There are things in life one can’t simply outgrow. Certain memories and situations—whether whimsical, fancy or fleeting—have all helped wind you up to become the person you are today. Such recollections often continue to leave a lasting imprint in one’s persona, such that even after decades past, one can’t help but continue reminiscing about it.

One example is that nostalgic feeling you would probably always hold for the place and community you grew in, where you spent much of your playful childhood and formative years, and where you probably also saw many firsts in your lifetime.

This makes it difficult for some to uproot themselves completely from the places they grew up in most likely because that community has created much of an impact on their lives, and have given them such unforgettable memories to live by.

Such is the case for many individuals who grew up in the City of San Juan-a historic city located right in the heart of Metro Manila. While small in scale compared to other cities, San Juan has much to offer as it is not only rich in cultural history, social prominence, and economic activity, but it has also provided many residents a home that spells comfort, entertainment, leisure, and convenience.

Good mix

Bounded by Quezon City to the north and east, Mandaluyong to the south, and Manila

to the west, San Juan presents a healthy mix of culture and tradition that goes beyond its colorful political history, thus making the city truly alive and exciting without losing its old rustic charm.

Thus it comes as no surprise that residents who grew up in the area also choose to raise their own families within the confines of San Juan either because of the sense of security that it provides or the good sense of familiarity that it breeds.

Even major developers, such as trusted brand Empire East, have been caught in the allure and the enticing, practical investment proposition that the City of San Juan offers.

And although Empire East already has a presence in the city, it has set out to complete a new project-one that promises to provide future residents the old beauty and charm of enthralling San Juan but without taking away the comfort of the modern world.

Through its Mango Tree Residences, Empire East again aims to fulfill its promise to the hardworking individuals of providing quality homes and communities that afford one with an enhanced lifestyle.

The Mango Tree Residences, strategically located at Paterno Street corner Ledesma Street in San Juan City, is an Italian-inspired development that assures one of gaining access to a respite, a serene environment, and ease of access to life’s modern conveniences.

Here are some other reasons that make this latest development from Empire East indeed, a practical investment proposition that is well worth your every peso.

HISTORICAL LANDMARKS

The City of San Juan holds quite a rich history, as evident in the many monuments and impressive structures that dot the city.

These include the famous and imposing Pinaglabanan Shrine, which was put up in honor of the courage, determination, and willingness of Filipino revolutionaries to sacrifice and fight for freedom from Spanish oppression leading up to the 1897 Philippine Revolution.

The city likewise has several important places of worship such as Saint John the Baptist Parish, or more commonly known as the “Pinaglabanan Church.” As the name itself states, it is where the city’s patron saint, John the Baptist, is enshrined.

There is also the oldest existing church in the city, the Santuario del Santo Cristo; as well as the Mary the Queen Parish in West Greenhills, which serves mostly the local Filipino-Chinese community and is a favored venue for weddings.

Another landmark would be the old headquarters of the Iglesia ni Cristo, which featured art-deco-designed ensembles as crafted by National Artist Juan Nakpil.

This served as the sect’s Central Office Complex from 1925-1971 and was also the home of the church’s first Executive Minister, Ka Felix Manalo, along with other ministers and evangelical workers.

FOODIE’S HAVEN

San Juan is also fast becoming a foodie haven with many new concept restaurants sprouting within the city- apart from the usual favorites that many frequent, from the brick oven pizzas to mouthwatering desserts, all of which would not disappoint.

While these may not be your mainstream, internationally recognized brands, the hole-inthe-wall concept restaurants in San Juan are worth a visit as their diverse menus are sure to tickle your palates and satisfy anyone’s discerning taste.

For pizza lovers, there is the famed Stephen’s Brick Oven that comes in 12” inch pies, topped with anything and everything one can think of. It used to be that these handmade brick oven pizzas by Stephen Chanco were once available only via catering and delivery.

Also found in San Juan is Caf Sanso, named after one of the country’s greatest artist Juvenal Sanso. Serving appetizing Spanish delicacies, the cafe is also giving the artist in you the privilege to indulge in the works of the man as it is attached to museum Fundacion Sanso.

Meanwhile, a few kilometers away would be the famed Carousel Creamery located in Northeast Greenhills, San Juan. It serves 101 different ice cream flavors ranging from the classic to the most unique beer and chicharon flavored ones.

FESTIVITIES

The people of San Juan sure know how to celebrate. With some celebrations and events lined up almost every year, life in this part of the city will never be dull. One of the more famous would be the Wattah Wattah San Juan Festival, where the revelers splash people with water in commemoration of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist and which is celebrated every 24th of June. Also celebrated are the Fluvial Parade; the Pinaglabanan Day, which commemorates the first battle of the revolution in 1896; and the opening of Christmas on Display, among others.

TIANGGE CAPITAL

San Juan is every shopaholic’s haven as it is where the capital of all tiangges is located-the Greenhills Shopping Center. A favorite shopping destination of both local and foreign tourists, the Greenhills tiangge serves as a mecca for people in search of good and practical finds.

Here, one can almost find anything and everything at a bargain from bags, home decors, shoes, gadgets and even jewelry. In fact, one may even be surprised to find in the area some rare items that are not usually available in the big shopping malls.

With such numerous offerings and events to look forward to, it is not at all impossible to see why San Juan continues to thrive as a city and a preferred area when it comes to raising one’s family.

The Mango Tree Residences’ serene environment serves as a perfect environment and ideal backdrop where families can establish quality relationship centered on the core values of life. Here, homeowners will be given enough space and area where they can enjoy the stillness of time with their families without being disrupted or disturbed.

This and more is what Mango Tree Residences aims to offer future homeowners, a life that offers a perfect balance of work and play. With this latest development, Empire East is sure to provide one that much sought inner peace that’s quite hard to find amid the frenzy and chaos in the metropolis.

All things considered, Mango Tree Residences, with its strategic location, well thought out amenities and sturdy structure truly makes for a perfect investment.

TIGHTLY-KNIT COMMUNITY
While located in the heart of the metropolis, San Juan has a geographically manageable size, with a land area of 5.94 square kilometers (sq km) and accounts for less than one percent of the total land area of the National Capital Region (NCR).

The community is also quite small as this heart- shaped city only has a total population of more than 200,000, and thus, has the advantage being properly managed and governed, while the needs of its residents are immediately and properly attended to.

The city government of San Juan has also initiated efforts to attract more investors to do business in the area, thus allowing its residents to find jobs within the confines of San Juan. ADVT