DMCI cements hold on market for condos

By Gil C. Cabacungan Jr.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 03:45:00 05/10/2009

A DECADE after making that big leap from just building homes and condominiums to marketing and selling them, the company bearing the initials of David M. Consunji has cemented itself as a force to reckon with in the real estate business.

Since making the crossover in 1999, DMCI Homes has built and sold 12,000 housing units, of which more than 60 percent are resort-themed, mid-rise projects at the fringes of the metropolis’ financial centers.

DMCI Homes has 12 projects in the pipeline this year, which will make 2,800 units available for sale – mostly in the P1.5 million to P2.5 million price range.

“People appreciated our efforts to come up with well-built, good-looking homes and condominiums that fit right into the low to upper middle class market [those that could pop between P2 million and P5 million per unit],” said Alfred R. Austria, Managing Director of DMCI Homes. “We just took our passion to build and this helped us stand out from the crowd.”

Taking advantage

There have been other construction firms that also took the real estate development path, but only DMCI Homes was able to take full advantage of its strengths in engineering and construction to become one of the industry’s big boys.

“Our boss has always told us there was no point in staying in a business if we are not the best in what we are doing. This drive towards excellence has served as well,” said Austria.

DM Consunji Inc. did not look at property development as just a sideline to keep its engineering and construction divisions busy after being idled by the property bust in 1998. It looked at it as a money spinner.

Its property division was named DMCI Homes because it wanted to attract buyers who would look at its products as something they would care to live in and not just to invest in.

This is why all of its mid-rise projects are enclosed in gated communities, which evoke the security and privacy found in traditional housing subdivisions; 40 percent of their projects’ footprint is open and green spaces and recreation areas with Bali- and Thai-inspired resort themes. The structures are just five stories high, up to 16 units to a floor and its products are mostly sold on RFO or ready for occupancy basis. Its first project was Lake View Manors in Taguig City. It was an instant hit but an eye opener as well.

“We built it to fit the budget of a regular office worker, so we kept the fixtures and unit sizes smaller. We were surprised that most of our buyers were spending to upgrade their units and the parking lot was filled with late model vehicles. We felt this was a market that was under the radar of property developers,” said Austria.

Sales surge

In the second wave of its mid-rise projects from the Hampstead Gardens in 2001 to East Ortigas Mansions in 2003 to Mayfield Park in 2004, DMCI saw its sales surge to record levels reminiscent of the real estate boom in the 1990s (the company averages 70 to 100 units per project each month).

But even if DMCI Homes has apparently hit its groove in the business, Austria said the company continued to look for ways to improve its performance by conducting regular surveys of current clients and prospective buyers just to make sure if they were doing things the right way.

“Our engineering pedigree gives us a different mindset in approaching the business. We give priority to workmanship and customer satisfaction over pesos and centavos,” said Austria who cited DMCI’s landmark projects notably the CCP complex, Mactan Shangri-La Hotel in Cebu and the Istana Palace in Brunei.

DMCI Homes cut loose with its next wave of projects – Raya Garden Condominiums in Paranaque (2006); Rosewood Pointe in Taguig (2006); Riverfront Residences in Pasig (2007); and Royal Palm Residences in Taguig (2008) – that have raised the bar for other property developers.


Online marketing

Aside from the building, Austria said DMCI Homes also took pains to make its projects as transparent and accessible to buyers through the Internet.

It is arguably the first real estate developer whose floor plans, building dimensions and designs, prices and financing schemes are available on the web.

“We’ve always believed that keeping secrets from buyers is no way to do business. Buyers should know and get what they paid for,” said Austria.

Austria said the company has perfected its craft with most buyers immediately associating resort-themed, mid-rise building communities with DMCI Homes even though other older real estate firms have since taken the same route.

Who would have guessed that somebody who built chicken houses for the Bureau of Animal Industry would end up as the master in resort-inspired homes for middle class Filipinos?

Source: Inquirer.net

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Summer Sizzler at Dansalan Gardens Open House

It was a day of celebration.... it was a day of fun-filled and refreshing summer relaxation at Dansalan Gardens Condominium.

