https://www.sunstar.com.ph/ |
- Drive-thru swab site sets limit due to lack of manpower, test vials
- Davao City eyes to vaccinate 10,000 persons per day
- Online pre-registration for Covid-19 vax now open
- Editorial: What went wrong?
- Estremera: Not the time for hubris
- Samante: NBA Playoffs 2021 predictions
- In house design, less is more
- Applying for a housing loan thru Pag-ibig
- Why do people continue to buy properties despite the pandemic?
- ‘Everyday staycation’ living at Legacy Leisure Residences
- Merlgen’s home office ideas for small spaces
- How real-estate professionals shift from traditional to digital selling
| Drive-thru swab site sets limit due to lack of manpower, test vials Posted: 25 May 2021 08:11 AM PDT DUE to the limited number of swabbers and test vials, only 300 individuals were catered at Davao City's swab center near the Crocodile Park while some were forced to go home without being swabbed at all. Second and third generation (F2 and F3) contacts who have been notified to undergo mandatory Covid-19 testing through the Safe Davao QR (DQR) Code are instructed to be swabbed in either the one near the Davao Crocodile Park or Sta. Ana Health Center. Paul Peter Lahot was among those who were notified through the push notification of the Safe Davao QR (DQR) that he had a close contact with a confirmed Covid-19 patient who entered a shopping area on May 19 around 2 p.m. Lahot told SunStar Davao said he was among those who were swabbed on Tuesday morning, May 25. He was supposed to be swabbed the day before but was not due to the cutoff set by health authorities at the swabbing area. To be included in the 150 limit for walk-in, he said he had to be at the Crocodile Park as early as 1 a.m. Davao City has a curfew between 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. "1 a.m. ko nag start [og] line didto kay 150 per tao nga walk-in tas 200 per tao nga drive-thru lang ang i-cater. Need pa mag sayo mangadlawon sa Croc Park (Crocodile Park) para lang maapil ka sa limit nila na ma cater (I already lined up as already as 1 a.m. because they will only cater 150 for walk-in while 200 for the drive-thru. There is a need for me to be that early at Croc park just to be catered limited slots)," Lahot said in an interview on Messenger. He was swabbed around 9:30 a.m. He said he was lucky to have been swabbed before the cutoff, but he feels sorry for those who also lined up and waited early. He also noted the lack of personnel in charge in controlling the lines. "Tambag lang unta nako, dapat magbilin sila [og] tao didto sa area kung asa magsagawa [og] test na kung asa siya mag-cooperate sa mga tao didto kay nagkagubot ganina tungod wala nagkadimao ang among line, walay mag-guide ba (I hope the city would augment more personnel who will monitor the lines because there was a commotion due to the disorganized lines. No one was there to guide us)," Lahot said. He also hopes the City Government would add more swab areas in the city to avoid long lines and congestion. Aldrin Ighot Lubiano, in a separate interview, was also in the area to avail the drive-thru swab testing. In his case, Lubiano was already at the Crocodile Park around 4 a.m. He said the drive-thru swabbing is way more convenient compared to those walk-ins. "Ika-30 nako sa pila sa drive-thru lane nila tapos sa mga walk-in maoy medyo luoy ky siyempre 4 a.m. pa ang uban tapos naabtan na sa cut off. Uli gyud sila (I was the 30th on the drive thru line. I feel bad for those in the walk-in lane because they went to the area as early as 4 a.m., only to be cut off. They had no choice but to go home)," Lubiano said. Compared to Sta. Ana Health Center, he said it is more convenient to be swabbed at Crocodile Park as social distancing will be properly observed due to its spacious area. "Kung sa mga individual nga gusto mag pag swab test, mas OK kung magrenta sila og sakyanan kay comportable magsakyan unlike sa magpila ka sa individual kay lisod kaayo (To individuals who will undergo swab test at Croc Park, it is advisable to rent a car because it is more comfortable unlike if you would line up in the walk-in lane, it is inconvenient)," Lubiano said. Photos of the long lines at Crocodile Park also went viral online. Dr. Nikita Marie Jamiana, City Health Office District Health Physician, said in an ambush interview with the media that they have to set a cut-off due to the limited number of swabbers, and test vials. "'Yun kasing dissemination ng ating DQR (Because of the DQR push notification), they can go here without schedule. Unfortunately, we have a limited number of swabbers. If we have two teams for the day, depende sa availability ng swabbers (it depends on the availability of the swabbers), we can only accommodate 300," Jamiana said. But she said if they have three teams, they can cater up to 500 individuals. Since the expansion of the swab testing at Crocodile Park started May 18, Jamiana said they already swabbed more than 2,000 individuals. Despite