Why few residents want to move out of this Mandaluyong barangay

A new residential condo project is perking up buyer interest once more in this residential enclave where sellers are few and far between.

Among the exclusive residential enclaves of Metro Manila, few property specialists can put a price tag on lots in Wack-Wack subdivision in Mandaluyong City. Estimates range broadly from P55,000 to P140,000 per sqm simply because few lot owners in this 41-hectare subdivision with only 270 lots are willing to sell their properties.

Direct beneficiaries of the tree-lined fairways of the 36-hole Wack-Wack Country Club golf course right next to them, barangay residents highly appreciate the fresh air and quiet of their surroundings. From the higher floors of the residential condominiums that are part of this enclave, the tranquil views of the greens are calming. Yet, residents are only an average 30 minutes away from at least five major business districts including Makati and Eastwood City.

Real center

“The real center of Metro Manila is Mandaluyong, where Wack-Wack is located,” said Paco T. Bayot, a resident of the barangay and vice president of Madrigal-Bayot Development Corp. which owns one of the newest residential condominium projects in the area. The strategic location of the 32-story The Address at Wack-Wack and its well-thought-out amenities have renewed interest in this prime residential community among potential buyers.

Unsurprisingly, key buyers of The Address include homeowners from Wack-Wack subdivision who have downscaled and prefer to live in more manageable residences. Bayot said many of these clients took a look at the development with the original intent of leasing out the premises. “But many of them decided to move into the unit themselves so they could continue living in Wack-Wack while satisfying their desire for surroundings requiring lower maintenance.”

The units with generous spaces ranging from 59 to 120 sqm and the project’s amenities likewise allow them to continue enjoying their quality of life. At The Address, all residences have high ceilings and are already fitted out with kitchens featuring granite counters and storage spaces. Every unit has a maid’s room that can be converted into a utility room. Best of all, parking is generous as one parking lot has been allotted for every bedroom in the development.

“Our units are ready to be moved in upon turnover,” said Bayot, who with his father Francisco Jr., personally supervised the construction of the project. He is so confident of the project that he decided to move in and combined two adjoining units to fit his needs. Buyers are free to do the same should they need a bigger living area. Succeeding Madrigal-Bayot projects include a residential condominium project in the Ayala-developed portion of Alabang where the company has other interests.

He pointed out that the walls between residences are made of concrete and contribute to fostering privacy and exclusivity—two key values of the Madrigal-Bayot development team. Still another detail Bayot highlighted is the ventilation in the hallways, which are flanked by residential units on either side. Despite the intense heat outdoors as of this writing, the corridors are cool because of the building air wells that ensure air circulation. Air wells inside the unit also lessen residents’ dependence on air-conditioning units.

Top-floor amenities

When residents want even more fresh air, they hie to the top floor of The Address with an infinity-edge lap pool, pool bar, function hall and outdoor garden with play facilities. From the al fresco areas, views of the Ortigas business district, Cubao, Eastwood City and Makati emphasize the metro-centric location of the project.

Former New York City resident Mike Gaviola revealed that he is moving from an older condominium development nearby to live at The Address because of the great values it offers. In addition to the breathing space it offers, he enjoys the property’s concierge service and the fact that once he pulls over at the driveway, he has the option to ask a valet to bring his car to its parking slot. “We have all the conveniences at our fingertips,” said the former manager of a New York City agency. He is home for good, he said, and happy to have found the “perfect” unit at The Address at Wack-Wack.