C2 SATURDAY, JULY 8, 2023 Joel D. Lacsamana, Editor E-mail: jdlacsamana@gmail.com
HOME/DESIGN To condo, or not to condo Investing in an abode today would give Hamlet pause
B
UYING your own home is a decision that ranks among the most critical choices anybody can make.
When considering property investment, people generally look for a place where one can find solace, freedom, and a breath of fresh air, away from the chaos of daily life. But the question that looms large for many is whether to invest in a house or a condo unit.
Here’s a modest guide you can use to answer that question. Cost-efficient investment Cost efficiency is subjective when it comes to owning a property. Condominiums are typically less expensive than houses due to their size, and their maintenance is usually cheaper as you are only responsible for the interior of your unit. With association fees in place, you won’t have to worry about exterior maintenance or administrative assistance. Condos have a dedicated Property Management Team consisting of professionals who are specifically trained to oversee the day-to-day operations of the property. Their primary responsibility is to ensure that all amenities, facilities, and common areas are kept in optimal condition. This includes regular maintenance, repairs, and upgrades to uphold the quality and functionality of the condo. While houses provide homeowners the freedom to customize a larger space and transform it into your ideal home, you will be responsible for all maintenance and repairs. Regardless of whether you choose a house or a condo, it is essential to have a realistic budget in mind before beginning your property search. A space that breathes life Leading a busy life gives us limited time for leisure so it’s important to check on the amenities incorporated into the spaces you’re eyeing for. Condominiums offer a plethora of facilities such as swimming pools, fitness gyms, kids’ play areas, game rooms, and lounges. Communal areas provide condo owners with an abundance of ways to relax and unwind without having to travel too far from their residences. These communal spaces also foster interaction among residents, enabling them to
Digital nomads, students arise THE recent opening of lyf Malate Manila is good news for people looking for co-living spaces that create a sense of community among guests through social spaces, and experiential programs. With 202 rooms ranging from Studio, 2 of a Kind (one bedroom) and All Together (two bedroom) to cater to young travellers and students. Lyf’s modern interiors and eccentric co-sharing spaces allow guests to build connections and foster relationships. From whipping up meals in Bond (social kitchen), to connecting with like-minded individuals in Connect (social lounge), to burning off steam in Burn (social gym), to getting your laundry done in Wash and Hang (social launderette)lyf seems to have everything you need to work, play, and connect. The second lyf property in the Philippines is located in Malate, Manila, close to University Belt, various shopping centres, restaurants, bars, and museums. To book a stay, visit the official website, and follow the property’s social media pages (Facebook | Instagram | Tiktok).
forge connections and establish a sense of community. Houses may not offer as many amenities to homeowners. Depending on the type of lifestyle you want, the amenities incorporated into the spaces play a crucial role in enhancing your quality of life. Security, convenience Condos have shared spaces such as lobbies, hallways, parking, and amenity areas. They often have security personnel and 24/7 surveillance systems in place. In contrast, houses have individual entrances and private spaces, which may require homeowners to implement their own security measures. Condominiums are usually located in business districts and mixed-use communities, offering unparalleled convenience to their owners. These locations give residents access to a myriad of lifestyles and commercial establishments. Redefining city living MidPark Towers, located in Aseana City, provides an example of city living. It has splendid amenities and convenient access to transportation linkages, lifestyle centers, businesses, and services. The property is close to Ninoy Aquino International Airport via NAIAx and is near the Entertainment City, home to Solaire Resort and Okada Manila. Developed by Aseana Residential Holdings, Corp., MidPark Towers is a four-tower residential property set for completion in the last quarter of 2023. The units range from studios (40 sqm +/-) to three bedrooms (120 sqm +/-). MidPark Towers also provides a host of amenities to support growing families and inspire the imagination and creativity of children, from kid’s play areas to outdoor pools, fitness gym, and private and business lounges. For more info on MidPark Towers, visit www.midparktowers.com.
CO-LIVING CHILL IN BATANGAS. Aboitiz InfraCapital’s LIMA Estate recently broke ground on its first co-living space, The Pods at LIMA, in Lipa-Malvar, Batangas. The first phase of The Pods will consist of a 600 bed facility interspersed with common areas, open spaces, a transport hub, as well as roof-mounted solar panels. Construction is currently underway and is projected to be completed by the end of 2023. Aboitiz InfraCapital Economic Estates has a vision for the next phase of The Pods at LIMA, which will include a facility with an additional 2,700 beds. Construction is scheduled to commence next year, with operations projected to begin in 2025. At the groundbreaking were (from left to right): LIMA Land assistant vice president for planning and construction Roylan Ocampo; land manager for project development Jean Liao; Philippine Construction Consortium Corporation president Nelson Lim; land manager for estate ccosystem solutions Bernadeth Egnisaban; land vice president for inventory generation Jolan Formalejo; and land vice president for operations Clifford Academia. NORMIN STUDENTS GET BOOST FROM FILINVEST, XAVIER, ATENEO TIE-UP. Ateneo de Cagayan joined forces recently to establish the Andrew
PHirst Park Homes is Mid-sized Developer of the Year RESIDENTIAL development PHirst Park Homes clinched the Mid-sized Developer of the Year – Philippines category at the recently held Real Estate Asia Awards for its developments in Lipa, San Pablo, Pandi, Calamba, Batulao, Magalang, Gen Tri, Baliwag, Tayabas, Naic, Balanga, and Gapan. Despite the pandemic, PHirst
Park Homes achieved remarkable growth, launching 8 out of the 12 PPHI projects. One of them, PHirst Park Homes Batulao in Batangas, was unveiled in June 2020. This development offers residents breathtaking views of Taal Lake and Volcano. Top of Form Unique to select projects
such as PHirst Park Homes Batulao is the Brenna bungalow unit, which is suitable for extended families with the elderly. It also features amenities focused on traditional Filipino games. Batulao remains PHirst Park Homes’ most successful project to date, and its residents include Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz.
L. Gotianun Sr. Center for Integrated Technologies (ALGCIT), a facility for senior high school students dedicated to fostering innovation, collaboration, and skills development in the field of technology. Named after the entrepreneur Andrew L. Gotianun Sr., ALGCIT addresses the educational needs of marginalized students through scholarships, financial aid, and mentorship programs to ensure equal opportunities for all. ALGCIT is an endowment from the Andrew Gotianun Foundation and was established in 2018. The program offers specializations in Machining Technology, Instrumentation Technology, and Mechatronics Technology. Filinvest and Xavier-Ateneo welcomed its 5th batch of graduates this 2023. A commencement ceremony was recently held at the Xavier Ateneo SHS covered court. Fr. Mars P. Tan, Xavier Ateneo President, led the blessing rite of the ALGCIT complex, which includes the Mercedes Gotianun Hall, named after the matriarch of the Gotianun family, which holds classrooms and laboratories, the Alvarez Hall, which provides offices, classrooms, and workshops, and the Filinvest Hall, the ALGCIT scholars’ dormitory.