Home shopping for Christmas
It’s fairly easy to get caught up in all the festivities and revelry that would usher in one of the biggest, most celebrated holidays in the country.
At least in the Philippines, that Christmas fever kicks in early—as early as September which marks the start of all countdowns, special promos, Christmas shopping, gift-giving, endless parties and reunions. Most anticipated though is the last quarter of the year, which ushers in a period of bounty: the pay out of 13th month and/or Christmas bonuses that many of those in the workforce would happily and eagerly look forward to.
While it’s so tempting to cop that latest pair of kicks or fork over a hefty sum for a branded tote, you might also want to set aside some of that bonus for a smart investment—be it stocks, bonds, or even real estate.
Those looking at real estate as a possible investment might, however, find themselves overwhelmed given the plethora of choices available in the market today. To help narrow down your possible options, Inquirer Property has rounded up a few projects that have been in the news this year, each offering its own merit and proposition for today’s discerning buyers.
HOME OF THE URBAN ACHIEVERS
Arcovia City
Megaworld Corp.
It is well poised to become a haven for the hardworking and passionate individuals, for the achievers and young professionals of this generation.
The 12.3-ha Arcovia City, set to rise along a thriving corridor of power that is C-5 Road, will offer residents and locators Megaworld’s pioneering live-work-play concept: that means a strategic mix of residential condominiums conducive for growing families, a retail hub, and state-of-the-art office towers. As Megaworld chief strategy officer Kevin L. Tan had put it: “We envisioned Arcovia City to rise as a township that offers opportunities to cultivate passions with features that encourage communities to celebrate their milestones… Our vision for this new township is to inspire the young generation to persevere and work harder to attain their own successes and victories in life.”
Arcovia City’s first residential development will be the 37-storey 18 Avenue de Triomphe, which promises to offer a lifestyle to complement the residents’ aspirations: from its strategic location, proximity to key institutions and establishments, down to its varied offerings and building amenities.
Residents will get to enjoy a host of amenities that will include a viewing deck, overlooking the various attractions of the township including the iconic Arco de Emperador. On offer are 576 residential units, which would afford residents with stunning views of the Eastwood, Ortigas and Fort Bonifacio cityscapes as well as the Antipolo mountains. The 18 Avenue de Triomphe is expected to be completed by 2023.
DISCOVERING ART OF ELEGANCE
Aurelia Residences
Shang Properties, Robinsons Land
Its excellent location will no doubt add more premium to an upscale residential project set to rise in Bonifacio Global City.
Located along McKinley Parkway corner 5th Avenue, the Aurelia Residences is set to cater to the Philippines’ seemingly insatiable demand for high-end projects—with its modern luxury design, verdant landscaping, spacious and well-appointed units, proximity to an eclectic mix of retail, dining, commercial shops, establishments and key institutions within or near BGC, as well as its array of leisure, resort-inspired amenities to suit the lifestyle of the modern urban dweller.
According to news reports, Aurelia Residences, a joint venture between upscale developer Shang Properties and the Gokongwei-led Robinsons Land, will break ground later this year and is being benchmarked on the exceptional track record of Shang Properties in the Philippines. While specific details about the project are yet to be released, what is certain is that Aurelia Residences is being positioned as an upscale residential getaway, designed for comfort and style that will suit the well-heeled market.
GREEN LIVING AT ITS FINEST
Sevina Park
Arthaland Corp.
This upscale boutique developer, which has carved a niche for being a pioneer of “green” and sustainable developments in the Philippines, is embarking on a new project that will undoubtedly cement its stature anew.
Arthaland is aiming high (ambitious as others would call it) as it seeks to put up the first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) neighborhood with the 8-ha Sevina Park, its horizontal residential project in Biñan, Laguna, where 108 villas or townhouses will be made available for homebuyers.
Sevina Park will afford buyers a unique opportunity to invest in a sustainable home and a green development.
An interview with ArthaLand executive vice president/treasurer Leonardo Arthur Po in May this year revealed that the company was then already in the process of registering this project with the US Green Building Council. A LEED neighborhood would definitely be more difficult and expensive given the elements that need to be factored in—the walkability aspect, its transport- and pedestrian-friendliness, the kind of trees to be grown in the area, energy efficiency, the use of renewable energy, recycling efforts and indoor air quality.
However, this neighborhood will also afford buyers—who want to do their share in helping preserve the environment and in making the entire community better—a unique opportunity to invest in a sustainable home and a green development.
LIFESTYLE BEYOND ORDINARY
Rockwell South at Carmelray
Rockwell Land Inc.
On the move and aggressively expanding its footprint across the country, Rockwell Land is bringing its most coveted signature lifestyle to new locations where an emerging discerning market seeks for convenience, elegance and exclusivity.
