Unusual

Filipino
house-
building
beliefs
How to
attack Personal
the bare injury
turnover Issues
finish
Beautify
your
home with
contemporary
art
The
A Manor
Man’s secret
paradise Walls &
Floors
Issue
P150
DISPLAY UNTIL JULY 15

Published by
contents

i n e v e ry i s s u e

Editor’s note 6 Columns

I-design
Review Central 53 From bland to grand:
The hottest lifestyle picks How to attack the bare
turnover finish 58
Condo guide 74 Jigs Ranada Adefuin
Your condominium
hypermarket Legal OPTIONS
Personal injury issues 60
central Market 76 Atty. Edwin Calica Cacayorin, Jr.
Classified ads
The Global Pinoy
Happenings 78 The seasons of our lives 62
Philippine Real Estate Festival Daniel R. dela Cruz
PINOY Lifestyle EXPO
The 5th IFEX Philippines The Condo Café
Wait and seat How Global Pinoys
Belton Place Makati opens model units can help our country 64
Pag-Ibig Fund raffle winner Renne Isidro
Matabungkay jazz
Multiple Meaning
Protecting the environment,
nurturing humanity 66
Ariel N. Valerio
COV E R S TO RY

29 The walls and floors story

The range of flooring materials and wall
treatments has increased greatly over the
years — allowing today’s designers and
homeowners a plethora of design possibilities

F E AT U R E S

Reveal Feature
Setting the trend in tile design 8 Unusual Filipino
house-building beliefs 38
A new source of elegant but
reasonably priced tiles A collection of our most
Exclusivity at its finest 68 popular superstitions
Inside one of the country’s
best-kept home furnishing secrets Dweller Yeller
Upgrade, please? 40
What would you change
Entertainment if you had the budget
Greenbelt 5: The newest
lifestyle destination 10
The “Infinity Chair” – Winner of the 2008 Mugna Award for Best
in Furniture design by Allan Murillo
The “Mercury Chair” – (beside sculpture) is the signature
collection of Andre Agassi & Stefi Graf exclusively sold to the
Preview
The luxury of Asian living 42
Shopping experience redefined
couple designed by Allan Murillo.

Oriental charm and

Tips contemporary style meet
How scents affect our lives 12 Highlighting
“Green Architecture” 44
A scoop on what the nose knows
Beautify your home with An entire city set to rise
contemporary art 14 south of Manila
A better view,
Design possibilities using art pieces
The luxury of studio living 16 a better time in Boracay 46
Exciting options on making Heightened sensation
the most out of a studio unit in the country’s favorite
Home is where vacation destination
our heart resides 18 A community springs to life
in the heart of Valenzuela 48
Furniture serving more than
practical and aesthetic functions A peek into the
Bright ideas 34 high-spirited lifestyle
Illuminating thoughts on lights
Epilogue
Spotlight National Centre for the
A manor man’s secret paradise 21 Performing Arts (NCPA) 84
Former Batangas governor moetwain visits one of China’s
Tony Leviste opens the doors modern architecture marvels
to his secret paradise
 editor’s note
I
Vol. II Nos. 7 & 8
May-June 2008 n a hidden corner, just behind the door of the bedroom my brother
and I used to share, a spate of short, sharp, horizontal lines, as if of a
Editorial
measuring cup’s, are scrawled in pencil. It was where my father kept
track of how much – or how little – my siblings and I grew. It was
Daniel R. dela Cruz
President and CEO
updated at random, usually upon our behest, when we felt we had
made great strides after hearty meals and extended naps.
Danilo R. dela Cruz, Jr.
Publisher and COO
That was my earliest recollection of paying attention to walls.
Arnold A. Altamira
Editor in chief
Still in our bedroom, a loose wooden tile provided me with one of the most
Danilova R. Molintas
Managing editor cherished childhood concepts – a secret hiding place. Though storage
capacity was obviously a concern, it was enough that I could deposit coins
Godwin S. Nerona
Senior layout artist there and retrieve them whenever I wanted taho on weekends, or when I
and chief photographer desired an upgrade to canned soft drinks in school. I did not have to cheat
Katrina Pallon the piggy bank that way.
Layout artist

Chrysler de Guzman That, on the other hand, was my first contemplation on floors, pun not
Creative consultant intended.
Jiggs Adefuin
Edwin Calica Cacayorin, Jr.
Renne Isidro
Aside from forming part of a structure’s shell, walls and floors signify a lot
Ariel N. Valerio of other things for Filipino homes. Walls are the canvas where proofs of
Columnists
scholastic achievements are proudly hung. They are host to collections
Mary Josephine Arenas of fine art or badges of brawny conquests. They are an outsized album of
John A. Concepcion
Kathryn T. Villanueva
casual snapshots or of premeditated killer smiles. Floors, meanwhile, are
Contributing writers the sturdy stage where personal taste, via the fixtures and pieces of furniture
Sales and marketing
that occupy them, is showcased.
Cherie Mae M. Ayongao
Markeitng director
Nowadays, walls and floors are attractions unto themselves. You can leave
them be and they’d speak volumes. Nevertheless, we give them the floor
Lucy Clemente this issue.
Nizzel Labador
Cyd V. Ponce
Account executives
Speaking of speaking of volumes, this compact edition features a wealth
Circulation of design information and tips, property features, industry events
Guiller M. Ramos announcements, engaging articles, and of course, your staple listings of the
Mark Jofferson M. Ramos best condominium properties in town.
Circulation assistants

Support As usual, enjoy!

Dexter R. dela Cruz
Production superviso r

Alfred Matrimonio
Web designer

is published monthly by MediaCentral, Inc.; Arnold A. Altamira

2nd Floor P&L Building, 116 Legazpi St., Makati City 1229,
Philippines; Tel number (632) 812-3333; Fax number (632)
editor@condocentral.com.ph
893-8134; E-mail admin@condo.com.ph; Website www.
condocentral.com.ph. Opinions expressed in Condo Central
are solely those of the writers and are not necessarily endorsed
by MediaCentral, Inc. We welcome unsolicited manuscripts and
photographs. Kindly accompany them with a self-addressed
stamped envelope if they are to be returned. While every
reasonable care will be taken by the editors, no responsibility
is assumed for the said materials.

Copyright © 2006-2008 MediaCentral, Inc. All rights reserved.

Ipinagmamalaki, gawang Filipino.

Distributed by A-Z Direct Marketing, Inc.

 reveal
Setting the trend
in tile design
Interior designers and contractors have a new source of
elegant but reasonably priced tiles with the new designs
from leading distributor Tile Trends
"Tiles are very important in
any construction or interior design
project, as in many instances, they
really make the difference," says Tile
Trends general manager Levina Lim.
The company carrries four popular
brands, namely Impero, Kito, Jinzuan
and Hengwei which are manufactured
in Indonesia and China.
Tile Trends, an offshoot of Prime
Floor Coverings, Inc. which imports
and distributes high-end Italian and
Spanish brands, was started in 2000
8 | CondoCentral
born out of the increased demand
for more affordable but quality tiles
due to the construction boom in the
country in recent years.
"European and Asian tiles have dif-
ferent designs and sizes so we cannot
merge them. We decided to create
a separate distributor to cater to
homeowners, architects and interior
designers who want the contempo-
rary Asian look," she points out.
Because of its wide array of designs,
Tile Trends has chalked up key proj-
ects with select outlets of National
Bookstore, Kentucky Fried Chicken,
Robinsons' Department Stores, Jol-
libee, Shell, and a host of call centers
and buildings in Makati and Ortigas
business districts.
Indonesian-made Impero tiles,
the company's main product line, are
widely used in private homes, hotels,
resorts and offices in the United
States, Canada, Germany, Australia
and Italy, as well as Asian countries
like Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, Korea,
Indonesia, Taiwan, and China.
Impero specializes in porcelain gran-
ite, floor tiles, and rustic homogenous
vitrified tiles using Italian technology
and Spanish artistry.
Meanwhile, Jinzuan, Hengwei and
Kito are among the biggest manufac-
turers of rustic tiles in China which
have also made their way to different
parts of the world because of the
growing popularity of earth colors and
Asian contemporary chic.
In addition, the company also
distributes Chinese-made Hitom,
Romantic Tiles and Art Ceramics.
To keep abreast with the dynamic
nature of the industry, manufactur-
ers continue to develop new designs
and technologies that would appeal
to both the Asian and international
markets.

Among the new products Tile
Trends is distributing are metallic- and
wood-inspired designs which evoke a
futuristic and exotic look, respectively.
These products undergo rigid qual-
ity control to ensure they meet inter-
national standards, while maintaining
very competitive costs.
Like the proverbial David in the land
of the giants, the firm has been able
to hold its own against established
tile manufacturers which have had
decades of a head start. At present,
Tile Trends has hundreds of designs
catering to various segments of the
market—from high-end projects,
condo units to simple homes who
want a touch of affordable elegance in
their abode.
In its seven years of operation, the
company has supplied to big names
such as Asia United Bank, and apparel
firms CMG and BYSI. Tile Trends also interior designers trust us because
distributes to contact centers like we have assigned account execu-
Ambergris, e-Teleperformance, HSBC, tives to look after their projects," Lim
and Filinvest Civic Prime. concludes.
Lim says that providing tiles to call
centers, especially those which oper-
ate on a 24/7 cycle, is very challenging Tile Trends Inc. is at Pres. Osmeña
because they need to come up with Highway cor. Estrada St. Malate,
visually soothing and relaxing designs Manila with telephone numbers
to enhance the ambiance in the work 525-4356 or 525-4325 and e-mail
environment. tiletrendsinc@yahoo.com.
"Aside from affordability and the
trendy tiles we supply, we are able
to bag important clients because of
our personalized service and on-time
delivery of products. Architects and
CondoCentral | 9
 entertainment
The newest lifestyle destination
The Ayala Malls redefines the shopping experience with the highly anticipated Greenbelt 5
Greenbelt has been the country’s
premier lifestyle center as it provides
trendy lifestyle shops for everyone –
from the glamorous fashionista, to
the hardworking office workers, to
each member of the entire family. And
now with Greenbelt 5, the innova-
tion is just getting better. Greenbelt
5 is the final piece of the Greenbelt
re-development, which completes its
long-term plan to develop the area
into a total lifestyle center.
At the heart of the Greenbelt
5 development is a celebration of
Filipino talent. Amid the beautiful,
world-class interiors of the four-floor
edifice are chic boutiques and stylish
restaurants that house the best of
Filipino ingenuity in fashion, furniture
design, and culinary arts.
Dubbed the Filipino Zone, in the
first phase of Greenbelt 5 is the first
of its kind in the country today. No
other destination has managed to
gather the local industry’s bests in
one venue. The result is a fashion,
accessories, and design haven that
showcases the heart and soul of
Filipino creativity with international
quality. Greenbelt 5’s impressive ros-
ter of designers includes Cesar Gaupo,
Randy Ortiz, Jojie Lloren, Dennis Lus-
10 | CondoCentral
Greenbelt 5:
tico, Ivarluski Aseron, Joey Samson,
Henri Calayag, Jing Monis, Doltz Pilar,
Lila Almario, Amina Aranaz, Arnel
Papa, Ana Rocha, Jun Escario, Lulu
Tan Gan, Vic Barba, Elena Bautista,
Michi Calica, Emi Jorge, Victoria
Marin, Avatar’s Butch Carungay, Kate
Torralba, Patrice Ramos-Diaz, Reli-
gioso, Choc, and Joanna Duarte.
For the home, interior design
mavericks include AC +632’s Chito
Vijandre and Ricky Toledo, Borders,
Domicillo, Designs Ligna, Hive by
Restoration, Osmundo, Aguas, Cereo,
and Budji Layug’s Budji Living who will
carry designs from Movement 8’s Ann
Pamintuan and Kenneth Cobonpue.
Also at the forefront of bringing the
newest dining concepts, Greenbelt 5
celebrates the talent of Filipino chefs
Bambi Sy-Gobio of Pia y Damaso, Baba
Ibazeta of Classic Confections, Gaita
Fores of Cibo, LJC Group of Fely J and
Chateau 1771; and other new concept
restaurants such as John & Yoko, Fish
Out Of Water, Solihiya, Zuni, Myron’s
Place, Travel Café, and La Maison.
Greenbelt 5 is likewise a meeting
point for international luxury brands
and some of the best local artists who
have received international accolades.
These brands include Kiehl’s, Bang &
Olufsen, Rafe, Celestina, Michael Kors,
Escada, Escada Sport, DKNY, Furla,
dotdotdot; and soon-to-open Balen-
ciaga, Bally, Banana Republic, Kenneth
Cole, Paul Smith, Massimo Dutti,
Marc by Marc Jacobs, and Zara.
Cut by a 2,000 sq. m. fashion walk,
the second phase of the development
will feature a popular international
department store on the ground floor
and the Young Zone on the second
floor. The Young Zone is a unique ac-
tive lifestyle center for the young and
the young at heart. The third floor
features a fun-filled children’s zone,
as well as shops that highlight home
items and items for meticulous dads.
The third floor is aptly called The Fam-
ily Zone. And to cater to all the health
conscious, relax, unwind and burn
those calories at Fitness First Platinum
on the fourth floor.
Greenbelt 5 is a testament to the
Ayala Malls’ trailblazing and pioneer-
ing spirit. And with these exciting
offerings, the Ayala Malls truly brings
the best of the world, and the Philip-
pines, all under one chic, world-class
establishment.
CondoCentral | 11
 tips
How scents
affect our lives
Crystle Gabriel gives us the scoop on what the nose knows
Have you ever smelled cookies baking and it
brought back memories of your grandmother? Have
you ever smelled fresh cut grass and it brought back
special memories of your childhood? Believe it or
not, scent affects our brain in number of ways.
We usually don’t give much thought to smells
unless it triggers and adverse or extremely pleasant
effect. Scientists are studying how the brain deci-
phers the complex compounds we smell and how
it forms a visual image for us. All we know is that
scents affect our lives.
Scents are also used to mask odors. Many of
us have pets and our homes tend to reflect that.
Unlike aerosol sprays, scents from candles can
eliminate odors and make your home more inviting
to others. Some foods that we cook can also leave
odors that are not so inviting. Candles can make
your home fresh and new again.
Some scents evoke a feeling of calm, such as
lavender, vanilla and jasmine. Some scents make us
perk up and feel refreshed, such as botanical scents
like green tea and lime, strawberry or peppermint.
12 | CondoCentral
There are even scents that we consider aphrodisiacs,
such as pomegranate and Ylang-Ylang. All these
scents, and many more, are used in aromatherapy
.Aromatherapy is the practice of using essential oils
for physiological and physical well-being.
Scents have many purposes in our lives, and are
a reasonable solution to most problems, whether
it is odor or just needing to relax from a long day.
Scents are a small and effective way to bring a little
happiness to our home. You have to find what
scents you like and what suits you and your family.
Remember, some scents can trigger allergies, so be
careful what kind you choose.
In other words, scents affect our emotions, our
thoughts and our physical bodies. Scents are an
important part of our lives and our sense of well-
being.
Crystle Gabriel has worked in the field of design
for five years and has written many articles on the
subject of home accessories and design. She offers
information and tips along with an array of unique
home accessories and gifts on her website: http://
www.cg-home-accessories-and-gifts.com.
Article source: http://www.articlesbase.com
CondoCentral | 13
 tips
Beautify your
home with
contemporary art
Edwin Mah explores endless creative
design possibilities with the ingenious
use of art pieces
If you’re looking for something
to fill up your wall space and make
it look more interesting, why not try
contemporary art.
Contemporary art, in itself, doesn’t
always have to mean anything. Con-
temporary art is often not a direct
representation of something in its
true form, but rather it is an abstract
representation of it. Contemporary
art comes in many different styles
– some are wild splashes of loud
color, others have smooth lines and
warm colors that give a sense of calm
when looked upon. Many of these
contemporary art pieces were painted
a long time ago – some of them
from famous artists that are known
to many of us. Having a reproduced
14 | CondoCentral
print of these artist’s great works will
definitely be an interesting addition
to your home. Imagine having an art
piece in your living room that was
originally painted by Pablo Picasso
or Georgia O’Keeffe – that would be
nice wouldn’t it? As contemporary
art stretches across so many genres
and forms, it would suit very well with
most home decorating styles.
Once you have bought your favor-
ite art piece, explore unique ways of
presenting it to your audience. If you
have several pieces of art that you
want to hang on the wall, try grouping
them creatively to add a more inter-
esting look. If the art piece is small
enough, why not frame it and place it
on a shelf or side table – it’s nice to be
able to pick it up to have a closer look
once in a while. Art doesn’t have to
be hung on the wall. You can simply
place it on the floor and lean it against
a wall or a piece of furniture, perhaps
against a cupboard or side table – just
make sure that the art piece will not
obstruct walkways, and that it isn’t
too large or too small that would
make it look out of place.
Just hanging a solitary piece of art
on the wall may not be enough, why
not tell a story by including acces-
sories or other decorative ornaments
to compliment the art work. For
example, if you have a piece of Asian
contemporary art on the wall, you
can place a small coffee table below
it and decorate it with Asian antiques
– maybe include some stone carvings
of Buddha, or perhaps a few candles
or flowers to add more variety and
complete the look. Make sure that the
items you choose will suit the theme
of the art piece and not steal atten-
tion away from it.
Once the art is hung on the wall,
use creative lighting to bring attention
to it and to give it a stunning look.
This will certainly lend excitement and
be a point for interesting conversa-
tion, especially in the evenings when
you’re having a nice cocktail party
with your guests – or perhaps enjoy-
ing some special time alone with a
loved one.
There are many exciting ways you
can display your art in your home.
This article only highlights a few of
them. Be daring and unique – let your
hair down when it comes to creativ-
ity. There are no hard and fast rules
in interior decorating. If you’re short
on ideas, look through your favorite
home decorating magazines and
books to draw new inspiration. The
creative possibilities are endless.
Edwin Mah owns Abstract Prints.
Find inexpensive contemporary
framed art at Abstract-Prints.com
and be inspired with fresh interior
design ideas today.
Article source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com
 tips

