Jetsetter finds his best harbor - right at his home in Ohana Place

MANILA, Philippines - Raymond Flores, 28, is flying high at the peak of his career, literally, as a flight attendant of charter airline World Airways. Everyday, he meets people from all walks of life as they get on and off the plane in different territories around the world, at different time zones.

So during his days off, Raymond prefers nothing more than to enjoy a little “me” time away from it all, in a sanctuary that is his own personal space: his two-bedroom unit at Ohana Place in Alabang by DMCI Homes.

The community’s second moved-in resident of the first building (Honolulu) enjoys the perks of this medium-rise property, namely its strategic location, impressive amenities, the lock-up-and-go lifestyle, and the themed development that makes him feel like he’s living in a resort community. With all the stress of his work, Raymond particularly savors the sights and sounds of this Polynesian-inspired development, where he can totally relax and recharge as much as he wishes.

Smart investment

It was back in 2008 when he first thought if investing on a property, and a condo unit sounded like a good one given his preference to live in the Philippines. Growing up in San Jose, California, and being a perennial traveler because of his job, this Fil-am has always believed that there is no place like his home country.  

“My parents have a house in San Pedro, Laguna where I used to stay, but then I realized I wanted to live somewhere in the south of Manila, so when I looked on the internet, I found Ohana Place which was just being launched at that time,” he related.

Raymond just drove by the property which was then under construction, and talked to an agent waiting outside the sales office. He did not ask for any brochure, or to see a model unit, but only had one requirement to influence his decision: a balcony on the unit. It turned out that all units at Ohana Place has a balcony. 

Immediately the following day, Raymond paid his reservation fee. Aware already about the DMCI Homes’ name, he was confident about the quality and fast delivery of the development. So when his unit was finally turned over in August last year, Raymond moved-in right away; excited to live in a place where he can enjoy his lifestyle as a single professional urbanite.

Simple and elegant

Raymond’s friend helped him design the unit interiors following a vision of “simplicity and elegance”. This was achieved through a modern contemporary motif. The living room which flows openly to the dining area utilizes efficient furniture with lots of dark brown shades, a huge mirror propped on the wall to add to the illusion of space, modern droplights above his four-seater dining table that add a hint of modernity, and even a charming silver fruit bowl from Switzerland in an ornamental form. 

“I did not add much to the turnover finishes. I just changed the flooring and the wall paint to be a bit more interesting, but other than that, there wasn’t much to improve because the unit has very good quality finishes,” Raymond noted.

As his favorite place, the bedroom is also simply adorned with a queen-size bed accented by a wooden headboard. Across it, a flat screen TV is mounted on the wall. During his days-off, Raymond can stay inside his bedroom all day, just lounging around and catching up on sleep. He also invites his friends to visit his unit, and they are only glad to come over anytime and unwind.

Amazing amenities

Raymond still has plenty of exploring to do around his new home. For one, he has never fully tried the bountiful amenities found at the Luau Pavilion – the centerpiece amenity of Ohana Place. Indoors, there is a fitness gym with dance area, entertainment room, function room and a recreational hall. Outside, an expansive pool complete with slides and water cascades which also exudes the Polynesian resort community theme.

He added: “The amenities are actually really nice and impressive. I came by a lot of times during construction and from the pictures I thought, there’s no way it can turn out like that; it was just too good to be true. But when I saw it upon completion, I thought ‘Wow, this is really where I’m gonna live? It’s amazing!’”

Raymond also appreciates the Property Management Office (PMO)’s wide range of services, such as the maintenance of the place and the 24/7 security. “Being away for 17 days straight, I am confident that when I go back home, my unit will be safe and secure and the facilities around will still be well-maintained.”

DMCI Homes is the country’s premier triple A builder-developer that brings serviced, themed communities within reach of urban families who once had limited residential options, but still aspire to achieve a comfortable, enriching quality of life proximate to their place of work. For more information about Ohana Place, call (02) 809-6508 or check their website: www.dmcihomes.com.