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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Do you marvel at the idea of exploring the world and experiencing its novel fares and splendid cuisines?

A cruise at Legazpi Village, a community enclosed by Amorsolo Street, Paseo de Roxas, Dela Rosa Street and Arnaiz Avenue, brings you closer to the world’s most exquisite treats with its unique dining locations. Teeming with eclectic culinary choices, the village complements the wide array of dining selections offered at nearby Greenbelt.

The Columns Legazpi Village, one of the newest developments of Community Innovations, an Ayala Land company, further brings the villagers closer to this novel dining experience as it provides the venue where people can just be a few steps from a wide array of culinary establishments.

Asian Food Fest

With just a walk in the village, you can learn there’s more to Asian food than your all-time favorite adobo or your good old siopao. Legazpi Village proves this as it showcases various elements of Asian cuisines like India’s sophisticated use of spices and herbs, Turkey’s simplistic yet surprising dishes, and Japan’s stylish dining.

Try Swagat Indian Cuisine on Rada Street and treat yourself to authentic Indian fare. The homey ambiance and the reasonably priced dishes make Swagat your best bet if it’s your first time to go Indian. Try the tandoori— chicken marinated in a mixture of ginger, garlic, yogurt and spices, and specially cooked in a tandoor or Indian brick oven.

There’s no need to go to Japan to discover that’s there’s more to Japanese cuisine than sushitempura. Look out for the red structure between Pasong Tamo and Amorsolo Street and have your journey at Little Tokyo. A zen garden welcomes you and ushers you into a cluster of restaurants that all give you a taste of Japan.

For that one-stop Asian culinary experience, visit the Legazpi Sunday Market and taste the delightful cuisines of Korea, Japan, Thailand and China.

Viva Italia!

Italian cuisine at its finest — that’s what you’ll find in Legazpi Village’s strip of Italian restaurants. Just a few steps away from your doorstep, you can experience the appealing dining ala Italia.

Located along Salcedo Street, Mezzaluna offers mouthwatering pizzas and pastas and desserts. Try their Vongole pasta, fresh clams with olive oil, white wine and parsley. For the dessert, try the Valrhona Dark Chocolate Marquise, a melt-in-your-mouth dessert with rich dark chocolate, surrounded with Vanilla sauce and Topped with Cotton Candy.

For a cozy, romantic Italian dining experience, try La Grotta, a cozy sanctuary for your pizza-and-pasta-seeking taste buds. Located along Rufino Street, treat yourself to their various pizzas and pastas.

For the die-hard pasta fanatic, there’s Amici, located along Arnaiz Street, beside Don Bosco. Choose from 25 different types of pasta sauces and around 6 types of pasta noodles. Check out their famous gelato and indulge in its enchanting blend of milk, eggs, sugar and other ingredients. More, gelato is even healthier than your ordinary ice cream.

Other restaurants also showcase the other exotic and distinctive elements of Mediterranean cuisines. Visit Azzurro Bistro and Wine Bar at Aguirre Street and feast in their wide array of food and wine choices.

Café Fete

Revisit 16^th century Middle East — when and where coffee shops started to become places for social gathering and relaxation. On Dela Rosa Street, check out Old Manila Café Tea House, a café that offers treats at reasonable prices. Indulge in one of their best sellers – Scent of Mt. Apo — a blend of cappuccino with vanilla and hazelnut syrup.

Try Caffé a Go-go on Salcedo Street and treat yourself to the best sandwiches in town. Some of their must-tries are the tuna sandwich, chicken basil sandwich, or their garlic mushroom appetizer. You can also indulge yourself in their refreshing iced tea that comes bottomless at a very reasonable price.

Visit the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf outlet at the Convergys Building on Ayala Avenue corner Salcedo Street and experience their fresh quality ingredients, inviting interiors and excellent service.

With all these novelties and delights, plus the accessibility that The Columns Legazpi Village has to offer, residents can easily test themselves to the diverse tastes of the world. The Columns Legazpi Village is just a few steps from about 240 office buildings within the Makati Central Business District, and from a wide array of lifestyle conveniences. Together with its rewarding location, The Columns Legazpi Village entitles its residents with the Lovin’ Legazpi Privilege Card—their very own passport to the exclusive benefits of the many establishments of Legazpi Village.

For inquiries on owning a home at The Columns Legazpi Village, call 856-1888, email cii-sales@ayalaland.com.ph or visit www.thecolumnslegazpivillage.com.ph. Model units are available for viewing daily at the 3^rd level of Glorietta 3, Ayala Center, from 10 am to 9 pm (Sunday to Thursday), 10 am to 10 pm (Friday and Saturday).