The luxury
of studio living
Philtown Properties teams up with Our Home, Carrier air
conditioners and Abenson appliances to dispense helpful and
exciting options on making the most out of the studio unit

It’s easy to work with an Asian theme

because it’s close to Filipinos hearts.
Secondly, Asian interiors work to make
a comfortable home with inevitable
integrated class.
Asian colors shy away from pastels,
silvers and blacks which numerous
American homes have incorporated.
Instead, it works with a lot of
homegrown dark wood, golds, reds,
and numerous shades of green and
yellow.
For people on the go, you can get all the
things you will need in one place so you’re
sure that everything from your linens to
pillow cases, tables and chairs, couches to
pillows, will be thematic. For this makeover
unit, Philtown chose Our Home.

Step two: Settle

on the size of your bed
The size of your bed will dictate how
much space you’ll have left for the rest
of your home. Even if you live alone,
everyone should sleep like a queen! So,
for this unit, a queen sized bed was hand-
picked to ensure nights of heavenly sleep.
Of course, linens, sheets, and pillows
are as important as the size of the actual
bed. Choose materials that you know
you won’t be allergic to and textures
that you are comfortable with. Mix and
match the designs of your covers as well
When you’re faced with living as the colors of your pillows.
in a studio unit, design possibilities A mix of beiges and oranges still
may seem few. Philtown Properties carry an Asian flavor that perfectly
dispels this notion as they share with complements the painting from Our
us ways to create a cozy home in one Home, with darker accents to create a
of their 41-square meter studio units. timeless balance of colors.
With a little creativity and help from
Our Home, Abenson appliances, and Step three: Go for a dining
Carrier Air Conditioners, thy share set that fits your lifestyle
some useful tips. Not everyone cooks at home nor
does anyone eat out everyday. However,
Step one: Pick a theme we do one more than the other. So, if
Nowadays, most homes have themes you know you’ll be eating out after
to represent the people that live in them. work more often than not, opt for a
For this unit, an Asian theme was chosen. two-seater dining set.
For this unit, a two-seater dining set
matches the color of our bed. Since these
two are the major pieces in any home, you
have to match them to achieve one look
that seems to come together naturally.
Red upholstered chairs go well
with an Asian theme because red is a
good color to go with the dark wood
common in Asian homes.
To complete the dining set, make sure
that the tableware has the same hue or
texture with the bedroom linen. This way,
a smooth flow is maintained. The dining
set’s gold accents, as well as appropriately
sized art works with shades of red is a
perfect example of this symmetry.
Step four: Decide on how
many guests you can entertain
Though a studio unit seems to put
a limit to entertaining, a well thought
out plan and choice furniture can help
change this perception.
Choosing single chairs can make
your living area look standoffish. Opt

16 | CondoCentral
for trendy yet classic couches like the shows in 42- inch plasma TV. First thing When picking out your appliances,
O-ring chair by Ital Design to set a more you have to do is lie down on your bed make sure you get something that fits
relaxed atmosphere. and decide on a comfortable position your lifestyle and budget. Never get
Greens and reds were used to of your TV. After settling this, you’re left something too big for your kitchen or
accentuate the living room area and with enough space for a small cabinet too small to fit the amount of food you
set a harmony between the bedroom, or dresser, a practical yet timeless piece eat at home. Always remember to pick
dining and living area. The large-sized where you can store anything from files, brands that you know have been tried
golden mirror above the couch creates jewelry, clothes, and even DVDs. and tested and can go a long way.
the illusion of a bigger space while Next, add something more personal Remember that a small space does
keeping with the Asian feel. to your space. For this unit, a nook was not equal limited possibilities but
Your living area cannot be complete transformed into a cozy corner for a a challenge to create a unique and
without that perfect coffee table. little alone time where you can catch practical home for you.
Choose a size appropriate for the space up on some work or spend your Sunday
available yet enough to entertain for a nights reading a book. This, matched
night of wine and cheese. with a special reading light, can also add For inquiries about any of the PHILTOWN
Multi-purpose pieces are the secret a soft light atmosphere at night. projects, you may call 890-5714, 0917-
to designing small spaces. A shelf can 8536539, or e-mail sales@philtown.net
double as a bedroom and living area Step six: Don’t forget or visit www.philtown.net.
you have a kitchen
divider as well as a great piece to display
your favorite books, ornaments and A lot of people tend to forget about
other essentials for the home. their kitchen whereas other people
tag them as their favorite room in the
Step five: Make your mark home. Whether you cook or eat out a
If you sleep in a bed fit for a queen, lot, every home needs a refrigerator and
you also deserve to watch your favorite a stove.

CondoCentral | 17
 tips
Furniture serve more than practical and aesthetic functions.
Tom Tomer explains how sensibly selected pieces paint a bigger picture
Furniture is generally a
movable object made of wood, metal
and now plastics too. They solve the
purpose of comfort, storage, and style
too. Today, maximum use of furniture
is in human comfort, sitting, sleeping
or just laying, there are different types
of furniture to cater each purpose.
Earlier movable storage furniture was
in great demand and tradition was
to use them only. But with stress on
style, design and interior decoration,
people are now using permanently
made closets and shelves fixed with
the wall of houses. Furniture is also a
18 | CondoCentral
Home is where
our heart resides
product of artistic design and often
used as a form of decorative art.
With change in time the house is
not confined to four walls. But it is the
furniture’s which dominates. Just as
there is house with no members stay-
ing. Furniture fulfills the emptiness in
the house. With beautiful house com-
bination of elegant furniture enhances
the importance of the house.
After working long at office it is
the home where one gets peace of
mind. It is the home where we can
get comfort and feel relaxed after our
hectic work schedules. Comfortable
and good looking furniture’s are help-
ful in providing peace of mind and
relaxation after working aggressively.
Furniture’s not only give an everlast-
ing and elegant looking but also tell
about the nature of man. More social
and fashionable a person is more will
be his style of living. This collection of
furniture at home perfectly displays
one’s style of living.
Home is the place where heart
of man resides. So, home should be
such that it should take men away
from all his worries. Rather it should
provide him new energy to start new
life every day. Furniture at house from
sofa, dining table, wardrobe, to bed
all has its own importance. Though,
with change of time new fashion
and style of furniture has immersed.
Like antique living room furniture,
modular furniture, victorian living
room furniture, rustic living room
furniture, traditional living room
furniture or casual furniture, to create
home environments that reflect their
own individual sense of style and
sophistication.
Article source: http://www.articlesbase.com
 spotlight

20 | CondoCentral
 A manor man’s
secret
paradise
Former Batangas governor Tony Leviste
opens his heart to the world by opening the
doors of his secret paradise. Ariel N. Valerio
stands witness to the selfless act
Photography by Cherie Mae Ayongao

CondoCentral | 21
 Wake! For the Sun, who scatter’d into flight
The Stars before him from the Field of Night,
Drives Night along with them from Heav’n, and strikes
The Sultan’s Turret with a Shaft of Light.

Rubaiyat (cf 1889 Fitzgerald),

Omar Khayyam

This quatrain describes exactly how the sun

rises at Lepeli Manor and transforms the verdant
surroundings into a paradise.
It is not a scene from F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great
Gatsby but one is wont to look for Robert Redford in
his all-white attire lazily roaming around the manor
encircled by four-layered mahogany trees.
One finds instead a man robust in his 60s
strutting around the five-hectare property on top of
Calypso – again, not one of the sea nymphs in Greek
mythology – but a graceful horse under his care.
Former Batangas governor Tony Leviste greets the
morning from the terrace fronting his room at the
second floor of the modern house made of wooden
planks and two-way mirrors.
As the “shaft of light” changes hues, he agilely
scrubs himself clean, dresses up for the day, goes
down the stairs and greets the helpers at the kitchen
now busy preparing breakfast.
All smiles, he plays a few tricks with his dog Lyka
then begins to inspect every nook and cranny of his
abode.
The library houses his plaques, trophies, favorite
books and photographs. Two conference tables
encircled by soft-cushioned chairs stand in the

22 | CondoCentral
24 | CondoCentral
middle of the room. In one corner, marble statue of a horse casts its
world-class equestrienne Toni Leviste’s shadow on the wooden entrance
photograph is on display. In another, floor. Outside, a wide expanse of
his complete set of medals from the trees and plants, grass and flowers,
Boy Scouts. harmoniously fill one’s eyes.
Immediately beside the library is It becomes a place like no other
the guest house. His daughter Toni’s as one slowly trudges the path lined
room can be found at the second floor by a canopy of acacia trees, passes by
where she stays when not compet- the paddocks and viewing deck, and
ing outside the country. Though not somewhere near the corner, arrive at
lighted, scented candles in strategic the statue of a soldier named Rowan,
spots spread a mixed whiff of elegant who, according to former governor
aroma. Upstairs, a complete home Leviste, is the epitome of loyalty to
theater system can be turned on even God, country and service for mankind.
by guests who wish to laze around for
a while.
A gazebo provides breathing
space before one gets to the green
house – which also has an adjunct
aviary – where spices such as mint and
rosemary grow luxuriously.
The stable with several beautiful
horses is kept immaculately clean and
surprisingly does not smell like other
stables. At its entrance, a miniature

CondoCentral | 25
 Near Rowan’s statue, a young tree
grows among the other trees where
the former governor wishes to some-
day see an epitaph that says: “Here lies
Tony. He gets things done.”
The impeccable order speaks well
of a highly disciplined mind that does
“not what (he) wants but what has to
be done.”
The cleanliness of the surroundings
evokes a pure compassionate heart that
provides sustenance to a community of
six families inside the compound.
The vibrant trees, plants and
flowers show not only the calculat-
26 | CondoCentral
ing foresight of a community planner
but also of a soul that gets back its
strength from nature that he dili-
gently nourishes.
This is a manor nestled in the
fabled land of the courageous that fol-
lows the tenderness of a human heart.
This is a manor much like its owner,
surviving the vicissitudes of time, seem-
ingly anachronistic in a modern man’s
existentialist search for the meaning
of life yet several lifetimes ahead in
wisdom, as it endlessly spins on its own
axis of eternity to preserve a paradise
that God created for man.
CondoCentral | 27
 W alls and floors are powerful elements
of interior design. The color you
splash on them, the materials they
are made of, and the treatments you apply on
them, will set the overall design tone of any
given space.

the
From minimalist colors and natural materials
of the past, the range of flooring materials and
wall treatments has increased greatly—allowing
today’s designers, home owners and builders a

walls &
plethora of design possibilities.
This explosion of materials and treatments
can render walls and floors into veritable works
of art, upon which entire design themes emerge.

