CapitalTowers

The

Beauty and Bliss in High Living

AvAnT AT The forT:oPULenCe in Green

The fUTUreof PhiLiPPine inTerior DesiGn

The mArfori:nATUre infULL view

inheriTinG ProPerTY

GLoBAL PinoY soArs

Published bywww.condo.com.ph

P150DISPLAY UNTIL DECEMBER 15

suddenly, space

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editor’s note

Beauty and Bliss in High Living

The ediTorial

Daniel R. dela CruzPublisheR

Arnold A. AltamiraeDitoR in Chief

John Anthony A. ConcepcionAssoCiAte eDitoR

Chrysler de GuzmanARt DiReCtoR

Godwin neronalAyout ARtist

owen tiamChief PhotoGRAPheR

Dexter R. dela CruzeDitoRiAl AssistAnt

edwin Calica Cacayorin, Jr.Cita y. Abad-Dinglasan

Renne isidroColumnists

franchesca A.CasauayJude CartalabaKeith Cortez

Rose margaret G. monisKat Villanueva

WRiteRs

Rhoy CobillaRaymond latonio

shaira lunaPhotoGRAPheRs

SaleS and markeTing

Cherie mae AyongaosAles AnD mARKetinG DiReCtoR

nizzel labadoremma mangalindan

Cyd V. PonceACCount exeCutiVes

CirCulaTion

bong CayananCiRCulAtion mAnAGeR

mark Jofferson m. RamosGuiller m. Ramos

CiRCulAtion AssistAnts

TeCh SupporT

Alfred matrimonioWeb DesiGneR

Arnold A. Altamira editor@condocentral.com.ph

What will it be?A mAjestiC view? Resort-like amenities? Prime location? Absolute ac-cessibility? The friendliest payment terms?

The best thing about the race for preeminence in high-rise residential development is that it has an invisible finish line. At every turn, developers put in some thoughtful extra just to be able to break free and separate themselves from the rest.

Industry giant Federal Land, Inc., for instance, proposes space. In an urban landscape where every square meter gets dearer by the day, it is rare and laudable that someone can still assert space as its primary selling proposition.

On the other hand, maverick firm Brittany Corporation is looking to integrate nature more into its projects; while up and coming LBC Comunidades Development Corporation enters the arena proffering an innovative approach to property acquisition.

Surely, as real estate companies continue to up the industry ante, the market gains by being afforded choices they can tally with their respec-tive hierarchy of values and priorities.

Speaking of choices, we are happy note that homeowners will not have a shortage of it when it comes to interior design talent. Get acquainted as we did with the brilliant interior design students of UP and PSID, as well as the UST alum who topped this year’s licensure examination.

As a staple feature, we also showcase condominium model units that were conceptualized and executed by budding design professionals.

We are indeed blessed with the confluence of an increasingly progressing property development industry and a burgeoning interior design community that brims with youthful flair. Hopefully, this can translate to more happy homes.

Federal land’s The Capital Towers

the CAPitAl towers, the ne-west project in Quezon City by top property developer Federal Land, brings its promise of big space to life with the opening of its showroom last October.

Featuring units that have wider areas and higher ceilings than stan-dard, The Capital Towers exemplifies excellent space management and cutting-edge design, as crafted by world-renowned architect Ong + Ong of Singapore.

The Capital Towers’ offer of luxury of space is made more appealing by the beautiful interior designs made by talented professional interior designers Jasmine Sy, Sensibly Sheik, and Corocoto Enterprises, as shown in The Capital Towers’ showroom.

Incorporating functionality, style, and comfort, each of the model units’ designs was thoughtfully conceptualized to perfectly match the profile and lifestyle of the envisioned resident.

The one-bedroom unit, designed by the 2006 MADE Interior Design Competition Grand Prize Winner Jasmine Sy, shows layout flexibility and maximized storage to fit the dynamic lifestyle of either a bachelor or a young couple starting a life of their own.

The two-bedroom unit, designed by Interior Design Company Sensibly Sheik, features a stylishly homey ambi-ance with its wooden furniture, Asian accessories, and vivid, deep colors that match the sophisticated taste of a family of three.

Meanwhile, the three-bedroom unit designed by Corocoto Enter-

prises, displays an elegant design of modern furniture in golden brown and gold accent colors.

Besides abundant spaces, The Capital Towers also offers first-class amenities perfect for urban dwellers: landscaped podium garden, infinity pool, reflecting pool and water fea-tures, business center, multi-purpose hall, jogging path, fitness center/ gym, and daycare/ children’s area. It also enjoys a convenient and highly-ac-cessible location along E. Rodriguez, Sr. Avenue, one of the major roads in Quezon City.

Come visit The Capital Towers showroom and experience space in the city. For more information about the project, call 482-2828 or 415-6155, or visit www.capitaltowers.com.ph

opens its showroom

What will it be?

6 editor’s notewhat will it be?Arnold A. Altamira

66 review CentrAlThe hottest lifestyle picks

72 legAllegal optionsAtty. Edwin Calica Cacayorin, Jr.

i n e v e r y i s s u e

contents

70 Condo memoFree, at lastRose Margaret Monis

78 Condo guideYour condominium hypermarket

88 CentrAl mArketClassified ads

94 hAPPeningsseriously funnyhome of the beauties

internAtionAl rePresentAtive oFFiCes

united statesJosephine Cruz/ Ramon Tinimbang

1600 247th Place Harbor City 90710 CATel. Nos. (310) 326-4925, (310) 408-4920,

(562) 833-7081Enrique C. Andres

16232 Devonshire Street, Granada Hills 91344 CA

Tel. Nos. (818) 648-7091, (818) 920-1129

AustraliaShane Castueras

Unit 5, 8-10 Lane Cove Road, Ryde NSWTel. Nos. (612) 9807-4814, (61) 408-792-861

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.

Distributed byChristian Commercial Corp.and Cebu Magazine Exchange

Vol. II No. 2November 2007

is published by

www.condo.com.ph

Daniel R. dela CruzCEO/ PRESIDENT

Danilo R. dela Cruz, Jr.CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Bing LauExECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT

Renne IsidroSENIOR VICE PRESIDENT - ADMINISTRATION

AND MARKETING

Patrick R. BlancoVICE PRESIDENT - SALES

Andy BellajaroVICE PRESIDENT - INVESTOR RELATIONS

Justin ParkMANAGING DIRECTOR -

INTERNATIONAL SALES

Michelle SantosOPERATIONS MANAGER

Nel GarbanzosADMINISTRATION

AND COLLECTION OFFICER

Villanueva Gabionza and De Santos Law Offices

LEGAL COUNSEL

Preview46 Opulenceingreen50 Developingacondoofcomforts52 Thewondersofnatureinfullview56 Ayuppie’sdreamcometrue

C O v e r s T O r y

38 Suddenly, space Federal Land breaks away from arestrictive norm to come up with one of the roomiest condo projects to date

sPotlightThefutureofPhilippineinteriordesign32 Givingback34 Pressingforward36 Stayingput

F e A T u r e s

designer’s Corner10 Colorchoicesinyourhome

reveAl14 Gottalovethosebathtubs16 Fromthread-ytotrendy

tiPs12 Addwarmthtoyourbedroomwithanorientalrug26 7materialsforcreatingtheperfectkitchencountertop44 Controllingdustmitesinyourhome

74 overseAsTheGlobalPinoy

96 ePiloguewonder

18 showCAsesuperior interiorsLifestyle-inspired model units galore

60 mAn on toPRunningabusinesswithaconscience

62 tAlk CentrAlTheindustryasstar

10 | CondoCentral

As we All know, color choices play an important role in our daily lives from the clothes we wear to the cars we drive. According to studies, our choice of one color over another may have something to do with the way color makes us feel.

For this reason, color choices in our homes have a large impact on the comfort level. If you want your home to “feel” a certain way or bring out a person’s mood, that can be done with color. Color can make a person feel relaxed, make a person happy, and even increase one’s appetite.

For example, if you want your living room to make your family and guests feel peaceful, calm and relaxed, you might consider using blue. Blue brings

out feelings of calm, peacefulness and stability. Blue is often used on websites and in business because it also represents reliability and loyalty. Green is also a good soothing, calm-ing color. It represents nature, good health and cleanliness.

Here are more feelings color can bring out:

YellowYellow portrays the bliss of sunshine and communicates happiness. It feels expansive and welcoming. Yellow helps you concentrate and increase your metabolism. The color yellow is perfect for kitchens, dining rooms, hall, entries, and other small spaces.

RedRed is an intense color that represents danger, power and strength. Red has also been shown to raise blood pres-sure and speed up heart rate. Red is also associated with love, sensuality and energy. Red is typically not a good color choice for bedrooms because it is too stimulating. Since red is known to increase appetite, it is a good choice for dining rooms.

OrangeOrange is a warm color with the energy of red and the cheerfulness of yellow. Orange brings out feelings of happiness, enthusiasm, creativity, success, and determination. Shades of orange can be a great color choice

Color choices in your home

designer’s corner

Colors as a means to enhance your home décor and affect your mood is explained in vivid detail by lesley dietschy

CondoCentral | 11

for family and living rooms. However, orange tones may feel unpleasantly hot. Kitchens and other rooms that face west should consider not using orange tones.

PurplePurple is the color of royalty, sophistication and romance. It brings out feelings of power, ambition and wisdom. Light purple is more romantic and nostalgic while dark purple can bring out frustra-tion and sadness. Lighter versions of purple such as lavender and lilac can be a great color choice for bedrooms.

PinkPink is a feminine romantic color that can bring out feelings of tranquility and passiveness. Shades of pink can be a great color choice for both bed-rooms, bathrooms, and living rooms.

BlackBlack usually brings out negative feelings of dread, evil, death and mystery but can also mean power, authority, prestige and elegance. Black is a great accent color. Consider using it for picture frames, accent pillows, trims, lampshades, etc.

WhiteWhite usually signifies purity, goodness, cleanli-ness, simplicity and innocence. White creates a relaxing atmosphere. If decorating a white room, consider adding textures such as fuzzy chenille, shiny damask, or weathered painted wood to make the room more interesting.

BrownBrown is a neutral color found in earth, wood, and stone. Brown is a warm color that represents wholesomeness and earthiness. The color brown also brings out feelings of stability and dependabil-ity. Brown can be a good color choice to use in the dining room because it stimulates the appetite.

As you can see, color is very powerful and can affect your mood as well as enhance your home decor. Be sure to ask yourself, “What mood do I want to create?” before picking out that yellow couch or painting your dining room red.

Happy decorating!

Lesley Dietschy is a writer, jewelry designer, and the founder of a network of popular websites includ-ing http://www.HomeDecorExchange.com and http://www.HomeGardenExchange.com. Both of these websites feature valuable information and resources to assist you in decorating your home and garden.

Article source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

12 | CondoCentral

when it Comes to the bedroom we all know that bedding and accents are important, but a key area of bedroom design that is often overlooked is the flooring. Many people have wall to wall carpet in their bedroom and, therefore think that they are “stuck” with that color or design. The truth is that you can jazz up your flooring by simply laying a carpet on top of your wall to wall carpet.

Beautiful and durable, oriental rugs can add warmth and charm to almost any bedroom. This type of rug goes with many bedroom design styles, ro-mantic, Victorian, shabby chic, Tuscan, Morrocan, oriental and many more.

Oriental rugs come in many differ-ent designs and colors so you should be able to find one that suits your bedroom décor. You can buy them in

different sizes so you can add a splash of color and elegance to any part of the bedroom. You can buy them in a variety of price ranges as well, but as with anything else, the more you spend the better quality your rug will be.

A real oriental rug is hand tied - that’s right each piece of wool is tied onto the backing by hand. These rugs are really works of art, and you might think they are fragile but they are actually quite durable. I have been to many antique auctions where rugs that were over 100 years old have survived to look almost as good as they day they were made.

When selecting an oriental carpet for your bedroom, you should only look at carpets that are 100% wool as these will be the best quality. To deter-mine if the carpet you are looking at is hand or machine made there are a few

things to take into consideration. First off it’s good to be able to compare two rugs - one you know is machine made and one you know is hand made. Look at the backs - the hand made rug will be much more colorful than the machine made. The machine made rug will have an overall stitch pattern across the back and you won’t see any knots since only hand made rugs are knotted. Another thing to look at is the fringe. On a handmade rug, the fringe is made up of the wrap strings from the end of the rug, on a machine made it is simply sewn on.

When selecting your oriental rug, make sure to choose colors that go with the colors in your bedroom. If you are placing the rug over wall to wall carpeting, it is best to choose smaller throw rugs that you can use

as splashes of color around the room and avoid putting furniture on them unless you buy a large rug that covers almost the entire room.

Love the look of oriental rugs but don’t want to put them on the floor? Why not try using one as a wall hang-ing? You can use it to jazz up a large boring wall or hang it behind the bed in lieu of a headboard.

No matter how you use them, oriental rugs add warmth and character to your bedroom or any room in the house!

Lee Dobbins writes for http://www.bedroom-designs-and-decorations.com where you can find more tips on decorating your bedroom.

Article source: http://www.Article-Geek.com

Add warmth to your bedroom with an oriental rug

tips

lee dobbins takes us on a magic carpet ride with practical and fashionable suggestions on how to make best use of a classic home accessory

CondoCentral | 13

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reveal

though humAns have bathed since the Roman times, baths served a primarily religious, social, or pleasur-able function far more often than a hygienic one. The Greeks had bath-rooms, complete with bathtubs and unlimited water supply and drainage, as early as 1700 B.C. Even Cleopatra couldn’t live without one. The Romans had developed bathing as a central social habit in the third century B.C., constructing elaborate public build-ings of enormous size with several rooms for disrobing, exercise, and bathing. Bathtubs were used then as a means to socialize, gather information or finding out the latest gossip.

