Building a nation of homeowners: SMDC turns over first vertical socialized housing in Iloilo City

Tweet

SM Development Corporation (SMDC), the residential arm of SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SMPHI), one of Southeast Asia’s largest integrated property developers, takes a bold step in tackling the nation’s housing backlog through strategic partnerships with local governments.

KaUSWAGAN Residences serves as an accessible and affordable housing solution for Iloilo City Government employees, reaffirming SMDC’s commitment to building a nation of homeowners

In a symbolic turnover ceremony, SMDC handed over the keys to KaUSWAGAN Residence – the first vertical socialized housing project in Iloilo City – further advancing the government’s efforts to reduce the 6.5 million housing backlog.

The Php 248-million KaUSWAGAN Residences is a collaboration between SMDC, the Iloilo City Government, and the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD). The development, located in Barangay San Isidro, Jaro, serves as an accessible and affordable housing solution for Iloilo City Government employees, reaffirming SMDC commitment to socialized housing.

“This project underscores SMDC’s commitment to supporting the government’s socialized housing program,” said Jeffrey C. Lim, SMPHI President. “We are proud to deliver high-quality homes for Filipino workers and contribute to building thriving communities.”

Designed with the working class in mind, KaUSWAGAN Residences features two twin four-story buildings with 30-square-meter units, ample parking spaces, and proximity to the city center—just 6.5 kilometers from Iloilo City Hall. This thoughtful location provides easy access to essential services, making it a practical choice for local government employees.

Residents will enjoy easy access to the city center, a practical choice for local government employees.

A Model for Future Collaborations

Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas praised the partnership, noting that the project offers a replicable model for future collaborations between the government and the private sector. “The City Government of Iloilo is grateful for the strong partnership with SDMC. Through the KaUSWAGAN Residences, we are providing working-class families with affordable homes, a critical need in our city. This project sets benchmark for public-private collaborations in housing, and we hope it will be replicated in other regions,” said Treñas.

SMDC’s Commitment to Socialized Housing

SMDC has committed over P1.108 billion to the Philippine government’s socialized housing program, building housing developments since 2012. These projects cover land development, land acquisition, and the construction of socialized housing units across the country, in partnership with local government units (LGUs) and the DHS

In addition to KaUSWAGAN Residences, SMDC has utilized its P1.108 billion commitment to support other housing projects nationwide. These include:

• Davao City: P320 million for land development in Barrio Lasang for a socialized housing project.

• Eastern Samar: P184.4 million in Salcedoville, Barangay Tagbacan, where 300 homes were built for Typhoon Yolanda survivors.

• Cavite: P192.1 million for the Bayanihan Gawad Kalinga Village in Dasmariñas City.

• Abra: A housing program in Indigo Subdivision, Barangay Basbasa, Tayum, consisting of 126 housing units set for turnover by 2025.

Beyond its socialized housing contributions, SMDC has also launched Style Residences—its first premium development in Iloilo City. Located within the city’s Lifestyle District and adjacent to SM City Iloilo, this five-tower complex offers over 2,900 residential units. The development features high-end amenities such as swimming pools, landscaped gardens, and function rooms, catering to the growing demand for upscale urban living in Iloilo.

In 2021, SMDC launched Glade Residences in Jaro, Iloilo. Featuring 11 four-story buildings, the mid-rise development blends modern living with heritage preservation. With lush open spaces, vertical gardens, and a future SM shopping center, this development offers 8,800 sqm of amenities and landscaped areas, including a rain catchment system and cistern tanks. It’s a perfect mix of style, sustainability, and value.

A Nation of Homeowners

SMDC continues to strive toward its vision of creating a nation of homeowners. Through projects like KaUSWAGAN Residences, Style and Glade Residences, SMDC remains committed to building life-centered communities, where Filipinos can lead fulfilling, healthy, and thriving lives.

“The KaUSWAGAN project is a concrete example of how public-private partnerships can significantly improve the lives of working-class citizens. Together, we are making the dream of homeownership a reality for more Filipinos,” added Treñas.

SMDC leads the charge in building disaster-resilient communities across PH

Tweet

As the Philippines plays host to this year’s Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR), leading property developer SM Development Corporation (SMDC) reaffirms its commitment to building communities that prioritize safety, resilience and sustainability. With the Philippines being one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world, SMDC has made disaster preparedness and resilience at the core of its design and construction philosophy.

