Brittany Corporation, the luxury residential arm of the country’s largest homebuilder, Vista Land & Lifescapes, Inc., recognized its sales partners through its first-ever Sales Excellence Awards, a program organized by Brittany to recognize its partners from different sales networks for their exceptional performance in the first quarter of this year.

2022 proved to be a momentous time for Brittany as it kicked off the year with a back-to-back sales performance and a continuous increase in reservation sales. It was also the first time that the company launched a program promoting sales excellence among its sales frontliners.

Elevate, Brittany Corporation’s first-ever Sales Excellence Awards

The Brittany Sales Excellence Awards was held on May 5, 2022, at an exclusive event at the Mella Hotel. The event, which bore the theme “Elevate” resonates with the company’s vision to elevate the standards of real estate above and beyond. Earl Millanes, Brittany Corporation Division Head, Joshua Ray Cabungan, Brittany Sales & Marketing Head; and Veronica Belaos and John Carlo Rodriguez, Brittany Project Marketing Heads, also graced the event and addressed the awardees with their special messages.

Five main awards were given this year to Brittany’s top-performing sales partners.

These awards include the Spotlight Award, which recognized the seller with the highest conversion rate; the Ace Leaderboard Award for the Property Investment Consultant and Sales Manager category; the Pinnacle Award, which recognized the top Managing Director for the first quarter of the year 2022; the President’s Circle, which was given to the top sales group; and the Circle of Excellence Award, which was presented to the top Sales Network of the quarter.

With a common goal to commit to excellence and elevate the standards of luxury real estate, Brittany is optimistic about hitting its sales targets with its valuable sellers and business partners.

Suggested Read: Camella Bags First Carousell Property Awards

Brittany Corporation is the luxury residential arm of the largest homebuilder, Vista Land & Lifescapes, Inc. With Brittany’s Old World European and American-themed projects, Brittany creates masterpieces of luxury living for sophisticated home buyers with a taste for artful living.

Brittany offers a fine selection of home designs in excellent locations such as Portofino in Alabang, La Posada in Sucat, Georgia Club in Sta. Rosa, Laguna and Crosswinds in Tagaytay.

All the self-made millionaires in the world have a different story to tell of how they have successfully built their wealth. It is because there is no one-stop shop of ways to be a millionaire. If there is, then there will be an overflow of wealthy people in the world. The reality is, there are no guarantees in life—there are a lot of factors that can affect people’s success in business or any venture they are into.

Self-made millionaires share habits that helped them succeed

Still, the mystery behind people’s successes has been a topic of many researches over the years. Even without guarantees, many researchers have found out the there are hundreds of self-made millionaires who share common habits or behaviors that help them build and grow their wealth.

If you are starting your journey to wealth-building, here are some of the things that millionaires do differently that you can start to imitate.

Millionaires do these things to stay in the game:

1. Millionaires wake up early.

It is a known fact that millionaires do value their time | Photo by Anastasiya Vragova 

Despite having the luxury to sleep in every morning, millionaires are known to be early risers. It is a habit that they consistently practice, not just during work days but even on their rest days—seven days a week! Millionaires know that time is their most valuable resource so they make each second productive and make the most of their time in a day.

From multiple meetings to running a handful of businesses, millionaires do not work on an eight-to-five schedule. They do not just sacrifice their time of sleep by waking up early but most of them—if not all—usually stay up late as well.

According to Stanley Fallaw, author of The Next Millionaire Next Door, millionaires sleep nearly eight hours less a week and work six hours more a week than the average American.

2. Millionaires have multiple sources of income.

Having many streams of income is a concept that is common to businessmen | Photo by energepic.com 

For employees who are working on an eight-to-five job, having multiple sources of income is challenging since their full-time job already takes most of their time. On the other hand, millionaires do things differently by making sure that their cash flow is not dependent on only one source.

Again, from the book The Next Millionaire Next Door, it seems that many millionaires view having a side hustle positively. For hundreds of self-made millionaires, they believe it is a good way to explore options while remaining employed full-time.

These days, there are many options for side hustle that people can explore even through online channels such as investing in stock market and other virtual currencies.

3. Millionaires exercise frugality.

Millionaires practice discipline in many aspects including finances | Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko

This might come as a shock to many people but researchers have found out that most self-made millionaires are frugal. In retrospect, this actually makes sense because these people had to be disciplined in managing their finances before successfully building and growing their wealth.

Some of the habits to practice being frugal is making a commitment to spend less, stick to a budget, and save. Many of the millionaires that was interviewed in various researches mentioned that the key to being financially free is to living below their means. Millionaires do not follow the crowd and try to show off to the people around them. They focus on achieving their goals for themselves and their businesses.

One of the ways that millionaires do this is by living in an affordable dwelling. Rather than spending more to live an extravagant lifestyle, millionaires tend to find ways to save and invest the money for it to grow exponentially. Whatever the percentage they are saving, the bottomline is that millionaires are making sure to save a huge portion of their income.

Mark Zuckerberg, one of the wealthiest people in the world, is known for the way he dresses up—simple, as many people would describe—despite having the means to live otherwise.

4. Millionaires are consistent.

The need for consistency is a lesson that most people—not just millionaires—have heard at least once in their lifetime. Unfortunately, many fail to take this lesson into action—it is easier said than done.

Millionaires understand that consistency is key to discipline and self-control. Doing things over and over again helps them master and achieve personal goals. Millionaires do this by being responsible, intentional, focusing on their goals, and working hard. Practicing these habits consistently leads millionaires to the results that are foundational in wealth-building.

5. Millionaires invest in personal growth.

Millionaires spend time and money to learn new things | Photo by Julia M Cameron 

Many famous billionaires like Bill Gates and Elon Musk attribute their success to their consistent reading habits. Reading is one of the most common ways to learn new things, stay informed, and see other people’s perspective.

Aside from reading, many millionaires also invest in having a personal mentor or coach to help them in their venture. For instance, there are many financial experts nowadays that are being hired by businessmen to give advice regarding investing and wealth-building. Having trustworthy people to consult in different areas of business can help avoid mistakes as much as possible.

Personal growth is not limited to knowledge, skills, and decision making though, it also includes taking care of one’s health. Many self-made millionaires do not just devote time to reading and mentoring, they also look after their bodies by regularly exercising.

In summary, a lot of successful people understand the value of investing in themselves to improve their knowledge and skills. After all, it is their most valuable capital in building and growing their wealth.

6. Millionaires seek feedback.

Successful people make it a habit to seek feedback | Photo by Startup Stock Photos from 

One might assume that millionaires live in their own bubble and ignore the ideas of the people working for them. However, research shows that it is pretty much the opposite. It seems that millionaires are usually open to feedback to improve their work and themselves.

Successful people are not afraid of criticism. They know that feedback is essential to improve what they do. Whatever the feedback is, may it be positive or negative, most millionaires believe that it is a vital part of learning and growth.

In any kind of business, customer feedback needs to be heard and addressed to ensure a better service and customer loyalty. The same principle applies with millionaires, they want to hear feedback so they can improve their output.

Also, as previously mentioned, millionaires intentionally and actively seek mentors who can help them achieve their goals and stay on top of their game. By practicing this habit, you can also improve and finish each day with a new learning like a millionaire.

7. Millionaires spend time to think.

Successful people are always on the lookout for innovation. They see beyond what is in front of them and constantly think of possibilities that can open new opportunities for their business or any other venture.

This is why it is not surprising that millionaires allot some time to be alone and run ideas in their head. According to research, most millionaires stay in isolation for about 15 minutes everyday to think. They love to have a brainstorming session with themselves. Doing this helps them organize their thoughts, their ideas, and make them better problem solvers.

