As it is one of the most important central business districts in the country, the Bay Area is bustling with real estate projects: it’s become the well-known site of SM Mall of Asia, the Solaire Resort and Casino; City of Dreams Manila, Okada Manila, and Metro Park.  With foreign investors boosting its growth, the Bay Area is set to overtake Makati CBD by 2021.

If you’re looking into owning a condo in the Bay Area but still aren’t convinced that condo living is for you, take a look at the advantages of living in a Bay Area condo:

The Central Business Park

If you work in the Bay Area, then buying a condo for sale near your workplace saves you from a long commute. A shorter commute means more time for yourself and your family, and condo living ensures that convoluted traffic won’t be a problem ever again!  Federal Land condominiums, such as Mi Casa, are located within the Central Business Park island of Bay Area.

The Entertainment City

On the western side of Roxas Boulevard lies Entertainment City, the Philippine version of the Las Vegas Strip.  Entertainment City boasts four mega-casino resorts with high-stakes tables, a vibrant nightlife, and big-name Broadway plays.

A Foodie’s Paradise

From gourmet food to seaside markets, the bay has a lot to offer to food enthusiasts: there’s Dampa, along the seaside of Macapagal Avenue, where you can buy fresh seafood and have it cooked at nearby restaurants; Sofitel manila offers Spiral, a grand buffet with 21 dining ateliers; a yacht cruise dinner; and a diner with singing cooks and waiters!

Road Accessibility

Mi Casa is between Macapagal and Roxas, the two most traveled boulevards in Pasay City. These boulevards seamlessly connect Mi Casa to other spots in Metro Manila, including the Makati Central Business District, Manila’s University Belt, Ninoy Aquino International Airport, and the upcoming Sangley Airport.

Convenience and Comfort

New condos like Mi Casa have various retail stores on the ground level of the building. If you want a quick snack or a new haircut, head down to the commercial level to find the shop you need!

Safety and Security

For those who prioritize home safety and security, living in a condo is something to consider. Condominiums have secured entry and exit points, CCTV cameras at all common areas, and 24/7 roaming security guards. Some condos also use key cards instead of keys, restricting elevator access to residential floors and ensure the privacy and safety of the residents and their homes.

Resort Amenities

Condo living makes amenities like the pool and gym more affordable and more accessible to most city folk. Why break the bank building a backyard pool or indoor gym when you could buy a condo that comes with one?

Newer condominiums in the Bay Area even have other amenities that complement the stunning Manila Bay sunset. Residents can enjoy lounge pools, the wet play area, the kids’ playground, and alfresco dining. Indoor amenities also include a fitness gym and meeting and function rooms.

Investment Potential

Condos are also a great investment opportunity – they’re easy to purchase and appreciate rapidly. Should you move to another city, you can resell or rent out your unit.

Real estate agency Colliers International Philippines notes that the Bay Area condominiums are among the most sought after and expensive – even going beyond PHP300,000 per square meter.  The demand stems from the influx of Chinese expatriates working in the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO) and the city’s rise as Entertainment City.

So, are you ready to pick your condo?

Prime real estate developer Federal Land, Inc. has several condominiums available for pre-selling and ready for occupancy in the Bay Area, Pasay City.  Its master-planned integrated community called Metro Park is home to several premier and luxury condominium properties such as the Bay Garden Club and Residences, Palm Beach West, Palm Beach Villas, Six Senses Residences, and its latest development, Mi Casa.

Mi Casa is a vibrant vertical residence reminiscent of Hawaii’s reinvigorating aesthetic of open sea and air.   With its sparkling water features, resort-like amenities, and island aesthetics, Mi Casa takes you to experience Hawaii’s reinvigorating sense of open sea and air.

It’s also a stone’s throw away to the world-class casino-resorts, upscale malls, event centers, and the offices of the Bay Area Business District. You need only walk to get to work, the grocery, or fine dining restaurants.

For more updates, check out the Mi Casa Showroom and Information Center at Metro Park, Bay Area, Pasay City or visit the website at www.federalland.ph.

Mi Casa at Metro Park

Choosing a condo for investment is not an easy decision to make.  After all, there are several options on the market, each better than the last.  If you are interested in the Bay Area, then a Federal Land, Inc. condo is your best bet to grow your investment.  Here are five good reasons for buying and investing in Federal Land’s Metro Park.