floors
Wall and floors alone can create beautiful spaces,
from minimalist to baroque, impressionist to art
deco, or even surrealist to match today’s bizarre
and offbeat tastes.
Kathryn T. Villanueva writes

story
 cover story
THE WALLS & FLOORS STORY
off the wall
fashion
WALLS are like bodies. As such, they are best clothed in a way that
represents and enhances the personality of the whole space. Often,
they present the clear canvas on which various accessories are hung or
set against to create a complete look and feel. With the color and wall
treatment materials available on the market today, the range of such
looks or feels has expanded considerably
30 | CondoCentral
THE PALETTE
Today’s colors range from bright tones to
muted warm colors, not commonly found in
paint swatches of the past, or even in your ubiq-
uitous color wheel.
Choosing color schemes to complete a look
depends on the theme, and even on a specific
formula. For minimalist interiors, common tones
used are warm, muted, earth undertones of
green, brown and orange. Beige, khaki, olive green,
papaya, tan, and taupe are the common names of
such colors. Wenge, an extremely dark wood tone,
was born to match this neutral color scheme.
Contemporary colors, on the other hand,
consist of bright colors that usually go with mod-
ern interiors that are made of glass, metal and
plastic instead of wooden materials. Black, silver
and white are the tones that complement these
modern materials, and these are matched by the
bright shades of red, hot pink, teal and aqua.
 While white is not really considered a color, most
designers find it to be the best treatment for walls.
White on walls expand a space, making a room
look bigger, cleaner, lighter and uncluttered. White
allows for a clean canvass on which different looks
can be created by a simple change of accessories
and furnishings.
Patterns and Prints. The prints of today have
come a long way from simple polka dots, stripes
and plaids. Today’s prints are artworks in them-
selves, rather than reproductions of famous art.
Many are inspired by geometric shapes, flora, text
and even people. Often, they are abstractions or
pop art in contemporary colors, and can capture a
cartoonish look, or even create a psychedelic one
with a wide array of color. Prints can also come in
two colors—white and another color. Despite a
growing taste for modernism, other designers still
opt for organic or indigenous inspiration for interior
walls. Natural patterns include cross hatch, basket
weave, leather, ostrich skin, wood and stone.
THE MATERIALS
Paint. Being affordable and easy to apply, this is
the material of choice for most designers. Using
paint also allows for the creation of vastly different
effects, and this is done by careful choice of color,
kind and application method. A variety of textures
can be achieved by varying the paint materials or
the application method. Paint finishes also range
from matte, glossy, semi-glossy, and satin. A new
line of paints in the market even claims to be odor
free and have anti-bacterial effects.
Wallpaper. Using this material expands the range
of patterns and prints—and the consequent
looks—of your interior. Wallpaper designs today are
artworks in themselves, or can be elegant simula-
tion of indigenous material, without the downside
of being prone to wear and tear. Though this is not
the cheapest type of finish, it is cheaper and easier
to maintain compared to using the actual natural
material. Wallpaper is not prone to wear and tear
caused by weathering or insects. It also allows for
enhanced sanitation since it can be cleaned simply
with soap and water without affecting the appear-
ance of the finish.
Veneers. Wood laminates are easy to install and
clean. They come in a variety of colors, prints and
textures. In the past, these were applied on panels
with grooved 1mm spaces in between, but today,
they may be applied on full walls. Veneers can be
used on walls of a room, dado paneling or on accent
walls. Today, laminates don’t only emulate wood,
but metal and granite as well.
Glass. Glass partitions were once only used for com-
mercial or office spaces, but today, this no longer
holds true. From etched and stained glass, today’s
glass walls have evolved to Grafikote, a glass wall
finish alternative that has color on one side to give
glass different hues, and an opaque finish. Often
used in kitchens as splashboards and bathrooms, in
contemporary homes they are even be used in full
walls. Unknown to many, glass has the durability of
ceramic, and can be used to replace ceramic tiles
to effect an ultra-modern finish. Mosaic tiles in this
material has made a comeback, and is now popular,
allowing an stylish selection of color and designs.
Fiberglass. This material is commonly used to emu-
late stone, but is lighter and easier to maintain, since
moss, molds and natural organisms do not grow on
it. The finish is molded to the specific size, color and
texture required, and installed as one piece. This
ensures an uncomplicated, one-stop installation
and dismantling process as well.
Fabric. With technology, new lifestyles have sprung.
Today, most interiors have air-conditioning and
different electronic devices or appliances used for
cleaning. This makes fabric a feasible and wise choice
for wall finishing. Since fabric is usually padded before
it is installed as a wall finish, it makes for a good insu-
lation and soundproofing, and can also function as
an added safety feature for nurseries or other spaces
that toddlers or infants are meant to inhabit. By
varying the installation method, or using various pat-
terns, fabric can accessorize the walls of an interior.
Today’s extensive range of wall finishes has also
expanded the range of design possibilities. Whether
in terms of aesthetics or practicality, there is defi-
nitely a specific wall treatment that will best suit
any given space or personality.
CondoCentral | 31
 cover story

THE WALLS & FLOORS STORY

classic floors,
modern spaces 1. Granite tiles. In the past,
plain marble or granite slabs were
cut and placed in different shapes
and patterns throughout an interior
space, polished, sealed, then waxed,
to give them a shiny, finished look.
Despite modern technology and the changing tastes of builders and home Today, granite tiles are cut uniformly
owners, little has changed through the years where flooring materials and into square or rectangles of different
finishes are concerned. sizes, usually to the same thickness as
ceramic tiles. Since they don’t have
While design trends have changed like fashion over time, such changes are to be grinded anymore, they are also
only cyclical, and merely a rehashing of past styles. Except for vinyl tiles, most installed in the same way that ceramic
tiles are– with grout or other adhe-
modern flooring materials and finishes have been used since ancient times. It is sives. Granite tiles come in polished
only in the way that they are used today where change reigns. and unpolished finishes, which are
both easy to maintain.

32 | CondoCentral
2. Vinyl tiles. This material has come a long way
from those marble-inspired and simple checker-
board designs. Today, vinyl tiles can emulate wood
planks from shape and color to texture. A less
expensive alternative to laminated wood on floors;
they are best used in low traffic areas.
3. Wooden floors. Wooden floors have gone
back to basic, even as the development of their
finishing has come full circle: Just as polyurethane
came along as the finishing material of choice,
allowing for quick protection and easy mainte-
nance, today, designers have gone back to the basic
varnish. This corresponds to the growing demand
for a more natural look—less harsh, less perfect,
and less shiny.
4. Paver. Seen on sidewalks, driveways, patios and
gardens, pavers come in a variety of colors and are
shaped to fit any area. They can be made of cement,
an alternative to the usual lawn, pebble washout,
or tiles used for open areas. Different shapes allow
for a natural pattern to form on floors when placed
together, creating a personalized look when applied
to certain areas. On lawns, some pavers even have
holes or have spaces that allow grasses to grow
through.
5. Mosaic tiles. Mosaic tiles are classics used
in design since antiquity, and they have made a
stunning comeback. Today, they grace interiors in
a different light. In the past, mosaic designs were
made of square tiles cut into uniform shapes and
sizes, with patterns formed by the use of different
colored tiles. Today’s mosaics, however, bear more
variety in color, texture and shape. Square and
rectangular pattern or mini-brick laid patterns are
used alternately. Sometimes each tile is a mixture of
different colors and textures, creating an abstract
pattern, in contrast to the old style where mosaics
formed clear images.
6. Bamboo. Processed and formed into planks
and veneers like wood, this material is treated with
various colors and stains. This is the more environ-
mental alternative to wood, since bamboo grows
faster than hardwood trees.
7. Loose rocks and stones. These go very
well with Asian-inspired homes. They are often
found in gardens in lieu of grass. Sometimes, they
are even mixed or used as accents with other
flooring finishes, in home interiors. When used to
replace soil or grass-filled areas in gardens, this al-
lows for easier garden maintenance.
CondoCentral | 33
 tips
Bright ideas
Kathryn T. Villanueva shares illuminating thoughts on the weighty subject that is light
Light plays a major role in our
everyday lives. May it be for work or
aesthetics, it affects the overall impact
of everything we see and even those
which we do not see. Technology
plays a vital role in the development
of light, the energy that fuels it, and
materials that encase it. In spite of the
growing selection of light available in
the market today, there are favorites
among the bunch. Whether old or
34 | CondoCentral
new, these favorites have become
staples to every interior.
Today’s lamps are simple, easy to
maintain and affordable. Old materi-
als like glass, metal, brass, crystal
and plastic are still available though
in different shapes and forms. New
materials used for lamps like wood,
fiberglass, acryclic, fabric, bamboo,
paper, and some indigenous materials
are widespread and a favorite among
contemporary followers. Whatever
material it may be, the overall look
and luminosity is what makes a lamp
find its way to specific areas of the
home. Sometimes, old designs are
refashioned using new materials and
colors to give it a new look.
What makes these rehashed
models more pleasing to the everyday
customer is the price. Since these are
made of mostly synthetic materials, a
homeowner can have the same look
for a tenth of the price. Let’s say a
Murano chandelier made of fine glass
from Italy costing Php150,000 now
has a plastic China made counterpart
that sells for only Php5,000! Now,
that’s an offer no one can resist espe-
cially if it’s the look their after and not
the quality of the piece. This doesn’t
mean that such items break easily. It
only means that it may not last longer
nor have the same luster as that of
the original. Plastic can never shine
as intense as glass but when dropped,
plastic will not break as easy as glass.
There are many traits of each material
that can either improve or deteriorate
the quality of lamps today. Either way,
having more choices is an improve-
ment on its own.

CondoCentral | 35
advertorial
Vision, Strategy, and Marketing
The initials of his name MAO,
is the first name of the legendary Chi-
nese communist hero and yet Mario
A. Oreta, the lawyer - builder and
property developer is the quintessen-
tial capitalist who firmly believes in
the values of hard work, love of family
and a passion for excellence. He had
long envisioned to provide not just a
roof for every Filipino, but affordable
homes in secure and gated residential
communities.
Thus, almost thirty years ago, in
pursuit of this vision, Major Proper-
ties, an integral part of the Major
Holdings Group was incorporated
and began its pioneering work in
building, construction and prop-
erty development. The company
was the builder of many prestigious
landmarks – Tagaytay Highlands
Golf and Country Club, Sta. El-
ena Golf Community, Caylabne Bay
Resort (formerly Marbella) - and the
developer of the La Finca Farm and
Country Resort.
From left: Quinto Oreta,
Group President, Major
Holdings; Atty. Mario Oreta,
Founder, Major Holdings
All these values – deep abiding
love of family, perseverance and hard
work and an uncompromising pas-
sion for excellence – inculcated and
well learned created a lasting imprint
on Quinto, MAO’s son and heir ap-
parent. Armed with an MBA from
the prestigious International Business
School, Thunderbird and after having
had his taste of the challenges of the
corporate world in the United States,
Quinto decided that the best place to
not just make his mark but to make a
difference was here in the Philippines,
where family and home are. His re-
turn was auspicious because at about
the same time, his dad, capitalist
MAO, decided to rejoin his mentor,
Bobby Ongpin to take on newer chal-
lenges and opportunities in another
dimension of his professional career.
So today, there is a new man at the
helm of the Major Holdings Group.
A young man tasked to continue the
vision and legacy of his father but
with his own imprint and creative ap-
Emil Perez, Jr.
President/CEO
Landenmore
Properties, Inc.
proaches most especially in the areas
of strategic planning, information
technology, innovation and synergy.
As part of his more recent initia-
tives, Quinto has established a new
business venture, Landenmore
Properties Inc. Through Landenmore,
he aims to maximize the synergies of
both companies and to fully integrate
marketing concepts and tools into
their total corporate approach.
Although originally envisioned to
be a sales and marketing company,
Landenmore’s charter in the near
future will also involve property and
community development.
Unique to Landenmore Properties
is its leadership. Headed by no other
than the country’s leading real estate
marketer, Emil Perez Jr, more popu-
larly known across the industry as EPJ,
Landenmore Properties is positioned
to be the trusted name which will
redefine affordability.
For announcement purposes only
Sonoma, the first collaboration
between Quinto and EPJ, promises
to be a lifestyle destination like no
other. The duo’s first real estate
canvass is nestled in the outskirts of
Tagaytay City in Cavite. The Major
Holdings Group, through its subsid-
iary Major Properties is set to develop
the country’s first arts, entertainment
and tourist destination as well as a
premiere commercial and residential
enclave, south of Manila.
This five billion peso project will be
home to 29 five to ten-storey condo-
minium hotels, first of which will be
Mondavi. The master planned envi-
ronment boasts of a Bellagio Hotel –
inspired dancing fountain interplaying
with laser lights, the country’s first
observation tower Sentosa, Singapore
style, man-made lagoons with kayaks
and water bikes, a state of the art

country club and sports academy
and a man-made beach with its very
own wave machine. To complete the
amenities, retail shops and restaurants
will be located within the site to ad-
Events Place
Architect’s Perspective
dress the needs of both residents and
visitors. Truly the first of its kind in
the Philippines.
Mondavi is the quintessence of
the term affordability redefined. At
Mondavi what is affordable is built
with quality and excellence and own-
ership exudes satisfaction, comfort
and pride.
This is the Major Holdings Group
today - a strong, dynamic creative
corporate team under the steward-
ship of Quinto Oreta, a young man
who has learned his lessons well. An
Architect’s Perspective
innovator determined to open new
horizons and make his own mark in
property development as he makes
certain that his father’s vision and
legacy live on.
For advance information about the
project, please contact us at (632) 894-
1997 or visit our website, http://www.
landenmoreproperties.net
feature
Unusual Filipino
house-building beliefs
Our superstitious nature has given rise to a diverse and colorful set of beliefs.
Renne Isidro and Mary Josephine Arenas bring us a collection of some of
the most popular ones pertaining to construction of dwellings
Some may not admit it but we
Filipinos are really believers of the
supernatural. Due to this practice, we
have created a variety of superstitious
beliefs. And one of the richest sources
of these is the house-building beliefs.
Many of us know a number of these
beliefs, especially those we have inher-
ited from the Spaniards and Chinese.
However, Filipinos are very creative and
imaginative. Thus, it resulted to “Filipin-
ized” house-building beliefs. Here are
some of them from Ernesto R. Zarate’s
“Oro, Plata, Mata!: Filipino Building
Beliefs”:
• In the province of Quezon, there is
a ritual that they perform to determine
if a house should be put up on a lot or
not. They place a basin of water on the
middle of the lot and leave it overnight.
If insects landed on the water, they
should not erect a house on it.
• The Manobos give a lot of impor-
tance to nature. That is why one of
their considerations in construction is
the sound of animals. For example, if a
dove’s song or a turtle’s voice is heard
before the start of the construction, the
construction should be cancelled and
a new site must be selected. But if the
turtle’s voice is heard during construc-
tion, it is a sign of good luck.
• Directions of course are of great
consideration especially to the Chinese
Feng Shui. But for the Bontocs, the front
door of the house should be placed
against the flow of a nearby river, what-
ever direction it may be.
• In building the stairs, the Oro,
Plata, Mata counting is the most fa-
mous. However, there are other ways of
counting for our fellow Filipinos. For ex-
ample, for the Bulakeños, if the number
of steps is ten or lower, the count is not
important. But if it is beyond that, the
number of steps must end with an odd
number. For some of the Batangueños,
stairways must end with odd numbers.
They call this “Unosenotra”.
• For the Kapampangans, the
bathroom should not be placed over a
garage because it is a sign of bad luck.
For some Nueva Ecijanon builders, they
make their bathroom floors at a lower
level than the rooms’ floor level. For
the architects, this lower floor level of
bathrooms has an advantage because it
prevents the spilling of water to other
areas of the house.
• When it comes to kitchens, the
Visayans avoid their stoves to be placed
facing the toilet door because this may
prevent illness in the family. For some
Tagalogs, the stove must not face the
stairs because this may cause unwanted
visitors during mealtime.
• In making the windows the Cebua-
nos believe that the windows should be
on opposite sides so that the engkan-
tos and aswangs that will fly in one
window will directly fly out through the
other window. In Architecture, it is an
Illustration by Katrina Pallon
advantageous design because opposite
windows create cross-ventilation.
• In transferring, the Batangueño
couple does not reveal to their parents
and neighbors the exact date they will
move out.
• In Cagayan Valley, before con-
structing the house, they sprinkle
Calamansi to the grounds. They believe
that this will repel the mosquitoes once
the house is finished.
• For the Ilocanos, if a workman falls
on the site during the construction, the
work must be stopped and they should
tear down whatever is erected in order
to prevent the ill effects of the fall.
These are just some of our very own
Filipino house-building beliefs. Some are
weird. Others do not seem to make any
sense at all and some, intentionally or
unintentionally, have architectural ad-
vantages. You may want to follow them
or not but still these beliefs just show
how rich the Filipino culture is.
 dweller yeller

Upgrade, please?
Does the turnover finish need a little more ooomph? Or
maybe the furnishings require a bit of sprucing up? We ask
condo denizens what they’d wish to redo or undo with
their units. If money were not a matter, that is

Rinna
Age: 23
Greenbelt Parkplace,
Makati City
Lieza
Probably, my room. I live in the condo with my Age: 23
older bro, so of course he gets the bigger room. I’d love Bel Air Soho - Polaris St.
to have more shelves for my books, cds, and dvds, and near Jupiter, Makati
a bigger closet space for my clothes and accessories. I
would also love to have a small desk in my room where I I’d like to change the color of the walls,
can place my laptop and ipod speakers. they’re just too plain.

