting designs

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And let there be light. Find out how the right lighting can give your home the perfect ambiance and even set the right mood

over the sink or over the mirror in the bathroom. Task lighting should always be glare free to make the task easier without straining the eyes. Aestheti-cally, the lighting gives an ambiance to the space. for creating an ambience, environment lights are used in ceiling corners or along the sides of the room. The intensity and color of the lights are important for the ambiance. for ‘mood’ lighting, it is very important that the source of the light is hidden.

with a few lighting design ideas, you can change the visible appearance of a room and make it look larger or smaller. rooms with high ceilings can get a cozier radiance by using lighting that is lower than the ceiling. The light should not escape beyond the height of the source. Use a lampshade that directs the light downwards. The other way around, by using lighting pointed at the ceiling, rooms appear to be higher.

Standing lamps and table lamps work great for specific purposes and lighten up only an area of the room.

A lamp should be placed behind a reader’s shoulder. Lamps are also perfect to brighten up dark corners in rooms. And of course, decorative lampshades on corner end tables and bedside tables enhance the ambiance and bring attention to a specific area of the room. The style of the fixtures will add to your interior decoration, whether turned on or off.

Lighting is just as important in interior design as the colors or the style of furniture and accessories. Your entire work in decoration can be ruined at once by poor lighting. but carefully planned lighting will greatly enhance the best details in your design.Michiel Van Kets is a belgian designer for unique lightings .each of his lighting fixtures is individually crafted by hand with high demand of standards. he also designs exclusive lightings for those customers who desire lamps that are one of a kind.

Article source: http://www.Articlebiz.com

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TODAy’S URBAN LIVING options are becoming much more attractive for the young and mobile pro-fessional seeking his/her first condo home. with the homeown-er’s active lifestyle, a condo home should present easy access to business, service, leisure and recreation venues while preserv-ing privacy and peace within the confines of the building.

one of the outstanding projects to offer such lifestyle is Sycamore Tower at Dansalan gardens Condominiums in Mandaluyong City. here, residents are treated to a “Sycamori-an” urban living lifestyle that takes into account the essential needs and wants of today’s homeowners through a unique blend of utility and aesthetics.

The “Sycamorian” Essentials:Space: Units within this high-rise

tower exude privacy through an ef-ficient building design that provides abundant living spaces. This extends to the rest of the sprawling develop-ment characterized by an expansive and lush outdoor tropical oasis. In fact, 65% of the property is allocated for gardens, pools, and recreational facilities that allow unit owners plenty of “space to breathe.”

Mobility: Move freely, day and night. Sycamore Tower offers mobility and accessibility through a convenient location that places residents in or near the heart of the city, with easy access to nightlife, arts, museums, shopping malls, and offices.

Details: with such a market that is used to urban conveniences, practical-ity, and stylish trends, DMCI homes made sure that Sycamore Tower offers offer top-rate facilities and luxurious details, from the hotel-like lobby, unit

finishes, and building accents.

oomph: There is also an added “oomph” to experience, with the resort-style living where life’s precious moments can be savored with gusto.

At Sycamore Tower, pleasure is at the dis-pense of every hom-eowner, through a wide variety of amenities that the whole family can enjoy. Toddlers can bask freely at the indoor play-ground or children’s pool; while young adults can while away time enjoying the audio-video room, adult pool, billiards, table tennis, basketball, gym, and dart board facilities. Adults will surely appreci-ate the peace and quiet of the landscaped gardens, koi ponds, gazebo, and resident’s Lounge areas, where they can de-stress after long hours at the office.

Sycamore Tower is the second building at Dansalan gar-den Condominiums, a sprawling 8,000 sqm development in vibrant Manda-luyong City, which is located near the premier districts of ortigas, bonifacio global City, Makati CbD, rockwell Center, greehills and eastwood City.

This 31-level tower which is com-posed of 355 units is equipped with individual electric and water meters, individual mail boxes with keys, and provisions for cable TV, intercom and telephone line connection. The tower

also features impressive condo facili-ties, including individual unit’s drying area at the roof deck, four levels of basement parking, three high-speed passenger elevators, automatic fire sprinkler system, ample water supply, and space for commercial areas.

All units, except the one-bedroom, come with balcony and utility/maid’s room while penthouse units come with a spacious lanai. The expansive feel is further emphasized by the unobstructed views of the Makati and ortigas skyline.

Sycamore Tower is strategically located in the quiet corner of boni Avenue and M. Vicente St. (former Dansalan St.) in brgy. Malamig, Man-daluyong City. It is only three blocks away from eDSA and a few minutes’ drive to premier shopping and busi-ness districts. It is close to reputable schools like Poveda Learning Center,

Discover the essentials of a truly complete urban residential lifestyle as put together by one of the country’s realty development primemovers

Loving urban living

CondoCentral | 59

Using a palette of neutrals with accents of lime green, Wilmer

evokes a refreshing, tongue-in-cheek ambience that goes against the traditional look of sales office.

La Salle greenhills, and xavier School. Transportation facilities such as MrT and bus stops are also accessible.

because it is built by the country’s only triple A builder/developer, home buyers are assured of a high quality, safe home in a fully-serviced resort-like community managed by a professional team.

Sycamore Tower is ready for oc-cupancy by the first quarter of 2008. for as low as 10% down payment at an investment package that’s within means of the middle-income market, residents can move in to their new home and live the “Sycamorian” lifestyle.

For inquiries on Sycamore Tower and other DMCI Homes projects, please call 888-3333 or visit www.dmcihomes.com.

�0 | CondoCentral

quickly taken up by enthusiastic buy-ers. It will be ready for turn over by the first Quarter of 2008.

The second phase, which is com-prised of six 11-storey high-rise con-dominiums all packed in a 3.1-hectare gated property with 24-hour security, contains all the trademarks of a PhINMA Properties project, replete with all the modern amenities one can look for. A crystal-clear swim-ming pool, an avant-garde clubhouse,

world-class badminton and basketball courts, playgrounds, a gym, spacious commercial areas, and provision for parking buildings are just some of the attractions contemporary urban denizens can look forward to at fountain breeze. Living up to its slo-gan “Complete lifestyle, one address”, fountain breeze offers home options to meet the varied lifestyle of today’s discerning buyers.

Units in Phase II range from 30 to 40

square meters but are expandable to 60, 70, 80, 90 or even 100-square meter configurations. They come almost complete, with painted walls and ceil-ings, vinyl floor tiles, modular kitchen, even aluminum windows which lend distinct beauty to any structure but is seldom used in other projects because of high acquisition cost but lends true beauty to any structure.

The good news is, for as low as P10,000 per month thru PAgIbIg

Having proven its mettle in the mid-rise condo segment, PHINMA Properties now boldly and aggressively ventures into high-rise development

Steadily moving up

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REAL-ESTATE developer PhINMA Properties one of the leading names in af-fordable medium-rise condominiums, reiterates its commitment to making city living much easier with the opening of the second phase of its fountain breeze property located at the heart of Sucat in Parañaque City.

Located just 30 minutes from the Makati Central business District and a mere 15 minutes from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, fountain breeze promises to invigorate everyone’s senses in terms of pure lifestyle living bliss and harmony.

fountain breeze’s first phase which is composed of 493, 30-square meter condo units in walk up clusters was launched mid-December 2007 and was

CondoCentral | �1

of PhINMA Properties, “we’re now in that stage where we have already proven ourselves in terms of medium-rise development. Now, we’ve become bolder and more aggressive in our business strategies, and the second phase of fountain breeze, which is high-rise already and is really selling well, will prove that we can replicate the same success from our medium-rise projects, all through sheer hard work and team cooperation, and of

course, high-quality homes.”he adds, “People know they can

never go wrong when choosing a PhINMA Properties project. They know that when we build homes, we don’t just build homes, we build a community; a community made up of homes that are not only aesthetically beautiful and quality-made but secure and affordable as well.”

beauty, security, safety, afford-ability, and high quality, are just some

of the qualities that make fountain breeze truly what it is: the essence of lifestyle.

For other details concerning the Fountain Breeze or if you want to find out all the other real-estate develop-ment projects of PHINMA Properties, call 535-6800 or 533-7777 or log on to www.phinmaproperties.com or email [email protected].

financing, one can already avail of all these exciting amenities and features not found in other properties in the Metro Manila area.

The fountain breeze property also marks the first time PhINMA Properties is venturing into high-rise property development. Making its name as one of the top and most innovative medium-rise condominium developers in the country, PhINMA Properties really left no stone unturned to make the fountain breeze a true barometer of urban lifestyle living.

Comments willie Joven Uy, President and Chief executive officer


Pasig and Quezon cities. Southwest in the Mandaluyong City side are The Podium, St. francis Square, SM Megamall, Shangri-La Plaza and Starmall. Metrowalk in the west, the newest entertainment spot in Pasig, complements good daytime shop-ping with a fun-filled nightlife.

