Why ready-for-occupancy homes may be better than pre-selling properties

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In buying real estate pre-selling units are often preferred because it can be more budget-friendly, but it does require foresight, planning, and waiting. On the other hand, choosing RFO properties might just prove to be the better option because buyers’ particular needs and preferences. 

Here are some of the many reasons why RFOs might work better:

Available for inspection

With RFOs, what you see is what you can buy. The building materials, fittings, orientation, size, and even the view from the windows can easily be assessed versus what the developer promised in their sales and marketing materials. Since the property is already built, buyers can take a look at their potential purchase and determine customizations, improvements, or repairs that may be needed. This gives them leverage to prepare a budget and negotiate accordingly. 

Shorter waiting period

Because the units are ready to be occupied, buyers do not need to wait for construction to finish, or worry if it will actually be finished. Investment risks are minimized with RFOs because buyers can already get a clearer idea of its current and fair value as it currently stands. 

Established locations 

Offices, commercial centers, public facilities, and other establishments may have already sprung up around the residence. As such, buyers can gauge if the unit is close enough to what matters to them today. 

It’s tested by real people

With RFO units, there is no need to rely on publicity and advertising. Investors and homebuyers can personally easily learn about the property and the developer by asking around. A quick Google search can also show reviews and feedback that can reveal the developer’s reputation and relationship with real estate buyers.

There’s a built-in community

There should already be welcoming neighbors once the buyer moves in. Neighbors can be an added layer of comfort and security during a resident’s early days. They are also the best sources for recommendations on the best places for laundry, buying food, and other “local secrets”.

It can be maximized immediately

Purchasing RFOs means their value can be enjoyed immediately – as one’s own living space or as an asset to earn from.  Basic utilities have already been installed and are ready for use, give or take some checking or updating. There are also public facilities that enable residents to maximize their time. 

RFO properties you can check out

One of the local developers currently offering RFO homes for sale is Eton Properties Philippines, Inc., the real estate brand of the Lucio Tan Group. Its finished projects in Quezon City, Ortigas, Manila, and Sta. Rosa in Laguna provide dwellings easily accessible to hospitals, schools, shopping centers, restaurants, other lifestyle destinations, and transport hubs. 

68 Roces located along Roces Avenue in Quezon City.

In Quezon City along Roces Avenue, there are the understated elegance and sense of balance of 68 Roces’ modern townhomes. Over in Ortigas, there is Eton Emerald Lofts with its premium residential high-rise that offers loft dwellings. There’s also 8 Adriatico, a residential and small-office-home-office condominium located in Manila where each unit is infused by a mix of Old World charm with modern grit. 

In Novaliches, Quezon City, stands the township of the North Belton Communities (NBC) than can be accessed via major thoroughfares Mindanao Avenue, Quirino Avenue, and the North Luzon Expressway. 

Also in the offing are The Manors, a mid-rise condominium perfect for start-up families and the career-driven. 

The Manors is a mid-rise condominium perfect for start-up families and the career-driven.

Those looking for homes inspired by contemporary American architecture will find it in West Wing Residences at Eton City, a development in Sta. Rosa Laguna. It offers indoor and outdoor spaces for growing families.

West Wing Residences at Eton City - a development in Sta. Rosa, Laguna – offer homes inspired by contemporary American architecture.

Though they may come with a higher price, choosing RFO properties can come with benefits that can make it more than worth your while. And with these advantages, buyers can have more peace of mind knowing they made the most informed home-buying decision possible.

Brilliant Mother’s Day gift from My Diamond

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The brightest gift for mom is within your reach this Mother’s Day. My Diamond offers a 45% discount on all jewelry from May 2 to 13, 2018 at all My Diamond stores nationwide! You can choose an 18k white gold ring with six pieces 0.54 carat diamond surrounded with 109 pieces of 0.64 diamonds from the Dream Collection, sliding diamond bangles of 18k white gold with 174 pieces of 1.25 carat diamonds or 14k white gold with 119 pieces of 0.77 carat diamonds, or classic baguette pave bangle of 14k white gold with 71 pieces of 1.44 carat diamonds. This Mother’s Day, give something completely precious to someone who is truly diamond worthy with jewelry pieces from any My Diamond concept store in Ayala Center Cebu, Festival Mall, Gateway Mall, Glorietta 4, Greenbelt 3, LuckyChinatown Mall, Robinsons Place Manila, SM Lanang Premier Davao, SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, and SM Aura Premier. For more information, follow and like My Diamond on facebook at www.facebook.com/MyDiamondPH.

Mother’s Day treats at City of Dreams Manila

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City of Dreams Manila pays homage to moms on Mother’s Day with diverse choices, from dining specials at its award-winning restaurants Crystal Dragon and Nobu Manila and finely-crafted chocolate gifts at Café Society, to a DreamPlay special treat, Nobu Hotel staycation packages and pampering treatments at NÜWA Spa and Nobu Spa.

