Love it or hate it, the city of Manila has a unique charm. Before the Second World War, the Philippine capital was known as “The Paris of Asia.” The rich culture and heritage of the Filipino people can be found here — from Spanish colonial houses to some of the most beautiful churches in the world. Through the years, there have been a lot of infrastructure and development, which are a good thing for economic growth and progress. Manila may not be that quaint anymore but it certainly has not lost its appeal as a global city that defines the Filipino identity.
Condominiums are among the most aggressive developments in the city. Manila is a center of commerce as it is a center of higher education. Commercial complexes and the biggest universities and colleges can be found here, making long-term leasing and condo renting a profitable industry. One online condo search in Manila will give you a thousand of options of places to stay in Manila for long-term or short-term. Manila is a good city to invest in — it is a prime location but the price of a property or a lot is significantly lower than those in Makati, Ortigas and Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. Condos for rent in Manila are also relatively more budget-friendly and the cost of living is also very reasonable. Food and transportation are more affordable here.
To all those in search of the best condo in Manila, read on as we highlight three world-class properties that promise to give you the best condo living experience.
Sorrel Residences
Sorrel Residences, DMCI Homes
Congestion is a concern in Manila as it is in most major cities in the metropolis. There are areas that are more cramped and overcrowded than others. But in the heart of the district of Sampaloc is Sorrel Residences, a one-tower residential development that features expansive open spaces and exudes a modern tropical feel. The design is light and airy. There are breezeways and garden atriums to allow natural light and air into the building. If you have the impression that condo buildings do not give you enough space to breathe, you have to see Sorrel.
Location and Accessibility
It is a block away from the major streets of V. Mapa and Ramon Magsaysay Boulevard, and very near major universities and colleges. It is also very accessible to major roads and public transportation. It is merely 150 meters from the LRT 2 station. Ramon Magsaysay Boulevard is also linked to other major cities like Quezon City, Mandaluyong-San Juan, and Makati. Hospitals, schools, shopping malls and other areas of interest are also easily accessible.
Sorrel Residences, DMCI Homes
Features and Amenities
Sorrel lets you enjoy the conveniences of living in a city as well as the comforts of coming home to a resort-inspired community that allows you to relax and unwind. Owning or renting a unit in Sorrel means free use of swimming pools, lounge area, gym, game rooms, and entertainment centers. If you want a peaceful escape from the stresses of work and want an extraordinary view of the cityscape, there’s a sky park or an observatory at the roof deck. And everywhere in the vast spaces of the community are pocket gardens, thematic gardens, linear parks and unique water features to get you closer to nature.
Value for money
So is it worth it? To begin with, each unit has a balcony. The size of each condo is larger than the standard living space. Each unit is efficiently planned to marry functionality and modern tropical architecture. Atriums are landscaped, indoor amenity areas are Wi-Fi ready, and you get to have individual mailboxes.
Hampstead Gardens
Hampstead Gardens, DMCI Homes
Launched in 2000, Hampstead Gardens consists of four mid-rise buildings with 364 residential units located at the heart of Sta. Mesa. Residents here have unmatched access to urban necessities while enjoying garden-inspired living. At Hampstead, you will feel energized and relaxed just by walking along landscaped walkways and watching the day pass sitting in the community’s gardens.
Location and Accessibility
If you are driving to work in offices in Makati and Ortigas, you won’t have to endure daily traffic jams in EDSA. Hampstead Gardens is strategically located in Sta. Mesa with links to San Juan and Mandaluyong. Areas of interest in España and the University Belt are also very accessible.
Hampstead Gardens, DMCI Homes
Features and Amenities
Just by the name alone, you can imagine a community of lush greens and tropical gardens. If you are looking for a long-term lease in Manila, Hampstead is a good choice because it resembles that of a traditional neighborhood with added convenience and comfort. You know that it is a community that you can retire in. It has world-class amenities that cater to children like play areas, picnic areas, and swimming pools. It even has its own commercial area where residents can shop and dine.
Value for money
Condos for rent at Hampstead really give the best value for your money. There’s option for short-term or long-term leasing and units can be bare, semi-furnished, or fully furnished. For less than Php 20,000 a month, you can rent a fully-furnished, two-bedroom unit and enjoy all the features and amenities of the community. Aside from the 24-hour security, Hampstead also makes life more comfortable by providing a parking building and individual drying areas at the rooftop.
Illumina Residences
Illumina Residences, DMCI Homes
Like Hampstead Gardens, Illumina Residences is also conveniently located in Sta. Mesa, Manila. This 32-storey residential high-rise is made of concrete glass and steel. Its unique T-shaped building design and the breezeways allow the natural flow of light and air. The architecture of the building may be modern and contemporary, but with landscaped atriums every five floors, living here will change the way you look at cramped city living.
Location and Accessibility
Educational and medical institutions are very accessible from Illumina Residences. Central business districts in Makati and Ortigas, as well as trade centers in Cubao and Manila are also easily accessible through major roads and public transportation.
Illumina Residences, DMCI Homes
Features and Amenities
You can enjoy life’s familiar pleasures in style at lllumina Residences. Deck and pocket gardens, swimming pools, and play courts are just some of the outdoor amenities where families can bond and have fun. There’s a study hall for students, fitness gym for health buffs, and a café where employees can relax after a long day. It also has a sky lounge and view deck for a relaxing view of the skyline at night. A three-level basement parking, three high-speed elevators, Wi-Fi access at the clubhouse, and spacious walking paths also add to the comforts of living at Illumina.
Illumina Residences, DMCI Homes
Value for money
Space planning in every unit allows for sizeable floor areas. The size of each unit is also larger than most condos for rent in the Philippines. A studio unit is approximately 28 sqm. That can pass for a two-bedroom condo in other developments. Here at Illumina, a two-bedroom corner unit is approximately 82 sqm, bigger than regular townhouses in the metro. A fully-furnished, two-bedroom unit can be rented for around Php 30,000 a month on a short-term lease. And by the way, each unit also comes with a balcony.
The city of Manila may have undergone some serious transformation over the past decades. But if you think it is nothing but an over-populated and cramped city, you have to look at these three residential developments to assure you that you can enjoy city-like conveniences in the comfort of communities that bring you closer to nature at the same time.