the limited number of swabbers, they were able to swab a total of 365 on Tuesday morning. Jamiana said they also conduct a headcount to determine up to whom they can swab and who to instruct to go home and come back. Duterte-Carpio, meanwhile, in a radio interview on Monday, May 24, said the City Government will be hiring 30 more swabbers to augment the city's Covid-19 swab testing efforts. The mayor said maintaining its manpower is a struggle as other swabbers resigned or left. "We need to continuously recruit and train para di gyud ta mahutdan og swabbers. So ang atoang HRMO [Human Resource Management Office] padayon sila sa pagrecruit og mga swabbers ug doctors (so we won't run out of swabbers. The HRMO is continuously recruiting swabbers and doctors)," Duterte-Carpio said in an interview on 87.5 FM Davao City Disaster Radio. The city is also targeting to designate People's Park and the newly renovated Rizal Park as an additional major swabbing site. The City also aims to set up swabbing centers at the District Health Offices. The local government has established a swabbing site in Barangay Ilang in Tibungco, Barangay Talomo River in Calinan and Barangay Toril Proper. Crocodile Park swabbing center is open Mondays to Sundays from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. They will cater to individuals without the need for scheduled reservation. For Sta. Ana Health Center, they will be open Mondays to Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Individuals will have to schedule for a swab test for them to be catered.  This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Davao City eyes to vaccinate 10,000 persons per day Posted: 25 May 2021 08:09 AM PDT DAVAO City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said the City Government is targeting to vaccinate at least 10,000 Dabawenyos per day in order to achieve the targeted herd immunity before the end of this year. Duterte-Carpio said in a radio interview on Monday, May 24, that this was initially discussed, but this will only be achievable if there will be ample and stable supply of vaccines in the city. "Initially, ang na-discuss nato for us to finish in the soonest possible time, we need to vaccinate 10,000 vaccinees per day (Our initial discussion was for us to finish the vaccination in the soonest possible time, we need to vaccinate 10,000 vaccinees per day)," Duterte-Carpio said in an interview on 87.5 FM Davao City Disaster Radio. The mayor said the City Government is targeting to inoculate at least 70 percent of its 1.2 million population to achieve "herd immunity." According to the World Health Organization, herd immunity is the indirect protection from an infectious disease that happens when a population is immune either through vaccination or immunity developed through previous infection. Duterte-Carpio said the city is expected to receive more doses of vaccines by the third quarter of this year. "Duna ta'y expectation, next month daghan kuno ang moabot nga bakuna karong June (We are expecting that by June next month [or third quarter] there will be a large number of vaccine doses to be delivered in the city)," the mayor said. Duterte-Carpio previously said British–Swedish biopharmaceutical company AstraZeneca has committed to deliver 30,000 doses of Covid-19 vaccine to the city by the third quarter of this year but will be delivered by tranches. This is on top of the number of doses provided by the National Government, through the Department of Health (DOH). As of now, three brands are being used for Covid-19 vaccination in Davao City: Astrazeneca, Chinese vaccine Sinovac's CoronaVac, and American manufactured Pfizer–BioNTech. The City Government is pushing for the creation of additional vaccination sites to accommodate more vaccine beneficiaries. "We need to up our resources, our vaccines centers that it can vaccinate 10,000 a day, assuming lang nga steady ang padala sa atong bakuna (assuming that the delivery of vaccine is consistent)," Duterte-Carpio said. At present, the City Government administers 500 vaccinees per vaccination site. With the completion of 20 vaccination areas, it hopes to achieve its target of at least 10,000 per day. Davao City has so far 19 vaccination hubs, which include SM Lanang Premier, SM City Davao, A. Mabini Elementary School, Malagos Elementary School, Crossing Bayabas National High School, Calinan Central Elementary School, Matina Aplaya Elementary School, Kor-Phil Vocational Training Center in Bunawan, Magallanes Elementary School, Mintal Central Elementary School, Buhangin Central Elementary School, Davao City National High School, Davao Medical School Foundation Hospital, Brokenshire Hospital, Gig Oca Seamen's Hospital, Southern Philippines Medical Center, Davao Doctors Hospital, San Pedro Hospital, and Metro Davao Medical and Research Center. As of now, the city is inoculating Priority Group A2 or senior citizens.  