Okay, first off, let me apologize for the journalese headline. There's really no other way to write it except "More people putting up more buildings" or something like that. With that out of the way, let's get to the story at hand.

Well, this increase in building permit applications bodes well for the Philippine economy, particularly concerned industries such as real estate and construction. Despite fears that the global financial crisis is putting an end to the construction boom, the government, led by Vice President Noli de Castro, remains optimistic that the property sector can weather the storm and continue to grow.

Here's an excerpt from a Business Mirror article on De Castro's reaction:

Vice President and Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council chairman Noli de Castro, reacting to the "boom's over" prognosis for the Philippine property sector, said the housing sector would be able to weather the global financial storm arising from the subprime problem in the United States.

De Castro made the rebuttal after the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines noted that the "boom's over" for the real estate industry in the Philippines, as indicated by the entry of speculation into the local property sector.

The Vice President explained that the growth of the real property sector in the Philippines was fueled by the favorable policy environment in the housing sector and the Filipinos' desire to own a home.

It seems that De Castro is right as the latest National Statistics Office report on private building construction shows.

The report says approved building permits nationwide have reached 25,145 in the second quarter of 2008, indicating an increase of 9.3 percent compared with 23,003 applications during the same period in 2007.

Similarly, an increase in applications for both residential and non-residential building construction have been observed.

"Residential building construction went up by 16.9 percent to 18,451 from 15,781 approved building permits during the same quarter of 2007. Non-residential constructions, likewise, increased by 7.5 percent to 2,707 from 2,518 recorded during the same quarter of 2007," the report adds.

Six provinces posted more than a thousand applications each. This list includes Bulacan, with 1,377 applications, Cavite (1,719), Laguna (1,014), Rizal (1,108), Cebu (1,069), and Davao del Sur (1,077).

Here's a piece I wrote for the Business Mirror a couple of years ago. I still find it relevant, so I'm reposting it here. My apologies for the lack of visuals.

With the demand for sturdy low-cost housing steadily rising, attributed in part to the dream of Filipino migrant workers to own their own homes in the motherland, property developers are turning to foreign technologies—such as prefabricated materials—that allow the fast-tracking of construction, thereby cost-efficient.

Not Hilario N. Abbatuan, though. This mechanical engineer from the north says he is sticking to indigenous technologies for housing and good, old and solid concrete to do the job.

Abbatuan, fondly called Larry by friends and family, says he can finish a house in as short a time as 24 hours through a system he has developed—the H.N. Abbatuan Form System.

“With my system, I not only finish a unit faster than the conventional method of constructing a house—from laying down concrete for a foundation to the installation of galvanized iron sheets to form a roof—the house also comes out cheaper by about 30 percent,” Larry says.

Forming dreams

The use of the word “form” in the system’s name is not without basis, Larry explains. It turns out the system relies heavily on forms—much like molds—that dictate how a house will be built and how it will look like.

Larry says the proper name for the system is “cast-in-place” since the foundation, walls and roofdeck—yes, almost all the units he has built since the founding of his company, H.N. Abbatuan Builders, have solid concrete slabs as roofs—are literally cast in place using the forms or molds.

“The Abbatuan System entails the designing of a complete house form that allows the simultaneous concrete pouring of walls, partitions, beams and columns. The effect? Uniform distribution of strength for the whole house,” he explains.

The system does not use hollow blocks and plywood girders, two elements vital in the conventional way of constructing a house that Larry labels as “unnecessary expenses.”

“Construction sites are very chaotic and materials often get bruited about. Hollow blocks, being very weak, crumble easily when care is not exercised. At the end of a construction period, a contractor usually finds himself straddled with the loss of hollow blocks and, thus, more expenses,” Larry points out.

“It’s the same with plywood and other lumber. Once it’s used to form a cast to hold and form concrete, the wood is virtually useless—it can’t be used again,” he adds.

Fast and furious

The Abbatuan Form System is also labor efficient, requiring only 12 workers to build a single 36 square meter to 72 square meter house in 24 hours. Larry also boasts that his company can build a medium-rise apartment building, from foundation to roof, in about 90 days.

