NEWS AND UPDATES
House vs. Condo: Which is a better investment?
04 July 2023Buying your own home is a decision that undoubtedly ranks among the most critical choices an individual can make. Discovering the ideal space for your safety, comfort, and personal preferences is paramount when considering property investment. It must be a place where you can find solace, freedom, and a breath of fresh air away from the chaos of daily life. But the question that looms large for many is whether to invest in a house or a condo unit.
The certainty of buying a property during a recuperating economy is a valid concern. However, according to Collier International’s latest report, both the local office and residential property sectors are expected to recover from the disruptions of the past year. The gradual reopening of the economy will support the demand in the residential sector, including pre-selling and secondary markets.
So, if you are on the fence about buying your own space, this is your sign to invest in yourself or your family. If you’re seeking your first or next property investment and you’re still not sure which type of realty to get, then this can be your guide!
Cost-efficient investment
Cost efficiency is subjective when it comes to owning a property. Condominiums are typically less expensive than houses due to their size, and their maintenance is usually cheaper as you are only responsible for the interior of your unit. With association fees in place, you won’t have to worry about exterior maintenance or administrative assistance. Condos have a dedicated Property Management Team consisting of professionals who are specifically trained to oversee the day-to-day operations of the property. Their primary responsibility is to ensure that all amenities, facilities, and common areas are kept in optimal condition. This includes regular maintenance, repairs, and upgrades to uphold the quality and functionality of the condo.
While houses provide homeowners the freedom to customize a larger space and transform it into your ideal home, you will be responsible for all maintenance and repairs. Regardless of whether you choose a house or a condo, it is essential to have a realistic budget in mind before beginning your property search.
A space that breathes life
Leading a busy life gives us limited time for leisure so it’s important to check on the amenities incorporated into the spaces you’re eyeing for. Condominiums offer a plethora of state-of-the-art functional facilities such as swimming pools, fitness gyms, kids’ play areas, game rooms, and lounges. Communal areas provide condo owners with an abundance of ways to relax and unwind without having to travel too far from their residences. These communal spaces also foster interaction among residents, enabling them to forge connections and establish a sense of community.
On the other hand, houses may not offer as many amenities to homeowners. Depending on the type of lifestyle you want, the amenities incorporated into the spaces play a crucial role in enhancing your quality of life.
Security and convenience
Security is a top consideration when looking for a place of your own. As condos have shared spaces such as lobbies, hallways, parking, and amenity areas, they often have dedicated security personnel and 24/7 surveillance systems in place. In contrast, houses have individual entrances and private spaces, which may require homeowners to implement their own security measures. Moreover, condos often have controlled access points, such as key card systems and intercoms. These help regulate who can enter the building and add an extra layer of security. Houses, on the other hand, rely on individual means of access control, such as locks, alarms, and security systems installed by homeowners.
Convenience-wise, condominiums are usually strategically located in prominent business districts and mixed-use communities, offering unparalleled convenience to their owners. These prime locations give residents effortless access to a myriad of lifestyles and commercial establishments. From trendy retail outlets, cozy cafes, and vibrant entertainment venues, condominium dwellers find themselves amidst a thriving urban ecosystem.
As there are many factors to take into consideration when deciding between purchasing a house or a condo, it is important to find a place that not only meets your needs but also aligns with your desired lifestyle. For those leading a fast-paced life and seeking convenient access to essential amenities and recreational spaces, a condo unit presents itself as a favorable and suitable investment.
Redefining City Living
MidPark Towers, located in the heart of Aseana City, is the epitome of sophisticated city living. With its world-class amenities and convenient access to transportation linkages, lifestyle centers, businesses, and services, it offers a luxurious retreat from bustling city life. The property is also just a 10-minute drive from Ninoy Aquino International Airport via NAIAx and is near the Entertainment City, home to Solaire Resort and Okada Manila.
Developed by Aseana Residential Holdings, Corp., MidPark Towers is a four-tower residential property set for completion in the last quarter of 2023. The predominantly glass façade of the four towers exudes an elegant and sophisticated ambiance. The units are spacious and livable, ranging from studios (40 sqm +/-) to three bedrooms (120 sqm +/-), offering endless possibilities for creating a perfect home. MidPark Towers also provides a host of amenities to support growing families and inspire the imagination and creativity of children. From kid’s play areas to outdoor pools, fitness gym, and private and business lounges, it offers a truly rewarding experience of luxury and comfort.
Make the best decision for your future and invest in a home that exceeds your expectations at MidPark Towers.
For more information on MidPark Towers’ latest news, events, and updates, visit their website at www.midparktowers.com.
D.M. Wenceslao bullish on earnings prospects
26 June 2023CONSTRUCTION firm D.M. Wenceslao & Associates Inc. expects ongoing projects, particularly its mixed-use development Parqal, to drive earnings growth this year despite continuing headwinds.