The completion of Paloverde Tower, the third and the last tower to emerge on this idyllic condominium community in Mandaluyong City, marks the latest milestone by DMCI Homes as it formally celebrated the turnover of the building to its first sets of residents with an Open House aptly themed "Cozy Summer Cookout Party".

Held recently 18 at Dansalan Gardens, the event was filled with festivities reflective of a typical relaxing, resort-like lifestyle befitting families, couples, and professionals working hard in the city. Throughout the day, residents and guests lounged cozily and indulged in barbecued feasts at the decorated poolside and spacious activity areas. Dansalan Gardens' common amenity area features a breezy surrounding all year-round, emanating from the enclosure of the two towers - Paloverde and Sycamore - and obliterating the sizzling summer afternoon heat.

Meanwhile, the kids splashed tirelessly in the swimming pool and queued for free ice cream and cold drinks. The acoustic band Pure Sound provided a soothing music straight from the summer's quintessential collection of acoustic hits.

Paloverde Tower's exciting lifestyle offerings were also unveiled during the day, with prospective buyers and clients getting a glimpse of its features and amenities, among them the luxurious 2BR model units at the 30th floor and the Sky Lounge at the Penthouse level. As the afternoon went on, guests and residents were invited to the Sky Lounge to witness first hand the breathtaking views of the sunset. While the sun slowly immersed itself deep in the horizon and bathing the bright summer skies with reverent orange glow, wine and cheese were served to complete the refreshing experience.

As the last installment to the Dansalan Gardens, Paloverde Tower (31-storey) rises as high as Sycamore Tower, and offers present and future residents with good location (at the corner of Boni Avenue and M. Vicente St.), low-density occupancy per floor, resort-like amenities, and units with magnificent views of the Metro Manila skylines.

The more than fifty first residents of Paloverde Tower can attest to this as were the dwellers of Dansalan Gardens' first two towers, Willow and Sycamore, which now serve as fitting residences to young and mobile urban professionals and their families who are reveling in a strategic address and a welcoming environment.

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On a High at Paloverde Tower Sky Lounge

The Sky Lounge finds its place on the topmost level of a high-rise building, to give due credence to its function and prestige - a vantage point from where people can enjoy generous views of the locality below, and an area to congregate for those with the privilege of access to such a venue. For DMCI Homes, such a prime amenity should also be entitled to its valuable market of middle-income professionals who deserve extra space to break free from the suffocating effects of urban living. The first triple A builder and developer, in fact, can boast of such a feature in not just one, but now two of its residential towers in Mandaluyong City.

Dansalan Gardens Condominiums recently unveiled the Sky Lounge of its third tower, Paloverde - to complement the existing Sky Lounge at adjacent Sycamore Tower. This means that residents of Dansalan Gardens can now savor the luxurious experience of having two Sky Lounges on the penthouse levels of their two buildings. In so doing, DMCI Homes has become one of the few residential high rise project developers that have consciously redefined the functions of a Sky Lounge. Meticulously studied and researched, DMCI Homes has conceptualized the Sky Lounge to address the demands and expectations of modern condominium residents.

"You don't have to own a prized unit at the top floor to get an access to the magnificent view offered by Paloverde Tower," cites Marz Encarnacion, DMCI Homes Project Development Manager. "The Sky Lounge can be an extension of your home, where you can work, study, play, or relax with good music or by watching the red glow of the setting sun," she adds.

Located at the 31st floor of Paloverde Tower, the Sky Lounge occupies a generous 139-sqm space composed of sections such as the Sky Lounge Bar, seating areas, couches, and reading areas that can be utilized freely by the residents. It is situated in the corner quadrant of the tower and the floor-to-ceiling glass wall of the lounge provides residents with almost 270 degrees of panoramic views, consisting of the Makati CBD, Bonifacio Global City skylines, and Manila Bay horizon.

