PHILIPPINES

Beauty and Bliss in High Living

Model
Inspired
units interiors
ala modé inside
Wild
Paris
calling

Grand Soho,
grand expectations
June 2007 P150

Published by
www.condo.com.ph
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 Be a part of the biggest marketing event of the year
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2007
22nd PHILIPPINE-AMERICAN
EXPOSITION, AUTO SHOW
AND HOME SHOW
An explosion of fun and entertainment!
August 11 (Saturday) – August (Sunday) 12, 2007

Los Angeles
Convention Center
Los Angeles, California 90015

Booth Reservation Form

Name: _______________________________ Company: ______________________________________ E-mail address: ______________________
Telephone number: _______________________________ Fax number: _______________________________________________________________

Booth size: 10’ x 10’ Fee included: Pipes and drapes, Company I.D. sign – 5” x 44”
Booth price: Corner booth (US$ 1,300.00) Regular booth: (US$ 1,100.00) Remarks: ___________________

Please fill up this form and fax it to (632)8938134 or call Daniel dela Cruz at (632)8123333
 PHILIPPINE CONDO PAVILLION 2007
Organized by Condo Central Magazine and www.condo.com.ph
for the First Asian International Real Estate Expo and Conference (AIREEC) 2007

DECEMBER 6-10, 2007

Philippine International Convention Center
Manila, Philippines

The First Asian International Real Estate Expo & Conference (AIREEC) 2007 is a groundbreaking event that will bring to Asia
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For booth reservation, please call Daniel dela Cruz at (632)8123333

 editor’s note
Beauty and Bliss in High Living
Carlomar Arcangel Daoana
Editor in chief
Growing up
Chrysler de Guzman
Art director
Godwin Nerona
Layout artist
Sharline Bareng
Senior staff writer
Benhur Arcayan As you may notice, Condo Cen-
Chief photographer
tral has experienced a growth spurt
Dexter R. dela Cruz in less than a year. Not only did it get
Editorial assistant
upsized, it also underwent a design
Arnold A. Altamira overhaul. Meticulously thought out,
Felicisimo A. Tejuco, Jr. our plan to change our look coincides
Editorial CONSULTANTs
with the continually growing real
estate boom. As the forerunner publi-
cation in this niche, we want to mirror
Contributors that growth in terms of our editorial
content and layout.
Cita Abad-Dinglasan In this “revamped” issue of CC, we
Renne Isidro
columnists are happy to highlight Grand Soho
Makati, the centralized, luxurious
Johanna Acab-Faustino
Bernadette Bangayan and affordable creation of Century
Matt Bienvenido Properties. We admire this developer’s
Nadia Camit-Upton unequivocal pursuit of excellence for
Curt Ian
Dr. Adelaida V. Mayo giving us mind-blowing projects one
Jenny Orillos after another. During the Asian melt-
Maripet L. Poso down, Century Properties soldiered
Cristina Cruz-Salvosa
Writers on and came up, with a bang, what is
hailed as the country’s best residential
Pranz Kaeno Billones
Rhoy Cobilla building, the Essensa East Forbes.
Photographers Brace yourself for its future projects
that will bravely push the construc-
tion and design envelope.
Browsing through our pages, you
Cherie Mae Ayongao may see that we are giving more focus
Sales and Marketing Director
on interiors. It’s the first time that
we are featuring five simultaneous
Editha B. Ignacio
Emma Mangalindan developments (Mandarin Square, San
Cyd V. Ponce Benissa Garden Villas, Fort Palm Spring,
Account executives
McKinley Garden Villas and GA Sky
Bong Cayanan Suites) in just one sweep, aside from the
Circulation manager dazzling model unit spreads. This is not
Anna Russel Abanes
only to guide you on your selection but
Web designer also to offer design ideas with which
you can apply to your own space.
Yes, we are keenly aware that the
condo of an average Joe or a simple
Jane may not come to the perfection of
a model unit—what with the countless
demands of life that continually tug at
our schedule. This is the reason why
we have come up with the new section
called “Breathing Space” which features
vibrant, lived-in spaces that reveal the
resident’s individuality. In the case of
fashion savant Puey Quinones who’s
our first feature, he cleverly pulls a
series of tricks such as the bolt of cloth
hiding the ceiling ruined by the howler
Milenyo.
With the election fever now over,
we are putting the spotlight on the re-
elected mayor of Taguig City, Sigfrido
Tinga. We can’t emphasize enough
what he has done for the city and his
constituents. What was considered a
sleeper of a town is now a robust, pro-
gressive city bracing itself for exciting
developments.
Now, what is June but the month of
weddings and celebrations? Newly-
wed Cristina Cruz-Salvosa guides us
on how to choose a condo that caters
to the specific needs of a couple
while our resident interior designer
Johanna Acab-Faustino tells how the
conflicting design tastes of a husband
and wife can be artfully married in
just one space. And if you are just
currently planning your own walk
down the aisle, we have table setting
suggestions you may want to consider
for your reception.
As a true-blue lifestyle tome, we are
highlighting the latest of the good life
(such as the heavenly cheesecakes of Miss
Desserts) and bringing you to the two
places of your wildest fancy: Paris and Las
Vegas. Plane ticket’s on you, however.
It’s oft-quoted to the point of being
cliché: change is inevitable. But like
other clichés, it holds water. Change
encourages us to get out of our com-
fort zone and become better. Without
it, life would be stagnant, perhaps bor-
ing. Condo Central has faced change
bravely. We hope that you too.
Carlomar Arcangel Daoana
carlo@condocentral.com.ph
 Vol. I No. 9
June 2007
contents
is published by i n e v e ry i s s u e
www.condo.com.ph
6 Editor’s note 64 survey
Growing up Peripheral Mission
Daniel R. dela Cruz Carlomar Arcangel Daoana Arnold A. Altamira
President/CEO

Danilo R. dela Cruz, Jr. 12 Designer’s corner 86 Reflections

chief operating officer
He said, she said OFW Notes
Bing Lau Cita Abad-Dinglasan
Executive vice president 14 Condo memo
Reginald Tagavilla House hunting 88 Opinion
Vice president - PROJECT SALES Condo Café
Andy Bellajaro
28 Perspective Renne Isidro
Vice president - Global sales To be or not to be an interior designer
90 Condo guide
Liza Razon
OPERATIONS MANAGER
58 Decor8 Your condominium hypermarket
Don’t pass up the kitchen please!
Nel Garbanzos 98 Law
administration
And COLLECTION OFFICER
RA 6552

Aida Monteverde 99 central Market

Henry Mondoñedo
Renne Isidro Classified ads
Virgilio Leyretana, Sr.
BOARD OF ADVISORS
110 Happenings
Villanueva Gabionza Developers break new grounds,
& De Santos Law Offices Bayanihan alumni build Habitat homes
Legal counsel

112 epilogue
It’s a Wire world

is published monthly
by Condo.Com.Ph, Inc.; 2nd Floor P&L
Building, 116 Legazpi St., Legaspi Village,
Makati City, Philippines; Tel. Nos. (632)812-
3333 Fax No. (632)893-8134; E-mail
admin@condocentral.com.ph; Website
www.condocentral.com.ph.- All rights
reserved. Opinions expressed in Condo
Central are solely those of writers and
are not necessarily endorsed by Condo.
Com.Ph, Inc. We welcome unsolicited
manuscripts and photographs. Kindly
accompany a self-addressed stamped
envelope if they are to be returned. While
every reasonable care will be taken by the
editor, no responsibility is assumed for
the said materials.

Advertising hotline: (632)812-3333

Distributed by
Christian Commercial Corp.
Tel. Nos. (632)521-6118, 522-3633
Fax No. (632)521-7674
C O VER S T O RY

52 Grand Soho Makati: Fully-fabulous

Step inside Century Properties’ centralized, luxurious
and affordable project in the Central Business District

F E A T URES

Preview 44 Breathing space

66 Taking condo developments Post-Milenyo makeover
to new heights How Puey Quiñones used his knowledge
68 Interior monologue in fashion to redecorate his penthouse
70 Live it up! ruined by a storm
72 A star is born
76 Mediterranean Manila
50 Investment
Stock knowledge
10 Reveal Ready for the stock market? Here’s a guide
Items for your home on how to start

22 Entertaining ideas 60 Feast for one

Colors of June Smooth operators
Go beyond white for your wedding Indulge with the cool concoctions for the
reception summer and beyond

26 Designer of the hour 62 Good life

Saving the world, Homemade heaven
one condo unit at a time Get a bite out of Miss Desserts sumptuous
How Jasmine Oyek-Sy, through sustainable sweethearts
design, pays respect to the environment

82 Soar
32 Man on top Primal Paris
The architect of Taguig The City of Lights has a wild side
Mayor Sigifrido Tiñga empowers his city
and constituents
84 Rundown
Quick guide to some predeveloped
36 Showcase condos in the metro
Suite inspiration
Exquisite model units that will titillate and
inspire
 reveal

The secret to a happy sleep

Tempur promises to secure your forty winks— without the post-slumber ache

Sleep is no doubt an important
restorative tool that helps the body
cope with the day’s activities. And it
isn’t about how long a person sleeps,
but how well.
Heralded as the biggest break-
through in sleep science in the last
75 years, Tempur features a line of
products that include a variety of
mattresses, pillows and a range of
accessories designed to improve com-
fort when sleeping, working, traveling,
or relaxing.
Because Tempur is temperature-
sensitive and visco-elastic, it responds
to the body’s temperature and molds
to the curves of the body in order to
maintain the spine’s natural align-
ment. Open cells in the material
shift under pressure and reposition
themselves to gently cradle the body
to help alleviate pressure and provide
a more restful night’s sleep. Stud-
ies showed that Tempur’s unique
pressure-relieving properties reduce
tossing and turning during sleep by up
to 80 percent.
The Tempur pillow, particularly, of the Tempur material provides Tempur showroom is at the 5th level of
molds to the natural curvature of maximum comfort to the neck area the Shangri-la Plaza Mall, EDSA corner
the head and neck, thus, aligning and allows the neck and shoulder Shaw Blvd., Mandaluyong City. Call
them perfectly with the spine. The muscles to relax completely, relieving 631-1391.
anatomical design, in conjunction pain and minimizing snoring and sleep
with the pressure-relieving effects disorders.
Pots (and pans) of gold
For beginning moms and thoughtful gift-givers, why not start with a set of
kitchen products from Tefal destined to see years of home-cooked loving?
Tefal, the reputable French four layers of coating, the Tefal is available in all lead-
cookware manufacturer that range—which carries fry ing department stores and
made the first non-stick fry pans, saucepans, a chicken supermarkets. Call 890-9703.
pans in the 1950s, presents fryer, and a dutch oven in a
The Bienvenue Curry Cook- delightful curry hue—is built
ware Range, the affordable to last a lifetime.
and durable gift for beginners
or kitchen novices usually Exclusively distributed
typified by young and ac- by Rustan Marketing
tive moms. Equipped with Corporation,

10 | CondoCentral
 designer’s corner
“He Said…She Said!”
Who rules in the house?
Men and women have different, oftentimes conflicting, tastes in design. They pose no problem that is, until
they live together. Johanna Acab-Faustino offers marriage-saving suggestions on how couples can properly
align their design ideas to create a well-balanced interior that still keeps their respective individuality intact
The whole design process
of conceptualizing an interior is a
fascinating yet demanding task. From
something as general as picking a
certain style to something detailed
such as choosing between various
tile options can leave one baffled in
the whole interior design composi-
tion. It is expected for couples to have
disagreements and misunderstandings
during the process. However, one
can minimize, and if not, obliterate
the chances for couples ending up in
heated arguments in matters pertain-
ing to the design of their interiors.
It is extremely important to plan.
There is hardly any successful design
that has not been properly planned,
identifying the specific needs of each
user of space. Identify preferences of
each individual: color, look, amenities,
orientations, health factors. These
are all necessary so that one does not
leave out essential elements in the
successful planning of spaces. Doing
these will lessen the chances of cou-
ples endlessly arguing on who says the
last word on design. This is particu-
larly the reason why it helps to have an
interior designer to solve conflicting
ideas that couples have. If successful,
individual ideas can be harmoniously
balanced with that of another, making
an interior space as personal, unique
and impressive.
Gender transforms itself in interior
spaces. Oftentimes, just by looking
at an interior says a lot about the
12 | CondoCentral
user of the space, be it the male or
the female. And yet, spaces breathe
life if there is a harmonious blend
of ideas shared by man and woman.
Although couples strive to share their
thoughts on design together, it usually
ends with conflicts and even fights,
simply because both parties insist on
what they want. As a designer, it is
no laughing matter to be situated in
between bickering. It is best to take
both interests at hand, regardless of
who holds the budget. Men in general
tend to be straightforward, no frills
and simple, meaning they are more
concerned with the ease and mainte-
nance of a certain feature in a home,
while women tend to prefer softened,
delicate and light expressions in
design. Most women avoid spaces
that look hard, massive and rough, and
men dread the thought of their walls
filled with flowers and dainty colors.
And yet, men and women can’t live
without the other, and interiors lose
their uniqueness without the balance
of both genders. The most important
step is to listen and compromise. Let
your partner know what you want and
don’t want for your interior. Discuss
the reasons why and compromise to
meet the other person’s expectations.
If it is space planning, identify your
specific activities in each area so that
adequate space may be addressed.
Secondly, research and identify the
style or the look both of you would
like to live in. By and large, preferences
toward certain styles are dictated by
innate general characteristics that
each gender favors. For example, since
men are generally more straightfor-
ward and simple in choices pertaining
to design in the home, linear, massive,
solid lines and neutral colors are pre-
ferred. They usually leave the softer
details in the home such as curtains,
furnishings and accessories to the
females since women are generally
more capable with the ability to look
into the details. Know the strengths
of each one to be able to balance the
feminine and masculine elements in
the interior space.
The easiest way to create a harmoni-
ous interior space for couples is to start
off with a neutral background. White,
black, browns, grays are neutral colors
that can easily be worked with other
complementing colors. Choosing this
color scheme for larger surfaces such as
walls or flooring will allow the couple
to designate more detail, more color
and more texture in smaller items in
the interior. That way, no element will
dominate over the other, and instead, a
well-balanced interior is created. Also,
choose easy to maintain materials that
will appeal to both the male and the
female. Should this be a consideration
in your interior, you will find that living
should always be at ease and should al-
ways target specific needs of each user.
Then, each personality in the setting is
given priority which will eventually be
appreciated.
Venus and Mars need
not collide if husband
and wife learn to
communicate their
design ideas, assess the
differences of opinions
and are open for a
compromise.
Strive to maintain a balanced
look of interior. This may be done
by clearly sorting out your needs
versus wants versus things not really
needed. In doing so, you will also be
able to prioritize on what you really
need so that you may complement
and allocate ample space and design
consideration to your partner as well.
After all, you will be sharing the space
with another so best if it comple-
ments you both. You may also choose
to consider blending certain styles
such as modern and classical, or West-
ern and Eastern. Most often, modern
style is associated with men prefer-
ring a streamlined, clean and hi-tech
look in interiors. Classical styles are
more detailed, refined and generally
curvilinear.
Ideally, the simpler style should be
considered for larger proportions of
interiors such as flooring, walls and
structure. For instance, if a woman
would insist a Classical dining set to
go with an ultra-modern look of the
dining area, the couple should agree
on their decision. In my opinion, it is
best to keep the integrity of the style
and perhaps ascertain which of the
classical styles would match a modern
interior. Some interior accessories
and accents may be considered, in
this case.
Likewise, if it is a case of choosing
between a Western or an Eastern
style, one may consider an eclectic
interior where there is a unified
cohesion of styles from both regions.
Again, consider using the style with
simpler proportions to bigger areas in
the interior, and incorporate accents
of the more detailed style to the
smaller proportions of the rooms.
In a nutshell, the more detailed and
intricate the style, the lesser it should
be used in the interior. The simpler
the design, the more it should be used
in the interior.
Someone once said “never to move
the man’s chair in the house.” It is
important to respect the head of
the house and to consider his special
needs. For women, if you want your
man to spend quality time in the
home, consider recognizing his needs
and wants and find a space to address
these. You may want to pamper him
by putting a recliner in front of his TV
where he could relax after a long day’s
work. Have a special space or room
for him where he can do the things
he likes. In the same manner, women
traditionally spend more time in the
home than men. It is essential for
women to have a space where they
can relax, refresh and unwind, to ease
the daily stresses they also encounter.
If the room is meant for either gender,
leave the decisions in design to the
user of the space.
As a rule of thumb, structures are
toned down from its rigidity by how
well designers can use the elements
and principles in design to soften an
interior space. Though some interiors
may generally be stiff and hard, it does
not mean that it cannot be softened
to adapt to the well being of the users.
Rigidity is best eliminated through
successfully grouping decorative
furnishings, furniture and accents.
Pictures, prints, paintings, pottery,
sculpture and interior plant scaping;
these are all essential to soften a place.
Identify all areas that lack the warmth
detailing may bring in a home. After
doing this, strategically locate it in ar-
eas that tend to be overly masculine.
Couples working in agreement in
the design of their house may prob-
ably share one of the best experiences
of their life together. It can be a satis-
fying experience to know more about
one another and what may please the
other. Design is truly successful only
when the needs of each one is ad-
dressed through careful and thorough
planning and research in the style that
will best suit one’s personality.
Johanna Acab-Faustino can be
reached at 0917-9971363.
CondoCentral | 13
 condo memo
House hunting
After going through “buying, un-buying, renting and finally settling” in her
search for a perfect condo, newlywed Maria Cristina Cruz-Salvosa discovers
that, at the end of the day, it’s the one you come home to that matters
One of the main concerns of
newlyweds is finding the perfect little
place and making it livable. Having
gone through buying, un-buying,
renting and finally settling all in the
span of one year didn’t exactly make
me an expert but at least it taught me
a lot of things.
The basics
First off, you have to decide on
what you want and how much you
can afford. House and lot packages
may be the dream of most young
couples but, sorry to crush your
hopes, nowadays, these things are
either too expensive (unless you are
a yuppie earning millions or was
born rich, it is nearly impossible to
own a house in the country’s busi-
ness districts) or too far (you have
to commute/drive for more than
two hours just to get to and from
work). Condominiums are the next
best thing – they are very accessible,
convenient, and easy to own.
Before looking for possible projects
to put your hard-earned money
on, you have to decide early on if
you want a unit you can move into
immediately or if you are willing to
wait a couple of years. Look into your
finances as well.
If you’re planning on a build your
own (BYO) project, you would also
have to avail of the in-house financ-
ing since most banks and lending
institutions accept only finished
projects. Ready for occupancy (RFO)
units tend to be sold at higher prices
14 | CondoCentral
than BYO units. The latter is cheaper
since you get to save on certain taxes
and, since the developer is using
your money to fund the project, on
in-house interest rates. Once the
project is finished, your investment
will most likely have doubled (read:
profit for you if you sell it).
But you should understand that
these things take years to build.
Research first on your developer and
find out if they deliver on time. Check
if they indicate the project comple-
tion date on your contracts. If you
want to move in immediately, then
BYO is not for you. In our case, we fell
for the sales talk that our unit will be
finished in a year and started paying
for our unit two years ago. Up to now,
the developer has yet to even lay the
foundation. We ended up paying
the amortization while renting and
eventually gave up our unit since we
needed a unit we can live in imme-
diately and paying for both proved
costly. A good thing that we found
another project, which though not yet
finished, is slated for turnover on the
specific date stated in our contact.
Moving in
Obviously, space is an issue in
condo living; it is a luxury you can get
at an additional cost. Having grown
up in a five-bedroom house with a
front lawn, garden and backyard, I
couldn’t help but feel claustrophobic
in our condo. You have to learn to
maximize every nook and cranny. I
was overwhelmed with the thought
CondoCentral | 15
 The author Kris Salvosa of having only one built-in closet in
with her husband,
Business World sub-
the master’s bedroom which I have to
editor Felipe Salvosa, share with my husband and not hav-
walking together to a life ing a garden I can tend to.
of wedded bliss. The good thing about the condo
being small is that you have less
space to design and decorate. I got to
practice what skill I have in interior
designing such as determining which
furniture would make it look bigger
and cozy while at the same time,
reflect both mine and my husband’s
style. And, for those who love clean-
ing house like I do, it makes for an
easier task. General cleaning would
only take you half a day, whereas a big
house can take you days just to mop
and wax the floor.
Another bonus is you don’t have to
wait for the garbage truck to come.
All I have to do is throw the trash in
the garbage chute and I’m done. Nei-
ther do I have to worry about the fire
safety system, the plumbing, and elec-
16 | CondoCentral
trical wiring because all these come
in one neat package. When I need
something fixed, I can just call up the
maintenance crew to do it for me.
Living in a condo is also like getting
your own security team. They monitor
every single person or vehicle entering
the building and even my house help
has to have clearance from me before
she can leave the building.
However, the condo does have its
downside. Aside from the limited space,
noise is probably the next issue you
have to deal with. You can cross out
having parties with its loud music and
boisterous laughter. Remember, you live
in a place where your neighbors are just
a wall away and you can easily wind up
on the bulletin of blacklisted neighbors
if you consistently wake them up in the
middle of the night. I have learned to be
more considerate, even in such a simple
thing as turning up the volume on our
television.
Unless you are snapping up a pent-
house unit or an entire floor, you also
have to accept that privacy will be
hard to keep. You share elevators and
floors with total strangers and your
door most probably faces another
door – makes for great “spying” into
the other unit. And if you really want
to keep your business to yourself, you
have to make sure to speak in a soft
voice to throw off unexpected and
unintentional eavesdropping.
The final say
There really is no final say on what
is best for you. The condo is mostly
advisable for young couples just
starting out on their life together
– it comes free from all the hassles
associated with the house. It’s all up
you. After all, what makes the house
a home is not its size, or design, or its
price tag; it’s who you come home to
that matters.
 entertaining ideas

Colors of June
Immaculate and irreproachable, white is the color
of choice for couples to be. It connotes purity of
affection and tones down space with a hint of
spirituality. But it doesn’t have to be the be-all-
and-end-all theme of your wedding. White, in
excess, is smothering. Spice up the reception by
choosing colors that go beyond the grain of merely
white. Swan Catering offers themes in Chinese red,
elemental green and sophisticated black—with
matching floral arrangements that evoke the
drama of color. We guarantee: your reception will
fly and guests will sit down and take notice.