“For our developments, Parqal, our mixed-use development, is set to benefit from tenants shifting their preference to experiential environments given its amenities, public landscapes, and top-tier retail and food & beverage (F&B) shops,” D.M. Wenceslao director and CEO Delfin Angelo Wenceslao said during the company’s annual stockholders’ meeting on Friday.
He said the opening of Parqal this year would provide a fresh income stream.
“In addition, the first full-year land lease revenues from St. Luke’s Medical Center and other new locators will also help boost rental revenues.
“Wenceslao said that continued take-up in recently opened properties at 8912 Asean Avenue (an office development) and 58 Jupiter (a mixed-use building) would help drive revenues and increase margins.
“As for MidPark Towers, sustained construction progress continues, increasing the number of accounts qualified for revenue recognition and additional sales take-up will help drive residential earnings,” he added.
Wenceslao said the company was continuing to adapt to the changing landscape of the office market as more and more clients show a preference for sustainable and experiential environments, pointing out that Parqal was a prime example of this new trend.
“On how we are adapting to the post-Covid office landscape, the office space demand we are seeing now is that developers should offer not only working spaces that have functionality but also with experiential environments, which most of our properties have, like Parqal, for example,” he added.
Parqal consists of four independent nine-story buildings with green landscapes and recreational facilities connected by a park, which will reportedly be the first of its kind in the Philippines.
“It will have around 70,000 square meters of leasable commercial space, and around half of this will be for retail and F&B tenants, and the other half will be for office tenants. The opening of Parqal is expected to significantly boost our rental revenues,” Wenceslao said.
The listed construction firm reported a 45.3-percent drop in first-quarter net income to P525.66 million from P960.5 million in the same period last year as a result of having no land sales during the quarter and a higher cost of services.D.M. Wenceslao shares ended flat on Friday at P6.50 apiece.
In today’s dynamic and fast-paced world, where high productivity often leads to exhaustion, there is a growing desire to find retreat in an urban setting that caters to all our needs – a secure community that is easily accessible, offering a wide range of recreational facilities that enable us to relish life to the fullest. This is precisely the vision that Aseana City has meticulously crafted for families and enterprises alike – a masterfully designed community that embodies top-notch living standards, while providing seamless access to all modern amenities and world class public spaces.
Located along the picturesque shorelines of Manila Bay, Aseana City is a vibrant mixed-use development that spans an impressive 107.5 hectares. Developed by D.M. Wenceslao and Associates (PSE: DMW), one of the country’s leading integrated real estate developers and pioneers in land reclamation, Aseana City is dubbed as the ‘Next Generation City’ that offers a diverse range of residential, commercial, and leisure facilities.
About the photo: Stunning aerial view of Aseana City, showcasing its developments along Pres. D. Macapagal Boulevard
If you build it, they will come
In a well-designed city, one would expect to see fewer vehicles on the roads, secure and spacious sidewalks, and ample recreational amenities. Unfortunately, rapid urbanization and the lack of people-centric urban designs have led to the neglect of pedestrian facilities. As a result, people are often confined to narrow sidewalks, and the needs of private vehicles take precedence. Recognizing the lack of open spaces and safe pedestrian lanes in the country, D.M. Wenceslao has adopted a holistic approach to developing Aseana City.
“Horizontal pedestrian infrastructure is just as important as vertical real estate. As master developers of Aseana City, we see the last mile of pedestrian mobility as our responsibility. As the famous movie quote goes, ‘If you build it, they will come.’ In line with our commitment to sustainability, we are currently striving to establish the largest network of climate-protected sidewalks in the country,” said Delfin Angelo “Buds” C. Wenceslao, CEO of D.M. Wenceslao Group, emphasizing the company’s longstanding commitment to sustainable development.
Aseana City takes pride in having wider sidewalks which are shielded from inclement weather through a well-designed network of arcades, corridors, alleyways, and canopies. The creation of a climate-protected solution for pedestrians was made possible through the collaborative effort between DMWAI and its locators, with Aseana City’s design guidelines mandating the installation and construction of canopies and sky bridges. These structures are seamlessly interconnected, providing the walking public with an unparalleled walkability experience. With a pedestrian-centric philosophy in place, the vision is that one day one can walk from the LRT 1 Station at Redemptorist-Aseana City, stroll through Aseana City’s numerous landmarks and attractions, and walk all the way to the Manila Bay waterfront without having been exposed to heat or rain. Moreover, the estate is adorned with creative mural installations in various alleyways and buildings, further enhancing the ambiance and charm of the city.
Parqal – Aseana City’s Main Street
DMW’s flagship development of Parqal highlights the importance of effective accessibility and efficient mobility in Aseana City. With its design focusing on walkability and multiple entrance and exit points, Parqal serves as an excellent example of how urban planning can promote health and wellness and enhance the overall livability of a city.