“Disaster resilience should not just be an add-on — it’s a necessity,” said Jessica Sy, VP and Head of Design, Innovation and Strategy. “We are proud to take a leadership role in designing communities that can withstand the unique environmental challenges of our country. By integrating disaster-resilient features and fostering a culture of preparedness, we ensure that our residents can feel safe and secure in their homes, no matter what challenges arise.”

Charm Residences in Cainta, Rizal features elevated construction that ensures the safety of residents during heavy rainfall and flooding events.

Building strong foundation for resilience

Recognizing the unique vulnerabilities of this country to typhoons, earthquakes, and floods, SMDC employs a robust set of strategies to safeguard its residents.

· Elevated construction for flood prevention – SMDC buildings are designed with raised ground elevation to mitigate the impact of flooding, a common concern in low-lying areas.

· Innovative stormwater management systems - To combat heavy rainfall, SMDC properties are equipped with rainwater detention tanks that can reduce water runoff by up to 85%. This system ensures proper drainage and minimizes the risk of flooding within the development. Field Residences in Sucat, Parañaque, for example, features an advanced stormwater system capable of handling rainfall levels similar to those experienced during Typhoon Ondoy.

· Earthquake-resistant structures – With the Philippines being situated along the Pacific Ring of Fire, SMDC properties are built to fully comply with seismic codes, incorporating passive design strategies to reduce the impact of earthquakes on buildings.

Construction of a stormwater management system designed to handle rainfall equivalent to that of Typhoon Ondoy at Field Residences in Sucat, Paranaque

Empowering communities through preparedness

SMDC regularly conducts disaster preparedness trainings among its residents and property management staff to ensure the communities’ readiness for emergencies and natural calamities.

Beyond the physical infrastructure, SMDC believes that building resilient communities goes beyond construction. The company conducts regular disaster preparedness training for residents and property management staff to equip them with the knowledge and skills needed in the event of a disaster.

SMDC's property management teams are trained in emergency response, ensuring that they can provide immediate assistance to residents during critical times.

Resilience at the heart of SMDC’s vision

In addition to physical disaster mitigation measures, SMDC properties include ample green spaces and refuge areas where residents can seek safety in the event of an emergency. This holistic approach to disaster resilience aligns with SMDC’s broader vision of creating sustainable, thriving communities where residents can live well, even in the face of environmental risks.

Commitment to sustainability

Looking ahead, SMDC is focused on continuously improving its disaster-resilience strategies. The company plans to expand its rainwater management systems and implement further green innovations, including solar-powered backup systems and renewable energy solutions, ensuring that its communities remain functional even during prolonged emergencies.#

SMDC and Seafood City revolutionize home buying for Global Filipinos

Tweet

SMDC and Seafood City (SFC) partner to make homebuying more accessible to global Filipinos. 

Photo shows (Standing, from left: Mario Gambo Sr. and Mario Gamboa Jr. of Gamboa Real Estate Team; SMDC’s Joel T. Ong, SVP, Finance and Marking C. Que, SVP, Customer Support; (Seated, from left): SFC’s Benjamin Matthew Go, COO and Elewin Rebaya, EVP and SFC+ President and CEO; SMDC’s Jessica Bianca Sy, AVP and Head of Corporate Planning and Development and Grace Evangeline Sta. Ana, EVP, Project Development

SM Development Corporation (SMDC), one of Southeast Asia’s largest integrated property developers, and Seafood City, the largest Filipino supermarket chain in North America, have come together to make home buying in the Philippines easier and more accessible for overseas Filipinos through SFC+ app. This digital marketplace offers a seamless platform for US-based Filipinos to invest in properties in the Philippines.

This partnership is a significant step in making homeownership more accessible for Filipinos living in North America, ensuring they have the support and resources needed to invest in properties back home. End-to-end real estate transactions can be done directly through the SFC+ app, along with professional support of licensed real estate professionals in the US.

With SFC+, users can access exclusive deals and rewards when purchasing SMDC properties, making the dream of owning a home in the Philippines more attainable for global Filipinos. The platform also simplifies the process by allowing members to complete real estate purchases remotely, offering convenience and security to overseas investors. In addition, they get exclusive access to thousands of SM brands and outlets through the SM Gift Pass. 

