Mural via Quezon City Government

Mural via Quezon City Government

From 1948 to 1976, Quezon City was the capital of the Philippines.  Manuel L. Quezon, the second President of the Philippines, founded the city as the new national capital after World War Two. Today, Quezon City stands as a vibrant city bustling with commerce, culture, and education.

From its rich history to entertainment and nature, here are 15 cool things to see and do in Quezon City.

Bird watching at La Mesa Nature Reserve

Bird watching at La Mesa Nature Reserve

Photo via Wikimedia Commons

Bird enthusiasts will be happy to know that there is a bird hot spot in Quezon City.  Spanning 2,659 hectares, the La Mesa Nature Reserve is the last rainforest in Metro Manila.  It is home to wide variety of bird species endemic to the Philippines and migratory birds from Taiwan and Japan. Avid bird watchers can hike the forest nature trails and see Black-crowned Night Herons, Ospreys, Spotted Wood Kingfishers, Lowland White-eye, Golden-bellied Flyeaters and others.

 

Photo via Wikimedia Commons

For a more relaxed bird watching, there is the La Mesa Eco Park, a public park at the southern boundary of the reservoir. Keep your eyes peeled for Red-bellied Pitta Pitta, Emerald Dove Chacophaps and the rare Ashy Ground Thrush along the forest path and spillways near the parking areas.  You can also enjoy other activities in La Mesa Eco Park like picnic, swimming, hiking, zip-lining and more!

Zumba at Quezon Memorial Circle

Photo via Wikimedia Commons

Iconic for its triangular art-deco monument and the Elliptical Road surrounding it, the Quezon Memorial Circle is a national park at the city’s center.  The park offers a little bit of everything like a free morning exercises, free Zumba, Dance of the Water Fountain, ballroom dancing classes, picnic grounds, bikes for rent, an orchidarium, a children’s playground and a small amusement park at Circle of Fun

Did you know?

Photo via Inquirer.net

In 2014, Quezon City attempted to break the largest Zumba class world record.  The event attracted 10,000 zumba enthusiasts, however the heavy rain and inaccurate tagging of participants botched the attempt. Camarines Sur now holds the record of the largest Zumba class with 13,350 participants during the province’s Kaogma Festival in 2018.

Animal Rescue At Ninoy Aquino Parks And Wild Life Center

Photo via Wikimedia Commons

Across the Quezon Memorial Park is the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center.  The park simulates a natural forest setting to serve as a rehabilitation facility for the rescued animals before they are set free to their natural habitat.  Aside from the rescue center, the park also features a lagoon, an aquarium, a children’s playground, a botanical garden and picnic grounds among others.

Lechon at La Loma

Photo via Quezon City Government

Dubbed as the Lechon Capital of the Philippines, the La Loma district in Quezon City is the place to be for some crispy and juicy roasted suckling pig.  The district is lined up with restaurants open 24/7 to cater to all your lechon needs like birthday parties, special celebrations or just plain old lechon craving.

Food Crawl at Maginhawa St.

Photo via psst.ph

If you cannot decide where to eat, you can never go wrong with the many restaurants of Maginhawa St.  The Maginhawa St. in Diliman is a foodie’s dream come true with almost a hundred hole in the wall restaurants in one long street.  They have Italian trattorias, French pasta, Japanese ramen, Chinese dimsum, Middle Eastern grill, Mediterranean kebab, Lebanese shawarma, American steak, Tex-Mex nachos, Indonesian ayam goreng, Thai tom yum goong, Vietnamese spicy noodles, Indian curry, European bistro, Filipino street food, healthy vegetarian options, meat-lover’s comfort food, icy desserts, board game cafes, Instagram-worthy food parks, and more!

Protip: make sure to bring your food buddies and come in a group to try more restaurants for a less.

Comedy at South Triangle

Photo via Flickr

If laughter is the best medicine, then the South Triangle area in Quezon City has the best hospitals in the city.  The streets of South Triangle have the funniest comedy bars that can cure away your boredom, loneliness and monotony with just one appointment. There are five comedy bars to choose from.  Popular comedy bars Laffline, Punchline, Klownz and Zirkoh boasts of famous comedians and celebrities as part of their lineup.  While the comedy and sing along bar Music Box is famous for upholding their mission of honing the skills and talent of starting comedians.  Their most famous alumni include Pokwang, Arnel Ignacio and Ai-Ai Delas Alas.

Did you know?

Vice Ganda got his stage name from the owner of Punchline.  His original moniker, Vice, was too short for the comedy bar’s marquee so the owner added Ganda for that extra appeal.

Higher Learning at the Top Universities

Photo via Flickr

Manila may have many universities under the University Belt, but Quezon City is home to the country’s top two universities: University of the Philippines in Diliman and Ateneo De Manila University in Katipunan Avenue.  From famous TV personalities to savvy businessmen to national artists and presidents of the Philippines, UP and Ateneo produced some of the best minds the country has ever seen.

Quezon City is also the home of the main campus of Philippine Science High School. PSHS or “phisci” is a specialized public high school system that offers scholarships to those gifted in the math and sciences.

Social Change at PETA Theater

Theater lovers out there will be glad to know that Quezon City is the home of the outspoken and daring PETA Theater.  Known for having a heart for social change, PETA Theater stages comedies, musicals, dramas and various performances that help raise awareness of social issues.  Notable plays shown in PETA Theater are Rak of Aegis (2018, 2014), Caredivas (2017), and Batang Rizal (2007).

Tv & Film at City of Stars

Photo via ABS-CBN Star Magic

Quezon City is a hotbed of arts and creativity.  In the 50s, the city is called “Hollywood of the Philippines” for hosting the “Big Four” of film industry: Sampaguita Pictures, LVN Pictures, Premiere Productions and Lebran International.  Between the four studios, they produced 350 films a year and established the Philippines as a major filmmaking center in Asia.