In Laguna, Rockwell Land is developing the 63-ha Rockwell South at Carmelray, a joint venture with the Yulo family’s Carmelray Property Holdings Inc. and San Ramon Holdings Inc. It will also be the company’s first premium horizontal project, whose first phase will see an initial offering of over 200 lots, with sizes ranging from 650 sqm to 1,000 sqm each.
A most striking proposition here is that you will truly get the best of both worlds—not just on paper or on artist’s perspective, as any current Rockwell resident can readily attest to. At Rockwell South, future residents will enjoy that relaxing, suburban vibe of Laguna while they get to revel in the opulent features that are a staple in any Rockwell development: signature open spaces, lush greenery, verdant landscaping, well-appointed amenities, quality finishes, wellness gardens and dog parks, among other facilities.
With Rockwell at the helm, this latest project will no doubt be another masterpiece to grace and enhance the landscape of Laguna.
LIFE MADE BEAUTIFUL
Coho by Vista Land
Vista Land & Landscapes Inc.
In just a year’s time, this newest brand from Vista Land is already making waves in the Philippine real estate industry, with its goal of redefining city living through a well-curated lifestyle experience.
Coho serves as Vista Land’s newest brand for what it calls “beautiful, stylish and high quality vertical communities in highly urbanized locations across the country.” It offers a seamless blend of the suburban vibe of exclusive villages and the convenience and advantage of a condominium that is close to key locations and establishments, along with exquisitely sprawling, verdantly landscaped developments and resort-inspired amenities.
What is being highlighted in every Coho community is that “curated lifestyle” made possible by its integration in Vista Land’s Communicities, which are urban developments that seamlessly combine lifestyle retail, prime office space, university town, healthcare, themed residential projects and leisure components all in one masterplanned space. And from here stems that much sought quality of life; the utmost comfort and convenience that one can readily have from living in such a thriving community; the availability of so-called extended amenities such as the coffee shop as your workspace, the cinema as your entertainment room, the supermarket as your pantry, among others; and also, the possibility of lucrative returns on your investment.
Coho developments are part of Vista Land’s Communicities
With plans to roll out Coho projects in 25 key areas, it has become easier for homebuyers and investors to get access to the kind of curated lifestyle that Vista Land offers.
GREEN LUNG OF THE METRO
Parklinks
Eton Properties Philippines, Ayala Land Inc.
It is preparing to become the greenest and healthiest urban estate to rise along the bustling landscape of C-5 Road with its proposed system of parks, amenities, as well as the modern conveniences that it will provide future residents and locators.
The 35-hectare Parklinks is a masterplanned, mixed-use estate that will offer a much-needed breathing room in a crowded urban center as 50 percent of this estate will be dedicated to open spaces.
Parklinks North Tower offers a dynamic lifestyle enhanced by sweeping views and unmatched convenience.
Parklinks will introduce a new standard for waterfront living with ALI’s residential brands.
Such a huge expanse of open spaces, now deemed a luxury in this dense concrete jungle, will afford future residents, office workers and locators a wealth of benefits, including a perceived better general health, an active lifestyle, cleaner air and even reduced stress levels. So if this kind of lifestyle appeals to you, you can choose from any of the residential developments that will soon rise in Parklinks. These will be put up by Ayala Land Premier, Alveo Land and Avida Land—with each brand catering to specific markets.
LIVE, BREATHE LIKE AN EMPRESS
Empress
Ortigas & Co.
It’s all about the life well lived—a holistic and well-balanced lifestyle that puts to the fore quality, above everything else. Here is a sought after space, carved within a bustling city, promising to offer that exclusive sanctuary, which will allow residents to live, breathe and to take it easy.
Such is the promise of the 56-storey Empress, the newest residential project that will soon rise within the 10-ha Capitol Commons in Pasig City. In creating this residential urban sanctuary, seasoned developer Ortigas & Co. ensured that it will be designed primarily with the well-being of residents in mind.
Touted as the first wellness real estate in the country, this building is designed to cater to the unspoken needs of the market. With its smart home features, well-thought-of amenities, as well as the use of color therapy and a biophilic design, Empress provides today’s urban dwellers with a better shot at achieving a sustainable, balanced living—a feat that is becoming harder to achieve given the fast and harried pace of the city.
On offer are 771 units of varying cuts, the biggest of which would be a three-bedroom bi-level unit. Corner units get a plus as it will come with floor-to-ceiling windows.
What is notable here is the creation of the active zone and the quiet zone, where amenities will be divided. For instance, one can find the pools and lounge areas clustered in the active zone whereas the gardens and wellness zone will be at the other side, which is the quiet zone. So if you’re looking for some downtime, you can go to the quiet zone and easily get the peace you’re yearning for.
What is clear is that Empress offers a new perspective for those living in vertical homes, redefining one’s living experience with a unique proposition that centers on wellness.