Also making the 41-storey eton emerald Lofts the best choice for a comfortable urban living experience is its proximity to offices, hospitals and schools.

Loft living is becoming popular with urbanites looking for units that have an open platform as sleeping area. The extra elevated space is primarily what makes lofts more attractive than the box-style units common in many condos.

As a loft can accommodate the bed, for example, it allows for fair distribu-

tion of furnishings and, therefore, easier movement of occupants. by also allowing better furniture arrangement in the main floor, the interior design already complemented by the loft can be enhanced.

each loft unit is complete. floors are tiled and in wood finish. walls and ceilings are painted.

Condo amenities make for a more comfortable loft lifestyle. In the middle of the twin tower are swimming pools for adults and children. There is a gym, a children’s play area, a spa, a coffee shop, a beauty salon, a convenience store and a casual dining restaurant.

builder and real estate developer eton Properties Philippines Inc., the real estate arm of the Lucio Tan group of Companies, is scheduled to finish the construction of the eton emerald Lofts in December 2011.

The joys of loft living and shopping

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Live, shop and dine conveniently and comfortably with the all-loft condominium building that sits in the midst of one of Metro Manila’s favorite shopping and

entertainment destinations

CONDOMINIUMS have become the preferred home of today’s urbanites, particularly professionals. The appeal of these self-contained residential build-ings continues to grow as its amenities and design evolve to suit the varying tastes of individuals.

Making urban lifestyle truly gratifying is when it is experienced living in a loft located within a shopping destination. The beauty of the loft combined with the convenience and ambience of nearby shopping malls produce that unmistake-able cosmopolitan feeling. however, loft living in a place hosting one mall is differ-ent from loft living in a shopping mecca.

The eton emerald Lofts, a landmark project of eton Properties Philippines, Inc., offers such exciting loft living because it is in the heart of ortigas Center in Pasig City. The ortigas Center is one of the premier shopping destinations in Manila with six malls catering to different walks of life.

from the corner of emerald Avenue, garnet and Sapphire Streets, the first all-loft twin tower condominium in the Philippines is just a stone’s throw from robinson’s galleria in the boundary of

Making urban lifestyle truly satisfying is when it is experienced by living in a loft located within a shopping destination.

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ON AVERAGE, a person changes phones almost once a year, some gunning for every new product that comes out. but from all the phone juggling, the Motorola rAZr2 phone makes you drop the rest into the pavement. Not only is the rAZr2 innovative with its new features like being able to reply to text messages without opening the unit, it mag-nifies other components like camera strength and music output. This is the ultimate weapon for a lifestyle that needs con-stant calls and frequent flashing of fancy hand-sets. You can actually feel a bit of endorser David beckham when you look at yourself in the mirror holding the rAZr2. Very sexy man, very sexy indeed.

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Cutting


Not your one-hit-wonder woman

ALREADy on their 6th album, foo fighters still pack punches with ev-ery single. with their riffs everlong so changing, the album is no surprise that the guys can still pull off one of 2007’s biggest alternative releases. The band made the album with the help of gil Norton, the same producer back in their 2nd album, The Colour and the Shape, giving this album more kicks and a possible collision course towards the billboard 200 and the grammy.

front man Dave grohl and the band, with their single “The Pretender” rekindles the kind of videos we’ve all seen and love. but for now, echoes, Silence, Patience & grace, grab a copy, and pray that one day the band comes here for a concert, and then some.

Echoes of greatnessmusic

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MANy TIMES over, a writer contemplates on his life. how much he’ll earn with his one promising work or maybe what to look at on a sunny Sunday morning as he veers out the window. Collins’ work thrives on the simplicity of life and squeezes out the poems in little things and common situations. Arguably straying from his poetic direction from his previous years, The Trouble With Poetry tends to reach out to the reader more than just present an idea to the one who opens the pages. Definitely a patch of poetry one would expect from the poet laureate of the U.S.

A poet’s troubled life

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music

BEING A DAUGHTER to musician parents, it is not too surprising that Colbie Caillat landed herself a musical career. Coco is her first recording album and she made it big in the online realm, topping sales in the online music stores. her only released break-through single, “bub-bly” went to Top 10 charts everywhere but sadly enough, that was the only single she had ever released so far. It’s a shame because the rest of the tracks in the album sound much better than the sole single. My favorite track, “oxygen” is wor-thy of its title, having a refreshing feeling to it. but frankly, the latter part of the tracks are a little typical and boring to listen to but then, it fits the soothing mood of the summer tune. hey, I’m

embracing summer way early but I’m just being positive here. This new artist has the potential and it would be unfortunate if she only made it to the one-hit-wonder’s list. -Brian Andrew

CondoCentral | �7

�8 | CondoCentral

MR. RATAN N. TATA, chairman of the Tata group and Tata Motors, recently unveiled the Tata Nano, the People’s Car from Tata Motors that India and the world have been looking forward to. A development which signifies a first for the global automobile industry, the People’s Car brings the comfort and safety of a car within the reach of thousands of families. The People’s Car will be launched in India later in 2008.

Speaking at the unveiling cer-emony at the 9th Auto expo in New Delhi, Mr. Tata said, “I observed families riding on two-wheelers – the father driving the scooter, his young kid standing in front of him, his wife seated behind him holding a little baby. It led me to wonder whether one could conceive of a safe, afford-able, all-weather form of transport for such a family. Tata Motors’ engi-neers and designers gave their all for about four years to realize this goal.

“Today, we indeed have a People’s Car, which is affordable and yet built to meet safety requirements and emission norms and to be fuel efficient. we are happy to present the People’s Car and we hope it brings the joy, pride and utility of owning a car to many families who need personal mobility.”

Stylish, comfortable

The People’s Car, designed with a family in mind, has a roomy passenger compartment with generous leg space and head room. It can comfortably seat four persons. four doors with high seating position make ingress and egress easy.

Yet with a length of 3.1 meters, width of 1.5 meters and height of 1.6 meters, with adequate ground clearance, it can effortlessly maneuver on busy roads in cities as well as in rural areas. Its mono-volume design, with wheels at the corners and the power train at the rear, enables it to uniquely combine both space and maneuverability, which will set a new benchmark among small cars.

when launched, the car will be available in both standard and deluxe versions. both versions will offer a wide range of body colors, and other accessories so that the car can be customized to an individual’s preferences.

fuel-efficient engineThe People’s Car has a rear-wheel

drive, all-aluminum, two-cylinder, 623 cc, 33 PS, multipoint fuel injec-

tion gasoline engine. This is the first time that a two-cylinder gasoline engine is being used in a car with single balancer shaft. The lean design strategy has helped minimize weight, which helps maximize performance per unit of energy consumed and delivers high fuel efficiency. Perfor-mance is controlled by a specially designed electronic engine manage-ment system.

Meets all safety requirements

The People’s Car’s safety perfor-mance exceeds current regulatory requirements. with an all sheet-metal body, it has a strong passenger compartment, with safety features

such as crumple zones, intrusion-re-sistant doors, seat belts, strong seats and anchorages, and the rear tailgate glass bonded to the body. Tubeless tires further enhance safety.

Environment-friendlyThe People’s Car’s tailpipe emis-

sion performance exceeds regulatory requirements. In terms of overall pollutants, it has a lower pollution level than two-wheelers being manu-factured in India today. The high fuel efficiency also ensures that the car has low carbon dioxide emissions, thereby providing the twin benefits of an affordable transportation solu-tion with a low carbon footprint.

The people’s car

cars

review central

ANy DECENT GUy who has his eyes set on the SLK will surely have problems sleeping at night knowing that his parking slot isn’t occupied with his dream car. from its sleek silver exterior down to the leather furnished interior, this ride is something you’d want to drive for miles. beauty aside, this rider packs a lot

of horse power under the hood. Sophisticated and powerful, the SLK reflects the personality of its owners perfectly. with the SLK, you wouldn’t mind being stuck in traffic. either that or build a giant glass case around the car and worship it after long days at work. Somehow, it’s just a notch better than a Maroon 5 hit single.

Won’t go home without you

cars

CondoCentral | �9

ORIS HAVE AGREED an extension to our sponsorship deal with world Champion Venezuelan freediver Carlos Coste.

having fully recovered from injury in 2006 Carlos has an ambitious competitive programme for 2008. This year he hopes to maintain his world Champion status in the Vari-able weight discipline and also hopes to set new records in the Constant weight No fins category.

Speaking from his training camp in Venezuela, Carlos said: “I feel very proud to have the support of oris. My name on one of oris’ bestselling watches which is available all over the world is a unique experience. And to go into the water with oris behind me is a huge motivation. A reliable watch is one of the most important pieces of equipment a free diver can

have. Luckily for me oris watches are not only stylish –they’re also fit for professionals.”