This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Online pre-registration for Covid-19 vax now open Posted: 25 May 2021 08:09 AM PDT STARTING May 25, all Safe Davao QR (DQR) code users residing in Davao City can now pre-register online. This was announced on DQR's official Facebook page on May 25. DQR users can register online through SafeDavaoQR Mobile App Scanner or the website (profiles.safe-davao.com). Registrants must click the "Covid-19 Vaccine Pre-Registration is now open for individuals" tab. Then click "Register" and log in using the user's individual DQR code, registered mobile number, and birth date. "Basaha pag maayo ang tanang impormasyon una mag tubag sa mga pangutana (Read carefully before answering the questions)," the DQR page said. After filling up the online registration form, registrants are reminded to wait for the schedule of their belonging priority group. This will be notified through their respective district health office, or through a DQR text message. Individuals covered in Priority Groups A1 (medical frontliners) and A2 (senior citizens) that had been pre-registered or already vaccinated are no longer required to register using the DQR app. In mid-April this year, the registration feature was already incorporated in the app and website but was not functioning yet. Earlier this year, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio announced the city's plan to incorporate the online registration for the Covid-19 vaccination. Duterte-Carpio said they want to do away with face-to-face registration, which could result in mass gathering and Covid-19 transmission. The mayor recently said the local government will set up an online registration site to "forecast" the number of vaccine doses the city will need. The online registration will be intended for those who are willing to get the Covid-19 vaccine. The city is currently holding the pre-registration at the city's nearest district health centers. Davao City Human Resource Management Office (HRMO) head and DQR Implementation supervisor Lemuel Ortonio said those who were already vaccinated and registered in the health centers are no longer required to register through DQR. Ortonio said the city is also planning to incorporate in the DQR system the QR code holder's Covid-19 vaccine status, whether he or she is vaccinated or not. As of now, those who were vaccinated are given a card, indicating that the person already got vaccinated. DQR is the city's electronic contact tracing and travel pass platform intended to be implemented for several purposes. City and non-city residents within the territorial jurisdiction of the city are required to register and secure their own DQR. It was piloted in November 2020. For additional information on the vaccine pre-registration, the public is advised to inquire through the DQR Vaccination Helpline from Mondays to Fridays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.: 0914559110 (Smart) and 09270229065. Meanwhile, for those who want to inquire on the Covid-19 vaccines, the public can reach out through the Vaccine Cluster Helpline from Mondays to Fridays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through these numbers: 09610734965 (Smart) and 09270229087 (Globe).  This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Posted: 25 May 2021 08:09 AM PDT BETWEEN the middle of February to April, active Covid-19 cases in Davao City remained low compared to what it was around the fourth quarter of 2020 and January 2021. The lower number of cases meant that our hospitals and health care workers were able to take a much-needed breather. Private hospitals stopped accepting Covid-19 patients because Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) can handle the current number of active cases then. During this time, it allowed the city government to put in place measures that will prevent another surge and address it should it happen. In Davao City, Mayor Sara Z. Duterte-Carpio issued several executive orders strengthening and expanding its contact tracing and testing capabilities. Executive Order (EO) No. 18 allowed the city to test those with influenza-like illness (ILI) and surveillance swabbing in high-risk areas like business and commercial establishments, public places, and government offices. Under EO No. 20, the city expanded the mandatory swab testing of all close contacts, including the second and third-generation contacts of confirmed Covid-19 patients. The city was also able to start with its Covid-19 vaccination among health workers and senior citizens. Sadly, it seemed that the city was not able to sustain its recent success. This month, it can be observed that Covid-19 cases have begun to increase again. The only good news, for now, is that there are no new variant cases in the city yet. "Our active cases, it is increasing. Three digits ta pirmi sa atoang positive cases. Clearly, makita nato increasing atong cases diri sa Davao (We have been logging three-digit positive cases. We can clearly see the cases in Davao