Though the four studios have closed their doors, Quezon City still remains the home of media giants.  Today it is dubbed as the “City of the Stars” due to major broadcasting networks such as ABSCBN and GMA Network, RPN, INCTV, PTV, UNTV, Net 25 and IBC have their headquarters in the city.  Quezon City also has the highest concentration of celebrity residents due to the nearby broadcasting networks.

Did you know?

The Philippines has their very own Walk of Fame in Eastwood City, Libis.  Patterned after the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Walk of Fame Philippines honors media personalities that made notable achievement in these six categories: Movies, Television, News and Public Affairs, Radio, Music and Theater.

Retail Therapy at Supermalls

Quezon City is host to a number of malls and shopping places.  For the usual shopping needs, there are SM City Fairview, SM City Novaliches, SM City North EDSA, Trinoma Mall, Landmark Trinoma, Ayala Malls Vertis North, Ayala Fairview Terraces, Fisher Mall, UP Town Center, Robinsons Magnolia, SM City Sta. Mesa, Gateway Mall, Ali Mall, Robinsons Galleria and more.

For the classy signature brand stores, there is the Eastwood Mall at Eastwood City in Bagumbayan.

For the bargain-hunting experience, there is the Dapitan Arcade at Kanlaon St. corner Dapitan, and Cubao Expo Araneta Center in Cubao.

DIY Mechanics at Banawe St.

Photo via Quezon City Government

Banawe Street in Quezon City is the hub of car parts and accessories.  You can get a new headlight, a new sound system, floor mats and car paint for a fraction of your car dealer’ price.

Protip:   You can haggle the prices but be sure to be kind and friendly to the store clerks and mechanics because they can give you better price.  And if they do not carry the part you need, they can make a few calls to their other stores and have it delivered to you.

PC Build at Gilmore IT Center

Considered as an IT shopping mecca, Gilmore St. in Quezon City is dotted with an assortment of stores offering computer hardware, software and accessories in competitive prices. Most stores are located in Gilmore IT Center, a four-story IT shopping mall that serves as a one-stop shop for all office, personal and gaming needs.

Protip:

LRT remains the easiest way of going in and out of Gilmore Street.  However, security guards sometimes ask to search your purchases for security inspection.  If you are buying in bulk, you can avoid this by hailing a taxi or booking a Grab car.

Weddings at Sto. Domingo Church

Photo via Quezon City Government

The Santo Domingo Church along Quezon Avenue is one of the favorite churches of brides and brides-to-be.  It is made in Spanish modern style with Romanesque and Gothic designs that gives it large space and tall ceilings.  The church also features dome murals, stained glasses, and bas relief façade, ideal for vivid wedding photos.  The long aisle gives brides a long dramatic walk to the altar.

History at EDSA Shrine

Photo via Wikimedia Commons

 

If you think history is made in distant provinces, you will be pleasantly surprise to know that the monuments around the city are concrete manifestations of our history.   The Cry of Pugad Lawin Shrine in Project 8, Quezon City immortalizes the time when Andres Bonifacio and 1000 katipuneros tore their cedulas as a sign of rebellion against the Spaniards.  Tandang Sora, the Mother of Katipuna, is interred in her shrine along Banlat Road in Tandang Sora, Quezon City.

In recent history, The Shrine of Mary, Queen of Peace at the intersection of Ortigas Avenue and Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) saw history happen when it became the site of the People Power Revolution of 1986. For three days, people stood in front of tanks and offered flowers to soldiers in a campaign of civil resistance against the Marcos dictatorship.

Did you know?

Photo via Quezon City Government

The Cry of Pugad Lawin is commemorated every last Monday of August as National Heroes’ Day.

Grand Homes

Quezon City is also known for the stately mansions of the prominent families who migrated from Manila when the capital was moved to Quezon City.  They are the political leaders, the wealthy merchants, and the landed hacienderos. Noteworthy mansions that still stand today are President Manuel Quezon’s vacation house now turned Heritage House and Iglesia ni Cristo founder Felix Manalo’s house now a pilgrimage site.

Through the years, Quezon City evolved to keep up with the needs of a modern family.   As the picturesque mansions age and get replaced by new condominium communities, Quezon City retains its affluent atmosphere, now with a modern and vibrant vibe to match.

As Quezon City progresses to be the capital of entertainment, business, and art, potential residents can take advantage of moving into the long admired address with Federal Land’s newest condominium, Valencia Hills –  Tower E.   Designed with the modern and classic in mind, Valencia Hills – Tower E is a charming residential enclave in the quaint part of Quezon City.   Valencia Hills celebrates the convenience of modern living within the quiet part of the capital.  It is an ideal home for families, retirees, and professionals looking for peace and quiet in the bustling city.


Photo via Real Living

Marikina City is a mix of a picturesque old city and a verging urban modernization featuring a thriving economy, modern malls, ancestral houses, wide green parks, and friendly citizens.

Best known as the Shoe Capital of the Philippines, Marikina City is famous for its high-quality handcrafted shoes. The city produces 70% of shoes manufactured in the country. It is also the home of the world’s largest pair of shoes certified by the Guinness Book of World Records, and the infamous shoe collection of former First Lady Imelda Marcos.

Just east of Manila, Marikina is an easy escape to the metropolitan hustle and bustle. So if you are looking for a quick but interesting weekend getaway, you will definitely enjoy Marikina City.


Photo via Philippine Lifestyle

Admire the shoes in the Shoe Museum
As the shoe capital, Marikina, of course, has a Shoe Museum. Officially opened in 2001, the Shoe Museum is built to nurture the historical and cultural value of the local shoe industry.

The museum features the traditional footwear of Filipinos and other nationalities, and the shoes owned and worn by famous politicians, public servants, and celebrities. The museum is also the home of the largest pair of shoes, and a fraction of former First Lady Imelda Marcos’ (in)famous shoe collection.