Carlos trains all year round to pre-pare for competitions and credits his positive mental attitude and supreme mental strength for his success so far.

A visibly impressed Ulrich herzog, Ceo and Chairman of oris com-mented: “Carlos is an extraordinary role model, and one we’re proud to be associated with. his record as a sportsman speaks for itself; his discipline and dedication to what he loves reflect the qualities I personally admire. we’re delighted to be with Carlos every step of the way in hisrecord-breaking attempts. we share his passion for the extraordinary, and his quest for perfection. we wish him the very best of luck for 2008.”

Oris and Carlos Coste

watches

review central

INTERIOR DESIGNERS belong to a different category of professionals. for one, the profession is not for every Tom, Dick or harry; you’d have to be truly gifted in order to make it big in this vocation. It gives you a fleeting sense of exclusivity, a somewhat elitist demeanor knowing you are one of the very few people who has a knack for knowing how things fall into place at just the right stroke.

Jigs Adefuin is one of those people. It is by sheer providence that Adefuin, a board exam topnotcher, crossed paths with Condo Central and eventually agreed to share his expertise in the area of interior design as a columnist for the magazine’s avid readers: the condo urbanites of today. This is why we here at Condo Central

deemed it necessary to introduce our new design columnist, a relatively young but vibrant Adefuin.

As a successful interior designer running his own firm, we can safely say that Adefuin has made his mark in the industry. The mere fact that his firm, the Adefuin Design Studio (ADS), has been receiving positive response from the market is a testa-ment to his skills and creativity.

Adefuin graduated from the De La Salle University-CSb in 2004 and Philippine School of Interior Design in 1995. when he took his licensure exams, he placed 10th. he said only a few from his batch at CSb really prac-ticed their profession, and a fewer still have shown any remarkable penchant for the job.

As a young interior designer, Ad-efuin took a job at the Nardy Aquino Interior Design Studio, where he stayed for about four years. he then moved on to ethan Allen home Interi-ors where he stayed the longest at six years. he took a year off and went on a sabbatical in the United States to initially pursue further studies, but he decided to forego his plans and returned home.

It was at this point where he de-cided to put up ADS. Now going solo, Adefuin has made his condo unit in Parañaque his virtual office.

Adefuin said he mostly designed resi-dential spaces, although he has handled commercial spaces too. his philosophy has always been to make sure the client gets what he or she wants.

“Always aim for design excellence,” he said, “as this will make or break you in this profession.”

This is especially true because interior designers are akin to artists such as painters. The requirements for disposition in this profession border on the artistic yet the practical. They have to blend beauty with function.

Adefuin says it takes a little bit of eccentricity to make it big in this pro-fession. “You would have to provide for the most little of details in order to get the effect you desire. Always try to learn something new and improve your craft. Do not stay stagnant,” he explains.

spotlight

Aiming fordesign excellenceFor topnotch interior designer and new Condo Central design columnist Jigs Ranada Adefuin, a nose for innovation and an incessant appetite for new knowledge

IN THIS AGE of technology, scien-tific inventions are aplenty.

The conversion of trees to writing paper chronicled human history in compressed form. Computer micro-chips further compressed knowledge and information. Superbio com-presses tons of human garbage to produce water and fertilizer.

If the gunpowder launched wars and revolutions, Superbio revolu-tionizes life in an almost miracu-lous way that is neither fiction nor fairy tale.

Invented by Chun Il-Koh, Korean scientist, Superbio was initially intended to solve Korea’s solid waste management problems. but his genius produced a technology unparalleled in human history. Not only will the problem of solid waste disposal will be managed, but a safe and sustainable environment will be maintained.

“Superbio addresses the press-ing issue of biological conversion of organic wastes into re-usable end products, using a series of patented and unmatched technology.”

The key ingredient of Superbio is the use of microorganisms called actinomycetes which, together with other aerobic microbes, are mixed in optimal proportion to induce high-speed decomposition.

It is a complete and compact high-speed wate treatment system that completely converts biodegrad-able wastes into organic fertilizer and clean water within 24 hours.

“Just imagine how clean a con-dominium can be the moment resi-dents start using Superbio,” lawyer elba Cruz says. She is also a member of biohitech Philippines, Inc. which is the registered distributor of Super-bio in the Philippines. She adds that the product is already in use in other

parts of the world. Superbio maintains the clean en-

vironment of the Lotte supermarket chain and condo complexes in Ko-rea. It can also be found in fairway market chain and restaurants in New York and Albertson’s in Manhattan. evidently a world-class product, Superbio will soon be distributed in various parts of the globe to realize the inventor’s vision of a sustainable environment.

“Approximating zero waste,” Cruz adds, “Superbio further transforms garbage to gold and makes it a high-speed organic waste decomposition solution.”

Tons and tons of garbage can be processed in 24 hours to produce 49% biodegradable materials water and fertilizer, 42% recyclables, and 9% residuals.

Superbio further provides the fol-lowing benefits: 1) 100% conversion

of garbage to biofertilizer and clean water; 2) high-speed decomposi-tion in 24 hours and use of patented devices and microorganisms; 3) en-vironment solid waste management solution in compliance with the law; 4) social and lifestyle upgrade in sanitation, safety and home or work conditions; 5) health and hygiene safeguards from minimized costs for sanitary, pest control and reduced diseases and epidemics; 6) ecologi-cally safe and natural method that reduces pollution and global warm-ing; and 7) new economic benefits including streamlined workflows, segragation that enhances recycling programs, and extension of the use-ful life of landfills.

The existing Superbio model unit can already be found in the Philippines at the Manila Jockey Club where it will also be launched this month.

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Greening efforts get a boost with this complete and compact high-speed water treatment system that converts biodegradable waste into organic fertilizer and clean water

Approximating zero waste

7� | CondoCentral

Moving toa new place? Here are some

hot tips

MOVING TO A NEw PLACE for the first time gives you a mixed feeling of excitement and anxiety. I am also undergoing such a phase as I write for Condo Central for the first time. be-lieve me, the feeling is the same, but I am more excited than anxious.

If you are faced with such an event, don’t fret. I am even glad I would be able to share my professional knowledge and skills in helping others beautify their homes!

but back to the topic, here are some tips on how to transform your drab place into a remarkable space!

STORAGE. Make sure you have enough storage space for all your things (and the things you’ll have). remember, a lot of cabinet spaces in a room are better than a spa-cious room without provisions for a closet or storage.

MOTIf. You’re totally clueless about interior design yet you want to have a picturesque home? It’s best to plan carefully right from the start. It would take a little research and it’s important to know what you really want. establish a motif, and then commit to it till the very end. formulate a motif. You can do this by looking at the architectural elements of your new place or get ideas from your favorite clothes, or simply get ideas from the antique pieces you can’t let go. but it’s crucial to initially know what you really want in order to jumpstart your interior design project.

PROPORTION. when you have established the look you want to

achieve and you are starting to buy the things you need for your new home, make sure that everything is in proportion to everything that you put in the space. for me, everything is about proportion. for example, the sofa set should be proportioned with the space of the living room. The coffee table and the end tables should be in proportion with the sofa set, then the lamps should be in proportion with the end tables. And the list goes on.

COMfORT. Do not compromise comfort when choosing your mat-tresses, chairs and the sofas. Make sure they are to your liking. Always assess by lying on the mattresses and sitting on the chairs, couch or sofas to see if they pass your standards for comfort. fUNCTION. As an interior designer, I prioritize function over aesthet-ics. Interior design is, after all, about enhancing the lives of my clients. Always put in mind to get pieces that have double purposes such as a sofa that could double as a bed for guests; a coffee table that could serve as additional storage; or a chair that you

could actually use for sitting and not just as a conversational piece.

COLOR SCHEME. Choosing color is so much fun and exciting! when de-ciding on color, you should always ask yourself the reasons you chose a spe-cific color as well as the effects you want for the specific color that you chose. when you have established the color that you want for a certain room, ask yourself again whether you want another color to go with the first color or how many other colors you want to go with the first choice of color. remember, whatever color you choose, additional colors should always complement and/or blend well.

ACCESSORIZE. If you’re an admit-ted newbie in accessorizing, I would advise you to begin with the heaven, Man and earth theory. It is the method of accessorizing wherein you have three different accessories, with three different heights, arranging them together in a group. remember, always glam it up and do complete the look.

I-designJigs RanadaAdefuin, PIID

Moving toa new place? Here are some

78 | CondoCentral

Legal Options Atty. Edwin Calica Cacayorin, Jr.

Understanding condo contractsIN BUyING a condominium unit, the point of litigation is most often not on what is provided in the contract, but on the circumstances involved in the transaction. The contract itself is legally worded in such terms as may appear fair to both parties.