About the photo: Parqal’s “floating canopy” made of ETFE (ethylene tetrafluoroethylene) serves as the flagship spine of Aseana City’s sidewalk masterplan, covering about 5,000 sqm of the development’s linear greenway spine.
Parqal, a portmanteau of the words “Park” and “Kalye” (the Filipino word for street), is a sprawling five-hectare mixed-use development that boasts an impressive gross floor area (GFA) of 70,000 sq.m. The entire expanse of the development is enveloped by a “floating canopy” made of ETFE (ethylene tetrafluoroethylene), a sustainable material that is known for its natural light permeability, lightweight nature, and exceptional durability. This canopy serves as the flagship spine of Aseana City’s sidewalk masterplan, covering about 5,000 sqm of the development’s linear greenway spine. With multiple entrance and exit points, Parqal is designed to be porous, promoting an active lifestyle for both visitors and residents. The development offers an array of leisure activities, with lifestyle and retail shops offering everything from dining, fashion, and wellness to DIY options. Parqal is anticipated to open by Q3 of 2023.
Aseana City’s transformation from water into land is just the beginning of its ambitious journey towards creating a more aesthetically compelling and beneficial urban landscape. The city’s commitment to delivering world-class infrastructure, products, and services has established it as one of the most competitive central business districts in the metro. Aseana City’s strategic location, connection to key transport linkages such as the NAIA Expressway, LRT Line 1 Extension, and the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITx), is further enhanced by its focus on public security, open spaces, and walkway systems. These features combine to make Aseana City an irresistibly great and valuable urban destination. The city’s progressive approach to urban planning and development sets a high standard for other urban areas to follow.
MANILA, Philippines – South Korea coffee and dessert café O’ Mango Six has just opened shop in Metro Manila for the first time!
METRO MANILA BRANCH. Photo courtesy of O’Mango Six
The official franchise of the K-drama-famous spot opened its first Manila outpost in Aseana 3 Building, East Tower, Aseana Avenue, Parañaque City. The branch is open from 7 am to 11 pm daily.
BLENDED BEVERAGES. Photo courtesy of O’Mango Six
O’ Mango Six may be familiar to many K-drama enthusiasts – the iconic location has been used for several top-rated K-drama series like 2013’s The Heirs, 2012’s Gentleman’s Dignity, and 2015’s Kill Me Heal Me, where the mango cream smoothie, mango coconut, and mango strawberry smoothie were featured. The café will serve most of its signature beverage menu, with most of them made with fresh mango and Hawaiian Kona coffee.
HOT COFFEE. Photo courtesy of O’Mango Six
Guests can expect O’ Mango Six’s lattes, macchiatos, and americanos, as well as the Honey Americano, Coconut Coffee, and Oriental Latte. There’s also Lemonade, Citron Ade, and Aurora Ade, as well as fruit and yogurt smoothies, coffee-based “mangocinno” drinks, and non-caffeinated “mangocinno” drinks in mint mocha, java chip, Oreo, and green tea flavors.
BRUNCH OPTIONS. Photo courtesy of O’Mango Six
Pastries are also available, such as savory pretzels; pizza; butter bread in honey, garlic, or honey cheese flavors; and other brunch options. CEO of O’ Mango Six Lia Oh said that they conceptualized the Philippine food menu in a way that customers can “experience Korean drinks and desserts while still giving it a Filipino twist that they will enjoy.” – Rappler.com
DMW declares highest cash dividend since IPO
19 March 2023The board of directors of D.M. Wenceslao & Associates Inc. in a regular meeting on March 15, 2023 declared cash dividends amounting to P0.07 per share, or a total of P254.6 million, representing an increase of 23 percent from a year ago.
DMW said it would pay the cash dividends on April 5, 2023 to all stockholders on record as of March 30, 2023.
This is the company’s fifth consecutive annual cash dividend and its highest since it publicly listed in June 2018. DMW said its continuously growing earnings and robust financial standing enabled it to sustain cash dividend growth while simultaneously being in a hyper-growth stage.
“Since our IPO, we have notched a long list of milestones including, among others, the completion of 8912 Asean Ave, our largest office development yet; our successful diversification to Makati City with 58 Jupiter; the successful turnover of our fully sold Pixel Residences, the signing of major land-lease locators, and the substantial progress in the construction of our flagship commercial development Parqal and our second residential project MidPark Towers,” said DMW chief executive Delfin Angelo Wenceslao.
“While executing on all these expansion initiatives, we simultaneously distributed consistent and growing annual cash dividends. This is a testament to the strength of our financial position, and it demonstrates our steadfast commitment to improving shareholder value,” he said.