Crystal Dragon

Families can express their love and appreciation for their moms with a premium Cantonese feast at Crystal Dragon offered in an a la carte and two special set menus for lunch or dinner especially prepared by Chinese Executive Chef Bong Jun Choi, Crystal Dragon Chef de Cuisine Chan Choo Kean, and their culinary team in the Mother’s Day specials are available from May 2 to May 14.

A la carte dishes include: braised sea cucumber and mushroom meat balls with brown bean sauce; pan-fried stuffed lotus root filled with chopped minced pork, wok-fried grouper fillet with fragrant spices and salted egg yolk; pan-fried scallop filled with minced prawns and abalone sauce; fried crispy stuffed chicken with prawn mousse and almond nibs; and wok-friend noodles with seafood, sliced pork, vegetables and century egg.

The Munificent 6-course set menu is composed of: a combination platter of deep-fried prawn on toast, hand-rolled pong-pong chicken and deep-fried crispy black pepper duck dumplings; braised seafood treasure with bird’s nest and spinach in superior broth; steamed cod fish fillet with shredded pork and mushrooms; oven-baked fresh scallop with fragrant cheese on shell; work-fried flat noodles with sliced beef and vegetables; and warm sweetened coconut flavor custard canton cake.

The more lavish 9-course Virtuous menu, alluding to moms’ virtues of unconditional love and kindness, offers : specialty appetizer platter of aromatic duck roll, deep-fried prawn ball, simmered shredded pork ear with spicy vinegar and Shanghai marinated fish slices; braised sea treasure and bamboo piths with crab meat in superior broth; home-made style steamed grouper fillet with ginger and cordy ceps flowers, crispy roasted chicken in double flavor preparations; wok-fried butter prawn with crispy pumpkin; braised abalone with mushroom, bean curd and broccoli, wok-fried egg noodles with abalone, vegetables and century egg, special dessert platter and chilled mango puree with steamed walnut custard bun.

The Mother’s Day Munificent and Virtuous set menus are at P2,380++ (minimum order for 2 to 8 persons) and P4,380++ per person (minimum order for 8 to 10 persons), respectively. Chinese tea is served with the set menus.

Nobu Manila

Moms and their loved ones craving for renowned Chef Nobu’s Japanese Peruvian fusion artistry will be delighted with the Nobu Mother’s Day Sunday brunch buffet on May 13. 

Nobu Manila Head Chef Mike de Jesus, Sushi Chef Kirika Oi and the culinary team will showcase Nobu hot items such as black cod miso, soy glazed salmon, Nobu style sisig; a selection of sushi and sashimi; yakisoba station with a selection of noodles and condiments; carving station highlighting whole fish lapu-lapu, roasted prime ribeye and vegetable fried rice; robatayaki at the cabana grilling station with various charcoal-grilled meats, seafood and vegetables; and a Mother’s Day themed dessert corner.

As a special treat, all moms will be given a gift of Nobu chocolate petit fours. Nobu Mother’s Day brunch is at P3,880++ per person, with sodas, juices, mocktails, and iced tea; additional of P990++ per person to avail of the standard alcohol package and P1,990++ per person for the premium champagne drink package. Children ages six to 12 years old dine at half price while those five and below are free-of-charge.

Café Society

For moms with a sweet tooth, the stylish delights at Café Society are the perfect Mother’s Day gifts among which are gourmet chocolate stilettos and purses in pink, red and zebra print at P1,200 net and P1,400 net, respectively. Other gift choices that would elicit smiles from moms are the jam flower brioche at P1,400 net and the pop cake at P425 net.

DreamPlay

At the only DreamWorks-inspired play space in the world, each mom is treated on Mother’s Day to a complimentary DreamPlay ticket when accompanied by at least two DreamPlay ticketholders. Moms can enjoy special bonding moments with loved ones in the more than 12 interactive and fun activities inspired by DreamWorks animations Shrek, How to Train Your Dragon, Kung Fu Panda, Madagascar, Puss in Boots and Trolls. Together they can create their own 3D animation inspired by Trolls, Kung Fu Panda or Madagascar movies, attend Gingy’s Cooking Class, learn fun martial arts moves from Po at Kung Fu Fighting Fast As Lighting Dojo, build and fly dragons at How to Fly Your Dragon, take an adventure at Shrek’s Swamp, watch Madagascar Puppet Show at DreamTales library starring King Julien and immerse in DreamWorks short films in 4D at the Dream Theatre. DreamPlay ticket on Mother’s Day is at P880 net per person.