City are increasing)," Duterte-Carpio said on Monday afternoon, May 24, in an interview on 87.5 FM Davao City Disaster Radio. DOH-Davao Director Dr. Annabelle Yumang said the primary sources of infection are gatherings, hospital exposure, and workplaces. The cause for people to be infected? Increasing complacency when it comes to following minimum health protocols. She said based on the reports they received, it was observed that physical distancing is not followed especially during mealtime in offices and establishments, when the number of participants exceeds the set maximum limit, and when face masks and face shields are not being properly worn. Aside from exposure to a Covid-19 patient, she said transmissions are high in hospitals due to improper wearing of personal protective equipment (PPE), non-observance of proper handwashing and disinfection at all times, and increased complacency of some healthcare workers due to the Covid-19 vaccination status. She added that they also saw complacency in the observance of health protocols in government establishments such as police stations, airports, public markets, and other government offices. In a nutshell, it is the growing complacency of some that is causing the increase in Covid-19 cases in the city. This complacency was also among the factors to the surge in cases in India and National Capital Region. If we Dabawenyos do not want to go into another stricter quarantine, we have to shape up. We were able to do it last time. We know that some of you may be having this "Covid-19 fatigue" with all the guidelines in place. These are put in place to manage the Covid-19 situation in the city and protect our healthcare system from collapsing. But the guidelines can only do so much. By the end of the day, it falls upon us the responsibility to keep the cases low. The Covid-19 spreads between humans. If we do not practice the minimum health standards -- wearing face masks, physical distancing, and regular washing or sanitizing of hands -- we run the risk of being infected or infecting others. As it was said before, if we want the pandemic to end or keep cases low, we have to do our part. Small yet responsible actions done by many can make a big impact in keeping cases low and prevent a surge in Covid-19 cases.  This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Estremera: Not the time for hubris Posted: 25 May 2021 08:08 AM PDT MORE than a year into this pandemic comes the realization. Indeed, this is a World War. But unlike the two world wars, this war calls on the global citizens to fight as one, do our individual roles to Stay Home, Save Lives, Save Money and wear mask, wear face shields, wash hands, be vaccinated and continue to wear shields and masks and wash hands. Yes, there are no guns and bombs. The suffering is in silence. The casualties die alone, those left behind mourn over ashes. The rest of us? We wait, and wait, and wait. We wait to be summoned for our vaccination, and then we wait in line to be vaccinated. How many thousands have spent sleepless nights after receiving a text message from safedavao, the QR code tracking service that calls you for a swab test when you happen to have shared a space with a confirmed case. After that message is received, you wait in line again. And it's not as if you didn't wear a mask and shield and washed your hands... you just happened to share a space and then you have to clear yourself through a swab test. "My whole family has been infected," a friend said. Luck was with them, the virus was kind with just minor symptoms manifesting. Another friend isn't as lucky. He's still in the ICU two weeks and counting. Last year, people were all talking about a new normal. It was the buzzword. But it's difficult to change just like that. Social media still holds sway, and the less discerning are easily swayed. They stand firm against vaccination, they scoff at the virus. Until the virus hits home. This is beyond just choosing to live in a new normal. This is committing to change. This world war doesn't recognize religions nor race. The loud opposition was sneering at the efforts of the government, comparing our lumbering economy that they have for so long corrupted and ravaged to the likes of Singapore and Taiwan, and yet they can't even make their immediate family behave like Singaporeans and Taiwanese. And if the news are indeed true, then even Singapore and Taiwan has been sideswiped and are now facing a fourth wave. What happened? People and governments became complacent, and there aren't just Taiwanese and Singaporeans in these countries as the virus spreads. We're in a world war and it's calling on the global citizens regardless of age, creed, religion, and political beliefs. We have all been drafted. saestremera@gmail.com  This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Samante: NBA Playoffs 2021 predictions Posted: 25 May 2021 08:07 AM PDT AS OF this writing, the 2021 NBA Playoffs are underway. These are the