"This particular Sky Lounge concept is actually a premium above all other developments," Encarnacion noted. "We feel that it's not only enough to provide a swimming pool, clubhouse, and greenery. We're taking it into a new and higher level both literally and figuratively. Residents won't see our common amenities merely at the ground level. They are given the option of a Sky Lounge and be amazed with the spectacular views and efficient master plan that encourages lively interaction between homeowners, neighbors, and guests.... We've maximized the fact that at Dansalan Gardens, there are no other high rise projects in the immediate location to block the magnificent views of the city that we offer at units here."

Incoming residents of the now-completed Paloverde Tower will be the first to benefit from this kind of amenity, Encarnacion explained, enumerating the various advantages of the Paloverde Tower Sky Lounge: "This is where families can gather for casual chats or simply while away time. Designed with a series of nooks and flexible seating configurations, the Sky Lounge can even accommodate meetings among residents either for professional or social functions, without interrupting the other activities amidst the expansive floor area."

The Sky Lounge can also be used as a receiving area to welcome guests, aside from the lobby at the ground level and other shared open areas around the Dansalan Gardens complex. For unit owners residing on the lower levels who want to enjoy the scenic views, they can simply go up the topmost level and spend a few moments with family and friends. The whole room is also Wi-fi-enabled, so residents have the choice of bringing up their laptop to the lounge for some quiet work or free surfing.

The interior design of the Sky Lounge focused on a classic design inspiration to create an elegant and homey space for residents at the Sky Lounge. The lounge's design intent is "a touch of classic art nouveau blended with contemporary elements of the 60s and finished by geometric shapes to give a modern look." A charming play of lights, colors, and textures were put in effect to exude a warm and cozy ambience that will not intimidate guests. Dark and contrasting colors were used to frame and emphasize the city skyline anytime of the day, with moods varying from bright and airy in the daytime to scintillating and romantic at night.

Adding character to the space are art pieces whose content were tempered in such a way as not to be the main focus of the walls, but to complement the room and the views beyond the lounge. To provide hint a of modernity, the whole area is adorned with cocktail glasses, assorted wines, coffee table books and game boards distributed all over the place, and surrounding an edgy silver and white bar with a lit counter top.

"We also replicated a few similar furniture pieces from the Sycamore Tower Sky Lounge to establish a sense of uniformity mixed together with new furniture pieces accessorized by unique decorative items to give it a unique touch," Encarnacion added.

Designed to support the lifestyle of each homeowner, the Paloverde Sky Lounge will offer relaxation, function, and everything in between - the height of luxurious urban living for a real value-for-money property only by DMCI Homes.

Source: DMCI Homes

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A grand welcome at Surabaya Tower

DMCI Homes recently completed the construction of the Surabaya Tower inside Raya Garden Condominiums.

Set on a two-hectare land along the West Service Road in Merville, Paranaque City, Raya Garden is a Bali-inspired community of three mid-rise and two high-rise condominium residences.

Easily accessible via major thoroughfares such as EDSA, South Expressway and C-5 Road, Raya Garden is urban sanctuary that is just at the doorstep of the business hub of Makati and the emerging economic district that is the Bonifacio Global City.

The property is likewise just a few minutes from commercial and entertainment centers, leading educational institutions, premier medical establishments, as well as the international and domestic airports.

The 15-story Surabaya Tower is the largest structure to rise in the community. However, it still carries the typical unit arrangements found in all the other residential buildings: central atrium found every five floors, single-loaded corridors that open up to gardens instead of neighboring
doors, a set-up that assures the welcome entry of energy-saving natural light and ventilation.

And since Surabaya Tower is foreseen as the grandest among the five residential structures, an air-conditioned, spaciously laid-out and lavishly adorned lobby for the building was designed.

Staying consistent with the theme of the entire development, the Surabaya lobby took inspiration from the distinct features of Bali design.

Two gentle welcome primitiffs (sandstone carving) smilingly greet everyone at the lobby doors. One area of the lobby serves as the lounge and waiting area. Very noticeable in this area is the wall treatment with varying depths and texture to complement the dream-like lighting effect.

Another area features the reception counter, designed with an organic concept of pure wood materials combined with granite.

An attraction at the said area is the stone fountain, crafted by authentic Indon craftsmen.

