Green and Green 2 Residences: More than just wise investments

What is it like to live a stone’s throw away from school or work? Why does this option matter today?

Our parents have, one way or another, shared their adventures about exploring and going around the Metro after school, back in the day. It boggles our minds how they were able to squeeze in leisure when being a student already entailed having so much to do. 

Comparing that to the situation today—apart from the many internal and external changes we have to conquer as youth— it is the bustling city life and congested roads that make studying not as simple as a walk in the park.

Instead of utilizing our hours for family, recreation and development, we sit in traffic worrying about how to beat the mounting deadlines, and how to balance that with a healthy lifestyle.

In the recent episode of Modern Living TV, host Bianca Gonzales-Intal sat down with residents from SM Development Corp. (SMDC) Green Residences, Aiyana Perlas and Francisco Patawaran, to discuss the bright future brought by their new home strategically located along Taft Avenue in Manila. 

5-star student life essentials

Despite Manila and Quezon City being neighbour cities, Aiyana still had to endure hours of traffic just to arrive in time for her first class every day. But this has since changed.

“You are a freshman here in De La Salle University (DLSU) Manila. How is the experience living so close to school?” Bianca asked Aiyana.

“Originally, I lived in Quezon City, and it would take me about four hours every day [to commute]. I would wake up at 5 a.m., leave by 6 and get to school by 7:20. I would get home at around 9 p.m. and proceed to studying,” she said.

Bianca Gonzales-Intal (left) and Aiyana Perlas talk about the convenience of living in SMDC's Green Residences. Released

“But now that I live here [Green Residences], it only takes me about 15 minutes to get to school,” the young student quipped.

Apart from having extra time these days to sleep and recharge, this student resident of Green Residences told Bianca how her new space allows her to observe responsibility and independence while balancing school, wellness and leisure.

“I enjoy the swimming pool and the gym because I really like working out,” she opened as Bianca points to other student-tailored facilities and amenities at Green Residences, such as the WiFi-enabled study hall and game and function rooms.

She also shared her parents’ initial concerns about letting her live on her own, “My parents were very hesitant at first because I’m their eldest child. So I gave them a tour of the area. My mother noticed that Green Residences was the closest to La Salle. When she went inside, she saw the RFID security and said that that makes it extra safe.”

“My parents don’t have to worry about me going through the streets to get groceries because there’s a Savemore Supermarket downstairs. [Living here] is teaching me how to be independent,” she added.

If students are busy juggling exams, school practices and deadlines, Green Residences houses a retail strip, the Green Mall. It offers a selection of coffee and tea shops and restaurants to ensure comfort and convenience. Aside from providing a panoramic view of Manila Bay and the Metro skyline, its location sits near the Light Rail Transit 1. Also, the Manila Metro Rail Transit System 3, the channel to key business districts, is just one ride away. 

A practical investment

Owning a unit at Green Residences gives parents’ children an opportunity to blossom as individuals. At the same time, it gives the opportunity to grow their money. Take it from SMDC unit owner and investor, Francisco Patawaran.

During an interview, Francisco shared his thoughts on how to spot a wise investment and how to make your money grow from it.

Six years ago, he decided to purchase and pre-sell properties in Green Residences, giving premium to location and practicality. “First of all, it is cost-effective with good return of investment. And of course, the most important thing is its proximity to DLSU,” Francisco said, adding that he has bought two units and two parking slots, and went on to refer 10 other units.

He explained what keeps him investing in SMDC. “They have the expertise and the good track record. I can sleep better knowing that I have invested my hard-earned money to the right company.”

Francis and Bianca also gave a few tips for those who plan to invest in condominium units, particularly in SMDC.

“Especially in real estate, do not hesitate,” the investor advised. “Pre-selling is the easiest way. You can actually put in a small amount, and in five years, you will have about a 20 percent deposit towards that unit.”

“And if you don’t want to live in it, you can get generate money from rentals to pay the mortgage,” he added. 

Cozy home down south

SMDC has been known for developing high-quality residences, which give premium to ease of living and proximity to schools and universities.

The developer’s projects include Sun Residences near the University Belt in Manila, Blue Residences and Berkeley Residences along Katipunan Avenue in Quezon City, Princeton Residences along Aurora Boulevard in Quezon City, which is near St. Paul College. There’s also Mezza and Mezza II Residences in Sta. Mesa near the University of the East and the Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center.

Having captured the ideal student living experience in the Metro, SMDC is bound to provide another cozy home for students down south with Green 2 Residences in Dasmariñas, Cavite.

The new addition to the property developer’s portfolio of "School Hubs" or "Unversity Towns" is notably adjacent to top-notch schools such as DLSU Dasmariñas, De La Salle Health Sciences Institute and Emilio Aguinaldo College.

Booming in Dasmariñas, Cavite, one of the country’s rising cities and centers for vibrant business activities, the upcoming property will prioritize the SMDC standard of living, one that supports and complements the lifestyles of faculty, students and their families.

With this in mind, it boasts amenities like WiFi-ready study areas, a gym, a lap pool, multi-purpose lawns, a function room and lounges. 

On the first floor, students, faculty and their families can enjoy a retail strip with basic conveniences. The strip is strategically placed for an overall harmonious study-work-play lifestyle.

The three-tower Green 2 Residences will stand on a 1.6-hectare land and will feature a façade with a design inspired by an archer’s bow. The project’s interiors will also feature a modern contemporary design.

Making it more ideal for student living is its closeness to establishments like SM City Dasmariñas, Waltermart and Central Mall Dasmariñas, as well as the upcoming LRT1 and other projects lined up within the area.

Like Green Residences, Green 2 is also seen as a good yield, noting that leading universities surrounding it have a combined population of more than 20,000 students.

Meanwhile, the market is also eyeing to rent spaces, continuing its commitment to offering convenience and proximity.

To know more about healthy and balanced student life at SMDC’s school hubs, visit www.smdc.com.