After the fall of the Roman Empire, bathing declined in popularity in Eu-rope, though it did survive in Muslim countries and also became a part of Monastic routine. The Muslim public bathhouse included a dressing room, cold bath, and warm bath clustered around a domed, central steam cham-ber. Public baths once again regained popularity in Europe during the 11th and 12th centuries.

In private homes, bathing was done

in wooden tubs set up in bedrooms, though some castles and palaces had permanent bathrooms. In fact, King Henry of England had hot and cold run-ning water installed in the bathhouse of his Westminster palace. In the 18th century, it became fashionable to spend a season at a watering place (such as Bath in England) but only 19th-century research into hygiene made a virtue of bathing. Bathing took place in primi-tive and usually portable cold baths at schools and institutions. Though permanent tubs were installed in bedrooms during the mid-19th century, plumbing was nonexistent and tubs had to be emptied by hand. Only after World War I did plumbing and bathtub production allow the bath with running water to become a permanent installa-tion in the home.

Bathtubs are now part of the plumbing fixtures and fittings indus-try, which totaled around $5.7 billion in the U.S. in 1994. This market is shared about equally between fixtures and fittings. Over three million bath-tubs, including whirlpool baths and hot tubs, are sold every year.

A house should have a bathroom to be proud of and Wilcon strives to create a complete line of products starting with known brands such as HCG, American Standard and Toto. To complement its various lines, Wil-con brings in high quality brands such as Kohler, Micawa, Pozzi, Koller Baths and Karat sanitary wares. And this is where top of the line bathtubs comes in. With its rich detailing, Wilcon’s line of bathing products echoes the stylized lines of historically renowned furniture and architectural design. Two styles offer different dignified interpretations - the clean, crisp lines of the stately design, and the added rounded detail of the classic style, resembling design of Roman times.

Offering an extensive breadth and depth of plumbing fixtures has always given Wilcon an advantage in bath and powder room design. Wilcon provides you with cutting edge bathtubs such as Kohler suites, collections and en-sembles, exploring design themes that range from contemporary to tradi-tional. Fixtures, faucets and accessories with coordinated styling can be mixed

and matched to create a streamlined look in any size room. Echoing the elegant lines of classic architecture, the traditional styling of the Kohler Suites and Collections has timeless appeal.

Now wouldn’t it be nice to throw a party and show off your new kitchen or bath? Wouldn’t it be also nice to tell your friends and family that you didn’t have to be a designer to create that perfect-looking bath or kitchen? All you need is Wilcon: Build Any-thing. We have Everything.

Visit the Wilcon Builders’ Depot nearest you: Libis at 90 Rodriguez Jr. Ave, Ugong Norte, Libis, QC; Las Piñas at 8003 Real St.; Alabang Zapote Rd., Las Piñas, Balintawak at 1274 EDSA Balintawak, QC; Pasong Tamo at 2212 Pasong Tamo, Makati; Quirino at L119 C1 Mindanao Ave., Brgy. Talipapa, QC; and Filinvest Alabang at B29 Alabang Zapote Rd cor. Brideway Dist., Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang, Muntinlupa. Soon to open Mexico-San Fernando Pampanga, Tarlac City and Fairview, Quezon City. For inquiries, call 634-8387.

Gotta love those bathtubs Immerse in the fascinating history of the bathtub and appreciate all the more the significance of this favorite fixture

1� | CondoCentral

designer’s cornerreveal

dmC, mAkers oF suPerior quality em-broidery threads and crochet cottons have launched three new design kits for craft and fashion lovers. The x-stitch! fashion pattern kits come in cute bags with three different designs and personality to suit your fashion needs - the Moon and Stars kit, Stars and Shoes kit and the Flower Girl kit. Each kit allows you to experiment and create your own unique designs for your clothes, bags, shoes and other fashion accessories.

Moon and Stars kit is perfect for stitching on edges of pants, collars, shoes and

pockets. If you want to personalize your shirts and bags, the Stars and Shoes kit is ideal for you while the Flower Girl kit is great for pants, shirts, polo and bags too. All these kits contain metallic and embroidery threads, needle, waste canvass, patterns and easy to follow instructions for old and first-time stitchers. Waste canvass is used to help you make your designs, which you can remove after leaving only the design on your material.

The kits were designed allowing stitchers to experiment and create their own fashion

statements. This is a new fashion activity for teens and their friends or for fashion lovers who want to create their own individual style. The kits are now available in all DMC stores nationwide. Open your kit and a surprise bonus awaits you!

For questions and inquiries, please contact Focus Global, Inc. at 634-8587.

From thread-y to trendyExperiment and create your own fashion statements with this stylish innovation

from the makers of superior embroidery and crochet supplies

CondoCentral | 17

18 | CondoCentral

showcase

Superior interiors

F1 City Centertaguig CityFor viewing request, call your professional real estate broker at (632) 815-1010

WhenDeSiGneRS are tasked to execute the interiors for condominium model units, they are usually given the personality profile of the residents envisioned to inhabit the particular space.

Studio and one-bedroom units for instance, are normally lived in by students or young professionals on their first foray at independent living. The two-bedroom unit, meanwhile, has the newly married couple or the upstart family as its projected resident. Larger cuts such as three-bedroom flats or lofts are the domain of fully-grown and established families.

From key design elements to color accents, designers take into serious account the lifestyle and character of the intended occupants in the planning and execution of the model units’ interiors.

Indeed, the measure of a sensibly arranged and designed model unit lies not only on its aesthetic allure but also on its ability to make one imagine that it is where he can truly be at home.

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The Marforilakefront City Central, sucatFor viewing request, contact your investment consultant at 850 2868 or 837 3851

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Capital TowersQuezon CityFor viewing request, call your professional real estate broker at (632) 482-2828

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Pacific residencestaguig CityFor viewing request, call your professional real estate broker at (632) 496-2420

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tips

the kitChen CountertoP has to be able to take a lot of abuse including the heat of pots, cutting and knives and abrasive cleansers. The ideal coun-tertop should be able to stand up to heat and the sharp edge of a knife.

Let us take a look at seven of the most popular kitchen countertop materials being used today:

GraniteA natural stone, granite is a popular

choice for its classic beauty and durabil-ity. Granite is the hardest and densest of the natural stones. It can create a kitchen countertop that is extremely scratch resistant and can keep its luster longer than most materials. granite slabs are the most expensive of all kitch-en countertop surfaces, although it is still considered a very practical material in that it is virtually indestructible.

MarbleAnother natural stone, marble

is considered to be the height of elegance and will last longer than most kitchens. It is however, is very expensive and requires some care: acidic foods such as orange juice will etch the finished surface of a marble kitchen countertop.

SlateBecause of it richness and

beauty slate is usually used in interior applications such as kitchen countertops, bathroom sinks or f ireplace surrounds. It can be used in either modern or traditional kitchens as well as in combination with marble. Slate is durable, strong, and can withstand hard use. It is less expensive than marble.

ConcreteThis is one of the biggest trends

in kitchen countertops today. It is a good look for clean, industrial and contemporary kitchen designs. Avail-able in pre formed sections or poured and formed on-site. Concrete is a good material for unusually shaped counters. Concrete kitchen counter-tops are expensive, require a sealant and must be treated with care. The countertop can crack if the concrete should contract. Concrete can be stained any color. The most popular color is a natural gray tone. The top layer can be finished as desired.

CorianA solid surface material that first

became popular in the 1990s It is highly recommended by kitchen

7 materialscountertop experts. It is a totally man-made product and is not porous. As a solid surface it can easily be repaired if scratched or burned.

StainlesssteelAdvantages include very hygienic,

easy to clean, has ability to stand up to exteme wear and heat. Stainless steel can provide a great look for an ultra modern kitchen. Some disadvan-tages with stainless is that it can be noisy and that scratches can develop.

TileTile surfaces can be tough, hard-

wearing, takes hot pans, heat and stain resistant as well as beautiful. There are many types of tiles includ-ing ceramic, porcelain, quarry, glass, natural stone and mosiac. Available in many colors, sizes and textures. It has good design flexibility. Tile can often be used for trim or backsplashes. The downside of tile is that the grouts can be easily stained. Also the tiles can become chipped or cracked.

James Mahoney is the owner of http://www.kitchendesignersidea.com. Learn about today’s kitchen design ideas by visiting his site.

Article source: http://www.Article-Geek.com

for creating the perfect kitchen countertopjames mahoney makes a list and delivers the gist on the most popular countertop materials to use for arguably the favorite corner in your home

28 | CondoCentral

advertorial

Much consideration is placed on purchasing fine wine selections from the best wine and gourmet stores. However, enjoyment of wine goes beyond choosing the right vintage. Too often, proper storage and serving of wine are taken for granted. For example, most red wines are served too warm, while most white wines are served too cold. When experts say to serve red wines like Bor-deaux and Burgundy at room temperature, they mean Euro-pean rooms of 150 years ago, which is about 62°F to 65°F. On the other hand, white wines should be served at about cellar temperature, ranging from 52°F to 55°F. To understand more about wines and its proper stor-age, let us examine the factors that affect wine.

enemy no. 1: heatThe ideal storage temperature

for wine is generally accepted to be 55°F. Not coincidentally, the 55°F mark is the natural temperature of underground caves in France, where most wine storage occurs. Science has determined that wine stored at temperatures greatly higher than 55°F will experience an increased aging rate, resulting in the maturation of wine over a very short period of time. The greater the temperature increase, the faster the wine ages. One study suggests that a month of aging at 91°F is the equivalent to between 4 months and 18 years of aging at 55°F, depending on the type of wine. Wines exposed to extreme heat will expand, causing the cork to push up from the bottle and

leak from the top. The industry term for heat damaged wine is “cooked”. Signs of heat damage may include visible discoloration along the length of the cork after opening, or wine being visible on the top of the cork while still in the bottle, or a brick colorization in red wines when oxidation occurs.

enemy no. 2: LightInvisible ultraviolet light

negatively affects the aging process in wine. The industry term for a wine that has been over-exposed to ultraviolet rays is “lightstruck”. It is believed that lightstruck occurs when UV light reacts with sulfur com-pounds found in wine, such as dimethyl sulfide. Delicate wines like champagnes are most sus-ceptible. Excessive exposure to light is thought to contribute to the presence of unpleasant aromas of wet cardboard. Light damage is the reason many winemakers use colored bottles and why wine should be stored in a dark environment.

enemy no. 3: VibrationThe primary drawback to

vibration is that it disturbs the sediment in wine bottles. However, vibration is another way that energy is introduced into stored wine. Over time, this “extra” energy could speed up the chemical reactions occurring in the bottle, potentially compro-mising the aging process.

enemy no. 4: humidityWine experts recommend

that wine be stored in an ideal humidity ranging from approxi-mately 60% to 70%. Too little humidity causes corks to dry,

Enemies of wine

Fine vintages are protected against harmful conditions inside these two Sub-Zero

427 Wine Storages.

CondoCentral | 29

allowing oxygen to enter the bottle and cause oxidation in wine. Conversely, too much humidity can invite mold and mildew, which can destroy wine labels of fine vintage.

Proper wine storageTraditionally in France, wines

are stored in caves or cellars to protect them from the enemies of wine. Yet, maintaining a wine cellar nowadays in the modern home may prove to be difficult especially in our tropical climate. A more logical and practical choice is wine storage. Working with those who know wines best – grape vineyards and sommeliers, Sub-Zero has created at true wine preserva-tion system, not just a cooler. Sub-Zero Wine Storages pro-vide a near ideal environment for wines to live in. Two indepen-dent storage zones, sealed and digitally controlled, maintain the perfect temperature; while dual evaporators, one for each stor-age zone, maintain steady, mod-erate humidity to protect your

wine investment. These features let you set the ideal serving and storage temperatures suitable for your wines. In glass door models, aside from the UV-re-sistant glass that shields wine from harmful rays, Sub-Zero has gone a step further by adding argon gas between the double panes of glass for more insula-tion, enhancing energy efficien-cy while helping maintain steady temperatures. For protection against vibration, Sub-Zero’s quiet, well-insulated compressor lets wine rest undisturbed. Also, its beautiful cherrywood-fronted shelves cradle the bottles and glide out smoothly, providing ac-cess without rattling the bottles. In the end, nothing should ever come between you and your wine investments.

Sub-Zero has five wine stor-age models with capacity rang-ing from 46 to 147 bottles. The wine storages also allow design flexibility with stainless steel fin-ish, integrated, framed or over-lay designs to better suit your taste. Sub-Zero is exclusively distributed by Focus Global Inc.

Visit the showroom located at Pioneer corner Reliance Streets, Mandaluyong City. Showroom hours are Tuesdays to Satur-days, 10AM-7PM and Sundays, 1PM-6PM. For inquiries, call (632) 634-8587 or email cor-porate@focusglobalinc.com. You may also log on to www.focusglobalinc.com.

The Sub-Zero 430 Wine Storage provides better wine storage

conditions, which ultimately means better enjoyment in the glass.

Wines rest safely from its enemies in this Sub-Zero 424

Freestanding Wine Storage.

The Future of

Philippine Interior Design

One group renders, not just masterful designs,

but praiseworthy public service as well.Another further strengthens its institution’s

foundations by resoundingly carrying on with a cherished tradition.

Meanwhile, an unassuming bubbly young lady tows 110 other designers into the realm

of official accreditation.

CondoCentral gets acquainted with these youthful, talented, and determined artists.

sPoTLiGhT

32 | CondoCentral

oriented endeavors. This, as they claim and as is expected of them, is in keepingwith the UP tradition of giving back to the people. To this end, previous batches have undertaken the renovation of hospitals, orphanages, libraries and other institutions in need of such services.