Larry’s claim has been proven several times in the recent past, at housing sites in Quezon City, Manila, and Muntinlupa with the help of local governments.

He has also participated in building homes for the less fortunate through the National Housing Authority, which has recognized his system with a certificate under the Accreditation of Indigenous Technologies (AITECH) program of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council.

The goodwill he has fostered with the government, however, is not without its downside. Larry recalls a time he built a mass housing project for a local government but did not get paid.

“I even got sued. But the circumstances leading to this problem is a different story and cannot be talked about—for now,” Larry explains.

At present, Larry is engaged in projects in General Santos City, where he hopes to recover from the aches of projects that failed “through no fault of mine.” He is also on the prowl for a good challenge, someone who can dare him to a contest on who can build a house the fastest.

“I want the chance to prove that the Filipino can innovate and use the products of his considerable intellect to help his countrymen. I am surprised—and disheartened at the same time—to learn that many Filipinos still turn to everything foreign for solutions to their woes,” Larry says, referring to the foreign housing technologies now flooding the market.

“What the Abbatuan Form System proves is, what foreigners can do, the Filipino can do better,” he adds.

The coconut tree is again proving its worth as a source not only of medicinal or therapeutic products, such as virgin coconut oil, but also of alternative construction materials, primarily lumber and leaves that can be woven into sturdy roofs and walls.

The Department of Science and Technology, however, has found another breakthrough in the construction industry from the once-lowly coconut—the “coco coir board.” Made entirely of coconut husk, the board is different from your run-of-the-mill paneling boards in the sense that it does not need synthetic chemicals, adhesives or cement as binders.

Aside from this unique aspect, the coco coir board’s production process is environment-friendly, said Dr. Dwight Eusebio, a senior researcher at the Forest Products Research and Development Institute in Los Baños, Laguna.

Although the board is recommended only for indoor paneling, it still entails a strict production process so that its binding property is achieved and maintained, Eusebio said.

“Milling and drying of fibers and hot pressing of the board are the critical processes for the technology. Coconut husks should go through a milling machine, passing a two-millimeter screen, and the fibers must pass through a dryer with a moisture content of between eight percent and 10 percent,” he said.

“Since there are not binders or other chemicals used, the production cost is cheaper, translating to cheaper selling prices. The manufactured sizes are 600 millimeter by 1,200 millimeter, or two feet by four feet, and 900 millimeter by 1,800 millimeter, or three feet by six feet,” Eusebio added.

Eusebio said the technology was also being used in different panel products, like particle boards, plywood, oriented strand boards, and medium-density fiber boards bonded with petroleum-based resins or cement.

“The technology can be transferred through outright sale, royalties, demonstration and piloting, and training. It is ready for diffusion but if commercial production is being planned, specific tests, like termite and fungi resistance of the boards on a long-term basis, should be determined,” he said.

“Also, if the boards are being planned for use as exterior panels or in rooms where humidity is high, exposure tests should be done to determine the durability of coco coir binderless boards. Since most of the equipment for the production of the coco coir board are already available, the transfer of the technology to existing particle board manufacturers is being encouraged,” Eusebio added.

The Philippine Council for Industry and Energy Research and Development, an attached agency of the Department of Science and Technology, is overseeing the project.

Here's this month's price guide for Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation's lineup of cars, pickup trucks, and utility vehicles. I've decided to include prices for the pickups and utility vehicles so that viewers who are gearing up to be entrepreneurs will have an idea how much that small delivery vehicle costs. As for the cars, well, what's a successful businessman without a respectable car to back him up? Go check out the price list below:



As in previous installments of Price Check, I'm including a link to our favorite currency converter Oanda to help resident aliens and expatriates with their conversion needs. Today's interbank rate is USD 1 = PHP 48.19. Whew! The peso is getting weaker.

All prices in the list are subject to change without prior notice.


The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX: Go ahead ... drool.