Do request however from the seller to fully explain (a) the terms of payment, in case of default in paying the premium – what happens; (b) the delivery or, more interestingly, the non-delivery of property on its due date – what are your options; and (c) whether there is a provision that the buyer can rescind the contract, if there is – what are the grounds.

To rescind a contract simply means that one can walk away from the agreement if the other party does not comply with its obligations. The power to rescind is fundamen-tally rooted in the law and is read

inherently in all contracts. It is better though to ask the seller about your right to rescind as it may have impli-cations that are already covered in the contract.

be conscious of the reputation of the developer and the contrac-tor. Check the title of the property for adverse claims, mortgages and other encumbrances. Investing in real estate may be highly profitable in the future but it is also risky. You might end up buying a unit that has been mortgaged or worse, had earlier been sold to another.

Consider too that what you are buying is what you see physically in the unit and, in case of pre-selling, what it would look like based on how you imagine the blue print as will be constructed. The size of the pipelines for the water and for the sewerage is always a concern. flushing a toilet

with insufficient water may not be a legal issue but, more importantly, it is one of convenience. Inspect as much as you can the construction of the unit as well as the blue print, and if need be, consult an architect or an engineer.

Do not completely trust the agent of the seller. You may chance upon an outstanding deal to an excellent property constructed by a well-repu-table developer with all the docu-ments in order but you gave your money to the wrong person. Inquire with the seller on who to deal with, if he or she authorized in writing to sell the property and to receive the payment or premium.

finally, always document each transaction and keep the originals as well as photocopies organized for your legal protection.

CondoCentral | 79

PhiliPPines +639285002391,+6328123333

UsA +17025537303, +17025255772


HOTLINE

80 | CondoCentral

MultipleMeaningAriel N. Valerio

THE POST-MODERN, post-struc-turalist, or post-colonial period (depending on the reader’s interpre-tation of periodization) we live in is now dominated by tendencies in the Age of Aquarius – earth-bound, spiritual, feminine.

This is perhaps the reason behind the recent blending of forms in the coined phrase “art-chitecture” that emphasizes art in the emergent edifices flowering all over the Philip-pines.

A quick look at online data reveals that the concept of “art-chitecture” dates back to the early ‘80s but uti-lizes architectural or building materi-als to form art or what can be called in painting as mixed media or in pop culture as installation art.

further back, some practitioners of “art-chitecture” trace its roots to the Art Deco movement in the ‘30s where there was a persistent desire among artists to modify the prod-ucts of renaissance.

on the other hand, “art-chitec-ture” can also put emphasis on “chitecture” where the focus of artistic modification are the build-

ings themselves. one architect even went as far as dotting a subdivision with individual houses that look like spaceships. The architectural design was called futuristic, owing perhaps to the popular film extra Terrestrial (e.T.), but properly belongs now to the category of “art-chitecture.”

from mixed media and installa-tion art to art deco and futuristic designs, the current trend in design is lined with earth-bound, spiritual and feminine desires.

A practitioner of this concept defines his vocation, thus: “Artchi-tecture is based in the new valu-ation of a concept that embraces the principles of oscar Niemeyer’s modernism, and other contempo-rary art movements. It champions the fusion of art and architectural structures organically inserted into the ecosystem that surrounds us, and propitiating a three-dimensional link—work-space-structure.”

In the early ‘80s, I remember reading an article written by a poet-journalist for the Sunday magazine of a national daily which character-izes the 21st century with a “universal

convergence of the human spirit.”The fast-paced development in

information technology provides the “universal convergence” where con-trasting and even opposing views can be found in the information highway and wars can be waged in the human mind instead of the geographic ter-ritories.

These almost invisible microchips are crossing the boundaries of class, gender and ethnicity in an invincible manner though not necessarily unregulated process. In fact, both search engine giants Yahoo and google were recently penalized by the US government through taxes for their online betting games. Un-scrupulous programmers and petty hackers can also harm information stored in individual internet boxes or corporate libraries.

The “human spirit,” however, is for the artists to ponder on. The advent of “art-chitecture” is one manifesta-tion of an artistic desire to make life inside condominiums as humane as possible. In a sense, the present crop of architects are well-entrenched in culture and the arts to know that art

is not just a piece of poetry or pain-ting that can be framed and hung on one’s wall but the wellspring of one’s humanity.

but what, after all, is “humanity”? An existentialist may say that it is the endless opening and closing of doors in a never-ending hallway. A material-ist, on the other hand, may claim that one’s humanity is what produces and reproduces the human being and his environs.

The key words are “hu” and “man” where “hu” is being defined lately by practitioners of meditation as an utterance that unifies an individual with his god; “man,” meanwhile, is both the biological product of evolu-tion and destiny’s creation.

A discourse on “humanity” may require a doctoral dissertation but for the purposes of “art-chitecture,” it is that entity which makes an abode exude life and puts premium on comfort, convenience and style – a direction that blends form with content, material with spiritual, mind with matter, and everything else possible to make this world a better place to live in.

Blending of forms

From the creator of The Bellagio in Las Vegas...

Universal Citywalk in Los Angeles...

Roppongi Hills in Tokyo...

and The City of Dreams in Macau...

comes...

Jon Jerde, one of the world’s greatest architects and masterplanners

is creating a sensational new urban experience at Century City.

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residences and a sprawling shopping, dining, entertainment and

lifestyle complex, hisTory rises.

The Gramercy Residences, a collaboration between the Jerde

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Architects & Associates, is poised to be one of the country’s tallest

buildings. As Makati’s newest architectural landmark with fully-fitted,

magnificently furnished interiors, a spectacular array of 6-star services

and hyper-amenities and Jon Jerde’s legendary aesthetic,

it is undisputedly the most desired new luxury address

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Own a part of history. Make your home at the Gramercy at Century City.

Model units are open for viewing at the Low-rise, Pacific star Building, sen. Gil Puyat Avenue corner Makati Avenue. Century City is located along Kalayaan Ave., 2 blocks away from Mandarin hotel, and near first class subdivisions such as Urdaneta and Bel Air Village. Project Completion by 2012.

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roadshow

8� | CondoCentral

TwO DECADES back, condominiums were visible only in the Makati and Manila bay areas. over the last decade, we experienced the rapid development of fort bonifacio, rockwell, ortigas and North edsa. More recently, we have seen condominiums rising all over the metropolis; from Valenzuela City to the North, Las Piñas to the South, and e. rodriguez to the east.

Condominiums are now designed as total communities with access to malls, churches, schools, and offices. They even designed resort amenities complete with wellness spa and all the facilities that you need in your daily life. And what do we expect to have in the next three to five years? The rise of condominium cities - the city within the city. After fort bonifacio, we will experience the new developments in the Quezon City area, particularly the C-5 area up to the Quezon City Circle and North edsa. Manila may soon say goodbye to the postwar buildings along Ave-nida rizal and recto Avenue.

even the former fishing town of Malabon will soon have its condo-minium city, with the vast land along Potrero and Acacia area. Soon urban planners will be busy with the devel-opment of these properties. within

the next decade, condo living will be the new lifestyle. Urban dwellers will soon say goodbye to these postwar apartments and dormitories.

So when is the best time to buy? Now is the best time to buy when you could still get the best location possible.

but before you hand over your hard earned money for your condo investment, let me share with you a checklist to consider:

• Make sure you get a professional broker who will help you decide to get a unit that is best suited for you. remember that real estate investment transcend your lifetime, extending up to three generations.

•get the best possible location that will suit your budget. Don’t expect to get a condo unit at The fort bonifacio if your budget is below P2M.

• Make sure you invest in a project from a reputable developer. Do not be taken away by the lavish proper-ties and audio visuals presented to you. Take time out and research the capacity of the developer or even the marketing arm.

• Make sure you can afford and sustain the unit you will get. There are so many properties that are in the secondary markets at bargain prices because buyers were not able to sustain monthly amortization of their investment.

• explore what are the feng-shui complications or just follow your gut feel. If you feel it’s a good investment, then go for it. If you have doubts, check other options.

• Know who will manage the condominium. well-managed con-dominiums have higher resale value.

Mismanaged condominiums end up with unlighted areas with poor security.

• Check the stage of development and completion date of the project. I remember a friend who invested in a condo so when his son goes to col-lege, he will have a place to stay near the school and the location is also near the central business district. well, his son has finished his degree and now rents a condo unit here in Makati while the condo he got has been idle for the past decade.

If you have any inquiries and ques-tions regarding condominiums, please feel free to visit the author at Condo Café located at 2/F P&L Bldg., 116 Le-gazpi St., Legaspi Village, Makati City or call him at (632) 812-3333 or e-mail [email protected].

The CondoCaféRenne Isidro

Condo mania in the city

84 | CondoCentral

THE SNOw by the window pane melts and reveals a panorama of the land of milk and honey that so many filipinos want to see. but I just sigh with relief that I’m finally here in New York, ready to proceed with the roadshow as scheduled. Despite the heater inside the hotel room, I feel cold but sweating with the sales prospects.

