In this season of merrymaking and thanksgiving, it’s high time to pay homage to hardworking individuals who were able to realize their dreams with the help of some of the country’s most reputable developers.
Before, it has always been the developers who would take centerstage, proclaiming how they have helped change and improve the lives of many individuals and families through their projects. This time around, the homeowners themselves are paying a rightful tribute to their chosen developers, whose projects have served as a solid testament to their hard work and love for their family.
In today’s issue, Inquirer Property is featuring grateful home and unit owners—both from here and abroad—all of whom have their own interesting stories to tell as to why they chose a particular development. See how these projects have helped these individuals fulfill their lifelong dream and how these well-planned communities have improved the course of their lives.
STA. LUCIA LAND INC.
PEACHY DAVID CLEMENTE
(Italy)
SotoGrande Davao unit owner
I went to Italy to follow my boyfriend whom I eventually married.
I’ve tried working for a bank in the Philippines for a few years. But I realized then that the salary I was getting wasn’t enough for me if I were to really achieve my dream of having a comfortable life and a nice home.
Leaving for me wasn’t difficult because I was determined to fulfill a dream and I was then bent to follow my boyfriend.
But when I first arrived in Italy, the story changed a bit because I think it took me almost two years to snap out of the loneliness I felt inside me. I started missing my family and the comfort I used to experience back here in Manila.
In Italy, there’s no white collar job that awaits first timers. Most, if not all, would always end up as domestic helpers and this was really difficult especially for me—coming from a cushy banking job to cleaning toilets in Italy.
But I prayed. I took on the difficulties and challenges that came with my job with strength. And I’m proud to say that my perseverance eventually paid off as I was able to slowly fulfill a dream. I started seeing the fruits of my labor after doing two jobs at the same time.
While I worked as a domestic helper, I made sure I invested my money on something really good.
Then luckily, I became a sales agent for Sta. Lucia Land Inc. which again led me to fulfill and accomplish another dream. Through my wide contacts, I was able to sell a number of projects and this allowed me to earn really good commissions which I then used to invest in a condotel development by SLLI.
I’m happy that I became a part of Sta. Lucia as it did not only allow me to make a wise investment but it broadened my reach further and allowed me to meet and gain good friends.
Also, the owners are all very humble especially our president, Mr. Exequiel Robles. He is the only developer I’ve worked for and whom I have personally met. For agents like us, this means so much.
I’m thankful that I was given the chance to be a part of the SLLI family as they really did good on their promises and they gave meaning to my life.
They inspire me to always do good because with them I know that I am in good hands and that my investment would really bring good returns.
VANESSA MENDOZA
(Italy)
SotoGrande Davao unit owner
It was out of curiosity that I became an overseas Filipino worker—something that I initially regretted because of the hardships and challenges that I encountered, particularly when I was just starting back in 2010.
I already had a comfortable life here as we had a banana business. But the thought of working abroad fascinated me. However, my first attempt to work abroad was a fail because I got scammed by my recruiter.
That didn’t stop me.
I never really expected that I would end up working as a domestic helper and so I was in denial at first. Eventually, I accepted it because there was really no other choice for me then. I was lured by the beauty of Paris, but it was quite different from what I initially imagined it to be, especially when I started working.
The job that I had was far from what I expected it to be, but it was too late for me to give up because I already invested a huge amount.
Thus, I made sure that whatever money I earned, I invested it wisely. I persevered and studied their language and culture to ensure that I survived whatever challenge came my way.
So when I heard about Sta. Lucia Land and SotoGrande and how my investment could work for me, I immediately got interested. And what’s even better was that I became an agent for them which gave me better opportunities to earn and improve my skills.
It’s not mere exaggeration when I say that I got lucky that I became part of the SLLI family because it made me realize a lot of things, and gave me numerous blessings.
Investing in SLLI and working for them is truly different. And now, I’m proud to say I have clients from various parts of the world including Korea, Monaco, US and even Japan.
SLLI not only gave us financial aid—it also taught us the value of sharing and helping through the form of making good investmens.
CARMELITA CABRERA
(Italy)
SotoGrande unit owner
I’ve been an OFW as far as I could remember. I had to leave because we needed the money, which then meant that I had to leave my my three kids, the youngest being only 11 month old.
Life was hard back then because apart from the home sickness that you feel. you really had to do hard labor. I remember back then that while I was cleaning houses and scrubbing floors. I would cry remembering my husband and my kids especially my youngest.
But as fate would have it, I was able to sponsor all of them and bring them here with me in Italy. So all those endless nights of crying and loneliness paid off as now, I could say that we are already experiencing the comfort that I didn’t thought was possible.
I have done a couple of jobs and served as an agent for various companies, which allowed me to earn extra.
Then I heard of SLLI and its condotel developments and I thought that it would make for a really good investment so I immediately jumped on the opportunity. I realized that investing in condotels is a wise and practical move because it allowed me to earn money automatically since SLLI was the one facilitating the rental of the units.
After I met the owners and the bosses and saw how kind they were, I thought it would also be nice to work for them. So that’s how my story of becoming an agent happened and the rest was history, as they say.
Right now, I couldn’t be more than grateful for being a part of the SLLI family because here, everyone is treated fairly. The company always makes good of their promise and Sir Excy (Robles) is such an excellent and humble boss that he would inspire you to do an even better job.
I am just happy and overwhelmed with the many blessings I have been receiving—one of which was being part of SLLI, which I consider as my second family. With this job, I have an investment that works for me and I found friends with whom I can share my stories.
