Cleopatra's bet and other pearls of wisdom

MANILA, Philippines - Of all the precious gems in the world, none possess more allure nor have left a more indelible imprint on the world than pearls.  

In ancient times, pearls were considered so valuable that royalty hoarded them and often equated them with the wealth of their kingdoms. So much so that even Cleopatra, fabled queen of The Nile, wagered her pearl earrings to prove Egypt’s prosperity and rich culture to her Roman consort, Marc Anthony.

Legend has it that she steeped one of her pearl earrings—which at the time were considered the biggest, and therefore the most valuable, in the world—in vinegar and drank the pearl cocktail to show that she could throw the most expensive banquet in the world. Needless to say, Marc Anthony conceded.

Long revered as a symbol of wealth, pearls are some of the most sought after jewels in the world, reflecting grace, sophistication and an unmistakable touch of elan. Many use it as a metaphor for something rare and admirable, an aspiration which dreams are built upon. It was this imagery that Robinsons Land Corporation sought to capture and reflect in their latest high rise residential property.

Like the jewel for which it was named, The Pearl Place exudes elegance, with a stylized design aesthetic that is very modern—concrete and glass facades, wide windows and embellished interior details.  Even the two towers look like an oyster when viewed from the top showing the pool area and the amenities below.

Sprawled across 3,000 sqm of prime real estate, this mixed high-rise boasts of 1,502 residential units spread across two 40-storey towers. The ground floor features 800 sqm of commercial space available to restaurants, fastfood chains, convenience stores, laundry shops and other retail outlets, with the ultimate comfort and convenience of its residents being the primary thrust.

With all that going for it, it’s easy to see that The Pearl Place’s claim as a classy—not to mention classic—lifestyle option is no idle boast.

In the early days of real estate, the key words for both developers and buyers were “location, location, location.” In these days of shrinking urban space and protracted commutes, however, residents looking to buy their share of urban space have three things in mind: accessibility, amenities and affordability. The Pearl Place fulfills these requirements to a T.

Located in a highly desirable location, along Pearl Drive beside the University of Asia and the Pacific, in the middle of cosmopolitan Ortigas, The Pearl Place is an easy walk to many establishments like banks, hotels, schools and churches, even the Philippine Stock Exchange. Close to malls like Shangri-la Edsa Plaza, SM Megamall and The Podium, it is also a short brisk walk away from major thoroughfares like Shaw Boulevard and Edsa. Commuters have several options to get to their destinations: bus, jeep and MRT.

With amenities like a multilevel podium, a Summit Lounge, swimming pools, function rooms, and a gym, The Pearl Place is the perfect choice for homeowners who yearn for the comfort and convenience of living in the city. More importantly, it offers 24-hour security and ample parking space, premiums so important to today’s young urbanite.

For more information, call 248-5888 or 0922-8380888, or visit www.robinsonscommunties.com.