The UP Space Innovations and Lifestyles by Interior Design Students (SILID), or the graduating class of

Giving backid179 is A Course every graduating BS Interior Design batch at UP-Dili-man eagerly anticipates. Here, stu-dents get to roll up their sleeves and showcase their interior design skills and technical know-how, as well as gather valuable hands-on experience in design construction.

While extravagant commercial exhibits have been the customary vehicle, ID179 students of late have been leaning more towards service-

The Future of Philippine Interior Design

spotlight

CondoCentral | 33

2008, has decided to continue with this emerging trend. With unfettered pride, however, they feel that their current circumstance makes their project extra significant and symbolic.

For one, they will march next sum-mer as part of UP’s centenary batch of graduates, an honor, needless to say, that comes but once. They therefore intend to leave a legacy that is fitting for such milestone. Moreover, they will be the first ID batch to carry out a permanent project within the university. Also, they consider this un-dertaking their “gift” to incoming UP freshmen, who are to take their place in the university as they get ready to bow out of campus life.

Kontemporaryong Dormitoryo, the renovation of major sections of the Kalayaan Residence Hall inside the UP campus, is this graduating class’ ambi-tious venture and selfless offering.

Taking on a design philosophy of Filipino-organic, the batch hopes to create a more homey and functional ambience for the dorm’s main lobby, entertainment area, and conference room. They will likewise undertake the remodeling of the paging area and the dorm manager’s office. The proj-ect could not have come at a more opportune time as Kalayaan, the only dormitory in the university exclusive for first year students, had not under-gone major repair work or renovation since its establishment in 1975.

More than volunteering their design services for free, the batch has also taken on the challenge of raising the necessary funds for the project’s completion. While they were granted an ample amount to help defray labor cost through the university’s Office of Student Housing and Office of the Chancellor, the batch is currently in the thick of coming up with the additional P2 million needed for the

UP SILID’s designs seeks to introduce a more vibrant andstimulating atmosphere within the dormitory.

materials to be used.With the help of their ad-

viser and other members of the program’s faculty, these 33 idealistic students are sure to gain not only the vital practical experience that ID 179 seeks to provide, but more importantly the appreciation and admiration of the institution that has honed and sheltered them for the past four years.

Main lobby

Conference room

Paging area Entertainment area

Dorm manager’s office

34 | CondoCentral

Pressing forwardThe Future of Philippine Interior Design

spotlight

the link between interior design and Filipino furniture holds special significance for the Philippine School of Interior Design (PSID). It was exactly 40 years ago that the institution was founded as an offshoot of one of the more eminent furniture companies in the country. Fittingly, the Advanced Class of 2007 has opted to showcase Philippine furniture at the core of its recent graduation exhibit.

Dubbed Forty, Filipino and Fabu-lous (F3), this culminating activity of an intensive 28-month program presented 19 booths of masterfully planned and executed interiors, all highlighted by ingenious and creative

Filipino-designed furniture pieces. The event was mounted in collaboration with the Chamber of Furniture Indus-tries of the Philippines, whose member companies generously manufactured the pieces designed by the students.

As one of the country’s premiere institutions in interior design educa-tion, PSID has produced some of the most renowned practitioners in the industry. But not one to rest on its ac-complishments, the school continues to blaze trails towards realizing its commitment of producing excellent design graduates in Asia.

PSID has taken bold strides to strengthen its academic program with the creation of an academic board;

the revision of its curriculum for improvement; and the introduction of organizational policies and proce-dures to facilitate effective manage-ment. Its consortium agreement with DLSU-CSB to allow the latter to confer degrees of Bachelor of Science in Interior Design to enable enrollees to qualify for licensing has likewise bolstered its position.

And, as PSID enters a new era, its entire community can look ahead to more exciting times when they move into their new home at the Bonifacio Global City in October 2008.

As can be gleaned from the mas-terpieces created by the 89 aspiring designers in the Advanced Class of 2007, PSID has once again proven that it is a bastion of creativity and vision. And coupled with the pioneer-ing efforts of a determined school administration, this beloved institu-tion is certain to continue providing important contributions to Philippine interior design.

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PSID designs heraldingenious and creative

furniture pieces infabulous interior settings.

3� | CondoCentral

kAte jenniFer lozAno was in a cab on her way home when she received a phone call bearing a message that not only validated all her accomplishments as a student, but one that is likewise helping alter an impression of her that she previ-ously had problems shaking off.

It was one of her professors from the UST College of Fine Arts and Design (CFAD) on the other end, excitedly announcing that Lozano had topped this year’s Interior Designer Licensure Examination.

For the 22-year old magna cum laude grad whose youthful counte-nance and playful demeanor often obscure her impressive résumé, the effects were instant. Barely a month after the release of the results, clients have her phones ringing off the hook, her parents have rewarded her with a new car, and finally, people are beginning to take her more seriously.

Lozano feels fortunate to enter the fray at a time when the indus-try is on the upswing. Thanks to the sustained construction boom, more opportunities have opened up for them. And with the contin-ued rise in popularity of their trade among consumers, she is convinced that the pie is big enough, even as a hundred or so new interior design-ers are produced each year.

The multi-faceted lady, who also moonlights as a vocalist in a band, intends to do a few freelance projects first before establishing her own firm with her classmates. She says that the experience gained and the connections established will be valuable when she takes on

Staying put

bigger challenges. And while there are more financially rewarding prospects available in other parts of the globe, she has no intentions of leaving. She’d rather strut her talents here.

Lozano indeed stands at the cusp of a lucrative and promising career. And even as she habitually, uncontrollably breaks into extended fits of giggling, chuckling and chortling, you have to trust her. She is good. Maybe, that is what makes her good.

The Future of Philippine Interior Design

spotlight

Lozano designed andoversaw the renovation of a 50-square meter condominium unit for her college practicum.

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cover story

The Capital Towers generously offers more space for the modern urban dweller to move, to grow, to live.

Suddenly, spacePioneering property developer Federal Land, Inc. believes that urban advancement does not have to come at the expense of freedom and flexibility of movement. With its latest high-rise development in Quezon City, it reveals refreshing roominess as the rest of the metropolis continues to get cramped and crowded

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40 | CondoCentral

With units bigger than standard and a higher floor-to-ceiling expanse,

The Capital Towers redefines condo living by providing more head and

legroom for the modern family.

let’s FACe it: condominium living in this country can be a claustrophobe’s nightmare. The lack of comfort-able space due to inadequate leg or headroom in most residential condo units is causing a social thrombosis. This is probably the reason many high-rise developers and designers put a premium on spatial management, like figuring out how to do more with less space. The solution is actually simpler than previously thought, and one developer is now banking on it in building one of the most promising condominium concepts today.

Federal Land, Inc., after 35 years in existence and more than 30 towers later, has recently launched its new 38-storey condominium project called The Capital Towers. It will soon rise in

the heart of Quezon City and boasts of bigger spaces for condo dwellers “to move, to grow, to live.”

It is not an empty promise or a superficial marketing mantra, as it comes from a real estate giant who counts among its numerous outstand-ing and admired developments the GT Tower International, Oriental Garden Makati, Metropolitan Park, Marquinton Residences, Bluewave Malls in Macapagal Boulevard and in Marikina, PSBank Tower, and Skyland Plaza.

Federal Land promises to build, as it has done countless times before, a vibrant community with benevolent provisions of open space within an otherwise confined city address. The Capital Towers is located along E.

Rodriguez, Sr. Avenue, a major city thoroughfare near the commercial districts of Timog, Tomas Morato and Cubao.

Inasmuch as The Capital Towers is envisioned to be a community on its own, the project’s site is conveniently situated near premier institutions and commercial centers such as the St. Luke’s Hospital and the National Children’s Hospital; Trinity University of Asia, St. Joseph’s College and the De los Santos Medical School; the Que-zon City Sports Club; and Waltermart Supermarket.

Faithful to Federal Land’s brand of quality living in the heart of the me-tropolis, The Capital Towers vouches to have amenities that suit the life-style of the modern urban dweller and

Federal Land’s latest Quezon City masterpiece is strategically nestled in the middle of one of the

city’s busiest districts. The hustle and bustle notwithstanding, The

Capital Towers provides an urban sanctum suitable

for nurturing the mind, body and soul.

CondoCentral | 41

even for the chic metropolitan family.The premier residential condomini-

um project offers a rejuvenating stroll around its landscaped Podium Gar-den, which has been carefully crafted with the right natural surroundings to sooth the senses.

For health enthusiasts, a jogging path will also be built around the tower for more freedom of move-ment.

The Capital Towers also has an el-evated swimming pool; a wading pool for children; a gym and yoga room; a children’s playground and daycare room; a multi-purpose hall for social events; and a commercial arcade.

The Capital Towers’ strongest suit, however, is its offer of above-par sizes of its condominium units. From the

42 | CondoCentral

one-bedroom flats to its three-bed-room loft units, The Capital Towers promises indulgence in the conve-nience of space by making its units wider and its ceilings higher than standards.

The importance of a higher floor-to-ceiling expanse has been often un-derstated or worse, taken for granted. Condo dwellers have much more leeway in planning or designing their units given ample headroom. It means more space to move and breathe.

The ample space within the condo

The two-bedroom unit features a stylishly homey ambiance with wooden furniture, Asian accessories, and vivid, deep colors.

units is further amplified by wider and bigger glass windows which would afford dwellers a better enjoyment of Metro Manila’s picturesque view: the Manila Bay to the Southwest; the Antipolo hills and mountains to the Northeast; and the Ortigas and Makati skyline to the Southeast.

The living spaces, as can be sur-veyed from the project’s model units, have been configured to suit the varied lifestyles of its future residents. From Asian chic-denominated themes and contemporary designs to Earth tones-dominant styles, buyers are given a glimpse of endless possibilities when they dabble with the look of their home.

Indeed, the promise of this project is space, an atypical concept in a business that profits in maximizing it. But coming from a developer that has carved a name in the real estate industry by creating vibrant commu-nities of urban dwellers, all skepticism must fail.

After all, condo living has been un-fairly described as living in a box, and a little out-of-the-box thinking will surely change some mindsets.

For more information on The Capital Towers, please call 482-2828 or 415-6155 or visit www.capitaltowers.com.ph

The three-bedroom unit is designed to look elegant with modern furniture in golden brown and gold accent colors.

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44 | CondoCentral

tips

my guess is that you don’t know much about dust mites except they are small, unseen creatures that disgust you. Perhaps someone in your household is allergic to them. Here is some background information on dust mites and how you can work to control them in your house.Dust mites don’t live in your air ducts, although most people tend to focus there when attempting to remove them. They live in soft places, prefer higher humidity and release a protein which causes an allergic reaction for many people. If you don’t have any reactions to dust mite proteins then reducing your exposure may not be a priority for you but these basic treatment steps should still be taken to reduce their presence in your home and affect on your life. If you need mo-tivation to do some of these steps you can see pictures of dust mites by doing this google image search. They’re gross enough to scare anyone into a rapid cleaning spree.

1. Dust and vacuum your house on a regular basis . The more dirt you have, the more dust mites you have.

2. Use a dehumidifier to reduce the humidity levels in your home as they prefer high humid environments (any-thing over 70%).

3. Wash your family’s bedding in hot water at least twice monthly, prefer-ably weekly.

4. Get machine washable plush toys if you have children, the fabric harbors dust mites.

If you have someone allergic to dust mites these are more intense combat steps to take:

1. Do your best to eliminate all cloth surfaces as they tend to harbor these creatures;

2. Replace your carpets with wood or laminate flooring;

3. Remove fabric covered furniture and switch to wood or plastic pieces;

4. Wrap your mattress, pillows and box springs in zippered covers that area dust proof and allergen proof.

You probably won’t completely elimi-nate dust mites, but you can go a long way toward reducing their numbers by maintaining a clean healthy living environment. Your family will thank you for it.

Dustmites.topicreviews.com seeks to provide you with information about methods to control, reduce and elimi-nate dust mite allergens in your home while providing background informa-tion on these pests.

Article source: http://www.Article-Geek.com

Controlling dust mites in your homeheather Peters puts these tiny but menacing creatures under the microscope and dispenses valuable tips on how to deal with them sensibly

CondoCentral | 45

4� | CondoCentral

preview

urbAn residentiAl developments are not spared from fads and trends. Be it a design philosophy or the harnessing of technical advance-ment, be it an encompassing theme by which an entire development is masterplanned or the most intricate detail of interior design, be it a fleeting sensation or the application of a necessity-driven innovation, trends play a big part in how homes are built.

Nowadays, “green” is in. With calls for environ-mental responsiveness echoing worldwide, the construction sector is expected to heed and imple-ment measures that will strike the friendly balance between ecology and architecture. Hereabouts, property developers have taken liberty to interpret the concept of “green architecture” to fit – or retrofit – their projects.

Maverick real estate firm Brittany Corporation seeks to set itself apart by not merely proclaiming,

Opulence in greenEven as it virtuously responds to the call for environmental sensitivity, Brittany Corporation still upholds the lavish signature that has made it one of the most formidable high-end property developers in the country

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but truly taking to heart the practice of increasing the efficiency of buildings and their use of energy, water and materials, and reducing building impacts on human health and the environment.

Nestled snuggly in perhaps the last remaining prime spot within the much sought-after “golden triangle” at the heart of Crescent Park West at the Bonifacio Global City, Avant is a 38-storey masterpiece that is sure to set an imposing bar as far as high-rise luxury living is concerned.

Its prime and enviable location is furthered as the building is situated such that structures from its neigh-boring west protect it from the after-noon sun. Its ingenious orientation,

however, still affords well-framed views all around, allowing residents to see the majestic views past the towers and buildings.