Photography by Benhur Arcayan

Usually chosen by Chinese

couples, the red theme
connotes luck, security
and passion.

22 | CondoCentral
CondoCentral | 23
 Green is a relaxing
substitute for
white, symbolizing
life, prosperity and
tranquility.

Not for the faint of

heart, black is the polar
opposite of white,
conveying elegance and
sophistication.

A good palette, white

makes way for the
clarity of glass and the
shimmer of metal.

24 | CondoCentral
 designer of the hour

Saving the world,

one condo unit at a time
In her award-winning entry for the art competition of Metrobank called
“Sustainable Haybol,” Jasmine Oyek-Sy explores how the environment can
be integrated in the execution of design. Taking the actual form of a model
unit, it cleverly blends energy-saving techniques, space-saving methods and
recycled materials for low-impact living. Felicisimo A. Tejuco, Jr. chats with
the interior designer who has the heart for nature

Self-sustaining and environment-
friendly condominium design is not
only possible. It is also livable.
In her winning entry, “Sustainable
Haybol” for the Metrobank Art and
Design Excellence (MADE) com-
petition last year, interior designer
Jasmine Oyek-Sy incorporates tropical
and environment considerations to
a two-bedroom 47-square meter
unit, which is an actual model unit
of Federal Land, Inc.’s Marquinton
Residences. According to Jasmine, her
design concept was focused on sus-
tainable design. “It is the way we save
the future for our family,” she said.
Working with nature
Set in a tropical country, good
ventilation and maximizing the use of
natural light were among her immedi-
ate considerations. “The condo-
minium residents should not be too
dependent on air-conditioning. They
should be able to live comfortably
even without it,” she noted.
Since warm air rises and cool air set-
tles down, openings hang above sliding
doors to promote air circulation.
At the same time, sliding partitions
were made of frosted glass, providing
natural light and privacy as well. When
doors are fully opened, there is also
an illusion of openness. As additional
treatment, insulation materials and
solar panels were also used.
Thinking outside of the box
Effective design is also about
working with available resources and
space management. One of Jasmine’s
challenges was making room for odd
spaces.
For the bedroom, the floor was
elevated to give way to storages for
rarely used items. This worked well
aesthetically, giving the room a Japa-
nese theme. Part of the elevated floor
also flips up serving as a seat with
back rest.
The guest room is also a functional
study room. Working with small spaces,
the bed can be flipped up, allowing
a study table to be flipped down. In
sustainable design, Jasmine said that
“no space should be wasted.” Related to
that, her design patterns are also based
on commercial sizes of construction
materials, thus avoiding leftovers.
Jasmine also effectively found a way
to incorporate a post to the design
by camouflaging it together with
the kitchen shelves and wall. Adding
green to the space are edible plants
which can be used in making tea or
as spices.
Aside from being space-saving,
Jasmine’s design is also promoting the
recycling of items. One of the lamps
in the room has its shade made up of
empty mineral water bottles. Dan-
gling around the lamp, several bottles
were cut spirally from top to bottom.
Likewise the sofa is a refurbished car
seat ornamented by throw pillows
made from strips of cloth.
Upon entry in the foyer, Jasmine
added a fish aquarium in the design.
Although it is a usual element in
interior design, viewing the fishes also
provide therapeutic and calming ef-
fect to its tenants.
All in all, Jasmine said her design
is focused on a wholistic approach.
“Since you can use this space as both
bedroom and office space, you don’t
have to travel and waste time travel-
ing. You don’t add to the pollution,”
she said.
Aside from being hailed outstand-
ing design by MADE, Jasmine was also
awarded as most promising interior
designer by Guhit Awards in 2000.
Originally an Advertising Arts gradu-
ate of UST, Jasmine was influenced by
her architect-brother, John David to
be an interior designer. She took her
second course in the Philippine School
for Interior Design in 1997. That same
year, she took the board exams and
unsurprisingly placed second.
With her design, Jasmine stresses
that being environment-friendly
should not deprive the occupants of
being healthy and happy.

26 | CondoCentral
 In an actual model unit of
Marquinton Residences, interior
designer Jasmine Oyek-Sy
incorporates tropical and
environment considerations.

CondoCentral | 27
 perspective

To be or not be
an interior designer
Makeover shows have kickstarted the interest of some to take up interior design. Portrayed
in the media as savvy and stylish individuals, interior designers seem to be the modern-day
magicians who can transform any space from drab to fab. But practicing interior designers will
tell you, it’s not all glamour. Dr. Adelaida Mayo, head of the country’s premier interior design
department, reveals what it really takes to be included in this select circle of professionals who
can influence and alter the way people live

Students have approached me
every year asking me if being good in
drawing is among the requirements to
qualify for admission to the Bachelor
of Science in Interior Design (BSID)
program. They usually follow it up
with another question like, “What if
they do not have the talent but they
have the interest to learn?” Although
being good in drawing is definitely an
asset to an interior design student, I
believe that having a strong interest
and passion in learning the craft is
more important than simply having
the talent. I have encountered quite a
few number of students who happen
to be gifted with such talent but who
unfortunately do not appreciate what
they have, putting into waste what
others dream of having.
The BSID program prepares
students to develop the skills and
competencies necessary for the
practice of the profession. There are
currently 17 schools all over the coun-
try offering a degree in interior design,
namely: University of the Philippines,
University of Santo Tomas, College of
the Holy Spirit, Polytechic Univer-
sity of the Philippines, University of
the East, Eulogio Amang Rodriguez
Institute of Science and Technology,
St. Scholastica’s College, Assumption
College, Philippine School of Interior
Design in consortium with De La
Salle-College of St. Benilde, Philip-
pine Women’s University, Mapua
Institute of Technology, University
of San Agustin in Iloilo, University of
San Carlos in Cebu, La Consolacion
College in Bacolod, University of St.
Louis in Tuguegarao, University of As-
sumption in San Fernando, Pampanga
and Eastern Visayas State University
in Tacloban, Leyte. The BSID program
is a four- year course following a
curriculum designed to address the
parameters set by the Commission
on Higher Education (CHED) and the
Professional Regulation Commission
(PRC) Board of Interior Design for the
Interior Design Licensure Examina-
tion. These are: Interior Design theory
and application, Furniture Design and
Construction, History of Interiors,
Building Interior Construction,
Materials of Décor, Professional Ethics
and Color Theory. A graduate of the
program who has successfully passed
the Board Exam deserves to have a
title no less than an interior designer.
That is the reason why legitimate
interior designers get offended when
people address them ignorantly as
interior decorators.
Many people have a misconception
of interior design and often inter-
change it with interior decoration.
Republic Act No. 8534 uses the term
interior design, therefore making it
the official term in the country for the
discipline and the profession which
has been defined by the Philippine
Institute of Interior Designers as the
“shaping and conditioning of interior
spaces in order to meet the optimum
physical, psychological and physiologi-
cal needs of the users of those spaces.”
While both interior design and
interior decoration make interior
spaces visually pleasing in terms of the
proper application of the elements
and principles of design, interior
design goes beyond interior decora-
tion. One does not have to undergo
four years in college to be an interior
decorator. Even a high school student
can dabble in interior decorating.
On the other hand, an interior
decorator would know very little
about interior designing. It takes
four years of formal training, both in
theory and application, to be able to
obtain the basic skills and competen-
cies necessary for the practice of inte-
rior design. It also involves practicum
work where the student in his/her
senior year is required to work as an
apprentice in an interior design/archi-
tectural/furniture firm for a specified
number of hours. An interior design
student is taught how to develop a
design concept using an appropriate
design methodology when solving
interior design problems. Interior
design problems which interior design
students are exposed to are not about
beautifying interior spaces alone but
are more about improving the quality
of life of the end users, including the
protection of their life, health and
security. Developing the student’s
sense of creativity, resourcefulness
and ingenuity is every interior design
professor’s main goal, if not dream.
Interior design presentations are in
the form of illustrations either done

28 | CondoCentral

by hand or through computer-aided
drafting. However, students of the BSID
program are trained to do illustrations
manually since the Interior Design
Licensure Examination requires it. This
also prepares them for the actual field
where there are clients who are very
poor in visualizing things and would
sometimes require the interior designer
to come up with on-the-spot drawings
to explain to them a design concept.
This makes it all the more necessary for
an interior design student to master the
skill in basic drawing and drafting.
Being an interior design student
may be very taxing. Staying up late at
night until the wee hours of the fol-
lowing morning in order to meet the
deadline for the submission of design
exercises or projects referred to as
“plates” is a common thing among
interior design students. However,
interior design students do get their
rewards for their hard work. The high-
light of the four years in BSID is the
special projects course where the inte-
rior design student is given the oppor-
tunity to execute his/her design. This
is when the interior design student
experiences the rudiments of project
management. Schools offering a BSID
vary in their approaches in imple-
menting this special projects course.
While many schools opt for the usual
exhibition of mock-up interior design
modules in a mall or any commercial
building, the special projects course in
the University of the Philippines is one
with social advocacy in mind. For the
past five years, the BSID graduating
batch rehabilitated institutions and
transformed them into livable spaces
This almost symmetrical
bedroom can only be
conceptualized by an interior
designer knowledgeable
in the management and
beautification of space.
which the beneficiaries never even
dreamed of being blessed with. The
experience of being able to success-
fully create an impact on others’ lives
by improving their living environ-
ments never fails to give an interior
design student a sense of fulfillment
and gratification.
One’s interest to be an Interior
Design student should not be
hampered by one’s lack of talent in
drawing. As long as the passion to
learn is there, developing the skill will
soon follow.
CondoCentral | 29
 man on top
The architect of Taguig:
building hope and homes
With the mind of a CEO and a heart of a true public servant, Mayor Sigfrido Tiñga
is credited as one of the main forces to having shaped Taguig to become one of the
most progressive cities in the country today. Felicisimo A. Tejuco, Jr. sits down and
talks to the “architect of Taguig” about his vision, legacy and the work ahead
Photography by Benhur Arcayan
Re-elected mayor Sigfrido
R. Tiñga proudly wears the
“Forward Taguig” slogan that
embodies his administration.
(right) Doltz Pilar envisions a
minimalist design for one of
the units in this two-storey
medium-rise housing for Taguig
residents. Fitout by RCW
Construction Corporation
32 | CondoCentral
His term will always be associated
with the revival of Bonifacio Global
City as one of the country’s leading
central business districts. With the
concept of turning it into a one-stop
shop where residents “live, work, and
enjoy life,” this image is slowly becom-
ing a reality. To date, the vertical devel-
opment of high-rise buildings has now
shifted to medium-level structures
as well as to a new target, which are
middle-class families. And as he begins
his third term as mayor, Hon. Sigfrido
R. Tiñga hopes to continue serving his
constituents in preparation for the
2020 Vision: Taguig as the Philippines’
Premiere City.
New life to old city
Since the financial crisis which struck
Asia in 1997, Tiñga slowly stirred the
development of Fort Bonifacio when he
began public office in 2001. This devel-
opment is not new to him, having been
a part of the team that pioneered the
planning and development of Global
City. He worked with the Fort Bonifacio
Development Corporation and handled
The Fort Strip, the local entertainment
circle. Incidentally, this was the only
project that saw completion after the
Asian meltdown.
Having learned from history and
the mistakes of other cities, Tiñga said
innovations are on its way not just
inside the walls of Global City, but in
Taguig as a whole.
Part of Tiñga’s wholistic develop-
ment includes the Lakeshore District
Masterplan, which is envisioned to be
the premier tourist and recreation in
Metro Manila. In collaboration with
Archt. Felino Palafox Jr. and the Laguna
Lake Development Authority (LLDA),
the 1,000-hectare development will
be designed for mixed land use and
activities. It will include sports facili-
ties like a 36-hole nature friendly golf
course with fairway lots, marina and
boardwalk commercial area.
True to his goal of providing housing
for all, medium-rise residential projects
are already on the works with com-
panies like DMCI. Housing projects
for informal settlers have also begun
with 108 units already completed in
April 2007. It was followed by the first
Taguig Housing Fair in cooperation
with developers and NGOs, including
Gawad Kalinga, Habitat for Humanity,
and Coalition for the Homeless. One
of the latest models, which was pre-
sented during the First Taguig Housing
Fair in April, is a two-storey, four-unit
per floor housing. Covering an area of
25 sq.m, each unit may cost between
P100,000 to 150,000, excluding the
lot and furnishings. Monthly amor-
tization is expected to run between
P800-2,500, nearly the same amount
CondoCentral | 33

Clockwise from far left:
Interiors by Tessa Prieto-
Valdes, fitout by Allan
Cerafica & Acer Industrial
and Contractors Corp.
Interiors by Arturo Go,
fitout by New Golden City
Builders. Interiors by Arch.
Joselito Mastrili, fitout by
local carpenters, masons and
tradesmen of Taguig
34 | CondoCentral
which informal settlers pay for rent,
according to Tiñga.
The local government also led the
launching of 7,800 Taguig resident
cards to indigent families for health
insurance coverage.
Privileges also include better
employment opportunities and even
death benefits. Tiñga revealed that
companies and offices based in Taguig
are exempted from paying certain fees
whenever they hire local residents
instead of city outsiders. He explains
that whenever companies hire people
outside of Taguig, “you’re passing
on the social costs without you (the
employer) realizing it. Eventually, he
and his family will move in Taguig. His
children will enroll in our school. In the
end, you will be passing more problems
to us.” He adds: “Get a Taguig resident.
We’re building a robust economy. A
city that feeds itself, where the people
work and spend their income here.”
His administration has also reached
an agreement with Heritage Park,
wherein simple funeral arrangements
will be provided to deceased Taguig
residents who own a valid city card.
Tiñga stressed the need to uplift
the quality of life especially for the
lowly so that they will “find pride in
themselves.”
Local and international
challenges
When Tiñga first became mayor, he
was faced not only with the problems
of reshaping a city but putting Taguig
at par with global standards. “The
competition is not against the previ-
ous administration. You’re competing
with other cities and municipalities
for investment not just locally but
abroad. So unless you think global,
you will be left behind,” he said.
Tiñga began cleaning his backyard
starting with the renovation of the
municipal hall. At the same time, he
worked his way in improving the city’s
public relations by restructuring the
offices and the local government’s
website.
Regarding transaction concerns
between private offices and the local
government, the mayor remedied this
through a customer relations office,
which replaces the fixers. “When
you’re in a restaurant, you deal with
the waiter, not the cook. You want
service, not the hassle,” he said.
However, Tiñga admits that the
biggest challenge remains encourag-
ing support from the people. His
administration has responded to this
need with their slogan, “Lahat panalo
kapag sama-sama tayo.” Coupled
with his administrative accomplish-
ments, he said that all their hardwork
is slowly paying off.
A native of Taguig, Tiñga said his
city has always been his home. Minus
the politics, he said that his work as
mayor is actually manageable and
fulfilling. “This is not like passing a bill
where you may help a lot of people.
But you don’t know them. In Taguig,
the people you are helping are people
you actually know,” he said.
On leaving and living
Tiñga said he does not plan on
staying in politics for long. “Don’t
think that you’ll be working forever.
At some point, you will have to let
go. And it’s better to do that when
people still like you,” he said.
When he finishes his term, Tiñga
said he may return back to private
practice. Outside politics, his list of
credentials includes a BS Economics
degree from the University of the
Philippines and a Master’s in Business
Administration from the University of
Oregon.
For now, Tiñga lives life by the day.
With his busy schedule, Tiñga said he
would often bring his wife and kids to
work. “It’s good for them to see the
other side, to see that life’s not that
rosy,” he said.
When asked what was the biggest
lesson life has taught him, Tinga reaf-
firmed that nothing in life is definite.
“Life’s a real journey. You can’t get
stuck. How I ended up here, I have
to believe there’s a God. Because the
more you think about it, the more you
realize you can’t determine your direc-
tion. Just do good and hopefully things
will work out,” he concluded.
 showcase

Suite
inspiration
A model unit is meant to impress.
Eloquently executed by a top interior
designer and furnished with hi-luxe furniture
and state-of-the-art appliances, a model unit
offers a glimpse of what the prospective client
may experience once he decides to move into
the condominium. It’s a visual affair of space
and details, a harmonizing of different elements
meant to evoke an emotional connection, a
mood of the mind, a lifestyle.
But more than a possibility, a model unit
is an invitation to indulge in the good life.
Beholding it, one imagines a sanctuary where
one is gifted with silence and a comforting view,
a fitting place where one can intimately be
oneself or begin a family.
Conveying the notions of home, a model unit
delivers a premise of a fulfillment of a dream.