The third and last area is the elevator lobby. Surabaya boasts of three side-by-side high-speed elevators.

Balinese procession woodcarving hanging at the end walls serve as charming eye catchers in this area.

Aside from being the gateway for Surabaya Tower residents, the lobby is the converging point for community
features intended for residents of the other four buildings, too.

The lobby leads to the state-of-the-art fully equipped gym, the parking podium, various commercial areas, the community water station, laundry station, and the central community Property Management Office (PMO) all of which are housed at Surabaya Tower.

Raya Garden Condominiums is a project of DMCI Homes, the country’s first triple A builder/developer that offers families with modest income
optimum value for money by providing homes with exceptional features and amenities.

Source: Manila Bulletin

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The exclusive high-rise lifestyle: Rosewood Pointe unveils penthouse tandem units

In this day and age, the lifestyle of the rich and famous is just about as possible to achieve for any young, hard-working, and mobile modest-income worker who desires to enjoy such indulgences after working furtively for himself and his family.

Such luxuries as a penthouse unit with a generous floor area and overlooking views of the metro below, apart from the prestige and privilege that go with such an address, are now practically affordable compared to similar developments offering the same appointments but marked by hefty price tags because of central locations and premier property brands.

For practical buyers who want an upgrade for high-rise living, DMCI Homes offers the Exclusive Penthouse Tandem Unit at Rosewood Pointe - the only Neo-Asian family condominium that adheres to the core Asian value of gentleness. The project has been designed to present a calmer, relaxed and unhurried home environment for families, located in an urban setting just outside the Central Business Districts of Bonifacio Global City (BGC) and nearby Makati and Ortigas.

Infused with a Neo-Asian architecture distinct to this part of the metro, Rosewood Pointe is a community carefully designed to provide a relaxing ambiance for its residents. Earth tones such as brown and beige are utilized as dominant color palletes to evoke a warm and idyllic mood setting, establishing a more hospitable and open relationships within families and the entire community.

Its "crown" feature aptly situated on the topmost level of the 21-storey property is the Exclusive Tandem Unit, offering an impressive floor area of 96 to 111.5 sqm - its awesome space perfect for a distinguished professional and his family.

A total of 24 Penthouse Tandem Units are offered at Rosewood Pointe's two high-rise towers, Jade and Ivory. Each unit consists of three bedrooms, apart from an extra room that can be converted into a maid's room or utility area; two toilet & baths, a flowing living and dining area, kitchen plus a spacious balcony and service area at the roof deck.

Penthouse Tandem Units are ideal for growing families who value space, prestige and exclusivity. And compared to similar properties in adjacent BGC and Makati, Rosewood Pointe offers the real deal at an affordable price range of P6.42M to P 7.71M.

The luxurious penthouse units also afford homeowners an attractive variety of condo amenities and building facilities, among them three floors of covered parking, a hotel-like lobby that provides a grand welcome; a lovely Podium Garden where they can lounge around freely and chat with friends; a balcony for all units that unveils scintillating views of Ortigas Center and BGC; the DMCI Homes signature provision of single-loaded corridors that allow natural light and ventilation; a central promenade garden on every five floors; and commercial units on the ground and 2nd floor levels.

A Sky Lounge will also be opened at the Ivory Tower - a facility for the exclusive use of Rosewood Pointe residents which has recently emerged as a staple provision at DMCI Homes projects. The Sky Lounge functions as a communal lounge area for residents where they can drink their morning coffee, have intimate meetings or hold social gatherings, or simply a quiet venue to enjoy the panorama of the metro.

Rosewood Pointe is strategically located near C-5 road in the progressive city of Taguig. It is just a few minutes away from economic hubs of Makati Central Business District and BGC - close to popular malls, classy restaurants, exclusive shops, top schools, state-of-the-art hospitals and the domestic and international airports.

DMCI Homes is the country's first Triple A builder/developer that offers modest income earning families optimum value for their money by providing homes with exceptional features and amenities, world-standard level of craftsmanship borne out of more than 50 years' experience in the construction and development industry.


Source: DMCI Homes

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