Address: J. P. Rizal St, San Roque, Marikina City 1801
Hours: Monday to Sunday, 8 AM to 5 PM
Door fee: Php 50.00

Wander around the Book Museum
Tucked away in a quiet neighborhood in Dao Street, the Book Museum cum Ethnology Center exhibits the personal book and artifact collection of Atty. Dominador Buhain, chairman and president of Rex Group of companies. The museum includes first edition books, small edition books and various curiosities Atty. Buhain picked up from his travels to over 223 countries (and counting).

The Book Museum cum Ethnology Center occupies three buildings. The first building houses the book collections, while the second and third building houses artifacts from the Cordilleras, Visayas, and Mindanao. The museum also features two totem poles that illustrate Philippine mythology and two murals narrate the history of Marikina City and the printing press.

Address: 127 Dao St, Marikina Heights, Marikina City 1810
Hours: Monday to Sunday, 9 AM to 5 PM
Door fee: Php 300.00

Learn Science at Philippine Science Centrum
The first interactive science center in the Philippines, the Philippine Science Centrum (PSC) is launched in February 1900 at Manila Film Center in Pasay City. However, after being wrecked by an earthquake that same year, PSC transferred to the University of the Philippines Manila. In 2004, PSC transferred to its current location in Riverbanks Center, Marikina City.

Have fun and rediscover science with over 100 interactive exhibits in 10 galleries including Bodyworks, Earth Science, Electricity and Magnetism, Lights, Liquid, Space, Mechanics, Mathematics, and Perception.

Address: E-Com Building, Riverbanks Center, Marikina City 1800
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 8 AM to 5 PM
Door fee: Php 150.00

Try the food crawl at Lilac Street


Photo via Yedylicious

Now, you might be familiar with the popular food hubs in Maginhawa St. in Quezon City, Kapitolyo in Ortigas, and Aguirre Avenue in BF Homes Parañaque. But there is another thriving food scene you don’t want to miss – Lilac Street in Marikina.

Basically the Maginhawa Street of the East, Lilac Street in Concepcion Dos is a strip of highly-rated restaurants set up in a charming neighborhood. Wandering around Lilac Street and nearby streets, you will find restaurants offering the best Singaporean, Japanese, Thai, American, Mexican and Filipino cuisine. Protip: make sure to bring your food buddies and come in a group to try more restaurants for a lesser cost.

Address: Lilac St, Marikina City 1800

Attend mass at Our Lady of Abandoned Parish


Photo via Trip Advisor

The Our Lady of Abandoned Parish in Marikina opened in 1572 and consecrated in 1690. The church was originally constructed from bamboo and leaves, and then on 1687, it is constructed in Baroque style with heavily fortified façade, high ceiling, and round pediment bell-tower. The church enshrines several images of the Virgin Mary, one of which is venerated as miraculous and was canonically crowned in 2005.

Address: V. Gomez St, Marikina City 1800

Relax at Marikina River Park


Photo via Marikina City Government

Found alongside Marikina River, the Marikina River Park is a 220-hectare system of parks, trails, open spaces, recreation facilities and commercial complex. The Marikina River Park is the focal point of the city’s communities and cultural activities. The park is host to the Mama Mary Fluvial Parade and Festival, Marikina Christmas Festival and Metro Manila Pride March and various performing arts and concerts throughout the years.

Main attractions in the park include a skating rink, amphitheater, riverboats, Roman Garden, Chinese Pagoda, Animal trail, Freedom Park, and Women’s Park among others. Marikina River Park is open for picnic, running, biking, skating, and camping activities.

Address: 300 Shoe Ave, Sto. Nino, Marikina City 1800

Stretch out in Marikina Sports Center
A haven to sports enthusiasts and hobbyists, Marikina Sports Center is a three-hectare complex featuring an Olympic-size pool, an athletics track, a natural grass pitch, basketball courts, volleyball courts, tennis courts, badminton court, and an indoor gymnasium. Marikina residents can come in for a run or exercise as the sports center is open 24 hours every day.

Marikina Sports Center offers various sports clinics for children age seven to 16 every April and May. The sports center also hosts several sports competitions including 2014 ASEAN School Games and grand concerts, television shows, and community events.

Address: 24 Sumulong Highway, Marikina, 1800 Metro Manila
Hours: Open 24 hours
Door fee: Php 10.00

A visit to Marikina City will serve a good mix of urban and rural Philippines. Though it is a city with a growing business district, Marikina retains its charming small town ambiance. The city preserves its historical sites, ancestral houses, clean streets, and colorful festivals; while it welcomes new business investments and shopping centers. No wonder generations chose to stay close to their roots and manage the family businesses. Marikina is a good place to raise a family.

Located near Marquinton Residences along Sumulong Highway, the Tropicana Garden City and the Siena Towers of Federal Land offer condominium homes ideal for starting families. The two communities offer quiet, green and generous living spaces near to major weekend destinations, office towers, retail centers, and premier schools like the Marikina Science High School, Marikina Catholic School, Marikina City University, Ateneo de Manila University and the University of the Philippines Diliman.

Siena Towers is a two-tower condominium along Marquinton Drive that offers a beautiful and secure home in a vibrant community with the Blue Wave Mall a few steps away. Tropicana Garden City is a Mediterranean Castilian inspired community with lush pocket gardens and wide-open spaces. Residents of both Siena and Tropicana Garden will enjoy outstanding amenities, convenient location, and spectacular views of the Sierra Madre in the East and the metropolis in the Southwest.

With Federal Land, owning your first condominium residence is easy. Just contact our representatives, provide a Philippine government-issued ID (with your Tax Identification Number), fill up the required forms, pay the reservation fee and voila! The unit is booked under your name. You are now ready to start a home loan application through in-house or bank financing.


Photo via Patrickroque01 (Creative Commons 4.0 License)
Marikina City is a picturesque old city verging on urban modernization featuring a thriving economy, modern malls, ancestral houses, wide green parks, and friendly citizens. Just east of Metro Manila, Marikina may feel like a small town with clean streets, quiet neighborhood and green spaces; but it is still very much a city with a thriving shoe industry with easy proximity to major business districts of the Metro Manila.