 

Residences are resort-inspired communities

Mi Casa at Metro Park

The condominium communities of Metro Park redefine high-end living with a relaxing vacation atmosphere.  Residents will get the feeling of not just being at home, but also being like at a resort at the same time with its club-like amenities and tropical aesthetics against the backdrop of the world-famous Manila Bay sunset, only for the select few.

Prospective homebuyers and investors can choose from several deluxe resort communities.  There is the exclusive Bay Garden Club and Residences, the first community to rise in the Metro Park enclave.  There is the Six Senses Residences, distinctive for its lucky number eight shape. There is also the sunny Palm Beach Villas and Palm Beach West.

Federal Land’s latest offering by the bay is Mi Casa, a vibrant vertical residence reminiscent of Hawaii’s reinvigorating aesthetic of open sea and air.  Mi Casa will have four towers: Hawaii, Maui, Lanai, and Honolulu that will bring in the modern tropical paradise streamlined for Filipino contemporary living.

Each of the condominium communities offer thoughtfully designed and well-spaced units for comfortable living.  There are also intimate gathering spaces in the amenity deck to foster a close communal relationship.  Residents can host barbeque parties, movie nights and play dates all within a neighborhood that embraces the sun, wind, and sea.

 

Federal Land is one of the top developers in the country

Six Senses Residences at Metro Park

As a homebuyer and investor, acquiring property from a reputable developer with a solid track record is a must.  It guarantees that the condominium project is delivered on time, has topnotch quality and set in a strategic location – three factors that will ensure your condo can fetch a good price in the secondary and rental market.

Founded in 1972, Federal Land has since developed over 55 large-scale projects that redefined the key areas of Metro Manila, Cavite and Cebu.  Federal Land is best known for its many iconic developments GT Tower International in Makati, Marco Polo Residences in Cebu, Grand Hyatt Manila in Bonifacio Global City, and the upcoming Norman Foster luxury condo The Estate Makati.

Metro Park is a master-planned community

Blue Bay Walk at Metro Park

The Metro Park community is a sprawling 36-hectare master-planned community in the business district of Bay Area, Pasay. Metro Park is a modern and vibrant community home to deluxe resort residences of Bay Garden Club and Residences, Six Senses Residences, Palm Beach Villas, Palm Beach West, and Mi Casa; stylish shopping centers of Blue Bay Walk, and Met Live; PEZA-accredited office towers iMet BPO; spacious event centers of Le Pavillon and Le Parc; elite Nursing school Manila Tytana Colleges; and a pet-friendly park – all set within the emerging Entertainment City.

With a workplace, mall, school, and park just a stone’s throw away, a balanced live-work-play lifestyle awaits residents looking to live the good life.

 

Bay Area is near business districts, university belt

The South Luzon Expressway and The Metro Manila Skyway

Though located on the western coast, the Bay Area can easily access the important places of the Metro Manila.  Bay Area is near the central business districts of Makati, Ortigas, and Bonifacio Global City.  The universities along Taft and España Avenues are also just a short drive away; while the theaters at Cultural Center of the Philippines and amusement rides of Star City are within Pasay City.

Travel to and fro Bay Area is also convenient with numerous roads and skyways connecting the area to the rest of Metro Manila.  There is the Metro Manila Skyway System, Manila–Cavite Expressway or Coastal Road, C5 South Link Expressway, NAIA Expressway, Macapagal Boulevard, and more.  Bay Area is also near the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and Port of Manila, providing more convenient transportation between the other destinations in the country.

 

Investment has high returns

Mi Casa at Metro Park

Colliers International Philippines foresees that the Bay Area will be among the most in demand and expensive condominiums for sale that will go beyond PHP300,000 (USD 5,700) per sq. meter.  The high demand and the soaring price are due to the influx of Chinese expatriates working in the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO).  Another reason is the rise of Bay Area as the entertainment capital of the country that houses four major casino resorts: Solaire Resort and Casino; City of Dreams Manila; Okada Manila; and Resorts World Bayshore.

Looking at some of the residences in Metro Park such Bay Garden Club and Residences and Palm Beach West, the prices per square meter has risen exponentially over the years.  In 2017, Palm Beach West is worth around Php 212,000 per square meters; which rose to Php 312,000 per square meter in 2019.  That is a 47% increase in just two years.

“The best thing about investing in a Federal Land condo is its quality.  I know I can resell or lease at high market value because its value is justified.  The community is in a great location, the amenities are well-planned, and the unit itself spacious and wonderful,” shares one of the Federal Land condo investors.

Mi Casa at Metro Park

To learn more about Metro Park, visit the website at www.federalland.ph or visit the Mi Casa Showroom and Palm Beach West Showroom located at Metro Park, Bay Area, Pasay City.