Its design takes good advantage of natural light, creating well-illu-minated spaces so that there are no dark corridors within the building. Air vents are likewise purposefully placed to allow natural breeze to flow throughout the building, giving Avant an airy, invigorating atmosphere.

The entire 1986-square meter development, which mindfully makes use of environmental-friendly construction materials, is of course characterized by thoughtful and abundant touches of nature. Instead of cold fences, the property is bor-

dered by lush tropical trees. Beauti-fully landscaped grounds, mid-level gardens and roof-deck gardens carry-ing the same palette of plant materi-als are easily accessible to residents. Units at the lower ground floor even have their very own private gardens.

Being a low-density development, only a little over 300 residential units make up Avant, with most offer-ing 90- to 120-degree views of the metropolis. Available are studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, three-bedroom, and loft units, giving buyers the latitude to choose a living space suited to their way of life.

Rounding up the outstanding fea-tures and amenities that are standard in all Brittany vertical developments

Inside and out, Avant at the Fort strikes the

harmonious balance between ecology and

architecture.

CondoCentral | 49

are a hotel-like, high-ceiling lobby; a lobby lounge; 24-hour concierge services; a free-form pool with sun-deck; a fully-equipped gym, and a sky garden. Undoubtedly, a lifestyle that evokes the comfort of ease, refuge, security and ultimate luxury does not necessarily have to add to the beating that mother nature undeservedly receives.

Brittany Corporation, a Vista Land subsidiary is a maverick real estate developer of innovative and creative lifescapes. For inquiries and property previews, please call 838-0558 or 850-2868 or visit www.brittany.com.ph.

50 | CondoCentral

Developing a condo of comforts

preview

W Land Holdings banks on good old family values as it endeavors to take W Tower to the height of exclusivity in condo living

CondoCentral | 51

“smArt, soPhistiCAted and ex-perienced – that’s our condominium buyer,” W Land Holdings executive vice president Francis Wee says, describing their target market. Those same qualities could very well apply to Francis who, in his 20s, looks every bit the yuppie determined to succeed – smartly dressed, well-mannered, and with a sharp business acumen.

While his brother Cesar attends to the other W Land Holdings develop-ments, Francis is charged with the high-rise residence called W Tower, situated at the Bonifacio Triangle of the Bonifacio Global City (BGC). Projected as an 18-story residential building with commercial compo-nent, this W Land Holdings project will provide something new at BGC – a decidedly cosmopolitan and sophis-ticated design, embodying elements of modern Philippine architecture. To achieve this, Francis and Cesar didn’t have to look far in realizing this vision. “We met with several top foreign and local architects,” Francis relates. “But we’re big admirers of Philip-pine architecture. So eventually, we decided to get the architectural and design firm of Budji Layug and Royal Pineda, who are known for combining modern sensibilities with a unique Filipino touch.”

At the MC Home Depot, also at BGC, the W Tower’s model suite shows a bi-level affair that tempers the hard, solid lines of modernity with ingenious lighting. The over-all look is a masterful blend of tropical and modern Philippine architecture. “Our target market is someone who has already lived in or already owns a condominium unit,” Francis says.

“These people know what they do not like about living in a condo-minium and W Tower is the solution. More than just one of those oversold, overcrowded residential condos that all look the same, W Tower has taken exclusivity to the next level. It’s not about walling away individuals but keeping the number of residential units to a minimum 50. This way, residents can build a tightly-woven community where they can call each other by name and develop a collec-tive emotional connection with the place they live. W Land Holdings has taken a different route. It offers the lowest residential floors to residential unit ratio (18 floors : 50 residential units) and one of the highest park-

ing slot to residential unit ratio (79 parking slots: 50 residential units). Residents get the satisfaction of coming home to a serene, stylish and spacious place.

Although W Tower is the first foray of W Land Holdings into BGC, it has already more than 20 years of experi-ence in the real estate industry, start-ing when Francis’s father, Lee-Hiong Wee built an eight-unit townhouse in Quezon City in the ‘80s. Next, he built a 14-story residential condo-minium in the ‘90s and developed, in a joint venture with Property Com-pany of Friends, Inc., a 200-hectare township project in Carmona Cavite in 2000.

W Land Holdings is under the W Group, Inc., a consolidation of the various businesses of the Wee family that has interests in export, food, manufacturing, international market-ing, and of course real estate. “One of the most important lessons my father taught me,” Francis acknowledges,

“is to build a strong relationship with stakeholders of the project. He urges his children to “always think long-term” and “weigh the pros and cons of a problem” with the end decision beneficial for the project.

“Our long term goal is to build a W Tower in every major city here in the country,” Francis discloses. “We want all our buildings to showcase the finest

Filipino architects. We want our build-ings to be landmarks where people will want to take pictures of them and send them as postcards.”

For more information on W Tower, please call (632) 815-0808 or visit www.wlandholdings.com

At the W Tower, every unit is a blissful cross between modern sensibilities and the Filipino’s definition of style.

52 | CondoCentral

preview

brittAny CorPorAtion’s pioneering and innovative spirit has enabled it to create high-end luxury homes and communities for the affluent few. Ranked among the country’s trailblazing real estate firms, Brittany is also the first to develop self-sustaining communities inspired by the world’s best destinations.

Living up to its repute, Brittany launched The Marfori, a five-tower mid-rise residential condominium project nestled in the heart of the Lakefront City Central in Sucat.

At The Marfori, residents are assured of a spectacular view of the

Sierra Madre mountain ranges and a magnificent spectacle of the Laguna de Bay, almost priceless given the daily hustle and bustle of city living. In fact, The Marfori prides itself as the only high-rise property with a 180-degree panoramic view of the Laguna de Bay, the closest one can get to a full view.

But if you think the view alone makes it worth every penny, think again. The Marfori, composed of 10 to 20-storey high condominium buildings, is envisioned to be home to the most discerning of tastes. Its main motif is neo-Victorian, inspired by the city of San Francisco, and promises residents to see “more greens than gray,” from landscaped gardens to expansive trellises.

The project also features ameni-ties fit for the kind of living urban dwellers demand such as a modern business center, a 60-meter lap pool, a viewing deck, a fully-equipped gym, spa, open-space playgrounds, a

The wonders of nature in full viewOne of the first enclaves to rise within the 60-hectare masterplanned development that is Lakefront City Central, The Marfori guarantees a lifestyle that is exclusive, exquisite and extravagantPhotography by Shaira Luna

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Larger windows give The Marfori residents a

larger-than-life view of the panoramic Sierra Madre ridges and the majestic

Laguna de Bay.

54 | CondoCentral

tea garden and a putting green.The units at The Marfori range

from the smallest studio flat to the three-bedroom units, all containing tall windows for a ringside seat to the breathtaking views of the lake, the mountain ranges and the Makati skyline.

The Marfori also guarantees an unparalleled accessibility to four major thoroughfares that connect it to Makati, Ortigas and Alabang, making travel easier, safer and faster.

The development offers all these conveniences right in the heart of the 60-hectare burgeoning urban center,

the Lakefront City Central, which promises to be the next hub of activ-ity in Metro Manila. It boasts of a new site for business districts; lifestyle and entertainment centers; central park leading to the boutique hotel; country club perched at the highest point of the property; and first-rate schools and medical facilities.

The first tower in the enclave called Viera is set for turnover to residents in the first half of 2008.

All in all, this project is a wonderful cross between nature and modern living. It treats homeowners to the comforts of urban living at its finest and at the same time brings them

closer to where they should be, away from the congested metropolis and closer to nature.

In the fast-paced life in the city, people need to sit back, take a break and enjoy a visual spa of nature’s wonders.

Imagine doing that everyday, only at The Marfori.

Brittany Corporation, a Vista Land subsidiary is a maverick real estate developer of innovative and creative lifescapes. For inquiries and property previews, please call 838-0558 or 850-2868 or visit www.brittany.com.ph.

A charming enclavein a self-sustaining

community, The Marfori sits at the heart of what is

envisioned to be thenext metropolitan hub.

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The Marfori, with its carefully-thought

landscape architecture, enables would-be

residents to see “more greens than grays.”

5� | CondoCentral

Condo living has become synony-mous to contemporary urban lifestyle. The city enjoys flourishing real estate investments in condominiums because of the unique living benefits it offers that caters to the fast-paced circumstances of today. Accessibility, its major selling point, is a premium taken in high regard because being central to everything lets city-dwell-ers get the best out of the metropolis. When everything is at convenience, life is good. Condo living offers this comfort among a wealth of other modern luxuries.

The growing number of residential

high-rises is a larger-than-life testi-mony to progressive times, coupled inevitably with progressing everyday needs.

SymbolofindependenceCondo living has also propelled a

new breed of metropolitan life that makes practical choices; the success of low maintenance living keeps peo-ple afloat in a dog-eat-dog world. This is especially true for struggling young professionals who place tremendous value on their hard-earned money yet believe that their hard work must reap benefits. In part, condo living has also become a symbol of indepen-dence, so to speak, for many of them who commonly make condominiums a ‘home away from home.’ Upon reaching a point in their careers when living on their own is already a viable option, most yuppies don’t look for houses immediately—they scour the real estate market for affordable condominiums, possibly one close to work. However, this doesn’t always come as easy.

Low-densitydevelopmentPTR Properties, the same real estate

company responsible for the success of Grand 21 Place, opens up an excit-ing world of possibilities for today’s smart buyer. The Fifth at Rafael, a low-density development tucked in the commercial neighborhood of Kapitolyo, Pasig, features affordable

housing investments targeted at aver-age young professionals. The 5-storey building houses studio and one-bed-room configurations that may easily be modified to suit different tastes and lifestyles. The units are perfect for individuals who are just starting out on their own and still enjoying the perks of a carefree lifestyle. The Fifth gives its residents the opportunity to secure a bright future ahead without worrying too much about financial burdens, making it a suitable invest-ment that puts more value to your money.

ComfortablelivingspaceThe Fifth’s Asian-themed tower, a

masterpiece by Architect Jose Siao Ling, flaunts a gleaming structure of glass and concrete. To ensure com-fortable living space for its residents, the mixed-use development presents only 73 units. This avoids annoying building traffic and guarantees a sense of privacy for residents. Ameni-ties include a garden deck with a multi-purpose function room and

preview

This Kapitolyo condo project promises to bring people closer to work while complementing a burning passion of an independence-driven urbanite

The Asian-themed tower of The Fifth at Rafael is as

exclusive as it can get, with only 73 full-sized condos

in the making for more breathing space and less

building traffic.

A yuppie’s dream come true

CondoCentral | 57

an exercise hall available to residents, a spacious lobby meanwhile welcomes residents home. Once the building is completed during the last quarter of 2008, the ground level will be home to select com-mercial establishments. The Fifth also offers round-the-clock services including 24-hour security, audio security system, fire alarm and sprinkler system to make sure residents feel safe at all times.

Because the property is situated inside Kapi-tolyo, it’s easily accessible to public transport and a mere five minutes away from the Ortigas business district. At the same time, since it is not located exactly at the central business strip, the living environment it promotes strays from the chaos of the urban jungle. The Fifth at Rafael is near enough to be convenient, yet it is comfortably distant from the hustle and bustle of the city. Meanwhile, Kapitolyo’s commercial hub presents a decent list of dining options and select services already in the vicinity so residents need not venture too far to find a restaurant or have their laundry done.

The Fifth at Rafael proposes a lifestyle choice that offers economical options to the discerning urban-ite. More than just a residential development, it cre-ates a practical means to secure a good future. At The Fifth, residents come home to a condominium that is not only a fruit of success but also a symbol of brighter things ahead.

Only 73 units comprisethis exclusive masterpiece

of glass and concrete.

�0 | CondoCentral

man on top

like mAny other great visionar-ies in the past, political or otherwise, Pedro C. Tario is a firm believer in the strength of the family as the basic functional institution in any society. He believes that by strengthening the family, you empower the community it belongs to. In his own words, one of things that make a family strong is having a blessed home; one that was acquired through hard work and labor.

True enough, Tario’s canons in life have been the focus of his career for over 30 years, working to provide decent and affordable housing to the

millions of homeless Filipinos in this country. He shares the vision of the organization he now leads, which is to provide the homeless blessed homes.

Tario is currently the national presi-dent of the Chamber of Real Estate and Builders’ Associations, or more popularly known as CREBA, a private non-stock, non-profit corporation composed of some 4,000 individuals and associations directly and indi-rectly involved in the real estate trade.

He has been in the real estate busi-ness for over thirty years, long enough to develop a deeper sense into an oth-erwise profit-driven industry. Sadly, he says, the country has a 4.5 million housing backlog, a situation that may be worse in reality because the survey that recorded the sorry state was undertaken in the mid-1990s.

It could be more, he says, as the country’s population grows at a steady rate of about 2.3 to 2.4 percent. “Without addressing the backlog and based on the population growth alone, we need to build around 300,000 a year,” he reveals.

One look at Tario and you’ll know that he knows his economics. He is now counted as one of the very few “real estate Dons” in the country, much like the rest of those who founded and kept CREBA going for 34 years. He exudes an aura of confi-dence in everything he talks about, like most self-made businessmen in

his field.Tario hails from the then sleepy and

quiet city of Bago in Negros Occiden-tal. He aced his brokers’ exam in 1975, while still a student at the Far Eastern University taking up commerce, with a major in accounting. He says he did not take the accounting board exams afterwards as he turned his eyes on real estate and liked what he saw.

His first stint as a real estate broker was with the St. Louis Realty and Development Corp., and after that he was on his own as a broker. He established the P.C. Tario Realty and Management Corp., one of the biggest and wealthiest marketing groups in the early 1980s up until the mid 1990s. He became one of the founders and then national president of the Real Estate Brokers Association of the Philippines in 1982.

