New homeowners bring cosmopolitan vibe to DMCI Homes' The Amaryllis
As the completed 22-storey The Amaryllis changes New Manila's residential landscape, the resort-themed condominium community adds flavor to the neighborhood's unique cosmopolitan vibe as Filipinos based abroad make up its homeowners.
The Amaryllis at the corner of E. Rodriguez Sr. Avenue and 12th Street will be home to local families while serving as a vacation stop for the likes of Chicago-based online entrepreneur Eugene Mijares, 63, and Australia resident Dr. Cesar Calalang. Mijares, 47, are among the first occupants of the resort-themed residential condominium complex built by triple A property developer DMCI Homes.
Mijares visits the Philippines twice a year spending three weeks each time to meet and catch up with long-time friends, colleagues and classmates. His latest visit was special because he also formally received the keys to his 2-bedroom penthouse unit at The Amaryllis. DMCI Homes representatives held a turnover ceremony in which Mijares received a symbolic key by the poolside on Dec. 5.
Mijares sees himself eventually living in The Amaryllis after 30 years of working in the U.S.
“It's time to prepare coming back home,” he says, adding that he will spend Christmas in the Philippines next year.
At the turnover rite, he brought along his interior designer friend to see his unit. Mijares, a native of Panglao, Bohol, commissioned the designer to give a retro and contemporary touch to his retirement home.
“I want something simple, straight and functional,” says Mijares of his preferred interior design.
Calalang's 2-bedroom fifth floor unit was also turned over on the same date as Mijares' with his sister, Rosie, accepting the real and symbolic keys on his behalf.
Calalang invests in properties and leases them, according to Rosie. His unit at The Amaryllis is the first condo property he bought for leasing but he also plans to stay there when he visits again next year, according to Rosie.
Mijares and Calalang, who are both single, considered other condos before deciding on The Amaryllis. Both liked the location of the exclusive community in Quezon City.
Mijares stays at the Stonehouse along E. Rodriguez Sr. Avenue whenever he visits the Philippines. Last December, he chanced upon The Amaryllis, which is just a block away from the hotel.
“I saw this project and thought I might as well get one,” he recalls.
A property agent offered him a condo under construction near a shopping mall in New Manila but its completion is still in 2016. The agent also offered him a condo in Sta. Mesa, Manila but Mijares did not know anybody there.
“I chose The Amaryllis because I went to school in Christ the King Mission Seminary. It's just across the street. I know a lot of people there and I'm familiar with the area,” he says.
A friend and colleague suggested The Amaryllis to Calalang when he was looking for a condo property and he approved of buying a unit when he visited in September and saw the DMCI Homes project, according to his sister.
“My brother liked it because it is near everything particularly restaurants. There are also no informal settlers in the vicinity and the neighborhood, with its big houses, is beautiful,” says Rosie.
Aside from supermarkets, schools and hospitals nearby, the dining and nightlife strips in Tomas Morato and Timog Avenue are just across the street. Restaurants offering local and international cuisine line the two streets.
Rosie herself finds the location of The Amaryllis convenient because she could easily drive to the place from her home in Calumpit, Bulacan via the North Luzon Expressway. There was another condo option in Pasig City but the traffic congestion there makes it difficult to reach by car.
She adds, “I'm amazed of The Amaryllis because it is like a condotel. It is not a typical residential condominium with its hotel-like lobby, organized units and the relaxing ambience in the units because of its ample windows. The building is also not so tall.”
The Amaryllis has DMCI Homes’ signature resort-style design that makes city living truly relaxing. A landscaped garden and gazebo in the swimming pool area give that vacation feel. There are also a kiddie pool, a well-equipped fitness gym and function rooms beside the ground floor lounge. Residents can relax and view the city skyline in the Sky Park and Sky Lounge on the roof deck.
Units have elegant finishing and range in size from 55 to 105.5 square meters. They open up to a central atrium on every five floors while single-loaded hallways enhance privacy and bring in natural air and light. Unit balconies and windows provide added natural ventilation. DMCI Homes ensures high quality and durable units backed by two-year warranty.
The community has a gated entrance, electrified perimeter fence, CCTV cameras and 24-hour roving security guards. Safety features include fire alarm and fire hose cabinets along corridors and fire exits.
The Amaryllis is a joint venture between DMCI Homes/Project Developers, Inc. and Kensington Management Corporation, an affiliate of the ANFLOCOR Group of Companies. For inquiries on The Amaryllis, please call 324-8888 or visit the company’s website: www.dmcihomes.com.