Pao
Paragon Plaza Condominium,
Mandaluyong City
I’d probably add more things to the living area, for as
long as it doesn’t get too cramped. Economy of space is always a
concern for condo residents, so figuring out how to tidily store a
hundred-plus DVDs and video games would be a priority. A La-
Z-Boy right smack in front of the TV would be nice as well.

Jill
Age: 22
Asia Tower Condominium,
Jessa
Age: 21
Makati City The Manansala Tower Rockwell,
Makati City
I’d definitely renovate my living room.
I’d get better looking couches and a bigger If I would have a budget I’ll ask an interior designer
TV. Right now all I use the condo for is to to fix or renovate my living room. I want to add color and
sleep and study, and I guess the living room put stuffs and accessories that would make it livelier and
is supposed to be where I can relax but right create an ambiance conducive for studying and relaxation
now it’s just so bare. as well.

40 | CondoCentral
preview

The luxury
of Asian living
Oriental charm and contemporary style meet in
this latest offering from one of the country’s leading
condominium developers, Philtown Properties

From Philtown Properties,

the developers of One McKinley
Place, recognized as one of the best
architecturally designed residential
condominiums in the Philippines, comes
another premier development –
ASIANA Quezon City.
Officially launched last April,
ASIANA Quezon City is a joint venture
with Orimar, Inc. and will be a 25-storey
residential condominium located at the
corner of Xavierville Avenue and Esteban
Abada that embraces the fundamental
needs of today’s urbane dweller.
Wooden elements are introduced to
keep up with the trend. Details of walls,
floors, ceiling, doors, windows, balusters,
and other parts of the building all reflect
modern Asian style. Environment-
friendly architecture will also be
incorporated.
Reasonably sized units are
offered in studio and one-bedroom
arrangements, ranging from 27 to
99 square meters. Each Asiana unit
layout gives a distinctive character and
extraordinary feeling to each home.
From its superb location to
revolutionary concepts in superior
features and amenities, ASIANA
Quezon City stands out from all the
other condominiums in the market
today.
It guarantees a residential
community that suits the fast-
paced and active way of life of
today’s urbanite. Philtown blends
innovation and comfort, beauty and
function, building developments
with well thought out spaces,
combined with the convenience of
offices, schools, malls and shops
being in close proximity.
For inquiries about ASIANA Quezon
City or any of the Philtown projects,
you may call 890-5714, 0917-8536539,
e-mail sales@philtown.net or visit
www.philtown.net.
CondoCentral | 43
 preview
Highlighting
“green architecture”
Anchored on environmental responsiveness, an entire
city is set to rise in booming Sta. Rosa, Laguna
Eton Properties Philippines, Inc.’s
first residential island lot development
in the Philippines, South Lake Village
at Eton City, features mixed-use com-
munities surrounded by bodies of
water and boasts a unique, refreshing,
and well-appointed lifestyle.
South Lake Village is the center-
piece of Eton City, a groundbreaking,
multi-billion peso project occupying
close to 1,000 hectares of prime land
in Sta. Rosa, Laguna. Hailed as the
“Makati of the South”, Eton City is an
44 | CondoCentral
ideally-located, integrated, mixed-use
township project.
South Lake Village covers about 76
hectares and boasts of 18 residential
islands surrounded by a 35-hectare
man-made lake. Each island, approxi-
mately one hectare in size, will have
8 to 12 residential lots of about 1,000
square meters each.
Alex Jazmines, Eton Properties
Philippines Inc. AVP and General
Manager of the Eton City Project,
explains that they contracted N.S.
Mangio and Associates (NSM&A) to
design South Lake Village. NSM&A is a
firm known for its previous involve-
ments in several waterfront develop-
ment projects in the Bermuda and the
Philippines.
Addressing environmental issues
Jazmines explains that environ-
mental concerns such as mosquito
breeding, lake water supply, conserva-
tion and pollution, flooding and ero-
sion were integrated into the “green

architecture” or the environmental
planning of the project.
The first question that comes to
mind is where a man-made lake of
this size would get its water supply?
Jazmines explains, “The lake will have
two primary sources of water supply;
first is rainfall and second would be
the rivers that run naturally across the
development.”
To address water flow or stag-
nancy, Jazmines explains, “There
will be inflow and outflow of lake
water, ensuring continuous water
movement across the lake. Flowing
water will prevent mosquito breed-
ing. We will also populate the water
with fish that will then feed on any
mosquito larvae.”
The issue of flooding was also
taken into consideration in the
planning of the project. “We had a
50-year flood study that took into
account the highest flooding levels
in the area. The villages in Eton City
will be elevated at the same height
A 35-hectare
man-made lake
envelopes the
South Lake Village
community.
as the expressway and are designed
taking into consideration the results
of the said flood study,” Jazmines
further clarifies.
He also spoke about other con-
cerns that had to be considered in
planning South Lake Village. In order
to prevent erosion of the island lots,
the lakeside will be protected by a
lake liner, earth fill, rock layers and
vegetation. Water pollution is also
kept in check by the detention pond
which will filter creek water before it
is let into the lake.
Keeping the lake “healthy”
“In order to maintain the natural
ecosystem in the lake, water will con-
stantly be aerated from the bottom
of the lake and by fountains located
at the lake corridor that will not just
serve as visual attractions, but also as
aeration devices,” Jazmines adds.
He explains that man-made lakes
have to be properly maintained and
this includes providing the proper
level of oxygen present in the water.
When aquatic matter such as leaves
and other organic debris find their
way into the lake, these decompose
and increase the level of nutrients
in the water, causing green algae to
proliferate. Too much green algae will
block off sunlight making the bottom
of the lake unfriendly to other aquatic
plants. These lake-bottom plants die
and their decomposition leads to the
use-up of oxygen in the water. In order
to check nutrient levels in the lake
and prevent green algae proliferation,
oxygen should be introduced into the
water, which is the objective of lake
aeration devices.
“In short, the lake will need its
constant supply of oxygen in order
to keep it clean and in its balanced
state,” Jazmines concludes.
South Lake Village is the initial
phase of Eton City. To complement
the envisioned resort-style living
within reach of urban comforts, Eton
City will also have a central business
district replete with a mall, hotel, busi-
ness process outsource (BPO) centers,
and residential and office condo-
miniums. Future developments within
Eton City include a championship golf
course and other high-end residential
developments.
To find out more about Eton City, log
on to www.eton.com.ph or call 845-
3866 and 0917-8943866.
 preview
A better view, a better time
Experience heightened sensation in the country’s favorite vacation destination
Premier CONDOTEL project Alta
Vista de Boracay has been reaching
significant milestones in terms of pace
of development. The construction
for the first four buildings has already
been completed and units have been
turned over to clients eagerly await-
ing to have their very own piece of
paradise. The property is replete
with resort-hotel amenities such as
a sparkling Infinity Pool, beautifully
landscaped open spaces, a contem-
porary clubhouse with its own main
reception and dining area, game
room, lounge area, spa, viewing deck,
business center, audio-visual room
and snack bar. Owners and guests will
definitely enjoy the perfect vacation
without having to worry about abso-
lutely anything.
Alta Vista de Boracay has also
announced further updates regarding
the construction of the remaining
buildings and available lands for the
condotel. A slight shift from the
46 | CondoCentral
in Boracay
number of buildings which will see
the reduction to 17 from the original
plan of 18 buildings. The reason is
to give way to the development of
bigger landscape and open areas. The
supposed Nevado building will now
be the site for additional parks and
With Alta Vista de Boracay, vacations will
be translated into daily experiences in the
biggest condotel-residential community
in Boracay that offers a private, secured
resort experience anytime of the year.
open spaces to accommodate fun
activities and to enhance leisurely
walks and appreciation of nature for
the entire family.
An additional rooftop leisure park
and open space will also be added in
the Dinara building.
Alta Vista de Boracay
rises in Brgy. Yapak on the
island's northern part.
The rooftop park not only en-
hances the grand look of the condotel
but more importantly amplifies the
relaxing ambience that only Alta
Vista can offer.
Alta Vista de Boracay is DMCI
Homes’ first venture into the leisure-
residential segment. DMCI Homes is
the country’s first Triple A builder/
developer that offers modest income
earning families optimum value for
their money by providing homes
with exceptional features and ameni-
ties, world-standard level of crafts-
manship borne out of more than 50
years experience in the construction
and development industry.
For inquiries on Alta Vista de
Boracay and other DMCI projects,
please call 888-3333 or visit www.
dmcihomes.com.
 RF system is amazing!
What’s even more amazing is that - Radio Frequency when
combined with mesolipo yields best and fastest results!!!
Main Office:
2/F West City Plaza Bldg., 66 West Ave., Quezon City
Tel Nos. (632) 376-4871-72
376-4872 / (632) 410-8355
/ (632) 410-8355
Clinic Hours: Monday-Saturday 10am-7pm
10am-8pm
Closed on Sundays & Holidays
Say goodbye to cellulite
Target stubborn areas of cellulite built-up in your
body the fast, effective and non-surgical way! Zero
in on 3 target zones: stomach, buttocks and thighs
via the Radio Frequency slimming system.
Radio Frequency, a slimming system that is effective in skin
tightening, fat loss and cellulite reduction... helps you lose as
much as 5 cms in one session.
This is your chance to slim down without spending long
hours at the gym, excessive dieting and even to the extent of
undergoing surgery. This new system allows you to achieve
slimmer figure in just 30 minutes... or just the time you spend
in taking your morning coffee or the time you freshen up for
work. It’s amazingly fast!
Radio Frequency Slimming Session Treatment, a highly
effective fat-reducing treatment. This procedure makes use
of innovative Radio Frequency technology to dissolve fat cell
mass using internal thermal heat generated by Radio waves.
Now that the holiday season is over, it’s about time you focus
on shedding off pounds and getting that desired body shape...
in time for the summer season. With the RF slimming system,
you get rid of unwanted fat the fast, effective and the non-
surgical way. Undergo the treatment... and you’ll find yourself
sizzlin’ hot for the beach in no time!
What’s best is that you lose unwanted fat fast... with NO pain,
NO surgery!
Call or visit
our office f
other servi or
ces
offered!!
Branch Office:
Unit 19 Upper Ground, Cityland Tower Shaw Blvd.
Cor. St. Francis St., Mandaluyong City
Tel. Nos. (632) 637-2567 / (632) 914-5063
Clinic Hours: Monday-Saturday 10am-7pm
Closed on Sundays & Holidays
CondoCentral | 47
 preview

A community springs to life

in the heart of Valenzuela
Fini Homes allows a peek at the high-spirited lifestyle that awaits
homeowners in this fine Northern Manila development

The vibrant community that Fini Homes desires

to create is steadily taking shape as it recently unveiled
the property’s clubhouse and swimming pool, giving
its would-be residents a glimpse of the development’s
primary common area.
Comprised of 18 residential condominium build-
ings, Fini Homes is an enclave nestled right in the
center of Valenzuela City, the business and industrial
hub of northern Metro Manila.
The completion of the primary common area marks
a milestone for Fini Homes, as construction is in high
gear for the first couple of towers of the development.
The area features a swimming pool with an adjacent
kiddie pool, and a full-size basketball court, which can
also be used as a tennis and badminton court. The
clubhouse itself has sections for recreational activities
such as dining and receiving areas, as well billiards and
table tennis facilities.
Loris Q. Luakian, marketing director for Fini Homes,
invited some of the buyers of the units to witness the

48 | CondoCentral
 Amenities allow for a
wealth of active and
recreational pursuits.

unveiling and allowed them to use the

swimming pool and basketball court.
Surrounded by lush greenery,
Fini Homes aims to enclose a
fully-functional community within
2.3 hectares of prime land. It is
conveniently located just a mere 40
meters from McArthur Highway in
Marulas, or just a short walk away
from the Tullahan Bridge just beyond
the Cosmos Bottling Corp. factory. It
is very close to premiere educational
institutions such as the Our Lady of
Fatima University, which has one of
the country’s best programs in the
field of health care; Manila Central
University; and De La Salle-Araneta
University.

50 | CondoCentral
 is the new condo bible.

Published by
www.condo.com.ph
The Condominium Specialist
B U Y S E L L R E N T

YES!
I want to subscribe to

and save 40% or P720

Annual subscription:
Metro Manila P1,080 Province P1,800

Subscription form Give a gift subscription to

Name Name

Address Address

Contact numbers Contact numbers

E-mail
Payment details:
Start of subscription
Cash Check Bank deposit
Signature

For check payments: For bank deposit payments:

Payable to Condo.Com.Ph, Inc. Allied Bank Legazpi Street, Makati City Branch 0091002376
2nd Floor P&L Building, 116 Legazpi St., Legaspi Village, Makati City (checking account); Fax bank deposit slips at (632) 893-8134

For subscription and ad placements, please call (632) 812-3333

 central
reveal
review
tv
top of the list

watches

Grand complications
A proud tradition the sound that is associated with a back phase, the hand is disconnected one because this surface quality gener-
Patek Philippe’s new Ref. 5159 takes Patek Philippe officer’s watch. from the drive train and instantly ates less friction and reduces wear. Of
the officer’s watch into a new dimen- captured at the 1 so that it cannot course, the movement complies with
sion. The diameter of the case, which A remarkable heart inadvertently rebound forward by one all criteria of the Geneva Seal, the most
features a gold dust cover that protects The sapphire-crystal case back or two days. stringent set of specifications for the
the sapphire-crystal back, is 38 mm – 2 reveals the well-known self-winding The complexity of the moon-phase ultimate in horological craftsmanship.
mm more than its predecessor. The caliber 315 S QR movement, which mechanism is equally astonishing: it The sheer beauty of this movement,
dial has been thoroughly reworked to automatically recognizes the duration remains accurate for 122 years and 45 the perfect finish, and the smooth mo-
reflect the statelier prominence of this of each month and keeps track of leap days, and then only has to be corrected tion of the heavy 21K gold rotor can be
wristwatch. years. S stands for sweep seconds, Q by one day. admired through the sapphire-crystal
for perpetual calendar, and R for the To execute these complicated case back when the dust cover of the
Subtle modifications, big effect retrograde date with the flyback hand. functions, 361 individual parts must case is opened.
The Roman numerals in the hour The retrograde date is a remarkable interact in perfect harmony. The best The watch is available in 18K yellow
circle were slightly extended. Their complication because the date hand artisans and watchmakers fine-tune or white gold. It is worn on an alligator
larger, elongated look enhances read- moves along a 270-degree arc, and at each of these parts until they satisfy strap with an 18K foldover clasp. The
ability. The dial features a hand-guil- about midnight of the last day of the Patek Philippe’s rigorous quality stan- yellow-gold watch has a matte choco-
loched sunburst pattern in the center, month, it jumps back to the numeral 1. dards. The teeth of the steel wheels, for late strap and the white-gold model
a radiant contrast to the silvery opaline During the precisely controlled fly- example, are polished by hand one by comes with a matte dark brown strap.
background. The day, month and
leap-year displays in apertures, as well
as the retrograde date indication with
a flyback hand, are elegantly arranged,
emphasizing the understated nobility
of this perpetual-calendar timepiece.
The moon-phase display in the
aperture at 6 o’clock is also eloquently
integrated in the layout. The hour and
minute hands, which are black oxidized
gold, as well as the slender seconds
hand, appear to hover above the dial.
The Ref. 5159, incidentally, is one of the
few perpetual-calendar watches with a
center sweep second.