One Rockwell
Rockwell Center, Makati City
For viewing request, call your
professional real estate broker
at (632) 812-3333

36 | CondoCentral
CondoCentral | 37
 Chateau
Elyseé
Parañaque City
For viewing request, call your
professional real estate broker
at (632) 812-3333

38 | CondoCentral
 The Amvel
Mansions
Ninoy Aquino Avenue,
Parañaque City
For viewing request, call your
professional real estate broker
at (632) 812-3333

CondoCentral | 39
 The
Metropolitan
The EDGE Showroom,
G/F One McKinley Place.
26th Street, Crescent Park
West, Bonifacio Global City,
Taguig City
For viewing request, call your
professional real estate broker at
(632) 812-3333

40 | CondoCentral
 Blue
Sapphire
2/F Bonifacio Stopover Plaza,
Bonifacio Global City,
Taguig City
For viewing request, call your
professional real estate broker at
(632) 812-3333

CondoCentral | 41
 Fort
Palm Spring
MC Home Depot, CS 282-290
32nd Street corner Bonifacio
Boulevard, Bonifacio Global
City, Taguig City
For viewing request, call your
professional real estate broker
at (632) 812-3333

42 | CondoCentral
Portovita
P. Tuazon Street
corner 14th Avenue,
Cubao, Quezon City
For viewing request, call your
professional real estate broker
at (632) 812-3333

CondoCentral | 43
 breathing space

Post-Milenyo
makeover
Fashion savant Puey Quiñones recently found his life turned around when
typhoon Milenyo made a mess out of his penthouse. With fire in his spirit, the
designer folded his sleeves and reworked his space with his decidedly avant-
garde touch. The result, a smashing condo that keeps the many lives Puey keeps:
thinker, designer, party-thrower. Sharline Bareng steps inside what could be the
designer’s most daunting project
Photography by Benhur Arcayan

Many condo dwellers harp traumatic,” he recalls. “Because of the

(above) Liz Donato-Chan in a
halter dress with a layered opera
coat by Puey Quiñones. (right)
By day, the lower floor of Puey’s
penthouse is a showroom and
receiving area for his clients. His
long gowns are part of the décor,
either displayed on a rack or
hanging from the ceiling.
on having a squeaky-clean, model
unit-looking space for their home in
the city and keeping it clutter-free as
much as possible to reduce the need
to do general cleaning every month.
But fashion savant Puey Quiñones,
who migrated from Samar to Manila
at age 19 to follow his dreams of
becoming a designer, is perfectly
comfortable living in a penthouse
unit that functions as his home,
showroom, production area, and
party place all in one. With a multi-
functional space like his, he prefers to
keep it rather messy and unique.
Surprisingly, the “Puey” feel—
which he also demonstrates in the
way he usually dresses: a skirt over
plaid trousers, matched with a yellow
collared shirt for a boyish touch—of
his penthouse would not have hap-
pened if it wasn’t for the typhoon
Milenyo which wreaked havoc in
Manila September of last year. The in-
teriors, which used to be all in white
and following a minimalist design,
now sport a truly Puey look with
their velour-draped ceiling, accents,
and quirky pieces of furniture.
“It was actually a blessing in
disguise, even if the experience was
damage that Milenyo caused, I was
able to design my penthouse the way
I want it.”
From the outside, Puey’s pent-
house, which he has been living in for
two years now, is Modern Mediter-
ranean all the way, with chalk white
paint and big square windows that
offer a view of the Makati skyline.
The windows broke at the height of
Milenyo’s attack, while the rush of
water into the unit destroyed the
ceiling of the lower floor of the pent-
house. But being the fighter that he is,
Puey was quick to move on after the
disaster and went on to fix his house
a day after the storm.
“I was so shocked, but I had to
move on so I started getting into
action right away and that was how
I was able to design this penthouse
the way I want it. I love modern
houses, but I want my unit to have
my own touch. The big windows were
restored, but when the ceiling gave
in, I covered it up with velour—it’s
a velvety type of cloth—and hung a
lamp at the center,” he said.
Even his long gowns are part of
the décor. Some of these are hung on
the wall near the stairs leading to the

44 | CondoCentral
CondoCentral | 45
 (right) Puey Quiñones in his
signature look: a skirt over
plaid trousers, matched
with a yellow collared
shirt for a boyish touch.
(inset) Velour drapes hang
from the ceiling of Puey’s
showroom, while quirky
pieces of furniture and
accents add up to the
spunky feel of this busy
corner of his penthouse.

production area at the upper floor or

displayed on a rack in his living room,
while a long, white wedding gown
inspired by a curtain is suspended
from the ceiling at the lower floor.
This gown, in particular, reflects Puey’s
touch on the classic traje de boda
with its loose, flowing cut and pleats
at the bottom. While most people
think curtains are ordinary, for Puey,
they can be surprising.
“When you interpret something
as ordinary as curtains to glamorous
pieces of couture, you’ll see that ‘ugly’
things have the potential to be beauti-
ful,” he said.
It was this philosophy that helped
catapult Puey into the fashion scene,
as he developed show-stopping
designs that featured multi-functional
pieces that can be worn in different
ways for different occasions. In Puey’s
hands, shapeless and loose are alluring
and glamorous, as opposed to clingy
and tight cuts. He himself sports his
signature look of topping skirts over
anything else, or wrapping a turban
around his head whether he is work-
ing at home or attending a fashion
show.
He also took note of the “beggar
look,” for instance, as a brilliant look
and which he sported himself when
he was only starting to break through
in the design scene after he trained
under Dennis Lustico and Lulu Tan
Gan. “Beggars don’t know combina-
tions, they wear everything they can,
but when you look at them they actu-
ally look good. With that inspiration
I was able to interpret the look in a
glamorous way.”
Puey’s multi-functional and out-of-
the-loop designs extend to his bridal
gowns. Taking the inspiration from
a Japanese kimono for instance, one
of his wedding gowns has a wrap-
around top and a skirt that can be
replaced with jeans after the wedding.

46 | CondoCentral
CondoCentral | 47
 (right)Puey Quiñones’ Japanese
kimono-inspired bridal gown
bears the multi-functional
trademark of a Puey design,
with its wrap-around skirt
that can be set aside for a
pair of jeans after the formal
ceremonies. Accented with a
black obi, the gown goes best
with black footwear.

Accented with a black obi, the gown

leaves the bride with options for shoes
to match, other than the standard
white that goes with a traje de boda.
“My bridal gowns, though ‘classic,’
follow my transforming philosophy
in design, meaning they can be worn
not just in one way,” he revealed. “This
might be a wedding gown, but I don’t
want it to be just a wedding gown. It
has to have other purposes, too.”
The same can be said for his pent-
house, where he works, entertains
clients and friends, and retires at the
end of the day. While the top floor is
entirely devoted to production, Puey’s
living room downstairs is maximized
as a working space, a showroom for
clients, and a party venue at the same
time. His balcony, which doubles as a
mini garden with its plants and lounge
chairs, also hold cocktail tables,
lounge chairs and high stools that can
accommodate his friends every time
he calls them over for an impromptu
party.
“My space is very open to my
clients and friends. My clients love my
place and they say it’s like a little para-
dise in the city. It’s just my bedroom
that doesn’t have a particular design
because I only want it to be comfort-
able and private,” he said.
Contented at his living space and
the way his career is turning out, Puey
is happy staying inside his penthouse,
working, resting, or entertaining
clients and friends, and only goes out
for special occasions. After all he has
been through, it is his living space,
other than his creations, that truly
shows how far he has gone from being
a 19-year-old dreamer fresh from the
province to the smashing success that
he is now.
And after being tested by that un-
forgettable typhoon, Puey is satisfied
with it more than ever. He declares, “I
love my penthouse, it’s beautiful.”

48 | CondoCentral
CondoCentral | 49
 investment
Stock knowledge
Ready for the stock market? You can take the plunge into the most exciting
trading in town with as little as P25,000. Matt Bienvenido guides you how
For average Filipinos, investing
would probably mean putting their
hard-earned savings in time deposits.
Those who have more cash to spare
would likely buy real estate— a sure
investment that is expected to ap-
preciate over time.
But how about joining the stock
market? Most likely, Filipinos will
assume that trading stocks is only
for the big boys, those who would
not mind losing millions. But Ron
Rodrigo, research head of stock trad-
ing firm Unicapital Securities, Inc. said
anyone can start trading for P25,000
to P50,000.
“Definitely, the stock market is not
for the faint-hearted,” Mr. Rodrigo
said. “But if you are willing to take
good risks in exchange of great gains,
than being in the stock market is a
good option for you.”
“Definitely, the stock market is not for
the faint hearted,” Mr. Rodrigo said. “But
if you are willing to take good risks in
exchange of great gains, than being in the
stock market is a good option for you.”
And now, more than ever, is the
best time to join the stock market.
With the economy improving on
the back of strong dollar inflows
from Filipino workers abroad, the
Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE)—the
place where stocks are bought and
sold—saw itself performing to new
multi-year highs.
Still, while market conditions are
favorable, it is better to be prepared.
If you are considering trying your luck
50 | CondoCentral
in trading stocks, it is best to arm
yourself with tools to avoid losing
your shirt in the end.
Stocks are basically shares of own-
ership in a corporation. When you
buy shares of a company in the stock
market, you become a shareholder
of the company. That means you
become part owner of the company.
You can begin by first know-
ing which companies you want to
invest in. There are those companies
listed in the stock market that are
called “blue chips” companies like
San Miguel Corp. or Ayala Land, Inc.
These companies have a proven track
record of steady growth. However,
their share prices are often more
expensive than the others.
Before you actually join the stock
market, analysts advise first time trad-
ers to “get a feel” of how trading goes
in simulated on-line trading games
available in the Internet. There is one
available for free at the PSE website
(www.pse.org.ph).
Once you feel confident enough,
you must have a licensed stockbroker broker will then assign a trader or an
authorized by the PSE to trade stocks agent to assist you in buying or selling
for you. You may chose from the list of any listed stock. While the trader can
stockbrokers and trading participants give you advice on what to do, you
at the PSE website. The list is also will ultimately decide on what stocks
available at the yellow pages under the to buy or sell. The price of each stock
category of stock and bond brokers. is published on most newspapers after
Not all stockbrokers are the same. the trading, which happens Mondays
Some may charge higher fees than the to Fridays, except holidays. Stock
others. It is best to choose a stockbro- prices vary from day to day, depend-
ker whom you can trust. Once you ing on general investors’ sentiment,
have chosen a stockbroker, you shall which is influenced by a number
be required to open an account and of factors, including economic and
fill-out a reference card. You might be political news.
also required to submit identification For each stock, the minimum num-
papers for verification. The stock- ber of shares than can be traded is
fixed and depends on the price range
of the stock. So investors cannot just
buy one stock of company A worth
P6.50, but at least a thousand units
(or more, depending on the com-
pany) at P6,500.
Aside from the actual cost of the
stocks that you buy or sell, investors
will also have to pay brokers fee of
1.5 percent of the transaction plus 12
percent value added tax. There is also
a transfer fee charge plus 12 percent
value added tax depending on the
stockbrokers.
Stockholders earn from their
stocks when the prices of the shares
increase. One company’s shares could
be bought at P10 today, could be
worth P27 the next month. If you
decide to sell at that price, then you
can get your gains.
Stockholders also earn when com-
panies declare dividends. Some com-
panies declare cash dividends, where
stockholders get money equivalent
to the number of shares they have in
that company. For example, company
Z declares a P1 cash dividend. If you
have 10,000 shares in that company,
you will get P10,000 as your dividend.
Not all companies declare dividends,
and the value of the dividend varies,
depending on the revenue perfor-
mance of the companies.
Rommel Macapagal, analyst at stock
trading firm Westlink Global Equities,
Inc., said joining the stock market is a
good alternative from investing solely
on bank deposits, or real estate.
“The interest that you can earn
from you bank deposits are not very
high. Meanwhile, buying real estate
needs a lot of money, and apprecia-
tion of you investment could take a
while. Unlike the stock market, where
if you make the right choices, you can
easily get good returns from what
you invested,” he concluded.
CondoCentral | 51
 cover story

Grand Soho Makati:

Fully-fabulous
To live in Makati City is to enjoy its lights, thrills and frills. It is a converging
point of dreams, passions and energies. The ultimate urban address. A place to
experience life as it is meant to be lived. And as the city grows and evolves to be
a true global metropolis, and the land values continue to escalate increasingly,
the chances of owning a part of it becomes more and more difficult to achieve …
until now. Condo Central steps inside the Grand Soho Makati.

52 | CondoCentral
CondoCentral | 53
 Century Properties Inc. breaks
new ground in its joint venture proj-
ect with the United Coconut Planters
Bank (UCPB) through the magnificent
40-storey residential condominium
– the Grand Soho Makati (GSM).
And it is no surprise that GSM comes
from the same visionaries behind the
Philippines’ Best Residential Building,
the Essensa East Forbes (by Asiaweek).
Combining the three integral compo-
nents of an ultimate high rise haven
– location, luxury and affordability,
GSM proves to be the only logical
choice for the intelligent and discern-
ing buyer.
The epitome of Soho
Soho, its name derived from its
location “South of Houston Street” in
Isisis elendre modions New York City, is known throughout
nulput iriure conulla
the world to be the quintessential
faccum euguerosto
doloreet ut veliquat. Ut downtown neighborhood to live the
augiating enit wisci. Picae fashionable and vibrant urban life.
per in ad conessus con Within only a quarter of a square
tum in tem actudesen
tusatis, quamque iste mile, there are an estimated 250 art
morbite, galleries and five museums in addition
to approximately 188 restaurants, 30
antiques shops, 17 furniture empo-
riums and 100 retail stores. Today,
54 | CondoCentral
shopaholics and partyphiles agree
that Soho is still one of the best shop-
ping and entertainment destinations
in New York.
In the Philippines, only one city ex-
udes the same creative and decidedly
sophisticated vibe –and that’s per-
petually chic Makati City. This hub of
the future is the premiere location not
just for commercial and retail stores
but also local and foreign investors,
entrepreneurs and multinational com-
panies. Declared by President Gloria
Macapagal Arroyo as the “prime
urban tourist destination” of the
country (“Visit Philippines” tourism
campaign, 2002), Makati is home to
almost 3,000 dining establishments, 6
five-star hotels, the hottest nightspots
and the country’s top shopping malls.
Situated within the Makati Golden
Triangle, on the corner of Sen. Gil
Puyat Avenue (formerly Buendia)
and Dela Costa Avenue, GSM gives
residents full access to the exhilarat-
ing Makati lifestyle. Schools, churches,
banks, embassies and the Metro Rail
Transit (MRT) station are never more
than just a few minutes away.
Comfort + luxury
Grand Soho Makati fuses the
comfort of home with the security,
facilities and conveniences of modern
living. It has its own 24-hour concierge
service ready to assist residents on
anything that they need within the
city; surround-sound THX viewing
room, spa, function room, fitness cen-
ter and multimedia library. The main
attractions are, of course, its luxurious
units. Choose from studio, one, two
and three bedroom configurations
or go for the incredibly chic sky lofts
perched on a unique level on the
ninth floor with sundecks that look
out to the breathtaking infinity pool.
In its desire to make purchasing a
unit and moving in a hassle-free, time-
saving experience, Century Properties
has applied the “fully-furnished, fully-
fitted” concept that it pioneered in
its previous residential developments
to GSM.
Furniture pieces and appliances
such as a refrigerator, microwave
oven, stove top, dining table and
chairs, sofa, coffee table, 21” Sony
Flatscreen TV and DVD player all
come at zero cost at GSM and are
CondoCentral | 55
 Isisis elendre modions ready to use. This kind of innova- exceptional interior design options estate marketing, management and
nulput iriure conulla tive and revolutionary thinking gave - Modern, Sleek and Contemporary development expertise, Century
faccum euguerosto
doloreet ut veliquat. Ut recent Century Properties projects – and each with its own dark, light or Properties Inc. has helped enrich
augiating enit wisci. Picae such as South of Market at The Fort combination theme. people’s lives and has proven time
per in ad conessus con and Soho Central at the Greenfield and again that owning your dream
tum in tem actudesen
tusatis, quamque iste District of Mandaluyong their market- A dream investment home can be affordable. GSM gives
morbite, ing edge. In addition, GSM offers three With 20 years of full-service real its buyers optimal value for their

56 | CondoCentral
hard-earned money as it is up to 43
percent more affordable than other
similar developments without VAT,
documentary stamps and transfer
fees. With rates as low as P12,000
per month, no other offer equates
affordability with excellence and
satisfaction better than Grand
Soho Makati.
For more information,
call 818-9025, 893-7050 or log on to
www.gsmcondo.com.
8 more reasons
to own a condo at GSM
1 Live in the heart of Makati. Grand Soho Makati (GSM) is
Century Properties’ latest Fully-Fitted, Fully-Furnished luxury
boutique development located in the most prestigious and valu-
able real estate area in the country: the Makati Golden Triangle
(flanked by Ayala, Buendia and Makati Avenues), where every-
thing you need is just an elevator ride or a short stroll away.
2 Fully-Fitted, Fully-Furnished units. The same interior design
team behind the ultra-luxurious and award-winning Essensa
East Forbes at The Fort has committed its expertise to GSM to
give you stylish units that come in three exceptional interior
design options – Modern, Sleek and Contemporary.
3 24-hour Concierge Services. GSM goes the extra mile by pio-
neering 24-hour concierge services that assist residents with
transportation needs, restaurant and show reservations, laundry
services, magazine subscriptions, mailing letters, messaging, bill
payments or just about anything that they might need.
4 Taking loft living to the next level. Loft living has proven to
be a popular option for the condo dweller who desires the
feeling of space within condo conditions. For residents who want
something even more distinctive, the Skyloft is the ideal upgrade.
GSM’s Skylofts are townhouses in the sky that open out into the
breathtaking infinity pool.
5 Top-notch facilities. GSM boasts of best-of-breed ameni-
ties: a world-class fitness center, full-service spa, infinity pool,
indoor children’s playground, day care center, business center, an
owner’s lounge, as well as pioneering features like an extensive
book and magazine library, a DVD library and an exclusive state-
of-the-art THX viewing room.
6 Extra storage spaces. Space is the ultimate commodity for
hi-rise living, and at GSM, special storage areas at the parking
level are available to keep your home clutter free. Travel luggage,
bulky boxes, golf clubs, and other items now can be stowed away
for later use.
7 A selection of the hippest retail, dining and banking
establishments. Residents will benefit from the posh mix of
establishments that will open in a special retail level in the build-
ing. GSM is also located within Makati’s Salcedo Village—famous
for its European-style Saturday Market, quaint restos and one-of-
a-kind designer boutiques.
8 A wise investment. As all buyers become co-developers of
GSM, payments of VAT, documentary stamps and transfer
fees are waived. Buyers get to save 43 percent more and enjoy the
ease of paying as low as P12,000 per month.
CondoCentral | 57
 decor8

Don’t pass up the kitchen, please!

The kitchen is doing some multi-tasking, it seems. Domestic diva Dominique Browning sees this appointed
place in our homes as a “place to be together” where to discuss and share the news of the day. It seems sensible
down pat to start paying attention to it, as it not only nourishes but also binds family members through food
and stories. Food writer Jenny Orillos wipes the table clean on how you can make your own kitchen spark
appetite, conversation and inspiration in eight steps

1 Clean up. A functional kitchen

should be kept clean at all times.
Wash and clear away used plates, glasses
ors for your walls or wallpaper, cabinets
and floors. Then choose decorative
items that coordinate with the rest of
5 Maximize storage space. Make
use of a “movable island,” a mobile
counter top that has drawers and
wall with your own recipes or those
from your family.

and cookware on the kitchen sink and

countertop. Change your dishwashing
foams or rags often to keep germs away.
the kitchen such as pot holders, dish
towels, aprons, and washable area rugs.
hooks for storage. Create new space
in your kitchen cabinets through
cabinet additives, extra shelves, spice
7 Cuisine art. Hang an inexpensive
work of art, protected behind a
glass frame, on your kitchen walls

2 Minimize counter clutter. If

you use a piece of equipment
4 Accessorize. Use cooking ac-
cessories as decorative pieces in
your kitchen. Try the old favorites
racks and container organizers. Visit
home furnishing stores to get ideas for
kitchen organizers.
or between the bottoms of the cup-
boards and the countertops.

frequently, like a coffee maker or a

toaster every morning, have it ready
by the counter. Keep other appliances
that you use less often (like the food
processor, mixer, or blender) stored
away in the kitchen cabinets. Hide
similar utensils on large plastic storage
boxes for easy retrieval later.
like hanging plates or filling glass jars
with beautiful foodstuffs. Display
your frequently used utensils like wire
whip, grater, peeler, and spatulas on
an attractive ceramic bowl or canister
instead of the usual racks or wall orga-
nizers. Show off the beauty and design
of your colorful bowls and dishes by
storing them in cabinets or hung from
6 Shelve those cookbooks. A small
display of your favorite cookbooks
in the kitchen can be an inspiring
sight. You are also most likely to make
tasty dishes out of the recipes in them
when you keep these cookbooks at
arm’s reach. Prop them up in sturdy
bookends. If you have an often-used
8 Plant an indoor garden. Place
herbs like rosemary, basil and
thyme in attractive pots or canisters
on the windows to make your kitchen
more attractive. You can pluck fresh
herbs out of these potted wonders for
use in your dishes.

