The difference is in the details

MANILA, Philippines -When city dwellers think of traditional subdivision living and the benefits of spaciousness, security, comfort and convenience it provides, they undeniably think of the well-regarded villages and communities South of Metro Manila.

 â€œThose who choose to live in Alabang love the relaxed and casual atmosphere,” states Miriam Katigbak, president and chief executive of independent real-estate developer Geo-Estate, of the well-known sub-culture that aptly describes this part of the metro.

This is the same spirit behind Geo-Estate’s newest offering, Sonria — a 21-storey condominium community to rise in Madrigal Business Park, at the center of the Alabang district. Sonria seeks to offer a different kind of Alabang lifestyle—one that is modern and contemporary, in the context of a vertical community.

Simply put, Sonria takes the best of southern living and enhances it with the benefits of condo living. Its prime location is a homecourt advantage, with Geo-Estate having gotten into a partnership with the respected Madrigal family of Alabang through their property holding Stonebridge. With ATC and Molito commercial area right in front, the Ayala Alabang Village just a few steps away, and West Gate and Filinvest City down the road—the best schools, shopping, leisure and entertainment centers can be enjoyed by future Sonria residents without the hassle of city traffic.

 â€œWe want you to feel at home—surrounded with the people and establishments you consider important,” she says. This is the target market that Geo-Estate is aiming to serve—next-generation Southerners who may wish to assert independence, yet still enjoy the atmosphere and set-up of their childhood community. Katigbak also noticed that empty nesters have begun seeing the practical advantage of moving out of their palatial gated residences.

What sets Sonria apart the utmost attention to detail spent on it. This flexible yet decisive project management style is one that only a boutique developer like Geo-Estate can afford. Working closely with Aidea Integrated Design firm, the masterplan of Sonria is unparalleled in its thoughtful consideration of what the Alabang market genuinely looks for in a home.

To begin with, Sonria will offer a selected inventory of 88 units only across 16 residential levels, replicating the low-density, intimate atmosphere of the South where neighbors know their neighbors. “The fabric of the place is important,” explains architect Jojo Tolentino, president of Aidea. “Sonria was designed to be consistent with this spirit and character of Alabang.”

The team further capitalized on the green and idyllic views of the suburbs with wide picture-windows as the focus of the space. “Most of the units face the east, so residents will have the benefit of the morning sun. On a clear day, you can see the Laguna de Bay,” says Katigbak.

 â€œThe windows,” adds Tolentino, “can actually be opened. We wanted to give our residents air, the movement of the breeze around the home, and copious lighting. The feeling is liberating.” From the masters’ bedroom to the living and dining room, each area will enjoy the abundant panorama.

Even the porte cochere or entrance drop-off was specially designed with a warm, welcoming feeling rather than a restricting one usually found in city condos. The objective was to achieve a driveway no different from those found in single-detached homes—clear, airy and with a touch of nature and landscaping

Each of the unit configurations underwent optimum space planning. “We went through a long process. Some condominiums have spaces that have no purpose. We wanted to have real and usable square meters,” says Tolentino. This economically achieved for them generous unit offerings, starting at 55 sqm for one-bedroom units, 82 sqm for two-bedroom units, to as much as 124 sqm for premium three-bedroom units.  

At the heart of it all, Katigbak understands what customers value most—trust in the developer. Taking great pains to go through focus group discussions, endless nights of brainstorming with her team, and the never-ending back-to-the-drawing-board days are what she believes will pay off in the end.

 â€œWe have a responsibility to the customers. We cannot compromise,” she says.