current standings for round 1. Western Conference Grizzlies(1) vs. Jazz(0) Clippers (0) vs Mavs (1) Nuggets(0) vs Blazers (1) Suns (1) vs. Lakers (0) With the surprising no-show of Donovan Mitchell in Game 1, the Grizzlies were able to capitalize on it and carry over their momentum from their recent play-in win over the Dubs. The Jazz has the firepower to recover led by 2021 Sixth Man of the Year, Jordan Clarkson, and can probably advance to the second round. Jazz in 6. The Mavs have the Clippers numbers in this series. Luka has been stellar for the Mavs' whole season and has carried the team on his shoulders. Who will carry the Clippers? Mavs sweep. In what was supposed to be an exciting matchup, the Blazers are proving otherwise. The Blazers have dominated the Nuggets in Game 1 and are still expected to do the same in the next three games. Blazers sweep. All the drama of the Lakeshow has carried over in this series. The play-in to the Game 1 loss adds to the Hollywood experience of being a Lakers fan. The Suns are playing their antagonist role perfectly for the defending NBA Champs. Lakers in 6. Eastern Conference 76ers(1) vs Wizards(0) Knicks(0) vs Hawks(1) Bucks(1) vs Heat(0) Nets(1) vs Celtics(0) Trust the process. The 76ers are poised to go all in this season, and a Larry O'Brien trophy at the end will be very fitting. Standing in their way are the Wizards, who can probably steal a game or two. Sixers in 6. This series is an exciting matchup between two young and upcoming teams. This matchup also heralds the coming of the new generation of playoff superstars. It will probably go all the way, but I'm picking the Knicks in 7. A rematch of last year's 2nd round matchup, the Heat looks to return to the NBA Finals, but Giannis and Co. might have other plans. With a 2-0 lead, the Bucks need to sustain, or else the Heat and their experience might derail their advancing plans. Heat in 6. The super team of the Nets will probably cruise through the Celtics. Jason Tatum cannot do it all for the Celtics, and the Nets are just heavy favorites in this series. Nets sweep. These are my predictions for round 1; see you again in round 2 of the playoffs.  This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Posted: 25 May 2021 08:06 AM PDT A YEAR of being held in our homes because of the movement restrictions has allowed us to experiment and do some minor (or even major) renovations at home. This is partly because spending so much time at home made us see the areas in the house that could be improved for convenience and aesthetic. Partly to blame also for this newly-discovered hobby of renovation and interior designing are Pinterest and the Home Buddies PH Facebook group. We talked to two young architects in Davao City who both told us that the current and apparent trend when it comes to home design is minimalism and the tropical elements. "Usually, kadaghanan karon sa clients ganahan og contemporary designs and minimalist. Preferences are going towards tropical design especially ang Philippines na-belong sa tropical countries pud," said Arch. Lunel Andrew Sayon. He added that the trend among Filipinos is not only considering the beauty of the design but also the budget and the spending capacity of the clients. He said contemporary and minimalist designs warrant less details hence lesser things to spend on. "Minimalist designs are emerging especially sa mga tiny houses, socialized housing, and condo type because of the small spaces. Kailangan naay function every corner. Minimalism also prioritizes spaces needed or suited sa client's lifestyle," he said. The local resources available in the country also are a huge contributor to the existing house trends that we have now. Despite design trend changes, those that remain to be on trend are those readily available and are affordable. "Design trends now are more on the use of vernacular architecture such as bamboo, GI sheets -- typical materials found in the Philippines. Budget-wise, these materials cost less but higher when it comes to labor hence a help to our local construction workers. So win-win practice actually. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is also strong about the bamboo industry right now. Daghan sila programs for the locals to integrate bamboo in construction," said Arch. Gabrielle Alias. She also believes that spending too much time at home results in people seeing what's lacking and how best to improve the house. "Noon, more on curves, like our grills daming curves. Karon more on straight, modern lines. With more people staying home, mas daghan sila maka-realize na daghan mali sa ilang bahay nila. Daming napapa-less is more. Mas maaliwalas kumbaga," she shared.  