3 Pick a theme. To jumpstart your

decorating, pick a theme and work
around it by using complementary col-
racks or walls. If you have cabinets
that are clear or glass, stack them
neatly for a nice ordered look.
heirloom family recipe (like your lola’s
paella or to-die-for chocolate cake),
frame them or decoupage a whole
Sources: http://home.ivillage.com,
www.thebudgetdecorator.com,
www.homesonsale.co.uk

58 | CondoCentral
 feast for one
Smooth
operators:
fruit smoothies and shakes
Though the coming days already seem to forebode
gray threatening clouds if not the gloomy splatter
of rain, there is nothing that lifts the spirits up than
smoothies and shakes enjoyed in the refuge of your
condo. Jenny Orillos shows you how to prepare
these nutritious and heavenly concoctions at a pulse
or two of the blender
Because fruit shakes and
smoothies are made from good-for-
you milk and fresh fruits, they are
healthy treats to make for breakfast,
snacks or even dessert.
Armed with a basic recipe, these
nutritious drinks are simple to make
at home using your trusty old blender.
You can even concoct your own
recipe and fruit (or veggie) combina-
tions as this drink is versatile, limited
only by your imagination and taste.
Here are some basic recipes to try
in your kitchen:
Smoothies
serves one to two
You can flavor this basic smoothie
recipe with two to three hand-
fuls of fruit of your choice.
Or you can up the flavor
and nutrient content
by combining it
with another
fruit or a piece of
carrot.
one large piece of
banana
two to three large
handfuls of chosen
60 | CondoCentral
fruit (mango, apple, strawberry, papaya,
sweet pineapple, etc.)
approximately one cup of ice cubes
one-half pint heavy cream or vanilla ice
cream
Place the banana and your chosen
fruit into a blender and whiz for 30
seconds. Add the ice and the cream.
Place the lid back on tightly and pulse
the blender a couple of times on and
off to break up the larger pieces of ice.
The smoothie should have a “semi-
slushy milkshake consistency.”
*Adapted from Jamie Oliver’s The Na-
ked Chef show at the Food Network
Fruit Shakes
serves one
The frozen banana gives this shake its
creamy consistency. If you don’t like
the banana, use crushed ice instead.
one frozen banana
one cup liquid (milk, water, soy milk,
or juice)
additional fruit or flavoring
optional sweetener - grapes, dates,
honey or sugar
Slice frozen banana into pieces and
put in blender. Cover with liquid and
add any additional fruits, flavorings or
sweeteners. Blend until consistency of
milk shake (usually 30 seconds). Serve
immediately (banana will start to
brown if you don’t).
* Adapted from Disney Family.com
Mango Shake
serves one
Choose mango that is ripe and
sweet. In case mangoes are not in
season, substitute about one fourth
cup mango puree.
half of a mango, pulp scooped out
one-half cup low-fat milk
one teaspoon sugar or honey
four to five pieces of ice cubes
Put all the ingredients together in a
blender. Pulse for a few seconds until
smooth. Serve.
Milk Shakes
serves one to two
If you’re feeling indulgent, make
yourself some flavored milk shakes
with your favorite ice cream. To
produce thicker shakes, add more
scoops of ice cream before blending
the ingredients. The original recipe
called for only milk and ice cream, but
the addition of the ice cubes gives the
shake more body and texture. Usu-
ally, the ice cream itself provides the
requisite sweetness so there’s no need
to add sugar.
four pieces ice cubes
One third cup full cream or low-fat milk
one cup ice cream of your choice
(strawberry, mango, etc.)
Put ice cubes and milk in blender
then pulse to break the ice into
smaller pieces. Scoop the ice cream
and pulse lightly until thick. Decorate
with whipped cream and slices of the
fruit, if desired.
Soy Milk Shakes
serves one
For the lactose-intolerant, here’s a
recipe using soy milk. Use your favor-
ite brand, preferably not low fat to
produce a better-tasting shake. Some
of the stalls that sell soy milk shakes
in the malls pour a small amount of
light syrup onto the mixture. You can
make your own or you can add sugar
to sweeten it.
half of a small apple, cored and
chopped
half of a mango, pulp scooped out
one-half cup soy milk (regular or vanilla
flavored)
one teaspoon sugar, optional
About four to five pieces ice cubes

Variations: to make Vanilla Milk Blend all ingredients until smooth.

Shake, use vanilla ice cream and add
one teaspoon vanilla extract before
blending the rest of the ingredients.
For Chocolate Milk Shake, use vanilla
ice cream and add one teaspoon
vanilla extract plus two tablespoons
chocolate syrup. For a Double
Chocolate Treat, use plain chocolate
ice cream instead of vanilla. Top with
chocolate chips.
Serve.
Note: You can peel the apple or
leave the skin on for a bit of texture.
Try also other fruit (and vegetable)
combinations or stick to one whole
fruit only.

Six tricks to a yummy shake

1. Buy the best ingredients (milk, 3. Adjust the ratio of the liquid
soymilk, ice cream) for a better to the fruit if you want a thicker

tasting drink.
2. The milk must be very cold
when making the smoothie or
Sweet
consistency (less milk, more fruit).
Ice cubes or crushed ice also give
the drink more “body.”

shake to maintain its thick and
smooth consistency.
4. You can use milk, water, soy
milk, rice milk or juice as liquid in
your recipe. Milk gives a creamier
shake. If using water, add a little at
a time until you get the consis-
tency you like. Juice is a good
sweetener for the drinks.
5. In case your blender is not strong
enough to blend the ice cubes, use
crushed ice or enough cold water
or fruit juice to maintain the milk
shake consistency.
6. Clean out blender immediately
after drinking to keep the fruit
particles from sticking to the
pitcher.
number
Those who are watching their calorie/sugar intake due to
a particular diet or an illness can now indulge in the sweet side
of life without the worry and the guilt with Zero. This product,
approved by the US Food & Drug Administration, consists of the
“miracle” molecule sucralose, which is the only zero calorie sweet-
ener made from sugar. This makes Zero such a sweet revelation
compared to the artificial sweeteners currently available locally.
Diabetics, aside from dieters, can also find a friend with Zero.
Research shows that sucralose has no effect on carbohydrate
metabolism, short or long-term blood glucose control, or insulin
secretion as it passes through the body virtually unchanged. For
that, Zero gets a perfect 10.

CondoCentral | 61
 good life
Homemade heaven
Sharline J. Bareng opens the door to Miss Desserts, a suite confection at the
Fort that offers homemade, soul-warming desserts
Photography by Benhur Arcayan
(above) Elizabeth “Bebeth”
Lorenzo, Serendra’s Miss Desserts.
(right) Designed by Condo
Central’s resident interior
designer, Johanna Acab-Faustino,
Miss Desserts opens a range of
home-baked pastries that can
make anyone’s mouth water. It’s
a must to taste her seven kinds
of cheesecake, hailed by a recent
newspaper survey as one of the
best in town.
62 | CondoCentral
Homemade desserts are indul-
gences that not many families can
afford to savor everyday, especially
since they entail a lot of time and
effort to make. There are fruits in
season with which we can satisfy our
sweet tooth, or store-bought goodies
which taste like any other pastry, but
all that is nothing next to a piping-hot
treat from the oven, the taste of which
depends on a family’s picky taste buds.
That is, until Miss Desserts came
along.
Tucked in a row of restaurants at
the Shops in Serendra at the Bonifa-
cio Global City, Miss Desserts is also
no other than Elizabeth “Bebeth”
Lorenzo, whose sought-after home-
made cheesecakes had become
famous even before her little café
opened in December last year. With
Miss Desserts offering all kinds of des-
serts—pies, cakes, soufflés, ice cream
and more—Bebeth is always ready to
delight people with her homemade
sweets and warm conversation. And it
was all because of her fascination with
baking at an early age.
“I used to watch my grandmother
bake when I was little, and I was so
enthralled by the whole process. She
would be baking the same things,
but it was all so wonderful,” she said.
“When I was big enough, my mother
finally let me experiment on my own.”
Coming from a brood of 11, Bebeth
recalls eating as her family’s special
bonding time, with all nine girls and
two boys, together with their parents,
gathered in the dining table during
mealtimes. In high school, when her
schoolmates weren’t sure what course
to take up in college, Bebeth was
determined to study Home Economics
at UP Diliman, where she eventually
learned everything family-related,
from cooking to sewing and even cut-
ting hair. It was baking, however, that
Bebeth concentrated on, going as far
as working at a bakeshop in Switzer-
land, a pastry kitchen of a hotel in
Belgium, and participating in a Baker’s
Exposition at the United States, all
the while sharpening her good taste
in food. “I gained 20 pounds during
my first trip to Europe from tasting
good food! Somehow the trips didn’t
feel complete if I never get to sample
anything sweet,” she reminisced.
The trips to Europe enabled her to
develop her own recipes for her cakes
and pastries which sold so quickly
that restaurants soon started ordering
from her. Her big break finally came
when Ayala offered her a place in
Serendra where she can serve her spe-
cialties to more people. And indeed,
they keep coming back especially for
her Earthquake cake, a chocolate cake
which amazingly falls apart when left
standing for a few minutes, the choco-
late soufflé which she bakes personally
at the café, and her seven varieties of
cheesecake, hailed as one of Manila’s
best in a recent newspaper survey.
“People have travelled far with my
cheesecake,” she said. “Other than
cheesecakes, Miss Desserts has some-
thing for everyone, because I make it
a point not to make my desserts too
sweet. For kids, we have my ice cream,
too.”
Despite the success she has reaped
from her homemade pastries, Bebeth
remains adamant on not opening
more outlets in the future, believing
that quantity only sacrifices her prod-
ucts’ quality.
“I want my homemade pastries to
be a novelty. Now, I make more than
what I usually do, but my personal
touch is always felt because they’re
homemade,” she said.
And homemade they will all stay,
especially to all of us longing for good-
ies that smell and look like they’ve just
come out of our own ovens.
CondoCentral | 63
 survey
The perfect meal
Appetizer
Growing up, my siblings and
I would eagerly look forward to
weekend lunches at home. For one,
they were definitely better tasting
than school canteen fare or packed
grub hurriedly prepared by harassed
parents. Two, home is where one can
freely use hands, or maybe one hand
and a spoon, or perhaps both hands
and a knife, and still be within bounds
of acceptable table manners. Three,
mealtime at home can be taken at a
more leisurely pace, without annoying
bells that compel you to wolf down
your lunch in 60 seconds (jolens or tex
or syato or tormenting girls playing
Chinese garter used up the first forty
four minutes of the break).
Mostly, though, weekend lunches
were a blast because we usually got to
take active part in the preparation of
the food.
Soup
This family ritual of “ganging up
on lunch” begins very early in the
day with the Popsy and the Mamu,
accompanied by any two of the seven
sibs on random rotation, heading for
the talipapa to select ingredients for
the upcoming feast.
It could be liempo, pinkish, thinly
sliced, and with just teasing streaks
of fat for sinigang; or deep red and
tender sirloin from newly slaughtered
cattle for bistek. It could be plump
and juicy, never watery, whole chick-
ens for inihaw; or clear-eyed, moist,
firm, and bright red-gilled lapulapu
for pesa. It could be medium-sized
suahe that literally jumps out of the
market basket into the pot for good
old halabos; or extra-large, heavy-to-
the-feel, newly-scraped-of-barnacle
tahong for suam.
Plus, it was whatever else the mar-
keters would fancy from a wide and
64 | CondoCentral
colorful variety of vegetables, fruits,
herbs, and spices that have just been un-
loaded from oversized stainless jeeps of
biyaheros. Whatever the case may be,
everything starts, non-negotiably, with
the freshest and choicest ingredients.
Salad
Upon the palengke team’s return,
the rest of the family members con-
gregate for respective assignments.
Since we prepared meals the old,
meticulous way sans shortcuts, tasks
were aplenty for every able-bodied
member of the household. Of course,
degree of duty difficulty and danger
increased with age and kitchen experi-
ence. No one below eight was to start
a fire, no one below ten was to wield a
knife. It was an assembly line straight
out of Ford’s textbook.
We used sinangag na bigas and
roasted peanuts, manually pulverized
by seven-year-old hands on century-
old mortar, to thicken the sauce of the
kare-kare. We would, with the snooty
suspicion of old-school chefs toward
purported complete meals in sachets,
painstakingly laga, piga, sala tamarind
for our sinigang. We eagerly smeared
every pore and cavity of the chicken,
and each other’s, with a special mix of
dry rub Mom would pre-blend. We
would produce coconut milk from
gangong niyog we ourselves cracked,
scraped, and hand-squeezed for
ginataang alimasag. We even found
a way to make the simple adobo a
glorious product of teamwork by let-
ting the younger ones pour measured
amounts of vinegar and soy sauce into
the pan. As coup de grace, the young-
est was usually conferred the enviable
honor of topping the simmering
masterpiece with bay leaf.
With the ambient sound, it was as if
we were still in the talipapa. A holler
for help in this station, a scream of “I
don’t need your assistance!” in anoth-
er. A hearty chuckle of contentment
in one corner, an anguished shriek of
exasperation in another. The stomp-
ing of barefoot iron chefs zooming
across kitchen stadium to confer with
the true culinary masters, the rustling
strides of concerned gurus coming to
the aid of stumped subalterns.
It was always that laborious. If a
dish turned out to be a tad salty, it
was probably due to our sweat and
tears, literally.
Main course
As we gather round to partake in
the fruits of our critical collaboration,
we beam. Terribly content and a little
pompous, each one, patronizingly
prompted by the parents, lets out a
litany, not only of one’s contribution
to the creation of the dish, but also of
his/her admirable traits:
“Had I not been ambidextrous, the
peanuts wouldn’t have been evenly
ground.”
“Thanks to my patience and being
thorough, every square inch of that
roast chicken you devour is flavorful.”
“I deserve a medal for not letting
gabi peel ruin the sinigang broth’s
consistency.”
“No matter how sumptuous our
ulam is, this meal would be a disaster
had I not expertly extracted the cor-
rect amount of am from the sinaing.”
I suspect that if the toddler’s vocab-
ulary then was richer than “ma-mam”
and “ooo-ooo,” we never would have
heard the end of the bay leaf.
Such good-natured and boisterous
one-upmanship would continue as
lunch dragged, sometimes for hours.
Earsplitting tall tales and repartee
increased in inverse proportion to the
remaining food on the table. Thunder-
ous guffaws from tooth-gapped brag-
garts blared amid rice coming out of
Peripheral
Mission
Arnold A. Altamira
noses and water spilling left and right.
There even was this instance when my
younger brother accidentally sniffed
a bangus eyeball, lodging it deep into
his sinus. No one would have known of
the unfortunate accident if not for an-
other younger brother who, obviously
bothered by the funny face the victim
was making, inquired and managed to
yelp, “Si Kuya, may mata sa ilong!”
(I do not discount the possibility of
neighbors imagining 74 Camino Real
as a loony bin. Or that we were being
raised by hyenas.)
Often, dessert would be backyard-
grown papaya or guava, or whatever
fruit was in season. But during special
events such as birthdays, first Com-
munions, recitals, graduations, a suc-
cessful appendectomy, or when VIPs
visit, gold label ice cream was it.
Dessert
Festivities would wind down only
when satiation, aided by the hypnotic
breeze emanating from the electric
fan, made everyone sleepy. We would,
if applicable, go through the motions
of deciding who was able to suck one’s
respective mango seed the whitest.
Then we would one by one trickle away
from the ruins, each probably making
one tired final stab at self-promotion.
After washing up and reappear-
ing as neat as can be desired of cave
boys and girls, we would once again
gather, forcibly take over the master’s
bedroom, then collectively fall into a
two-hour coma.
The perfect meal, simply, is that which
does not just taste delightfully delicious,
but also feels reassuringly right.
CondoCentral | 65
 preview
Taking
condo development
to new heights
Fringing an old Binondo neighborhood, soon-to-rise Mandarin Square will be
home to a wide range of demographics—from the upwardly mobile yuppies to
empty nesters—with lifestyle-oriented, intelligently mixed units
As the condo market heats up
across Manila, Anchor Land Hold-
ings, Inc. (ALHI) hones new lifestyle
developments customized to specific
demographics, continuosly daring
themselves to push the envelope.
So why is the condo marketing
heated? ALHI vice-chairman Steve Li
said there is a major play because of
demographic trends. “Empty nest-
ers are coming of age and they are
looking for that active, low-mainte-
nance lifestyle,” Li explained. “These
down-sizers are selling their big homes
and moving back or closer to the city
where they can buy a beautiful brand
new high-rise condominium and
have all the services and amenities at
their fingertips. This mass movement
is what is driving the condo market
right now. In addition to this trend,
mortgage rates which are still extraor-
dinarily low have allowed first time
buyers to buy at younger ages.”
Li is optimistic that the condo
boom trend will continue. With these
new lifestyle-engineered buildings, it
is becoming a way of living not to just
one demographic but to all. People
are working more hours and need
more services and the condo lifestyle
is the answer.
66 | CondoCentral
“Condo living is becoming an
increasingly popular option for more
and more Filipinos and foreigners.
In addition to a relatively affordable,
carefree and low-maintenance life-
style, our condominiums can also of-
fer enhanced security over single-fam-
ily homes, as well as a wide range of
social, entertainment and recreational
activities,” Li said.
Recently, Anchor Land oversaw
the foundation concrete pouring for
Binondo’s latest residential condomin-
ium—Mandarin Square on Ongpin
Street in Binondo, Manila. ALHI
chairman Stephen Lee said, “What
we’re seeing here at Mandarin Square
is a strong statement of faith in urban
living. This is a smart mix of well-de-
signed units fringing an old Binondo
neighborhood, in walking distance of
downtown. It embraces the city, and
that’s why it will succeed. Soon we
will begin to see the ground level take
shape in the coming weeks.”
Lee revealed Mandarin Square,
targeted to be completed by the last
quarter of 2009, will offer a commer-
cial area ideal for shops, stalls, and
other professional services. Like all
ALHI projects, Mandarin Square will
also include an amenities floor for ten-
ants’ use. Business in the commercial
area is expected to be open until late
in the evening, a convenience for the
estimated 300 families who will oc-
cupy the Mandarin Square as well as
those living in the community as most
business establishments in Binondo
close by 7 p.m.
A first of its kind, Mandarin Square
offers two loft-style units each with
five bedrooms which will have their
own garden as well as easy access to
the pool, gym and other recreational
facilities, almost as if they owned the
entire floor. Also, the three penthouse
units come with their own sky garden,
a landscaped roof deck, which means
more space for various activities. Man-
darin Square will offer two-, three-,
four-, and five-bedroom units ranging
from 89 to 225 square meters.
“The projects that we develop are
an indication of our commitment to
provide Filipinos with quality homes.
We continuously strive to be one of
the top Filipino real estate develop-
ment companies by becoming an icon
in the development of truly modern
high-end residential condominiums
focusing on the goal of providing ur-
ban living at its finest to the surround-
ing communities,” Lee concluded.
Mandarin Square, a mix
of well-designed units,
provides a counterpoint
to old Binondo.