After P.C. Tario Realty, he ventured into real estate developments of his own.

“I developed some low-cost hous-ing, mostly because of my desire to serve more people in the lower strata. Some of them were in Laguna, some of them in Dasmariñas, Cavite, and later on in Santiago, Isabela,” he says.

At that point, Tario and CREBA’s goals have crossed paths, and in 1991, Tario became the organization’s national president. He had stayed on after his first term as a member of CREBA’s Council of Leaders, which

john Anthony A. Concepcion sits down with the current CREBA national president as he shares his thoughts on how the industry he has served practically all his life can be a significant contributor towards national growth and recovery

Running a business with a conscience

With 32 chapters throughout the

Philippines and seven overseas, CREBA’s

nerve center sitsunassumingly alongC. Roces Avenue in

Quezon City.

the organization treats as a board of advisers, and was re-elected in 2006. He was also the CREBA Board of Directors chairman in 1995.

Now his second time at CREBA’s helm, Tario says the organization has made great strides in fulfilling its mission of not only working for the interests of its members, but also on enabling the millions of homeless families to acquire decent, affordable homes. Through the years, he says, CREBA has been a respected partner of the government in anything that re-lates to the industry it serves, ranging from policy formulation to partner-ships in social legislation.

In fact, there are a number of significant pieces of legislation passed that has CREBA’s stamp of influ-ence, like the Social Housing Act of 1982 that liberalized the stringent standards of land development and housing construction then to spur the construction of more socialized and low-cost housing in the country.

Tario says CREBA’s participation and partnership with the government led to the enactment of the law that created the Pag-Ibig Fund and the National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation, which are admittedly vehicles for more low-income Filipinos to acquire their own homes through financing.

Today, he says CREBA is currently working with the national govern-ment and Congress in order to ad-dress some concerns in dealing with the housing backlog, like pushing for the creation of a housing department which will have a cabinet portfolio level and an equitable land access ad-vocacy to declare more lands available as disposable and alienable.

“A Department of Housing is very necessary and is a must. It should be able create an atmosphere or climate that will encourage every builder or developer in delivering low-cost hous-ing, especially to those who are of low-income status,” he says.

He says the organization, 70 percent of who are developers and builders, is continuously batting for a friendlier housing climate conducive for what he describes should be a “massive” housing delivery and at the same time create more jobs. More jobs, he says, means more economic activity and potential for growth.

�2 | CondoCentral

PhiliPPine Realty tV is a new TV show coming out December 2007 that will cater to local and overseas Filipi-nos looking for real estate investments in the Philippines. It is produced by television and events company Street-Park Productions, Inc.

John Aguilar, President of Street-Park Productions, Inc. and Executive Producer of Philippine Realty TV expounds on this exciting concept.

howdidyoucomeupwiththeconceptforPhilippineRealtyTV?

The show is actually two years in the making. I had an idea two years ago of producing a TV show that would cater to the booming real estate industry in the country. Devel-opers were successful with their print media campaigns, but there really wasn’t anything on TV that catered to the real estate industry. TV com-mercial campaigns by themselves are expensive to sustain, and quite limited in the information they can disseminate. A TV show that features

different real estate projects is just what the industry needed. Of course, we had to take our time and look for the perfect venue to air our show. Af-ter a series of meetings and negotia-tions, we decided on airing the show on ANC (ABS-CBN News Channel) as well as ANC International on TFC (The Filipino Channel). Airing on these platforms gives our show the prestige and credibility of airing on ABS-CBN’s 24-hour news channel, and gives us the international reach of TFC.

Whowillbeabletowatchyourprogram?

ANC is seen nationwide and is considered the most-watched news channel in Megamanila, rating ahead of CNN and BBC. ANC viewers have the purchasing power and are known to be highly influential, with the power of word-of-mouth very strong among their peers. The ANC International airing, on the other hand, will be seen in all TFC ter-ritories namely; US, Canada, Middle East, Europe, UK, and Asia Pacific. In short, the show will be seen globally in all territories with a huge Filipino populace.

howwilltheshowlookandwhatsetsitapart?

When you watch Philippine Realty TV, you will feel like you’re watch-ing a movie or a commercial. The show will have very high production values. The look is going to be very glossy and we will be using special-ized production equipment such as cranes and dollies to give us freedom in executing fantastic cinematogra-phy for the show.

howwillyoumaketheshowappealingtotheoverseasFilipinosthatarethemaintargetoftheshow?

We are going to be interjecting a lot of quirky Filipino antics into the way our hosts present the different segment features. Gabe Mercado is a brilliant comedian and highly intel-ligent-with an appeal that hits both the masses and the elite. Issa Litton on the other hand, is known as a lifestyle host, and is equally comfortable in hosting in front of the masa and the exclusive set. Filipinos abroad miss home, and it’s the job of the hosts to remind them of some of the things they miss back in the Philippines.

Whatistheformatoftheshow?

The show will follow a lifestyle magazine format. It will be light and entertaining, but very informative. Among the segments lined up for the show are: “The High Life,” where we will be showcasing high-end premium developments projects, “Condo Living” which will feature various con-dos-from affordable starter units to the best-in-class. “Value Homes” will focus on affordable, value-for-money housing projects while “Leisure Living” will take viewers outside Metro Ma-nila to explore exciting leisure com-munities and second home havens. Finally, we have “Realty Billboard” where developers can announce their road shows, launches, events, etc. and have them featured on the show.

Whatareyoulookingforwardtowhentheshowcomesout?

We’re very excited, particularly with

the out-of-town properties that we’ll be featuring on the show. Since the show will be aired globally, it’s also go-ing to be a good platform to showcase the beauty of the Philippines. We’re also hoping that the show will send a positive image of the Philippines as a country well on its way to economic progress through its growing number of infrastructure projects.

Whatcanpeopleexpecttoseewhentheywatchtheshow?

Viewers can expect to be given a comprehensive picture of the differ-ent property developments available in the market. Traditionally people have been exposed to real estate projects through print ads, trade shows, mall exhibits and the like. The difference is that we will take viewers directly to the sites-giving them a first-hand look at the properties. We will also discuss the areas of concern of typical buyers, and the benefits and unique selling propositions of the properties. All this, of course, to help the viewers and prospective buyers make informed decisions as to which projects to consider. We do acknowledge that seeing a particular property on TV won’t be enough to make you buy it. At the end of the day the developers’ sales agents will be the ones that will close the deal. Our job is merely to entice prospective buyers to make that call.

For inquiries call StreetPark Produc-tions, Inc. at tel. 4368882-83 or email info@streetparkprod.tv., sales@streetparkprod.tv. Visit www.Philip-pineRealty.tv for more details.

The industry as star

talk central

Philippine Realty TV Executive Producer John Aguilar

Hosts Gabe Mercado and Issa Litton

Awareness of the country’s booming real estate industry is set to be propelled further as Philippine Realty TV starts airing on ANC in December and subsequently on the Filipino Channel worldwide

CondoCentral | �3

�4 | CondoCentral

advertorial

Ms. ruFFA gutierrez has moved on to a new phase in her life with MET Premium Whitening Soap. This is what she revealed

on The Buzz last September 23, 2007 when she was announced as the face of MET Premium Whiten-ing Soap. During her interview, Ms. Ruffa said that: “Mula nang ginamit ko ang MET, napaka-radiant at napaka-beautiful na ng skin ko. Napaka-effective ng MET magpa-puti!”

With its unique ingredients and impressive features, MET Premium Whitening Soap matched Ruffa’s grace and beauty. MET is a premium whiten-ing soap manufactured in Japan using only first-class ingredients. For years, Japan has been the standard bearer for skin perfection and radiance, and its extensive experience in skin care resulted in the development of MET Premium Whitening Soap.

MET Whitening Soap exceeds your expectations of skin whitening with six premium ingredients: Alpha Arbutin, Glutathione, Soy Bean Milk Culture Filtrate, Soy Bean Extract, and Palm and Coconut Oils.

ALPHA ARBUTIN is an extract of the Bearberry plant (Arctostaphylus uva-ursi). It is a natural double-whitening agent that inhibits the skin’s Tyrosinase activity thereby decreasing the formation of melanin to even out

brown spots and blem-ishes. It has been ap-proved by the Ministry of Health and Welfare in Japan and very popular in Asian countries for skin de-pigmentation.

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SOYBEAN MILK CULTURE FILTRATE (Soy Iso-flavon) and SOYBEAN ExTRACT (Glycine Soja) are the natural counterparts of the female hormone

Estrogen. This is commonly used by

women to delay the process of aging. Applied to the skin, they help keep the skin young by regenerating collagen which results in the smoothening of the skin’s fine lines.

COCONUT OIL and PALM OIL are natural skin moisturizers that make your skin smooth and silky. Palm Oil is high in vitamin E which plays a protec-tive role in preventing or reversing cellular aging. Coconut oil is also an excellent skin moisturizer.

For best results, MET Premium Whitening soap should be used night and day on a daily

basis. Together, these key ingredients go beyond whitening to offer total

skin care. MET Whitening Soap is avail-

able at all Watson’s branches nationwide. Try it and it will change your view of skin care.

Ms. Ruffa Guttierrezsteps out of the shadow with MET premium whitening soap

�� | CondoCentral

centralreview

top

of t

he

list

tech

Babyface’s playlistmusic

Cover Albums tend to be dashed off as a way to fulfill an artist’s last remaining contractual obligation to his or her label. However, Playlist is Babyface’s first release for Mercury, follow-ing 2005’s Grown Sexy, and he put a lot of heart and soul into the material, all of which con-nected with him as a youngster listening to ‘70s AM radio. Most of the sources are anything but cool: James Taylor, Jim Croce, Dan Fogelberg, Dave Loggins, and Bread. (Then again, Bread were sort of like the Coldplay of their day.) Apart from Bob Dylan’s Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door, everything is suited for Babyface, often to the point where the songs don’t sound tre-mendously different from what he has written during the last

several years. While you could go back as far as the first Deele songs for indications that he had more than soul and funk in his background, this album really conveys how much he owes to ‘70s singer/songwriters. In addi-tion to the eight covers, there are two new songs, both of which fit into the album’s scheme sonically while being far from lightweight subjectwise. In Not Going Nowhere, he talks to one of his sons in the wake of divorce (I’ve got a room with your name on the door/Your favorite things you could ever ask for), and The Soldier Song addresses those who have had their lives taken by war (Hope was all he had to cope/But he never made it home). - Andy kellman, All music guide

you’ve seen imProvements in notebook performance before - but never on this scale. The Intel Core Duo powering MacBook Pro is actually two processors built into a single chip. This, combined with myriad other engineering leaps, boosts performance up to four times higher than the PowerBook G4. With this awesome power, it’s a breeze to render complex 3D models, enjoy smooth playback of HD video, or host a four-way video conference.

Intel Core Duo is the first chip built using Intel’s groundbreaking 65-nanometer process - resulting in transistors so small, you could fit a hundred inside a single human cell.

Apple MacBook Pro

With smaller distances for electrons to travel, and two processors designed to share resources and conserve power, Intel Core Duo achieves higher levels of performance as it uses fewer watts. Which is what makes it possible to design a super-powerful MacBook Pro

that’s only one inch thin.When Mac technology makes

something easy, it’s hardly news. So here’s more non-news for MacBook Pro owners: software just works. If you see the Universal logo on a new appli-cation, that means it will run on Intel-

and PowerPC-based Mac computers. For most existing applications, you simply do what you’ve always done: double-click them. Thanks to the Rosetta technology in Mac OS x, they look and feel just like they did before.

�8 | CondoCentral

review central

“lAughter is the lAnguAge oF the soul,” Pablo Neruda said. Among the most lasting voices of the most tumultuous (in his own words, “the saddest”) century, a witness and a chronicler of its most decisive events, he is the author of more than thirty-five books of poetry and one of Latin America’s most revered writers, the emblem of the engaged poet, an artist whose heart, always with the people, is literally consumed by pas-sion. His work, oscillating from epic medi-tations on politics and history to intimate reflections on animals, food, and everyday

objects, is filled with humor and affection. This bilingual selection of more than fifty of Neruda’s best poems, edited and with an introduction by the distinguished Latin American scholar Ilan Stavans and bril-liantly translated by an array of well-known poets, also includes some poems previously unavailable in English. I Explain a Few Things distills the poet’s brilliance to its most es-sential and illuminates Neruda’s commitment to using the pen as a calibrator for his age. – barnes&noble review

books

Neruda’s explanations

niCky hilton is An AmeriCAn FAshion model, socialite, and fashion designer and an heiress to a part of the Hilton Hotel chain.

After graduating from the Con-vent of the Sacred Heart high school in New York, Nicky attended college at the Fashion Institute of Technol-ogy and Parsons School of Design, but did not complete her fashion degree.She launched her own clothing line, Chick by Nicky Hilton in 2004, a casual range for the young. She has also designed a line of handbags for Japanese company Samantha Thavasa from 2002-2005.

Earlier this year she started her second line aimed at a more mature audience, called Nicholai, which made its debut for the spring/sum-mer 2008 season on September 9, 2007 in New York City during Mer-cedes-Benz Fashion Week.

Nicky Hilton, 24, presented her Chick Spring 2008 collection at Mercedes Benz Los Angeles Fashion Week Spring 2008 on Sunday, 14 Oc-tober 2007. Nicky’s parents attended the show. Seated on the front row among others were celebrities Jamie Pressly and Chinese actress Bai Ling.

fashion

Nicky’s chicks rule

CondoCentral | �9

review central

cars

generAl motors is trumpeting a pair of numbers about its 2008 Saturn Vue Green Line today. The hybrid SUV’s fuel economy numbers are 25 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway, which represents a 27 percent improvement over the

non-hybrid Vue. And the small SUV will start at $24,795. Those figures mean it’s the highest-mileage SUV on the market — and the cheapest hybrid SUV.