Even the case is complex

The case of the Ref. 5159 is just as
sophisticated as the timepiece itself.
A solid gold dust cover, an authentic
hallmark of Patek Philippe officer’s
watches, protects the display back. Al-
though this may seem simply aesthetic,
when the cover snaps shut, it must be
tight around the entire circumference.
The casemaker checks this precision
fit with a magnifying glass and at the
same time listens attentively to the
click and will patiently adjust the hinge
until the perfectly sealed cover makes

CondoCentral | 53
 review central

tv

120Hz
Double-speed
drives now in
new AQUOS TV’s
Sharp, the acknowledged
world leader in LCD TV technology,
once again accomplished an un-
precedented feat by introducing five
new full-spec HD LCD TV models:
AQUOS R Series.
The R Series flagship models
which are considered the most beau-
tiful AQUOS ever in terms of picture
quality and design. All are equipped
with the industry’s first full-spec HD
panels with double-speed (120-Hz)
drives which give them unparalleled
performance for moving images--
that is, smooth and clear display of
even the most high-speed scenes. A
high contrast ratio of 3,000:1 (living
room contrast is 1300:1), gives deep
blacks and powerful, realistic images.
The new models are also the thinnest
and lightest (the 52V inch model is
just 8.5 cm thick) and sport a luxuri-
ous shiny piano black frame. This
makes them a stylish addition to the
home, either wall mounted or with a
flush-to-wall stand.
The R Series is also compatible
with the AQUOS Fami-link, a setup
that combines the AQUOS LCDTV
and the AQUOS Blu-ray disc player,
AQUOS HD recorder and AQUOS
Audio System. This spells easy, user-
friendly operation at home.
The new full-spec HD AQUOS LCD
TV models come in 65V-, 57V-, 52V-,
46V-, and 42V-inch 1 screen sizes fea-
turing double-speed Advanced Super
View LCD panels.
The AQUOS R Series is initially
available in Japan only but is soon
expected to dominate the Philippine
LCD TV market.

books

Kerouac’s scroll
Though Jack Kerouac began
thinking about the novel that was to
become On the Road as early as 1947, it
was not until April 1951, in an apartment
on West Twentieth Street in Manhattan,
that he wrote the first full draft that was
satisfactory to him. Typed out as one
long, single-spaced paragraph on eight
long sheets of tracing paper that he
later taped together to form a 120 foot
scroll, this document is among the most
significant, celebrated, and provocative
artifacts in contemporary American
literary history. It represents the first
full expression of Kerouac’s revolution-
ary aesthetic, the identifiable point at
which his thematic vision and narrative
voice came together in a sustained
burst of creative energy. It was also part
of a wider vital experimentation in the
American literary, musical, and visual
arts in the post-World War II period.
It was not until more than six years
later, and several new drafts, that Viking
published in 1957, the novel known to
us today. On the occasion of the fiftieth
anniversary of On the Road, Viking will
publish the 1951 scroll in a standard
book format. The differences between
the two versions are principally ones of
significant detail and altered emphasis.
The scroll is slightly longer and has a
heightened linguistic virtuosity and a
more sexually frenetic tone. It also uses
the real names of Kerouac’s friends
instead of the fictional names he later
invented for them. The transcription of
the scroll was done by Howard Cunnell
who, along with Joshua Kupetz, George
Mouratidis,and Penny Vlagopoulos,
provides a critical introduction that ex-
plains the fascinating compositional and
publication history of On the Road and
anchors the text in its historical, political,
and social context.

54 | CondoCentral
review central
game consoles
Portable
entertainment
revolution
phones
SAMSUNG SGH-i780
The trustworthy
companion for
business professionals
Enhance your work efficiency with
Samsung’s SGH-i780 business phone, the trust-
worthy companion for business professionals.
Samsung’s latest addition to its range of mobile
phones for the business segment is equipped
with touchscreen features and full QWERTY
keyboard running on Windows Mobile 6.0 Pro-
fessional, offering busy executives the flexibility
to switch between using a stylus and typing
with the keyboard.
Navigation is a breeze with the device’s Opti-
cal Touch Pad, which acts like a mini optical
mouse, freeing the user’s movement from a
rigid vertical-horizontal axis and allowing them
to roam the screen quickly and efficiently.
Stay connected at all times with the SGH-
i780’s range of connectivity options. Download
documents and files speedily with its HSDPA
With eye-popping graphics, dazzling
widescreen LCD, wireless connectivity
and the ability to play games, music and
movies when and where you want, the
PSP gives you the freedom to enjoy en-
tertainment on your terms. The portable
entertainment revolution has arrived.
PSP comes in a black color, with a 16:9
widescreen TFT LCD centered in a sleek
ergonomic design with a high-quality
finish that fits comfortably in the hands.
The dimensions are 170mm x 74mm
x 23mm with a weight of 260g. PSP
features a high-quality TFT LCD that dis-
plays full color (16.77 million colors) on a
480 x 272 pixel high-resolution screen. It
also comes complete with the basic func-
tions of a portable player such as built-in
stereo speakers, exterior headphone
connector, brightness control and sound
mode selection. Keys and controls inherit
the same operability of PlayStation® and
PlayStation 2, familiar to fans all over the
world.
PSP also comes equipped with diverse
input/output connectors such as USB
2.0, and 802.11b (Wi-Fi) wireless LAN,
providing connectivity to various devices
capabilities, or log online to check emails at a
nearby café using its WiFi connectivity.
The business phone is also fitted with loca-
tion based functions including an optional
integrated GPS, Google Maps and bundled
navigation software, as well as clear voice-
prompted turn-by-turn directions, to help
users get to the right destination on time for
key appointments.
Offering the perfect balance between work
and play, the SGH-i780 also comes with a two
mega pixel camera, a VGA camera, and a mul-
timedia player which plays multiple video and
audio formats.
The SGH-i780 is already available in the
market at a recommended retail price of Php
23,000.
in the home and to the wireless network
outside. The world of gaming is further
enhanced by enabling users to enjoy
online gaming, or by connecting multiple
PSPs to each other, directly via the wire-
less network. In addition, software and
data can be downloaded through a USB
or wireless network onto Memory Stick™
PRO Duo. All of these features can be
enjoyed on one single system.
PSP adopts a small but high-capacity
optical medium UMD™ (Universal Media
Disc), enabling game software, rich with
full-motion video and other forms of
digital entertainment content, to be
stored. The newly developed UMD, the
next-generation compact storage media,
is only 60mm in diameter but can store
up to 1.8GB of digital data. A broad range
of digital entertainment content such as
music video clips, movies and sports pro-
grams can be provided on UMD. To pro-
tect this entertainment content, a robust
copyright protection system has been
developed which utilizes a combination
of a unique disc ID, a 128 bit AES encryp-
tion keys for the media, and individual ID
for each PSP hardware unit.
CondoCentral | 55
 review central
cars
GMC Acadia
Functionality, luxury and value
For years, building tough trucks for
tough work has been the focus of
GMC, General Motors’ truck division.
But even GMC couldn’t avoid the
onslaught of the crossover SUV revo-
lution. Meet the GMC Acadia.
The all-new Acadia is a large cross-
over (or crossover utility vehicle, or
CUV). Mechanically, it’s very similar to
the Saturn Outlook and Buick Enclave.
Thanks to its spacious interior, strong
V6 engine and competitive price, the
Acadia is one of the better crossover
SUV choices.
56 | CondoCentral
The GMC Acadia is new for 2007
and comes in one body style only. The
designers have done everything possi-
ble to tie it in with the rest of the GMC
lineup of trucks. It looks tough and has
a wide track and long wheelbase. The
Acadia comes with front-wheel drive
in its base form and all-wheel drive is
available as an option.
The GMC Acadia is one of the
roomiest crossover utility vehicles in
its class, with seating for up to eight
passengers. The second-row seats
are captain’s chairs, but a 60/40-split-
folding bench is available as an option.
The second-row seats also slide 4
inches fore and aft and easily flip up
and out of the way for access to the
third-row seats. And there’s room for
adults in the back two rows, though
leg support is a bit lacking. Behind
the third row, there is a respectable
amount of luggage room.
The GMC Acadia comes in three
trims: SLE-1, SLT-1 and SLT-2. Each
comes with a 3.6-liter V6 engine
capable of churning out 275 horse-
power and 251 pound-feet of torque.
A six-speed automatic transmission
comes standard.
Standard features include cruise
control, full power accessories, front
and rear air-conditioning and a full
array of airbags. Stability control
with roll mitigation and antilock disc
brakes are also included. The base
stereo is a six-speaker system with an
in-dash CD player with MP3 playback.
The SLT-1 and SLT-2 trims get a pre-
mium 10-speaker Bose system with a
six-CD in-dash changer. Features like
leather upholstery, heated front seats,
power seats and tri-zone automatic
climate control are also available in
the higher trims.
CondoCentral | 57
 From bland to grand:
How to attack the I-design
bare turnover finish Jigs Ranada
Adefuin, PIID

Wondering what to do when life. There are a lot of colors to choose

your builder hands over the keys
to your brand new condominium
unit? A bit disappointed with the
bare unit expecting it to look like the
model units, aren’t you? Well don’t
be upset for that’s the reality – new
condominium units = bare. Aside
from the tips I have shared in the CC
March issue, here are some tips as to
how to attack the bare turnover finish
and make your new condominium
unit livable.
Get color. Don’t be afraid of col-
ors. Paint your walls bright. Color au-
tomatically fills out a room and gives it
from - variations of reds, greens, yel-
lows and so on. It will all depend on
your choice of color. Make sure that
when you choose additional colors to
go with your scheme, it should always
be complementary with your initial
color. Use your color wheel to get
your complementary color.
Use wallpapers. Wallpapers are
making a comeback. Get the right
wallpaper for your area by initially
distinguishing your motif and then
discern the types, colors, patterns and
textures of the wallpapers available –
although you will never run out of va-

riety with the wallpapers because like
paint there are a lot to choose from.
Hide eye sores. Make sure that the
beams, ducts, electrical and plumbing
are not exposed. Hide these eyesores
by having a dropped ceiling, or if you
don’t have a budget, simply paint the
ceiling black.
Get the basics. Beds and night
tables, dining set, a sofa (get the one
with volume to create a very warm
and comfy look), a coffee table with
end tables, a couple of comfortable
arm chairs, as well as a sufficient
refrigerator and an oven.. Choose the
right furniture pieces. Your furniture
pieces need not to be expensive; you
just have to be vigilant and patient
when choosing your furniture pieces.
Look for pieces which have very
good quality craftsmanship. Do not
sacrifice quality over quantity. As
I have mentioned in the CC March
issue, never compromise comfort over
aesthetics. Furniture pieces are ought
to be used for their purpose and not
just to beautify.
Get proper lighting. Create well
balanced lighting by taking advantage
of the dropped ceiling. Have wall wash-
ers, pin lights or track lights to create

58 | CondoCentral
proper lighting as well as drama to your
room. Treat your new condo like a real
home by putting drop lights on top of
your dining table and putting all the
necessary general lighting in every area.
Table lamps also play an important role
in providing ambient lighting to your
space. So choose lamps that are pro-
portional. Those tiny lamps which at
around 8” to 12” in height don’t work,
proportional lamps range from 26” to
32” in height depends on what room
we are talking about.
Get window treatments. As
this will help in adding color to your
new condo, it also may be a source of
warmth. You could either use cur-
tains, louvers or wood shutters, blinds
or shades – it will all depend on the
motif that you choose.
Get artworks. Put a piece or two
of artwork with bold prints. This will
without doubt give visual impact to
the walls of your brand new condo. It
doesn’t mean that if your unit is small,
you will have to put small artworks as
well. By putting artworks, it will give
the illusion that the space is bigger
than it actually is. It also doesn’t have
to be expensive, you can get fabric. By
putting artwork on the wall, whether
solitary or by group, an element of
surprise is achieved and the unit
becomes more interesting.
Embellish. Bring out the pieces
you’ve been keeping; the accessories
you have amassed during your travels;
your collection of books or maga-
zines. Arrange them properly on top
of a console, coffee table or end table
as this will add to the warmth of your
space; just make sure that the books
and magazines are in top condition.
Put a live tree or plant or two. This
will not only bring the outdoors in
but also will give your space a very
“fresh look”. Put area rugs. Putting
area rugs in the living and/or dining
room under the furniture pieces
frames your furniture together and
also provides an invisible wall that
connotes separation from one area
to another. This holds true usually
with smaller condo units which don’t
have walls between the living and the
dining room.
Now that you have these fun and
exciting ideas, you are now ready to
step-up and do your thing. Don’t be
afraid to attack your bare condo-
minium unit. Just remember that
beautifying your homes should be a
delightful process - so don’t forget to
always have fun.
 Legal
Options
Atty. Edwin Calica
Cacayorin, Jr.
Personal
injury issues
Accidents do happen.
Our common understanding of it is
that any injury or damage as a conse-
quence of an accident is not compens-
able, but a matter of fate. We view
accidents as something unexpected,
unavoidable and unintentional. Good
faith is a given.
A coconut dropping from a tree
and smashing the windshield of a car
parked underneath it -- is unfortunate
but is it an accident? We are not all
Einsteins. We sometimes make the
silly mistake of parking the car beside
a coconut tree.
But a brick falling from a 10-story
building being constructed and hit-
ting a person crossing the street below
it – is not a silly accident. The building
contractor should be held liable for
the injury suffered by the innocent
60 | CondoCentral
passer-by. This is because we expect
competence from people engaged in
their particular occupation or busi-
ness and require them to observe a
certain degree of diligence more than
what we would ask of an ordinary per-
son. We expect a carpenter to build
us a perfectly measured cabinet in the
same respect as we expect a dentist
to dexterously fix our teeth. However,
we don’t go to a carpenter to fix our
teeth with a hammer.
When we buy a condominium
unit we expect it to be structurally
safe and sound. We do not expect
any faulty electrical wiring or any
leak from gas pipes. Nor do we want
to see any water seeping from the
ceiling or any steel bars protruding
from the wall. Our developer must
ensure that no adverse incident
should occur due to any fault or
negligence in construction. If there is
fault or negligence on the part of the
developer, such as use of substandard
materials or non-observance of any
safety requirement imposed by the
local government, and thereafter an
unfortunate incident occurred as a
consequence of this use of substan-
dard materials, it should indemnify
all persons who suffered an injury
or damage as a consequence of this
fault or negligence.
How do we determine if there is
fault or negligence?
The first and most obvious stan-
dard is whether the developer broke a
requirement of law or regulation. If it
did, it should answer all damages root-
ed to that non-compliance of the re-
quirement. Second, did the developer
followed the plan of construction and
implemented all details in good faith.
There must be no shortcuts taken at
the expense of safety.
Finally, we must also listen to our
common sense. If the unfortunate
incident is foreseeable and could
have been avoided or prevented had
someone complied with what he or
she was expected to do – there is
no accident. The one who failed to
perform what was expected of him
or her is deemed at fault, and he or
she works for the developer, the latter
should indemnify all persons who
suffered an injury or damage to their
property because of that fault. That is
the rule.
 Real estate brokers
are not created equal...

Condo.Com.Ph, Inc. associates

have the better view of local
property market and client needs.

www.condo.com.ph
T h e Co n d o m i n i u m S p e c i a l i s t
B U Y S E L L R E N T

We are the condo.