This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Applying for a housing loan thru Pag-ibig Posted: 25 May 2021 08:03 AM PDT WITHIN the first quarter of 2021, Pag-ibig Fund has already granted more than 5,000 home loans to low-wage earners. This is more than 25 percent versus the first quarter of 2020. Many Filipinos who are starting their own family run to Pag-ibig Fund to apply for a housing loan -- helping ease the burden of monthly mortgage. Here's how you can apply for a housing loan from Pag-ibig Fund based on their official website: 1. Get checklist of requirements. * Housing Loan Application form * Vicinity Map of Property * Additional Requirement by Loan Purpose * Proof of Income * Updated Tax Declaration and Tax Receipt * Valid IDs * Certified True Copy of Title 2. Submit the housing loan application. Bring the requirements to the nearest Pag-ibig Fund near you. Make sure the requirements are complete. 3. Receive the Notice of Approval (NOA) and the Letter of Guaranty (LOG). After 17 working days, claim at the same Pag-ibig Fund branch you're applying in. 4. Accomplish the NOA requirements for the release of loan proceeds. Borrower will be given 90 calendar days; Transfer of title; Annotation of mortgage. 5. Receive loan proceeds at the Pag-ibig Fund. Return annotated documents to Serving Department after 10 working days release of loan proceeds. 6. Start paying the monthly housing loan amortization. Monthly amortization shall start exactly one month from the DV/Check date. The Pag-Ibig Fund Housing Loan Program is available to all active Pag-Ibig Fund members, who have satisfied the following requirements: * At least 24 monthly savings. Lump sum payment of the required 24 months savings is allowed * Not more than 65 years old, and not more than 70 years old maturity of the date of loan application * Has the legal capacity to acquired and encumber real property * Passed satisfactory background/credit and employment/business checks of Pag-Ibig Fund * Has no outstanding Pag-Ibig Fund Short-Term Loan (STL) in arrears at the time of loan application * Has no Pag-Ibig Fund Housing Loan that was foreclosed, cancelled, bought back due to default, or subjected to dacion en pago. If with an existing Pag-IBIG Fund Housing Loan account, either as principal borrower or co-borrower, it must be updated.  This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Why do people continue to buy properties despite the pandemic? Posted: 25 May 2021 08:03 AM PDT WHILE most industries suffer a dramatic decline in sales due to Covid-19 pandemic, real estate shows a different trend. For multi-awarded developer Grand Land Inc. properties in Davao City, sales continue to increase as more and more individuals buy properties and spaces. "For me, it is the most important investment to make. A home is where you will spend your time mostly. It is the most important investment you are going to make. Prices of condominiums have been increasing through the years. With the low-interest rate and promos given by developers now, it is the best time to buy a home," Grand Land President Ryan Bernard Go said. The desire to own comfortable, decent houses also becomes more essential these days. Because if the pandemic will stretch for a time, people think it is better to find a space that is extra nice and safe to live in. One remarkable behavior of the market now is their outlook and priorities about having a home changed from the traditional mindset to being more experiential. "People have changed their outlook and priorities about having a home. They have considered more spaces, better amenities, greeneries and location. People have seen the importance of owning a home," Go added. Asked on the profiles of their current clients and investors, Go said, the common denominator is most are "young hard-working people who want to have their own place." To help clients achieve their dream homes, Grand Land has adjusted their payment schemes for projects that people want easier installments while wanting to move in on a much later date. "Aside from that, our master plans and designs are some other adjustments we made after the pandemic. We make sure that our projects are ready for this kind of case," he added. Giving updates to their various ongoing projects in Davao City, he mentioned that for their Amani Grand Citygate, the Building A will be finished by the end of the year. As for Building B, C, and D, the Cebu-based developer eyes to start construction this year. For its Piazza project, the real-estate big player has projected to start construction within 2022. Meanwhile, Noel Jan Te, Grand Land brand and marketing assistant manager, shared that while the company has boosted its online efforts to reach more clients, they also conducted several efforts and initiatives in helping their immediate community where their projects are located. "We've actually donated face masks and face shields to the local barangay where The Piazza is located. We really do want to emphasize our efforts of not just building homes, but also developing communities even in our own little ways," he said. To get updated on the latest happenings and announcements of all Grand Land projects, follow and check their official Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/GrandLandIncorporated.  