CondoCentral | 67
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Interior monologue
Can’t make heads or tails on how to decorate your bare, white-washed unit? Why
not approach the developer who may provide this service handy to clueless Johns
and Janes like you. Phinma Properties is one of them, as highlighted in its recent
development in Quezon City: the San Benissa Garden Villas
Most people today thrive in
a fast-paced lifestyle. Coordinating
details in designing a house does
not seem to fit in their schedule.
To hasten the process, a leading
developer of affordable medium
rise housing units shares key, yet
simple strategies on how to design,
lay out and furnish a studio unit and
efficiently transform such into a more
ideal home.
PHINMA Property Holdings
Corporation (Phinma Properties) has
mastered through experience the
essentials of making a bare studio
unit into a comfortable, spacious yet
compartmentalized home. Their fully
fitted and furnished model units are
often copied by unit buyers.
Phinma Properties President & CEO
Willie J. Uy says, “As a result of the
strong demand to copy our model
unit, we have decided to offer interior
design and fitted-out services for our
unit buyers through our Post Project
Management Group. We custom
design and build based on the owner’s
requirements and budget.”
“For our future projects, we are
also planning to offer pre-designed,
themed interior packages from which
the buyer can choose from,” Uy
announced.
To help condo buyers emulate
what the company has done, Phinma
Properties Asst. Vice President for
Marketing & Design Grant Orbeta
68 | CondoCentral
imparts the secrets to transforming a
bare unit into one ideal sanctuary for
the unit owner.
Orbeta says choosing a developer
who can confidently and efficiently
fulfill your housing needs is vital. Once
you have relayed your preferences, it
is important that you can believe in
their competency and, thus, sit back
and relax knowing your wishlist will be
taken care of.
“Talk to one person – the
developer, who knows the unit well.
The developer will complete the
project because he has a name to
protect and will not run away with
your hard-earned money,” Orbeta
advises.
“Since your developers are aware of
the advantages of your unit, they are
capable of maximizing its potential,
such as maximizing small-spaced
areas. Putting your faith in your
developer will create a more effective
and free-flowing environment where
you can exchange creative thoughts,”
he adds.
Consider each area of your unit
and learn to work with its strengths
and weaknesses. Orbeta cites their
column-free buildings as a significant
feature buyers can make the most
out of in layouting their interior
spaces.
“Reflect upon what you need most
and follow your list of priorities while
spending within your means. You have
a budget for a reason. But still be open
to other ideas and recommendations,
especially from your developer,
which might be useful in creating a
comfortable home that exudes who
you are,” says Orbeta.
“Decorating your own home
must meet time with trust,
practicality with personality, and
comfort with creativity.” That is how
Orbeta summarizes the essentials
of transforming a bare unit into a
comfortable sanctuary – that is,
courtesy of your developer.
Phinma Properties’ newest addition
to its condominium township projects
in Quezon City is San Benissa Garden
Villas in Commonwealth Avenue. It is
a Spanish-inspired enclave comprising
medium-rise buildings with a total of
783 units amidst a rolling terrain and
lush landscape.
Uy explained, “The salient feature
of the township is the three secluded
buildings to be called Garden Villas
with each unit to have approximately
ten square meters of backyard space;
while six buildings will be outside the
secluded gardened area.”
Amenities of the condo township
consist of a roofdeck in each building,
a clubhouse, a badminton court, and
a gym. Started construction in mid-
January of this year and with prices
ranging from P624,000 per unit, San
Benissa will be ready for turnover by
yearend.
 A studio unit of San Benissa
Garden Villas can be greatly
improved and expanded
by the in-house designers
familiar with the building’s
structure and specifications.

CondoCentral | 69
 preview
Live it up
Condos need not come with a hefty price. Arnold A. Altamira
discovers Fort Palm Spring, a practical solution to high-rise living
that doesn’t scrimp on design and quality
Fort Palm Spring is underlined
by the Build-Your-Own
concept which offers the end
user 40 percent savings on
the usual going rate of other
properties in the vicinity.
70 | CondoCentral
With a little research and
some patience, one can whip up a
sumptuous steak and seafood dinner
for less than half the price of what
fine-dining restaurants offer. With a
little power tool dexterity and some
perseverance, one can fashion a
charming, heirloom-material break-
fast table from seemingly throwaway
wood scrap. With a little scissor skill
and some bravura, one can skip kiddie
salon visits and perform enjoyable
haircuts on the kids right at home.
Practical people take pride in the
fact that if they can help it, they’d
rather do things on their own.
Indeed, accomplishing or creating
something by your self is a source, not
only of great fulfillment, but of much-
needed savings as well.
But building your home on your own?
Why not? This is what project man-
agement firm First Global BYO Corpo-
ration (BYO Corp.) is eagerly telling the
country’s thriving property market.
An exciting concept
BYO Corp is introducing the
revolutionary Build-Your-Own (BYO)
method, an exciting new way of
owning property by way of Fort Palm
Spring, a 28-storey luxury residential
condominium soon to rise at the
Bonifacio Global City.
BYO’s bottomline: Up to 40 per-
cent savings on the usual going rate of
other properties in the same vicinity.
The BYO method makes this possi-
ble as it circumvents redundant chan-
nels in traditional property-acquisition
schemes. Under BYO, the buyer essen-
tially becomes the owner/developer
of the project through the project
manager and the development team.
The hefty cost generally associated
with middlemen is outright eliminat-
ed. Thus, Fort Palm Spring sells at an
average of P52,000 per square meter
as compared to other similar proper-
ties in the area that fetch as high as
P95,000 per square meter.
And with Pag-IBIG Fund and
other financing institutions offer-
ing a variety of easy-payment plans,
owning a luxurious high-rise unit at a
very esteemed address has never been
simpler and more affordable.
An architectural and design opus
Of course a natural concern with
cut-rate purchases, whether it be a
hundred-peso RTW item or a condo-
minium unit that runs by the millions,
is the all-important issue of quality.
BYO Corp. assures that Fort Palm
Spring, despite being the best-priced
in its class, does not compromise on
value. There is absolutely no scrimp-
ing on construction materials and
aesthetic appointments.
Inspired by the laid-back, resort-like
air of the Palm Springs in California,
BYO Corp. endeavors to replicate and
transport the same feel right smack in
the middle of busy Metro Manila.
For starters, the development is
planned such that there is an abun-
dance of green and open spaces. The
breezy atmosphere this generates is
complemented by the deliberate and
strategic presence of water – another el-
ement that teems in Fort Palm Spring’s
design. Furthermore, every unit, from
the basic one-bedroom to the plush
three-bedroom with loft, possesses an
elegant balcony. Still, some truly blessed
and select owners will have breathtak-
ing sky gardens or sky balconies.
Also thrown in are fundamental
facilities and special services such as a
fitness gym, a swimming pool, a pool
deck, he/she locker rooms, a putting
green, shower rooms, a health spa, com-
mercial stores, a function room with
garden for outdoor events, and more.
To top it all off, Fort Palm Spring’s
location is undoubtedly prime. With
offices, schools, hospitals, retail shops
and other top-rate commercial es-
tablishments sprouting one after the
other, Bonifacio Global City is in the
midst of fulfilling its vision of being
the trendiest and most desirable self-
contained community in the metro.
Fort Palm Spring is soon to be an inte-
gral element in that neighborhood.
A trusted tradition
With over 35 years in project
management experience, BYO Corp.
has overseen the construction of
hundreds of houses and other shelter
units, as well as commercial spaces
abroad. The Waterside Office Park
in Australia and the Ultrasharp Resi-
dences in China are two fine examples
of developments that BYO Corp. has
spearheaded. It has likewise managed
other admired projects in the United
States and Hong Kong.
BYO Corp. brings this sterling and
untainted record for the first time in
the country via Fort Palm Spring.
A formidable team
BYO Corp. has affiliated with
eminent and trailblazing players in
the real estate/construction industry
to ensure that Fort Palm Spring is
superbly built: Robert Carag Ong,
architect; C-E Contruction Corp.,
builder; AMCON & Company Inc.,
construction project manager; O.E.
Orignes & Associates, structural engi-
neer; RMI Business Agency, financial
adviser; UO2 Architects, interior
design architect; and Montilla Law
Office, legal consultant.
Rounding up the venerable list is
Banco de Oro (BDO), the project’s
depository and disbursing unit. Fort
Palm Spring buyers are assured that
their investments are safeguarded
and will only be spent directly on
construction.
A sturdy guarantee
Metro Manila luxury condominium
developers, bar none, promote their
properties as a sanctuary, a getaway
from the flurry of cosmopolitan verve.
They advertise their projects as the
ultimate balance of extravagance and
practicality. They trumpet their devel-
opments as the center of the universe.
Only a few deliver even on their
basic promise. A fewer still, can claim
ability to provide the pledged extrava-
gance without the exorbitant price tag.
Simply, Fort Palm Spring, with its
pioneering Build-Your-Own method,
is a reasonably-priced, well-appointed
home at a very prestigious address.
So start building your own home
today. While it does not necessarily en-
tail suiting up in faded denim overalls
or reaching for that trusty hammer and
saw, BYO Corp. assures it will be just as
gratifying as it is practicable.
Fort Palm Spring model units are
available for viewing at MC Home
Depot at the Bonifacio Global City. For
more information, please call 815-1010
or visit www.fortpalmspring.com.ph.
CondoCentral | 71
 preview

A star is born
Located at the corner of EDSA and Quezon Avenue,
Globe Asiatique’s Sky Suites, a 38-storey residential
tower that puts premium on elegant lifestyle, adds a
sparkle of glamour in the city of stars

Quezon City has always been views and separates it from the street
considered as the “Hollywood of the activity creating a secluded enclave.
Philippines” for having prominent Other features will also include al
studios and the big networks. It is now fresco dining, sky gardens, a swimming
catching up with fellow cities in the pool, and a playground.
metro with developments in on the The “Loft Concept” is shared by
fast-track: call centers, major inter- both structures adding volume to its
national firms constructing towering spaces. No two units is ever alike from
buildings, high-end malls. No wonder its views to location.
that QC will be the next Central Busi- The GA Sky Suites offers premium
ness District of Metro Manila. services like a concierge that allows
The city in the north is also where the residents to reserve for movie
the latest developments are going to be tickets, restaurant reservations and
located, making this area truly befitting food delivery, valet parking, plus the
for a five-star residential condominium, assistance of a doorman to welcome
such as the GA Sky Suites which residents and guests by the lobby.
puts premium on VIP treatment and These features and the extraordinary
lifestyle. architecture of Globe Asiatique will
In line with Globe Asiatique’s vision
of providing high-quality develop-
ments, GA Sky Suites features a design
concept that includes two juxtaposed
sculptural forms - one semi-circular
containing residential units and the
other curvilinear containing office
spaces combined to form a single,
dramatically noticeable edifice.
The architecture of Globe
Asiatique’s Sky Suites curves to
capture panoramic views. Gardens
soar to stratospheric heights to create
points of interest in multi-levels. At
night, the building glimmers with its
glass fins as the roof angles towards
the sky, giving it an iconic appear-
ance. The podium parking also serves
as a man-made plateau surrounded
by lush gardens raising the lowest
apartment and office spaces to an ele-
vation that captures the long distance

72 | CondoCentral
CondoCentral | 73
 GA Sky Suites features a
loft concept which adds
volume to spaces and
makes every unit unique
from view to location.

not just give its residents an excep-

tional place to rest, dine, and bathe,
it will also be a threshold of unique
experiences and will provide a refresh-
ing lifestyle day in and day out.
Soon to be the tallest building on
Edsa, the GA Sky Suites will stand as a
38-story residential with a total land
area of 2,800 sqm. Regular units will
start on the second floor to the 35th
floor and the Premier units (pent-
house units) will be found on the 36th
to 38th floors. Commercial area will
take up two floors of the building and
spacious podium parking will also
be available. The entire building will
contain 975 units, with 42 of them
categorical and Premier.
Globe Asiatique’s Sky Suites will
allow the clients to explore their
creativity by selecting from a wide
array of styles and unit features.
The options to choose from vary
in size, furnishings, and unit type.
The Podium and Garden lofts are
one-sided units that offer differ-
ent looks. For those who seek more
space, there is the Sky loft and the
Premier, available in 50, 54, 79, 91,
and 117 sq.m.

74 | CondoCentral
 preview
Mediterranean
Manila
With Mediterranean-inspired architecture and
located in one of the most exclusive addresses in
town, McKinley Garden Villas beckons the soul to
a life of sunny dispositions
Nothing comes close to
European city living than McKinley
Hill Garden Villas. Situated in the
exclusive McKinley Hill township in
Fort Bonifacio, undoubtedly the city’s
next neighborhood to watch, the
landmark residential complex features
a maximum of four units per floor in
each of the five-storey buildings.
The low-density development in
Mediterranean Revival style recalls the
architecture of the Spanish low-rises
along the coasts of the Levante and
Costa del Sol. Having an exterior that
includes clay-tiled roofs, balconies
with belly picket railings, and finishing
in Tuscan colors, the look and the
impact are unmistakably the South
of Spain.
But it is in the interiors where the
spirit of the Spanish Mediterranean
country living is alive. The primary
unit is a swanky two-bedroom resi-
dence that sprawls with 100 sq.m. of
space and high ceilings, truly a luxury
in this megalopolis. Its welcoming
foyer leads to a grand central dining
76 | CondoCentral
and living area, which form the axis of
this princely home.
Owners can serve their sumptuous
meals perhaps on a rustic Spanish
vineyard table or a more formal din-
ing set with high backrest chairs. In
the living room, they can gather and
chat with dinner guests around a coc
are the two cozy bedrooms where
owners and their children can escape
to a quiet refuge from the hustle and
bustle of the city. Each are fitted with
mounted modular cabinets and wood
laminate floorings, making it more
convenient for immediate move-ins.
Both have adjacent deluxe bathrooms,
while the lavish master’s bedroom is
provided with its very own spacious
walk-in closet.
In addition to these, each unit also
has a roomy kitchen already furnished
with necessary appliances. Chores
are neatly and swiftly maintained in
the well-designed utility area. The
safety of residents is also taken in
consideration with the provision of
fire escapes and a sprinkler system in
In Mediterranean Revival
style, the McKinley Hill
Garden Villas recalls the
architecture of the Spanish lo
w-rises along the coasts of the
Levante and Costa del Sol.
CondoCentral | 77
 each unit. Ample water supply is also
guaranteed, while a power generator
is permanently kept on standby in
case of power outages.
Surrounding the units are lush
gardens and tree-lined walkways,
which afford the complex a resort-
like environment, despite being at a
stone’s throw away from the city’s
busiest district. Furthermore, easy
access to the McKinley Hill Cyberpark,
Fort Bonifacio, Makati CBD, NAIA
and South Superhighway make it a
very strategic place. It easily brings
the owner wherever work takes him
or her: within Metro Manila, to the
provinces or abroad. This makes
McKinley Hill Garden Villas a smart
place to settle down one’s roots and
build a home.
A balanced and leisurely family life
is also easy to achieve with McKinley
Hill Garden Villas being situated near
minutes from the new Chinese and
Korean International Schools within
McKinley Hill and a short drive away
Primary unit begins from the IS Manila. Meanwhile, a
as a swanky 100 sq.m. sports complex and a medium-sized
affair which means that commercial center scheduled to rise
a dining room such as
this can be luxuriously on the southern part of the McKinley
accommodated. Hill community will promise many op-
tions for entertainment and shopping
as well as health and fitness.

78 | CondoCentral
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CondoCentral | 81
 soar

Primal Paris
Paris is for lovers, yes—considering how many times
the Eiffel Tower, the Seine river, and even the Louvre
have been romanticized by couples, star-crossed or
otherwise. And yet, unknown to many, Paris has a
deep primal side. In its heart lies the Musée du Quai
Branly, a museum that shows the abidingly elemental
creations of and civilizations of Africa, Asia, Oceania
and the Americas

historical perspective. Long ignored

A new museum is always an event,
especially when the museum in ques-
tion is the already legendary Musée
du Quai Branly, built to showcase the
arts and civilizations of Africa, Asia,
Oceania and the Americas in the
heart of Paris. Featuring magnificent
collections that have been acclaimed
as treasures of the non-European
world, the new museum constitutes
not one, but several major events,
both from a museological and a
and unappreciated, or restrictively
labelled as “curiosities,” these “far-
away” non-Western cultures will
be exhibited over a vast area that
highlights “the full extent of their
depth and subtlety” by fostering a
lasting dialogue between individuals
and cultures.
Designed by France’s most
ubiquitous architect Jean Nouvel,
the new museum is also hailed as an
architectural masterpiece. Nouvel
describes it as “a building nestled in
the landscape and awaiting discovery,
intended to serve as a home to these
different forms of arts rather than as
an example of Western architecture.”
Consisting of a spectacular group of
buildings located in a 40,000-square-
metre area, the new venue is indeed
“a museum in a forest” of trees and
greenery.
Musée du Quai Branly is located
along the Seine, at the foot of the
Eiffel Tower, on the city’s last major
undeveloped lot (25,000 square me-
ters) in the heart of Paris.