Related posts:

Price Check: Toyota Cars
Price Check: Honda vehicles (except motorcycles)

In this week's Project of the Week, Cribs and Rides shifts its eyes to the central Philippine city of Cebu, where a renewed interest in real estate is fueling a boom in condominiums and villas. Fuente Triangle Realty Development's Ultima Residences, a 28-story condominium dotted with dramatic foyers, closed circuit cameras for optimum security, and high-speed elevators, is one such project, and it's currently making waves among those interested in settling down permanently in the Philippines' Queen City of the South.

Check out why Ultima Residences is hot:

Discover the ultimate in condominium living at the newest high-rise residential tower located at Fuente Osmeña Boulevard in downtown Cebu City. The Ultima Residences Fuente Tower has 28 innovative floors of quality at every dimension. Homeowners will enjoy the convenience of loft-style living. Unhampered by a permanent floor plan, loft-style residential units afford on substantial open space for flexibility and fluidity of designs. Loft style increases the rooms' capabilities, transforming them into a home or an office.

Here are some fast facts about the project:

Location: Fuente Osmeña Boulevard, Cebu City
Number of floors: 28
Number of units per floor: 19
Average size of units: 60 square meters to 100 square meters
Amenities and features: Closed circuit TV security monitoring, automatic generator set, automatic sprinkler system, Internet connection, video intercom, five high-speed elevators, swimming pool, multi-level basement parking.

Related posts:

Overseas Filipinos fueling construction boom
Manhattan Garden City: Only a dream
Antel Spa Residences: Pampering at its best
Phinma Properties' Fountain Breeze

Many are the folks that rush headlong into buying a property because of reasons known only to them but later retreat when the lot, house, or building fails to live up to expectations.

So before you seal the deal on that hot piece of real estate, learn from the mistakes of others and start composing and ticking off the checklist on your very own guide to buying property.

Location: The property you are eyeing should match your requirements. For example, in choosing a home for your family, you should consider the basics, including proximity to your workplace and the children’s school, accessibility to basic needs, like groceries and markets for foodruns and churches for spiritual quickfixes, safety and security, and environment. You should also think about the property’s resale value, especially if you see your family moving some time in the future. Nobody wants a property that is expensive to maintain and with no buyers in sight.

Family size or number of dwellers: Another critical factor in choosing a property is the size of your family or the number of persons expected to stay there. Obviously, a four to five bedroom house is a mansion to a three-person family composed of father, mother, and child. Similarly, a one to two bedroom condominium unit is not really the ideal abode for seven persons.

Type of property: While weighing the needs for room or space of your family and the location of the property, you should also ponder on what type of property you need—not want—to purchase. With the multitude of housing options—from apartments to townhouses to subdivision house and lots to high-rise condominiums—available today, it still pays to think about comfort. Will the members of your family feel better living in a gated house and lot with lots of green open spaces or the limited and confining rooms of a condominium?

Cost of acquisition: Finance also plays a big part in acquiring property. How do you plan to acquire the property? Are you going to pay in cash? Or do you need financing? If you are planning to pay in cash, then this factor may not have much of a bite. But if you’re gunning for financing, you need to remember that your monthly amortization for the property should not exceed 30 percent of the family’s total income.

Get advice from licensed real estate professionals: Since buying property is considered a major investment, it is highly recommended that you consult a licensed real estate professional prior to issuing that check. These professionals, who include brokers and lawyers, will give you additional tips in buying property, especially those concerning money.

For more Homebuyer Tips, click here.

How can you protect yourself from fraudulent or spurious real property sellers or developers?

Here are some tips that may protect you in dealings with these unscrupulous people.
First, conduct a title search and check the authenticity of the transfer certificate of title, or TCT, or the condominium certificate of title, or CCT, which represent the seller’s proof of ownership over a property.

If you rely on the seller’s act of showing you an owner’s duplicate copy of either the TCT or CCT, you should check whether 1) the last digit of the TCT or CCT and the page number are the same, 2) the copy bears a security mark that can be seen when the document is exposed to light, 3) the red seal on the copy does not smear even when dabbed with a wet cloth, 4) the registrar of deeds has a copy, and 5) the document is a true copy of the TCT or CCT at the registrar of deeds.