Though it is best known as the Shoe Capital of the Philippines, Marikina City has more to offer to those looking to settle down in her land. From museums to food trucks to pride parades, here are seven reasons why we love Marikina:

The Vast Green Spaces And The Fresh, Clean Air

Photo: Marikina City Government
In the early years of Spanish colonization, Marikina was one of the largest haciendas in the Philippines. The fertile land produced excellent crops, bountiful harvest, wealthy farmers and a prosperous town. Though the Marikeños turned to shoemaking in 1887, Marikina has preserved its greenery and transformed its farmland into parks. Each of Marikina’s 16 barangays has at least one mini-park, and in the middle of the city is the vast Marikina River Park.

So thanks to the lush greenery, the air in Marikina is so much cleaner than the rest of Metro Manila.

Did you know?


Photo via judgefloro (Creative Commons 1.0 License)
The Carabao Trail along the riverbank traces the old route used by the farmers and carabaos to and from their home and rice fields.

The Rich Culture And Heritage

Photo: Philippines Lifestyle
Marikina has a colorful history of how the shoemaking industry started. A visit to Don Laureano “Kapitan Moy” Guevara’s home turned museum will give you a quick history lesson about the birth of shoemaking industry in Marikina City. Down the street, you will find the Marikina Shoe Museum. The museum features the traditional footwear of Filipinos and other nationalities, and the shoes owned and worn by famous politicians, public servants, and celebrities. The museum is also the home of the former First Lady Imelda Marcos’ (in)famous shoe collection.

Marikina also holds vibrant and colorful festivals celebrating its heritage and culture. The Ka-angkan Festival celebrated every April 16 honors the founding families of Marikina. The Rehiyon, Rehiyon Festival celebrated every December 8 honors the migrant families and their contributions to the city’s progress. The Sapatos Festival is a three-month long celebration beginning in September honors the creativity, craftsmanship, style and high quality of Marikina shoes.

Did you know
Marikina City is now referred to as the “City of Pride” for hosting Metro Manila Pride March in 2017 and 2018.
Photo:

The Foodie’s Haven

Photo: Crave Park

Now, you might be familiar with the popular food hubs in Maginhawa St. in Quezon City, Kapitolyo in Ortigas, and Aguirre Avenue in BF Homes Parañaque. But there is another thriving food scene you don’t want to miss – Lilac Street and Mayor Gil Fernando Avenue in Marikina.

Dubbed as the Maginhawa Street of the East, Lilac Street in Concepcion Dos is a strip of highly-rated restaurants set up in a charming neighborhood. Wandering around Lilac Street and nearby streets, you will find restaurants offering the best Singaporean, Japanese, Thai, American, Mexican and Filipino cuisine.

Mayor Gil Fernando Avenue, on the other hand, hosts new Instagram worthy food parks. The Crave Food Park features not only multinational gastronomic experience but also badass artsy murals. The Carnival Food Park stays true to its name with its carnival-themed setup, costumes and food. The other food parks are Terminal 8 Food Park & Lifestyle Hub, Windsor Food Park, and EATsetera Food Park.

Protip
Make sure to bring all your food buddies and come in a group to try more restaurants at a lesser cost.

The Huge Workout Space

Photo via Patrickroque01 (Creative Commons 4.0 License)
A haven to sports enthusiasts and hobbyists, Marikina Sports Center is a three-hectare complex featuring an Olympic-size pool, an athletics track, a natural grass pitch, basketball courts, volleyball courts, tennis courts, badminton court, and an indoor gymnasium. Residents can come in for a run or exercise as the sports center is open 24 hours every day.

The sports center also hosts several sports competitions including 2014 ASEAN School Games and grand concerts, television shows, and community events such as summer clinic for children ages 7 to 16.

Did you know?

The city government has started the rehabilitation of the Marikina Sports Complex.

The Convenient Access to What Matters Most

With only an area of 22.64 square kilometers, Marikina is a small city with at least 80 private schools, 7 colleges and universities, 10 hospitals, 10 malls, 5 churches, 20 gas stations, 89 banks, public market, mini parks, the iconic Marikina River Park and the vast Marikina River. With everything just a few minutes’ drive away, there is no shortage of essentials.

Moreover, major highways such as the C-5, Katipunan Avenue and Commonwealth Avenue, connects Marikeños to central business districts of Quezon City, Ortigas, Makati and Bonifacio Global City; and top universities such as Ateneo de Manila University and University of the Philippines Diliman Campus. While the scenic Marikina-Infanta Highway or Marcos Highway connects Marikina to Rizal, Laguna and Quezon for an easy weekend getaway.

The Growing Business Hub

The main industry in Marikina is shoemaking at Shoe Avenue, however there is also an upcoming food hub in Lilac Street and Mayor Gil Fernando Avenue, a booming entertainment scene at Angel Tuazon Entertainment District, a large BPO sector at IT Centers in Riverbanks e-Com, and a thriving manufacturing industry at Marikina Industrial Park.

Did you know?

The world’s largest pair of shoes is made by the shoemakers of Marikina in 2002. It measures 5.29 meters long and 2.37 meters wide.

The fusion of the urban and suburban makes Marikina an ideal home for many Filipinos starting a family. It is a city close enough to major business hubs but without the hustle and bustle of the metropolis. It is a quiet city-town where the elderly can sit and relax at a town plaza and where kids can ride their bicycles at the main street. Because of this, real estate in Marikina is flourishing. Aside from the residential house and lots in its many subdivisions, there are now a number of condominiums for sale in Marikina City.

Located near Marquinton Residences along Sumulong Highway, the Siena Towers of Federal Land offer condominium homes ideal for starting families. Siena Towers is a two-tower condominium offers a beautiful and secure home in a vibrant community with the Blue Wave Mall a few steps away. Residents of both Siena will enjoy outstanding amenities; proximity to major weekend destinations, office towers, shopping centers, and premier schools like the Marikina Science High School, Ateneo de Manila University and the University of the Philippines Diliman; and spectacular views of the Sierra Madre in the East and the metropolis in the Southwest.