Condo.Com.Ph, Inc. global headquarters
2 / F P & L B l d g . , L e g a z pi S t . , L e g a s pi V i l l a g e , M a k a t i C i t y
Te l e p h o n e : (6 3 2) 81 2 -3 3 3 3 Fa x : (6 3 2) 8 9 3 - 81 3 4 M o b i l e : + 6 3 919 8 5 0 4 4 6 8
E-mail: admin@condo.com.ph
61 | CondoCentral
 The seasons of our lives
It is spring in New York and
summer in the Philippines. Both
seasons forebode new beginnings,
new hopes, new dreams. These are
the seasons in our lives when nature
opens its palms to the risk takers and
the adventurous to chart pioneering
The Global directions that have never been seen
before.
Pinoy
This is the direction that Global
Pinoy is taking – fresh as spring
flowers, hot as the sizzling summer
Daniel R. dela Cruz winds.
The premiere issue of Global Pinoy
Magazine in March bred five editions
of the same magazine – US East
Coast, Europe, Middle East, Asia-
Pacific and US West Coast. Come
62 | CondoCentral
October this year, all these would be
up and running, serving as conduit of
the Pinoy community abroad. This is
the promise of spring.
Meanwhile, we have started
refurbishing the globalpinoy.ph
website which serves as the worldwide
portal of activities and hypermart of
more than 14 million global Filipinos
who have all along been just waiting
for this opportunity.
Complementing the magazine
and hypermart are international
centers being established by Global
Pinoy partners where face-to-
face meetings can take place; live
exchanges of ideas commence;
and in-the-flesh presentations
of any product, idea or activity
participants want to share with the
rest of the community are set in
motion.
The fourth component of Global
Pinoy is the establishment of business
partnerships by Global Filipinos with
other nationalities to support the
first three components and invite
fresh infusion of investments into the
home base.
With fingers crossed, Global
Pinoy now basks in the scalding hot
summer sun before diving into the
sea of rejuvenation.
Let there be new beginnings for
the Philippines in the seasons of
our lives.
CondoCentral | 63
 The
Condo
Café
Renne Isidro
How Global Pinoys
can help our country
Overseas Filipino Workers
(OFW) are said to be our modern day
heroes. Economically, they really are of
great help to our country. Right now
there are about 10 million Overseas
Filipinos worldwide. Most of them
remit their hard-earned money to their
families here in the country. However,
are their remittances enough to
support our country’s continuous goal
of development? Here are some ways
on how Global Pinoys could help our
country:
• You are a hero, be aware of it.
OFWs’ intention of remitting their
money is primarily for their families (of
course!). Most of them do not know
the fact that their money is helping our
country’s economic growth. If all of
the OFWs would have an idea of what
they are doing for the country, they
will have a greater sense of nationalism.
This could be a motivating factor for
them to strive harder not only for their
families’ future but for the country’s
future as well. This could be a long-term
goal if they will have this future secured
64 | CondoCentral
by investing in the Philippines and the
best investment option is real estate for
it is the basis of all wealth. It is the only
thing that is not produced anymore. It
is my advice for Filipinos to buy real es-
tate now. Do not wait to buy real estate.
Instead, buy real estate and wait.
• Be an endorser. The idea of being an
endorser sounds good isn’t it? However,
if you are an OFW, you wouldn’t be
endorsing a well-known clothing line
or a fast-food chain. Instead, you will
endorse our country to the foreign-
ers. If I spoiled your dream of being an
endorser, just think this way, you are an
(unofficial) endorser of the Depart-
ment of Tourism. Another way is to
bring home a friend. Sometimes, your
endorsement may not be enough. It
would be better if you accompany
them here in our country. In that way,
you can help boost our country’s
tourism and you will have a wonderful
vacation as well.
• Vote! I’m sure OFWs have heard
the idea of absentee voting. It is the
process of participating in the Philip-
pine elections via the voting centers in
the countries they work in. Voting is
not only a right. It is the citizens’ duty as
well. This may be a cliché but every vote
really counts. Your vote may start the
change you have been wanting for our
country. Aside from voting influence
your family on their votes.
• Buy Filipino. Many Filipino products
are of good export qualities. In addition,
they are a lot cheaper too. Patronize
these products and endorse them as
well to your fellows abroad. In this way,
you can help improve the lives of the
laborers who created these products.
• Be proud to be a Filipino. Talk good
about the Philippines, the Filipino race,
and the Filipino customs and tradi-
tions. Avoid talking about politics and
religion. These are the two topics which
usually spoils great Filipino gatherings.
It would be also good for Overseas
Filipinos to follow the laws and customs
of other countries.
• We all know it is common to OFW
that majority of their remittances are
sent to provide their families’ daily neces-
sities and especially school expenses
that take up a great percentage of the
family’s budget. However, if you have
some money to spare, you could also
add up to your budget another school
expenses for unfortunate children here
in our country. You could sponsor their
studies and help them achieve a better
future. You could also support your local
church and community who also help
the needy.
Although these ways are a great start
in improving our country’s situation,
the impact may not be that great if only
a number of Overseas Filipinos practice
them. We cannot expect all of them to
have access to this article. I would sug-
gest to the readers to recopy this article
and give them to fellow Overseas Fili-
pino. For other writers or newspapers,
it would be much appreciated if you
could feature this in your newspaper
and column.
For further comments and rec-
ommendations, please feel free to
e-mail me at renneisidro@condo.
com.ph.
 Multiple
Meaning
Ariel N. Valerio
Protecting
the environment,
nurturing humanity
There is now a trend among
property developers to consider and
prioritize environment- friendly archi-
tectural designs coupled with a desire
to nurture a vibrant community life
among present and potential residents.
This is a very welcome trend consid-
ering the fact that our natural resources
have already been depleted by rampant
and indiscriminate use of previous
generations.
Recent studies show that our
country has less than 10 percent of our
forest reserves since the presidency of
Diosdado Macapagal.
We therefore see these days the
common occurrences of nature's wrath
wrecking havoc on people's lives –
floods, erosion, drought, and eventually
widespread food crisis not distant from
what India suffered in the '60s.
Though in my youth we abhorred
the "Green Revolution" program of the
Marcos regime, we can appreciate the
foresight embedded in the concept
only now.
One of the prime movers of the
greening of the Philippines under
Martial Law was former governor of
Batangas Tony Leviste.
As a young politician, many may
have envied his close association with
the powers that be at that time because
of his vigorous campaign to implement
tree-planting projects in his territory.
Others may have even laughed at
him then for the seeming blind obedi-
ence to the government despite the
fact that he earned the highly coveted
Ten Outstanding Young Men award.
In his old age, the former governor
looks back at those days with merciful
thoughts to those who saw the coming
storm but dared not lift a finger to but-
tress their abodes.
Up to this day, he continues to do his
part in filling up the need for one billion
trees and is launching a campaign to
promote malunggay as an alternative
source of biofuel.
It is sad though that society normally
looks at wise men as mere idealistic
dreamers. But if only past generations
listened to him, the Filipino people
would not suffer much even amid the
global recession. And if only we would
listen to him now and try to look into
what his gentle heart is saying, we can
save not only our lives but the children
of our children.
After all, the former governor is not
just any other property developer. He
takes care of the environment; and
nature gives him back the strength to
pursue his vision. He plans out for the
community and not only for himself.
Mother Nature blesses those who
are kind to her.
reveal
John A. Concepcion gets unlimited access inside one of the
The odd thing about talking to
someone who knows a lot about fur-
niture is that you don’t get lost in the
language. You immediately recognize
what separates the functional from
the cultural, or tell the difference
between convenience and class. And
this becomes more apparent when
you actually get to see that distinc-
tion personally.
This is what you will experience
when you walk into the store of
Elserfy Home Furnishing: a taste
of the affluence of refined living.
The elegance of everything inside
the shop is unmistakable, from the
classy furniture to the enchanting
crystal chandeliers. And what is more
Exclusivity
at its finest
country’s best kept home furnishing secrets
interesting in this place is that no two
items are identical, giving its patrons
the benefit of exclusivity.
“What we sell here are not just
quality and elegant pieces of furni-
ture or furnishings, but also an op-
portunity to own an item exclusively.
We only sell one of each design and
we call it the concept of exclusive
furniture,” explains Jenny Salcedo,
owner of Elserfy.
“We can furnish ten houses at one
time and all of them will be totally
different,” she adds.
Salcedo is married to Abe Elserfy,
an Egyptian national who owns a
furniture factory in Cairo and who
is also her supplier. She says her hus-
Photography by Godwin Nerona
band hails from a family of furniture
makers in Egypt and that the busi-
ness was started by his grandfather
in 1917. Abe, she adds, also exports
furniture to Australia, Malaysia and
the US, and started supplying his
products here in the country in 1997.
Aside from the advantage of own-
ing exclusive furniture, Salcedo points
out that all of the items for sale at
Elserfy’s are hand-made and never
mass produced. This is part of the rea-
son Elserfy counts as among its clients
movie stars, politicians, and popular
personalities such as El Shaddai’s char-
ismatic leader Bro. Mike Velarde.
“People who know furniture will
tell you the quality and beauty in

hand-made products. We take pride
in what we sell. The quality of hand-
made Egyptian furniture is unques-
tionable,” Salcedo says.
She says that as a matter of fact,
Elserfy does not advertise. It gets its
clients from satisfied customers who
spread the word on the quality of
the products it sells. “The best ad is
good service. If you have good ser-
vice, then you will have guaranteed
sales,” she says.
Salcedo states that Elserfy’s method
of selling is not mainly done inside the
store, but by setting up presentations
in houses. They furnish the homes
with absolutely no obligation on the
part of a client.
“If they think what we installed was
what they wanted, then we proceed
with the sale. If not, then we move it
out,” she says.
Elserfy sells all kinds of furniture
styled as Italian, French, Imperial,
Mediterranean and Victorian. Aside
from furniture, it also retails carpets,
custom-made curtains, chandeliers,
table lamps, wall lights, frame and
oil paintings and other house decors.
Salcedo says the store also accepts
custom-made furniture, as long as
they are provided the specification.
The order will be made in Egypt and
will be shipped to the Philippines.
The store is located at the ground
floor of the Makro building at the
corner of the South Super Highway
and Buendia in Makati. For inquiries,
you may call 8434036.
CondoCentral | 69
 condo
Disclaimer: All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Prospective
purchasers and renters should verify the information to their satisfaction.

www.condo.com.ph
For inquiries and viewing requests:
CALL NOW (632) 812-3333
e
NG ac
PE hI g
sp FEE
TY kin TAL
IT rnis ZE r N
UN Fu SI Pa RE
For rent

Bonifacio Global City

Bonifacio Heights 2 Unfurnished 41 sq.m. 0 P15,000/month
Bonifacio Heights 2 Fully furnished 46 sq.m. 0 P25,000/month
One Mckinley Place 2 Fully furnished 114 sq.m. 1 P100,000/month
Serendra 2 3 Unfurnished 108 sq.m. 0 P110,000/month
Serendra 2 1 Fully furnished 54 sq.m. 0 P50,000/month
Bonifacio Ridge 3 Fully furnished 113 sq.m. 2 P100,000/month
One Mckinley Place 1 Fully furnished 78 sq.m. 1 P70,000/month
One Mckinley Place 2 Fully furnished 110 sq.m. 0 P110,000/month
Rosewood Pointe 2 Unfurnished 49 sq.m. 0 P60,000/month
One Serendra 1 Semi-furnished 79 sq.m. 1 P80,000/month
Kensington Place Studio Fully furnished 36 sq.m. 0 P30,000/month
Forbeswood Heights 3 Fully furnished 155 sq.m. 1 P130,000/month
Penhurst 2 Semi-furnished 94 sq.m. 1 P65,000/month
Penhurst 3 Semi-furnished 145 sq.m. 1 P100,000/month
Kensington Place Studio Fully furnished 34 sq.m. 0 P30,000/month

Legaspi Village, Makati

One Legaspi Park 2 Fully furnished 90.77 sq.m. 0 P110,000/month
One Legaspi Park 1 Fully furnished 60.25 sq.m. 1 P70,000/month
Greenbelt Parkplace Studio Fully furnished 36 sq.m. 0 P35,000/month
Frabella 2 Fully furnished 169 sq.m. 0 P85,000/month
Biltmore Studio Bare 62 sq.m. 0 P37,000/month
Biltmore 1 Fully furnished 82 sq.m. 1 P70,000/month
Greenbelt Radisson Studio Fully furnished 34.3 sq.m. 0 P30,000/month
Shang Grand Tower 1 Fully furnished 132 sq.m. 0 P130,000/month
One Legaspi Park 2 Fully furnished 96 sq.m. 1 P100,000/month
One Legaspi Park 1 Fully furnished 62 sq.m. 1 P55,000/month
Shang Grand Tower 2 Fully furnished 135 sq.m. 1 P140,000/month
The Asia Tower 2 Fully furnished 75 sq.m. 0 P65,000/month
The Asia Tower 2 Fully furnished 75 sq.m. 0 P65,000/month
Greenbelt Park Place Studio Fully furnished 37.1 sq.m. 0 P30,000/month
Greenbelt Park Place Studio Fully furnished 36.5 sq.m. 0 P35,000/month
Greenbelt Park Place Studio Fully furnished 36.5 sq.m. 0 P27,000/month
Greenbelt Park Place Studio Fully furnished 36 sq.m. 0 P35,000/month

72 | CondoCentral

Malate, Manila
Pacific Regency
Popular Place Condominium
Popular Place Condominium
Popular Place Condominium
Burgundy Transpacific
Burgundy Transpacific
One Wilson Place
Mandaluyong City/ Pasig
Mayfield Park Residences
East Ortigas Mansions
Parc Royale
California Garden Square
California Garden Square
California Garden Square
Quezon City
Novalesa Millenium Bldg.
Spazio Bernardo
One Orchard Road
Grand Eastwood Palazzo
Prince David Condominium
Tropical mandarin
Tropical mandarin
Salcedo Village, Makati
Salcedo Park
Splendido Gardens
Grand Tower Condo
Grand Tower Condo
Grand Tower Condo
The Peak
Antel Platinum
Pasong Tamo/ Dela Rosa/ Ayala Ave./ Rockefeller, Makati
Oriental Gardens Lotus Tower
MET 1
Oriental Gardens
Sison Mansion
Sison Mansion
The Columns at Ayala
Paranaque/ Marikina/ Taguig
Chateau Elysee
Picasso @ Presidio Brittany Bay
Marquinton Residences
Vista De Lago Villas
e
NG ac
PE hI g
sp FEE
TY in al
IT rnis ZE rk nt
UN Fu SI Pa R e
1 Unfurnished 46 sq.m. 0 P15,000/month
2 Unfurnished 57 sq.m. 1 P16,500/month
2 Unfurnished 57 sq.m. 1 P16,500/month
2 Unfurnished 57 sq.m. 1 P16,500/month
1 Unfurnished 25 sq.m. 0 P13,500/month
1 Unfurnished 28 sq.m. 0 P13,500/month
2 Unfurnished 102 sq.m. 1 P24,000/month
2 Unfurnished 48 sq.m. 1 P20,000/month
2 Semi-furnished 80 sq.m. 1 P15,000/month
1 Fully furnished 60 sq.m. 0 P35,000/month
2 Fully furnished 60 sq.m. 0 P16,000/month
2 Fully furnished 60 sq.m. 0 P35,000/month
2 Semi-furnished 57.5 sq.m. 0 P14,000/month
Studio Semi-furnished 30.53 sq.m. 0 P16,000/month
Studio Semi-furnished 33 sq.m. 0 P6,000/month
2 Fully furnished 73 sq.m. 1 P50,000/month
2 Unfurnished 73 sq.m. 1 P35,000/month
2 Semi-furnished 82 sq.m. 0 P25,000/month
2 Fully furnished 146 sq.m. 1 P50,000/month
1 Fully furnished 1 P45,000/month
2 Unfurnished 179 sq.m. 2 P70,000/month
3 Unfurnished 279 sq.m. 0 P120,000/month
2 Fully furnished 155 sq.m. 0 P75,000/month
2 Fully furnished 155 sq.m. 0 P75,000/month
2 Fully furnished 155 sq.m. 0 P75,000/month
1 Fully furnished 67 sq.m. 0 P27,000/month
1 Fully furnished 50 sq.m. 0 P30,000/month
Studio Fully furnished 37 sq.m. 0 P25,000/month
1 Bare 29 sq.m. 0 P13,500/month
Studio Fully furnished 33 sq.m. 1 P25,000/month
Studio Semi-furnished 25 sq.m. 0 P6,000/month
1 Fully furnished 45 sq.m. 0 P15,000/month
1 Fully furnished 48 sq.m. 1 P40,000/month
1 Semi-furnished 28 sq.m. 0 P9,000/month
1 Semi-furnished 49 sq.m. 0 P15,000/month
2 Semi-furnished 49 sq.m. 0 P18,000/month
2 Semi-furnished 58 sq.m. 1 P19,000/month
CondoCentral | 73
 condo
Disclaimer: All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Prospective
purchasers and renters should verify the information to their satisfaction.