Second, probe the identity of the seller. If the seller is the registered owner of the property being sold and not a broker, then request for identification, especially government-issued IDs like a driver’s license, a passport, or tax identification number card.

If the seller is a company, however, you can still confirm its identity as the owner of the property by asking for the Securities and Exchange Commission certificate of registration, a board resolution authorizing the sale of the property, and an authentic employment ID from the one selling the property on behalf of the company.

Remember that if the seller is someone other than the registered owner of the property, he or she must have a special power of attorney that authorizes him or her to sell the property.

Third, establish the seller’s ownership of the property. There are other, subtler ways to check this than merely asking for identification. One such way is by interviewing the seller about the property. If the seller is the real owner, he or she will have a great deal of stock knowledge about the property, such as history and topography.

Last, if the seller is a property developer, you should establish its compliance with laws by first asking the developer’s representative to furnish you copies of its Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board certificate of registration and license to sell.

See the title? We mean that literally.

The first thing you need to know when checking wood in your new home or home-to-be is that appearances can be deceiving. How a wooden beam looks like, for example, has no bearing on its condition. A perfect-looking beam or wood trim may hide a rotting interior, courtesy of termites and wear and tear due to extreme temperatures.

When you inspect a house with lots of wooden parts, be it beams, ceilings, or floor and wall panels, make sure to knock, bump, and tap on them. The best tip in handling this is never, ever trust your eyes to do the inspection.

This leads us to the second thing you need to know—and do—when you are considering the purchase of a house with some or many wooden parts. One of the biggest issues hurled at the once-famous wood is degradation.

When going on a tour of that house you are eyeing, make sure you physically touch these wooden parts. Aside from knocking, bumping, and tapping on them, you might want to intensify your inspection by poking and stabbing wooden beams, doors, walls, and windowsills.

Remember that soft areas in thick wood indicate internal rotting. If you find even one wooden part in this state, chances are most wood in the house are either infested with termites or haven’t been replaced since the time you were born. Make haste and go down to the next house on your list.

Why should you have a sudden change of heart when you find soft spots in the wooden parts of the house? It’s because if you find these soft areas troubling, something much worse can and will happen to the wood.

What’s worse than knowing the wood is being eaten from the inside? When you finally get around to doing the physical inspection and start poking wood, you may want to make a run for it if you see dusts and bits—or chunks—of wood falling out or off. This is a sure sign that termites have come, seen, and conquered.

Wood can be very attractive for first-time homebuyers and sentimental people wanting to get their hands on classic homes but, just like most experts say, it’s simply too unreliable a material, especially for houses in a tropical country, where storms and typhoons make short work of flimsy walls and ceilings.



Many thanks to Termite Trap for the lovely image. Speaking of Termite Trap, you may want to check out their great guide to termites.

With the continued rise in demand for affordable housing in the country, real property developers are shifting to high gear, putting up new houses and condominiums in Metro Manila and nearby provinces at a faster rate.

The sudden jump in demand for real estate from a veritable slump in the late 1990s and early 2000s is being attributed to a renewed interest from one of the most powerful sectors in the worldwide Filipino community today—migrant workers and “balikbayans.”

Motivated by the improving economic outlook in the Philippines, overseas Filipino workers, especially professionals working and living abroad, are fueling consumption boom back home that is fast spilling over to longer-term investment like property—and the real estate industry is equally fast in seizing the opportunity.

At present, real property developers are shifting their sales pitch from local buyers to their more moneyed relatives abroad, taking into consideration the record $10.7 billion in annual remittances.

Big property developers like Ayala Land and MegaWorld have already reaped the bounty of closing sales with overseas Pinoys. These companies have, on the average, experienced a 92-percent rise in net profit from last year that was primarily driven by strong sales of residential condominium and housing projects, and rental revenues from large shopping malls.

“The exciting prospects in the residential market are being boosted by rising demand from migrant workers, improving affordability, low interest rates, and rising middle-class demand,” a report released by an international bank said.