Fuel economy was calculated by the EPA using the new 2008 test

procedure. GM points out that these numbers put the Vue Green Line ahead of both the Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV4.

Saturn is also planning a plug-in hybrid version of the Vue for the future, which it says will get “approxi-

mately twice the fuel economy of any SUV currently on the market.”

What this means to you: Want to save some green? Saturn would like to sell you a Vue Green Line.

2008 Saturn Vue Green Line gets top SUV MPG

Andy wArhol silver FACtory is the first in a projected series of unisex fragrances created under an agreement with The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts. The bottle design for Silver Factory was inspired by Warhol’s 1965 series of Campbell Soup Can silkscreens, and the scent was named for Warhol’s Manhattan studio, The Silver Factory, where the walls were decorated with alu-minum foil and spray paint. Andy Warhol was said to be fond of perfume — he was reportedly buried with a bottle of Estee Lauder Beautiful — and there was until fairly recently an Andy Warhol branded line of fragrances under Cofinluxe.

I never smelled any of the earlier Andy Warhol scents but perfumer Aurelien Guichard has done a great job of creating something that might reason-ably evoke the experimental pop culture atmo-sphere of the late 1960s while still smelling very much like a modern niche perfume. Silver Factory opens on citrus and lavender, lively, but still more soft than sharp (the complete notes: bergamot, grapefruit, lavender, violet, incense, jasmine, iris, amber, wood resin and cedar). The incense and woods are present from the start, and as adver-tised, a metallic note runs through the proceed-

ings. There is something ever so slightly off-kilter (in a good way) about the early stages, maybe a touch of birch tar or leather? Patty at Perfume Posse calls it “metallic rubber”.

The florals in the heart are subtle; the cedar in the dry down, less so. After a couple hours, the iris seems to reassert itself, and it takes on a velvety finish with earthy undertones. It is more dry than sweet, and more dusky than dark. The softness of the opening sets the tone for what follows — Bond no. 9 calls it “smooth” and that is as good a description as any. There is nothing high-pitched or loud about Silver Factory, nor does it have the brooding, high-church feel of some incense-heavy fragrances.

If Estee Lauder’s Beautiful was representative of Andy Warhol’s preferences in perfume, I don’t think Silver Factory would be at all to his taste. Happily, it is very much to mine. It’s easily the most interesting scent from Bond no. 9 since 2005’s Chinatown (also Aurelien Guichard).Bond no. 9 Andy Warhol Silver Factory will debut in December; 100 ml perfume concentrate (28% concentration) for $230.

Andy Warhol Silver Factoryfragrances

70 | CondoCentral

condo memo

more thAn the PlAudits, pae-ans, and marketing babble paid to the wonders and joys of condo living—the amenities, the convenience and acces-sibility, the square footage and value for money—what really matters, what it is really all about is the liberty to actually step out of that condo, turn the lock, pocket the key, and get a life.

I don’t know about you, but I simply do not relish the prospect of being tied to a house, unable to go on extended vacations, or even stay overnight some-place else for fear of being burglarized, the house ransacked of the most valuable and dearest possessions, and worse, dear, old Tagpi poisoned.

Yes, of course, it’s probably lovely to have a garden outside your window, and a single-detached house could very well provide an opportunity to “smell the roses,” but who would

water these roses when a chance to stay a week at the beach or a month abroad presented itself? Would you entrust everything to absentminded Inday? Or, if there was no Inday, would you phone and bribe a parent, a sib-ling, a friend to housesit? Would you ask him or her the terribly selfish re-quest of putting his or her own life on hold just so you could actually enjoy yours? How do you do it—”live deep and suck out all the marrow of life,” as the cliché goes, without inconvenienc-ing yourself and others? The answer, of course, is to live in a condo.

The condominium’s 24/7 security will, of course, buy you peace of mind. It will allow you to come and go as you please, sans stress and worry, and provide you with the freedom to improve the quality of your life and re-lationships. Whereas before you may

have forgone numerous chances for outdoor recreation because you just can’t get anyone to housesit and the idea of leaving the house empty and unattended just gives you the willies, with a condo, as long as you secure everything before leaving the house (by unplugging all electrical appli-ances, turning off the gas, closing the windows and drawing the drapes, and locking the door), you can be assured that when you do decide to return home, your investments (the condo and its contents) will still be there.

With a condo, spur-of-the-mo-ment plans (they’re said to be the best kind, anyway) becomes a cinch: you can suddenly opt to spend a long weekend in Subic or Batangas with family or friends or accept the hubby’s surprise invitation to join him in his business trip to Davao.

Life is short enough as it is to get bogged down with the logistics and details of it all—just throw a T-shirt and shorts over your bathing suit, grab your sunglasses and a bottle of sun block, and concentrate on getting to your destination before the last boat leaves for that island paradise.

Condo living provides you with an appealing, more flexible alternative to the complicated life. Go ahead—fear less, live more!

Special or straightforward, happy or

horrific, your stories as certified condo dwellers are welcome here. E-mail editor@condocentral.com.ph.

Free, at lastrose margaret g. monis dispenses wit as she explains the unmistakeable upside of high-rise living

CondoCentral | 71

72 | CondoCentral

legal

legal options Atty. edwin Calica Cacayorin, jr.

introduction

uPon the deAth oF A Person, how to divide the estate one left behind is always a potential source of conflict among family members. To resolve this matter, the law on succes-sion steps in to equitably determine and allocate to each member of the immediate family (“compulsory heirs”), his or her share in the inheri-tance called “legitime”.

Before we go to the topic of inheri-tance, it is relevant to know some pro-visions of law relating to succession:

(a) One who is judicially declared as the offending spouse in a legal separation case cannot inherit from the innocent spouse either by testate or intestate succession. In a judicially declared annulment or nullity of marriage, however, one may inherit by will [but not through intestate suc-cession since there is no more tie or relation] -- except when he or she had contracted a subsequent marriage in

bad faith, which act shall automatically disqualify him or her to inherit from the innocent spouse by testate and intestate succession. This “forfeited share” shall form part of the free por-tion that the decedent may dispose of in the will.

(b) If the decedent is legally married, his or her “estate” shall include (i) his or her separate property, if there is any; and (ii) one-half of the conjugal or community property after liquidation, the other half belongs to his or her be-loved spouse. Moreover, the surviving spouse, in addition to his or her half of the conjugal or community fund, is en-titled to inherit as compulsory heir his or her legitime, i.e., such proportionate share as declared by law, in the estate of the decedent.

(c) A legally adopted child is considered a legitimate child of the adoptive parents. The adopted child, and his or her descendants, can inherit from his or her adoptive parents as

well as biological parents -- but not from the ascendants of either of his or her adoptive parents since the relationship of adoption is limited only between the adoptive parents and the adopted child.

In Part I of this Article (15 decem-ber 2007-january 2008 issue), we shall discuss the concept of legitime – i.e., how much each compulsory heir share in the estate – and the free portion that the decedent can legally disposed of by will.

In Part II (15 February 2008 issue), we shall talk about how to make a will, its forms, and the formalities to observe in its execution. We shall also cover the rules on disinheritance.

In Part III (15 march 2008 issue) I will relate intestate succession: the will is disallowed or there is none. From there we shall summarize all the top-ics, then draw out your options…

(TO BE CONTINUED)

Inheriting property

legal

74 | CondoCentral

the monkey-eAting eAgle is one of the rare and edangered bird species in the Philippines protected by existing national environmental laws. Abroad, however, a few of them can be found in zoos for public view-ing while some are hidden in private gardens of the filthy rich. It is indeed status symbol to have one but to the detriment of the Philippine environ-ment and Mother Nature herself.

Though it is not considered as the “national bird” of the Philippines in the category of sampaguita as the “national flower” or Jose Rizal as the “national hero”, this rare breed sym-bolizes the innate capacity of Filipinos to weather changes.

While the monkey-eating eagle is confronted with environmental threats to its existence, the Filipinos are facing constant threats to their survival in the global economy.

Both the symbol and the symbol-ized keep proving their tenacity, however, as the years go by.

We therefore find Filipinos almost anywhere in the world -- United Arab Emirates, the United States of America, the United Kingdom, the public plaza in HongKong on Sundays, the plosh condominiums of Singapore, the campus dormitories of Japan, the kingdoms and fiefdoms of African royalties, and even the hills and mountains of Timbuktu or the cold and snowy hills of Norway -- ek-

ing out a living for their families who live in the Philippines.

While other nations in the world are trying to keep their nationals within their economic boundaries, the Philippines keeps pushing its people to the floodgates of diaspora. Remittances from Filipinos abroad has in fact become one of the major sources of national income and even a source of government pride. Ironically, both labor and consumer products now belong under one category in the nation’s economic balance sheets.

But instead of losing steam, Filipi-nos now take pride in their new-found purchasing power derived from their ingenious capacity to market their labor. Why not, indeed? In this highly competitive global community, one has to find ways of converting dreams to cash.

Anywhere in the world, we now see the advent of the Global Pinoy, a 21st century phenomenon that was last seen in the biblical exodus of the children of Abraham who travelled for ages to see the Kingdom of God.

The Global Pinoy is now one nation among the nation of nations, stretch-ing the human threshholds of anguish and longing, pain and suffering, joy and bliss, elation and ecstasy as each individual Filipino consciously or un-consciously forges ties with fellowmen to generously bring to their homeland the product of their blood, sweat and

tears.There is

now a lot of money out there among Filipinos in foreign lands who work day in and day out so they may forget, if not set aside their homesickness and instead think of how best they can provide for their families back home.

Even in the United States where many Filipinos have been granted immigrant status, the Global Pinoy still longs for the day when they can go back to and retire in the fertile land of their birth, the paradise of their childhood, the nascent memories of their youth.

This constant mental state of mov-ing on with life with the thought of sharing their blessings with their loved ones back home has helped propel a vigorous real estate development scene in the Philippines where proper-ties are purchased not only by those who reside in their motherland but also by those who have the purchasing power but cannot yet go back home.

Statistics show, for example, that there are almost three million regis-tered Filipinos in the United States whose monthly income range from US$3,000 to US$7,000 which is more than enough for them to live lives beyond modesty.

But instead of cashing in on consumerist trends, many of these

Filipinos either save their money

in the bank or remit a portion to their relatives in the

Philippines. One form of remittance is investment in real estate properties, the value of which keeps increasing daily.

There is, therefore, a lot of potential real estate partners and investors abroad who are just waiting for the more aggressive among us brokers and sales executives to knock on their doors and offer packages suited to their needs.

This is the primary reason the Global Pinoy International Roadshows will travel from the East Coast to the West Coast the whole year next year with an attempt to contribute in the growing market of real estate proper-ties outside the Philippines.

Whether this effort will succeed or not depends mostly on the creativity of the people who will involve them-selves in the project.

But one thing is for sure: Even an average sales executive can stumble upon a pot of gold in this US real estate caravan.

By then we would know if the mon-key-eating eagle has more parallelisms than one to the innate capacity of the Global Pinoy not only to survive but also to emerge triumphant amid the 21st century worldwide economic trials.

The Global Pinoy Condo Central publisher Danieldela Cruz communicates his musingsas he journeys around the globe in hismodest attempt to link Philippinereal estate with the rest of the world

overseas

CondoCentral | 75

the monkey-eAting eAgle is one of the rare and edangered bird species in the Philippines protected by existing national environmental laws. Abroad, however, a few of them can be found in zoos for public view-ing while some are hidden in private gardens of the filthy rich. It is indeed status symbol to have one but to the detriment of the Philippine environ-ment and Mother Nature herself.

Though it is not considered as the “national bird” of the Philippines in the category of sampaguita as the “national flower” or Jose Rizal as the “national hero”, this rare breed sym-bolizes the innate capacity of Filipinos to weather changes.

While the monkey-eating eagle is confronted with environmental threats to its existence, the Filipinos are facing constant threats to their survival in the global economy.

Both the symbol and the symbol-ized keep proving their tenacity, however, as the years go by.

We therefore find Filipinos almost anywhere in the world -- United Arab Emirates, the United States of America, the United Kingdom, the public plaza in HongKong on Sundays, the plosh condominiums of Singapore, the campus dormitories of Japan, the kingdoms and fiefdoms of African royalties, and even the hills and mountains of Timbuktu or the cold and snowy hills of Norway -- ek-

ing out a living for their families who live in the Philippines.

While other nations in the world are trying to keep their nationals within their economic boundaries, the Philippines keeps pushing its people to the floodgates of diaspora. Remittances from Filipinos abroad has in fact become one of the major sources of national income and even a source of government pride. Ironically, both labor and consumer products now belong under one category in the nation’s economic balance sheets.

But instead of losing steam, Filipi-nos now take pride in their new-found purchasing power derived from their ingenious capacity to market their labor. Why not, indeed? In this highly competitive global community, one has to find ways of converting dreams to cash.

Anywhere in the world, we now see the advent of the Global Pinoy, a 21st century phenomenon that was last seen in the biblical exodus of the children of Abraham who travelled for ages to see the Kingdom of God.

The Global Pinoy is now one nation among the nation of nations, stretch-ing the human threshholds of anguish and longing, pain and suffering, joy and bliss, elation and ecstasy as each individual Filipino consciously or un-consciously forges ties with fellowmen to generously bring to their homeland the product of their blood, sweat and

tears.There is

now a lot of money out there among Filipinos in foreign lands who work day in and day out so they may forget, if not set aside their homesickness and instead think of how best they can provide for their families back home.