ARTHALAND CORP.
MARCO AND KATE ANZANI
Arya Residences unit owner
We were in Manila then and we walked into the showroom by accident. We saw the project development and its platform on sustainable green living and we immediately realized that it’s for us—high ceilings, low density, choice eco-green materials, windows reflecting light.
It was properly planned, well designed, functional, and had an ergonomic sense of positioning. We realized no one in the Philippines recognized the need but them. They presented a new form of mindful luxury living.
Marco and I are personally into progressive slow living—meaning modern and avant garde, green and sustainable and mindful in footprint. Arya Residences really showcased everything we believed in.
Location is also a key component and the position of Arya Residences provides fantastic views of the McKinley corner Bonifacio Global City (BGC) panorama. Arthaland reflects a safe, secure and well managed property where every request is honored and valued to the highest standards of efficiency.
The people behind the brand are not willing to compromise long term gains by cutting corners. Everything they do is an art. And they have mastered it.
We also value their hospitable work culture and their dedication to making their flagship brand flourish. They’ve created a space for us to make life experiences count.
In this day of age where everything is fast paced, being with Arya Residences creates “moments” for us as a couple and as a family. We feel like doing life together with Arya.
We’ve developed the Anzani brand in Cebu (www.anzani.com.ph) and realized that we have a following. (Ed. note—Anzani is a dining destination in Cebu offering new Mediterranean cuisine and is a showcase of what Cebu has to offer sustainably.)
We want to take the same principle with our food stories, travels and Italian footprint to Manila. We aren’t just food, we represent the “la dolce vita life.”
ROCKWELL LAND CORP.
CEZ GOLEZ
One Rockwell resident
I learned about it from ads and friends and family who also live in Rockwell. I looked at about two to three other developments but Rockwell checked off on all the things I was looking for in owning a property: convenience in location, comfort in living, and profitability in terms of investment.
I was living in a house prior to Rockwell. I moved here because of the convenience of the location. It was much closer to work plus I had a lot of friends and family who lived here too, all with positive experiences.
I’ve been living in Rockwell for a little over a year. Moving in was a breeze. I had a lot of help from the staff, who are all so hardworking and friendly. I thought I would have a hard time adjusting to living in an apartment but after my first two months here, I was totally sold on staying for much, much longer.
The amenities and the commercial establishments in the area make it a joy to live here. It’s so easy to grab a bite, watch a movie, go to the gym or catch up with loved ones in Rockwell.
People don’t mind meeting up with me in the area because it’s so pleasant and safe.
I can’t stress how convenient and pleasant it is here in Rockwell. The mall is a stone’s throw away. I have access to restaurants, shops and a grocery anytime I want. Also, the location makes it easier to get to places like the Fort or Ortigas, where I frequent occasionally. One of the best things about it is that it feels safe anytime of the day, which I feel makes it truly invaluable.
I’m happy to say that I have my own ideal home right now—a place that is safe, convenient and comfortable to live in. And should the day come that I move out, I know that I can easily turn my space into a form of investment with easy returns. It’s a win-win situation.
JOSEPH NIEVA
The Grove resident
A good friend of mine, Vienn Tionglico Guzman, has been connected with Rockwell Land for more than 10 years and I get updated with her through our conversations.
Before that, I looked at two other developments and I must say that with Rockwell, I feel safe and secured. It’s not just owning a unit, but also owning a part of the amenity and being part of a great community.
For me, the shared amenity area at The Grove is perfect. It’s a weekend always in that place.
I can just imagine how kids can make friends with neighbors and maybe even become business partners in the future. I’m glad that The Proscenium will have the same concept. I, as a member of The Rockwell Club, is pleased also with the amenities there.
The pool and gym has been really great for my active lifestyle. I can’t wait to maximize the area when I get to move in completely.
Indeed, (a Rockwell Land project) offers both a great home and an excellent investment.
PROPERTY COMPANY OF FRIENDS INC. (PRO-FRIENDS)
SHIELA MARIE JEON
PRO-FRIENDS homeowner
I first learned about Pro-Friends through my friends and word-of-mouth. Then I got quite interested that I decided to pay the community a visit and that’s when I saw how quiet and peaceful the area is.
What’s even more impressive is the development’s spacious clubhouse which means there’s enough space for me and my loved ones to go about with our activities. Before I decided to invest in their development, I was already looking at three other developments. But it was PRO-FRIENDS that made the most mark.
The quiet, serene ambience is something that I could never trade off or give up, despite some glitches we encountered when we first moved in. PRO-FRIENDS really made true of its promise to create communities that transform lives.
Before we moved here at Parc Regency Residences, we were residing in Jaro but we couldn’t imagine ourselves moving somewhere else especially with the calmness and serenity that the area provides—not to mention the huge area and the clean air there.
Indeed, living in Parc is easy, it has nice clubhouse, large swimming pool, wide roads, quiet surrounding and a really safe and friendly neighborhood.
BERNADETH ROJO
PRO-FRIENDS homeowner
It was through a friend of my sister that I learned about PRO-FRIENDS. I chose this development because it caters to my family’s needs and offers a certain kind of convenience as there is less traffic and it’s near the airport.
I was originally looking at two other developments before I decided on investing in this particular development. For me, location really matters and I must say that the Parc Regency Residences has the best location among all the other developments I was considering.
I moved in last February 1, 2010 but before that, I was renting a house. It was a family decision that we buy a house in Pavia precisely because of its peaceful vibe.