 

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.

The dream of owning a big house with a large lot in the quiet part of the city has shifted to living in condominiums conveniently close to business centers and main hubs. While the condo life is often associated with independence, convenience, and excitement, many would-be homebuyers are skeptical of condominiums.  Chief of their concerns is the myth of the 50-year rule of a condominium building lifespan and stakes in the condominium corporation.

Here we will answer a few important questions to allay concerns.

How long is the lifespan of a condominium building?

Though the lifespan of condominium buildings is not specified, the section 8C of Republic Act 4726 The Condominium Act provides three factors that would deem a condo uninhabitable:

“That project has been in existence in excess of 50 years; that it is obsolete and uneconomic, and that condominium owners holding in aggregate more than fifty percent interest in the common areas are opposed to repair or restoration or remodeling or modernizing of the project.”

A careful reading shows that the 50-year rule is not necessarily true to all developments.  It is on a case-by-case basis where all three provisions should be met in order to declare a condominium building uninhabitable. That the building is:

  1. over 50 years old;
  2. obsolete and uneconomic; and
  3. the unit owners holding in aggregate more than fifty percent interest do not agree to repair or modernize the building.

Hence, although a condominium building is over 50 years old, it does not automatically become obsolete and uneconomic if it passes the building inspections and certifications. Most of the new condominium projects today are designed and built with modern techniques and durable materials to endure the ordinary wear and tear of everyday use.   Modern condos will likely remain in good shape even after 50 years. Moreover, if the majority of the homeowners believe they the building structure is safe, sound, and will only need some modern renovation, demolition would be unnecessary.

On the other hand, if an older condo has monthly maintenance fees, recurring repairs and realty tax that exceeds the monthly rental of a comparable unit in another property, the homeowners can decide and declare that the building is obsolete, uneconomic, and uninhabitable.

Build in the 70s, the Soler Tower, Tytana Plaza and Mandarin Mansion of Federal Land, Inc. are still in good shape and stands near the thriving Chinatown of Binondo, Manila.

What happens when the condominium is declared uninhabitable?

The condominium corporation will convene to make a decision.  The unit owners will vote on what they could do with the building and the land. There are usually two options, they can:

  1. sell the land and divide the proceeds among themselves;
  2. strike a deal with the original developer or another to build a new condominium on their land.

What is a condominium corporation? 

Similar to a homeowner’s association in subdivisions, a condominium corporation is a legal entity that represents the interests of condominium unit owners in accordance with the Condominium Act.  Condo corporation holds the title to the land, common areas and other interests, as such it is responsible for the management and maintenance of the common areas and its other obligations. Members or shareholders of the condo corporation are the unit owners who automatically become members upon purchase of their unit.

Like other corporations, all issues in a condominium are decided through the votes of the shareholders or unit owners.  Every decision, be it a simple plan of repainting of the façade or a major agenda of selling the land, must be decided by votes. The rule of the majority, or the option with most votes, wins.

What is your stake in the condominium corporation?

As a condominium unit owner, you are automatically a member of the corporation and co-owner of the condominium, its lands, and other interests.  Your stake will be equivalent to the size and price of the unit or units you own.

For instance, you own a three-bedroom unit of 88 square meters in size.  Your stake and voting power will be higher than the owner of a studio unit of 25 square meters.  If ever the land of the condominium is sold, you will have a bigger portion of the profit.

Is a condominium unit a good investment?

Yes.

While some may argue that the definite lifespan and ownership of house and lot is a more favorable investment compared to the finite lifespan and ownership of a condominium building, there are other factors that should also be taken into consideration.   The major selling point of condominiums is their proximity to important places such as schools, business district, hospitals, malls, and major highways.  If you, as a homebuyer, wishes to cut commute time, then a condominium unit near your office will be more beneficial to you than a house and lot in the fringes of Metro Manila.   Moreover, a condominium unit is more financially attainable than a house and lot in a central location.

As an investor, buying a condominium to rent out or resell is also a sound investment.  Its strategic location will ensure you have a steady market of students, young professionals, and small families. You can make money from start to finish of the building’s lifetime.  And even if the condominium is demolished or sold after 50 years, you as a shareholder will profit from the sale of the land.

Buying a condominium for sale may seem trickier than buying a house and lot.  However, remember that condominiums are not so different from houses.  While units in a condo community are governed by a condo corporation, houses in a subdivision are governed with a homeowner’s association (HOA).  Houses are also susceptible to the damages of everyday wear and tear and natural calamities same as condominium buildings.