“We continuously seek innovative ways to provide more value to our customers, making it easier for them to invest in their dream properties for themselves or their loved ones back home,” said Jessica Sy, SMDC AVP and Head of Corporate Planning & Development. “By partnering with SFC+, we are extending our reach to global Filipinos, offering them a seamless platform to invest in the good life, no matter where they are in the world. Through this collaboration, we reaffirm our commitment to building communities that enhance lives and connect people to progress.”

SFC has 1 million weekly in-store foot traffic with an active membership base of over 400,000.

Lee Min Ho is coming back to Manila this October!

Tweet

Korean superstar, and as SMDC (SM Development Corporation) ambassador, Lee Min Ho will celebrate the company's 65th anniversary with his Filipino fans in attendance. Concert and live event producer Wilbros Live announced the event while asking people to stay tuned for details on how to score exclusive invites.

The event will take place on October 15 at the SMX Convention Center. 

Lee Min Ho was launched as SMDC's newest "Good Guy" and the face of their "Step Into Luxury" campaign back in March. “I’m honored to be part of the SMDC family. It’s very important for a person to have a space to call home,” Lee Min Ho shared. He added that being able to influence home buyers in owning their home is something he is grateful for.

He's been to the Philippines several times before for various events, shows, and local media appearances.

Lee Min Ho is the lead actor of popular K-dramas like Boys Over Flowers, City Hunter, The Heirs, The Legend of the Blue Sea, The King: Eternal Monarch, and Pachinko.

Follow SMDC and Wilbros Live to find out how to score exclusive invites to this unforgettable event.

Don’t know your way around the kitchen? This quick-and-easy Cheeseburger Sliders recipe will unearth the chef in you

Tweet

Food is a universal language. It transcends time, cultures, and borders. It speaks volumes about love, kindness, gratitude, and empathy. Without fail, it brings people together and gives us life in more ways than we can imagine.

When it comes to cooking, though, not many people are gifted. Couple that up with the demands of a fast-paced urban lifestyle, and more often than not, learning the joyous art of cooking often ends up taking the backseat.

Lucky for you, SM Development Corporation (SMDC) brings The Good Eats — a series of easy-to-do and easy-to-follow recipes that helps food enthusiasts of little to no cooking experience find their way around the kitchen.

First up on their premiere episode are Cheeseburger Sliders, especially made for bachelors and gents alike. Whether you’re on for a date night with someone special, or you’re hosting a weekend party with the gang, this recipe will, without a doubt, get you all the compliments you deserve. After all, what’s manlier than juicy, perfectly seared patties, elegantly tucked in crisp slices of cheese?

Setting the scene for the bachelor edition of The Good Eats is Air Residences in Ayala Avenue, Makati City. With sleek interiors, streamlined architecture, first-class amenities, and an enviable aura of success and influence, nothing says ‘tasteful’ like an Air Residences address.

Secret’s out! Only on The Official SMDC Youtube Channel.

SMDC’s Glade Residences breaks ground in Jaro, Iloilo City

Tweet

ILOILO’S NEWEST MASTER-PLANNED GARDEN COMMUNITY — SM Development (SMDC) Corporation’s Glade Residences held a groundbreaking ceremony in Jaro, Iloilo City last Friday, July 1, to inaugurate its construction. Glade Residences is a mid-rise residential garden community expected to provide utmost convenience for young professionals and start-up families who will call this home, with a future SM Mall soon to rise right beside it.

Present at the event (left to right) are Deo Jerez, Senior Manager, Project Development, SMDC; Erik Lim, Assistant Vice President, Construction Management Department, SMDC.; Girlie Liboon, Regional Mall Manager, SM Prime Holdings Inc.; Susan Nicdao, Vice President, Project Development, SMDC; Jong Perez, Senior Assistant Vice President, Construction Management Department, SMDC; Joefil Jocson, Chief Executive Officer, Jocson Construction Management Corporation; and Rolly Mendiola, Project Manager, Vykim Formworks Construction Company.

