Living the Mission: A Retiree’s Inspiring New Chapter at The Atherton

Missionary couple Sally Wong Kain and Danny Kain find a meaningful home at The Atherton where their lifestyle of service and faith continues to thrive.

Living a lifestyle of mission for the Gospel of Jesus Christ, Sally Wong Kain and Danny Kain, said finding a home in the Philippines wasn’t just about having a roof over their heads. It was about discovering a place that reflects their calling—to serve others, foster connection, and live out their faith with purpose. 

 

After 20 years of ministry with Campus Crusade for Christ, Sally’s life journey together with her husband Danny continued in the marketplaces for another 20 plus years “but never left their calling as servants of the Lord Jesus, professionally in their respective workplaces.” 

 

The couple said “they faithfully engaged people to the saving grace of Jesus both in workplaces and in Central Bible Church in Texas” where they were active members until the couple returned to the Philippines in search of a community where they could continue their mission through everyday life. That journey led them to The Atherton, a resort-inspired condominium in Parañaque City developed by DMCI Homes. 

 

Sally’s brother, who was helping them search for a place, even showed them his house in a gated subdivision. But it was only when they visited The Atherton that everything clicked. “Why did you save the best for last?” she told him. “This place is perfect for us; we love this place because of what it offers.” 

 

A Community That Reflects Their Mission 

 

Sally, a retired executive secretary, full time missionary, associate in retail stores, went full circle back to her first love. Together with her husband Danny, they are resolved to spend the rest of their lives as missionaries in their own capacity at The Atherton and in their new involvement with Christ Commission Fellowship Parañaque as their new home church. It is located just a stone’s throw away from The Atherton inside the SM City BF Parañaque. 

 

Sally finds joy in human connection.  “I love talking with people because they energize me,” she shares. “I learn from them a lot.” 

Sally loves how The Atherton offers a warm community where residents can live with intention, foster connection, and grow in faith.

At The Atherton, that sense of connection happens naturally. Whether through spontaneous conversations in the lobby, chance encounters in the elevator, or quiet meetups in open garden spaces, the couple is surrounded by people who reflect their values. 

 

Safe and Supportive for Seniors 

 

For Sally and Danny, The Atherton is not only comfortable but also thoughtfully supportive of their needs as senior citizens. From alert security personnel to wide, well-lit walkways and naturally ventilated spaces, the community brings ease, security, and peace of mind. 

 

From the moment they moved in, they felt welcomed and protected. “I feel secure,” Sally says. “First and foremost, when you go inside this property, the guards are so professional. They look at the cars coming in and even the vendors or visitors that go through the visitors walk.” 

 

But there is another kind of safety that is important according to Sally. She emphasizes how wide walkways, natural lighting, and fresh air make a big difference in her daily routines. “The light penetrates the whole surrounding,” she observes. “It’s very good. Why? Because even senior citizens would not worry about tripping because they can see the floor. They can see where they're walking. That really helps a lot.” 

 

Seniors also enjoy thoughtful services, like Property Management Office support and helpful responses in The Atherton’s digital platforms. Sally says, “Do you call that (DMCI Communities) mobile app? Yes. I use that because I always have visitors. So, it asks you who is coming and when are they coming? Do they have a car? You know, so it helps them [The Atherton management] prepare in advance. Hindi nagugulat ’yong security guard.”  

 

Also, seniors, I feel, receive a special treatment. I think only in The Atherton. I can text the concierge and request them to coordinate with and for me the service that I need, because, as a matter of fact, there are things that seniors are not anymore capable of doing. Our concierge personnel are always welcoming, always congenial, very professional in handling communications. You are assured that you are not ignored because they always get back to you for reply. 

With spaces to relax, connect, and stay active, The Atherton gives Sally and Danny Kain the environment they need to nurture both community and personal well-being.

Sally enthusiastically uttered, “Atherton is incidentally and brilliantly located to all important establishments which is favorable to seniors like me and Danny. You can practically walk to most of these places if you prefer it to make it your exercise. Who can find a condominium strategically and beautifully located to churches, two big hospitals, countless well-known malls and groceries, wet markets, government offices, restaurants, gasoline stations, carriers or forwarders, dental clinics, banks and many more that I am pleasantly discovering. That is why I like it here. And you should too, if you will see for yourself what I mean.” 

 

Ministry in Everyday Life 

 

Though they have slowed down compared to their years of traveling for ministry, Sally and Danny’s mission continues within their community. 

 

Danny, often seen playing the guitar in the lobby, has sparked moments of connection with fellow residents. One neighbor told Sally, “I’m so glad I came down here. I felt so alone. I feel like I don’t have friends, but now I have friends.” Sally warmly replied, “You have friends here.” 

 

“It’s good that we can congregate together as seniors because we can encourage each other,” Sally says. “You know, even if we are old, we have a purpose in life, we have a mission to fulfill. You know, when we smile to all the people around us and to the little children, these small gestures of friendliness and kindness, make you aware that we serve our purpose in life by becoming light and salt to them in an ever-widening circle. Light brightens one’s day. Salt, brings flavor and joy, or may brighten one’s day that may have been having a depressing or tiring day. We, my new group of seniors, also made it our purpose to gather together at the lobby to pray for our (The) Atherton community and all its unit residents, even though they don’t know us or we don’t know them. But each time we meet that is what we do. We sing, we pray, read the Bible to anyone who is willing to listen.” 

The Atherton even has its own sunken garden where residents can unwind and connect with nature.

“We play with children who happen to be around the lobby. We engaged everyone willing to have pleasant chat. We like to be an encouragement to our community and that to us is giving back to what the community of The Atherton is working daily to make sure we have a place where we can be happy, secure and have a sense of belongingness. Especially older people like us, sometimes, because we are much older, we need to feel that we still count and play a significant role in our community. It is wonderful to hear one say, ‘I want to grow old like that, still full of life and happiness.’ The Atherton is a place where that is encouraged. They support positive contributions like those who formed a Zumba once a week, joggers or walkers even pet lovers. The Atherton has become a place for small but meaningful encounters, whether through music, conversation, or presence.” 

 

A Home That Uplifts 

 

From peaceful roof deck views and beautifully landscaped atriums to vibrant children’s play areas and inviting lobbies, or even taking a dip in one of its two beautiful pools, The Atherton offers an environment that encourages both peace and connection. 

 

Sally often welcomes friends from the provinces or fellow missionaries to visit and see the place they now call home. 

 

What sets The Atherton apart, Sally believes, is how it nurtures dignity and respect for all. “We haven’t seen any person who has a sour face or a long face,” she shares. “They seem to have a smile on their faces. Why? Because I think the environment exudes that. From the officers to the service people, like the gardeners, the maintenance people, even the office people—you know the one thing that is so distinct about The Atherton, I think, is the way they convey that every individual is important.” 

 

Sally and Danny have found, in The Atherton, a place that provides balance and an extension of their life’s work. It offers security, support, and world-class amenities that are perfect for seniors like them who aim for a seamless merging of peace and human connection. 

 

The Atherton is one of the developments of DMCI Homes, renowned for building quality resort-inspired communities in Mega Manila, Baguio City, Boracay, and Davao City. Each of its properties is built with world-standard craftsmanship borne from D.M. Consunji Inc.’s over 70 years of expertise in the construction and development industry.   

  

To learn more about The Atherton and other DMCI Homes’ pre-selling and ready for occupancy projects, units for lease, and special promos, call (632) 5324-8888. You can also visit leasing.dmcihomes.com to know more about opportunities in leasing and rent-to-own programs of DMCI Homes. News and other updates are also posted on the company’s official website and social media accounts on Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube.