Sarabia couple’s vision of a smart investment

Mimi and Ed are mostly kept busy by the long hours demanded by their practice as an anaesthesiologist and ophthalmologist, respectively.

Knowing how to spot the right investment probably comes second nature for one who traces his roots from generations of highly successful entrepreneurs.

In the case of Ed Sarabia, whose family is widely known for Sarabia Optical chain of clinics, such apparently holds true, even if he is not as active in the business as his other siblings and cousins.

“Each Sarabia Optical shop is owned and managed by one or more of my siblings and cousins. Although I am a part-owner of some optical (shops) with my siblings, I focus more on my work as an ophthalmologist. My hands are always full, especially having been newly elected as the chairman of my department,” Ed explained.

“I have three sisters who are optometrists [based in Bacolod, Manila, and New York], and my brother and other sister are entrepreneurs. I leave the business side of running the opticals to them, but I involve myself in the medical side of healthcare. It’s actually been a dream of ours to open an optical that the six of us can run together,” he further said.

The couple believes that investing in a Rockwell property is a smart move.

Nowadays, Ed is mostly kept busy by the long hours demanded by his practice, alongside his duties as chair of the Ophthalmology Department at Makati Medical Center while his wife Mimi is an anaesthesiologist for the same hospital. Their daughter Chelsea will soon be off for college at The New School in New York City with a partial scholarship.

“As chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology, I need to attend to a lot of meetings, oversee the smooth operation of Ramon J. Ongsiako Eye Center and residency training, as well as tend to all the problems or concerns of the department,” Ed shared.

“As an anaesthesiologist, I get referrals from other doctors and surgeons. Apart from that, my days are occupied with my duties as Treasurer of the Department of Anaesthesiology, an adviser and former President of Makati Medical Society, a component society of the Philippine Medical Association doing charity work and other activities,” Mimi meanwhile added.

Nevertheless, the lessons learned and best practices shared in the family business over the decades may have helped hone the business acumen of every family member down to the present generation, as well as their eye for spotting what makes for a smart investment.

After all, Sarabia Optical continues to enjoy the patronage of a growing loyal clientele who appreciates that personalized care offered by the company since it first opened in 1906. And today, Sarabia Optical remains an institution dedicated to maintaining excellence in quality and service in eye-care for over a hundred years.

Given this background in business, it was thus easy for Ed and Mimi to bet big on real estate, specifically on projects by upscale developer Rockwell Land, knowing all too well that this investment would eventually pay off—and that it did.

“We believe that putting money into real estate is the smartest investment. As they say, it’s all about the location. We didn’t even think twice before investing in Rockwell Land,” the couple shared. “Choosing to live in Rockwell is the best decision we’ve ever made. Not only is it near our workplace, but it has the best amenities, security, and maintenance, too. It’s the perfect environment to wake up to, as well as the perfect community to be surrounded by.”

According to Ed, the strong trust they place on the Rockwell brand stems from their own experience—having seen first hand how the company is able to live up to its reputation of putting the business owners, residents, and customers on top of its list. So apart from getting a unit at One Rockwell, the couple recently decided to invest in The Proscenium Residences.

“We decided to invest in The Proscenium Residences because we were—and are—so happy with our Rockwell experience. We believe that investing in TPR is better than simply putting our money in the bank,” Ed and Mimi shared.

The 59-storey The Proscenium Residences is the fifth and final tower set to rise in the 3.6-ha, highly upscale Proscenium enclave in Makati City.

Serving as the perfect sanctuary for those who seek privacy and elegance, this upcoming architectural marvel will offer prime living spaces that will accord the “next generation” Rockwell residents more freedom to design their units according to their needs, whims, and lifestyles.

The 59-storey The Proscenium Residences is the fifth tower set to rise in the 3.6-ha, highly upscale Proscenium enclave in Makati

The Proscenium Residences offers a diverse selection of unit cuts ranging from a cozy studio unit to an expansive three bedroom unit.

Given a hectare expanse of amenities located on the fifth floor, beautifully manicured gardens, a grand lawn, an outdoor tennis court, a splash pad, a floating river, and a jogging path, the Proscenium promises a space of serenity and leisure.

And like every other Rockwell project, The Proscenium Residences will come with a gym, a dance studio, and a function room, and will likewise be equipped with high-speed elevators, automatic fire alarm, fire detection and sprinkler systems, 100-percent standby emergency power and basement parking equipped with ventilation system.

“Our daughter constantly expresses gratitude to have grown up in One Rockwell. After finishing her studies in New York, she feels that there is no better place for her to call home than The Proscenium Residences here in Rockwell,” the couple concluded.