SMDC’s Shore Residences: A confluence between the paradise of your dreams and the most lucrative property in your portfolio

Tweet

Picture a coastal-inspired home that’s more akin to a five-star vacation resort than your regular concrete structure — a home where you are welcomed everyday with a grand lobby, lush greeneries, and multiple turquoise-watered swimming pools; a home where your sights are filled with the blues of a majestic bay, your ears with the sounds of calm waves, and your heart with anticipation for a vibrant food, commerce, and entertainment hub.

Whatever scene you imagined is just a small taste of what life is like at the Shore Residences Complex, a master-planned mega district by SM Development Corporation (SMDC) composed of three residential developments.

Shore Residences combines resort-style living with all the conveniences and luxuries an address within the Mall of Asia (MOA) complex could offer. Dive a little deeper and find out why a lifestyle upgrade or an investment in this prime location is an opportunity you just cannot miss.

Welcome to paradise

A life in Shore Residences is a high life, primarily because it’s a life of endless summers. The grand lobby, for instance, embodies a tropical design that almost literally transports you to the seaside.

The vast entrance hall is defined by seashell white marble flooring, whimsical curves and textures, and accents of colors of the ocean. With cabana-like sofas, premium woven furniture, and coastal embellishments, one may easily mistake Shore Residences’ lobby as the lobby of a five-star resort.

Wrapping up your everyday vacations, of course, are the hotel-like services in the complex. Like any other SMDC development, Shore Residences boasts of hotel-like services, geared towards curating an affluent lifestyle for residents. The cordial welcome of the doorman, the tireless hospitality of the front desk staff, and the well-appointed interiors at Shore Residences all come together to ensure you come home to a paradise you can call your own.

Where luxury lives

Luxury lives in every corner at Shore Residences with a plethora of in-water and out-of-water activities offered in the complex.

From charming, wharf-inspired decks, to riverfront lounge pools, to palm tree courtyards and beach entry pools that come with a feature island— Shore Residences is the pinnacle of “resort-inspired” SMDC developments. Residents of all ages can enjoy the several aquatic activities in the complex that not only serve as bonding opportunities for the family, but are also scientifically-proven as beneficial to one’s mental health.

If you don’t fancy water-based drills, there are plenty of scenic areas for you to get your endorphins fix around the mega district. Beautifully-landscaped gardens abound the complex that give you vast, open spaces to walk, run, or meditate. Shore Residences also has fully-equipped indoor gyms, jogging trails, and a basketball court where you could tick off your fitness goals one by one.

When it comes to social activities, on the other hand, you and your loved ones could gather and celebrate the most momentous occasions in the opulent function rooms in the development, with panoramic views of the resort-inspired amenities as your backdrop.

An idyllic time for maximum returns

As the country recovers from the global health crisis, several real estate experts see encouraging forecasts in the residential property sector. This shared sentiment is a clear sign that there might not be a better time to enter the market than today.

Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) Philippines, for one, sees increasing demand from professionals looking for homes closer to places of work. This bodes well for investors of Shore Residences, should they capitalize on the steady rental market that many business hubs in the MOA Complex help provide.

Santos Knight Frank, on the other hand, see new infrastructure developments as the key to success when it comes to auspicious returns in real estate investment.

A testament to this is a research that discusses how from the period of 2008 to 2019, developments surrounding the MOA Complex have increased in value four times in just ten years’ time. Imagine what a decade holds for you if you invest in Shore Residences now?

Whether you’re trying to find a home where your kids can grow with life’s best comforts, or you’re in need of a vacation space that’s not too far from the hustle and bustle of the city, or you’re looking for a sound investment opportunity that will yield returns for years to come, there’s a little bit of something for everyone in Shore Residences.

To learn more about SMDC’s Shore Residences, follow SMDC on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter.

Back to basics: Family Resolutions to Keep This 2022

Tweet

What makes the New Year so special, more than anything, is hope. It’s the promise of a new beginning; a signifier that we are given another chance; that we can still better ourselves and our families.

When it comes to resolutions, many tend to go overboard and list things that are difficult to sustain. No need to fret. It is never too late to redo yours, and to come up with simpler yet fundamental intentions.

Quality time as a love language

It’s no secret that technology is a parent’s best friend, especially when it comes to keeping the kids preoccupied while you’re trying to be productive. While there is nothing wrong with it, it’s still of utmost importance to unplug your devices every now and then and really connect with them on a regular basis.