I fix my overcoat and lean on the window sill. I think of my office in Makati and the faces of hope that sent me to the airport. I think of the booming sales inventory of Condo.Com.Ph, Inc. and dream that the same is happening in the US.

Dream. It all started with a dream. In my younger years, I dreamt of own-ing a condo unit when condos were still a rarity. I dreamt of a life amid the hustle and bustle of everything phan-tasmagoric. Now everything seems to be a dream to me.

I hope the dreams come true. New York. New Jersey. Chicago. florida.

Nevada. Arizona. California. I am about to cross half of the world in a year’s time. That in itself ought to be a personal milestone. but I have to spread the word among all filipinos in the US that everywhere in the Philip-pines, decent dwellings are abloom like mushrooms.

Tough job. I hear my teammates say. but we all share the same dream. It is within our reach. I can feel it in my guts. I can feel it in the air. I can see it through the snow melting by the window pane to reveal the prospects of success.

I suddenly recall my interview with the American consul. Do I have plans of staying in the US for good? I said no. I love my country. I love the Philippines. I must share this love with other filipinos in the US. I must share with them, too, the good fortune that has come my way through sheer hardwork. And dreams.

It will definitely not be easy to muster all my accummulated knowl-

edge and skills on real estate sales in a foreign land. There are cultural boundaries. This early I am already be-ginning to feel the culture shock that often comes with a sudden change in environment. but with my teammates around, I hope to go through business smoothly. And come back to the Phil-ippines with smiles on our faces.

Major real estate developers have entrusted us a portion of their sales efforts by sponsoring this real estate caravan. I am deeply grateful for the gesture. I want them to be doubly grateful when I come back with more than the target number of investors sharing with our dreams.

The commitment is mutual. we shall not fail them. I hear a series of knocks on the door. I hear the enthu-siastic voices of my teammates echo-ing down the hall. I open the door and greet them with bear hugs. I suddenly miss the Philippines but we have to live up to our commitment.

America, here we come!

The Global PinoyDaniel R. dela Cruz

Crossing the coasts with dreams

For inquiries, please contact: Philippines +639285002391, +639198504468, +6328123333 USA +17025537303,+17025255772 • www.globalpinoy.ph [email protected]

• Cost-effective tri-media exposure• Direct marketing (door-to-door selling) in the multibillion-dollar-market

• Handled by real estate professionals and experienced media practitioners

8� | CondoCentral

for r

ent

Disclaimer: All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Prospective purchasers and renters should verify the information to their satisfaction.

condo

Bonifacio Global CityBonifacio Heights 2 Unfurnished 41 sq.m. 0 P15,000/month

Bonifacio Heights 2 Fully furnished 46 sq.m. 0 P25,000/month

One Mckinley Place 2 Fully furnished 114 sq.m. 1 P100,000/month

Serendra 2 3 Unfurnished 108 sq.m. 0 P110,000/month

Serendra 2 1 Fully furnished 54 sq.m. 0 P50,000/month

Bonifacio Ridge 3 Fully furnished 113 sq.m. 2 P100,000/month



Rosewood Pointe 2 Unfurnished 49 sq.m. 0 P60,000/month

One Serendra 1 Semi-furnished 79 sq.m. 1 P80,000/month

Kensington Place Studio Fully furnished 36 sq.m. 0 P30,000/month

Forbeswood Heights 3 Fully furnished 155 sq.m. 1 P130,000/month

Penhurst 2 Semi-furnished 94 sq.m. 1 P65,000/month

Penhurst 3 Semi-furnished 145 sq.m. 1 P100,000/month

Kensington Place Studio Fully furnished 34 sq.m. 0 P30,000/month

Legaspi Village, MakatiOne Legaspi Park 2 Fully furnished 90.77 sq.m. 0 P110,000/month

One Legaspi Park 1 Fully furnished 60.25 sq.m. 1 P70,000/month

Greenbelt Parkplace Studio Fully furnished 36 sq.m. 0 P35,000/month

Frabella 2 Fully furnished 169 sq.m. 0 P85,000/month

Biltmore Studio Bare 62 sq.m. 0 P37,000/month

Biltmore 1 Fully furnished 82 sq.m. 1 P70,000/month

Greenbelt Radisson Studio Fully furnished 34.3 sq.m. 0 P30,000/month

Shang Grand Tower 1 Fully furnished 132 sq.m. 0 P130,000/month

One Legaspi Park 2 Fully furnished 96 sq.m. 1 P100,000/month

One Legaspi Park 1 Fully furnished 62 sq.m. 1 P55,000/month

Shang Grand Tower 2 Fully furnished 135 sq.m. 1 P140,000/month

The Asia Tower 2 Fully furnished 75 sq.m. 0 P65,000/month

The Asia Tower 2 Fully furnished 75 sq.m. 0 P65,000/month

Greenbelt Park Place Studio Fully furnished 37.1 sq.m. 0 P30,000/month



Greenbelt Park Place Studio Fully furnished 36 sq.m. 0 P35,000/month

UNIT TYPE

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www.condo.com.phFor inquiries and viewing requests:CALL NOW (632) 812-3333

CondoCentral | 87

Malate, ManilaPacific Regency 1 Unfurnished 46 sq.m. 0 P15,000/month

Popular Place Condominium 2 Unfurnished 57 sq.m. 1 P16,500/month



Burgundy Transpacific 1 Unfurnished 25 sq.m. 0 P13,500/month

Burgundy Transpacific 1 Unfurnished 28 sq.m. 0 P13,500/month

One Wilson Place 2 Unfurnished 102 sq.m. 1 P24,000/month

Mandaluyong City/ PasigMayfield Park Residences 2 Unfurnished 48 sq.m. 1 P20,000/month

East Ortigas Mansions 2 Semi-furnished 80 sq.m. 1 P15,000/month

Parc Royale 1 Fully furnished 60 sq.m. 0 P35,000/month

California Garden Square 2 Fully furnished 60 sq.m. 0 P16,000/month

California Garden Square 2 Fully furnished 60 sq.m. 0 P35,000/month

California Garden Square 2 Semi-furnished 57.5 sq.m. 0 P14,000/month

Quezon CityNovalesa Millenium Bldg. Studio Semi-furnished 30.53 sq.m. 0 P16,000/month

Spazio Bernardo Studio Semi-furnished 33 sq.m. 0 P6,000/month

One Orchard Road 2 Fully furnished 73 sq.m. 1 P50,000/month

Grand Eastwood Palazzo 2 Unfurnished 73 sq.m. 1 P35,000/month

Prince David Condominium 2 Semi-furnished 82 sq.m. 0 P25,000/month

Tropical mandarin 2 Fully furnished 146 sq.m. 1 P50,000/month

Tropical mandarin 1 Fully furnished 1 P45,000/month

salcedo Village, MakatiSalcedo Park 2 Unfurnished 179 sq.m. 2 P70,000/month

Splendido Gardens 3 Unfurnished 279 sq.m. 0 P120,000/month

Grand Tower Condo 2 Fully furnished 155 sq.m. 0 P75,000/month



The Peak 1 Fully furnished 67 sq.m. 0 P27,000/month

Antel Platinum 1 Fully furnished 50 sq.m. 0 P30,000/month

Pasong Tamo/ Dela rosa/ ayala ave./ rockefeller, Makati Oriental Gardens Lotus Tower Studio Fully furnished 37 sq.m. 0 P25,000/month

MET 1 1 Bare 29 sq.m. 0 P13,500/month

Oriental Gardens Studio Fully furnished 33 sq.m. 1 P25,000/month

Sison Mansion Studio Semi-furnished 25 sq.m. 0 P6,000/month

Sison Mansion 1 Fully furnished 45 sq.m. 0 P15,000/month

The Columns at Ayala 1 Fully furnished 48 sq.m. 1 P40,000/month

Paranaque/ Marikina/ TaguigChateau Elysee 1 Semi-furnished 28 sq.m. 0 P9,000/month

Picasso @ Presidio Brittany Bay 1 Semi-furnished 49 sq.m. 0 P15,000/month

Marquinton Residences 2 Semi-furnished 49 sq.m. 0 P18,000/month

Vista De Lago Villas 2 Semi-furnished 58 sq.m. 1 P19,000/month

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for s

ale

Disclaimer: All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Prospective purchasers and renters should verify the information to their satisfaction.