So if the 50-year rule is the only thing holding you back from living in your dream condominium, then rest assured that your apprehensions have a low chance of becoming real but potential returns have a high chance of becoming true!

With over 47 years of solid experience, Federal Land, Inc. builds properties anchored on the values of trust, reliability, and integrity.  In every project, Federal Land ensures to collaborate with the best architects and engineers who can best utilize sophisticated technology and reliable materials to create unique projects that stand the test of time.

Federal Land is best known for the iconic GT Tower International in Makati and the luxurious Grand Hyatt Manila in North Bonifacio Global City among others. Other projects are the Hawaiian-inspired Mi Casa and resort community Palm Beach West in Bay Area, Pasay City; the spacious One Wilson Square in Greenhills, San Juan; kid-friendly garden community Peninsula Garden Midtown Homes in Paco, Manila; feng shui-infused Four Seasons Riviera in Binondo, Manila; the quietly elegant Valencia Hills in New Manila, Quezon City; the hip and modern Quantum Residences within Manila’s university belt; luxury hotel-branded residences Marco Polo Residences in Cebu; and the Japanese-inspired The Seasons Residences in BGC, Taguig.

Known for its sky-high towers, luxury shopping, and a large expat community, Dubai is a thriving global city rising within the Arabian Desert. It is no wonder why Dubai is a leading destination of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). With almost 450,000 Filipinos living and working in Dubai, you will surely find “kabayan” nurses and doctors in every hospital and clinic; teachers in international and Filipino schools; architects, engineers, labors in every construction site; accountants, managers, and clerks in every company; sales personnel in every shop; chefs and waiters in restaurants; singers and chambermaids in hotels; and fashion designers, artists, web designers, animators in various freelance businesses. Hence with their diligence and competence, Filipinos in Dubai and other emirates in UAE remitted a total of $1.5 billion or (DH5.5 billion) to support their families back home.

This sunny situation makes Filipinos in Dubai more optimistic with their careers and future. In a 2018 survey of 2,000 Filipino expatriates in UAE, eight out of ten said they are ready to invest in real estate. Many OFWs plans to buy a condominium, house or villa as a retirement nest egg or as a passive supplementary income for their dependents.


A Palm Beach West condo unit can be rented out to young professionals working in the Bay Area Central Business District or resold to a family that is upgrading to condominium living.

Opportune Time for Investments

With numerous infrastructure investments from the government and the private sector, the World Bank sees the Philippines continue to be the fastest-growing economy in Southeast Asia. Moreover, organizations such as US News and Asia Property HQ also named the Philippines as the best country to invest in the region.

Though the house and condominium prices in the Philippines is rising, the Philippine peso is still weak against the US dollar, boosting the Filipino expatriate’s United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED) purchasing power in the Philippine market.

Properties in central business districts such as Makati, Bonifacio Global City (BGC) and Bay Area command highest prices due to its high demands and subsequent high returns. In a recent report, global real estate organization Colliers International Philippines sees the capital value to continue increasing with an average price of a prime three-bedroom unit in the secondary market ranging between PHP131,000 and PHP329,000 per sq. meter, increasing between 5% to 6.5%.

Colliers also sees rental yield to grow as developers pop up new supply. At the same time, demand in the secondary market will be sustained by a mix of demand from foreign and local professionals. Thus buying a home to rent out or resell is very attractive.


A Quantum Residences condo unit can be converted into a dormitory to cater to students studying in the university belt or to young professionals working in Makati Central Business District.

Property Recommendations

For first time investors, it would be prudent to start with a moderate risk investment that has potential for high returns. Condominiums on the fringes of Makati, Pasay and Quezon City have a lower capital but relatively high demand from young professionals working on the central business district and mid-income families that are upgrading to condominium living.

Condominiums near leading universities are also good investment opportunities to rent to college students coming from various parts of the country. Condominiums in Marikina can be advantageous for its proximity to the University of the Philippines – Diliman, Ateneo de Manila University and Miriam College.

Properties in Cavite should entice families from Southern Luzon, especially with the completion of the road and train projects that will connect the south to the center.


A Florida Sun Estate house and lot property can be rented out or resold to a family who want to raise children away from the hustle and bustle of Metro Manila.

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For Filipinos in the Middle East who want to know more and interested invest in various Federal Land projects, visit our property page or join us in the Philippine Property and Investment Exhibition on April 26-27, 2019 at Marriott Deira, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

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.

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.