A homebuilder’s home

“Sometimes, God gives us the opportunity not just to run a good business, but also, to solve a great problem,” said 8990 Holdings president Januario Jesus Gregorio Atencio III.

Indeed, as the head of one of the largest developers of low-cost housing in the country today, Atencio has been given the noble opportunity to help provide homes to the unserved market and the marginalized through the different projects they have launched across the country over the years.

That opportunity first came when Atencio launched DECA Homes in Cabantian, Davao City in 2002. And given the project’s apparent success, it was immediately followed by another development in Minglanilla, Cebu the following year.

“If we are not able to harness the power of vision, empower an organization through a deep sense of mission, and use this business model on scale of National Shelter Program, then 50 years from now, where will we live? At 8990 Holdings, we are driven by the idea that housing is not just about houses—it’s about the people and how we can use housing as a vehicle to transform people’s lives for the better,” Atencio related.

It isn’t hard to see where Atencio’s passion to provide decent shelter for the marginalized comes from.

Although immersed in a world where almost everyone he knew has a comfortable place to come home to, Atencio was made to realize early on that life goes beyond the four corners of his cozy and serene abode.

And such is the reason why to date, he strives hard to improve the quality of lives of every hardworking Filipino.

Meanwhile, Atencio’s passion and appreciation for a beautifully designed and well planned home was highly influenced by his family’s old house in New Manila which evokes a relaxing, warm and restful feel.

“I have always been inspired by our family house in New Manila. If I remember correctly, it was 15 years ago when I moved out of New Manila that I started to even more appreciate beautiful homes. Thus, when my turn came to build my own sanctuary, I had that old, well designed  house of ours to be my inspiration,” Atencio shared.

His house in Davao City is currently one of Atencio’s favorites, as it is patterned after and inspired by the old family home in New Manila.

“It’s a one-story bungalow, with two guest bedrooms, a master’s bedroom, a library, and best of all a koi pond at the back, and a bonsai garden in front. It’s an Asian modern house,” Atencio shared.

“My home in Davao features an Asian modern design. The philosophy behind it is peace and serenity, thus it’s spacious and airy, with lots of natural light, glass doors and large windows. Simply put, the house is designed to invite the outdoors to come inside the house,” he added.

The architect and designer of the house in Davao would be Atencio himself and as such, his style and presence are felt in almost every corner of the house, making it truly exceptional.

“While everything here was done and designed based on my preference, my favorite spot remains to be the spacious bedroom,” Atencio concluded.