For other people, spending time to think might be seen as a waste of time. But for the wealthy, it is an important part of their day. Indeed, it is not just the body that needs a warmup—the brain needs it too.

8. Millionaires invest in real estate.

Owning real estate properties is a proven way to build wealth | Photo by David McBee

As previously mentioned, millionaires make sure to have multiple sources of income. One of the best ways they do it is investing their money to lucrative assets such as real estate.

Owning real estate properties has a lot of advantages such as positive cash flow, fast appreciation value, and even tax advantages. In short, investing in real estate is a great way to make money grow exponentially.

In the Philippines, some of the best real estate properties that the wealthy can invest on is with Brittany Corporation. Brittany’s luxury homes for sale in several prime locations in the country guarantee a great return of investment—Crosswinds Tagaytay, Brittany Santa Rosa, Vista Alabang, and The Lakefront Sucat.

Crosswinds Tagaytay by Brittany Corporation features some of the most beautiful houses in the Philippines

Brittany Corporation has an extensive portfolio of luxury real estate properties such as luxury house and lot, luxury lots, and luxury condo. These luxury homes for sale are nestled within themed communities that are inspired by international travel destinations, equipped with amazing amenities and features, for the complete luxury living experience.

People no longer rely solely on their savings for future security in the information age. Personal savings are now considered insufficient to ensure financial security. Idle cash in our bank accounts represents a missed opportunity because it is incapable of earning additional money and, second, it does not have the potential to beat inflation.

The concept of just getting by day by day is obsolete. Having a financial portfolio that will ensure early retirement is the new norm. By having a financial portfolio, we mean investing—making the money we earn work for us.

Being aware of investing, of course, you are looking for new ways of earning more with your cash on hand and in the bank.

This is where we introduce you to REIT or Real Estate Investment Trust.

Defining Real Estate Investment Trust

In general, according to blackrock.com, an investment trust is a public limited company that invests in other businesses in order to earn money. Investing in an investment trust allows you to diversify your portfolio of companies.

The Securities and Exchange Commission of the Philippines defines a REIT as a stock corporation formed primarily for the purpose of owning income-producing real estate assets such as hospitals, apartment buildings, office buildings, medical facilities, hotels, resorts, highways, warehouses, shopping centers, and railroads as examples of real estate assets.

It is a type of investment indicator that pays investors a return on the underlying real estate asset’s rental income.

Hence, specifically for real estate investment trusts, the source of return for the investment is income-producing real estate.

As stated on www.reit.com, “REITs allow anyone to invest in portfolios of real estate assets the same way they invest in other industries – through the purchase of individual company stock or through a mutual fund or exchange-traded fund (ETF). The stockholders of a REIT earn a share of the income produced – without actually having to go out and buy, manage or finance property.”

In a nutshell, one can be a shareholder of income-producing real estate by simply investing in a real estate investment trust.

What is an Income Producing Real Estate?

Tenant rents, market price appreciation, and other additional revenue streams turn properties into income-generating real estate. Income-producing real estate can include single-family homes, apartments, and commercial property.

Commercial real estate encompasses many different types of retailers, including office space, hotels and resorts, strip malls, restaurants, and healthcare facilities.

How Do Real Estate Investment Trusts Pay Dividends?

As mandated by law, investors can expect to receive 90% of distributable income as dividends annually. However, the dividend rate will depend on the REITs’ income. The form dividends may be in the form of cash, property, or stock dividends.

What are the types of REITs?

As mentioned previously, REITs come in a variety of forms. Thus, let us examine each type.

1. Equity – When we say Equity REITs, these are REIT Companies that own and manage income-producing real estate, and they generate revenue primarily through rent.
2. Mortgage – Mortgage real estate investment trusts (mREITS) finance income-producing real estate by purchasing or originating mortgages and mortgage-backed securities (MBS) and earning interest on these investments. Their overarching goal is to profit from their net interest margin, defined as the difference between interest income on their mortgage assets and funding costs.

3. Hybrid

This is a company that combines both Equity REITs and Mortgage REITs.

Investments to consider: Residential Property Investments in Tagaytay | Brittany Corporation

Stapled and Paper Clip REIT

For REITs, Staples and Paper Clips are not simply Office Supplies. These are kinds of structures of REIT companies that do not only invest in real estate, but itself has become a company that owns or partners with a separate income-producing business, which may also be from a different industry other than real estate.

If, for example, a commercial REIT buys a mall as its asset and leases it to third-party operating companies in exchange for a lease payment stream, including a percentage of the mall’s gross income from rents.

The REIT effectively conveys some of the economic arbitrage created by the operating company’s active investment in managing and operating the mall. However, the operating company retains a sizable portion of the economic profit generated by the facility’s operation. The stapled REIT was created to prevent this “leakage,” or operating profit that the REIT does not retain.

Stapled REIT Structure

The stapled REIT structure aims to effectively capture cash flow leakage and give REIT shareholders increased control over the REIT’s active business. This is accomplished by “stapling” the REIT’s stock to the operating company’s stock and trading them in tandem.

When a REIT and an operating company enter into an intercompany agreement to grant each other the right to participate in specific transactions and investments, this structure is referred to as a Paper Clip REIT.

Although the stock in the two companies is not traded concurrently (or stapled), the economics of the two businesses are inextricably linked or “paper clipped” as a result of an intercompany agreement between the REIT and the operating company.

In other words, shareholders interested in capitalizing on the combined economics of the distinct businesses can acquire shares in each and paper clip them together.

The genius of the paper-clip structure, as with the stapled structure, enables REIT shareholders to benefit from the economics of both active and passive real estate investments.

How Do Companies Qualify as a REIT?

In the Philippines, the Securities and Exchange Commission lists the critical requirements for a company to become a REIT:

• A REIT must be registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission as a stock corporation with at least P300 million in paid-up capital.
• A REIT must be listed on an exchange and have a minimum of 1,000 public shareholders, each possessing at least 50 shares and collectively owning at least 1/3 of the REIT’s outstanding capital stock.
• At least one-third or two, whichever is higher, of the board of directors shall be independent directors.
• A REIT must appoint an independent Fund Manager and Property Manager.
  Directors, officers, fund managers, property managers, distributors and other REIT participants must qualify under the fit and proper rule.

Pros and Cons of REITs Investing

REITs are essentially a collection of funds invested in real estate assets. They are similar to mutual funds, except that you will invest in income-producing real estate assets instead of investing in publicly traded companies.

Investing in REITs sounds promising because of the following reasons:

• It diversifies your investment portfolio.
• It has high dividend yields.
• There is good return potential.
• They are liquid-like regular stocks.
• It gives you access to owning properties you wouldn’t usually be able to acquire.

Nonetheless, there are also disadvantages to REITs:

• REITs are sensitive to investment rates.
• Trends tend to influence REITs, especially for commercial real estate.
• Some REITs may charge high transaction and management fees.
• REITs are best as long-term investments.

Explore other investments: Top 10 Investment Opportunities for the Wealthy | Brittany Corporation

How to Buy and Sell REIT in the Philippines

Finally, as Filipinos, here’s how you can access REIT. REITs are offered via Initial Public Offering (IPO) during a specified period. If it becomes challenging to invest in REIT when a private company initially offers its shares to the public, you can still buy REITs like regular stocks in the secondary market.

Here in the Philippines, these are some of the REITs to invest into:

• Vista Land REIT (upcoming IPO)
• Ayala Land REIT (AREIT)
• DoubleDragon Properties REIT (DDMPR)
• Filinvest REIT (FILRT)
• Robinsons Land Commercial REIT (RCR)
• Megaworld REIT (MREIT)
• Citicore Energy REIT (CREIT)

Vista Land REIT

Although Vista Land is yet to launch its REIT, the company has a promising real estate portfolio.