Even in the United States where many Filipinos have been granted immigrant status, the Global Pinoy still longs for the day when they can go back to and retire in the fertile land of their birth, the paradise of their childhood, the nascent memories of their youth.

This constant mental state of mov-ing on with life with the thought of sharing their blessings with their loved ones back home has helped propel a vigorous real estate development scene in the Philippines where proper-ties are purchased not only by those who reside in their motherland but also by those who have the purchasing power but cannot yet go back home.

Statistics show, for example, that there are almost three million regis-tered Filipinos in the United States whose monthly income range from US$3,000 to US$7,000 which is more than enough for them to live lives beyond modesty.

But instead of cashing in on consumerist trends, many of these

Filipinos either save their money

in the bank or remit a portion to their relatives in the

Philippines. One form of remittance is investment in real estate properties, the value of which keeps increasing daily.

There is, therefore, a lot of potential real estate partners and investors abroad who are just waiting for the more aggressive among us brokers and sales executives to knock on their doors and offer packages suited to their needs.

This is the primary reason the Global Pinoy International Roadshows will travel from the East Coast to the West Coast the whole year next year with an attempt to contribute in the growing market of real estate proper-ties outside the Philippines.

Whether this effort will succeed or not depends mostly on the creativity of the people who will involve them-selves in the project.

But one thing is for sure: Even an average sales executive can stumble upon a pot of gold in this US real estate caravan.

By then we would know if the mon-key-eating eagle has more parallelisms than one to the innate capacity of the Global Pinoy not only to survive but also to emerge triumphant amid the 21st century worldwide economic trials.

The Global Pinoy Condo Central publisher Danieldela Cruz communicates his musingsas he journeys around the globe in hismodest attempt to link Philippinereal estate with the rest of the world

overseas

78 | CondoCentral

*guide

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

condo

www.condo.com.phFor inquiries and viewing requests:

CALL NOW (632) 812-3333

legaspi village, makatiPerla mansion Penthouse Unfurnished 100 sq.m. 0 P40,000/month

one legazpi Park One-bedroom Fully furnished 60.25 sq.m. One parking slot P70,000/month

bsA suite One-bedroom Fully furnished 54 sq.m. One parking slot P35,000/month

Asia tower One-bedroom Fully furnished 59 sq.m. One parking slot P45,000/month

greenbelt Parkplace One-bedroom Fully furnished 37 sq.m. 0 P35,000/month

tropical Palms Penthouse Fully furnished 139.50 sq.m. One parking slot P65,000/month

Century Plaza Two-bedroom Fully furnished 147 sq.m. One parking slot P55,000/month

Century Plaza Two-bedroom Fully furnished 143 sq.m. One parking slot P60,000/month

Century Plaza Two-bedroom Fully furnished 143 sq.m. One parking slot P55,000/month

tropical Palms Two-bedroom loft Fully furnished 91 sq.m. One parking slot P45,000/month

Frabella Two-bedroom Fully furnished 150 sq.m. One parking slot P95,000/month

The shang grand tower Two-bedroom Fully furnished 132 sq.m. One parking slot P140,000/month

The shang grand tower One-bedroom Unfurnished 80 sq.m. One parking slot P85,000/month

CondoCentral | 79

salcedo village, makativalero Plaza Three-bedroom Fully furnished 100 sq.m. One parking slot P30,000/month

splendido gardens Three-bedroom Semi-furnished 276 sq.m. Two parking slots P110,000/month

splendido gardens Three-bedroom Semi-furnished 290 sq.m. Two parking slots P110,000/month

regency at salcedo Three-bedroom Furnished 192 sq.m. Two parking slots P100,000/month

Cosmopolitan tower Three-bedroom Fully furnished 185 sq.m. One parking slot P80,000/month

Ponte salcedo Two-bedroom Unfurnished 140 sq.m. One parking slot P45,000/month

grand tower Two-bedroom Fully furnished 155 sq.m. One parking slot P65,000/month

grand tower Two-bedroom Fully furnished 155 sq.m. One parking slot P65,000/month

grand tower Two-bedroom Fully furnished 155 sq.m. One parking slot P65,000/month

Antel Platinum Two-bedroom Fully furnished 101.2 sq.m. One parking slot P60,000/month

elizabeth Place One-bedroom deluxe Fully furnished 108 sq.m. One parking slot P75,000/month

elizabeth Place One-bedroom Fully furnished 62 sq.m. 0 P50,000/month

elizabeth Place One-bedroom Fully furnished 62 sq.m. One parking slot P95,000/month

Crown tower Two-bedroom Fully furnished 170 sq.m. One parking slot P65,000/month

Crown tower Two-bedroom Fully furnished 170 sq.m. One parking slot P75,000/month

Crown tower Two-bedroom Fully furnished 170 sq.m. One parking slot P60,000/month

Crown tower One-bedroom Fully furnished 53.02 sq.m. One parking slot P30,000/month

Crown tower One-bedroom Fully furnished 53.02 sq.m. One parking slot P30,000/month

Crown tower One-bedroom Fully furnished 53.02 sq.m. One parking slot P30,000/month

elizabeth Place Studio Fully furnished 62 sq.m. 0 P40,000/month

The Peak One-bedroom Fully furnished 60 sq.m. 0 P25,000/month

sen. gil Puyat, makati Cityskyland Condo Three-bedroom Fully furnished 134 sq.m. One parking slot P45,000/month

bel-Air, makati Citybel-Air Three-bedroom Fully furnished 230 sq.m. One parking slot P45,000/month

Citadel inn Studio Fully furnished 27 sq.m. 0 P18,000/month

Citadel inn Studio Fully furnished 27 sq.m. 0 P18,000/month

Citadel inn Studio Fully furnished 27 sq.m. 0 P18,000/month

Citadel inn Studio Fully furnished 27 sq.m. 0 P18,000/month

Citadel inn One-bedroom Fully furnished 65.22 sq.m. 0 P25,000/month

Ayala Ave./ makati Ave./ kalayaan/ san Antonio village, makati Cityritz tower Three-bedroom Semi-furnished 215 sq.m. Two parking slots P90,000/month

olympia One-bedroom Furnished 65 sq.m. One parking slot P50,000/month

Palm tower Two-bedroom Fully furnished 66.56 sq.m. 0 P30,000/month

Alexandria Three-bedroom Fully furnished 0 P75,000/month

80 | CondoCentral

bonifacio global CityForbeswood heights Two-bedroom Unfurnished 84.5 sq.m. One parking slot P40,000/month

bonifacio ridge One-bedroom Fully furnished 118 sq.m. One parking slot P110,000/month

Forbeswood heights One-bedroom Furnished 48 sq.m. One parking slot P38,000/month

mandaluyong City/ greenhills, san juan/ Pasigvivant Studio Unfurnished 46 sq.m. 0 P27,000/month

wack wack heights Three-bedroom Semi-furnished 145 sq.m. Two parking slots P37,000/month

Paragon Plaza Studio Unfurnished 48 sq.m. One parking slot P11,000/month

lPl greenhills Two-bedroom Semi-furnished 159 sq.m. One parking slot P60,000/month

mayfield Park residences Two-bedroom Unfurnished 48 sq.m. 0 P18,000/month

Quezon Citysto. niño Two-level Unfurnished 44 sq.m. One parking slot P7,000/month

golf hills terraces Two-bedroom Unfurnished One parking slot P16,500/month

Francesca tower Two-bedroom Fully furnished 0 P23,000/month

san jose One-bedroom Fully furnished 42 sq.m. One parking slot P15,000/month

malate, manilaivory Studio Fully furnished 25 sq.m. Four parking slots P8,500/month

le mirage One-bedroom Fully furnished 41 sq.m. 0 P26,000/month

le mirage One-bedroom Fully furnished 39 sq.m. 0 P25,000/month

Providence tower One-bedroom Unfurnished 32.22 sq.m. 0 P14,000/month

Providence tower Two-bedroom Unfurnished 32.22 sq.m. 0 P16,000/month

Alpha grandview Three-bedroom Fully furnished 129 sq.m. 0 P70,000/month

Providence tower One-bedroom Unfurnished 32.22 sq.m. 0 P14,000/month

Providence tower Two-bedroom Unfurnished 32.22 sq.m. 0 P16,000/month

kassel Studio Semi-furnished 25 sq.m. 0 P8,000/month

ortigas Centermalayan Plaza Studio Fully furnished 56 sq.m. 0 P35,000/month

malayan Plaza Two-bedroom Fully furnished 56 sq.m. 0 P35,000/month

Ayala, Alabangvivant Flats One-bedroom Furnished 43 sq.m. One parking slot P45,000/month

rockwell, makatirizal tower Three-bedroom Semi-furnished 286 sq.m. One parking slot P170,000/month Call 812-3333

Call 812-3333FOR SUBSCRIPTION AND AD PLACEMENTS,

is the new condo bible.

82 | CondoCentral

*guide

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

condo

www.condo.com.phFor inquiries and viewing requests:

CALL NOW (632) 812-3333

legaspi village, makatieurovilla i Three-bedroom Semi-furnished 168 sq.m. One parking slot P8,000,000

Asia tower Two-bedroom Fully furnished 87 sq.m. One parking slot P8,000,000

greenbelt radissons Studio Unfurnished 34.3 sq.m. 0 P3,500,000

one legazpi Park Two-bedroom Fully furnished 93 sq.m. One parking slot P13,300,000

Prince Plaza ii Studio Semi-furnished 29 sq.m. 0 P2,000,000

greenbelt Parkplace One-bedroom Unfurnished 36.5 sq.m. One parking slot P5,200,000

bel-Air, makati Citymakati Palace hotel Studio Fully furnished 32.64 sq.m. 0 P2,300,000

makati Palace hotel Penthouse Semi-furnished 32 sq.m. 0 P1,850,000

makati Palace Studio Fully furnished 30 sq.m. 0 P1,900,000

makati Palace One-bedroom Fully furnished 60 sq.m. One parking slot P3,800,000

makati Palace Two-bedroom Fully furnished 110 sq.m. One parking slot P6,500,000

CondoCentral | 83

salcedo village, makatielizabeth Place One-bedroom Furnished 62 sq.m. 0 P5,000,000

elizabeth Place Two-bedroom Furnished 96 sq.m. 0 P7,500,000

nobel Plaza Penthouse Unfurnished 155 sq.m. One parking slot P8,000,000

easton Place Two-bedroom Fully furnished 126 sq.m. One parking slot P8,500,000

easton Place Two-bedroom Semi-furnished 126 sq.m. One parking slot P8,500,000

easton Place Three-bedroom Fully furnished 189 sq.m. One parking slot P12,500,000

Prince tower Two-bedroom Semi-furnished 60.8 sq.m. One parking slot P3,000,000

Pasong tamo/ dela rosa/ P. burgos, makati CityCityland Pasong tamo Studio Fully furnished 21 sq.m. 0 P1,600,000

makati executive tower ii One-bedroom Unfurnished 31.6 sq.m. 0 P2,500,000

Cityland dela rosa One-bedroom Semi-furnished 34 sq.m. 0 P1,500,000

Citadel Studio Fully furnished 27 sq.m. 0 P2,200,000

Ayala Avenue, makati CityPacific Plaza Three-bedroom Fully furnished 28.7 sq.m. Two parking slots P20,000,000

The Columns Ayala tower iii Studio 30 sq.m. 0 P3,000,000

sen. gil Puyat Ave., makati CityCityland 8 Studio Fully furnished 21 sq.m. 0 P700,000

bgy. bangkal, makati CityCentral Park Studio Fully furnished 21 sq.m. 0 P500,000

bonifacio global CityForbeswood heights One-bedroom Unfurnished 60 sq.m. One parking slot P5,500,000

mckinley Park residences One-bedroom Unfurnished 40 sq.m. 0 P3,300,000

Forbeswood heights- Cambridge tower iii

Studio Unfurnished 36.5 sq.m. 0 P3,700,000

manila/ PasayAntel seaview Studio Fully furnished 38 sq.m. One parking slot P4,000,000

Cityland vito Cruz Studio Unfurnished 65.34 sq.m. One parking slot P2,900,000

robinsons Place tower i Three-bedroom Fully furnished 149 sq.m. One parking slot P12,000,000

marbella ii Studio Fully furnished 59 sq.m. 0 P2,500,000

Asiawealth towers One-bedroom Fully furnished 29.34 sq.m. 0 P1,400,000

taguiglakeview manors Two-bedroom Unfurnished 50 sq.m. One parking slot P1,400,000

84 | CondoCentral

Quezon Cityolympic heights tower i One-bedroom Unfurnished 46 sq.m. One parking slot P3,500,000

greenhills garden square Two-bedroom Unfurnished 57 sq.m. 0 P2,900,000

regalia Park towers Three-bedroom Unfurnished 67.87 sq.m. One parking slot P3,700,000

danielle’s Condo Studio Unfurnished 21 sq.m. One parking slot P1,300,000

one beatriz tower Two-bedroom Fully furnished 74 sq.m. One parking slot P4,500,000

one orchard road Studio Unfurnished 36.5 sq.m. 0 P4,500,000

one orchard road tower ii Two-bedroom Unfurnished 77 sq.m. One parking slot P6,250,000

olympic heights tower ii Two-bedroom Unfurnished 77 sq.m. One parking slot P5,000,000

san jose One-bedroom Fully furnished 42 sq.m. One parking slot P1,500,000

ortigas Center/ mandaluyong/ greenhills, san juan/Pasigwestwood Penthouse Unfurnished 434 sq.m. Two parking slots P15,000,000

westwood Three-bedroom Unfurnished 215 sq.m. Two parking slots P8,000,000

AiC grande One-bedroom Unfurnished 68 sq.m. One parking slot P4,200,000

Princeville One-bedroom Unfurnished 24 sq.m. One parking slot P1,200,000

Paragon Plaza Two-bedroom Unfurnished 110 sq.m. One parking slot P3,700,000

Paragon Plaza Studio Unfurnished 48 sq.m. One parking slot P1,800,000

Platinum 1000 Three-bedroom Unfurnished 164.96 sq.m. One parking slot P6,000,000

greenhills garden square Two-bedroom Unfurnished 57.5 sq.m. 0 P3,200,000

California garden square Two-bedroom 57.7 sq.m. 0 P2,500,000

east ortigas mansion Four-bedroom Semi-furnished 108 sq.m. One parking slot P5,500,000

Palmdale heights One-bedroom Fully furnished 40.43 sq.m. One parking slot P1,800,000

Cambridge One-bedroom Unfurnished 40 sq.m. 0 P1,200,000

Alabang/ muntinlupa City/ ParañaqueCapri Condo One-bedroom Unfurnished 100 sq.m. One parking slot P1,500,000

richville Corp. tower Office condo Unfurnished 31 sq.m. 0 P2,300,000

richville Corp. tower Office condo Unfurnished 27 sq.m. 0 P1,900,000

Chateau elysee Studio Unfurnished 52.05 sq.m. 0 P3,800,000

For business arrangement, call us now!

www.condo.com.phThe Condomin ium Specia l i s tB U Y S E L L R E N T

Let real estate professionals manage your condominium unit.