The Diverse Real Estate Choices
With Federal Land, owning your first condominium residence is easy. Just contact our representatives, provide a Philippine government-issued ID (with your Tax Identification Number), fill up the required forms, pay the reservation fee and voila! The unit is booked under your name. You are now ready to start a home loan application through in-house or bank financing.

Federal Land Inc. also offer condominium units for sale -pre-selling condo units or lease to own condo units that are ready for occupancy (RFO) in Makati; BGC (Fort), Taguig; Binondo and Paco, Manila; Entertainment City, Pasay; Greenhills, San Juan; Mandaluyong; Quezon City; Sumulong Highway, Marikina; Cebu as well as in General Trias, Cavite. For lease to own plan details or pre-selling reservations, email us at digital.mktg@federalland.ph.

The prime real estate development company, Federal Land Inc. has launched the third tower in its Four Season Riviera residential community in Binondo, Manila.

Designed to bring good feng shui to its residents, the riverfront Four Season Riviera boasts of generous living space perfect for families, retirees, professionals, business owners and foreign immigrants looking to assimilate into the thriving Filipino-Chinese community in Binondo.

Four Season Riviera – Peony Tower, the third tower of this real estate development, offers spacious layouts of one-bedroom unit measuring up to 47 square meters; two-bedroom unit measuring up to 89 square meters; three-bedroom unit measuring up to 142 square meters; and four-bedroom unit measuring up to 184 square meters.

The Peony Tower also offers generous amenities to its residents. Aside from the usual fare of swimming pools, spacious fitness center and function rooms, Peony residents will enjoy wellness amenities such as a Yoga Room and Tai Chi Areas; entertainment amenities such as Game Room, Entertainment Room (with home theater and KTV area) Children’s Playground, Day Care, Outdoor Recreation Area. Other amenities include Reading Lounge, Study Room, Outdoor Lounges, Landscape Gardens and Gazebos.

This is the fifth project that Federal Land launched this year. The other four projects Federal Land have launched this year are the Baler Tower of Palm Beach West in Bay Area, Pasay; Mimosa Tower of Peninsula Garden Midtown Homes in Paco, Manila; Orlando Phase of Florida Sun Estate in General Trias, Cavite; and Quantum Residences in Taft, Manila.

Federal Land residential properties are almost sold out and only have a few units left in its inventory. Interested homeowners and investors can choose among the remaining pre-selling and RFO (ready for occupancy) units. For lease to own plans, pre-selling reservations, or ready for occupancy units, email us at digital.mktg@federalland.ph for details.

As young adults finishing school or starting a career, you may find yourself looking for the fastest way to success. While there are no shortcuts, achieving career fulfillment and financial security before 40 is an attainable possibility.

Here are five easy investment ideas to help you get ahead early on.

Professional Wardrobe

First impressions last. Whether you are going for a job interview, a business presentation, or meeting the future in-laws, it is important to look good, smart and proper. That way you can be comfortable, less distracted, and more confident.

Invest in well-fitted comfortable clothes that look smart and professional like a tailored suit, dress shirts, leather shoes and a reliable bag. Pick these items in neutral colors for an easy mix and match ensemble. Likewise, if you buy durable pieces, not only will you look fabulous but also save money in the long run.

Knowledge and Skills

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority January 2018 report, there around 11 million millennials in the workforce. How do you stand out?

Create additional opportunities by investing in yourself. Go online, hit the library, ask around: there are free to low-cost courses, seminars or mentors that can help you hone your hobbies, turn it into expertise and moneymaking machine. If you have an overactive imagination and into drawing, study storytelling techniques and try your hand at comics. Who knows, you might be the next Stan Lee with his Marvel universe.

Health and Well-being

It is hard to enjoy life when you are in bed, sick. Make sure to invest in your body and health while still young. Know that the bad habits and poor hygiene of today can lead to disconcerting diseases and unwanted medical bills tomorrow. Treat your body right today as an investment in your future body. Play a sport, choose the stairs, eat a balanced diet, cut bad habits, maintain cleanliness, and most importantly visit the doctor regularly.

At the same time, take care of your mental wellbeing. Treat yourself with kindness and respect, avoid destructive self-criticism and learn how to deal with stress. Make time for relaxation like going on walks, hanging out with friends, or planting a garden. Take good care of your greatest friend and ally – yourself.

Retirement Fund

For most of us, growing old is inevitable. One day, retirement will come knocking and when he does, will you be ready?

Factoring in the inflation, lifestyle requirements and the probability of long life, preparing for retirement is crucial. Set aside a portion of your monthly income for your retirement fund. Look into long-term investment and passive income options like the stock market and real estate to help your hard earned money grow faster than it would in a savings account. Remember the more money and time you commit to your retirement fund, the more comfortable you will be in your golden years.

Real Estate

If you think the stock market investment is too risky for you, you might be interested in investing in real estate.

You can earn four ways in real estate investment: property appreciation, rentals, property management, and ancillary income. In starting a real estate investment, consider the location and quality. Choose a high-quality property in a central area like Makati central business district to attract tenants willing to pay a premium price for the convenience of living near their workplace, public transportation hubs, schools and lifestyle shops. Such is the upcoming Horizon Land condominium for sale near Makati City.

Located at Buendia Avenue corner Taft Avenue, the upcoming condo tower is a self-contained community with its retail stores, restaurants, study halls, lap pool, and a full set of amenities to help motivated and hardworking students and young professionals in their pursuit of career, interests, and causes. Get the most out of life with Horizon Land’s new offering with the pre-selling condo units to be offered soon.

With Horizon Land, owning your first condominium residence is easy. Just contact our representatives, provide a Philippine government-issued ID (with your Tax Identification Number), fill up the required forms, pay the reservation fee and voila! The unit is booked under your name. However, you may need to contact a bank for your home loan requirements using the most convenient payment scheme available. A Horizon Land seller can assist you on that.