With a broad selection of residential and commercial real estate, the Vista Land REIT will undoubtedly be the talk of the town. Given the company’s continued growth and expansion, this will undoubtedly be an excellent REIT to invest in.

Get a glimpse of the portfolio here: Top Properties to Explore Outside the City | Brittany Corporation

Due to the fact that traffic volume exceeds road capacity, it has always been a common dilemma for the majority of South people to commute via metro. Indeed, Metro Manila, as the country’s epicenter of urban development, is one of the most congested cities in the country. As a result, Metro Manila continues to emphasize the importance of mobility issues not only for daily commuters but also for private car owners.

Accessibility has always been a major issue in this part of the world, and it appears as though the only solution is to build more roads. However, we all know that this solution will be insufficient given Metro Manila’s high vehicle density at any given time of day.

Commuting to Metro Manila has become increasingly difficult in recent years, particularly for those who live in the south, which includes provinces such as Cavite and Laguna, and who work in the city.

Those who live in the metropolis but travel to the south on weekends, holidays, or special occasions face the same dilemma as those who live in the suburbs. In part, this is due to the fact that both locations have a great deal to offer in terms of state-of-the-art amusement parks, businesses, and restaurants.

How were the commuting services in the country when the pandemic hit?

When a global pandemic strikes, the dilemma reverberates throughout the world. Following the occurrences of community lockdowns, there has been an increase in the suspension of public transportation and ground transportation. This nationwide policy was implemented in order to combat the country’s sharp increase in COVID-19 positive cases, which was particularly noticeable in Metro Manila at the time of implementation.

To address this, commuters adapted to the quarantined life. And in terms of mobility, commuters considered adapting to multimodal transportation like using bicycles to encourage less air pollution and carbon emissions as well as to promote a healthy lifestyle. However, travel within the city including the daily commute remained difficult.

Take, for example, despite the efforts to heighten quarantine measures and health protocols, traffic volume and congested public utility vehicles (PUVS) remained congested. Furthermore, overcrowding becomes inevitable since pedestrian crossings and terminals are poorly designed and inconveniently located. Hence, the effort to comply with the social distancing protocol has been difficult to practice and maintain.

Commuting to Metro Manila has always been a common dilemma not just to those who residing in there but also to nearby provinces as well. | Photo from Unsplash

To solve the heavy traffic volume along EDSA in Metro Manila, the authorities relocated the bus lanes to the middle lanes and designated the right side of the road for buses and emergency vehicles, making it a faster mode of transportation than most of private cars.

Given these risks, many commuters decided to invest in private means of transportation. Many purchased their own cars and motorcycles to allow themselves ply roads in the city. But as fuel price, other opted for simpler modes of transportation like bicycles, e-bikes, etc.

The Development of MCX

Muntinlupa-Cavite Expressway (MCX), formerly known as the Daang Hari-SLEX Link Road, opened in 2015. It is the first public-private partnership project under the late former President Benigno Aquino III’s administration. The MCX operates a four-kilometer-long main road that connects Cavite’s towns to Metro Manila.

The Ayala Group has agreed to sell their entire stake in MCX Project Company Inc. (MCXPCI) to Villar’s Prime Asset Ventures Inc. for Php 3.8 billion (PAVI). According to the terms of the sale agreement, PAVI will pay Ayala Corporation in two tranches: the first PHP 3.219 billion will be paid upon financial close, and the remaining PHP 581 million will be paid when Ayala Corporation’s lockup period expires, as specified in the MCX concession agreement with the Philippine government.

Ayala’s sale of the concession to Villar is still pending approval by the grantor of the MCX, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

How MCX Connects The Metro To The South

To avoid and address the traffic volume and vehicle congestion on the nearby roads such as Daang Hari Road and Commerce Avenue, MCX has four-lane expanses. Indeed, the MCX has been a huge help to many commuters and motorists, especially those who are coming from Bacoor, Imus, General Trias, and Molino as it avoids the busy roads of Alabang business district.

Toll Fee in MCX

Just like any other expressways, toll fees have to be paid to maintain the operations and management of MCX. At the toll barrier of MCX, the fees are assigned based on the entry and exit point of the vehicles as well as their class. A guide to calculating the fees per entry/exit point is listed below:

For Class 1 Vehicles:

A toll fee guide for class 1 vehicles | Photo from Toll Regulatory Board

For Class 2 Vehicles:

A toll fee guide for class 2 vehicles | Photo from Toll Regulatory Board

For Class 3 Vehicles:

A toll fee guide for class 3 vehicles | Photo from Toll Regulatory Board

For the motorists, they have to take note that MCX accepts both cash and cashless methods to pay for the toll fees. For cashless methods, they are done through the Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) system which includes the Auto sweep RFID. The said RFID technology is highly encouraged to be used in the time of pandemic to avoid physical contact with anyone.

Where to go around MCX?

When traveling through expressways, one of the things that people most enjoy doing is stopping at one of the nearby establishments and enjoying themselves. If you are planning a road trip with your family and friends, make sure to stop at the following locations:

Evia Lifestyle Center

If you are desiring the convenience of having to live in a community where shopping malls or entertainment hubs are just within your reach, fret no more because Evia Lifestyle Center has got you covered. The said lifestyle center is located in one of Brittany Corporation‘s, a subsidiary of Vista Land & Lifescapes, master-planned communities which is Vista Alabang.

Evia Lifestyle Center features various shopping boutiques or fashion stores to help you with your next #OOTD. And even if you just feel like taking a stroll around the area, you can do that in Evia Lifestyle Center, too. If you want to have fun with friends and family while enjoying the fresh air, that you can do as well.

On the other hand, Evia Lifestyle Center can also take care of your food cravings if you are a foodie since said the center is also known for its cafes and food restaurants. Take, for example, Dear Joe, which is the first-ever letter-writing café in the country. Dear Joe is also one of the latest ventures of The Coffee Project.

With its modern décor inspired by the authentic rustic American vibe, Dear Joe is indeed the perfect hangout for those who want to enjoy their cup of coffee while being sentimental through letter writing using fun stationery readily available at Dear Joe.

If you are looking for a dreamy, fairytale-like café to enjoy first dates or quick get-togethers with friends or family, Bread Basket is the spot for you! As you enter the said café, you will be welcomed with a wicker basket hanging from the ceiling, which perfectly matches the coziness and whimsical vibes of the place. Bread Basket is a great place to go if you enjoy a good cup of coffee and delectable pastries.

All these new spots in Evia Lifestyle Center in Vista Alabang near MCX are waiting for you. So, make sure to drop by.

Thematic communities in Vista Alabang

As the global pandemic continues to take a toll on us, many people are leaning towards purchasing a luxury home to regain and enjoy the serenity that the pandemic has stolen for many. Hence, if you are looking for luxury subdivisions that offer thematic lifestyles inspired by the world’s finest countries, Vista Alabang got you.

Currently, there are three luxury developments in Vista Alabang to choose from: Portofino Heights, Portofino South, and Amore at Portofino. The said luxury developments offer luxury house and lot properties and luxury residential lots which are situated in the 1,500-hectare master-planned development of Vista Alabang.

All these luxury communities are also near necessary establishments just like shopping centers, hospitals, and business districts. Furthermore, these luxury communities prioritize your safety they are equipped with round-the-clock security with electric fencing, 24/7 roving patrol, and CCTV cameras all over the entry and exit points.

Not only your security is the priority in Portofino, but Brittany also assures that your comfort is highly regarded. Aside from the easy access to major road networks like MCX, the said three luxury residential communities are surrounded by high-end amenities and the other underground utilities for the convenience and comfort of the homeowners.

