Every family has their dream houses, two bedrooms, and one guest room on the second floor while a living room, dining room, and kitchen on the first floor. Simple, realistic, and attainable. But beyond these parameters, there are still other things to consider, like its accessibility, if it is disaster risk-free, the design of the house, the developer who created the residence, and lastly, the budget.

Sometimes you get the right area but not accessible, or sometimes you get the other things, but the problem is the location - flood-prone section. So, it's hard to find a nice place to settle down. Also, there is a debate between living in rural or urban areas. Honestly, I grew up in the city, and living in rural areas seems more like a dream for me.

When the virus started to spread throughout the world, and when the World Health Organization declared it a global pandemic, things begun to sink into me. There are things that I realized this pandemic. People need to have their own houses. Imagine the things that happened to families who rented during the pandemic? No work and no source of income, and no way to pay for rent. Though there was a directive from the President not to charge renters of their monthly fee while in quarantine, still, people need to live to earn a living.

Before the pandemic, I remember having a chat with some of my friends who have worked abroad. Accordingly, there were real estate brokers or companies here in the Philippines who let their employees stay abroad for quite some time to encourage Overseas Filipino Workers to invest in real estate. It's one good way to save their hard-earned money. Since most OFWs couldn't file all the documents, it is easier for them to go through brokers or agents. Though I didn't work abroad, I think the idea of coordinating with brokers or agents is much better nowadays. Safer and practical, though I know they would bill you for a higher rate.

Of course, the hopeful in me read that this year is the best time to invest in real estate because the prices have slowed down. I was able to browse it on the news that, according to Lobien Realty Group, 2021 is the best time to invest in real estate. Though there is still a pandemic, it is still good news because vaccines are rolling out already. So, there's a good chance of making the industry and economy of the country work again. 

Okay, so there's a better chance for our family to have our dream house. I think I can check with hubby from different banks about the possibility of mortgaging. There is a precise way to fully understand budgeting and expenses when it comes to computing mortgages. You can easily find your local banks like Security Bank, BDO, or BPI. They have this online calculator. I'm sure you'll get a not-so-good impression with their mortgage calculators. It is not as detailed as the one I saw on the internet, like the one from MortgageCalculator.UK provides. So, from its extension, it is from the UK. You'll have to be imaginative in using it. Just pretend that the Pound money sign is in the Philippine Peso money sign. I tried using some other online mortgage calculators, but this one is interesting because it gives you a listing of the amounts you'll need to pay, whether monthly or yearly. It is a reliable listing for your monthly or annual payments.

Okay, finally, you get a hold of the computation. And probably have computed the total expenses that you'll be incurring. But there's another problem for a mom, like me, who's dreaming of having a family house - employment. As of the moment, there's a scarcity on availability of jobs. I have been trying to get a job since last year, but none of them responded. If there was, it was not a fit or too risky.

I think the forecast made by Lobien Realty Group was accurate, probably for business owners and individuals with a good source of income. But for a regular family who's still wondering if there will be work to earn a living, it is maybe a different story.

Avida Land and Kubular unveil “Art in Space,” a two-week exhibit featuring the aesthetics of creative interiors. This is the first collaboration between Avida, proponent of sensible and inspired living, and Kubular, the furniture design firm from the brains behind graphic design-based apparel brand Team Manila.
In the exhibit, the Avida showroom in Glorietta 4 features never-before-seen pieces from Kubular’s newest collection. Four setups were revealed at the opening event: the living room, the entertainment center, the DJ booth and the display area.
Kubular’s furniture designs carry an industrial, Scandinavian feel—straightforward elements like wood and steel bent into cubes and grids to make furniture that are aesthetically and functionally-designed. Their credo is to create design that is contemporary, flexible and sustainable, with each piece having the ability to add character to a space.
Called “LightStyle Collection,” Kubular’s second collection features cream-colored Birch wood as primary material as light-colored wood elements are essential to complement our busy surroundings. The collection focuses on five pieces:

Stephen, an archival crate-inspired wood and metal plant stand that can work for indoors or outdoors—anywhere you want to give a cozy and inviting feel.

Alex, a bigger version of the Stephen that allows for a stylish and compact way to store any collection.

Max, a multi-purpose storage for the home entertainment system—the combination of Birch, dark metal and bright orange casters marries sleek style and function.

Victor, a minimalist, modern coffee table featuring a smooth rectangular silhouette with the collection’s signature black industrial metal handle and bright orange casters.

Theo, a wider version of the Stephen fits twice more—it’s a craftly-made piece that can be used to display plants, or sleekly hold books and records.

Each piece is also mounted on casters for flexibility and easy movability.

Avida, on the other hand, aims to give a taste of the unique lifestyle in San Antonio Makati with this collaboration. The residential Makati village features a wealth of hidden gems and rare finds in the form of quaint shops, galleries such as Suez and Zapote where Kubular’s pieces are showcased, and interesting cuisine—all seamlessly integrated into the village’s creative residential community. This village is also the home of Avida Towers Asten and their newest Makati development, One Antonio.

L-R: Anne Baylon Jara - Avida Marketing Manager, Yani Manuel - Avida Marketing Associate Manager, Mon Punzalan - Kubular Co-Founder, Eric Salta - Makati Leads Managing Editor

For more information, please visit www.avidaland.com.

Access make things easier and faster that’s why one of the country’s leading homebuilder Vista Land and Lifescapes, Inc. officially inaugurated Vista City’s newest main access road links Daang Hari Road to the communicity’s 14-hectare mixed-use development. The event happened last November 22 with Villar Group Chairman Manny Villar lead the cutting of the ribbon and graced the opening together with Vista Land employees.

