Gem Residences: Rarest cut in the property market

Even for industries that have come under threat and which continue to reel from this unprecedented pandemic and the continued lockdowns, there remained prospects, new openings and better possibilities that can be tapped.

Take the case of Philippine real estate which, like every other industry, also took a beating from this health crisis. While the sector had admittedly seen a slowdown in the earlier part of the lockdown in March and April, the pandemic gave property developers an opportunity to recalibrate strategies as well as rethink the sustainability of their projects in the new normal.

Stability, resiliency

For the investors and homebuyers, the pandemic offered attractive, flexible pricing and a chance to challenge the capabilities of the developers based on how well their projects stood out during these trying times. And being a tangible asset class, the real estate industry also showcased its stability as a passive income-earning instrument and resiliency amid a crisis.

“We belong to a resilient industry. A home does not just provide shelter, but as an asset, it is real, tangible and permanent. And in times of uncertainty, it represents stability evidenced by the fact that it is an asset that is least affected by deflationary forces,” said Jose Mari H. Banzon, president of SM Development Corp. (SMDC).

“The pandemic has (also) taught consumers to be more savvy and to make smarter decisions when it comes to investing. They are now going for more practical choices, living close to places that are relevant to their needs and lifestyles, homes that are easy to maintain and are affordable. All of these, taken together, SMDC fulfills,” Banzon added.

Litmus test

Fittingly enough, SMDC recently unveiled the 41-story Gem Residences amid the pandemic as the latest showcase of its expertise in creating integrated mixed-use developments primed for the new normal. It’s another opportunity for SMDC to unveil a project that could similarly stand the litmus test imposed by this crisis.

“We carry the spirit of optimism and resiliency as we launch Gem Residences because we believe that there are better days ahead and a bright future waiting for us. As we courageously face the current crisis, there is an even more important role that we have to take on and that is to stay committed to our mission of building communities of the good guys—a statement which has long been appended to our brand. I’m proud to say that it has taken a beautiful and more meaningful form through community events during  these trying times,” said SMDC AVP Jan Catherine Sy.

As the existing developments would show, SMDC’s integrated developments have proven beneficial during this time of the pandemic—from its prime strategic locations that ensured accessibility, immediate proximity to all life essentials such as food and medicine, to its proactive property management team which continues to provide assurance to residents.

While others are still learning the lessons and just starting to adjust to the new normal, SMDC has already gotten this kind of brilliant blueprint down pat.

It thus comes as no surprise that the local government welcomed and supported SMDC’s first project in Pasig.

“Gem Residences is the first ever project of SMDC here in the city and could not have come at a better time… We raise our hands and salute the incredible effort of SMDC to launch Gem Residences,” Pasig City Administrator Atty. Jeron Manzanero said in his speech.

“Truly the name itself is more than just symbolic. It shows exactly how the intense pressure brought about by the current circumstances has created and refined a true jewel that the city can call its own—a new haven for new and old Pasig residents, a sign of our commitment to serve our constituents. After all, it’s not just the project itself or the program that we look at, but the mindset of the people behind it. In launching this program, despite the difficulties of the current environment, SMDC has shown the resiliency we crave to see in our chosen partners,” Manzanero explained.

Innovative living

Gem Residences will truly prepare you to live a smart, practical but brilliant lifestyle with its right sized units, wel-thought-out amenities, and its warm, inviting vibe. This newest residential enclave ticks off everything on the list of what a future proof home should be.

“Gem Residences is a 41-story tower that brings innovative living in the heart of Pasig City,” said Ar. Albert Yu, principal and chair of Asya Design Partner. “Our design did not just look at the aesthetics. We want that it would (be able to) stand the test of time. We made sure that the building will be functional, durable and could withstand natural elements. At the same time, we made sure it is easy to maintain.”

In terms of location, Gem Residences will strategically rise along C-5 Road, a major thoroughfare touted as the “new Edsa,” which would give you ease of access to business districts, commercial establishments, educational and religious institutions, top schools and offices, among others. What will further prime the area are planned infrastructure projects that will further cut your travel time from Gem Residences to other key locations in the metro.

And like other SMDC developments, Gem Residences will enjoy synergies with other companies under the SM Group. This means, you will get to have within walking distance a commercial center that would house a grocery, bank and dining outlets, among other shops.

A showstopper will be The Creators Park, an amenity deck that fuses more than 40 activity areas designed to provide the active young professional a multifaceted, holistic lifestyle amid the new normal. You’ll have wellness facilities like outdoor and indoor gyms, a yoga deck, jogging path, lap and kiddie pools, as well as productivity facilities including a co-working space. A game area, breakout area, meditation corner, function room, pool deck and children’s playground are just among the other world class facilities that await future residents here.

“(Gem Residences is for) professionals who want to succeed in their career as well as have some space and time for relaxation. Finding the balance between both work and play can be quite challenging and as such, we designed Creators Park so that the residents will have spaces that allow them to work at home if they so wish and have spaces for them to chill and relax and unwind afterward. We hope our design accomplishes that—creating a landscape that achieves this brilliance in design,” explained Ar. Theresa Villa-Real of EA Aurelio Landscape Architects.

Monica Sarmiento Belen, design director and principal designer of MConcept, further added that the different areas within Gem Residences such as the lobby and other social spaces were designed to be multifaceted like a gem. This meant that social spaces are warm, inviting and comfortable yet could allow one to be productive. These should also create a feeling of balance, well-being and optimism.

“We want to achieve a design at par with the world’s best. These spaces were not just any public spaces. We wanted to create an experience that will invite people (both residents and guests) to stop, look and marvel,” Belen concluded.