The community of Portofino Heights is ideal for those seeking a community where the classic Old Charm and architectural details of Italy are the ones that they want to wake up to each morning. It is also the biggest and first enclave of Portofino.

Moreover, Portofino Heights offers two ready-for-occupancy luxury houses which are Rafaello and Pietro models, which are considered to be part of home models from the Brittany Classics Courtyard series.

If you are into the Old World Italian charm and contemporary chic of modern Europe, Portofino South might be the perfect luxury community for you. Now if you want something new, discover the Tuscan-inspired exclusive gated community in Vista Alabang which is the Amore at Portofino.

Wherever you want to reside, rest assured that these luxury communities in Vista Alabang are the best subdivisions in Daang Hari to live in.

(more…)

It is vital to recognize that the transportation sector in the Philippines is one of the sectors of society that has been severely affected by the global pandemic. As a result of the implementation of new traffic regulations to prevent the transmission of the virus among commuters and drivers, the situation has worsened.

Limited seating capacity, the practice of social distancing among commuters, and the prohibition of accommodating passengers who do not wear face masks and face shields are examples of regulations that have been implemented.

In part as a result of these regulations, the impact of the global pandemic was clearly visible on commuters’ travel behavior as well as on the entire transportation sector of the country, resulting in changes to better accommodate the new normal. In fact, when the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) was declared in Metro Manila and neighboring provinces, the operations of public utility vehicles and public mass transit were halted in order to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus from spreading further.

Life in quarantine has reshaped our way of living including the transportation sector of the society. | Photo from Unsplash

Following that, in order to resume the operation of public mass transit, passengers and drivers will be subjected to health screenings, social distancing of at least one meter for all passengers, and the implementation of block systems at every transit station and platform, among other requirements.

Despite the fact that these regulations were effective in slowing the spread of the virus, they created an imbalance in terms of the availability of public transportation and the demand for travel on the part of passengers.

As for the resumption of land-based transportation, passenger transport companies like Angkas required their drivers to put barriers in their motorcycles to comply with the newly implemented policies and minimize interactions with their passengers. In the case of Grab, safety precautions were also done by requiring their drivers and passengers to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), limit passenger capacity, and regular sanitation.

Not only drivers and transportation companies are obliged to comply with the traffic and transportation regulations which caused inconvenience for both parties. | Photo from Unsplash

Furthermore, with the increase of online learning activities among students and teachers as well as work-from-home setup among private companies, the overall demand for public transportation decreased. Hence, transportation groups decided to raise transportation fees to make up for the scarcity of passengers.

And for commuters who had to go to work despite of the sharp increase of positive cases in COVID-19 had to endure hitching a ride on jeepneys and buses. When protective covers such as PPEs and face shields were lifted, commuters revert to dealing with congested rides of which most of them have neglected their own safety as they board and travel home from work.

Give all these dilemmas, many people in the Philippines invested in private means of transportation. Many decided to purchase bicycles to allow themselves to maneuver their way into their workplaces whereas others invested in private cars.

And to accommodate the pressing need of those commuters who had to physically show up at work, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) suspended for a couple of months (during the early days when the COVID-19 crisis hit the country) the number coding scheme.

This is to ease the burden as well of many commuters and private car owners who were going back to work as the national government decided to reopen the economy.

To add to that, private companies initiated shuttle services to accommodate employees who have to physically go back to the office. Even non-governmental organizations and volunteer groups from local government units did the same thing.

Latest Update on the Number Coding Scheme

As time goes by, the pandemic magnified major issues concerning the economic state of the country, which called the attention of many businesses and local government units to reopen establishments, businesses, shopping malls, movie houses, restaurants, and public transportation at full capacity in order to strengthen the economy again. Despite the pending risk on the number of COVID-19 positive cases, the government placed their hope in the reality that many Filipinos are getting vaccinated.

Indeed, authorities placed Metro Manila and 38 other regions on the lowest rung of a five-tier pandemic alert system on March 1. This means that businesses can now operate at full capacity, and restaurants can say goodbye to plastic barriers while accommodating families for birthday parties, weddings, sporting events, church services, and reunions. Even government employees have been ordered to report to work.

As the number of confirmed cases lessened, mobility, travel, and operation restrictions were also relaxed. | Photo from Unsplash

Having said that, traffic jams and outdoor crowds are back again in the streets of the Philippines. And this is also why on April 1, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) came up with the implementation of a new Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction (UVVRP) or number coding scheme as part of the Vehicular Volume Reduction Program to lessen the vehicular traffic in Manila. The said new number coding scheme will be applied after the May 9 elections as the MMDA conduct more consultations.

Furthermore, MMDA said that the current Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction (UVVRP) which bans cars from going out on certain days based on their plate number only reduces the traffic by 20%. Hence, MMDA is thinking of expanding the number coding scheme. There are two options available here: the odd-even scheme or a modified number coding scheme.

As traffic jams progress now that there’s an ease in community quarantines, a new number coding scheme is being proposed by authorities to reduce traffic jams. | Photo from Unsplash

As per MMDA Chairperson, Romando Artes, the odd-even scheme works this way: vehicles with plate numbers ending in 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 are not allowed to travel from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM during Mondays and Thursdays whereas cars whose plate numbers ending in 2, 4, 6, 8, and 0 cannot go to the roads during Tuesdays and Fridays on the same time slots. Number coding scheme then will be lifted off during Wednesdays. Following this would reduce traffic by 50%.

On the other hand, the second number coding scheme prohibits vehicles from going out twice in a week. According to Romando Artes, this will reduce the traffic by 40%. Here follows the plate numbers that are prohibited to ply roads on certain days of the week:

• Monday: plate numbers ending in 1, 2, 3, 4
• Tuesday: plate numbers ending in 5, 6, 7, 8
• Wednesday: plate numbers ending in 9, 0, 1, 2
• Thursday: plate numbers ending in 3, 4, 5, 6
• Friday: plate numbers ending in 7, 8, 9, 0

As of today, private car owners and transportation groups follow this current scheme: plate numbers ending in 1 and 2 are not allowed to travel during Mondays; 3 and 4 during Tuesdays; 5 and 6 during Wednesdays; and 9 and 0 during Fridays from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

The Metropolitan Manila Development is still in the process of consulting local government units as to which of the two coding schemes is more likely to be implemented.

How about the number coding scheme in nearby provinces?

If you are living or working in Cavite, the number coding scheme being implemented on the entire province, posted and announced on its official website, is also the same with the coding scheme followed by cars travelling in the major roads and highways in National Capital Region (NCR). The only difference is the time slot. In Cavite, the coding scheme works from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

Take note that the province of Cavite offers exemption from the number coding scheme. According to the said ordinance, the following are exempted:

• all public utility vehicles including jeepneys and buses;
• ambulance, firetrucks, police patrol cars, and military trucks;
• vehicles carrying emergency person/s with emergency medical attention;
• government vehicles with government plates;
• vehicles used by medical practitioners in an emergency;
• vehicles on a mission to carry out relief goods to identified calamity areas.

Anyone who will be found guilty of violating the said Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction (UVVRP) will be fined, issued of traffic citation ticket, and confiscated of driver’s license.

Final Thoughts

It will take so much effort in the part of the Filipino people in order to rise again and come back stronger considering the backlash that the global pandemic has brought upon the world. Not to mention the recent news concerning the first case of Omicron subvariant.

With all this in mind, the call to be responsible and mindful of what’s happening around us should not be neglected. Commuters, drivers, and the likes are advised to strictly follow still the new normal health protocols while commuting or travelling. These protocols include washing of hands, wearing protective covers like face masks, and practicing social distancing especially on crowded places.