Horizon Land, and its mother company Federal Land Inc., also offer condominium units for sale -pre-selling condo units or lease to own condo units that are ready for occupancy (RFO) in Makati; BGC (Fort), Taguig; Binondo and Paco, Manila; Entertainment City, Pasay; Greenhills, San Juan; Quezon City; Marikina; Cebu as well as in General Trias, Cavite. For lease to own plan details or pre-selling reservations, email us at digital.mktg@federalland.ph.

Investing in your future is the best you can do for yourself. Earning a degree in your dream university is the first step in the putting a career right on track. But what if your dream school is all across the city? Are you willing to commute four hours or more every day? Would you still have time to work on your assignments?

School is hard enough; eliminate unnecessary hassles by getting a condominium for sale or a lease to own condominium unit near your university. With the convenience of living near your school, your chances of getting better grades and excelling in both academic and socio-curricular activities could be highly probable since you can avoid all inconveniences in commuting and will have more time to rest and study.

No More Commuting
Even with the convenience of Grab or driving your car, commuting for hours every day is tiring and demotivating especially with the worsening traffic condition in Metro Manila and other parts of the country. Now add heat, humidity, rain, flood, heavy traffic, fragile projects, and last-minute cramming into the equation and you will have a miserable headache on the road.

Ditch the commute altogether and get a condominium near your university. You will not only eliminate the unnecessary hassles of being stuck in traffic but also free your time to do your coursework or extracurricular activities. Need to stay late for a group project? Need to rehearse for tomorrow’s performance? Need to attend Freshmen Night? You do not have to worry about getting home in the wee hours because home is only a few meters away from school. Likewise, it is easier to come to school early for that last-minute cram session before an important exam or recitation because you live nearby.

Most importantly, it is easier to concentrate when you do not have to commute for four hours to and fro Mondays to Fridays.

Convenience
Living in a condominium near your university places you in the center of the academic community. You are within walking distance from bookstores, craft supplies shop, tutorial centers, transportation hub, malls and other student hangouts. Going places is definitely easier.

And compared to renting a dorm, owning a condo gives you the ownership and independence to design, furnish and utilize your unit based on your needs and wants. Want to bake cookies for the whole class? No problem. Want to wear your favorite shirt for the second time this week? No problem. Want to invite your buddies for a group study/pajama party? No problem. You are allowed to have stove, oven, washer and invite your friends; fire hazard, utility bills, noise complaints and personal security are your responsibility.

Most importantly, there are no curfew hours in condominium units to observe unlike in dormitories so you have the freedom to do group studies outside your school and even bring your classmates to your unit to continue finishing your school projects, presentations and homework.

Your Safety as Top Priority
Some dormitories in Manila are near rowdy slums and accident-prone areas. Living in a condominium ensures that you have a quieter and safe place to live with their 24/7 security, CCTV cameras, audio entry, fire detection and alarm, automatic fire suppression, and a standby power generator. As an extra security layer, the main door of each unit is equipped with a keycard lock that sends an SMS notification every time someone access it. The receptionist also screens your guests and asks your permission first before they can be allowed to enter the premises.

Condominium management places your safety in their top priority; in fact, lobby personnel screen unexpected guests to ensure that they were indeed invited.

Recreational Space
For most students, earning a college degree is tough. From time to time, it is important to unwind, relax and recharge to be on your optimal performance and ready for the next day.

Condo living allows you to de-stress in style. Condominium offers numbers amenities unavailable in most dorms such as swimming pool, fitness gym, jogging path, multipurpose court, game room, hobby hall, study hall, landscape garden, retail shops and restaurants. This means that you do not have to spend on expensive gym memberships and schedule your workout anytime you like.

Learn Independence and Responsibility
Often overlooked but a definitely important advantage in owning a condo is learning to be independent and responsible. For most students, this will be their first time away from home and your parents. Living alone means there will be no one to pick up after you – you will have to cook and clean for yourself. Living alone also means your parents trust you and believe you are ready to be on your own. Make them proud!

As a student in Manila’s University Belt, it would be a lot easier going to and fro your university classes and your Makati internship with a home in a central location. The top real estate developer of various outstanding family condominium communities in Metro Manila, Horizon Land, is launching its newest condo community made for students and young professionals looking for a home conveniently closed to Manila’s University Belt and Makati Central Business District at the Taft Avenue and Buendia area which is highly accessible to public transportation 24/7.

Get the most out of life with Horizon Land’s new offering. Located at Buendia Avenue corner Taft Avenue, the upcoming condo community is a self-contained community with its retail stores, restaurants, study halls, lap pool, and a full set of amenities to help motivated and hardworking students in their pursuit of career, interests, and causes. Pre-selling condo units from Horizon Land will soon be offered in this strategic central business district location.

Students in Makati City can avail of ready for occupancy condo units with lease to own payment schemes at Paseo De Roces – Legazpi Tower near universities like Ateneo de Manila University, Mapua University, Centro Escolar University, Far Eastern University, Don Bosco Technical Institute of Makati, and STI Makati.

While students in Quezon City can also avail of ready for occupancy condo units with lease to own payment schemes at The Capital Towers – Rio Tower, located at E. Rodriguez, Jr. Avenue near universities such as Trinity University of Asia, St. Lukes College of Medicine, Delos Santos Medical School, St. Paul College, and St. Joseph’s College of Quezon City.

With Horizon Land, owning your first condominium residence is easy. Just contact our representatives, provide a Philippine government-issued ID (with your Tax Identification Number), fill up the required forms, pay the reservation fee and voila! The unit is yours. However, you may need to contact a bank for your home loan requirements using the most convenient payment scheme available. A Horizon Land seller can assist you on that.

Horizon Land, and its mother company Federal Land Inc., also offer condominium units for sale -pre-selling condo units or lease to own condo units that are ready for occupancy (RFO) in Makati; BGC (Fort), Taguig; Binondo and Paco, Manila; Entertainment City, Pasay; Greenhills, San Juan; Quezon City; Marikina; Cebu as well as in General Trias, Cavite. For lease to own plan details or pre-selling reservations, email us at digital.mktg@federalland.ph.

