Come home to happy memories

MANILA, Philippines - Some things are better left forgotten. Like disco and platform shoes, or big hair and shoulder pads.

But for the most part, the seventies and the eighties were decades worth remembering, if only to recall a time when life was simpler, communication was more personal and family bonding was an essential part of one’s lifestyle.

Life was so simple and weekends were just spent with family – sometimes at the park, sometimes at the house of Lolo and Lola—and special occasions celebrated in favorite restaurants.

For those who grew up in New Manila, few names evoke the good old days more poignantly than Magnolia Ice Cream House. At a time when birthdays and first dates were tied in with visions of Chocolate Parfaits, Banana Splits, and Peach Melba Sundaes, and milestones like graduations merited a Black and White (one half dripping with chocolate syrup, the other half overflowing with whipped cream) treat, this ice cream parlor saw its share of happy memories.

So much so that even now the name Magnolia brings an indulgent smile to those who remember the halcyon days.

Happiness as a blueprint

There are those who believe (Shakespeare included) that what is past is prologue. Inspired by its legacy of happy memories, Robinsons Land Corporation uses the Magnolia Ice Cream House as a blueprint for a community that will rise on the same site as the old ice cream parlor.

Located along N. Domingo and Dona Hemady Streets, The Magnolia Residences which form part of the Magnolia Town Square recaptures the charm of the New Manila area, rejuvenating and breathing new life to what was once the enclave of Manila’s affluent families.

A master-planned mixed-use residential and commercial complex, the Magnolia Town Square includes four residential towers and a mall when completed. With its network of paths and bridgeways, residents can stroll from one place to another with relative ease, allowing greater opportunity for them to connect and interact with one another.

Last year, one of the four towers of The Magnolia Residences, which all form part of the two-hectare residential component, was launched offering a mix of one bedroom, two bedroom, executive two bedroom and executive three bedroom units. One-bedroom units range from 36 to 38.10 sqm, while two-bedroom units are from 57.15 to 71.10 sqm. These units are aimed at young, start up families. Balconies are an added feature of executive two-bedroom units (72.90 to 95.15 sqm) and executive three-bedroom units (107.10 to 114.60 sqm).

Residents can enjoy an unobstructed view of its environs like Greenhills, Horseshoe, Ortigas, New Manila and San Juan whenever they want. Aside from these, residents are also in for a treat with the projects array of amenities which includes a children’s pool, library, children’s outdoor and indoor play areas, jogging path, zen garden, sun deck, barbeque pits, badminton court, fitness center and open fitness deck.

The Robinsons Mall will house some of the leading retailers and services in the country, including a Robinsons Department Store, Robinsons Supermarket, and Handyman Do-It-Best. Specialty shops as well as cafes, restaurants and bars complement the selection of lifestyle hubs expected to set up shop as well.

Accessible 24/7

Commuting is not a problem as the property is located near major thoroughfares (N. Domingo and Aurora Boulevard.) It is also a block and a half away from the Gilmore Station of the LRT-2 line.

Couples looking to enroll their youngsters can check out nearby St. Paul University, QC (Aurora Boulevard), Jubilee School (Dona Hemady St.), St, Joseph’s College and Trinity College (E. Rodriguez Avenue.) Other schools in the vicinity are Holy Spirit School (Ilang Ilang Street), and Community of Learners (near Granada Street), OB Montessori (Greenhills) and La Salle Greenhills (Greenhills).

But properties like The Magnolia Residences make you think it’s possible. For further details contact telephone numbers 3970101, 6360888, 09228380888.