condo

www.condo.com.phFor inquiries and viewing requests:CALL NOW (632) 812-3333

Baguio City/ Cebu CityThe Zone Vill 2 Fully furnished 149 sq.m. 1 P8,500,000

The Zone Vill 2 Fully furnished 43 sq.m. 1 P2,500,000

Winland Towers 2 Unfurnished 80 sq.m. 0 P8,000,000

Bonifacio Global CityForbeswood Heights 1 Unfurnished 48 sq.m. 1 P5,200,000

Forbeswood Heights 3 Fully furnished 155 sq.m. 1 P18,500,000

Forbeswood Heights 2 Unfurnished 85 sq.m. 1 P7,600,000

Kensington 2 Bare 65.79 sq.m. 1 P5,900,000

Serendra District 1 2 Semi-furnished 134 sq.m. 2 P16,000,000

Two Serendra 2 Unfurnished 73 sq.m. 1 P10,500,000

Serendra 2 1 Unfurnished 60 sq.m. 0 P6,800,000

Forbeswood Heights 1 Unfurnished 48 sq.m. 0 P3,800,000

South of Market 1 Fully furnished 36sq.m. 1 P4,600,000

South of Market 1 Fully furnished 38 sq.m. 1 P4,800,000

South of Market 1 Fully furnished 39 sq.m. 1 P4,900,000

Fairways Tower 1 Unfurnished 52 sq.m. 0 P5,200,000

Rainbow ridge Studio Semi-furnished 37.5 sq.m. U.R. P1,250,000

One Mckinley Place 2 Fully furnished 110 sq.m. 1 P10,800,000

Legaspi Village, MakatiGreenbelt Radisson Studio Unfurnished 34.3 sq.m. 0 P3,800,000

Greenbelt Parkplace Studio Bare 36.5 sq.m. 0 P4,600,000

Greenbelt Parkplace Studio Fully furnished 36 sq.m. 1 P5,000,000

One Legaspi Park 1 Fully furnished 66 sq.m. 1 P8,000,000

Greenbelt Parkplace Studio Unfurnished 36 sq.m. 1 P5,500,000

Greenbelt Radisson Studio Unfurnished 36 sq.m. 0 P3,500,000



The Residences at Greenbelt 3 Unfurnished 187 sq.m. 2 P24,000,000

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ManilaHampstead Gardens 1 Semi-furnished 36 sq.m. 1 P2,000,000

Burgundy Transpacific Place 1 Unfurnished 25 sq.m. 0 P2,000,000

Ortigas Center/ Mandaluyong/ Greenhills, san Juan/PasigMegaplaza 1 Fully furnished 45 sq.m. 1 P4,000,000

AIC Gold Tower 3 200 sq.m. 0 P9,000,000

AIC Gold Tower 3 197 sq.m. 1 P10,480,220

Cityland Megaplaza 1 Fully furnished 35.62 sq.m. P2,200,000

East Ortigas Mansions 2 Fully furnished 61 sq.m. 1 P3,800,000

Malayan Plaza 1 Fully furnished 56.66 sq.m. 0 P4,200,000

Galleria Regency 2 Fully furnished 87 sq.m. 1 P11,000,000

Wack-wack Twin Tower 3 Fully furnished 165 sq.m. 1 P9,000,000

California Garden Square 2 Bare 57 sq.m. 0 P2,200,000

California Garden Square 2 Semi-furnished 57.5 sq.m. 0 P3,000,000

California Garden Square 2 Bare 57.5 sq.m. 0 P2,500,000

San Francisco Gardens 2 Semi-furnished 88 sq.m. 1 P3,500,000

Cambridge Village 1 Unfurnished 40 sq.m. 0 P1,000,000

Goldhill Tower 3 179 sq.m. 1 P5,000,000

Quezon CityVictoria Station 2 Unfurnished 42 sq.m. 0 P2,150,000

Regalia Park Condominium 2 Unfurnished 62 sq.m. 0 P2,400,000

Prince David Condominium Studio Fully furnished 34 sq.m. 0 P2,500,000

Victoria Station 3 Unfurnished 42 sq.m. 0 P2,150,000

Olympic Heights Tower 1 1 Fully furnished 54 sq.m. 0 P4,000,000

rockwell/ Pasong Tamo/ Makati ave./ Dela rosa, Makati CityJoya at Rockwell Center 2 Unfurnished 100 sq.m. 2 P12,000,000

CMET 2 3 Unfurnished 120 sq.m. 0 P6,500,000

Millenium Plaza 1 Semi-furnished 59 sq.m. 2 P4,500,000

Oriental Gardens Lotus Tower Studio Fully furnished 37 sq.m. 0 P3,000,000

A. Venue Residences 1 Unfurnished 38 sq.m. 0 P4,000,000


Makati Prime Tower Studio Fully furnished 23 sq.m. 0 P1,500,000


CMET 1 Studio Semi-furnished 20 sq.m. 0 P1,400,000

CMET 1 Studio Semi-furnished 27.36 sq.m. 0 P1,800,000

Cityland 9 3 Semi-furnished 83 sq.m. 1 P3,300,000

Cityland Pasong Tamo Tower 1 Fully furnished 34 sq.m. 1 P3,700,000

Makati Cinema Square Tower 3 Fully furnished 149 sq.m. 0 P9,000,000

West of Ayala 3 Fully furnished 136 sq.m. 2 P9,500,000

salcedo Village, MakatiOne Lafayette 1 Semi-furnished 60 sq.m. 1 P5,000,000

Easton Place 2 Unfurnished 126 sq.m. 1 P8,500,000



Prince Tower Condo 1 Fully furnished 61.18 sq.m. 0 P3,000,000

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Condo! Condo! Condo! Condo!

FOR SALEForBesWood heights

Bonifacio Global City1-BR, 59 sq.m., unfurnished, 2 T&B, 1 maid’s room,

P5M (negotiable)

one MCKinleY PlACeBonifacio Global City

1-BR with balcony, 76 sq.m, unfurnished., 1 parking slot, P6.7M

PenhUrst Bonifacio Global City

2-BR, 97 sq.m., fully furnished, 1 parking slot, 1 maid’s room, 3 T&B, P8.5M (negotiable)

soUth oF MArKet (soMA) Bonifacio Global City

1-BR, 38 sq.m., fully furnished, fully fitted, nice view, higher floor, P4.2M

eAston PlACe Salcedo Village, Makati City

2-BR with balcony,126 sq.m., unfurnished,1 parking slot, 1 maid’s room, 3 T&B, P7.5M

one lAFAYetteSalcedo Village, Makati City

1-BR, 60 sq.m., unfurnished,1 parking slot, newly renovated, P5M (negotiable)

the PArKlAne Salcedo Village, Makati City

3-BR,186 sq.m., unfurnished,1 parking slot, 1 maid’s room, 3 T&B, P8.5M

one legAZPi PArKLegazpi Village, Makati City

1-BR, 61 sq.m., unfurnished,1 parking slot, corner unit, very nice view, P7.2M

FOR LEASEone MCKinleY PlACe

Bonifacio Global City1-BR with balcony, 76 sq.m., fully furnished,1 park-

ing slot, P50,000

ForBesWood heightsBonifacio Global City

1-BR, 59 sq.m., unfurnished, 2 T&B, 1 maid’s room, P40,000

PenhUrstBonifacio Global City

2-BR, 97 sq.m., fully furnished, 1 parking slot, 1 maid’s room, 3 T&B, P60,000

one legAZPi PArKLegazpi Village, Makati City

1-BR, 61 sq.m., fully furnished, 1 parking slot, nice view, P60,000

the PArKPlACeLegazpi Village, Makati City

1-BR, 38 sq.m., fully furnished, nice view, P30,000

WestgAte PlAZASalcedo Village, Makati City

2-BR, 115 sq.m., fully furnished, 1 parking slot, 3 T&B, 1 maid’s room, P40,000

For viewing requests, call Constatino at +639217699685

liVe And inVest in A PlACe thAt YoU deserVe

PortoFino

House and lots for the fine peopleP8M - P44M

AVAnt

Fort Bonifacio Studio - P2.9M - P3.3M1-BR - P4.5M - P4.9M 2-BR - P7.1M - P10.2M

3-BR - P11.8M

el PUeBloVery affordable

Studio - P.63M - P.80M1-BR - P.96M - P.98M2-BR - P .96M - P.98M3-BR - P1.24 - P1.56M

Call or text Charles Herrero +639167635322

resAle Condo Units

two serendraBonifacio Global City

2-BR, 73 sq.m., 2T&B, 1 parking slot, P10.5MSouth of Market (SOMA)

south of MarketBonifacio Global City

1-BR, FF, 36.54, 1 T&B, 1 parking slot, P4.6M1-BR, FF, 38, 1 T&B, 1 parking slot, P4.8M

Cityland Pasong tamo tower1-BR, FF, 34 sq.m., 1 T&B, 1 parking slot, P3.7M

Please contact Norma Robles

at +639178557174/ +639202623145

Condo Units For sAle

grand hamptons tower iiBonifacio Global City

One-bedroom with balcony 46 sq.m. P3.3MVito Cruz TowerNear DLSU-Taft24 sq.m. P1.2M

Call or text Bing Lau at +639209027280

legAZPi VillAge Condos

greenbelt radisson

Legaspi Village, Makati City S 36 sq.m. P3.5M

greenbelt radisson

Legaspi Village, Makati City S 36 sq.m. P3.5M

greenbelt radisson

Legaspi Village, Makati CIty S 40 sq.m.P4M

greenbelt Parkplace

Legaspi Village, Makati City S 36 sq,m. 1 parking slot P5.5M

greenbelt Parkplace

Legaspi Village, Makati City S 36.5 sq.m. P4.6M

greenbelt Parkplace

Legaspi Village, Makati City S 36 sq.m. 1 parking slot P5M

Call or text Dexter R. dela Cruz at +639214643185

central market

Best deAl!oFFiCe And CoMMerCiAl

ProPerties

QuEzOn City: LOtS FOR SALE Cubao, 1031 sq.m. P30,000/sq.m

Rotonda, 2000 sq.m. P30,000/sq.m

PASig City: OFFiCE SPACES FOR SALE

San Miguel Avenue, penthouse unit, 348 sq,m., 2 parking slots, P10M

San Miguel Avenue, 198.27 sq.m., 1 parking slot, P8.5M

San Miguel Avenue, 197.00 sq.m., P 5.6M

ADB Avenue, 579.066 sq.m., P600.00/sq.m.