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Everyone missed the night-outs, meeting new people, and interacting with colleagues and friends personally, not through the screens of our phones. After the pandemic hiatus, people are slowly going back to their normal lives outside the four corners of their rooms. Last April 29, 2022, Savoir-Faire, the grand investors’ night hosted by Brittany Corporation, gave its sellers and clients a chance to catch up over some cocktails and drinks.

The Savoir-Faire started around 6 o’clock, as dusk approached. Best paired with the venue’s theme, the attendees were also in on their posh looks. The lights, ambiance, the scent, the drinks, the food, the ladies, and the gentlemen all depict elegance, just like Brittany. Everyone was dressed in semi-formal attire, and the women were all dressed up in cocktail dresses.

The event occurred at Sixty Four, a new retro-themed bistro located at Evia Lifestyle Center in Daang- Hari, Las Piñas City. The place has an interior of vintage fashion that goes very well with the star of the night, Brittany. Elegance was seen from inside to outside. This was one of the first times Brittany had synergized with other brands.

As you enter the place, you will be welcomed with grace and style as the place was inspired by the famous song by The Beatles, When I am Sixty Four. The place has vintage walls, as well as a display of vinyl records that you can ask to play, wall artwork, and more. The event took place on the second floor of the café, giving the attendees some privacy.

The event was planned to give Brittany’s accredited sellers an opportunity to connect with potential investors as they flaunt the luxury developments of Brittany. As the night gets deeper, multiple sellers also impart their wisdom and share their knowledge of real estate and property investments.

The goal of the Savoir-Faire was to give the sellers a chance to show what Brittany is all about; Elegance, Luxury, and Finesse. Vista Land creates these events to make sure sellers feel their value for being a part of the growing family. Savoir-Faire is also the best venue to discuss the project features and real estate outlook and spread the word about exclusive promos and discounts.

The night was indeed full of laughter and joy as sellers were able to close deals and gain potential investors for their projects. The clients responded with an overwhelming interest in the top-tier projects of Vista Alabang.

Vista Alabang is a prime development of the most luxurious houses in Daang Hari with its Italian-inspired architectural design, strategic location, and world-class amenities. Situated at Vista Alabang, Daang Hari, Brittany by Vista Land offers houses such as Ghiberti luxury home, a ready home with a 349 square meter lot area perfect for bigger families.

Why is Brittany by Vista Land a good investment?

Aside from the grand and glamorous thematic homes to own, the properties are situated inside a community where influential and elite people reside. This boosts confidence for people living in it, giving them a sense of satisfaction and the feeling of the good life. Brittany aims to provide high-quality living and a community of refinement, elegance, and comfort.

The state-of-the-art facilities and satisfactory services also make a living in communities inspired by the world-class destinations exceptional. The place is situated near the business districts of Metro Manila, schools and universities, restaurants, supermarkets, malls, parks, hospitals, and other places necessary for a person’s everyday life.

Living in the community gives you everything you need within a 5-minute drive from the Evia Lifestyle Center, SOMO Mall, 10 minutes away from the Asian Hospital Medical Center, 20 minutes away from BGC, and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, and 30 minutes from the Makati Central Business District. It’s also a couple of minutes away from big universities such as De La Salle University Dasmarinas.

Talks are always smoother over a cup of coffee or some cocktails. This is what everyone missed when everyone was required to stay at home. Though in this technological age, everything is possible when you have a smartphone and the internet, it is still different when you are talking face-to-face. The trust you can gain by meeting the person eye to eye and the bond you build with hands shaking are experiences that cannot be replaced with engagements done through the internet. Sellers and clients were given the venue to talk business in the most comfortable setting.

Sixty Four was filled with new meetings and new opportunities. Of course, still abiding by the safety precautions, the night ended with closed deals and satisfied partners.

“There is no place like home.”

Lyman Frank Baum, American author best-known for his book The Wizard of Oz

Indeed, for it is in our homes where we find comfort and peace. The outside world may be loud and stressful, but most of us, when we step inside our homes, we find our solitude. Of course, not everyone has the privilege to enjoy the desolation from the noises, even in their own houses. Perhaps, the neighbors are being loud, or your own family is bothering you because of the small space that you’re living in. It is very important to us, especially to our mental health, that we have our personal space from time to time. A house should be a place where we can truly rest, that’s why we should carefully pick where we will live.

Looking For A House And Lot?

If you are looking for a house and lot in Metro Manila, look no farther since the perfect luxury home can be found in Portofino Alabang. Located along Daang Hari Road, Las Pinas, the luxury gated community has a 300-hectare land.

Within the community, there are three enclaves, and Amore at Portofino is the newest juncture.

If you desire a home that will satisfy your sophisticated taste, you should really consider buying a luxury home in Amore at Portofino. The romantically rustic charm of Amore has such high standards, and it will never fail you. Because of its romantic atmosphere, most couples pick Amore at Portofino to be their home. Imagine walking together while holding hands in the Italian community of  Portofino Alabang. Not only that, but as the two of you stroll, your faces will be kissed by the sun’s warmth, as well as being embraced by the fresh breeze.

Amore At Portofino

Amore at Portofino can be accessed through the Daang Reyna Road Alabang – Las Pinas. The total gross land area is 32 hectares, big right? Surely, you will find a place for you here. When it comes to the property packages, you can either buy a house and lot package, or a custom home site, which is only a lot. Of course, the developer of this wonderful community is Brittany Corporation, which is a subsidiary of Vista Land & Lifescapes.

Suggested Read: Highlights of Portofino Alabang’s Italian-Themed Homes

Meet Carletti, Luxury Home in Alabang

If you’re looking for a classic and sophisticated new home, we’ve got the perfect match for you. The Carletti luxury home is the dream home that fits just perfectly for growing families. From its elegant and meticulous architectural design to the beautifully furnished interior design, you’ll find it hard to pass by a majestic house like this one.

Sophistication and style brought by the Carletti  model house unit | Photo Courtesy of Brittany

The Carletti is a two-storey luxury dream home with a 211 square-meter floor area which is accented with high ceiling and earthly exterior finish. It has a lot area of 180 square-meter- which is just right for your average-sized growing family. The Carletti luxury home’s size is perfect for both family fun activities and even small gatherings for you and friends.

What Are Some Of The Most Notable Features Of The Carletti Luxury Home?

One of the most eye-catching features of this dream home is the 2-Car Garage. The size of the garage is sufficient enough to serve other purposes other than just parking whenever there are no cars parked. Right next is the welcoming porch of the Carletti luxury home – an entrance that truly catches the eyes of all who pass by.

A Lanai can also be found in the side of the Carletti luxury home opposite to that of the garage. There are many different ways to utilize a lanai in your dream home – you could fill it with greens, make it your sports area, or simply make it a relaxation area. Whatever it is, you’ll have all the world to see just how great your lanai is!

The living room’s area wide enough to accommodate guests and family members alike | Photo Courtesy of Brittany Corporation

Stepping Into The Carletti Luxury Home

As you enter the dream home, you are greeted with a warm embrace by the elegant and graceful charm of the Carletti luxury home’s design. The lower floor of this dream home is composed of the living room, dining room, powder room, kitchen, utility room, and maid’s room. On the other hand, the second floor has the Master’s bedroom, 2 bedrooms, family hall, and the balcony.

The living room is perhaps the most eye-catching feature of the ground floor. With a ceiling that extends all the way up to the second floor, you’ll always feel first-class when taking a break here. The living room connects to the dining room, which in turn is in front of the kitchen. These two areas are kept extremely clean so as to not worry you with any hygienic concerns. They are placed efficiently next to each other for easier mobility in your everyday life.

The wide area offered by the Dining Area which extends into the Office and entrance of the Lanai | Photo Courtesy of Brittany Corporation

The utility room and maids’  room can also be entered from the kitchen. The placing and organization of the rooms and areas make it much easier on the eyes and for moving around as well. The utility room and maids’ room also has their own toilet & bath for convenience.