This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| ‘Everyday staycation’ living at Legacy Leisure Residences Posted: 25 May 2021 08:03 AM PDT CRISRON Holiday Builders Inc.'s maiden project will be a unique undertaking — the creation of a wellness-focused, resort-like vertical village. The themed development will give the residents a life of comfort, serenity, and fun. It will be an "everyday staycation" in the center of the city. "This project will bring the island resort living to the center of the city and fuse it with urban essentials to create an exciting living experience," shared Wesley Bangayan, Legacy Leisure residences VP for sales and marketing. "Legacy Leisure Residences will be built by Davaoeños for Davaoeños. Being a local, we are aware of what every Davaoeño wants when choosing a place to live in — privacy, a peaceful and secure community, spacious living environment, green spaces to breathe, essentials within easy reach. Ultimately at best value, the future residents of the condominium project will not just be investing on real estate property and high-value amenities but on the quality of life, too," he said. At Legacy Leisure Residences, "breathing space" will mean roomy residences and vast amenity areas. Roomy residences Wesley Bangayan, Legacy Leisure Residences Vice-President for Marketing, says "We'd like to offer the gift of space to our future residents. We are designing our residential projects with generous space to make it more conducive to living." All residential units in Legacy Leisure Residences will be roomy. A typical one-bedroom home will have 37sqm in area, 76sqm for a two-bedroom unit and 136sqm for a three-bedroom unit. It's a perfect home area for bachelors or small families wherein personal spaces can be enjoyed. "We are only utilizing 30% percent of the land area for four residential towers. This means residents will be able to experience privacy when heading out to the vast outdoor open space," said Bangayan. Expansive open space for leisure and recreation Beyond the comfort of homes is another unique and essential feature of Legacy Leisure Residences. As a wellness-focused project, it gives importance to open space. Residents will have their very own water park, sports complex and garden area. This zone will occupy approximately 70 percent of the 2.8-hectare development, a figure more than double the standard requirement for open spaces for a residential development. Resort-like will mean having their very own Olympic size swimming pool, water spray park for kids, jogging track, tennis court, basketball court, pitch and putting green, BBQ area, parks and playground, the clubhouse and function rooms. Legacy Leisure Residences offers the most economically-priced residential spaces in its category. Cost per square meter is very reasonable, especially if you factor in what's included in the "total living package" — privacy plus an expansive green zone plus the impressive recreation and leisure amenities plus well-appointed safety features of the residential complex. With all these, you'll be nodding to the idea of the most conducive, safe and exciting vertical village to live in Davao. It can be the wisest investment anyone can make today.  This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Merlgen’s home office ideas for small spaces Posted: 25 May 2021 08:03 AM PDT WORK from home. For more than a year now, homes have undergone a transformation. The addition of working spaces for all members of the family may have been overwhelming. While we all wished the setup would be temporary, the surprising extent of the pandemic may be calling for redecorating to accommodate a permanent home office space. Spacious homes can easily integrate it into its layout, but what about smaller homes? "Integrating a home office in a small space can be challenging. Look around your home and you'll be surprised at what you can create in the most unexpected areas," said Honeylet Lim, manager of Merlgen Euro Designs Inc. "In these small spaces, Merlgen can custom-build modular cabinets to fit it. The plan is to maximize the use of the area, and with a few design tweaks, the spaces above and below the working desk will be utilized with the addition of shelves and cabinets," Lim said. She shares that during the pandemic when work was moved to residences for safety, the home office design and installation orders were 30 percent of the total contacts of the company. Merlgen shares some ideas for a home office in small spaces. 1. Underused spaces? Put it to work! A home office need not use up an entire room. Around your house, there will be an underutilized space by the window in the living room, or an alcove, the opposite end of the dining table, the corner of a bedroom, along the hallway, the stair landing, or the end of a kitchen counter. With a rug, mark it as a "new zone," add a small bureau or build into it a slim desk with drawers and shelves. Make sure to use the space under the table as well. 2. Resuscitate "dead" spaces. That awkward corner or the area under the stairs are usually the dumping area, if not unused. These are the "dead" spaces. Why not clear it up and fit it with a desk, set up shelves, put a lamp, take a comfy chair and voila! An instant home office. 