In the Ilocos Region, which is home to many Filipino migrants in the United States and Canada, a new building boom is also being experienced as many balikbayans are constructing their dream vacation and retirement homes.



Image, taken from daylife.com (original from international news agency Reuters), shows a construction worker walking past a banner advertising condominiums for sale at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig, Metro Manila.

Here's the price guide for this year's lineup of Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. I've decided to separate the prices for Toyota cars from the SUVs and 4x4s since posting the entire pricelist will make the article too lengthy. Go scope out the pricelist.



Oh, and just like all other pricelist on Cribs and Rides, here's a link to a currency converter to help resident aliens and expatriates with the number crunching. Today's interbank rate is USD 1 = PHP 47.87.

As in all cases, Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. reserves the right to change prices at any time without prior notice.

I once lived in Cubao, a district of Metro Manila component Quezon City, with my wife and daughter from mid 2006 to early 2007. Why Cubao? Well, for starters, Cubao is familiar territory since I spent most of my young adult life in neighboring districts. And then, of course, there's proximity to relatives. My father also lives in Quezon City and almost all members of my expanded family. Finally, Cubao is—I felt and still feel—the center of the metropolis, not geographically but in terms of public transport.

It is probably on this premise that Megaworld Corporation, one of the largest property developers in the Philippines, joined hands with the Araneta Group, a group of companies that practically owns majority of land in the Cubao district, to develop and build the Manhattan Garden City.

What is Manhattan Garden City? Let's lift a description directly from the developers:

Manhattan Garden City is the best place to nurture your family and your dreams. It’s a complete community that provides for both your work and play needs and offers a highly mobile lifestyle, that the only way for the family to go is up.

Manhattan Garden City is actually several condominium towers that are being built in a section of the Araneta Center in Cubao District. Its biggest come-on is the fact that it is—or will be—connected to two light rail transit lines that services a majority of the metropolis. Manhattan Garden City's second best attraction is its proximity to Gateway Mall and the Araneta Coliseum, which has seen a resurgence of food and events-loving people.

Sigh. For me, living at the Manhattan Garden City is just a pipe dream. For those who can afford it, though, you may want to check it out.

Shouldn't it be "Cherry" cars? No, assures a friend. Yes, I've heard about these Chery Cars from China and how they've managed to enter the Philippine market with the aim of giving other car manufacturers, both Japanese and European, a run for their money.

Actually, this posting is a little late in coming. Chery Cars have been with us for almost a year, although I have yet to feel their presence in the Southern Philippines. This may change soon as this news article implies:

Chinese car maker to set up a plant in the Philippines

Chinese car maker Chery Automobile Co. Ltd. is studying the feasibility of setting up an assembly plant and a training center in the Philippines to boost its after-sales support network.

Gary Tung, Chery International sales manager for the Asia-Pacific and South Africa region, said the company has started its research and feasibility study on the assembly plant.

Jonas Silva, marketing and after-sales service manager of Iseway Motor Philippines Inc., exclusive distributor of Chery cars in the country, said although there was "nothing concrete yet," Chery Cars "might open" the assembly plant by next year.

"It's just a matter of us Iseway sitting down with the mother company," Silva said.

Silva said the car maker will also open the Chery Asia Pacific Training Center in Makati, which will offer training to dealers and sub-dealers not only in the Philippines but also to those in Asia Pacific.

The first training session at the training center is slated next month. It will cover technical, marketing and sales training patterned after Chery's international training curriculum.

At present, Chery has 12 active dealers nationwide. Four more dealerships will be established in different parts of the country by the end of this month.

Interested in Chery Cars? Call Iseway Motor Philippines at (632) 896-2222 local 102 or visit its showroom at 349 Oppen Building, Senator Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City, Philippines.

Instead of a simple text walkthrough, we have here a video walkthrough of Trion Towers, Robinsons Land Corporation's fourth property development project at the Fort Bonifacio Global City in Taguig, a component city of Metro Manila. Enjoy!