You can’t underestimate the importance of devoting undivided attention to your children. Sharing meals, watching movies, or even having game nights are non-grandiose yet very meaningful ways to show you love them.

You can also include them in your exercise routine. Perhaps take them for an afternoon jog, or teach them how to swim close by. These and more doubles as bonding time for the family — allowing you to stay fit and active, while creating the most priceless of memories.

Family, friends, and fresh air

Being cooped up indoors all the time can not only take a toll on your kids’ development, but on your own mental and emotional health as well. So whenever possible and when you think it’s safe, it won’t hurt to take your kids to see other people and to experience other sceneries.

Mask up, and you can take your kids for morning or afternoon walks at the park, or tell them all about your glory days, al fresco style, in the gardens of your community. Give them some childhood memories they can fondly look back to when they grow up.

Instilling responsibility with household chores

It’s never too early to teach kids the importance of being responsible, and one way to do that is to allow them to take part in household chores. Not only does it improve their motor-eye coordination skills, but it also lays out a foundation for them in terms of managing a home and managing themselves in general.

You can start by selecting a specific room for them to clean and maintain. It can be their bedroom or designated play area.

Family-centric living spaces

SM Development Corporation (SMDC) understands parenting is definitely no easy feat, but residing in a community designed specifically for raising families can, without a doubt, be of great help to you.

It’s Spring Residences in Bicutan, Parañaque City that has suites uniquely created for all of your family’s needs. The community features several mid-rise towers and boasts of two efficiently laid-out bedroom units, as well as spacious living areas which you can design and modify however you please.

It also comes with luxurious amenities that you and your children can enjoy. Take vigorous laps in the adult-size pool after a long day of work, while the kids frolic in the kiddie pool. Fun and safety is guaranteed, with a play area they can run around and make friends in. The community also has 24-hour security to assure you have safe spaces to share with your family.

Strategically situated beside SM City Bicutan, Spring Residences also provides quick-and-easy access to restaurants, shopping, and more. With its close proximity to the Skyway and the future Metro Manila Subway station in Paranaque, you are granted the convenience of being close to the airport and major business districts.

Moving into Spring Residences will surely make a fulfilling year for you, with all your family’s new year’s resolutions ticked off line-by-line. SMDC offers friendly payment terms on top of its affordable ready-for-occupancy (RFO) units you and your family can immediately start a life in.

Regardless of what your family goals are this 2022, remember that the most important step is to start. Give rise to a new beginning at Spring Residences.

For more information about SMDC’s Spring Residences, visit www.smdc.com/properties/spring-residences/

 

About SM Development Corporation (SMDC)

SMDC is the largest and fastest-growing real estate developer in the Philippines. Championing perfectly integrated commercial and residential environments, SMDC provides every Filipino and its investors access to a sustainable and attainable cosmopolitan lifestyle. Through masterfully planned and award-winning, complete developments, SMDC has been providing the dream homes of Filipinos in Metro Manila and other key cities in the Philippines

 

 

Connectivity Makes SMDC’s Glam Residences an Ideal Investment Today and for Years to Come

Tweet

For any person looking to make a sound investment in this post-pandemic world, there is a fair amount of caution taken. After last year’s global economic slowdown, people have become guarded when it comes to investing their hard-earned cash.

In terms of the property then, it is only logical that people who are looking to invest in real estate want some reassurance that they are making a sound investment. That is what Glam Residences from SM Development Corporation (SMDC) has to offer.

SMDC’s Glam Residences is an iconic 45-storey, master-planned development

that is set to rise along EDSA in Quezon City

In a report prepared by the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) called “The Metro Manila Greenprint 2030: Building a Vision,” a goal cited to help the country leverage investments into positive gains revolved around connectivity. “Build on the potential of Metro Manila’s multi-centered spatial structure to be green and time-saving, by enhancing connectivity among and within urban centers, and by selectively designating new urban centers, as Metro Manila integrates with its peri-urban hinterland,” the report says.

Located right off Quezon City’s rising CBD – the Triangle Park – SMDC’s Glam Residences is in the thick of all commercial activities in northern Metro Manila and offers that critical connectivity that the report states. This integrated development’s location is home to office towers, shopping malls, hotels, renowned medical centers, numerous parks, and strategic transport hubs that offer easy access to vital points of Metro Manila.