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

e
G ac ic
e
PE IN sp Pr
g G
TY in N
IT rnisH ZE rk KI
UN Fu SI Pa AS
For sale

Baguio City/ Cebu City

The Zone Vill 2 Fully furnished 149 sq.m. 1 P8,500,000
The Zone Vill 2 Fully furnished 43 sq.m. 1 P2,500,000
Winland Towers 2 Unfurnished 80 sq.m. 0 P8,000,000

Bonifacio Global City

Forbeswood Heights 1 Unfurnished 48 sq.m. 1 P5,200,000
Forbeswood Heights 3 Fully furnished 155 sq.m. 1 P18,500,000
Forbeswood Heights 2 Unfurnished 85 sq.m. 1 P7,600,000
Kensington 2 Bare 65.79 sq.m. 1 P5,900,000
Serendra District 1 2 Semi-furnished 134 sq.m. 2 P16,000,000
Two Serendra 2 Unfurnished 73 sq.m. 1 P10,500,000
Serendra 2 1 Unfurnished 60 sq.m. 0 P6,800,000
Forbeswood Heights 1 Unfurnished 48 sq.m. 0 P3,800,000
South of Market 1 Fully furnished 36sq.m. 1 P4,600,000
South of Market 1 Fully furnished 38 sq.m. 1 P4,800,000
South of Market 1 Fully furnished 39 sq.m. 1 P4,900,000
Fairways Tower 1 Unfurnished 52 sq.m. 0 P5,200,000
Rainbow ridge Studio Semi-furnished 37.5 sq.m. U.R. P1,250,000
One Mckinley Place 2 Fully furnished 110 sq.m. 1 P10,800,000

Legaspi Village, Makati

Greenbelt Radisson Studio Unfurnished 34.3 sq.m. 0 P3,800,000
Greenbelt Parkplace Studio Bare 36.5 sq.m. 0 P4,600,000
Greenbelt Parkplace Studio Fully furnished 36 sq.m. 1 P5,000,000
One Legaspi Park 1 Fully furnished 66 sq.m. 1 P8,000,000
Greenbelt Parkplace Studio Unfurnished 36 sq.m. 1 P5,500,000
Greenbelt Radisson Studio Unfurnished 36 sq.m. 0 P3,500,000
Greenbelt Radisson Studio Unfurnished 36 sq.m. 0 P3,500,000
Greenbelt Radisson Studio Unfurnished 40 sq.m. 0 P4,000,000
The Residences at Greenbelt 3 Unfurnished 187 sq.m. 2 P24,000,000

74 | CondoCentral

Manila
Hampstead Gardens
Burgundy Transpacific Place
Ortigas Center/ Mandaluyong/ Greenhills, San Juan/Pasig
Megaplaza
AIC Gold Tower
AIC Gold Tower
Cityland Megaplaza
East Ortigas Mansions
Malayan Plaza
Galleria Regency
Wack-wack Twin Tower
California Garden Square
California Garden Square
California Garden Square
San Francisco Gardens
Cambridge Village
Goldhill Tower
Quezon City
Victoria Station
Regalia Park Condominium
Prince David Condominium
Victoria Station
Olympic Heights Tower 1
Rockwell/ Pasong Tamo/ Makati Ave./ Dela Rosa, Makati City
Joya at Rockwell Center
CMET 2
Millenium Plaza
Oriental Gardens Lotus Tower
A. Venue Residences
CMET 1
Makati Prime Tower
CMET 1
CMET 1
CMET 1
Cityland 9
Cityland Pasong Tamo Tower
Makati Cinema Square Tower
West of Ayala
Salcedo Village, Makati
One Lafayette
Easton Place
Easton Place
Easton Place
Prince Tower Condo
e e
s NG ac ic
m hI g
sp Pr
oo in NG
dr rnis ZE rk KI
Be Fu SI Pa AS
1 Semi-furnished 36 sq.m. 1 P2,000,000
1 Unfurnished 25 sq.m. 0 P2,000,000
1 Fully furnished 45 sq.m. 1 P4,000,000
3 200 sq.m. 0 P9,000,000
3 197 sq.m. 1 P10,480,220
1 Fully furnished 35.62 sq.m. P2,200,000
2 Fully furnished 61 sq.m. 1 P3,800,000
1 Fully furnished 56.66 sq.m. 0 P4,200,000
2 Fully furnished 87 sq.m. 1 P11,000,000
3 Fully furnished 165 sq.m. 1 P9,000,000
2 Bare 57 sq.m. 0 P2,200,000
2 Semi-furnished 57.5 sq.m. 0 P3,000,000
2 Bare 57.5 sq.m. 0 P2,500,000
2 Semi-furnished 88 sq.m. 1 P3,500,000
1 Unfurnished 40 sq.m. 0 P1,000,000
3 179 sq.m. 1 P5,000,000
2 Unfurnished 42 sq.m. 0 P2,150,000
2 Unfurnished 62 sq.m. 0 P2,400,000
Studio Fully furnished 34 sq.m. 0 P2,500,000
3 Unfurnished 42 sq.m. 0 P2,150,000
1 Fully furnished 54 sq.m. 0 P4,000,000
2 Unfurnished 100 sq.m. 2 P12,000,000
3 Unfurnished 120 sq.m. 0 P6,500,000
1 Semi-furnished 59 sq.m. 2 P4,500,000
Studio Fully furnished 37 sq.m. 0 P3,000,000
1 Unfurnished 38 sq.m. 0 P4,000,000
1 Unfurnished 29 sq.m. 0 P2,000,000
Studio Fully furnished 23 sq.m. 0 P1,500,000
1 Unfurnished 28 sq.m. 0 P1,500,000
Studio Semi-furnished 20 sq.m. 0 P1,400,000
Studio Semi-furnished 27.36 sq.m. 0 P1,800,000
3 Semi-furnished 83 sq.m. 1 P3,300,000
1 Fully furnished 34 sq.m. 1 P3,700,000
3 Fully furnished 149 sq.m. 0 P9,000,000
3 Fully furnished 136 sq.m. 2 P9,500,000
1 Semi-furnished 60 sq.m. 1 P5,000,000
2 Unfurnished 126 sq.m. 1 P8,500,000
2 Unfurnished 126 sq.m. 0 P8,500,000
3 Unfurnished 189 sq.m. 1 P12,500,000
1 Fully furnished 61.18 sq.m. 0 P3,000,000
CondoCentral | 75
central market
LUXURY RESIDENCES

CONDO! CONDO!
FOR LEASE
Joya
Rockwell, Makati City

CONDO! CONDO!
2-BR, 125 sq.m., fully furnished, 1 parking slot,
P110,000
Two Serendra
Bonifacio Global City
2-BR, 92 sq.m., fully furnished, 1 parking slot,
FOR LEASE FOR SALE P80,000

One McKinley Place One McKinley Place One Legaspi Park

Bonifacio Global City Bonifacio Global City Legaspi Village, Makati City
2-BR, 103 sq.m., nice view, fully furnished, 2 T&B, 2-BR, 103 sq.m., unfurnished, 2 T&B, 1-BR, 60 sq.m., fully furnished, 1 parking slot,
1 parking slot, P110,000 1 parking slot, P13M P60,000

Penhurst Parkplace The Fairways Tower Greenbelt Parkplace

Bonifacio Global City Bonifacio Global City Legaspi Village, Makati City
2-BR, 97 sq.m., fully furnished, 2 T&B, 1 parking 2-BR, 82 sq.m., unfurnished, 2 T&B, 1-BR, 45 sq.m., fully furnished, 1 parking slot,
slot, P65,000 1 parking slot, P10M P45,000

Kensington Place Penhurst Parkplace FOR SALE

Bonifacio Global City Bonifacio Global City Greenbelt Parkplace
2-BR, 98 sq.m., nice view, fully furnished, 2 T&B, 2-BR, 97 sq.m., fully furnished, 3 T&B, Legaspi Village, Makati City
1 parking slot, P65,000 1 parking slot, P8M 1-BR, 45 sq.m., fully furnished, P5.5M
Frabella Easton Place Joya
Legaspi Village, Makati City Salcedo Village, Makati City Rockwell, Makati City
2-BR, 150 sq.m., 3 T&B, 1 parking slot, P150,000 2-BR, 126 sq.m., unfurnished, 3 T&B, Studio, 25 sq.m., P3.8M
1 parking slot, P8M
LPL Suites Antel Platinum
Legaspi Village, Makati City One Legaspi Salcedo Village, Makati City
2-BR, 178 sq.m., balcony, view: Greenbelt 5, fully Legaspi Village, Makati City Studio, 33 sq.m., P3.5M
furnished, 3 T&B, 1 parking slot, P55,000 Bonifacio Global City
BSA Mansion
2-BR, 103 sq.m., unfurnished, 2 T&B,
The Collonade 1 parking slot, P13M Legaspi Village, Makati City
Legaspi Village, Makati City 1-BR, 56 sq.m., P4.5M
2-BR, 145 sq.m., balcony, fully furnished, 3 T&B, 1 For viewing requests, please call Please call or text Grace Geverola at
parking slot, P65,000 Constantino at +639217699685 +639278369426
Tropical Palm
Legaspi Village, Makati City
RESALE
CONDO UNITS
2-BR, 150 sq.m., balcony, fully furnished, 3 T&B, 1
parking slot, P70,000

LPL Center CONDO UNITS The Fairways Tower

1-BR, 52 sq.m., P6.2M
Salcedo Village, Makati City
2-BR, 122 sq.m. to 145 sq.m., fully furnished, 3 FOR SALE 1-BR, 52 sq.m., P5.9M
T&B, 1 parking slot, P50,000 to P65,000 Forbeswood Heights
Grand Hamptons Tower II 1-BR, 48 sq.m., 1 parking slot, P5.5M
One Lafayette Bonifacio Global City
Salcedo Village, Makati City One-bedroom with balcony 46 sq.m. P3.3M Bonifacio Ridge
2-BR, 105 sq.m., fully furnished, 2 T&B, 1 parking 1-BR, 106 sq.m., 1 parking slot, P10.5M
slot, P65,000 Vito Cruz Tower One McKinley
Near DLSU-Taft 1-BR, 76 sq.m., 1 parking slot, P8M
Grand Tower 24 sq.m. P1.2M
McKinley Park Residences
Salcedo Village, Makati City
Call or text Bing Lau at +639209027280 1-BR, 40 sq.m., P3.6M
2-BR, 145 sq.m., balcony, fully furnished, 3 T&B, 1
parking slot, P75,000 Please contact Rowena dela Cruz at
+639164264928 or (632) 7745582
 Essensa
SECONDARY MARKET Bonifacio Global City
3-BR, 290 sq.m., fully furnished, 2 parking slots, PHILIPPINE REAL
Cityland-Vito Cruz Tower II
P180,000 ESTATE INVESTMENT
Manila City Pacific Plaza Towers
Studio, 24 sq.m., P1.25M Bonifacio Global City
METRO MANILA
Skyway Twin Tower 3-BR, 230 sq.m., fully furnished, 2 parking slots, BUILDINGS FOR SALE OR
Pasig City P200,000 JOINT VENTURE
Studio, 32 sq.m., fully furnished, P1.9M Senator Gil Puyat Ave., Makati City
Ponte Salcedo 2,000 sq.m.
Oriental Gardens Makati (Lotus Tower) Salcedo Village, Makati City
Chino Roces Ave., Makati City 3-BR, 170 sq.m., fully furnished, 1 parking slot, Hidalgo St., Malate, Manila
2-BR, 84 sq.m., fully furnished, P11.5M P90,000 1,000 sq.m.
Ayala Ave., Makati City
Call Royce Co at +639177946010 Easton Place 1,500 sq.m.
Salcedo Village, Makati City

RARE OPPORTUNITY!
3-BR, 180 sq.m., fully furnished, 1 parking slot, CONDOMINIUM UNITS
P90,000 FOR SALE
F1 City Center
Forbeswood Heights Antel Platinum Bonifacio Global City
Bonifacio Global City Salcedo Village, Makati City Residential units, commercial spaces, condotels
1-BR, 36 sq.m., residential, ground floor, 3-BR, 130 sq.m., fully furnished, 1 parking slot,
high ceiling, P3.3M P85,000 The Fairways Towers
Bonifacio Global City
Fifth Avenue Place Different unit types for sale or for lease
Bonifacio Global City Manhattan Square
1-BR, 51 sq.m., residential, ground floor, Salcedo Village, Makati City Icon
corner unit, P5.1M 3-BR, 160 sq.m., fully furnished, 1 parking slot, Bonifacio Global City
P90,000 Different unit types for sale
Ground floor commercial property
Bonifacio Global City Greenbelt Parkplace REGIONS
Ideal for restaurant, clinic, spa, retail shop, Legaspi Vilage, Makati City
coffee shop, etc. 3-BR, 115 sq.m., fully furnished, 1 parking slot, CONDOMINIUM UNITS
Located along a main road near St. Luke’s Hospital P85,000 FOR SALE
Size: 96.5 sq.m. Price: P13.35M Cebu
Ritz Tower Condotels for sale
Call Anthony at +639178032000 Ayala, Makati City High-end residential condos
or E-mail him at agmanthony3@yahoo.com 3-BR, 180 sq.m., fully furnished, 1 parking slot,
P110,000 Angeles City
Condotels for sale

CONDO UNIT For viewing requests, call Bong Lozada at

(632) 812-3333 or +639289728486
Bacolod City

FOR SALE
Residential condos
For business meetings, please call
One Mckinley Place Renne Isidro at +639293516481
Bonifacio Global City
2BR, 114 sq.m., fully furnished, view: Manila Golf
Course, high floor, nice interior design, P16M

Please call Dexter dela Cruz at

+639214643185

WHERE INTIMATE AND

URBAN COLLIDE
FOR LEASE
One McKinley Place
Bonifacio Global City
3-BR, 187 sq.m., fully furnished, P130,000