The well-kept and fully functional kitchen | Photo Courtesy of Brittany Corporation

A powder room can also be found in the ground floor, situated right next to the staircase leading to the second floor. It’s also conveniently placed in front of the living room, you won’t have to hear guests asking where the toilet is everytime they come over!

The conveniently positioned areas of the kitchen, powder room, staircase, and main entrance | Photo Courtesy of Brittany Corporation

As you ascend the staircase, prepare yourself to see where dreams are made – the bedrooms! There are three bedrooms in total, 1 Master’s bedroom and 2 others. The two bedrooms are spacious enough to accommodate a bed and closet for your own personal use. They are also joined together by a common toilet & bath – a feature extremely popular with children as a secret passage!

The Master’s bedroom, however, is entirely on its own other level. Provided with its own toilet & bath and even a walk-in closet, the Master’s bedroom is pure royalty. Waking up in this room will always be full of nobility when presented with sophistication on this level.

Doors leading to where dreams are made – the bedrooms | Photo Courtesy of Brittany Corporation

Outside the bedrooms is the family hall, the perfect place for creating late night family antics. Bring in chairs and other entertainment tools to create family-centered memories in your dream home. If you find yourself needing more space for more activities, head on out to the balcony! Relish in the fresh air as you embrace nature in the al fresco setting at the balcony.

The family hall area and entrance to the Balcony, overseeing the living room | Photo Courtesy of Brittany Corporation

You have no idea where to get the things you need for filling your home? Rest easy, for Portofino Alabang is very near to Evia Lifestyle Center, which is the home of many stores. For sure, you will find what you need here. Let me give you some suggestions where to go! Of course, the first place we have to visit is AllHome!

The home improvement store launched by the Villar Group of Companies will surely make decorating your home easy. 

AllHome Has Everything You Need!

An important thing to note is that the customer service here is excellent! If you have any queries, they are more than willing to help you. Not only do they have furniture, but appliances as well! Indeed, they have everything you’re looking for; and rest assured that you will get your money’s worth here.

The next stop we are going to is related to the first stop. Next, we will visit the AllHome Builder’s Center, which is your builder-centric retail. If you are crafty, or have a specific design in mind, head over here to gather the tools that you will be needing.

Most who shop here are builders and contractors, but hey who said a homeowner like you cannot shop here? Feel free to look around the center, or if you want to save time, you may opt to browse their website. If you think you are not tech-savvy enough for the navigation of the website, forget that! AllHome Builder’s Website is so easy to navigate!

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“To be truly wealthy you have to have a motivation bigger than just making money.”

Vista Land & Lifescapes founder Mr. Manny Villar shared this inspiring quotation. Behind these powerful words are the experiences he gained through the years that taught him to achieve his dreams by coming up with his deep whys. The intention to be rich will end too quickly if it is being fueled by the desire to just earn lots of money because if the time comes that you did not get money in exchange for all your hardwork you will quit easily, but if you know your deep why from the beginning of your venture, there’s no way you will quit easily. As he stated, you got to have a motivation bigger than money, and that motivation will sustain you, keep you going, and see you through till you reach your goal.

“To be truly wealthy you have to have a motivation bigger than just making money.” – Manny Villar | Photo from Forbes Website

Filipino Business Tycoons in the Philippines

Having your deep whys in the things you are doing will indeed bring you far. A great motivation will allow you to step on the ladder going to success. Successful entrepreneurs in the Philippines have the greatest motivations and the deepest whys bringing them to the top where everyone is looking up.

We’re Sharing with you the Filipino Businessmen and entrepreneurs in the Philippines who made it to the Top 10 Richest People in the Philippines last year 2021.

1. Sy Siblings

“While I am not big with words, I am big and bold in my dreams and visions”- Henry Sy

Combined riches of the Sy Siblings made them top the Philippines Riches Business People | Photo from Gulf News Website

The late father of the Sy Siblings, Mr. Henry Sy Shoe, left this quotation to everyone to know that having big and bold dreams and visions is key to success. As a result of his hard work in reaching his dreams and the power of his visions, even his children benefitted from it. Maybe not with his wealth but in the character he exemplified and the passion he showed while building his empire.

Sy Siblings, Successful entrepreneurs in the Philippines

The Sy Siblings namely Teresita, Elizabeth, Henry Jr. Hans, Herbert, and Harley ranked first on Philippines Richest People last 2021 with their collective net worth of $16.16B which is largely stakes from the group’s publicly traded SM Investments and SM Prime. Currently, the siblings play as the company’s board and guide on SM’s overall strategy.

2. Manny Villar

Property Tycoon, Housing Industry Leader, and the biggest Homebuilder in Southeast Asia, Mr. Manuel B. Villar or MBV as his Brittany Corporation staff calls him ranked second to the Top 10 Richest Businessmen in the Philippines for the year 2021. He remains to be the wealthiest individual with an estimated net worth of $6.7 billion mostly from his real estate business.

MBV continues to supervise all his business ventures, especially his housing business, the Vista Land & Lifescapes (comprised of Camella, Bria, Crown Asia to name a few) – Brittany Corporation which creates the most beautiful houses in the Philippines and the most elegant luxury condo that you can find.

He is now being known to be one of the businessmen that operate businesses that circle the needs from life to death and everything in between. As the business analysts put it into words, it is a good strategy in the business industry.

3. Enrique Razon Jr.

Photo from Gulf News Website

With a $5.8 billion estimated net worth, Mr. Enrique Razon can buy the most beautiful houses in the Philippines or multiple house and lot properties for sale. He is the third richest Filipino businessman last year. Mr. Razon currently heads the largest operator of ports in the Philippines which is the International Container Terminal Services.

4. Lance Gokongwei and Siblings

Photo from JG Summit Website

A combined estimated net worth of $4B made Mr. Lance Gokongwei and his siblings are part of the Top 10 Richest Businessmen in the Philippines. Lance and his siblings Robina, Lisa, Faith, Hope, and Marcia help each other to maintain the success of their businesses such as JG Summit, Robinson Retails, and Universal Robina. Last year June 2021, they did not just acquire house and lot property for sale, but they acquired another investment to grow their wealth which is under Shakey’s Pizza, one of the country’s local pizza chains.

Lance Gokongwei and Siblings Networth

A combined estimated net worth of $4B made Mr. Lance Gokongwei and his siblings are part of the Top 10 Richest Businessmen in the Philippines. Lance and his siblings Robina, Lisa, Faith, Hope, and Marcia help each other to maintain the success of their businesses such as JG Summit, Robinson Retails, and Universal Robina. Last year June 2021, they did not just acquire house and lot property for sale, but they acquired another investment to grow their wealth which is under Shakey’s Pizza, one of the country’s local pizza chains.

5. Jaime Zobel De Ayala

Photo from Forbes Website

Ranked 5 in Philippines Top 10 richest Businessmen is no other than the former chair of Ayala Group, Mr. Jaime Zobel de Ayala. Mr. Ayala has a $3.3B estimated net worth than can thousands of house and lot properties for sale. Currently his son, Jaime II took over in 2006.

6. Dennis Anthony & Maria Grace Uy

Photo from Forbes Website
This power couple owns Converge ICR Solutions, our country’s largest high-speed internet operator that is perfect for the most beautiful houses in the Philippines. The product and services they provide allow people to work well on the internet. Through their product and services, a good experience over online tripping for house and lot for sale is possible. Because of the success of their business, they accumulated $2.8B for the year 2021 putting them to rank 6 of the Philippines’ Richest Filipino Businessmen.