The importance of transport hubs in relation to real estate properties is further validated by an Asian Development Bank (ADB) study in 2019, which states that residential parcels within 1km from the MRT 3 line appreciated in value by 223%, 20 years from the commencement of construction of the MRT 3 line. 

Inspired by Hollywood Glamour, the bespoke interiors highlight a mixture of textures like marble and steel, in hues of gold, grey, white, and blue   

That same MRT 3 line, with a station a few steps away from Glam Residences, has just increased its number of operating trains from 15 to 21 while doubling the operating speed of those trains from 30 to 60 kilometers per hour. It’s projected that this will improve waiting times between trains from the current rate of seven to ten minutes going all the way down to just 3.5 minutes.

One of the principles cited by the MMDA report was to focus future large-scale investments in mass rapid transit (e.g. MRT and LRT) and real estate around existing urban nodes. Another of those principles was to enable mixed-use development in the center of these nodes to promote public transport ridership by minimizing the need for long non-commuting trips for shopping, entertainment, schooling, etc. It goes without saying, then, that SMDC’s Glam Residences lives up to these principles.

Glam Residences will also be just one station away from the unified Grand Central Station that will connect the MRT 3, MRT 7, LRT 1, and the Metro Manila Subway lines. This will provide easier access to other CBDs, schools and entertainment districts all over the metro, and to regional and global gateways like the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, and the international airports in Bulacan and Clark. 

On the top-most floor is a sky lounge that offers panoramic views of the pulsating

Metro Manila skyline

Aside from the impeccable location, SMDC’s Glam Residences is an upscale vertical community that matches the cosmopolitan lifestyles of working millennials. With thoughtfully designed amenities including a lap pool, Jacuzzi, and rooftop lounge and bar, millennials can come home to a rewarding respite after those hectic workdays. Other benefits include an indoor gym, children’s play area, function rooms, and the development’s very own mall at the ground floor.

With the location and amenities combined, and its immediate access to major transport hubs, SMDC’s Glam Residences is certainly a sound investment opportunity today and for years to come.

For more information about SMDC Glam Residences, visit  https://smdc.com/properties/glam-residences/glam-residences/. 

 

Accessibility, vibrancy await future residents of SMDC Light 2 Residences

Tweet

A big consideration when contemplating where one wants to plant roots is accessibility. People want to live in a locale that has easy access to places where they can have meals and will not be difficult to reach. They also want to live relatively close to where they work. Essentially, leaving work to get home as quickly as possible means spending more quality time with the people they value most or having more time to do activities that give them the most joy.

Light 2 Residences is an iconic master-planned development that will redefine city living

Although the global pandemic has forced many to work from the safety of their homes, things are normalizing worldwide, and accessibility will be more important than ever. The right location can spell the difference between a comfortable commute to and from work or barely arriving on time daily.

SMDC Light 2 Residences meets that most essential of requirements by being strategically located in the commercial hub that Mandaluyong City has become. It also boasts of amenities that will surely give its residents a relaxed urban feeling.

Light 2 Residences is minutes away from the Ortigas Central Business District where several businesses, commercial centers, and dining establishments abound. The property also has a direct connection to the EDSA-Boni MRT-3 station, and is in close proximity to one of the projected stations of the future Mega Manila Subway that travels from Quezon City to Parañaque. The Light Mall is also a mere elevator-ride-away, which means residents will have convenient access to everything that they will ever need.

The pièce de résistance of this master planned development is the private urban park designed by international landscape architectural firm ALN. This amenity, which is almost a hectare in size, hosts spaces for play and relaxation.

Light 2 Residences offers a long list of amenities, including a private urban park that’s almost a hectare in size, decked with pools, gardens and lounges

Exercise and physical activity are essential to not just stay fit physically but also to give off positive vibes. SMDC Light 2 Residences presents fitness options including an indoor gym and fitness studio, an outdoor gym and yoga deck, and even table tennis courts.

Light 2 Residences gives off a feeling of coming home on top of city living at its finest. From the white marble stone, neutral color palette, and mirrors that welcomes you at the lobby that are complemented by light wood finishes, reflective materials, and accents, it’s like a warm embrace just waiting to wrap around you.