Kensington Place
Bonifacio Global City Website: www. aseanbiztimes.com E-mail: biz_times_ph@yahoo.com
3-BR, 115 sq.m., fully furnished, P120,000
Telephone No. 524-7495 • Fax No. 522-2277
 happenings

A grand celebration of
the real estate
industry
Over 150 of the country’s top
real estate developers and exhibi-
tors from allied trades and industries
gather at the SMX Convention Center
of the SM Mall of Asia on July 24-26
for this year’s Philippine Real Estate
Festival.
Picking up from the smashing
success of its initial staging last year,
this undertaking integrates the three-
day exhibit where developers get to
showcase their prime projects, with
lectures and seminars designed to
address the most common issues and
concerns about buying and selling a
house. The festival likewise aims to
provide guests with a basic under-
Philippine Real Estate standing of the real estate business
Festival foreperson, and trade. Moreover, specialized
Rosemarie Custodio Basa.
discussion groups will be held for
Overseas Filipino Workers as well as
members of foreign business cham-
bers.
Another festivity highlight is the
coronation of this year’s Miss Real
Estate Philippines. The pageant

78 | CondoCentral

is touted as a search for young
talented and beautiful Filipino
women who represent the ideals
and vision of real estate builders
and developers.
Meanwhile, the second BizNews
Asia Real Estate Who’s Who or
BREW Awards will also be launched
during the festival. The recognition is
given to the industry’s primemovers
and innovators who have demon-
strated vision, entrepreneurial skill,
and dedication to the trade. Last
year, 16 of the industry’s stalwarts
who have contributed immensely to
the industry and to national growth
were conferred the awards.
Spearheaded by Chamber of
Real Estate Builders Association
(CREBA) Director Rosemarie
Custodio Basa, the Philippine
Real Estate Festival is expected to
draw hundreds of thousands of
visitors. Proceeds of the festival will
go to the CREBA Social Housing
Foundation.
2008 PHILIPPINE REAL ESTATE FESTIVAL
SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES
July 24
DAY ONE
10am Opening Ceremonies
10:10 Blessing Rites/Invocation
REV. FR. RONNIE SAMANIEGO
10:15 Welcome Address
ROSEMARIE C. BASA
Overall Chairman, PREF
10:30 Launch: “One Million Homes”
housing program
HON. RODOLFO VALENCIA
Chairman, Committee on Housing,
House of Representatives
10:50 Launch: BREW Awards 2008
MR. TONY LOPEZ
Publisher-Editor
BizNews Asia Magazine
11:10 Message of Guest of Honor
VICE PRESIDENT NOLI DE CASTRO
Chairman, Housing and Urban
Development Corporation Commission
12 nn OFW Hour
Theme: Real Estate as the
Best Investment for OFWs
Participating OFW Groups*
(With a combined membership
of 50,000+ migrant workers)
Global Filipino Nation
Global Filipino Coalition
Mr. Vic Barrios,
Lead Convenor
Filipino Migrant Workers Group
Mr. Jun Aguilar, Chairman
Worldwide Filipino Alliance
Atty. Zeta Borromeo Garcia,
Chairman
Pinoy Koop Inc.
Mr. Gene Canlas, Chairman
OFW Multi-Purpose Cooperative
Mr. Roger San Andres,
Chairman
Guest Speaker:
ATTY. ROMERO QUIMBO
President, Pag-ibig Fund
2pm SEMINAR MODULE I
Theme: The Philippines as an
Investment Haven
State of the Philippine Economy
SECRETARY PETER FAVILA
Dept. of Trade & Industry
2:45 The Philippine Real Estate
Industry- 10-Year Prospective
MR. DAVID YOUNG
Managing Director, Colliers Int’l
3:30 Joint Ventures,
Mergers & Acquisitions
MR. TRENT FRANKUN
General Manager, CB Richard Ellis
4:15 Setting Up Business
in the Philippines
MS. LINDSAY ORR
Managing Director, Jones Lang Lasalle
Guests: Officers/members of foreign
chambers of commerce, embassies
and consulates, investment groups,
business and trade associations.
6pm MISS REAL ESTATE PHILIPPINES
2008 PAGEANT
Talent and Swimsuit Competitions
July 25
DAY TWO
10am SEMINAR MODULE II
Theme: The PAG-IBIG Help Desk
Securing Permits and Licenses
for Real Estate Development
ATTY. ROMULO G. FABUL
CEO and Commissioner,
Housing and Land Use
Regulatory Board (HLURB)
10:45 How to Secure a Pag-Ibig
Housing Loan
Restructuring Delinquent Loans
MR. RAFAEL ODES M. ABANO III
Vice President - OIC,
Loans Organization Group
Pag-Ibig Mutual Fund
11:30 How to Secure a Pag-Ibig Real
Estate Development Loan
MR. JUANITO V. EJE
Head, Wholesale Lending Group
Pag-Ibig Mutual Fund
12nn Induction of New Real
Estate Brokers
Realty Estate Council of the
Philippines (RESCOP)
Opening Remarks
ATTY. VICTORIO M. DIMAGILA
Chairman, RESCOP
Guest Speaker & Inducting Officer
SENATOR MANUEL VILLAR
Senate President
2pm SEMINAR MODULE III
Theme: Primer on the Real
Estate Business and Trade
Earn Extra Income -
Be a Real Estate Broker
ENGR. ENRICO CRUZ
President, Urban Institute
2:45 Primer on Real Estate Taxes
ATTY. VICTOR MAMALATEO
Former BIR Deputy Commissioner
3:30 How to Detect Fake Land Titles
DR. JAMIE CURA
CEO, CREBA Land, Inc.
Past president, CREBA
4:15 How to Succeed
in Real Estate Sales
MS. AVELINA ACUNA
Vice President, Chamber of
Real Estate Brokers (CREBA)
Past Chairman, REBAP
6pm MISS REAL ESTATE
PHILIPPINES 2008
Grand Coronation Night
Launch: Miss Real Estate Asia
(With live TV coverage over
ANC, TFC-ABS-CBN)
July 26
DAY THREE
10am GRAND SUBASTAHAN
“Mr. Subastahan” NOLI ALLEJE
Super Sale: Bank Acquired Real
Estate Properties
“Special Sale”
Pag-Ibig Foreclosed Real
Estate Properties
HMDF Officers (Pag-Ibig Fund)
12nn Honoring the Best
Filipino Inventions
(Real estate industry related
products and services)
MR. ORLANDO MARQUEZ
National President, Filipino
Inventors Society Inc.
Guest Speaker:
SECRETARY ANGELO REYES
Department of Energy
2pm MASSKARA FESTIVAL
PREF Events Management Group
Live Entertainment:
Music Concerts/Contests
Awarding of Special Prizes
Best Booth Design, etc.
4pm CLOSING
 happenings
Angel G. Vivas,
Project General Manager
PINOY Lifestyle EXPO
Philippine Realty and Global
Investments Link Corporation
(PhilGlobal LINK), a company
organized by experienced executives
with proven track records in the
field of real estate and housing
Eugene C. Yu,
Chief Operating development have organized a timely
Officer and distinctly unique project dubbed
“PINOY Lifestyle EXPO” to be held
at the 1,200-sqm Automatic Centre
Atrium of the Araneta Center in
Cubao, Quezon City. The project will
feature through a variety of showcases
businesses and products related to
the real estate industry.
The PINOY Lifestyle EXPO
will feature real estate & homes
showcase, auto & motorcycle
show, security systems & electronic
gadgets showcase, lifestyle bazaar on
christmas, HUDCC housing fair and
vacation & tours exhibition.
80 | CondoCentral
PhilGlobal LINK was formed to
promote, manage and exchange
economic or financial interests in
real properties and investments.
Information dissemination and
investment promotion networks
involving persons or organizations
licensed to be directly involved in
marketing real properties are likewise
objectives of PhilGlobal LINK.
The officers of PhilGlobal LINK are
active officers of the Chamber of Real
Estate and Builders Associations, Inc.
(Creba, Inc.): Pedro C. Tario, President,
Past President of Creba; Eugene C. Yu,
Chief Executive Officer and Treasurer,
Past Vice President for Chapter Af-
fairs; Angel G. Vivas, Jr., Director and
Project General Manager, currently
Creba Vice President for Chapter Af-
fairs; Domingo D. De Vera, Director
and Finance Manager, Creba Past
President; Florentino S. Dulalia, Jr.,
Director, Creba Past President; Manuel
M. Serrano, Director, Creba Founder
and Chairman Emeritus; Enrique O.
Olonan, Director and currently Creba
Director.
The “PINOY Lifestyle EXPO” will
also invite businesses related to the
Real Estate industry such as banks,
suppliers, architectural and engi-
neering groups, builders, contrac-
tors and other sectors which target
the upper middle and higher class
market as their primary potential
customers.
The exposition shall be supported
by national presenters, sponsors, ma-
jor newspapers, television and radio
networks, an official website, telemar-
keting brigade and SMS blasting via
the Expo’s marketing and communica-
tion systems.
happenings
Great food ideas at the
5th International Food
Exhibition Philippines
Three hundred Philippine food agency of the Department of Trade and
companies joined the government- Industry.
organized International Food Exhibition This year marked its fifth edition
Philippines in a bid to explore market with a remarkable selection of food
potential of Philippines-made product from the quality producers
innovative food products. The show and suppliers from here and abroad.
was held from May 16 to 18 at the Food exporters also joined the
SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia exhibition as a move to make local
Complex, Pasay City. food products more popular locally
IFEX Philippines was organized by and overseas, and thus expand food
the Center for International Trade exports,
Exposition and Missions (CITEM), an “We wanted to expose our product
to potential foreign and local buyers.
We also wanted to expand our product
base globally especially in western
countries,” said Mr. Ergardo
Anacan Jr., president of Seamaxx
Enterprises, a local manufacturer of
coffee, chocolate mixes and herbal tea
beverages.
“Through IFEX, we introduced
our products that focus on health
and nutrition to target markets
abroad,” added Chris Carillo of Holrite
International Corporation.
This year, IFEX also featured Central
Visayas for its Partner Region Program
(PRP) in a bid to merge food and
tourism in marketing.
Over 1,000 trade buyers from
countries like Australia, Canada,
China, Europe, Japan, Korea, Malaysia,
Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, and
United State visit IFEX every year.
CondoCentral | 81
 happenings

Wait and seat

Furniture design has evolved
through the years. From the traditional
“bangko” to the contemporary urban
chic styles that fits any personality- it
is pretty sure that you’ll find the piece
of your own taste. Recently, a Filipino
designer and exporter have fully opened
its doors for the local market. After
conquering places like Miami, New York,
the Middle East, and Thailand to name
a few, its now ready to feel the heat of
Manila.
Murillo, a name of a well known
and true blue Cebuano designer and
manufacturer of classical and modern
designs of furniture and pieces of art
has launched its line exclusively at the
Alcid Manila Showroom. Allan Murillo,
designer and Managing Director of
Murillo Furniture has amalgamated
with Alcid Manila’s Managing Partner
Gec Alcid to transform a classic house
inside the trendy and prosperous village
of BF Homes Paranaque to a tasteful
showroom housing his pieces. Amongst
the eclectic display is the Mercury
Chair – an exclusive piece bought by
Tennis stars couple Andre Agassi and
Steffi Graf. Displayed as well is this year’s
winner of the Mugna Award for Best
Furniture Design, the Infinity collection.
It speaks the vision of the designer to
continuously create not just impeccable
designs but to embody a definition
between the words worthy and a work
of art. Truly, the Alcid Manila Showroom
has reserved its best seat for every visitor
with the Murillo Furniture
Visit the Alcid Manila Showroom
at 112 Concha Cruz Drive, BF Homes
Paranaque City. For inquiries or schedule
a private viewing, call (02) 799-4064 or
text 0928-2143523 or e-mail at alcid-
manila@yahoo.com You may also visit
Murillo’s website at www.murillo.ph

The “Infinity Chair” – Winner of the 2008 Mugna Award for Best
in Furniture design by Allan Murillo

Belton Place
Makati unveils
model units
Belton Place, the 39-storey
residential condominium at Belton
Square, recently unveiled three model
units designed by the country’s top
interior designers. Located in a one-
hectare, mixed-use development,
Belton Place is conveniently positioned
along Pasong Tamo corner Malugay
and Yakal Streets, just a few steps away
from Ayala and Buendia Avenues.
Dubbed as “Your Place. Your Refuge in
Cosmopolitan Makati.”, this premier
development of Lucio-Tan owned Eton
Properties Philippines, Inc. will allow
future residents the ease and comfort
of living just beside the country’s major
corporations and establishments, and
the largest commercial and leisure
centers for as low as P1.4 Million.
To know more about Belton Place,
call 845-3866 and 0917-8943866. The
three residential towers will feature
elegant studio to one-bedroom
flats, with floor areas ranging from
21 to 35 square meters. Units can be
conveniently combined to provide
two-bedroom and three-bedroom
options.

82 | CondoCentral
happenings
Pag-Ibig Fund
raffle winner
Vice President Noli ”Kabayan”
De Castro, concurrent Chairman of
the Pag-IBIG Fund Board of Trustees,
hands over to Maria Cecilia N. De
Ocampo a certificate confirming her
winning in the raffle held during the
recent Labor Day Celebration at the
World Trade Center in Pasay City. De
Ocampo, a production operator at
Vishay Philippines Inc. in FTI, won a 30-
square meter housing condominium
unit located at Smile Cityhomes in
Novaliches, Quezon City. “Labis
akong natutuwa at natupad na rin
ang aking pangarap na magkaroon
ng sariling bahay. Taos-puso akong
nagpapasalamat sa pagmamagandang
loob ng Pag-IBIG,” De Ocampo said.
The Pag-IBIG Fund donated two
housing units raffled off during the
affair.
Also on stage during the awarding
were (from left) Pag-IBIG Fund CEO
Matabungkay jazz
Atty. Romero F.S. Quimbo; Esperanza
Matabungkay Beach Resort be featuring other live acts on the
Ocampo, president of the Philippine
& Hotel in Lian, Batangas recently beach of Matabungkay throughout
Government Employees Association
kicked off summer with “Working the year.
and member of the GSIS Board
Stiff – Live at the Sands”, a beach Shown in photo are Robert Cres-
of Trustees; Atty. Allan Montano,
dinner-show featuring the band’s po, MBRH VP sales and marketing,
Federation of Free Workers president;
renditions of contemporary jazz with Raul Banzon (on saxophone)
and DOLE Undersecretary Romeo
favorites. The musical series will and other members of Working Stiff.
Lagman.
CondoCentral | 83
 epilogue
National Centre Otherwise known as The Egg, this
modern building is located in Beijing,
China. The 6500-seater, 3-hall dome is
for the Performing
surrounded by an artificial moat. She is
made out of titanium and part of her
skin is made of glass.
Arts (NCPA)
French Architect Paul Andreu
designed the 200,000 sqm opera
house, taking 6 years to construct
and costing the Chinese People
2.69 Billion Renminbi (about 336
84 | CondoCentral
Million US Dollars). Scrambled with
controversy for its cost, design and
safety issues, The Egg had her first
crack with an inaugural concert last
December 2007. The performances
of the China National Symphony
Orchestra (CNSO), the Beijing
Symphony Orchestra and Chinese
pianist Li Yundi as the opening salvo,
The Egg, turned sunny-side up.
How do you like your egg?