MAndALuyOng City: OFFiCE SPACE FOR LEASE

Pioneer, 6000 sq.m., P650/sq.m.Ideal for call center operation

CAvitE: OFFiCE SPACE

FOR LEASE Carmona, 6,400 sq.m., P200/sq.m.

Ideal for call center operation or corporate office

MAkAti: OFFiCE SPACES FOR LEASE Ayala Avenue,

23 sq.m., 32 sq.m., 36 sq.m., 78 sq.m., P410/sq.m.

dela rosa, 183 sq.m., P300/sqm

rada, 169 sq.m., P350/sq.m., 303 sq.m., P300/sq.m., 652 sq.m., P300/ sq.m., 526 sq.m., P350/sq.m.

gREEnhiLLS, SAn JuAn:

COMMERCiAL AREAS FOR LEASE

Annapolis54.04 sq.m., 35.40 sq.m., 32.45 sq.m., 47.00 sq.m., 38.99 sq.m., 15.48 sq.m.,

P600-P650/sq.m.Ideal for flower shop and jewelry shop

BOniFACiO gLOBAL City:

COMMERCiAL SPACES FOR LEASE

The Fort, 63.91, P1,200/sq.m., 46.09 sq.m., P800/sq.m., 62.27 sq.m., P1,200/sq.m., 50.37 sq.m.,

P1,200/ sq.m, 59.17 sq.m., P1,200/sq.m.Ideal for convenience store and restaurant

For more information, contact Mr. Henry Mondoñedo at 473-4379 or 09202862981.

F1 CitY Center at Bonifacio global City

Take a look into the future of urban living. This is F1 City Center. Breathing new life into the city.Available units: commercial, condotel, flats and lofts

Own a unit for as low as P4.5MAnother condominium project by First Global

BYO, project manager of Fort Palm Spring

Now selling! Call Rene Isidro at +639159708815

toP BroKer’s PiCKs!

one Mckinley Place Bonifacio Global City

2BR 110 sq.m. FF 1 parking slot P10.8M

Joya at rockwell Center Rockwell, Makati City 2BR 100 sq.m. P12M

West of Ayala

Sen. Gil Puyat, Makati City 3BR 136 sq.m. 2 parking slots P9.5M

south of Market

Bonifacio Global City 1BR 38 sq.m. FF 1 parking slot P4.8M

south of Market

Fort Bonifacio Global City 1BR FF 39 sq.m. 1 parking slot P4.9M

south of Market

Fort Bonifacio Global City 1BR FF 36 sq.m. 1 parking slot P4.6M

Makati Cinema square towerSan Lorenzo Village, Makati City

3BR FF 149 sq.m. P9M

Forbeswood heightsBonifacio Global City1BR 48 sq.m. P3.8M

Call or text Grace Geverola at +639278369426

Celadon ParkLeisure condo living

at the heart of ManilaFor as low as P14,000 per month

By Community Innovations (An Ayala Land company)

Live the life you deserveCall Patrick R. Blanco at +639179809477

tWo serendrA (the Aston)

Bonifacio global CitySuburban living in the city

For as low as P14,000 per monthBy Community Innovations (An Ayala Land company)

Live the life you deserveCall Royce Co at +639177946010 Website: www. aseanbiztimes.com E-mail: [email protected]

Telephone No. 524-7495 • Fax No. 522-2277

94 | CondoCentral

THE TENTH EDITION of the Interna-tional Madrid real estate exhibition, to be celebrated from April 8th to 12th this year, will gather all the prod-ucts from foreign markets in Ifema’s pavilion number 12. “The significant increase in the number of interna-tional developers and visitors in the last two editions of our exhibition, as well as the growing interest of Spanish investors in other real estate markets, specially those from Latin America and the eastern europe, drove us to enlarge the areas dedicated to inter-national products and companies,” explains Santiago herreros de Tejada, director of International expansion of Planner reed. both the presence of public institutions from Latin American and european markets and the visits of the highest representa-

tives from the most important real estate market authorities in emerg-ing countries have helped SIMA to become a real business platform and a privileged bridge between europe and Latin America.

After ten editions, SIMA has turned into a barometer that measures the actual situation of the Spanish real es-tate market. In this sense, internation-al presence in this exhibition, bigger and bigger every year, is a reflection of how the market is evolving around the world. former International Madrid real estate exhibition shows have demonstrated that territorial diversification is one of the strategies adopted by developers, companies, investors and final buyers. According to recent data published by banco de españa -The Spanish National bank- investments in properties made by Spanish buyers abroad have grown up to 2.619 million of euros until last September, which means 69 percent more investments –quantified in million of euros- than those registered during last year’s same period, and 11 percent more than those registered at the end of 2006 -2.346 million of euros. “Nowadays, not only Spanish development companies are frequent-ing a global scenario, also Spanish buy-ers have attained maturity and they are looking for opportunities in other markets. Moreover, there are more investment tools and channels, which make it easier for buyers to manage their investments abroad. During four consecutive days, a new international

pavilion will offer to developers and investors the most appealing business opportunities and investment tools from more than 50 countries,” he adds.

Argentina, the apple of Latin America’s eyefour months before the exhibition’s inauguration, more than 30 Latin American companies have leased space in the International Madrid real estate exhibition. The economic recovery of markets from the other shore of the Atlantic and the possibil-ity to get higher profitability ratios than in Spain or than in the United States are encouraging savers to invest in properties in Latin America. Companies from Argentina, brazil, Colombia, Uruguay, Panama, Mexico and Chile will take part in SIMA’s tenth edition once again. “Some of the most used formulas by entrepre-neurs and investors to penetrate Latin American markets are to purchase huge buildings in financial districts in order to rent them out as compa-nies’ headquarters, to buy land in the coastline to build second-home devel-opments or to buy apartments under a condo-hotel system,” he points out.Argentina will have one of the most numerous representations of those participating in SIMA08. Accord-ing to Jaime garbasky, president of grupo ecipsa, “the apple in the eye” of Latin America generates profits up to 35 percent of the property’s original value, and annual incomes for

renting activities are about 12 percent. Mexico, Colombia, Chile, Panama and Uruguay are some of the other Latin American markets that will partici-pate in SIMA08. “Chile’s higher degree of legal certainty, second-home housing developments in the pipeline in Uruguay and a strong demand of properties in Mexico are some of the attractive factors of those markets,” he says.

eastern europe, in the spotlightSpanish developers and investors also consider emerging markets from eastern europe as an objective. Countries as such Poland or bulgaria

real estate players from all over the world converge in the charming Spanish city of Madrid to showcase their wares, get a better feel of the international market, have fun, and do serious business

SIMA08 bets heavily on a globalreal estate market

happenings

CondoCentral | 95

offer business opportunities and high levels of profitability to the most skillful investors. So far, bulgarian market counts on one of the broadest representations in SIMA. “bulgaria has successfully culminated a transition from dictatorship to a democratic government. besides, bulgaria is a eu-ropean Union member, which means that macroeconomic stability and constant growth are essential features of its emerging economy,” explains Santiago herreros de Tejada. Com-panies such as Inmoban or bulgaria house will be participating in SIMA’s tenth edition.