3. Incorporate your office into your display units. Make the display shelves or wall cabinets multifunctional. Incorporate a working desk into the modular shelving that holds books and mementos and cabinets where favorite possessions are stored. To make the look less of an office, keep your office supplies in decorative boxes or stash them in the lower cabinets. 4. How about hideaway offices? An office built into a modular cabinet is a great idea because when you want to escape the (home) office, you can hide it away. It's made-to-order but this option can conceal the working area as soon as "office hours" are done and you can shift back to the relaxing look and mood of home. It can also hide the clutter of an unkempt office.  This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| How real-estate professionals shift from traditional to digital selling Posted: 25 May 2021 08:00 AM PDT IT MIGHT feel weird and unusual to buy real-estate properties in a completely virtual set-up, but this trend is becoming the norm and there is nothing the industry can do but adapt. Jarvie Harlem Gantalao of the Pinoy estate realtors shared that since the lockdown in March 2020, the industry's marketing efforts drastically changed from traditional to digital. This change is inevitable as Covid-19 protocols forced, not just real-estate, but almost all aspects in the society. He said social media has become the new home of their target clients. In the Philippines, social media giant Facebook is where most of their sales were generated. "Before, when we did fairs, conventions, and mall-based events the opportunities were limited. I'm not saying that it is not effective but with online platforms, the opportunities become endless. We can reach more people who want to buy a home," he shared. In doing online marketing and selling in real-estate, Gantalao, who is also the vice president of the Chamber of Real Estate and Builders' Association (Creba), said a deep know-how on doing digital initiatives is a must. "With my realtor group, we really underwent a series of training on how to market the products that are visually-appealing, informative, captivating, and clear," he emphasized. He added that with the new normal, the usual site trips before are now done through Zoom meetings. Video communications, he said, is also crucial because clients would want to ensure that the one they are talking with is a human and not a robot. "Online and virtual platforms are really the new way of selling real-estate products. This will continue even after the pandemic is over," he said. Asked on how the sales were doing during the pandemic, Gantalao said, the figures also surprised them. "Our sales as a team tripled compared to pre-pandemic. On an average, we can sell 70 to 80 units on both vertical, lot, and horizontal projects," he revealed. He added that a big factor as to why more people invest in real-estate could be that people's money were saved from their supposed travels and other leisure activities. "This is a good sign because it means, more and more people are now being wise on where to pour their money. Real estate is always a good investment," he said. Gantalao also shared that a big part of their success as real-estate professionals are their partner companies who offer quality products and services like Santos Land Development Corporation (SLDC). "Santos Land never really failed us. We are always proud to present their products because they have a good track record of delivering quality homes to everyone," he said, adding that they average to sell three units of high-end units from SLDC. SLDC Sales and Marketing Manager Estela Aguilos, in a separate interview, said that they currently have 144 lots left for their lumina Estates II. Ilumina Estates II is a mid-cost to high-end development that offers peaceful and luxurious subdivision living. The project is situated in a 25-hectare area in Communal, Buhangin, Davao City. Another horizontal project is Laureana Grand Plains located in Libby Road Puan, Davao City. "Laurena project will be available this fourth quarter because we expect to have our license to sell around that time," she said. Meanwhile, for its vertical project, The Ivory Residences, she said SLDC is targeting to open the project by December this year.  This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| You are subscribed to email updates from https://www.sunstar.com.ph/. To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now. | Email delivery powered by Google |
| Google, 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, United States | |
No comments:
Post a Comment