Lease it out or sell it, your property will be in good hands.

Our best offer: Let us keep your keys and we will deliver results

in no time at all!

Leave it to the experts.

C o n d o . C o m . P h , I n C . g l o b a l h e a d q u a r t e r s

2 / F P & l b l d g . , l e g a z P I s t . , l e g a s P I V I l l a g e , m a k a t I C I t y

t e l e P h o n e : ( 6 3 2 ) 8 1 2 - 3 3 3 3 F a x : ( 6 3 2 ) 8 9 3 - 8 1 3 4 m o b I l e : + 6 3 9 1 9 8 5 0 4 4 6 8 e - m a I l : a d m I n @ C o n d o . C o m . P h

We are the condo.

centralmarket

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

LUXURY CONDOSgrAnd hAmPtons tower ii

Bonifacio Global CityOne-bedroom with balcony 46 sq.m. P3M

the shAng grAnd towerLegaspi Village, Makati City

1BR 80 sq.m . 1 parking slot P80,000/month2BR FF 132 sq.m. 1 parking slot P140,000/month

sPlendido towersSalcedo Village, Makati City

3BR SF 276 sq.m. 2 parking slots P110,000/month

regenCy At sAlCedoSalcedo Village, Makati City

3BR FF 192 sq.m. 2 parking slots P100,000/month

boniFACio ridgeBonifacio Global City, Taguig

1BR FF 118 sq.m. 1 parking slot P110,000/month

CAll or text grACe geverolA At +639278369426

Call or text Renne Isidro at +639153728220 or 840-1332

The ulTImaTe IN cITy lIVINg!

Forbeswood HeigHtsbonifacio global City

One-bedroom36.5 sq.m.

Fully furnishedOne parking slot

Asking price (sale): P6,000,000Asking price (lease): P35,000 per month

Three-bedroom107 sq.m.

SemifurnishedOne parking slot

Asking price (sale): P12,500,000Asking price (lease): P80,000 per month

Call or text rowena dela Cruz at +639173650220

For sAle

eAstwood exCelsior2BR

73 sq.m.12/F

utility/ maid’s room, 2 T&Bs1 parking slot

PhP 5.5 M (negotiable)

PArC royAle Condominium

1BR68 sq.m.

10/FFF

1 parking slotPhP 3.9 M (negotiable)

10-heCtAre lot, ideAl

For PoCket subdivisionSan Isidro (formerly Montalban),

Rizal Fronting Avilon Zoo

For leAseGA Tower1BR loft35 sq.m.

14/FSF: 2 A/Cs, ref, microwave,

range with tank25k/month

Please call or text Amanda Alegre

at +639175366231

R e N T

Easton Place2BR UF 126 sq.m. P50,000/month2BR FF 126 sq.m. P60,000/month

LPL Center

2BR FF 116 sq.m. P45,000/month

Classica Tower2BR FF 96 sq.m. P70,000/month

One Lafayette

3BR FF 160 sq.m. P90,000/month

For inquiries and viewing requests,please call Paner at (632) 840-1332

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

VIBRANT NEIGHBORHOOD

FOR Sale

VALeNCiA HiLLsVALeNCiA HiLLs

FOR SaleNew MANiLA, QUeZoN CitY

two-bedrooM (peNtHoUse UNit)

99.5 sQUAre MetersFULLY FUrNisHed

oNe pArkiNg sLotoVerLookiNg MAkAti ANd ortigAs skYLiNe

CeiLiNg pAperANd wALLpAper bY wALLpriNts

iNterNAtioNAL, iNC.p6,000,000

For more info, call rowena dela Cruz at +639164264928

For more info, call rowena dela Cruz at +639164264928

SycamORe TOweR

Mandaluyong City

Finally, some space to breathe……at the center of it all.

2BR 62.58 sq.m. P3.2M

Amenities and facilities

KitchenGym

ClubhouseMulti-purpose lounge

Multi-purpose hallAudio/video room

Business centerPlayground

Swimming poolBasketball court

Grand entrance with securityPerimeter fence

Asian garden Shower room

AFFordAbLe pAYMeNt sCHeMes AVAiLAbLe

For inquiries and viewing requests,please call or text darwin belicena

at +639156915707

Makati CityFLAT UNITS

Unit types Sizes Price rangeStudio 28 - 34 sq.m. P2.5M - P2.8M 1BR 34 - 38 sq.m. P3.7M - P4.3M2BR 53 - 85 sq.m. P5.4M - P8.5M3BR 153.65 sq.m. P10M

LOFT UNITSUnit types Sizes Price range1BR 43 - 58 sqm. P5.1M - P6.6M2BR 88 - 113 sqm. P10.3M - P12.5M3BR 151.87 sqm. P17.4M

Please call or text Norma S. Robles at +639178557174

THE GRAMERCY RESIDENCES

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

come home to the best address in metro manila

and enjoy the best life has to offer!

lIVe IT uP!

Call or text Patrick R. Blanco at +639179809477

Find out what everybody has been raving about today!

AS LOWAS

P2.2M

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

Quezon City:lots for saleCubao, 1031 sq.m. P30,000/sq.mRotonda, 2000 sq.m. P30,000/sq.m

PAsig City: office spaces for saleSanMiguelAvenue, penthouse unit, 348 sq,m., 2 parking slots, P10MSanMiguelAvenue,198.27 sq.m., 1 parking slot, P8.5MSanMiguelAvenue, 197.00 sq.m., P 5.6MADBAvenue, 579.066 sq.m., P600.00/sq.m.

oFFiCe And CommerCiAl ProPerties

BeST Deal!mAndAluyong City: office space for leasePioneer,6000 sq.m., P650/sq.m.ideal for call center operation

CAvite: office space for leaseCarmona, 6,400 sq.m., P200/sq.m.ideal for call center operation or corporate office mAkAti: office spaces for leaseAyalaAvenue, 23 sq.m., 32 sq.m., 36 sq.m., 78 sq.m., P410/sq.m.Rada, 169 sq.m., P350/sq.m., 303 sq.m., P300/sq.m., 652 sq.m., P300/ sq.m., 526 sq.m., P350/sq.m.DelaRosa,183 SQ.M., P300/SQM greenhills, sAn juAn: Commercial areas for leaseAnnapolis,54.04 sq.m., 35.40 sq.m., 32.45 sq.m., 47.00 sq.m., 38.99 sq.m.,15.48 sq.m., P600-P650/sq.m.ideal for flower shop and jewelry shop

boniFACio globAl City: Commercial areas for leaseTheFort, 63.91, P1,200/sq.m., 46.09 sq.m., P800/sq.m., 62.27 sq.m., P1,200/sq.m., 50.37 sq.m., P1,200/ sq.m, 59.17 sq.m., P1,200/sq.m.ideal for convenience store and restaurant

For more info, contact riddlesands realty Co.’s henry mondoñedo at 473-4379 or 09202862981

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

Call or text Faye Asuncion at +639278585825

Live in resort condo in the Metropolis for only 10% downpayment to move in

Located in Ortigas, Pasig, across Fort Bonifacio,

Mandaluyong and Quezon City

EASTON PLACESalcedo Village, Makati City

2BR 123 sq.m. 1 parking slot P7.9M2BR 126 sq.m. 1 parking slot P8.1M2BR 125 sq.m. 1 parking slot P8.1M2BR 124 sq.m. 1 parking slot P8.0M3BR 181 sq.m. 1 parking slot P11.7M

PONTE SALCEDOSalcedo Village, Makati City

3BR 285 sq.m. 1 parking slot P11.4M3BR 285 sq.m. 1 parking slot P12.8M

Best value for your money

Call or text Bong Lozada at +639289728486

no dust. no dirt. no mess. Anywhere.

The happy ChambermaidsTired of spending your weekends cleaning house? Maybe it’s time to hire a professional housekeeping service. At Ahyi & Company, we provide you high quality cleaning done by housecleaners who could equal the skills, style and etiquette of five-star hotel chambermaids. Yes, hotel grade cleaning!

We invite you to review our services and contact us today to discuss how we can make your life a bit less taxing.

Address: Unit 405 Windsor Tower, 163 Legazpi St., Legaspi Village, Makati CityTelephone/fax: 813-2903, 816-3922Mobile: 09228889180, 09178107388E-mail: ahyi_one@yahoo.com

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

22 - December 16

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

94 | CondoCentral

trAders hotel, mAnilA, part of Asia Pacific’s leading luxury hotel group, Shan-gri-La Hotels and Resorts, is the official “home” of approximately 93 beauties from around the world who are visiting the city to compete in the much-coveted Miss Earth Beauty Pageant 2007.

The announcement was made by

Ramon S. Monzon, president and CEO of Carousel Productions, Inc. during a media conference held at the hotel’s Embassy Ballroom to welcome the arrival of the reigning Miss Earth, Hil Hernandez from Chile.

“Traders Hotel, Manila is again honoured to be chosen as the “official

residence” for this prestigious event,” said Andrea Mastellone, general manager of Traders Hotel, Manila.

The Shangri-la group is very much involved in the area of environmental sus-tainability and its focus is primarily in five areas: climate change; ozone depletion; water use management; waste disposal

management; and indoor air quality,” he said.

“Shangri-La was an industry leader in initiating environmental procedures even before its hotels began to receive ISO14001 certification, the international Environmental Management System Standard. The group has an extensive list of internally developed environmental best practices that all hotels have imple-mented, with inspections to monitor for compliance. The inspection results affect each hotel’s annual performance and de-velopment review scores,” Mr. Mastellone continued.

“In support of Shangri-la’s environ-mental initiatives, Traders Hotel, Manila provides accommodation and food and beverage services to its internal and external customers in a manner that best conserves resources while maintaining its high standards of safety, security and customer service,” he said. The hotel recognizes its role as an environmentally conscientious company, hence, it upholds its commitment to faithfully comply with appropriate environmental legislation and other regulations and reduce or eliminate pollution through enhanced preventive maintenance and effective use of environmentally friendly materials and resources. “

For more information and reservations, please contact a travel professional or access the website at www.tradershotels.com.

happenings

(left to right) Andrea Mastellone, General Manager, Traders Hotel Manila; Catherine

Untalan, Miss Earth Water 2006; Hil Hernandez, Miss Earth 2006 from Chile

and Michael Jaey Albana, Director of Sales and Marketing, Traders Hotel Manila upon

arrival at the hotel.

megAworld CorPorAtion has been known to bring smiles to people’s faces. With its impressive array of prime property development projects, it has fostered a following of content and happy homeowners.

This December, however, Megaworld attempts to do more than just make people beam or smirk or grin. Instead, they will gather a thousand of their friends under one enormous tent in Mckninley Hill and try to make them giggle, snort and chuckle.

“Laughfest ,” explains Megarworld events associate Ma. Cristina Henson,

“is our way of bringing together clients and friends for a night of wholesome fun.”

Happening the 15th of December, Laughfest features the country’s top comic acts in individual and group performances that are sure to leave the audience hysterically spellbound. Veteran comedienne Giselle Sanchez will be the night’s emcee and will share the stage with up and coming humorists Tim Tayag and Al Manalo. The legendary Gary Lising rounds up the crazy crew. “We recognize that the country has

a wealth of comedic talents and we are glad to provide a platform for them,” reveals Henson.

Invited guests will be treated to a sumptuous dinner while being ser-enaded by one of the local band scene’s emergent groups. Drinks will also flow freely through the night.

“As we get bombarded with bad news everyday, it’s nice to take some time off and just laugh and have a grand time,” says Henson.

Believing in the power of laughter as panacea, Megaworld is bent on making Laughfest an annual tradition.

Seriously funny

Traders Hotel, Manila:

Home of the beauties

CondoCentral | 95

9� | CondoCentral9� | CondoCentral

epilogue

WonderMost strained looking out to admire the majestic

xian mountain ranges that seemed to stretch forever. Condo Central chief photographer moetwain sees more.

From among the awe-struck yet monotonous reactions of the passengers, moetwain captures the unflinching gaze of a little boy, who himself most probably saw beyond the undulating peaks.

See more of moetwain’s exquisite art when he holds a series of exhibits in Manila starting next year. You may also visit http://www.flickr.com/photos/moetwain.

CondoCentral | 97