3 Reasons Why Condo Living Is The Best Choice For The Family

With the rising demand for residential space and the massive urban development, family dwellings evolved to accommodate the needs and aspirations of a modern family. While the ideal family home is a charming house and lot in a suburban village, more Filipino parents appreciate the value and benefits of raising their family in condominiums.

Real estate developers recognize the current demand and commit to developing secure and family-friendly communities in the Philippines. Here are three important benefits that condo living offers to starter families.

Buy a Condo in Pasay - Palm Beach West

Easy Access to social environments. Most condominiums are strategically located near business districts, prominent schools, general hospitals, shopping centers and entertainment hubs creating a positive social environment for the whole family. The children can attend more school programs, join the nearby sports clubs and explore urban adventures. Parents will have less commute and more time to help the children with homework then have dinner with the whole family.

Pre-selling Condos in Marikina - Siena Towers

More intimate living space. A thoughtfully-designed condo has living spaces encouraging family togetherness and neighbor camaraderie. The ample size of condo units are adequate to bring the family closer, and the shared amenities such as the pool and playroom provide opportunities to meet friends and cultivate a strong sense of community. It is easy to set up play dates, sleepovers and interest clubs when your friends live down the hall. Moreover, these communities have a homeowners association that organizes small social events like weekend barbeques, Halloween parties, and Christmas bazaars.

Condo for Sale - Peninsula Garden Midtown Homes

A Secure and Exclusive Community. Safety and well-being are the top priorities of every responsible parent. Securing the family’s welfare is better managed in a condominium. Residential towers come with CCTV cameras, fire suppression systems, power generators and security services 24/7. Residents have access keys for their privacy, and unannounced guests are screened at the lobby. More importantly, kids play a safe and contained area within the community grounds and not out on the streets.

It’s easy to understand why these factors are valuable to families – positive and safe social environments are conducive to fostering social relationships that are good for children’s development, health, and well-being. That is why Horizon Land creates accessible and nurturing homes and communities geared towards adding value to the lifestyles of individuals and families.

The top real estate developer, Federal Land Inc., through its subsidiary Horizon Land, is the developer of various outstanding family condominium communities in Metro Manila. Its latest offerings include the Mimosa tower of Peninsula Garden Midtown Homes in Paco, Manila; Baler tower of Palm Beach West in Pasay City; and the Sienna Towers in Marikina. Peninsula Garden Midtown Homes is the largest garden community in Paco, Manila with more than 50% of the property dedicated to an open area that allows for great outdoor adventures and enough space for relaxing and bonding with loved ones. Siena Towers is a two-tower condominium along Marquinton Drive that offers residents a beautiful and secure home in a vibrant community with a mall a few steps away. Palm Beach West is a resort-inspired residential condominium development located within a master-planned community – Metro Park, in Entertainment City along Macapagal Boulevard Pasay.

Owning

With Federal Land, owning a family condominium residence is easy. Just contact a representative to inform us of your intent to buy, provide a Philippine government-issued ID (with your Tax Identification Number), fill up the required forms, pay the reservation fee and voila! The unit is yours. And we are ready to start your home loan application through in-house or bank financing.

Federal Land Inc. also offers condominium units for sale in Makati; BGC (Fort), Taguig; Binondo and Paco, Manila; Entertainment City, Pasay; Greenhills, San Juan; Quezon City; Marikina; Cebu as well as in General Trias, Cavite. For lease to own plan details or pre-selling reservations, email us at digital.mktg@federalland.ph.

Want a garden in your condo but space, sunlight and time are a concern?

Try to grow small plants in a terrarium. A terrarium is a mini garden usually sealed in a glass container like fishbowl – like an aquarium but for plants. Terrariums are perfect for condo homeowners as they easy to maintain with just some moisture and glances of light. You can place it on a coffee table or a shelf, arrange for indirect light and an occasional mist of water – and they will be a healthy and delightful sight in your home.

Making a terrarium is surprisingly simple. All you need are some creativity and planning. Here is the step-by-step DIY terrarium.

Materials:
Glass container
Pebbles
Potting Soil
Activated Carbon/Charcoal
Mini Plants
Décor (optional)

Directions:
Step 1: Prepare the Container
You can use any clear glass container like an aquarium, fish bowl, jar, vase, coffee pot or hand-blown glass terrariums. Wash the container and remove any stickers, tags, screws and other things unnecessary in the garden.

Succulents and cacti prefer lots of air; they will thrive in an open container. While most tropical plants like moss and ferns favor humidity; a container with a lid might be best for them.

Step 2: Create a Drainage
Fill the bottom with pebbles to create a drainage layer to avoid soaking the soil and plants. The size and depth of the rocks depend on the size of the container.

Step 3: Add the Activated Charcoal
Cover the layer of rocks with activated charcoal (carbon) to filter the water, prevent fungi growth and keep the ecosystem healthy.

Step 4: Fill in the soil
Fill the container about halfway with the appropriate soil. Succulents need cactus soil while other plants need regular potting soil.

Step 5: Plant the plants
Take the plant from the pot and brush off the old soil carefully around the roots to fit well in the terrarium. Plant the plants from largest to smallest, and pat down the soil lightly so as not to be uprooted easily. Avoid overplanting. Give plants some breathing room for growth and landscaping.

The most important thing is to choose tiny slow-growing plants to avoid overcrowding. You will also need to consider the plants’ environmental needs like soil, water and light requirements.

Step 6: Decorate
Add little figurines, rocks, sands, moss or décor piece to the landscape. Imagination is the limit for a whimsical garden world look.

Step 7: Maintain the Garden
Water the terrarium once a week. The soil in an open terrarium should always remain barely moist, and not dry. Closed terrariums should almost never need watering. If the glass gets moist, open the lid to let some water evaporate.

Terrariums are essentially miniature greenhouses. Remember not to place the terrarium in direct sunlight or hot areas, as the glass will trap the heat and scorch the plants.

