To many people, the South of Metro Manila is synonymous with cool breeze, wide open spaces, and a perceptibly laid-back pace of living. To Tiff Dizon-Barcelona, who has resided in this part of town her whole life, the South is, quite simply, home.
“This is where I grew up and where I would prefer to raise my family,” says Barcelona, a married executive from the advertising industry. “My siblings also stay in the South, so living here was only logical as we are quite near each other. I find that the Southern area is close enough to the major central business districts and yet far enough for it to still be peaceful and relaxing. As for traffic, I don’t think there’s anywhere in Manila that does not encounter traffic jams anymore. I think being in the South gives you more flexibility on how to work around traffic—we have the Skyway, the Expressway, and the service roads to choose from, roads that are not available in the Northern cities like Quezon City, Caloocan, or Manila.”
Tight-knit, family-friendly neighborhood
Set to complement the easy-going yet uplifting atmosphere the South is famous for is East Bay Residences, a gated community of condominiums situated along the East Service Road of Sucat, Muntinlupa. Poised to create an exclusive, tight-knit, family-friendly neighborhood, East Bay Residences is the first residential development in the South for Rockwell Primaries, whose impressive portfolio of condominium communities includes 53 Benitez in New Manila and The Vantage at Kapitolyo in Pasig. Rockwell Primaries is a subsidiary of Rockwell Land Corporation.
Familiar with the dynamic developer and the elevated quality of life it offers through its carefully master-planned properties and fine balance of natural and urban amenities, Dizon-Barcelona assumed Rockwell was out of her budget. “It was good timing that when my husband and I considered upgrading to a bigger unit, we also discovered that Rockwell Primaries is building in the South,” she explains. “We thought there was no harm in checking it out, so we did. Much to our surprise, the payment terms were manageable, helping us afford the bigger unit that we wanted.”
Ideally located within driving distance of key destinations and establishments (Sucat Interchange is a kilometer away; PAREF Southridge and Bellevue, Acacia, and Crimson Hotels are 5 kilometers away; and San Beda Colleges, Alabang Town Center, and Asian Hospital are 7 kilometers away), East Bay Residences embodies its “Life Lived Better” catchphrase in a property that seamlessly blends the relaxed vibe of the South with having the comfort of the Rockwell promise of security, convenience and elevating lifestyle.
Lush trees, sprawling lawns, and pretty pocket gardens spread throughout the property treat residents to a refreshing sight at the start and end of each day, while thoughtful amenities encourage them to spend more time in the great outdoors. Family and friends can bond for hours in a 25-meter lap pool, adult swimming pool, kiddie pool, playground, gazebo, pavilion, barbecue area, jogging path, and multi-purpose court, or hang out in the Clubhouse, a facility that boasts a spacious function room, tree court, and gym.
Meanwhile, a dedicated Retail Row ensures that the best services and specialty stores are all conveniently within residents’ reach: from a bank and a grocery, to a coffee shop, restaurants, and lifestyle boutiques, Retail Row makes “stepping out” a truly pleasurable experience.
Single professionals, newlyweds, couples ready to have kids, and even young families looking for a fresh start in the South will get it in Fordham Tower. This modern yet cozy 15-storey residential building is designed with only 23 units per floor, providing homeowners enough privacy and personal space in a one-bedroom unit, two-bedroom unit, three-bedroom unit, or three-bedroom bi-level unit.
Attention to detail and that all-important element of exclusivity are seen in floating corridors, wide, well-lit walkways, and paths of green found every five levels, as well as access keycards for elevators and parking floors.
Top priority
Like all Rockwell properties, East Bay Residences is run by capable and qualified property management and estate security teams. This sealed the deal for the Barcelonas. “The ideal home for me is, first and foremost, a place where I can raise my family in utmost safety,” says Tiff. “That is what’s most important to me—knowing that my children can run around without a care in the world and nothing can harm them.
“Another thing I look for in my home is privacy. Giving me and my family enough privacy allows us to rest, relax, and enjoy the moments we spend with each other. A good set of amenities (swimming pool, playground, gym, parks, etc.) wouldn’t hurt as well. My husband and I are about to start a family, we want our children to have a variety of amenities to explore and experience. Of course, my husband and I want to be able to use the facilities too.”
Having grown up South of the metro, where the climate is pleasant, the pace unhurried, and the community chill, Barcelona is now eager to raise her own children in the same atmosphere—and this time, in a home that is sure to enhance family living.
“I look forward to the quality of service that a Rockwell brand provides,” she says, “excellent security, utmost privacy, upscale amenities, and constantly improved facilities.”
ADVT