82 | CondoCentral
CondoCentral | 83
 rundown
Quick guide to some
predeveloped condos
in the metro
Bonifacio Global City condominiums
FAIRWAYS TOWER
Location: Bonifacio Global City
Unit types: Studio, 1, 2 and 3
Size: 40 sq.m. to 80 sq.m.
Storeys: 40
Features and amenities:
Four high-speed interior-finished
passenger elevators, two service
elevators, multi-level basement
parking, rooftop helipad, 24-hour
security, CCTV monitoring system,
audio-visual intercom system, cen-
tralized mail room, commercial/retail
establishments, business center,
MCKINLEY PARK
RESIDENCES
Location: Bonifacio Global City
Unit types: 1, 2 and 3
Size: 37.98 sq.m. to 109.86 sq.m.
Storeys: 43
Features and amenities:
Entrance lobby with reception/
security counter, CCTV monitoring
of selected common areas, three
passenger elevators and one service/
passenger elevator, automatic heat/
smoke detection and fire sprinkler
system, elevated water tank and
underground cistern, annunciator
panel with emergency speaker at all
84 | CondoCentral
automatic fire alarm and sprinkler
system for all units, overhead water
tank and underground cistern for
ample water supply, standby power
generator for common areas, main-
tenance and housekeeping services,
laundromat services, driver’s lounge
and toilet for selected parking levels,
spa and sauna, adult and kiddie
swimming pool, lifestyle and fitness
gym, locker rooms, playground area,
functions rooms
Price range: P3.65M to P7.52M
Reservation fee: P25,000
SEIBU TOWER
Location: Bonifacio Global City
floors, intercom per unit con- Unit types: 1, 2, and 3
nected to the security/ reception Size: 40.67 sq.m. to 188.03 sq.m.
counter, overhead water tank and Storeys: 28
underground cistern for ample water Features and amenities:
supply, building administration Four high-speed elevators, three
office, standby power generator for parking levels, 24-hour security,
common areas and selected outlet security intercom, automatic fire
in each unit, individual mail boxes, alarm and sprinkler system, 25-me-
commercial areas at the ground, 2nd ter lap pool, garden with feature
and 3rd floors, landscaped garden, fountain, fitness gym, locker rooms
lap pool, swimming pool and chil- and shower rooms with CR, kid’s
dren’s pool, jogging path, children’s station, kiddie pool, children’s
playground, function room, game playground, sunken bench, multi-
room, fitness center purpose hall
Price range: P2.56M to 8.03M Price range: P2.07 to P10.26M
Reservation fee: P50,000 Reservation fee: P50,000
 Manila condominiums
ADRIATICO GRAND
RESIDENCES
Location: Malate, Manila
Unit types: 1, 2 and 3; Loft and bi-level
Size: 34.09 sq.m. to 122.26 sq.m.
Storeys: 30
Features and amenities:
Waste disposal chute, Cable TV
ready, standby power generator, three
elevators, automatic fire protection and Price range: P3.35M to P11.41M
sprinkler system, 24-hour security, auto- Reservation fee: P50,000
MAYFAIR TOWER
Location: Ermita, Manila
Unit types: 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5; Flat and
bi-level
Size: 52.91 sq.m. to 280.27 sq.m.
Storeys: 33
Features and amenities:
An impressive lobby with reception
counter and intimate lounge seating.
Lobby is finished with natural stone,
wood veneer and glass; two high-speed
passenger elevators with a capacity of 15
persons each, one service elevator with
same capacity as above. Both lifts are
finished in veneer and mirror-wall clad-
ding with granite flooring; ground floor
has one main entrance, setback from
the street and accessed through the
Makati condominiums
THE THE COLUMNS
METROPOLITAN LEGASPI VILLAGE
Location: Across Location: Legaspi Village, Makati City
Rockwell, Makati Unit types: 1, 2 and 3
City Size: 30 sq.m. to 82 sq.m.
Unit types: Studio, Storeys: 40
1 and 3; Flat and Features and amenities:
loft Landscaped plaza with restaurants/
Size: 37 sq.m. to cafés at the ground floor, centralized
76 sq.m. mailroom system, centralized garbage
Storeys: 47 collection/ disposal system, automatic
Features and
amenities:
5-level podium THE RESIDENCES
parking, roofdeck AT GREENBELT
with helipad, grand
dining hall, meeting rooms, func- Location: Legaspi Village, Makati City
tion rooms, day care center, beauty Unit types: 1, 2, 3 and 4;
salon, sports shop, 25-meter lap pool, Size: 57 sq.m. to 207 sq.m.
kiddie pool, covered basketball court, Storeys: 50
covered tennis courts, covered bad- Features and amenities:
minton courts, 8-lane bowling alley, Commercial area at the ground
billiards hall, gym, classrooms for dojo, level, air-conditioned main lobby,
spinning and pilates, spa and sauna appurtenant parking slots for all units,
area, massage area, sports area 6-level parking space, four elevators,
administrative office, mail room,
Price range: P2.86M to P6.08M driver’s lounge, acoustic treatment
Reservation fee: P25,000 via double-glazing at the lower floors,
mated fire detection and alarm system,
CCTV monitoring system, house entry
phone system, individual door bell,
automated vehicular traffic system,
swimming pool, children’s wading pool,
commercial shops at the groundfloor,
grand lobby area, cistern and overhead
water tanks, jogging path, gym, func-
tion rooms, sauna room
driveway that leads to the porte cochere
and parking, sky terrace on the roofdeck
with indoor function area for 200 per-
sons, multi-level outdoor function area
on the sky terrace with seating capacity
of 150 people, with pocket gardens and
bench seating, vista deck with lounge
and reading areas, breakfast nook, bar,
indoor pocket gardens and viewing deck,
gym for aerobics, yoga and taebo at the
7th floor, function room good for 45
persons also at the 7th floor, lap pool ,
hydromassage pool, kiddie pool, sunken
bar, lounge area, saunas and shower
rooms, pond and waterfall feature, all at
the 7th floor, 7-level parking, 24-hour se-
curity, 100% standby generator for com-
mon areas and allocated power to each
unit in case of brownout, automatic fire
fire alarm and sprinkler system, three
high-speed elevators, 100% back-up
power on all common areas, 24-hour
security, 3-level basement parking and
5-level above-ground parking, guest
parking, 450-sqm gym and fitness center,
25-meter lap pool, sun deck, day care
center, kiddie pool, indoor and outdoor
play areas, jogging area, function rooms
Price range: P2.49M to P8.76M
Reservation fee: P50,000
CCTV system for common areas and
elevator cars, fully-automated
sprinkler and smoke detec-
tor system, visual/ audible
fire alarm system within
and outside residential
units, water reservoir and
separate fire reserves,
100% back-up power,
centralized garbage
disposal system, 24-hour
security, excellent
building maintenance
by Ayala Property
Management Cor-
W.H. TAFT
Location: Malate,
Manila
Unit types: Stu-
dio, 1
Size: 31 sq.m. to
53 sq.m.
Storeys: 30
Features and amenities:
24-hour security, WiFi-enabled build-
ing, commercial spaces at the ground
floor that will house cafés, restaurants,
etc., multi-level parking, utility/ laundry,
provisions, swimming pool with view of
DLSU greeneries and Manila Bay, multi-
purpose hall convertible into seminar/
study/ focus group discussion areas
Price range: P1.88M to P3.44M
Reservation fee: P25,000
alarm and sprinkler system, centralized
garbage disposal system, two combined
water tank and two domestic cistern
and one fire reserve tank, individual-
ized electric and water meters, building
safety compliance to local fire code, dual
fire-escape locations at every residential
floor, CCTV monitoring system, security
intercoms at every residential unit,
centralized mail room
Price range: P3.54 to 11.22M
Reservation fee: P100,000
poration, audio anunciator, grand
social hall, fully-equipped gym and
fitness center, luxury spa, mini-
theatre, multi-purpose lawn, adult
lap pool, kiddie pool, game room,
children’s playground, indoor
play area, pond, rock and water
feature, Zen-inspired medita-
tion garden, 50th sky roof deck,
auxiliary gym
Price range: P5.89M to
26.25M
Reservation fee:
P50,000
CondoCentral | 85
 reflections
Viva Las Vegas- Filipinos in Sin City
Nevada—The warm spring air of Las
Vegas was a welcome treat after San
Francisco’s cool, sometimes freezing,
weather. And it was great that with
the new highways going through Bar-
stow, and the increased speed limits
of 70 mph—though everybody was
doing 90 to 100 mph—direct to Las
Vegas. It takes only eight hours via car
from San Francisco or three and a half
hours from Los Angeles.
Orchid Crisologo-Sideco, the sister
of one of our best friends in high
school at St. Scholastica’s College
Ching, welcomed us as warmly as the
weather. Together with her husband,
OFW Notes
Joey, they had moved to this city from
Cita Abad-Dinglasan
Los Angeles and caught the building
boom before it quadrupled. Make
that quintupled.
Las Vegas is now home to ap-
proximately 100,000 Fil-Am OFWs.
I saw the city again with refreshed
eyes: it has vastly improved its image
from being a mere gambling town
with extravagant hotels and shows.
Nowadays, in the winter, one can ski
in the nearby Mount Charleston. In
the summer, there’s boating or water-
skiing at Lake Mead. All year round,
there’s performances by various art-
ists like Celine Dion or our very own
Lani Misalucha or Martin Nievera.
86 | CondoCentral
Plus art shows, visiting orchestras,
horsebackriding, golf, tennis (Andre
Agassi spends a lot of time here) and
so much more.
Last year, it even snowed! I couldn’t
imagine that a city on a desert could
ever have snow falling on it, but it
happened and thrilled the Las Vegas
natives. It is beginning to thrill me
too—that for nothing down or
very little down payment, one can
purchase a beautiful home or condo,
some from foreclosure sales, and still
get a positive cash flow. Wow—that’s
a real estate deal one cannot easily
walk away from.
The list of Filipinos who own second
or third homes here are endless: the
families of Quisumbing, Cojuangco,
Reyes, Singson are in the nice sections
of town. While we were watching
boxer Manny Pacquiao’s bout televised
in San Antonio Texas, some Filipinos
recalled to me, tales of Chavit Singson
and Mike Arroyo visiting Las Vegas
during Manny’s previous fights, and
impressing many Las Vegans with their
princely hotel accommodations usu-
ally reserved for extremely high rollers,
those betting in the great bucks like
$1000 and up category.
Orchid and Joey were active with
the Couples for Christ movement, and
had many visitors. I bumped into the
Virtude family from Ilocos and you
know what they say: give a Filipino
five minutes, and upon talking to fel-
low Filipinos, they will find a common
friend or relative. There are many
Filipino nurses staffing the new seven
other hospitals from the original small
one we saw in the ‘70s. The ubiquitous
OFWs have also found employment in
the hotels, casinos, restaurants, shows,
leisure activites. Filipino waiters
served us, Filipino doctors treat the
sick, Filipino pit bosses in casinos were
aplenty, Filipino accountants count
the corporations’ money, Filipino bro-
kers move the property. Filipinos were
everywhere. Enjoying the nice warm
weather (except July when it gets too
hot) so like the tropics.
And with their increased spend-
able income, many wisely save up
and buy several houses to rent out or
generously send money or goods back
to Manila. Joey’s balikbayan business
is thriving well. Orchid’s real estate
transactions are enviable.
In the desert, many Filipino lives
have blossomed.
Send comments to citadinglasan@
yahoo.com
 opinion
Condo investment
Traditionaly, whenever overseas
Filipino workers (OFWs) go on a vaca-
tion, they either stay in their parents’
or relatives’ house or in a hotel during
the peak months of November to
January when occupancy rate and
room charge are relatively high. Most
of them, wanting an alternative,
choose instead to purchase condo-
minium units so that whenever they
would come to the Philippines for a
visit, they have a safe, comfortable
88 | CondoCentral
place to stay. It will be no hassle to
them if they want to explore malls
and other entertainment hubs, alone
or with company, since most of the
condos are in close proximity to
places of interest. Not merely as a
transient investment, condominiums
will also provide them a home if they
choose to retire.
These are some of the reasons why
OFWs are investing on condomini-
ums: not only do they provide them
a secure, permanent home, they also
offer a cheaper alternative compared
to the properties in the countries
where they work or even have settled.
As property rights are protected by
the Constitution, condominiums
seem to be a fail-proof investment:
they are made to pay for themselves
many times over without fear of loss
and still appear to be the safest place
to invest huge capital which you do
not want to gamble.
The key to an intelligent investment
decision, as I’ve mentioned previously
in my column, is to get a professional
broker or brokerage company to assist
you in getting a condo unit that suits
you budget and needs. The advantage
of consulting with a professional bro-
ker over an agent from a developer is
that the former would give you more
options while the latter would expect-
edly push only the only development
of the company that pays for his bills.
What is crucial, given that the condo-
miniums’ location and price are the
same and competitive, is the integrity
of the developer: the quality of the
projects it has finished and its stand-
ing in the industry. Buying a condo
unit is just like buying a premium car:
although its features may be the same
as the others available in the market,
it is the strength of the brand name
The Condo
Café
Renne Isidro
that makes it different.
As of late, I’ve noticed that most
major developments are rising in
high-density, business areas. If I were
a developer, I would create condo-
miniums in the university area, at least
medium-rise ones. Most of the dormi-
tories in this area are 40 years old with
some built right after the war. Invest-
ing in a condo at the university area
guarantees the unit owner continuous
rental as a rentee would average a
four-year stay after which, a freshman
will take over his place.
When I had my restaurant and bar
business in P. Burgos and Makati Ave.
20 years ago, there were only three
condominiums in that area. Currently,
there are major developments being
constructed in full swing. I just won-
der how will the area accommodate
the volume of people, not to mention
vehicular traffic, considering that the
roads are the same as 20 years ago. I
hope that the developers will address
this concern and coordinate with the
government agencies concerned.
This coming July 27, Condo.Com.
Ph will have the first condo auction in
the Philippines. Investors, brokers and
foreigners are enjoined to attend the
auction as it will feature an extensive
lineup of bank-acquired and unsold
condos all ready for occupancy. Guests
are assured that these properties are
properly assessed and the titles are
clean. Please feel free to call at 840-
1332 if you have any questions.
Condo Café publishes announcements
of events of developers and condo-
minium associations. Please email
info at renne@condo.com.ph.
 *guide
condo

For rent
www.condo.com.ph
For inquiries and viewing request:
CALL NOW (632) 812-3333

Disclaimer: All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Prospective purchasers and renters should verify the information to their satisfaction.

Ortigas Center/Mandaluyong/Greenhills, San Juan

Palmdale Heights One-bedroom Fully furnished 40 sq.m. P16,000/month
Skyway Twin Tower Studio Fully furnished 25 sq.m. P15,000/month
Emerald Mansion Three-bedroom Fully furnished 157 sq.m. One parking slot P60,000/month
Swire Elan Suites Studio Unfurnished 35.02 sq.m. P35,000/month
Mayfield Park Residences Two-bedroom Unfurnished 49 sq.m. P20,000/month
GA Tower Two-bedroom Unfurnished 39 sq.m. P20,000/month
Mayfield Park Residences         Two-bedroom Fully furnished  48 sq.m. One parking slot           P30,000/month
GA Tower        Two-bedroom Fully furnished  73 sq.m. Two parking slots         P45,000/month
Parc Royale      Two-bedroom Semi-furnished  170 sq.m. One parking slot           P40,000/month
Swire Elan Suites          Studio Unfurnished      35 sq.m.           P35,000/month

Rockwell, Makati City

Rizal Tower Three-bedroom (penthouse) 283 sq.m. Two parking slots P270,000/month
Rizal Tower Three-bedroom Fully furnished 283 sq.m. Two parking slots P170,000/month
Amorsolo West Two-bedroom Fully furnished 125 sq.m. Two parking slots P100,000/month
Manansala Studio Fully furnished 48 sq.m. One parking slot P35,000/month
Hidalgo Place Two-bedroom Unfurnished 128 sq.m. Two parking slots P85,000/month
Manansala One-bedroom Fully furnished 71 sq.m. One parking slot P60,000/month
Rizal Tower 3-bedrm (penthouse) Unfurnished 336 sq.m. One parking slot P200,000/month
Hidalgo Place   Studio Fully furnished  52 sq.m. One parking slot           P40,000/month

90 | CondoCentral
 Legaspi Village, Makati City
One Legazpi Park Studio Semi-furnished One parking slot P40,000/month
One Legazpi Park One-bedroom Fully furnished 63 sq.m. One parking slot P60,000/month
One Legazpi Park One-bedroom Fully furnished 60.25 sq.m. One parking slot P70,000/month
Island Tower One-bedroom Fully furnished 120 sq.m. One parking slot P55,000/month
LPL Tower Three-bedroom Fully furnished 134 sq.m. One parking slot P45,000/month
Asian Mansion II One-bedroom Fully furnished One parking slot P28,000/month
Biltmore Two-bedroom Fully furnished 131 sq.m. One parking slot P80,000/month
Biltmore Three-bedroom Fully furnished 252 sq.m. One parking slot P140,000/month
Colonade Three-bedroom Fully furnished 223 sq.m. One parking slot P85,000/month
Greenbelt Radissons Studio Unfurnished 34.3 sq.m. P35,000/month
Greenbelt Radissons Studio Unfurnished 40.60 sq.m. P25,000/month
Greenbelt Radissons Studio Semi-furnished 34.30 sq.m. P25,000/month
Greenbelt Radissons Studio Fully furnished 34.30 sq.m. P30,000/month
Greenbelt Radissons Studio Fully furnished 34.30 sq.m. One parking slot P35,000/month
Greenbelt Parkplace Studio Unfurnished 36.50 sq.m. P25,000/month
Greenbelt Parkplace One-bedroom Fully furnished 48 sq.m. One parking slot P45,000/month
Greenbelt Parkplace Studio Fully furnished 36 sq.m. P35,000/month
Perla Mansion One-bedroom Fully furnished 51 sq.m. P25,000/month
Perla Mansion One-bedroom Fully furnished 43 sq.m. P28,000/month
Century Plaza Two-bedroom Fully furnished 140 sq.m. One parking slot P60,000/month
Century Plaza Two-bedroom Fully furnished 147 sq.m. One parking slot P50,000/month
Frabella Two-bedroom Fully furnished 150 sq.m. One parking slot P90,000/month
Frabella Two-bedroom Fully furnished 300 sq.m. One parking slot P140,000/month
(penthouse)
The Shang Grand Tower One-bedroom Fully furnished 80 sq.m. One parking slot P75,000/month
Greenbelt Parkplace     One-bedroom  Fullyfurnished   36.5 sq.m. P55,000/month

Bonifacio Global City

Bonifacio Ridge Three-bedroom Fully furnished 113 sq.m. One parking slot P80,000/month
Bonifacio Ridge Two-bedroom Fully furnished 113 sq.m. One parking slot P90,000/month
One McKinley Two-bedroom Fully furnished 196 sq.m. One parking slot P100,000/month
Penhurst Place Three-bedroom Fully furnished One parking slot P70,000/month
Forbeswood Heights    One-bedroom Fully furnished 49 sq.m.           P32,000/month

Manila/ Pasay City

Vellagio Tower Studio Unfurnished 28.50 sq.m. P15,000/month
Providence Tower Studio Fully furnished 25 sq.m. P12,500/month
Antel Seaview One-bedroom Fully furnished 55 sq.m. One parking slot P25,000/month
Burgundy Transpacific Place One-bedroom Unfurnished 40.08 sq.m. P16,750/month
Golden Empire 1322    Four-bedroom  Fully furnished 250 sq.m. Three parking slots       P180,000/month          
Cityland Vito Cruz Tower         One-bedroom Unfurnished      50 sq.m.           P15,000/month
Le Mirage De Malate One-bedroom Unfurnished 34 sq.m. P15,000
Le Mirage De Malate One-bedroom Semi-furnished 44 sq.m. P16,000
Le Mirage De Malate One-bedroom Fully Furnished 44 sq.m. P25,000
Harrison Mansion One-bedroom Fully furnished 30 sq.m. P13,000
Bay Gardens-Anchor One-bedroom Unfurnished 54 sq.m. One parking slot P25,000

CondoCentral | 91
 Quezon City
Olympic Heights           Four-bedroom Fully furnished  154 sq.m. Two parking slots         P90,000/month
Greenhills Garden Square         Two-bedroom Unfurnished      57.5 sq.m. P18,000/month
Francesca         Two-bedroom Fully furnished  43 sq.m. P23,000/month

Alabang/ Parañaque
Vivant Flats      Two-bedroom Unfurnished      88 sq.m. One parking slot           P90,000/month
Chateu Elysee   Two-bedroom Fully furnished  53 sq.m. P28,000/month

Chino Roces/ Sen. Gil Puyat/ Dela Rosa, Makati City

Oriental Garden One-bedroom Unfurnished 45 sq.m. P20,000/month
Oriental Garden Studio Unfurnished 33 sq.m. P15,000/month
Makati Executive Tower I One-bedroom Semi-furnished 27 sq.m. P12,500/month
Makati Executive Tower I One-bedroom Unfurnished 36 sq.m. P12,500/month
West of Ayala Studio Fully furnished 36 sq.m. P20,000/month
The Columns– Ayala One-bedroom Semi-furnished 49 sq.m. One parking slot P45,000/month
The Columns - Ayala    Studio Unfurnished      32 sq.m. P25,000/month
The Columns - Ayala    Studio Fully furnished  30 sq.m. P25,000/month
The Columns - Ayala    Two-bedroom Unfurnished      67 sq.m. One parking slot           P62,000/month
Cityland Pasong Tamo  Three-bedroom Fully furnished  116.9 sq.m. P40,000/month

SalcedoVillage, Makati City

Salcedo Park Three-bedroom Fully furnished 179 sq.m One parking slot P75,000/month
Easton Place Two-bedroom Fully furnished 125 sq.m. One parking slot P70,000/month
Easton Place Three-bedroom Fully furnished 189 sq.m. One parking slot P90,000/month
Easton Place Three-bedroom Fully furnished 124 sq.m. One parking slot P75,000/month
Parklane Two-bedroom Fully furnished 136.55 sq.m. One parking slot P38,000/month
Paseo Parkview Studio Fully furnished 30 sq.m. P25,000/month
LPL Center Two-bedroom Fully furnished 148 sq.m. One parking slot P45,000/month
Salcedo Park Three-bedroom Unfurnished 180 sq.m. One parking slot P65,000/month
Grand Tower Two-bedroom Fully furnished 140 sq.m. One parking slot P55,000/month
Grand Tower Two-bedroom Fully furnished 155 sq.m. One parking slot P60,000/month
Three Salcedo Three-bedroom Semi-furnished 183.99 sq.m. One parking slot P70,000/month
Alpha Salcedo Three-bedroom Fully furnished 150 sq.m. One parking slot P75,000/month
Antel Platinum Tower One-bedroom Fully furnished 40.52 sq.m. One parking slot P30,000/month
Manhattan Square Studio Fully furnished 41.66 sq.m. P22,000/month
Manhatttan Sqaure One-bedroom Fully furnished 76 sq.m. One parking slot P40,000/month
Two Lafayette Two-bedroom Semi-furnished 102 sq.m. One parking slot P45,000/month
Two Lafayette Three-bedroom Fully furnished 171 sq.m. One parking slot P85,000/month
Plaza Royale Two-bedroom Fully furnished 155 sq.m. One parking slot P55,000/month
Ponte Salcedo Three-bedroom Fully furnished 285 sq.m. One parking slot P100,000/month
(penthouse)
Four Seasons Two-bedroom Fully furnished 170 sq.m. One parking slot P140,000/month
Tifanny Place Two-bedroom Fully furnished 160 sq.m. One parking slot P85,000/month
Le Metropole Five-bedroom (pent- Unfurnished 350 sq.m. One parking slot P120,000/month
house, bi-level)
Le Metropole Three-bedroom Fully furnished 179 sq.m. One parking slot P70,000/month
Le Domaine      Two-bedroom Semi-furnished  117 sq.m. Two parking slots         P50,000/month

92 | CondoCentral
 *guide
condo

For sale
www.condo.com.ph
For inquiries and viewing request:
CALL NOW (632) 812-3333

Disclaimer: All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Prospective purchasers and renters should verify the information to their satisfaction.