Suggested Read: The World’s Richest Women 2022

7. Tony Tan Caktiong

Photo From IFranchise Website

Mr. Tony Tan Caktiong Jollibee Food Founder, the fastest growing fastfood in Asia ranked top 7 on Philippines Richest Businessmen with a $2.7B estimated net worth.

8. Andrew Tan

Photo From Bilyonaryo Business News Website

Top 8 of the Philippines Richest Businessman is a Chinese-Filipino Billionaire who lives in one of the most beautiful houses in Metro Manila. He has various businesses including Alliance Global Group, Inc., Megaworld Corp., Emperador Inc., and Empire East Land Holding Inc.

9. Ramon Ang

Photo From Manilla Bulletin Website

Mr. Ramon Ang is a Chinese- Filipino Businessman with a $2.3B net worth. He is the president and CEO of Top Frontier Investment Holdings Inc. He is also chairman of Cyber Bay Corp, and Eagle Cement Corp. San Miguel.

10. Ty Siblings

Photo From Primer Website

Ty Siblings Arthur, Alfred, Alesandra, and Anjanette are children of the late business tycoon, Mr. George TY founder of Metrobank. Mr. Arthur Ty leads the GT Capital and as he chairs Metrobank he was awarded as Asian Banker CEO Leadership Achievement Award in 2019. Their accumulated net worth reached a $2.2B

What Makes These Businessmen Successful?

These people are ordinary people who did extra ordinary things. A proper amount of discipline, consistent, hard work and the right heart brought them to where they are.

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Living in a condominium is the closest anyone can get to achieving the live-work-play lifestyle. This is due to the fact that most condominiums are situated in prime locations, require less maintenance, and have amenities at arms’ length. In short, in condo-living, you can have everything you need under one roof. In a condominium, you can swim, work out, throw parties, and host business meetings all from your building. No wonder why it is the kind of environment where young professionals who are striving for independence while making a name for themselves are attracted to, not to mention that condominiums are versatile investments that provide value for money.

Living in a condominium is actually a great way to live the way you want to live. | Photo from Unsplash

Furthermore, if you are new in the world of real estate investment, condominiums are beginner-friendly investments for you. Here are the reasons as follow:

– Urbanization is increasing. Hence, condominiums are highly in demand.
– Millennials and younger generations like Gen Z prefer living in the city or neighboring prime locations around the metro.
– New development condominiums typically have a generous deposit structure.
– When it comes to condo living, some prefer smaller spaces to avoid the cost and the hassle of having to maintain their space.
– Condominiums typically offer a range of stellar amenities that easily attract renters.
– You can acquire a premium resell price/demand or monthly rental for your condo unit which gives investors a good exit strategy if they need to sell or rent.

And the list goes on.

For entry-level investment, condominiums make a great purchase for those who are just getting into the real estate market as well as for those who are downsizing, retirees, and would like to build some equity for a single-family home later on. However, if you want to elevate your condo living experience, the best way to do that is to invest in a luxury condominium.

What Does Luxury Mean For Others?

For some, luxury looks like celebrating life amidst the pinnacle of the hustle and bustle of the big city. For others, it is flying high in the sky, reclined and relaxed, choosing from the most expensive menu of champagnes. And, for yet some others, it is the sound of the engine of an expensive car, whizzing away. But, along with all these comforts of life, something that sits at the heart of all luxurious leisurely pursuits is the existence of a place you can call home or can be your hidden paradise during weekend and holiday getaways. The ultimate dream luxury condo project, Alpine Villas in Crosswinds at Tagaytay by Vista Land Inc., truly embodies the charm of luxury condo living and the sentiment of home.

Alpine Villas is the luxury condo development of Crosswinds, Brittany’s esteemed development flagship in Tagaytay.

How Brittany Takes Luxury Condo Living to the Next Level

Imagine a home with all of the luxury vibes and convenient access of a downtown low-rise, but with the beautiful, peaceful nature views of Swiss-inspired community perfumed by 35,000 pine trees. Imagine a home where you don’t ever need to shovel the driveway or mow the backyard just so you can have room for outdoor activities, but with plenty of space for you and your family including your pets to roam outdoors and get some fresh air. Imagine a place where work, wellness, and play come together, where amenities mean more than just a swimming pool or a gym, and where community is not just a buzzword. Sounds too good to be true, isn’t it?

Suggested Read: Redefining Luxury Living in Tagaytay City

Well, with Alpine Villas, Brittany envisioned an elevated condo living by ensuring that Alpine Villa units have the highest vantage point in Tagaytay. The result is luxurious condo living with breathtaking views from sunrise to sunset. However, this philosophy of luxurious condo living goes far beyond condo buildings with the best views in town. It is important that your real estate developer is infusing every aspect of life to the condominiums themselves. This means that everything you are looking for in a condominium should exceed what you commonly see in a standard apartment or condominium in the metro.

For instance, many people settle with condominiums with smaller spaces for as long as they are near high-end eateries, important social infrastructures, or educational institutions. However, in Alpine Villas, space is no longer a problem since it has low-rise buildings. This means that the units have more space and are closer to nature. Moreover, it is ideal for those who desire for a lowkey maintenance of their condominiums since low-rise buildings are known for lesser floors which entails better maintenance and a sense of community with other residents.

Suggested Read: A Resort Condo Living At Alpine Villas

In Alpine Villas, the priority is your comfort and it always starts with a generous space for you and your stuff. 

Redefining your condo living also means being able to live in a community where the location and the architecture match your inspired style or even your dream destination. If you dream of going to Switzerland, why wait a couple of years to achieve that when you can go to a Swiss-inspired community like Alpine Villas? Its aesthetics and lifestyle can be likened to Swiss Alps from inside out. There are three properties you can choose from: Bernese, Blanc, and Brienz. All of these are well-designed, space-efficient vertical residences, equipped with 24/7 safety protocols. Furthermore, you may have friends and guests over to enjoy the aesthetics of the property and have your photos taken against the backdrop of its picturesque surroundings.

Condo living is not complete without superb amenities and optimal work-life integration in mind. Luckily, Alpine Villas is located in one of the best cities in the country which is Tagaytay City, specifically in a top-notch Swiss-inspired haven, Crosswinds Tagaytay. Known for its pleasant weather, Tagaytay is the home for various tourist spots that you can easily go to without having to travel for a couple of hours, not to mention its proximity to neighboring provinces like Laguna and Batangas, which makes it the ideal place for quick weekend getaways. Plus: did you know that Crosswinds Tagaytay offers top-notch facilities that your family and even your friends can enjoy? Explore Crosswinds’ facilities such as Sommet Center Pavilion, Banquet Hall, Training Center, and Santa’s Treasure and Souvenir Shop.

Suggested Read: Own A Life You Deserve At Alpine Villas

Moreover, Crosswinds Tagaytay introduces you not only to a luxurious Swiss lifestyle but to becoming one with nature as well. With its sprawling and well-maintained 35,000 pine trees, you can now enjoy your daily routine whether that includes jogging, running, or roaming around without worrying about higher levels of pollution. Other beautiful views such as the lush hills of Tagaytay, sunrise and sunset above the clouds, and Laguna de Bay can be enjoyed as well.

Alpine Villas in Crosswinds Tagaytay not only take pride in its architecture but in its environment and beautiful views as well.

Alpine Villas is not all work and no play. If you are thinking of bringing your family and friends to recreational spots around Crosswinds Tagaytay, fret no more because you can now have recreational activities at arms’ length. When it comes to unwinding and entertainment, Alpine Villas in Crosswinds Tagaytay have plenty of options. Choose from Alpine Greens View Deck, Pinecone Trail, Trone Giant, or Stone Pillars. Or you may visit and explore them all! If you are a foodie, there are also Instagram-worthy and prominent restaurants that you can go to for your ideal breakfast or dinner dates. For cafes, you have the Coffee Project, Ruined Project, Cafe Voila, and Napa at Crosswinds to satisfy your cravings for signature coffee and cakes. Moreover, these cafes come with awesome dining settings and beautiful views.