I do, but I can't afford it—yet. Here's great news for those who CAN afford it, though. Units at a fully furnished condominium hotel are up for grabs for only 10 percent downpayment. Each 45 square meter unit is priced at PHP 3.8 million (that's around USD 80,000, according to today's interbank rate). Other units, each at 62 square meters, cost PHP 5.1 million, or around USD 107,000.

Here's a list of amenities and facilities: Main reception and dining area, game room, lounge area, spa service, business center with wi-fi connection, audio-visual room, and snack bar.

Each building consists of three-story walk-ups with 10 units per floor. The entire area where the condotel is situated is fenced and 24-hour security is guaranteed.

There are two unit types available: Panorama and Pinnacle. Each unit comes with a queen-size bed, night table, dining table, dining chairs, writing table, console for television, desk chair, easy chair, ottoman, coffee table, balcony chair, balcony table, refrigerator, microwave, television, and split-type air-conditioning unit.



Interested parties may contact me. This will prompt me to send you the contact details of the broker licensed to sell these properties.

Finally, urban living is a breeze. Turn Boracay into your perfect all-season vacation spot. The only condotel-residential community in Boracay, Alta Vista De Boracay assures you a private, secured resort living experience any time of the year, even during peak months.

Here's the price guide for this year's lineup of Honda Cars Philippines Inc. Go scope it out. If you need a currency converter (like if you're a resident alien or expatriate looking to get yourself a pair of wheels while you're in the Philippines, try Oanda. Today's interbank rate is USD1 = PHP47.47.



Of course, as in all case, Honda Cars Philippines Inc. reserves the right to change prices at any time without prior notice.

What exactly does full-service residential suites mean? Here's a description from property developer Antel Land Holdings Inc.:

Imagine coming home after a stressful day at work to have your massage treatment right where you live. Meet up with your friends at the rooftop coffee shop or have your special events at the ballroom or resort spa garden ballroom. No maids to clean up? Then just call the housekeeping. Too tired to cook? No, problem, there's room service.

Get it? It's like living in a hotel or resort. This is probably Antel's premise when they launched the Antel Spa Residences, touted to be the Philippines' first Full-Service Residential Suites "Lifestyle" Tower.

Let's check out Antel's launch announcement for the Antel Spa Residences (thanks to Dave Ballesteros of dbmedia):

The revolutionary FSRS concept pioneered by Antel Land Holdings Inc. in 2005 is a new development category that provides true hotel facilities and services in a residential condominium at the onset, a big departure from the traditional hybrid condo-tel and apartelle style buildings wherein the hotel services are just merely add-ons to the existing structures.

Thus FSRS will soon become the benchmark for future residential towers in the country, spearheaded by fast-rising 29-story Antel Spa Residences and its predecessor The A. Venue Residences.

“The uniqueness and versatility of FSRS separate Antel Spa Residence from our competitors, since it espouses the company’s ideals to offer prospective tenants with the convenience and prestige of a condo address where hotel services are at your beck and call,” said Antel director for sales Miguel Gascon.

According to him, the FSRS features equip Antel Spa Residences with full hotel services, with complete and master-planned “back-of-the-house” facilities, storage, warehousing, offices, manpower support, concierge, and laundry, which further the total pampering experience.

“With the FSRS in mind, Antel Spa Residences even becomes responsive to special needs because it offers guests and tenants a chance to imbibe a wholistic lifestyle that is within reach, 24/7. Antel Spa Residences offers a balanced approach in providing both quality hotel servicing and comprehensive health and wellness program that lets weary city dwellers and even tourists immerse in stress-free environs” Gascon noted.

Modern conveniences and breathing spaces are well considered at Antel Spa Residences, as it keeps abreast with today’s changing lifestyles such as demanding jobs, tight work schedules, and traffic woes. The lifestyle tower, in short, makes condo living in the metro a viable and timely option for tourists, families, and independent urbanites.

Antel Spa Residences houses a wide range of spa and wellness facilities, like a Wellness Academy where you can learn the latest and most effective health trends like yoga and Pilates plus personalized diet programs, alternative healing and detoxification processes, a nature trail, meditative sanctuary, private spa and massage centers, sauna baths, resort spa and kiddie pool, rooftop infinity pool and lounge, and a commercial area for organic restaurants, markets, beauty and medical clinics, and wellness shops, just an elevator ride away.