Quezon City
Smile Citihomes Studio Unfurnished 30 sq.m. P600,000
North Ridge Mansion Studio Unfurnished 25 sq.m. P2,000,000
New York Mansion Studio Unfurnished 44 sq.m. P1,400,000
Tropical Mandarin Tower Studio Unfurnished 36.5 sq.m. One parking slot P2,800,000
North Ridge Mansion Studio Semi-furnished 25 sq.m. P2,100,000
Tropical Mandarin Tower Studio Unfurnished 36.5 sq.m. One parking slot P2,850,000
One Orchard Road Studio Semi-furnished  36.5 sq.m. P2,300,000
Palm Spring
Regalia Park Towers    Two-bedroom Semi-furnished  70 sq.m. One parking slot           P3,800,000     
Francesca         Two-bedroom Fully Furnished 43 sq.m. One parking slot           P2,200,000  

Bonifacio Global City

Penhurst Three-bedroom Fully furnished 110 sq.m. One parking slot P8,500,000
Pacific Plaza Towers Three-bedroom Unfurnished 298 sq.m. Two parking slots P23,000,000

Legaspi Village, Makati

Prince Plaza I Studio Fully furnished 26.74 sq.m. P2,300,000
Tropical Palm Tower Two-bedroom Unfurnished 140 sq.m. One parking slot P7,500,000
Sunrise Two-bedroom Unfurnished 140 sq.m. One parking slot P7,600,000
Greenbelt Parkplace     One-bedroom Fully furnished  36.5 sq.m. P5,500,000

94 | CondoCentral
 Rockwell, Makati City
Hidalgo Place Three-bedroom Fully furnished 198 sq.m. Two parking slots P20,000,000
Hidalgo Place Two-bedroom Unfurnished 128 sq.m. Two parking slots P12,500,000
Manansala Two-bedroom Unfurnished 102 sq.m. One parking slot P10,300,000
Manansala Two-bedroom Unfurnished 116 sq.m. One parking slot P11,700,000
Luna Garden Four-bedroom Unfurnished 320 sq.m. Two parking slots P45,000,000
(penthouse, bi-level)
Rizal Tower Four-bedroom (pent- Unfurnished 270 sq.m. Two parking slots P35,000,000
house, flat)
Amorsolo East Three-bedroom Unfurnished 170 sq.m. Two parking slots P19,000,000

Chino Roces/ Sen. Gil Puyat/ Dela Rosa, Makati City

Cityland Pasong Tamo One-bedroom Unfurnished 36 sq.m. P1,900,000
Cityland Pasong Tamo Two-bedroom Unfurnished 66.99 sq.m. P3,000,000
Cityland Pasong Tamo Two-bedroom Unfurnished 66.99 sq.m. P3,000,000
Palm Tower Studio Unfurnished 25 sq.m. P1,300,000
Kingswood Three-bedroom Fully furnished 77 sq.m. One parking slot P4,500,000
Danarra Three-bedroom Semi-furnished 148 sq.m. One pakring slot P3,500,000
Palm Tower One-bedroom Fully furnished 36.36 sq.m. P2,500,000
Oriental Garden Two-bedroom Fully furnished 113 sq.m. One parking slot P12,000,000
Makati Executive Tower I One-bedroom Unfurnished 27 sq.m. One parking slot P2,500,000
Makati Executive Tower I One-bedroom 28 sq.m. Unfurnished One parking slot P2,500,000
Oriental Garden Makati            Three-bedroom Fully furnished  180 sq.m. One parking slot           P12,000,000
Oriental Garden Makati            Studio Unfurnished      37 sq.m. P3,200,000
Palm Tower      Three-bedroom Unfurnished      108 sq.m          P4,700,000
Makati Executive Tower I One-bedroom  Unfurnished      28.7 sq.m. P1,500,000
Cityland 9         Studio Unfurnished      22 sq.m. P700,000

Bel-Air, Makati City

Oxford Suites Studio Unfurnished 36 sq.m. P2,500,000
Ferros Bel- Air Tower One-bedroom Unfurnished      44.24 sq.m. P1,700,000
Makati Prime City Four-bedroom Unfurnished Two parking slots P6,900,000
Makati Palace Studio Unfurnished 32.87 sq.m. P1,900,000

Manila/ Pasay City

Pacific Regency One-bedroom Unfurnished 48.19 sq.m. P2,000,000
Cityland One-bedroom Unfurnished 50 sq.m. One parking slot P2,850,000
Vito Cruz Tower
Somerset Mansion Two-bedroom Semi-furnished 87 sq.m. One parking slot P4,200,000
Alpha Grandview One-bedroom Semi-furnished 52.80 sq.m. One parking slot P3,500,000
Balagtas Royal Mansion One-bedroom Unfurnished 28 sq.m. One parking slot P1,500,000
Vellagio Tower Studio Unfurnished 30 sq.m. P2,085,000
Malate Adriatico Two-bedroom Unfurnished      54.44 sq.m. One parking slot           P4,500,000     
Grand Residences
Park Avenue Mansion  Studio Unfurnished 24 sq.m. P950,000
Legaspi Tower 300      Two-bedroom Semi-furnished 183 sq.m. P8,500,000
Alpha Grandview          Studio Semi-furnished  28.4 sq.m. P2,000,000   

CondoCentral | 95
 Alabang/ Sucat, Parañaque
Mondrian Residences Studio Unfurnished 46.78 sq.m. One parking slot P2,700,000
Vierra at Britanny Bay One-bedroom Unfurnished 39 sq.m. P2,900,000
Almanza Metropolis Two-bedroom Semi-furnished 38.5 sq.m. One parking slot P2,500,000

Ortigas Center/ Mandaluyong City/ Greenhills, San Juan

Megaplaza Three-bedroom Unfurnished 93.84 sq.m. P3,800,000
Cityland Pioneer One-bedroom Fully furnished 34 sq.m P1,500,000
Palmdale Heights Studio Unfurnished 40 sq.m. P1,400,000
Governor’s Place Two-bedroom Unfurnished 88 sq.m. One parking slot P4,500,000
Valencia Hills Three-bedroom Fully furnished 122 sq.m. P8,500,000
California Garden Square Two-bedroom Unfurnished 57 sq.m. P2,800,000
California Garden Square Three-bedroom Fully furnished 80 sq.m. P3,900,000
California Garden Square Two-bedroom Unfurnished 57.50 sq.m. P2,200,000
California Garden Square Two-bedroom Unfurnished 57.50 sq.m., 1 parking slot P2,350,000
California Garden Square Two-bedroom Unfurnished 57.50 sq.m. 1 parking slot P2,400,000
California Garden Square Two-bedroom Unfurnished 57.5 sq.m. 1 parking slot P2,500,000
California Garden Square Two-bedroom Unfurnished 57.5 sq.m. 1 parking slot P2,300,000
Casa Madrid Three-bedroom Unfurnished 120 sq.m. One parking slot P5,200,000
Parc Royale      Four-bedroom Semi-furnished  348 sq.m. Two parking slots         P16,000,000
Parc Royale      Two-bedroom Semi-furnished  170 sq.m. One parking slot           P5,500,000
Pioneer Highlands One-bedroom Unfurnished      53 sq.m. One parking slot           P2,800,000
California Garden Square          Two-bedroom Unfurnished 57.5 sq.m. P2,300,000
Grand Emerald Tower  Studio Unfurnished      37 sq.m. P1,250,000
Cortijos Greenhills Three-bedroom Unfurnished      125 sq.m. One parking slot           P4,800,000

Condominium   

96 | CondoCentral
 law
REPUBLIC ACT N0. 6552
An act to provide protection to buyers of real estate on installment payments
Section 1. This Act shall be known as
the “Realty Installment Buyer Act.”
Section 2. It is hereby declared a pub-
lic policy to protect buyers of real es-
tate on installment payments against
onerous and oppressive conditions.
Section 3. In all transactions or
contracts involving the sale or
financing of real estate on installment
payments, including residential con-
dominium apartments but excluding
industrial lots, commercial buildings
and sales to tenants under Republic
Act Numbered Thirty-eight hundred
forty-four, as amended by Republic
Act Numbered Sixty-three hundred
eighty-nine, where the buyer has paid
at least two years of installments,
the buyer is entitled to the following
rights in case he defaults in the pay-
ment of succeeding installments:
(a) To pay, without additional
interest, the unpaid installments due
98 | CondoCentral
within the total grace period earned
by him which is hereby fixed at the
rate of one month grace period for
every one year of installment pay-
ments made: Provided, That this right
shall be exercised by the buyer only
once in every five years of the life of
the contract and its extensions, if any.
(b) If the contract is canceled, the
seller shall refund to the buyer the
cash surrender value of the payments
on the property equivalent to fifty
per cent of the total payments made,
and, after five years of installments,
an additional five percent every year
but not to exceed ninety percent of
the total payments made: Provided,
That the actual cancellation of the
contract shall take place after thirty
days from receipt by the buyer of the
notice of cancellation or the demand
for rescission of the contract by a
notarial act and upon full payment of
the cash surrender value to the buyer.
Down payments, deposits or op-
tions on the contract shall be included
in the computation of the total num-
ber of installment payments made.
Section 4. In case where less than
two years of installments were
paid, the seller shall give the buyer
a grace period of not less than sixty
days from the date the installment
became due.
If the buyer fails to pay the install-
ments due at the expiration of the
grace period, the seller may cancel
the contract after thirty days from
receipt by the buyer of the notice of
cancellation or the demand for rescis-
sion of the contract by a notarial act.
Section 5. Under Section 3 and 4, the
buyer shall have the right to sell his
rights or assign the same to another
person or to reinstate the contract
by updating the account during the
grace period and before actual can-
cellation of the contract. The deed of
sale or assignment shall be done by
notarial act.
Section 6. The buyer shall have the
right to pay in advance any installment
or the full unpaid balance of the pur-
chase price any time without interest
and to have such full payment of the
purchase price annotated in the certifi-
cate of title covering the property.
Section 7. Any stipulation in any con-
tract hereafter entered into contrary
to the provisions of Sections 3, 4, 5
and 6, shall be null and void.
Section 8. If any provision of this Act
is held invalid or unconstitutional,
no other provision shall be affected
thereby.
Section 9. This Act shall take effect
upon its approval.
Approved: August 26, 1972.

central
market
Makati
top broker’s
pick
ONE LEGAZPI PARK
Legaspi Village, Makati City
2BR 97.7 sq.m. 1 parking slot P11.0M
2BR 97 sq.m. 1 parking slot P10.5M
1BR 69.7 sq.m. 1 parking slot P7.5M
2BR FF 97.7 sq.m. 1 parking slot P90,000/mo.
SOUTH OF MARKET
Bonifacio Global City
1BR FF 38 sq.m. 1 parking slot P4.5M
MANHATTAN SQUARE
Salcedo Village, Makati City
1BR 79 sq.m. 1 parking slot P40,000/mo.
RIZAL TOWER
Rockwell Center, Makati City
Penthouse SF 336 sq.m. 3 parking slots P230,000/mo.
Call or text Grace Geverola at +639278369426
To advertise Tel: (632)812-3333 Mobile: +639272760360 E-mail: advertising@condocentral.com.ph
alue ey
est v mon
Byour
for
EASTON PLACE
Salcedo Village, Makati City
2BR 123 sq.m. 1 parking slot P7.9M
2BR 126 sq.m. 1 parking slot P8.1M
2BR 125 sq.m. 1 parking slot P8.1M
2BR 124 sq.m. 1 parking slot P8.0M
3BR 181 sq.m. 1 parking slot P11.7M
PONTE SALCEDO
Salcedo Village, Makati City
3BR 285 sq.m. 1 parking slot P11.4M
3BR 285 sq.m. 1 parking slot P12.8M
Call or text Roy Labarda
at +639195902688
Condo for rent:
Legaspi and Salcedo
ANTEL PLATINUM TOWER
Salcedo Village, Makati City
1BR FF 40 sq.m. 1 parking slot P30,000/mo.
CLASSICA TOWER II
Salcedo Village, Makati City
2BR FF 112 sq.m. 1 parking slot P70,000/mo.
PLAZA ROYALE
Salcedo Village, Makati City
2BR FF 155 sq.m. 1 parking slot P50,000/mo.
FOUR SEASONS
Salcedo Village, Makati City
2BR FF 170 sq.m. 1 parking slot P85,000/mo.
CENTURY PLAZA
Legaspi Village, Makati City
2BR FF 147 sq.m. 1 parking slot P50,000/mo.
Call or text Roger B. Parajes
at +639212727802
 ON TOP
neighborhoods
OF THE
TOWN!
The Eton Residences
Legaspi Village, Makati
1BR 47.78 sq.m. P4.3M
2BR 121.78 sq.m. P11.5M
3BR 152.47 sq.m. P13.9M
The Fort Residences
Bonifacio Global City
1BR 41 sq.m P3.1M
2BR 75 sq.m. P6.8M
St. Francis Towers
Mandaluyong City
1BR 59.50 sq.m. P6.2M
2BR 120 sq.m. P13M
Call or text Mr. Constantino
at +639107574474 Call or text Ariel S. Raymundo at +639216097395
Vibrant
R E N T One Lafayette
Salcedo Village, Makati City
3BR 280 sq.m. 1 parking slot P70,000/mo.
Easton Place
Salcedo Village, Makati City
3BR 201 sq.m. 2 parking slots P65,000/mo
LPL Center
Salcedo Village, Makati City
3BR 280 sq.m. 1 parking slot P80,000/mo.
Le Metropole
Salcedo Village, Makati City
3BR 120 sq.m. 1 parking slot P90,000/mo.
One McKinley
Bonifacio Global City
2BR 120 sq.m. 1 parking slot P90,000/mo.
Forbeswood Heights
Bonifacio Global City
1BR 48 sq.m. P30,000/mo.

One Mckinley Place

Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
1BR 76 sq.m. P7.6M
2BR 110 sq.m., 119 sq.m. P10.3M - 10.5M
3BR 186 sq.m. P19.3M

The Residences at Greenbelt

Along Arnaiz Ave., Makati City
SPL 1BR 70-79 sq.m. P6.8-8.5M
The ultimate
2BR
SPL 2BR
102 sq.m, 106 sq.m. P10.5M -12.1M
127 – 145 sq.m.
3BR Bi-level 186 sq.m.
P14.2M - 15.5M
P21.5M
in city living!
St. Francis Towers
Mandaluyong City
Three Adriatico Place STD, 1BR, 2BR
P3M-P13M
Adriatico St. cor. Pedro Gil St., Malate, Manila
Lee Gardens
PROMO: NO DOWNPAYMENT! Mandaluyong City
STD, 1BR, 2BR
Extended until June 30, 2007 only P3.2M-P12M
Hampton Gardens
Studio 36 - 41.50 sq.m. P2.2M - P3M Pasig City
1BR 48.27 sq.m. P3.4M - P4M STD, 1BR, 2BR
2BR 89.27 sq.m. P6.7M - P7.2M P880,000-P1.8M
3BR 125.27 sq.m. P8.1M - P9.4M The Exchange Regency
Pasig City
1BR, 2BR P1.4M-P5M
Call or text Anne Capongcol
Call or text Rose Jane C. Dela Rosa
at +639216011959 / +639227529924
at +639273968660

To advertise Tel: (632)812-3333 Mobile: +639272760360 E-mail: advertising@condocentral.com.ph

Your gateway
to Makati
MAKATI MAKATI
EXECUTIVE EXECUTIVE
TOWER 1 TOWER 1
Dela Rosa St., Makati City Dela Rosa St., Makati City KINGSWOOD CONDOMINIUM
1BR 36 sq.m 1 parking slot 2BR SF 57 sq.m. P25,000/ Chino Roces Ave., Makati City
P2.3M mo 2BR FF 77 sq.m. 1 parking slot P4.3M
2BR SF 57 sq.m. P3.4M 2BR 57 sq.m. P18,000/mo.
GRAND HAMPTONS TOWER II
Bonifacio Global City
2BR 78 sq.m. P4.7M
Call or text
Sheira Jimenez PACIFIC REGENCY
Vito Cruz, Manila
at +639158516165 1BR corner unit 48.19 sq.m. P2.3M

Call or text Bing Lau

at +639179291313/ +639208017166

best
Condo for sale:
P855,796
THE ISABELLE GARDEN VILLAS
Parañaque City
1BR SF 19.5 sq.m. P855,796
offer!
THE ORIENTAL THE ISABELLE
MILLENIA TOWER PLACE GARDEN VILLAS
Ortigas Center, Pasig City Makati City Parañaque City
1BR SF 24.10 sq.m. P1.9M 1BR 28.45 sq.m. P2.2M STD 18.5 sq.m. P808,555

TIMES MANSION SUBIC HOLIDAY LUXURE

Quezon City VILLAS VILLE
1BR SF 38.95 sq.m. P2.3M Subic Freeport Zone Multinational,
1BR 35 sq.m. P2M Parañaque City
GOVERNOR’S PLACE 2BR 48.67 sq.m. P2M
Shaw Blvd., Mandaluyong City MALATE CROWN
1BR 52 sq.m. P2.5M PLAZA
Malate, Manila
THE ORIENTAL PLACE STD 34 sq.m. P2M
Makati City
2BR 48-52 sq.m. P3.8M

Call or text Maritess Oligario at +639219123144 Call or text Marina Sobel at +639192481515

To advertise Tel: (632)812-3333 Mobile: +639272760360 E-mail: advertising@condocentral.com.ph

Setting new
standards
Life is a beach!
Isabelle Garden Villas
Parañaque City
STD, 1BR, 2BR
19.10 sq.m. – 33.42 sq.m.
P900,000 – P3.3M
Isabelle Manor
Parañaque City Playa del Sol
2BR, 3BR, 4BR Batangas
144 sq.m. – 190 sq.m.
P4.6M – P8.9M 250 sq.m. P2M
Tresora Residences Las Casas de Cabuena
Las Piñas Cavite
STD, 1BR, 2BR, 3BR One-bedroom tower P5M
36.97 sq.m. – 103.54 sq.m.
P1,671,044 – P4,524,698 Playa Calatagan
Vivant Flats Batangas
Alabang 270 sq.m. – 501 sq.m.
STD, 1BR, 2BR
30 sq.m. – 105 sq.m. P1.5M – P2.8M
P4.8M – P7.5M Amara en Terrazas
Ayala Southvale Village Batangas
Alabang 2BR 121 sq.m. P9.5M
Lot area: 400 sq.m. – 950 sq.m.
P10,500/sq.m. – P12,500/sq.m. 3BR 174 sq.m. P12.8M
Call or text Sherwin O. Sagun Call or text Renne Isidro
at +639185666052
at +639153728220

Central urban Unique lay-outs!

locations
Salcedo Park
Salcedo Village, Makati City
4BR 224 sq.m. 1 parking slot P13M

Ponte Salcedo
Salcedo Village, Makati City
3BR 285 sq.m. 2 parking slots P12M

BSA Mansion
Legaspi Village, Makati
1BR FF 67 sq.m. 1 parking slot P45,000/mo.
Centropolis Rosewood
Island Plaza Parañaque City
Legaspi Village, Makati City Pointe
1BR, 2BR, 3BR Taguig City
2BR FF 120 sq.m. 1 parking slot P45,000/mo. P1.2M – P4.7M 2BR, 3BR
1BR FF 80 sq.m. 1 parking slot P35,000/mo. P1.9M – P4.6M
Mayfield Park
Salcedo Park Residences Eton Residences
Salcedo Village, Makati City Pasig City Legaspi Village,
3BR 179 sq.m. 1 parking slot P70,000/mo. 2BR – 3BR Makati City
P2.6M – P4.5M P4M – P17M
Call or text Stephanie Geverola
at +639164800699 Call or text Josephine Palma
at +639195552911

