MANILA, Philippines - The Marasigans and the Lims may be different in a lot of ways, but both exemplify today’s breed of young achievers – hardworking, determined, practical, with strong family values. And both have found a home at Raya Garden Condominiums.
The only Bali-inspired residential condominium in Paranaque that offers a relaxing resort-like environment in an otherwise cramped and crowded metro, Raya Garden is gradually evolving into an ideal community for start-up and even full-grown families aspiring to own a piece of urban sanctuary.
A quiet cocoon
Benedick Marasigan, his wife, Pamela, and their two daughters moved in to Raya Garden Sept. 8, 2007 after staying at her parent’s house for seven years. The decision to move out was deliberate, although the choice of where to transfer, a bit serendipitous.
“His parents live in Sucat and whenever we go there, we would pass by here and be intrigued by the development,” said Pamela, 27 years old and a marketing officer at San Miguel Corporation. “The gate and the grand façade were somehow intimidating, and we initially thought that it was impossibly expensive to get a unit here.”
Benedick, 29, an account executive for British-American Tobacco, added: “When I got to check out Mayfield Park Residences in Pasig, I was informed that Raya Garden was likewise a DMCI Homes development, and it was there where we got an idea of the cost and how the units looked like at Raya.”
And so after exhaustive searches, which included high-rise condo types, single-detached residences and townhouses, the couple decided that Raya Garden was the best home option, given their present needs.
“The kids are our priority,” said Benedick. “Because both of us are working, they will be left to the care of the househelp. Although we have no problem with that, it gives us peace of mind that should an emergency arise, assistance can easily come from my parents in Sucat, or from hers in Pasay.”
As such, they consider Raya’s accessibility to their workplaces, as well as the commercial and business districts of Makati, Alabang and the Bonifacio Global City as mere bonus. “And since Pam travels often, it is really convenient that the airports are just nearby.”
An opportunity that beckons
While the Marasigans, as with most of the young and upwardly mobile families at Raya Garden, go about their daily routine in practical anonymity, the Lims are of a different mold. To say that they are into the “community thing” would be understating it.
Just recently, Margauxh Nalus-Lim, 28, a pre-school teacher cum part-time events organizer, model and emcee, went door-to-door to hand out invites for his son’s third birthday party which was held at the Raya clubhouse. About a hundred previously unknown neighbors came and now, she counts them as friends.
Such is the demeanor of someone, who upon setting foot on Raya, saw not only a home, not only a community, but a chance to further a passion. “My husband, my son, and I moved in here Nov. 17, 2007,” Margauxh said. “We previously stayed at my parents’ house in Vito Cruz because that was very near the place where I work.”
Margauxh and 27-year-old husband Fritz soon surveyed the market for the perfect property investment. It did not take much deliberation before the couple decided on Raya Garden. “We used to pass by South Super Highway whenever we’d go to his parents’ place in Laguna, and we’d see Raya being constructed,” she said.
The attraction, though, was not limited to the property’s aesthetics and its prime location. “When I entered the gates, I knew we were in here for the long haul,” Margauxh shared. “I saw a real home, not just boxes atop one another, and I also saw a community where I can share my gifts and further my profession.”
Margauxh has always wanted to set up her own school and she sees that Raya may very well be the community that will set her dreams in motion. “I love kids, and I love teaching kids. Hopefully, I will be able to put up my own school here,” she said.
And so while Margauxh waits for her grand plans to pan out, she is occupied doing her share in enlivening the community. “I help organize private parties and volunteer to help in other events here at Raya. In fact, I will be holding a two-day Christmas Bazaar so residents won’t have to go far to do their holiday shopping.”
She concluded: “This place does not just represent the fulfillment of our dreams, it likewise signifies the birth of better things to come.”
Raya Garden Condominiums is another first-rate development by DMCI Homes – the country’s first Triple A builder/developer that offers modest income earning families optimum value for their money by providing homes with exceptional features and amenities, world-standard level of craftsmanship borne out of more than 50 years experience in the construction and development industry. To know more about Raya Garden and other DMCI Homes projects, call 883-3333 or visit www.dmcihomes.com.