The International Program strengthens its positionfor the fourth consecutive year, SIMA will hold the International Profes-sional Program, to be celebrated from April 9th to April 11th. “This program is being supported and sponsored by the most important developer associ-ation from all around the world. NAr (National Association of realtors) has designed, along with SIMA organiz-ers, lectures and sessions which will be included in this program. The promotion made by this association among its members has been one of the key factors of the International

Program success. Through these years, we have achieved the very same tight collaboration with other european as-sociations, such as CeI or CePI,” points out Santiago herreros de Tejada.SIMA08 International Program will analyze investment opportunities available in emerging markets from Latin America and eastern europe, market trends such as a growing ten-dency in europe to buy second-home properties abroad, new sales channels and the ultimate marketing tools. other lectures of the International Program will talk about the new sec-ond-home buyer in Spain. Some of the

questions to be answered by experts who will participate and discuss in these forums will be, for example, how the Spanish second-home purchaser has evolved in recent years or which are the products preferred by german or british buyers.

New buying-and-selling tools - buy to let, condo-hotels and leaseback - will be another topic to be discussed during this event. Also, while the program is taking place, quick meeting sessions will be offered, so developers and inves-tors from different markets could contact each other.

9� | CondoCentral

PIONEERING has always been an apt description for real property developer brittany Corporation. At the forefront of innovation, it has literally and figuratively broken many new grounds and sculpted the land to create various masterfully planned properties that are not only unique but have come to set the trends in the industry.

To name a few, the expansive Porto-fino development has brought Italy to Manila. Switzerland has found a home in Tagaytay with the Swiss-inspired Crosswinds. And the postcard row of San francisco along with its laid back lifestyle has served as the inspiration for brittany bay.

Typical of brittany Corp. to take things a step further, it has also embarked on re-shaping the skyline as well. Marfori at brittany bay in Sucat and Mosaic at greenbelt are among its latest vertical residential developments that offer unique properties tailor-made to provide an escape from the urban jungle.

once again breaking new ground, this time within the famed bonifacio global City, is brittany Corp.’s most recent development that strengthens

the property developer’s maverick spirit. occupying what is perhaps the last remaining area within the much-sought after “golden triangle” at the heart of Crescent Park west, Avant at the fort is a reflection of ingénue in all aspects.

“we are extremely excited to offer Avant at The fort. This is one of our hallmark masterplans – one that has challenged us to be unrelentingly creative from the architecture building to the interiors of every living space inside!” brittany Corp. president Jing Serrano enthused.

with respect to vertical develop-ments, Avant will transcend conven-tional condo living with its refreshing innovations and artfully experimental

architectural design. More importantly, Avant at The fort will adopt a phi-losophy of environmental responsive-ness through the practice of green architecture.

Avant at The fort will be designed to the last square inch to bring forth not only an architecturally beautiful vertical residential development, but one that is just as well-designed on the inside.

“we at brittany Corp. are very confident that Avant at The fort will set another trend in vertical residen-tial properties. More importantly, we believe that this will pave the way in changing the market’s perceptions and expectations and will raise the quality of living in the urban areas. Avant is

truly a landmark development we are proud to include in our portfolio of properties,” concluded Serrano.

Avant at The fort held its ground-breaking ceremonies last Saturday, february 16 at the site, with special guests architect Albert S. Yu, Taguig Mayor Sigfrido Tinga, brittany head of Vertical Developments Dada de guzman and brittany’s head of Cor-porate Communications Nova Noval. Interested clients were also treated to a sneak peak of what is in store at the The embassy Cafeteria immediately after the ceremonies.

brittany Corporation is a maverick real estate developer of innovative and creative lifescapes. Its eclectic and vibrant portfolio includes brittany bay, Crosswinds, Portofino, georgia Club, The Islands and Mosaic at greenbelt. with masterplanned communities steeped in character, stylistic and the-matic appeal, rich architectural details and excellent craftsmanship, it success-fully and continuously reinvents the local real estate landscape.

For inquiries and advance previews, please call 8374093 or 8372868

happenings

Brittany breaks new ground with Avant at The Fort

CondoCentral | 97

PHILTOwN PROPERTIES INC, one of the fastest growing bou-tique developers in the country seals pact with South eastern equities Construction and Services Phils, Inc. (SeeCSP) as its Manage-ment Contractor. This agreement ensures the construction and early delivery of the w.h. Taft residenc-es units to its buyers.

The w.h. Taft residences is a 30-storey residential tower located along Taft Avenue, a brisk, busy area beside De La Salle University and across College of St. benilde. This 4th vertical project of Philtown Properties is sure to build a strong

identity, featuring the first ever completely wi-fi enabled building in the metropolis; it is definitely the ideal home for students and young professionals alike.

SeeCSP based in Australia represents the merging of a group of specialized and diverse, yet complimentary, manufacturing, construction and finance interests from Australia and the Philip-pines. SeeCSP has been founded as a result of common objectives and expertise of a group of highly qualified individuals from several nations that when combined rely on fundamental and successful

business practices.established in 1995, Philtown

Properties Inc. was initially orga-nized as the property firm of the rfM group. Through the years, the Company has developed a number of horizontal and vertical projects in the vicinity of Metro Manila.

with this venture, the two companies will now work together to achieve on-time project comple-tion, thereby creating higher real estate values not only for Philtown and SeeCSP, but also to buyers in this project as well.

Australian Firm assigned as the Management Contractor for W.H. Taft Residences

AyALA LAND PREMIER, the Philippines’ leading property developer for the high-end market, received a prestigious international award. Its signature project, The residences at greenbelt, won as the “best high- rise Development, Philippines” in the recently concluded International Property Awards.

Considered the “world Cup of Property”, the International Property

Awards, in association with CNbC, is the world’s largest property com-petition and the most anticipated event in the industry. Supported by no less than five media partners and nine professional bodies, they have attracted entries from a record 57 different companies this year. entries were judged by a panel of profession-als whose collective knowledge of the property industry is second to none and unsurpassed by any other property awards. Chaired by eric Pickles, british Shadow Secretary of State, this year’s judges included Imtiaz farookhi, chief executive of the National house build-ing Council; Peter bolton King, chief executive of the National Association of estate Agents; and Jonathan Price, president of the International real estate federation (fIAbCI).

however, in spite of the scheme’s global nature, only a small number of awards are allocated for each country. The fact that Ayala Land Premier has earned one of these coveted awards is sure proof that it can not only compete but also triumph within the highly competitive global property arena.

The residences at greenbelt is a true example of a world-class high-rise

development. Its enviable location is in itself a winner; situated at the heart of Makati’s Central business District and integrated with the renowned greenbelt Lifestyle Center. This exciting address provides easy access to a host of the best work, business, shopping, dining and entertainment destinations in the Philippines.

with the country’s top construction, engineering and design teams provid-ing their expertise, The residences at greenbelt boasts an outstanding architectural design that complements and seamlessly blends with its location. residents will get to choose between various unit types that promise gener-ous space and comfort. They will also get to enjoy full-scale amenities in the development, as the podium area of The fifth will house first-rate facilities such as gyms and spas, function rooms and entertainment halls, pools and Zen gardens. residents are also assured of the safety and upkeep of the develop-ment at all times through the Ayala Property Management Corporation (AMPC). In fact, the 24-hour concierge service provides premier resident as-sistance for various needs at any time of day.

The recognition from the property industry’s most prestigious award-giving body serves to bolster and strengthen Ayala Land Premier’s place as the country’s top property develop-er. “The characteristics that make The residences at greenbelt an award-win-ning property are also the hallmarks that have always distinguished an Ayala Land Premier development,” shared Ayala Land Premier head bobby Dy. “Ayala Land Premier does not only provide living spaces: it promises and delivers innovatively designed, excep-tionally engineered, master-planned communities.”

each Ayala Land Premier project is a study on the perfect synthesis of excel-lent location and enviable surround-ings - and all possess that most distinct of Ayala Land Premier trademarks: an unsurpassed commitment to quality. “This award is proof positive of Ayala Land Premier’s unwavering adherence to product excellence,” said Dy. “rest assured, our clients can always rely on us to provide them with residential spaces worthy to be called homes.”

The Residences at Greenbelt wins highly prestigious property award

98 | CondoCentral98 | CondoCentral

Offering to the people

THE ICON of selflessly offering oneself to the country, the UP oblation faces the heavens with open hands and outstretched arms, heed-ing his country’s need.

Then UP President rafael Palma commis-sioned Professor guillermo e. Tolentino to construct the sculpture. with Anastacio T. Caedo, Professor Tolentino’s apprentice, they forged the oblation. The oblation is based on the second verse of the National hero, Jose rizal’s Mi Ultimo Adios:

In fields of battle, deliriously fighting,Others give you their lives, without doubt, without regret;Where there’s cypress, laurel or lily,On a plank or open field, in combat or cruel martyrdom,If the home or country asks, it’s all the same - it matters not.

The sculpture at Quezon hall in Diliman, Quezon City is a bronze replica. The original oblation resides in the Main Library at the gonzales hall.

Certainly, there is a need to replicate the oblation and forge heroes who will willingly offer their lives for the people.

epilogue

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Condo Central Magazine March 2008

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Transcript of Condo Central Magazine March 2008