Aside, from its access to the communicity, the access road also links up and leads to the 300-hectare masterplanned communities of Crown Asia’s Ponticelli and Camella Cerritos that makes it the shourtest route to Vista City’s developments. This new road provides utmost accessibility and convenience to the residents, as well as, potential homebuyers and investors.

The inauguration was slated with lots of activities. OPM bands and solo artists were invited and performed as the night seeps in the event area. Performers are 1:43, JBK, Boys! Boys! Boys!, Neo Domingo, Fifth Dynamics, and the popular alternative rock band, Hale.

Vista City, a communicity that comprise of a 1,500-hectare land, extends its boundaries to Muntinlupa, Las Pinas, Cavite and Laguna. Its progressive developments include Evia Lifestyle Center, Vista City’s commercial, retail and entertainment complex; Starmall Prima, another popular commercial destination; AllHome, one-stop shop for home essentials; upcoming university town; Palazzo Verde, Russian and Victorian-inspired event place; upcoming hotel that will service both businessmen and families; and the masterplanned communities of Brittany’s Portofino, Crown Asia’s Ponticelli and Camella Cerritos.

How the place can be reached? Simple it can be easily reach via Daang Hari Road through Muntinlupa-Cavite Expressway (MCX). If from Las Pinas, may take Alabang-Zapote Road via Marcos Alavares Road; and from Manila to Coastal Road via Molino Boulevard.

Vista Land and Lifescapes Inc. is one of the Philippines’ largest homebuilder with the widest geographical reach. It has created more than 300,000 homes and maintains a powerful presence in Mega Manila and 35 other key provincial destinations and 90 cities and municipalities.

We are one of the family that dream to have our very own house. A house that we can tell it to every body that this is our very own. Until now my husband and I are scouting where we can buy our dream house but of course there so many things to consider. Some of these considerations are the location that we find many places appealing enough for us, we want a peaceful community, we want it to be near to some of the establishment that we can drop by and visit, and so many more consideration since we do have 2 kids.

I was glad that I got the opportunity to visit Ovialand's model houses to get more options in choosing our dream house. Ovialand is located at Sto. Tomas Batangas. I thought it is very far, but it was just 45 minutes away from Manila, and more of living both in a urban and rural community.
As I checked all the model units that Ovialand offers, I think I'll be having them on my list of potential house to buy. I think I'll be enjoying to live here. What's surprising is that  they got a garden area that my husband will love. He likes to do gardening and plant different kinds of flowers, orchids, and some leafy vegetables.

Here are the Model Units:










The design of each house is inspired by Rustic Italian that merges urban and old Italian style. Italian living is somewhat new in me. Among the three model units, I love the Amore, offers bigger space. Most of the Family needs bigger space because we usually have an extended family so I think Amore is the best for us.
Here's some information about Ovialand's Terrazza de Sto. Tomas. It is a 5.8 hectare property with 333 units. It has three model units: Amore (single detached, 99 sqm.), Dolce (duplex, 75 sqm) and Bacci (Quad, 65-86 sqm). The private community also has their own clubhouse, recreational court and landscaped pocket gardens.









If ever you'll be interested to own a property at Terrazza de Sto. Tomas, Ovialand gives its customers premium customer service with extensive step by step assistance so that they will find the perfect home they deserve. Each peso we earn deserves the right investment and at Ovialand, they can assure you that they will provide affordable yet top of the notch investment when it comes to their projects. From your house purchase all the way to property management, Ovialand will surely give you the lifestyle you DESERVE and you will find that at Terrazza de Sto. Tomas.

Ms. Fatima Olivares-Vital together with Ovialand Team

Ms. Fatima Olivares-Vital, business unit head of Ovialand, said Southern Luzon is proving to be a very big market for real estate and is seen to be among the top three growth areas in the country. She added that instead of buying a condo unit, why not invest on a home where you can have the opportunity to have more space, more quality and normal living and a chance to build your dream home as well. Not only do they offer affordable homes but also quality living for every Filipinos especially those who are just starting their own families.

Lastly, she added that there should be no exceptions when it comes to getting the life that we deserve. There are options out there but it's just a matter of choosing them. We have the say on the kind of life we want to live and we have to make it NOW.

Mommies if your family planning to buy a house, do consider Terrazza de Sto. Tomas. I will tell it to my husband too and take a trip again with him to have a mutual decision on buying a house.


Terraza de Sto. Tomas is a project of Ovialand which offers Outstanding service, Value for Money, Ideal Investment and Accessible for everyone.


For more details: http://ovialand.com/

One of the newest cities that arise in Mega Manila made a tremendous buzz and impression to families who are looking for their dream houses. It’s unlike any other place you’ve seen before. I know you’ve read it once or twice already on this blog about Property Company of Friends, Inc or commonly known as PRO-FRIENDS. Lancaster New City is the newest property developed by PRO-FRIENDS which is considered as a haven of quality homes to Filipino Families.
Created with a purpose of understanding the needs of the Filipino family, PRO-FRIENDS dared to make a difference by envisioning a one-of-a-kind township community near the Metro that would enable the family to completely bond with each other. Starting with its first phase in 2007, Lancaster has quickly evolved into a master-planned community that spans to more than 1,400 hectares that covers the areas of Kawit, Gen. Trias, and Imus Cavite. The township community is situated near the Manila-Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX) that helps families to spend more time with each other. Families may now have an option to own reasonably priced homes in a unique township near Metro Manila focusing with the most important aspect of their lives… to LIVE, LEARN, WORK, PLAY and WORSHIP.

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