Lounge, sip your coffee, breathe in the fresh, cool air, and take in the view when dining in one of your new favorite cafes in Crosswinds Tagaytay. 

Working At Alpine Villas

Did we mention about infusing work-life integration in Alpine Villas’ condominiums? Brittany knew that even before the pandemic made remote working the new normal, having a space where residents can work, collaborate, be inspired, and be creative is highly important. Now, with many professionals working at home, Brittany knew that a co-working space is a must. Whether you need a gathering space to meet in-person with colleagues to discuss about a project or a quiet place to join a Zoom or Google meeting, Alpine Villas’ units have you covered.

Crosswinds’ beautiful views, luxury Swiss-inspired condos, unique amenities., and lush greenery all combine to take your condo living experience at Alpine Villas to the next level. Indeed, Alpine Villas is more than just your home. It is your sanctuary equipped with all the resources you need to live your best personal and professional life to the fullest.

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Getting into the routine of cooking can either be a challenge or a burden for some without the needed home essentials. Nowadays, many people prefer eating out in restaurants or ordering food from their favorite eateries rather than cooking at home. Others find it hard to do it simply because they are not good at it. However, with many tutorials in the media today as well as cookbooks in the market, that can be changed easily. Just remember: even the most celebrated professional chefs in the world right now used to be confused with sugar and salt. Besides, if we better understand the myriad of benefits that cooking offers, perhaps many of us would be more willing to incorporate cooking meals into our daily habits.

Cooking is actually more than just a household chore. It is an outlet for creative expression as well. | Photo from Unsplash

Benefits of Cooking

As I’ve mentioned earlier, cooking is more than just a chore you do every day. It can also be an outlet for your creative expression or a means of communication towards the people you love. Cooking can also be a therapy or a way to help you raise your self-esteem. As a matter of fact, cooking is a sensory experience since it is a very immersive activity, encompassing sensations like sound, texture, temperature, aroma, and of course, taste. And what makes it more satisfying is the art of mastering the things that you do in your kitchen: the preparation of ingredients, the repetition of the motions to dice and slice the vegetables, the sound of adding the pasta to the boiling water, the bubbling of a broth, and the aromas that fill the entire kitchen as you bring your meal into completion.

Hence, if you master the skill of following a recipe and executing a meal properly, it will instantly develop your confidence since it takes focus and determination to follow the written words in a cookbook and translate them into preparing a dish. That’s why it has been proven that cooking also improves one’s mental focus.

What Else Can Cooking Do For A Person?

Cooking also gives you a feeling of accomplishment. Whenever you cook for yourself or for your loved ones, you’re setting an achievable goal for yourself which increases your ability to combat procrastination and helps you to develop a positive, goal-oriented mindset and behavior. Furthermore, cooking exercises your creativity as it gives you the opportunity to experiment in your kitchen and curate recipes that you can infuse to your menu. And as you go on, cooking also teaches you patience. Considering the immediacy of the digital age and the fast-paced movement of almost everything around us including instant food and fast-food chains, cooking is the best way to learn the virtue of patience.

Cooking is packed with many benefits that not only you can benefit but the people around you as well. | Photo from Unsplash 
Aside from the plethora of skills and confidence you can get from cooking, it also helps you connect with others especially if it includes cooking with your loved ones, specifically your kids. It has been said that whether you have your older or younger kids, cooking is an activity that all ages enjoy. As a matter of fact, cooking with your children is considered as a quality and intimate family time. When you cook with your kids, you are also engaging in conversations with them and having fun making a mess in the kitchen together.

These are just some of the benefits of cooking that will definitely encourage you to break out the cookbook and get started working in your kitchen. And while it is safe to say that spending time in the kitchen is rewarding, all the cooking sessions can be overwhelming, especially if you do not have the set of proper home essentials that help you to become the better cook you’ve always been dreaming of.

Bring back the fun and creativity into your kitchen with these 10 kitchen essentials:

A Great Set Of Pans In The Kitchen

No cook could live without a couple of good quality, stainless steel saucepans with lids as well as a few best induction pans. Having a great set of pans will always come in handy depending on what you like to cook. If you are a beginner in cooking, invest in non-stick frying pans for they are easy to use and quick to clean up. For the everyday chef, invest in stainless steel saucepans as they are heat responsive and versatile. They are also easy to clean up because they can usually go in the dishwasher. If you are a professional cook, copper pans are your great choice for they provide maximum temperature control. Just make sure to do your research on the brand you’re considering buying as it has been reported that certain amounts of copper have been linked to some diseases.

Make your cooking sessions easier by choosing the best companion in the kitchen like a great set of pans. | Photo from Unsplash 

Timeless-Looking Kettle and Toaster Set

It is always a pleasure to wake up in the morning knowing you have a perfectly matching kettle and toaster to start your day. As they say, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Hence, a good kettle and toaster set is an important purchase. It is important that you do not only take into consideration investing in a kettle and toaster set with gorgeous aesthetics, but with great functionality. This includes special features that work best for your situation.

A Good Set of Knives

Knives are one of the kitchen essentials that you will be using every day, so think of them as an investment. Consider buying a paring knife, a serrated bread knife, and a chef’s knife for they are the most useful and important ones. To keep them in good shape, buy a knife sharpener and never put them in the dishwasher or leave them soaking in the water. To properly clean it, use soap and hot water and make sure to dry them right away rather than letting them air dry.

Wooden and Plastic Chopping Boards

Of course, you will be needing a couple of good chopping boards to go along with your good set of knives. If you were to buy only one chopping board, invest in a plastic one since it is more versatile and if washed efficiently, you can use it for both raw meats and fresh vegetables. On the other hand, wood chopping boards are perfect for cutting and serving.

Glass Food Storage Containers

There’s nothing more satisfying than having a clean and organized fridge. This is why glass food storage containers are considered to be one of the must-have kitchen essentials. Aside from the fact that they are durable, microwavable, freezer-friendly, and stain-resistant, glass containers do not absorb tastes and odors. Not to mention that they are sustainable.

Glass food storage containers also come in various sizes and are safe to use in the dishwasher . | Photo from Unsplash 

A Brilliant Blender

Whether you are an amateur chef or a kitchen pro, having a quality blender can make your meal-prep easier. If you are a smoothie lover, a countertop blender is the home essential for you. However, if you are more likely to make soups and sauces, a hand blender is your best bet.

A quality Coffee Maker

If most of your days highly depend on an ample amount of caffeine, invest in a  quality coffee maker to make it. After all, the most important aspect of a coffee maker is how well it brews your coffee. To relinquish some level of control on your coffee, use an automatic coffee brewer. For an advanced coffee maker, opt for machines with more complex features.

An Induction Stove

Induction stove is a kitchen essential that can be your instant best friend since it is faster, safer, and more efficient than the traditional electric stove. Moreover, induction stoves have an electronic LED control panel to help you accurately cook at the right temperature.

Measuring Tools

When cooking or baking, you should not be relaxed with your own measurements. This is to avoid making your dishes under-seasoned or over seasoned. To ensure that you get the right taste every time you bake or cook, use measuring jugs, cups, and spoons so you will achieve the taste as rightly intended.

Whether you are trying a new recipe or mastering a favorite recipe, measuring tools are home essentials. | Photo from Unsplash

Baking Sheet Pans

If you love baking sugar cookies, non-stick sheet pans may perform better while an aluminum option for roasting vegetables at high temperature. You should also invest in sheet pans with textured surfaces to amp up the crispiness of the food and help with air flow.

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