Hotel-like lobbies and lounges with bespoke furnishings will provide a warm and opulent welcome at SMDC Light 2 Residences

The property also gives reassurance to residents through access to secure, convenient, hotel-like services such as a property doorman, reception services, 24-hour security, comprehensive CCTV coverage in common areas, lounges and hallways, plus on-demand professional cleaning and unit repair services.

With options of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units ranging from 21 to 42 square meters, Light 2 Residences is a perfect fit for today’s upwardly mobile professional. Even as they pursue their career goals and place a premium on convenience and time, these individuals want to enjoy their hobbies and interests in a vibrant, contemporary development with such easy accessibility that perfectly complements their lifestyle.

A selection of studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units with spectacular views of the city are available at Light 2 Residences

Interested parties will be happy to know that arrangements for long-term and short-term lease are available with SMDC Prime Key Leasing. For buyers outside the country, owner representation is also available for them. Located along the Mandaluyong stretch of EDSA, SMDC Light 2 Residences is primed to be an iconic landmark that shines brightly along this essential thoroughfare. Live the Good Life at this property that is set to redefine the urban lifestyle.

For more information about SMDC Light 2 Residences, visit https://smdc.com/properties/light-residences/.

5 Ways You Can Give Back to ’The Good Guys’ in Your Community

Tweet

Times of uncertainty have a way of bringing out the best in people. During such times, ‘the good guys’ come to the fore. Apart from the medical frontliners, who definitely are at the top of the list, there are also the rest of ‘the good guys.’

They are your security guards, receptionists, janitors, housekeepers and maintenance personnel. Their work is not as dramatic and as headline-grabbing as the medical frontliners, but they keep you provided with the basic services that you continue to enjoy despite the current disruption.

Across SM Development Corporation (SMDC) communities, residents are banding together to give back and show appreciation to these good guys.

“If not for them we wouldn’t be able to keep the peace and cleanliness of our building, so it’s very important to take care of them,” Aileen Reyes, a resident of Shine Residences in Pasig, says.

There are many things you can do to show your appreciation for your ‘good guys. They do not take much, as many of them can be done within the comfort of your home.

“We are lucky here in SMDC because a grocery and a pharmacy are found right on the ground floor. I am sure many of us want to help in any way we can but accessing basic goods and services might be a challenge. I am glad these retail spaces are found within my home,” says Mike Pastor, an FMCG executive and a father of two who resides at Light Residences in Mandaluyong.

Here are five easy ways to give back to your Good Guys:

1. Express your gratitude.

A simple note of thanks, a ‘thank you’ greeting, a salute, a clap – there are many things you can do to make them feel you value them and what they do for you. Take a photo of them, post your ‘thank you’ on social media, and tag them. Or, engage your kids and ask them to express their gratitude through drawings and hand these cute gratitude cards to them. They may not mean much to you, but these thoughtful gestures of gratitude provide inspiration to keep them going.

2. Share a meal.

Lucky for SMDC residents, grocery stores are just an elevator ride away. You can purchase healthy produce and other cooking essentials for your next culinary adventure. Make it personal and prepare an extra helping and send them over to them.

3. Support donation drives.

Grocery, food packs, Vitamin supplements, face masks, gloves and other protective gear will go a long way to make life a little easier for them. You may share some of your available goodies from your pantry, order online or take advantage of the open retail spaces at any SMDC development. All the essentials – food, medicine and ATMs – are found on the ground floor.

4. Make the conscious effort to keep them protected.

They are exposed to more people and to waste. Consciously ensure they are protected by keeping your distance from them and by practicing proper waste disposal. Place your used gloves and face masks in sealed plastic containers and immediately dispose of them. Call the attention of neighbors who do unsanitary things like spitting or coughing unprotectedly or throwing trash carelessly.

5. Follow your community’s safety protocols.

Not only will you be protecting yourself, your family and your community; you will also be helping them minimize contact with others and make their jobs a little easier by following rules that they have been tasked to implement.

“Whether you’re a unit owner or a service provider, we’re all in this together and we need to care for each other. 

After all, this is the home of the good guys,” Capt. Kim Cortes, a commercial pilot and a resident of Breeze Residences in Roxas Boulevard, says.

Food lovers collide at #SMDCeats - SMDC Food Crawl

Tweet

Food trips, food crawl is the most enjoyable trip for foodies.