Prune dead leaves to prevent rotting. If a plant dies, remove it immediately to maintain the health of the ecosystem.

Happy planting!

In case making a terrarium yourself ignites a gardening enthusiasm previously unknown, why not avail of a condo unit with a pocket garden for sale at Peninsula Garden Midtown Homes located along President Quirino Avenue Extension and Penafrancia Streets. Peninsula Garden Midtown Homes is claimed to be the biggest garden community in Manila with more than 50% open space for outdoor adventures and quiet relaxation for the whole family.

With Federal Land, owning your first condominium residence is easy. Just contact our representatives, provide a Philippine government-issued ID (with your Tax Identification Number), fill up the required forms, pay the reservation fee and voila! The unit is booked under your name. You are now ready to start a home loan application through in-house or bank financing.

Federal Land Inc. also offers condominium units for sale in Makati; BGC (Fort), Taguig; Binondo, Manila; Entertainment City, Pasay; Greenhills, San Juan; Quezon City; Marikina; Cebu as well as in General Trias, Cavite. For lease to own plan details or pre-selling reservations, email us at digital.mktg@federalland.ph.

5 Easy Freelance Jobs for Students

As a college student, a lot is riding into your time at university. Finishing college and acquiring a degree is essential for your future career but with today’s competitive job market, a graduate will need more than a diploma.

So what’s a college student to do to improve his/her chance at the job market without sacrificing study time? Well one can try these easy freelance jobs.

1. MICRO JOBS
Also called ‘gigs,’ Micro Jobs are small task-type jobs of various kinds that can be done in as little time as possible in exchange for a small fee, typically booked online. With gigs ranging from typing captchas, clicking ads, answering surveys, commenting on YouTube and other similarly minor tasks, micro jobs do not require skills specialties, previous experience or time commitment. Thus, making it a perfect sideline to students looking to earn income in their free time.

Though micro jobs only pay small fees, a steady stream of gigs could accumulate sizeable pocket money.

Notable micro job websites include Amazon Mechanical Turk, MicroWorkers, ClickWorker, survey site Toluna, and virtual assistant site Virtual Coworker.

2. Tutorials
Did you know you could make money out of your favorite subjects? Simply register in a tutorial center (e.g., Kumon, MSA) near you or advertise yourself in your school or your neighborhood. You can offer tutorials to your classmates in need or help K-12 students with their homework. As a tutor, you can charge as low as Php 50 up to Php 500 per hour.

Likewise, you can also become an online English as a Second Language (ESL) tutor. All you need are high-speed internet, laptop or desktop computer, webcam, noise-canceling headphones and a strong command of the English language. Notable English teaching companies that accept freelance students (of at least 18 years of age) are Bibo, Weblio, and Rare Job.

3. Freelance Writing
If you enjoy reading and writing, you can look for freelance writing jobs online and offline. From completing academic papers to writing blog posts, tons of opportunities await a freelance writer that a good number of people take this a full-time career. Just note that as a newbie, you will first need to build your portfolio before snagging lucrative writing gigs and expect not to be credited or not to have a byline on most writing gigs.

You can start setting up your online portfolio on Clippings, Contently, and Journo Portfolio or you can go straight to work with notable freelance writing websites like ArticleBunny and TextBroker. You can also set up accounts at freelance sites like People Per Hour, Fiverr.

4. Photography
Since you have been assigned the official photographer to school events and field trips ever since you can remember and your Instagram feed is complimented on the daily, why not turn that obvious talent into a weekend job? You can start by offering yourself as an event photographer at your neighbor’s upcoming 18th birthday party or to your high school’s prom to build a portfolio. Good work can speak for itself, and soon referrals will come your way.

You can also sell stock photos online at Shutterstock, PhotoDune, Fotolia and Getty Images.

5. Graphics Design
If you have the ‘eye’ for design and is proficient in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and other photo editing software, you should consider getting paid designing posters in your free time. You can become a freelance graphic designer and use the opportunity to gain experience, connect with clients, and build resume/portfolio. Since the competition in freelance graphics design is high, it is best to start with designing logo and posters for small businesses then contracting bigger projects as your reputation and portfolio grows.

You can start setting up a free online portfolio on Behance, Weebly, and Portfoliobox or you can go straight to work with notable freelance websites like 99Designs and DesignCrowd. You can also set up accounts at freelance sites like PeoplePerHour, Fiverr.

With the rising competition in the job market, it is crucial for students to gain work experience and build their resume to distinguish themselves from others. While freelancing might work for some, internship remains the most straightforward way of starting a career right on track. Securing an internship related to your career choice is a great way to prepare yourself for your chosen industry’s ins and outs, as well as increase your employment opportunities.

5 Easy Freelance Jobs for Students

As a student in Manila’s University Belt, it would be a lot easier going to and fro your uni classes and your Makati internship with a home in a central location. The top real estate developer of various outstanding family condominium communities in Metro Manila, Horizon Land, is launching its newest condo community made for students and young professionals looking for a home conveniently close to Manila’s University Belt and Makati Central Business District.

Get the most out of life with Horizon Land’s new offering. Located at Buendia Avenue corner Taft Avenue, the condo community is a self-contained community with its retail stores, restaurants, study halls, lap pool, and a full set of amenities to help motivated and hardworking students in their pursuit of a career, interests, and causes.

With Horizon Land, owning your first condominium residence is easy. Just contact our representatives, provide a Philippine government-issued ID (with your Tax Identification Number), fill up the required forms, pay the reservation fee and voila! The unit is booked under your name. You are now ready to start a home loan application through in-house or bank financing.

Horizon Land, and its mother company Federal Land Inc., also offers condominium units for sale in Makati; BGC (Fort), Taguig; Binondo and Paco, Manila; Entertainment City, Pasay; Greenhills, San Juan; Quezon City; Marikina; Cebu as well as in General Trias, Cavite. For lease to own plan details or pre-selling reservations, email us at digital.mktg@federalland.ph.