Welcome to the fourth edition of Township Tales! This series of articles features different individuals who were able to experience the life-changing LIVE-WORK-PLAY integrated lifestyle of Megaworld Corporation‘s world-class townships.
Life in Metro Manila can be stressful. With the capital’s soaring population rate, even the simple act of commuting can become toxic for the average Filipino worker who has to rely on the chaotic public transportation system to navigate Metro Manila. So, it is understandable why people are relocating to modern townships across the country to get away from the hassles of modern city living.
The traffic problem affects thousands of working Filipinos daily, including 38-year-old Atty. Bryant Casiw. Bryant is a lawyer and business consultant who lives in One Uptown Residences, a 44-storey luxury condominium located in one of Megaworld’s premier townships, Uptown Bonifacio in Taguig City. He prefers to live close to work, and enjoys the convenience that his new address provides him.
Why did you choose Uptown Bonifacio over other townships?
“It’s right in front of major hotels and establishments in BGC. Everything is near, everything is convenient.”
Uptown Bonifacio is one such township in the metro that offers a taste of comfort and luxury within its 15.4-hectare community. A cosmopolitan playground, Uptown Bonifacio is located north of Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City, at the epicenter of the city’s rising Central Business Districts (CBD) where one can find top-grade offices for the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector. The township’s vibrant, modern aesthetic continues along Uptown Parade with its diverse restaurants, upscale food trucks and showcase of flagship international stores like the Dalmore, Scotland’s flagship whisky lounge in the Philippines. Asia’s largest superclub, The Palace, can be also found here along with some of Manila’s finest nightlife and events hotspots like the newly renovated XYLO (formerly Valkyrie) and The Island (formerly Palace Pool Club). From there, one can walk to Uptown Mall and grab a coffee at the country’s first Tim Hortons branch and the Hello Kitty Café. There’s no need to cross the road to get home as the mall’s basement area is linked to the township’s most iconic residential condominium, One Uptown Residences.
How does it feel to live in a township?
“Feels great. My condo is very accessible to my office, the mall, hotels, and a whole lot more!”
One of the perks of living, working and studying within Uptown Bonifacio is accessibility. First-class health care and educational institutions are right beside the township, where one can best experience Megaworld’s signature LIVE-WORK-PLAY-LEARN lifestyle. Some establishments in Uptown Bonifacio stay open for 24/7 to cater to Manila’s night owls and to continually support the BPO force.
From a business consultant’s perspective, what can you say about Uptown Bonifacio’s business environment?
“Uptown (Bonifacio) is in a prime location. Many local and foreign investors want to have a piece of One Uptown Residences. Ideally, it’s better to have your residential place and office in one building. If not, they have to be close together because traffic in Manila is getting worst. You are wasting so much time going to and from work. Living in an integrated township can help you save time.
The business opportunities here are definitely booming. There’s a lot of foreign investments coming in, because even foreigners can own a unit in Megaworld’s properties. Doing business in the country has become easier. The government is trying to cut down red tape and help investors become more comfortable in doing business here in the Philippines in places like Uptown Bonifacio. There are BPO offices here.”
Taguig recently surpassed Ortigas as the second largest office district in the country next to Makati, according to a report by international property consultancy firm Pronove Tai. At 17% growth rate, experts predict that Taguig will be the fastest growing office district in 2018.
The economic surge is also aided by government support. With the introduction of Republic Act 11032 or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act, more foreign investments are expected to pour in.
Do you think that buying a condo unit in a township is a good investment?
“Yes. When you buy property, the number one consideration there is location. Uptown Bonifacio is one of the best real estate locations in Metro Manila.”
How did your life change when you started living in Uptown Bonifacio?
“I wasn’t as entrepreneurial before. When we moved to One Uptown (Residences), there were more business activities and transactions with foreign clients. The cost of living is manageable and also tempered by the fact that owning a Megaworld property is a very good investment because it keeps on appreciating. The value of your money is going up.”
Do you see your future self settling for good in Uptown Bonifacio?
“Yes, definitely. And then, I’ll probably expand my investments to other nearby locations.”
Do you think people who has the same age as yours should invest in real estate?
“Megaworld is a good investment. I think it is worth looking into because of the township’s convenience, proximity and location.”
Would you recommend Megaworld’s townships to them as an investment?
“Investors and OFWs, who have saved up enough money, are better off investing in Megaworld properties rather than putting their money in the bank because the interest in the bank is very low and it’s only subject to holding tax. But when you invest in a Megaworld property, it is something that would give more value to your money and it’s something that you can live in already. If you don’t want to, you can also rent it out easily.”
Can you share some money saving tips to people who want to own their dream condo someday?
“For the millennials who are trying to save, just allocate 20% of your salary to savings or investments. You don’t have to start investing big. You have to develop the fiscal discipline to save. Keep on saving and allocating something for the future. Because at the end of the day, it’s an investment for yourself. After you pay off that condo, then it’s already yours. By the time you have your own family, you can live there and try to expand elsewhere, in other Megaworld properties. You can also rent out your properties easily and gain passive income. That way, your money will earn and work for you. Investments don’t have to be big. You can always start small.”
What do they have to know before investing?
“First, you have to check if the real estate developer has a good reputation. Find out if the developer is able to deliver what was promised in the reservation agreement, able to answer your concerns by the time you move in, and help you grow and enjoy your property or investment.”
Megaworld is now bringing its LIVE-WORK-PLAY-SHOP signature township concept to the City of San Fernando, Pampanga, with its first integrated township project—Capital Town Pampanga. Rising as the Philippines’ next real estate and business destination, Capital Town Pampanga will bring a slice of modern city living that complements the province’s developing sectors. Here, residents can enjoy the promise of an all-inclusive lifestyle through Megaworld’s various upscale components and modern amenities.
The township’s Rainwater Park feature provides landscaped open spaces with trails for walking, jogging and biking activities. The Shophouse District adds distinction to the whole township with its Neoclassical architecture with Art Deco details, which brings to mind the image of 1950s Pampanga in all its splendor. Everyone can enjoy a unique shopping and dining experience at the various retail stores and restaurant concepts of the Shophouse District; or tour the PASUDECO Museum which will showcase, among others, rich historical artifacts retrieved from the old sugar mills in Pampanga. The township is complemented by adaptive reuse of century-old bricks and tribute sculptures that pay homage to local art aesthetic.
Searching for your own Capital Town Pampanga residential address? Set your sights on Chelsea Parkplace, its first residential condominium project. The 12-storey condominium will feature a selection of amenities for a sensible living experience, including a pool lounge, events hall, fitness center, day care, and ‘The Other Room’— a modern speakeasy found behind an interesting entrance with an unassuming doorway. Pioneer residents will have the advantage of seeing the growth and development of Pampanga and get the unique opportunity to set their roots in a place where everything is well within reach.
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