Last week, we, bloggers joined forces doing the SMDC food crawl. We visited four restaurants in SM Development Corporation  (SMDC) residences / environment, located in Makati City.

SM Development Corporation  (SMDC)  provides luxurious urban living through vertical villages perfectly integrated with a commercial retail environment, giving its residents access to a truly cosmopolitan lifestyle. They are sought after condominiums here in the Philippines within prime location, well-maintained swimming pool and facilities.

We food crawler visited SMDC food establishments, tried different dishes, restaurants and comparing dishes with their distinct taste.

 Pad Thai -  Mixed Thai Noodles - Thai Iced Tea

For our first stop,  SEN LEK THAI NOODLE.

Their menu items are mainly rice and noodle dishes. We opted for two noodle dishes: the soup-based Mix Special Thai Noodle and the Pad Thai.

The Mix Special Thai ingredients’ servings were generous and you can add the extra cilantro and green onions made up for the broth’s blandness.

 Pad Thai

 Mixed Thai Noodles

  

The serving is just perfect and the price is affordable given the dishes’ cheap prices.

Sen Lek Thai Noodle

Tower C, Sea Residences, MOA Complex

Pasay City, Philippines

  Shawarma Plate, Keema, Kabab Platter, Vegetable Platter

Our next stop was at MISTER KABAB.

Shawarma cravings ?

When you’re looking for Mediterranean and Middle Eastern type of cuisine then Mister Kabab is the ideal place for you.

While waiting for the menu, they gave us hummus and pita bread that will make your hunger satisfied a bit.

I enjoyed Keema  - with eggplant is ground meat with smashed grilled eggplant mixed into it with spices.

Mister Kabab offers inexpensive for Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. 

Their platter  is perfect for groups.

Mister Kabab

Shell Residences, EDSA, Pasay, Metro Manila

Third stop is at RYU RAMEN & CURRY.

Japanese food comfort for Filipinos.

Ryu actually means Dragon

RYU RAMEN & CURRY is known for affordable yet huge ramen servings that will surely leave you with a full belly!

Located in SM Jazz, Makati, Ryu Ramen and Curry has been around for quite some time now giving us different flavors of Ramen, Curry and more.

Food crawlers love Noodles, Tantanmen , Ryu Ramen Curry, Negi Miso Ramen , Toridon (Chicken Teriyaki) , Katsu Cheese Curry, Katsudon, Ebi Furai Curry, Tempura, Gyoza Katsu Curry, Beef Tendon Curry, Chicken Curry, Miso Ramen, Japanese Rice, Iced Tea and Complimentary tea!

Instagrammable . . .  

  

Ryu Ramen & Curry prepares their dishes right after you order it, you can see them preparing your orders at the glass window. All the dishes especially their ramen were serve in big bowls.

All of the staff were accommodating.

Ryu Ramen and Curry looks and feels upscale, modern and inviting.

TRIVIA : Ryu Ramen & Curry is the brainchild of owners and longtime friends Ogie Alcasid, Edwin Dazo, Neil Castillo, VJ Vergel de Dios, and Joseph Juico. This Japanese inspired restaurant opened in 2012 in their first branch in Tomas Morato. It was well received and earning them a loyal following. Their flagship branch is in SM Jazz Mall in Bel Air Makati.

Ryu Ramen & Curry

SM Jazz Mall, Nicanor Garcia Corner Jupiter Street, Bel-Air, Makati City

Last stop is at Darwin Dimsum Hong Kong Special.

Darwin Dimsum offers Chinese food in different shapes and looks that’ll bring out the child in you.

panda and hello kitty !

They have custard buns, hakaws and dumplings with Hello Kitty as the design, Panda vegetable buns and Mickey Mouse-shaped radish cakes.

For the taste, all were okay,  the custard wasn’t as creamy though, but it was good.

Their best sellers are Hello Kitty Custard Bun, Mickey Radish Cake, Panda Vegetable Bun,  Windmill shrimp dumplings, Siao Long Bao, Hello Kitty Hakaw, Mushroom Bun

Darwin Dimsum Hong Kong Special

SM Jazz Mall, Nicanor Garcia Corner Jupiter Street, Bel-Air, Makati City

Thank you so much and hope we will continue our foodie adventure and more food crawls on other SMDC places.