Designed by architect Edward Co Tan, the healthy lifestyle-oriented environs of Antel Spa Residences is but part of the sprawling 1.7-hectare Antel Lifestyle City. Strategically found also in the enclave are the A. Venue Event Mall that houses a variety of high-end dining bars, clubs, coffee shops, themed bazaars and a 2000-sqm international standard events hall and A. Venue Residences, which also carries with it the unique elements and functionality of FSRS.

Live a whole new way of life at Antel Spa Residences, where the privilege of readily available services and amenities plus a premier Makati Avenue address can be yours in one taking.

I've always admired the Suzuki Jimny. It's roomy even for a compact 4x4, and its engine is powerful enough to get you out of tough spots.

My former boss and colleague, Jojo Robles, owned one, and I had the pleasure of riding shotgun. My first impression was, "good maneuverability," as I watched Jojo weave through downtown Manila traffic and ankle-deep water in the city's flooded streets. The Suzuki Jimny's size is indeed deceptive.

If I had the money to spend on a personal vehicle (by personal, I mean something I can use only for myself), I'd probably buy the Suzuki Jimny.

Here's an excerpt from a short review on Tsikot.ph:

Even in stock condition, the Jimny is a real performer off-road, outperforming bigger SUVs and 4x4s in climbing hills and crawling through mud and sand ... Switching to 4x4 is smooth and easy. Its short body and narrow wheelbase make it great for navigating tight sections, and the suspension can take heavy abuse with only reasonable bumpiness.

With land fast-becoming a scarce commodity in Metro Manila in the Philippines, condominiums seem to be the best choice for those looking for a residence in the center of the hustle and bustle of the capital.

In the last quarter of this year, Cribs & Rides will feature one project per week to showcase the Philippines' best on-the-rise communities and condominiums.

This week, we bring you Phinma Properties' Fountain Breeze, a master-planned community offering modern conveniences for the discerning urbanite:

Fountain Breeze is a first-of-its-kind urban community right in the center of Sucat in the southern Metro Manila component city Parañaque, just 30 minutes from the Makati Central Business District and 15 minutes from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. It offers medium and high-rise condominiums, provisions for parking buildings, and modern amenities such as a swimming pool, clubhouse, playgrounds, that will have everything you need in one place.

Here are some fast facts about the project:

Location: Lombos Avenue, Sucat, Parañaque City
Lot Area: 3.1 hectares
Number of Residential Buildings: 14
Number of Units: 1,710
Unit Sizes: 30 square meters and 40 square meters (expandable to 60 sqm, 70 sqm, 80 sqm, 90 sqm, and 100 sqm)
Unit Specifications: Painted walls and ceiling, vinyl floor tiles, modular kitchen, tiled toilet and bath, and aluminum windows
Amenities: Multi-function hall, trellis garden, walking paths and jogging lanes, badminton court, fitness hub, children's playground, swimming pool, kid's wading pool

The project is almost complete, so stay tuned for developments through this space.

After more than a year in hiatus, Cribs & Rides is finally getting the attention it deserves—from me. You see, I've been neglecting most of my blogs this past year. Yes, sad but true. But I've had very good reasons, among which is my busy blogging schedule with blog network b5media (MMOtaku and Re:Retro) and my almost-recent relocation to the central Philippines to rejoin my wife, Joyce, and daughter Cesky.

Well, now I have a wee bit more time to get things going again. First off, as you may have noticed already, I've changed the theme of Cribs & Rides, giving it a more, if you will, professional feel. Many thanks and kudos to Michael Jubel up at ThemeLib.com for coming out with a superb template for blogger.



Beautiful, eh? Though, for the life of me, I haven't figured out how to change the code for the banner advertisement.

Anyway, we've got a great last quarter ahead of us. With the "ber" months in mid-swing, I'm sure we'll see a lot of good deals and purchases soon. So sit back and relax in your Crib, and enjoy the Ride.