To advertise Tel: (632)812-3333 Mobile: +639272760360 E-mail: advertising@condocentral.com.ph

 For sale:
Asian Mansion I condo unit
Live in resort condo in the
Metropolis for only 10%
downpayment to move in
Dela Rosa St., Legaspi Village, Makati City

Unit type: one-bedroom Located in Ortigas, Pasig,

Size: 58 sq.m. across Fort Bonifacio,
Interior: fully furnished
Floor level: 9th floor Mandaluyong and
Documents: clean title
Asking price: P5,022,000 (negotiable)
Quezon City

Call now!
Reggie Tagavilla +639175014927
Call or text Faye Asuncion at +639278585825

Modern elements
The to achieve timeless
designs
Oriental Soho Central

Place
Shaw Blvd., Mandaluyong City
1BR, 2BR, combined BRs FF
P2M - P5M

Grand Soho Makati

Newest project Salcedo Village , Makati City
STD, 1BR, 2BR loft units FF
of Metrobank in P2M - P6M
Makati launched! Fairways Tower
Bonifacio Global City
STD,1BR, 2BR
P3.6M - P7M
Offers no downpayment The Metropolitan Tower
or P9,000/mo. zero interest Rockwell, Makati City
STD,1BR,2BR
P2M - P6M
No lumpsum payment every year
Century City
(The Gramercy Residences )

Call now! Makati City

Condominiums
(standard , loft units and townhouses)
P2M - P40M
Carlo Gemota +639154553608
Call or text Norma Robles at +639178557174

To advertise Tel: (632)812-3333 Mobile: +639272760360 E-mail: advertising@condocentral.com.ph

 The Fort, Makati
and QC condos
AYALA PROPERTIES
FOR SALE
THE COLUMNS Legaspi Village (TCLV) Two Serendra
A few steps from everything Bonifacio Global City
Jr 1BR–1BR 38 sq.m.-50 sq.m P2.9–P5.1M STD 36 sq.m. P5.2M
1BR loft 57 sq.m. -77 sq.m P5.9–P7.5M 1BR 51 sq.m. P6.2M
2BR flat & 2BR bi-level 67 sq.m.-77 sq.m P6.7–P8.0M 2BR 70 sq.m. P8.9M
3BR 103 sq.m. P13M
THE RESIDENCES AT GREENBELT (TRAG)
1BR, 1BR loft, 2BR, 2BR special, 3BR, 3BR bi-level
Price: P5.8M-P20M
The Sapphire Residences Tower 2
Bonifacio Global City
ANVAYA COVE 1BR 48 sq.m. P2.6M
A seaside leisure community 2BR 80 sq.m. P4.3M
3BR , 2 structure villas P22M-P24M (17 villas only) 3BR 128 sq.m. P8.0M
Lot area: 400 sq.m.-600 sq.m.
Price: P6,600-P13,300/sq.m. Makati Executive Tower II
Dela Rosa St., Makati City
AYALA WESTGROVE HEIGHTS STD 20 sq.m. P1M
High-end residential subdivision with rolling terrain 1BR 31 sq.m. P1.6M
Lot area: 350 sq.m-500 sq.m.
Price: P9,050-P9,900/sq.m.
El Jardin del Presidente II
AYALA GREENFIELD ESTATES Sgt. Esguerra, Quezon City
High-end residential subdivision with golf course STD 41 sq.m. P2.55M
Lot area: 350 sq.m.- 850 sq.m. 1BR 55.5 sq.m. P3.6M
Price: P8,000-P10,500/ sq.m.
Call or text George Fordelon
Call or text JP Pello at +639154445655 at +639183716124

Condos by
Federal Land, Inc Salcedo Condos
PONTE SALCEDO
Salcedo Village, Makati City
3BR 280 sq.m. 2 parking slots P100,000/mo.

LE METROPOLE
Salcedo Village, Makati City
2BR FF 130 sq.m. 1 parking slot P80,000/mo.

Oriental Garden Makati ANTEL PLATINUM

Chino Roces Ave., Makati City
STD 33 sq.m. P2.1M Salcedo Village, Makati City
1BR 45 sq.m. P 2.7M 1BR FF 55 sq.m. 1 parking slot P45,000/mo.

The Oriental Place ONE LAFAYETTE

Makati City
1BR 28.45 sq.m. P1.7M Salcedo Village, Makati City
3BR FF 150 sq.m. 1 parking slot P65,000/mo.
Bay Gardens – Mactan Tower
Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City
1BR 42 sq.m. P3.4M
LPL MANOR
2BR 92sq.m. P7.3M Salcedo Village, Makati City
3BR 108 sq.m. P8.2M 3BR 150 sq.m. 1 parking slot P60,000/mo.

Marquinton Residences SALCEDO PARK

Marikina City
1BR 33 sq.m. P1.5M Salcedo Village, Makati City
2BR 53.50 sq.m. P2.7M 3BR 149 sq.m. 1 parking slot P70,000

Call or text Fausto Llaneras Call or text Clarish H. Barundia

at +639196447432 at +639062099413

To advertise Tel: (632)812-3333 Mobile: +639272760360 E-mail: advertising@condocentral.com.ph

Salcedo’s
Nobel
Plaza
Salcedo Village,
Come home to
the best address
Makati City
3BR 155.15 sq.m.

best
2 parking slots

in Metro Manila
P8.8M

Alpha
Salcedo
Salcedo Vilage,
Makati City
and enjoy the best
3BR penthouse 193 sq.m.
1 parking slot
P15.5M
life has to offer!

LIVE IT UP!
Elizabeth
Place
Salcedo Village,
Makati City
3BR 267 sq.m.
1 parking slot
P14M

Call or text
Erikka R.S. Toledo
at +639175451206

Makati condos
Hidalgo Place
Rockwell, Makati City
3BR FF 198 sq.m. 2 parking slots P20M

Oriental Garden Makati

Chino Roces Ave., Makati City
2BR FF 226 sq.m. 1 parking slot P16M

Serendra 2
Bonifacio Global City
3BR 114 sq.m. 1 parking slot P14M Find out what everybody
has been raving about today!
Call or text Melissa Cabalic
at +639215440332 Call or text Renne Isidro at +639153728220

To advertise Tel: (632)812-3333 Mobile: +639272760360 E-mail: advertising@condocentral.com.ph

 THE Property information
Name of property
Cristar Building

REAL
Location
5489 South Superhighway
cor. Hen. Mojica St., Bangkal,
Makati City

Lot details

DEAL
Lot area
605 sq.m.

Building details
Building floor area
2,345 sq.m.

Building For Sale Building facilities

One unit Koppel
passenger elevator
(capacity: 10 passengers)

Vehicle/ car parking

Number of slots available
14
Selling price
P75,000,000
Lease price
P450,000 VAT inclusive

Contact Henry H. Mondoñedo

+639202862981 / +639227160528
henry@condo.com.ph

To advertise Tel: (632)812-3333 Mobile: +639272760360 E-mail: advertising@condocentral.com.ph

Swire Élan
Elan Suites
Hotel & Residential Suites

Own a well-appointed residential unit for as low as P19,500 per month and earn from our
hotel pool option. Experience fine living at heart of the posh Annapolis, Greenhills.

READY FOR OCCUPANCY

Your next home address:
#49 Annapolis St., Greenhills, San Juan

Location! Location! Location!

The tower enjoys a commanding 360 degrees obstruction-free view of the key cities of
Metro Manila. It is fronting Greenhills Shopping Center and surrounded by O.B. Montessori,
Club Filipino, Cardinal Santos Medical Center, La Salle Greenhills, among others.

Contact Henry H. Mondoñedo

+639202862981 / +639227160528
henry@condo.com.ph

To advertise Tel: (632)812-3333 Mobile: +639272760360 E-mail: advertising@condocentral.com.ph

 SPLENDIDO TOWERS
FOREST CABIN Tagaytay’s Best Condo
Overlooking Taal Lake & Volcano
PRICE: P8,543,750.00
Terms of Payment: (Post Dated Checks required) 12 Storey – 142 Units
Cash in 30 days with five percent (5%) discount on the TCP Studio, 1-BR, 2-BR
Terms: Thirty percent (30%) downpayment in 30 days
LAUNCHING DATE:
a) Balance in 12 months without interest June 29, 2007, 6:00 PM
b) Balance in 24 months with 14% interest ESPLANADE
Fixed Factor: 0.048012883 SM Mall of Asia, Roxas Blvd.
c) Balance in 36 months with 16% interest
Fixed Factor: 0.035157033 Contact:
Outright downpayment with 5% discount on the DP Jose “Ping” Galvez Tan
Reservation Fee: P200,000.00 0921-4793147

CONDOMINIUMS FOR SALE - READY FOR OCCUPANCY

Renaissance 3000 Tower A
Renaissance 3000 Tower B
Belvedere Tower (Office)
Terms of Payment:
Paragon Plaza
Paragon Plaza
Paragon Plaza
West Tower Makati
2-BR, 3TB, 198.8 sq.m., 1-Powder, Maid’s, Utility Rm, 1-PS, Terrace P13,120,800
2-BR, 3TB, 182.43 sq.m., 1-Powder, Maid’s, Utility Rm, 1-PS P11,766,735
210 sq.m., 1-Parking Slot P9,450,000
Cash less 10% discount on the Total Contract Price
Installment: 30% DP with 5% discount on the DP (7 days), Balance 3 years at 18% P.A.
2-BR Unfurnished, 110.2 sq.m., 1-PS P4,100,000
2-BR Unfurnished, 1102.66 sq.m., 1-PS P3,750,000
1-BR Unfurnished, 77.58 sq.m., 1-PS P2,950,000
Studio, Unfurnished, 44.98 sq.m. P1,710,000

RESIDENTIAL/OFFICE CONDOMINIUM FOR RENT

Renaissance 1000 Penthouse 3-BR, 3TB, 3-level, Unfurnished, 2-Powder Rm, Maid’s, 3-PS P100,000/mo.
Renaissance 1000 654.36 sq.m., 3 parking slots P400/sqm/mo.

To advertise Tel: (632)812-3333 Mobile: +639272760360 E-mail: advertising@condocentral.com.ph

 HOT!
Four-storey with a
rooftop commercial
FOR
SALE
and residential building
Location: #48 Diego Silang St.,
Project 4, Cubao, Quezon City
Lot area: 197 sq.m.
Amenities: Swimming pool, jacuzzi pool, fitness gym,
function room, music and theater room
Others: New and nice building, with own water tank
system, all rooms are airconditioned, parking slots

Four-storey with a
rooftop commercial
and residential building
Location: Diego Silang St.,
Project 4, Cubao, Quezon City
Lot area: 400 sq.m.
Amenities: Swimming pool,
jacuzzi pool, fitness gym,function room,
music and theater room
Others: New and nice building,
with own watertank system, all rooms
are airconditioned, parking slots

Three-storey
with a rooftop
residential building
Location: #31 Coronet St. cor.
Datsun St., Fairview, Quezon City
Lot area: 416 sq.m.
Amenities: Swimming pool,
jacuzzi pool, fitness gym, function room,
music and theater room
Others: New and nice building, with own
water tank system, all rooms are with bath tub
and airconditioned, parking slots

Call or text Almira Cariaga at +639175530812

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 happenings
Pag-IBIG reaps profits from bonds
Vice President and Pag-IBIG Fund board chair-
man Noli De Castro, together with Pag-IBIG presi-
dent and CEO Atty. Romero F.S. Quimbo (extreme
right), receives a facsimile check for P2B from Land
Bank of the Philippines president and CEO Gilda E.
Pico and Development Bank of the Philippines chief
operating officer Edgardo Garcia (3rd and 4th from
right, respectively) during the ceremonial closing
program for the Pag-IBIG Fund Housing Bonds,
Series of 2007 held recently.
The Grand Towers breaks ground
Moldex Realty Marketing, Inc. (MRMI) asserts its Uy, MGOC Exec. vice president, Jose Angiolo C. Ledesma,
place in the high-rise industry as it held the groundbreak-
ing ceremony of The Grand Towers last May 16, 2007. The
Grand Towers is a 42-storey twin tower condominium locat- Z. Vinuya, Moldex Realty, Inc. (MRI) president, Rey Ignacio
ed along Pablo Ocampo St. (formerly Vito Cruz St.), Malate, M. Diaz, (from the back) Engr. Ettore Rossi from Advanced
Manila. It is also a few steps away from DLSU, St. Scholastica’s Foundation Construction System, Corp., exec. vice presi-
College, and LRT Vito Cruz Station. Photo shows (from
left, with shovels) Moldex Group Of Companies (MGOC)
chairman, Jacinto T. Uy, MGOC board of director, Imelda T.
110 | CondoCentral
The amount represents the proceeds of sale for
the Fund’s Kaunlaran ng Bayan Housing Bonds
which was successfully auctioned to institutional
investors last March 7 and offered to individuals
during a limited retail period. The Pag-IBIG Housing
Bonds has a maturity term of five years and one day,
and an interest of five percent per annum. This is
the lowest coupon rate for any government-owned
and controlled corporation bond issuance in recent
history.
Architect Albert S. Yu from ASYA Design Partner, MGOC
vice chairman, Michael O. Uy, MGOC president, Roy Joseph
dent, Moldex Land, Inc., Augusto S. Refran, MGOC asst.
vice president, Annie B. Roman, and asst. vice president for
Accounts Management Group, Fe A. Arellano.
Avida Residences
goes to Central
Luzon
In line with its thrust to aggressively expand
its market this year, Avida Land recently broke
ground in a new community in San Fernando,
Pampanga. The 13-hectare proposed Avida
Residences San
(above) Avida Land officers
Fernando is
and San Fernando City officials
the company’s led the laying of the capsule
second foray into at the groundbreaking rites
Central Luzon for Avida Residences San
Fernando. Present are (from
following another left) Avida vice president for
development in construction management
Cabanatuan. Until department Rodelito Ocampo,
Avida vice president for sales
recently, the for- Ricky Celis, Avida chief finance
mer Laguna Prop- officer Rosaleo Montanegro, San
erties Holdings Fernando resident Regan Sy and
Inc. concentrated San Fernando city councilors.
its operations in
Metro Manila and in Southern Luzon.
Steve Dy, Avida Land’s vice president for
planning and development group, disclosed
that San Fernando has been cited by the Asian
Institute of Management as the most competi-
tive city in the country in the medium-size
category based on a seven-point criterion. The
categories include the cost and ease of doing
business in the city.
The American-themed Avida Residences San
Fernando intends to offer lots and house and lots.
Avida Land’s entry into San Fernando is timely,
said Mayor Rodriguez. In a few years, the city
is predicted to become a key business center
because of its proximity to the Diosdado Maca-
pagal International Airport, an emerging global
gateway to the archipelago. The City of San Fer-
nando will also benefit from the development of
the Subic-Clark Road and the North Rail System.
In anticipation of these projects, interchang-
es will be constructed at Clark and Subic while
a permanent four-lane flyover at the intersec-
tion of McArthur Highway and the Olongapo-
Gapan Road will be established.
The model units will be available for public
viewing in September this year, when Avida Resi-
dences San Fernando will have its grand launch.
Superior Land Holdings, Inc. is the partner of
Avida Land in this development.
For more information about Avida Land, visit
its website at www.avidaland.com.
Traders Hotel makes
dream weddings
happen
Turning a wedding into a successful dream
event takes both time and lots of hard work, and
Traders Hotel Manila provides couples the ideal
place to hold their once-in-a-lifetime occasion with
a minimum of fuss.
Situated along picturesque Manila Bay on Roxas
Boulevard, and just a stone’s throw away from the
historic and world-renowned cathedrals in Manila,
the hotel has maintained its position in the industry
as the favored venue for wedding receptions.
Traders Hotel Manila’s seasoned and dedicated
events team can put together anything – from small
wedding receptions to grand celebrations and social
events. In addition, the hotel also offers the services
of its very own wedding planner.
On top of the assurance that the wedding recep-
tion is in capable and expert hands, the budget and
ambience are also among most couple’s foremost
considerations. The Embassy Ballroom and smaller
function rooms can cater from small intimate
wedding receptions to grand wedding celebrations
of 450 guests. The hotel offers budget-friendly
Bayanihan alumni build Habitat homes
Habitat for Humanity, in partnership with the
local government of the City of Taguig and the Rotary
Club of Manila, proudly celebrated the completion
of the first two cluster homes (24 units) of Rotaryville
Family Townhomes, at the Food Terminal Incorpo-
rated Complex (FTI) in Taguig City. In the ceremonies
held recently, national and local government officials,
business executives, and friends of Habitat joined
hands in turning over the initial units to their respec-
tive homeowners. The Rotaryville Family Townhomes
is part of the city government’s housing program at the
FTI compound with Habitat as the builder partner.
The Bayanihan Alumni Dance Group played a
packages which are among the most competitive
and flexible in the market today with packages for
as few as 50 people for those intimate wedding
receptions, and for as low as Php68,888 plus service
charge and applicable taxes.
The complete banquet package takes everything
noble role in the building. Its members gathered in
one of the finished units as Habitat for Humanity
Philippines Board of Trustees member Erlynn Cam-
pos opened the build with a prayer and treated the
volunteers to a touching AVP about Habitat for
Humanity, followed by concise construction and
safety orientation by FTI Site Engineer Edmund
Baugbog. The Bayanihan Alumni Association
members then donned their safety gear and good-
naturedly hauled concrete, sieved sand, fabricated
bars and molded concrete interlocking blocks while
Bayanihan music continuously played in the back-
ground, even swaying to the melody once in awhile.
into consideration, from the cuisine to the décor,
and the limousine to the cake, leaving the happy
couple to celebrate and cherish every moment.
For inquiries, call the events management team at
telephone (632) 5237011 local 2926, or e-mail
events.thm@shangri-la.com.
China Bank
drops home
loan rate to its
lowest ever
China Bank takes a housing loan rate dive
to make it really affordable to buy, build, or
renovate a home. China Bank’s HomePlus
Loan is now only 7.5 percent per annum fixed
for the first year. With this new low rate,
more Filipinos will be able to afford to have
their own home.
“We cut our home loan rate so our clients
can have lower monthly payments,” said
Reynaldo L. Lao, senior vice president of
China Bank’s Consumer Banking Group.
“Lower rates mean more savings for our
clients.” At the low rate of 7.5 percent p.a. for
the first year, the monthly amortization for a
P1,000,000.00 China Bank home loan with a
term of 15 years is only P9,271.00.
China Bank HomePlus Loan is for the pur-
chase of a lot, a house and lot, a townhouse,
or a condominium unit. It is also available
for house construction, renovation, or to
refinance an existing loan with another bank.
To apply for a home loan or to get more
information on the special rate, call 885-5555,
email homeplus@chinabank.ph, or visit
www.chinabank.ph.
Above rate is valid for applications re-
ceived until June 15 only.
CondoCentral | 111
 epilogue
Opening on June 8 at the SM Art
Center (SM Megamall, 4/F Bldg. A)
is Wire Tuazon’s Reality Sandwiches.
Organized by Finale Art File and cu-
rated by Roberto Chabet, the exhibit
presents a suite of paintings depict-
ing familiar, contemporary images
disrupted by a line of text that points
112 | CondoCentral
It’s a Wire world
towards and away from meaning.
“The show delves on the paradox
of control, popular memory, loss and
immortality,” says the artist. “I’m
particularly interested on the power
of images and manufactured reality.
I’m fascinated with images that hold
sacred truths on the diverse mean-
arts
ings and aspects of life and death.”
When taken as ironic commen-
tary on the ever-expanding visual
vocabulary that invades the modern
man and woman and their systems
of interrelations, Reality Sandwiches
exposes our clichéd understanding of
the world, our avidity to immortalize
even the smallest human pursuits,
and our deadly reliance on language
as a singular guidepost to significance.
Unnerving, self-reflexive,
resonant, Reality Sandwiches offers
a new take on what we call real,
coaxing us to look deeper into the
void of things.
CondoCentral | 113
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