Nobu Hotel Manila

Nobu Hotel Manila offers a month-long Nobu staycation package in celebration of Mother’s Day. The package includes an overnight stay with complimentary buffet breakfast for two at Nobu restaurant, P5,000 dining credits valid in City of Dreams Manila-operated outlets such as Nobu Manila, Crystal Dragon, The Tasting Room, Red Ginger, Jing Ting and Café Society. A special welcome amenity awaits moms. 

Guests can choose from Nobu Deluxe or Nobu Premier rooms with either city view or pool view, Nobu Executive, and Nobu Suite with the package net price starting at P15,888. The Mother’s Day offer is available until May 31, 2018.

NÜWA Spa and Nobu Spa

To honor moms and provide them a respite from their busy schedules, the 2018 Forbes Travel Guide Four- Star awardee NÜWA Spa and Nobu Spa offer curated Mother’s Day spa packages for a delightful pampering experience available from May 1 to 31. While gift vouchers are available, bookings can be made directly at the two spas.

NÜWA Spa at the 2018 Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star awardee NÜWA Manila, draws inspiration from Nüwa, the goddess who created mankind in ancient Chinese mythology. Among many of her great deeds, Nüwa smelted together five colored stones to patch up the azure sky, saving the world from destruction. The myth about the five stones encapsulates the fundamental principle of Chinese medicine that equilibrium can be achieved by honing the power of nature. NÜWA Spa captures the power of these “healing elements” and incorporates the soothing power of nature in the spa therapies.

In celebration of Mother’s Day, NÜWA Spa has hand-picked a few of the highly-acclaimed holistic spa treatments for an indulgent experience for moms. 

The 2-hour One Mom-ent in Time package consists of a bespoke body polish, gold hydration intensive facial and head, neck and shoulder massage at P5,800. For an immersion in Philippines’ age-old healing techniques, traditions and ingredients handed through generations, the 2 hour-and 30 minute Mother’s Day Out comprises Heal-ot massage with Dagdagay foot massage and NÜWA Radiance facial at P6,800 net. An option for Ayurvedic therapy to balance mind, body and spirit is available with the 2 hour-and-30 minute Mum Me-Time which includes Shirodhara treatment, Abyanga massage and OM facial express at P7,800 net. All packages come with a long-stemmed American rose and a signature chocolate bar.

The Nobu Spa situated at the Nobu Hotel Manila offers a fully-immersive rejuvenation in an elegant and contemporary Japanese oasis. The 1 hour-and-30 minute Super Woman Retreat consists of chocolate body glow treatment and Juan Hilot’s Pride massage at P3,800 net. For a more youthful radiance, the 2-hour

Flawless Mom package includes pink salt body polish and collagen skin booster facial at P4,200 net. For a total revitalizing experience, the 2 hour-and-30 minute Ageless Beauty package comes complete with a renewal massage, Dr. Babor BTX lifting facial and For Your Eyes Only treatment at P4,600 net. All packages come with a special Ikebana flower token and a signature chocolate bar.

For inquiries and reservations, guests can call 8008080 or e-mail guestservices@cod-manila.com or visit www.cityofdreams.com.ph.

Why curvy is better with the SAMSUNG Curved TV

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Get a sexier home entertainment with Samsung Curved TVs.

Since its introduction to the market, curved televisions have been changing the way Filipino families consume entertainment. From merely just being plopped on couches, viewers get the chance to be transported to be “right there” in the captivating scenes they are watching.

The Curved TV is a technological marvel showing off its advancement in both aesthetic and functionality. Here are some of the benefits when you opt for a sexier home entertainment with Samsung Curved TVs:

It minimizes eye strain

Watching with family through flat TVs is often interrupted when you feel tired after a couple of series. But with the Samsung Curved TV’s screen that follows the natural curve of the eyes, you can now have more relaxed and enjoyable binge-watching sessions and movie marathons.

Moreover, Samsung Curved UHD TV produces powerful images that are closer to real life that may help reduce viewing fatigue versus lower HD quality TVs.

It enhances your perspective

The TV provides an added sense of depth and panoramic wrap-around effect, drawing audiences into the heart of the action. If you’re hosting a viewing party for a large group of friends, you can’t go wrong with this curved beauty. Wherever your guests are seated on the couch, they will get the same quality as the one watching in the middle.

With variants that offer cinematic, sharp, and vibrant picture quality, the Curved UHD TV goes beyond the normal color spectrum. The screen allows you to see various shades of the same color, creating striking images for a more immersive viewing experience.

It improves concentration

Samsung Curved TV's distortion-free images let viewers better focus on what is being shown on the display. Compared to flat TVs with a wider perspective, the optimum curvature and stunning picture of the Samsung Curved TV help viewers to concentrate without hassle, especially during fast-paced sequences.

Since the Samsung Curved UHD TV offers more pixels tightly packed with higher resolutions, viewers can get stunning images that can help them watch riveting scenes with intricate details without getting distracted.

Explore the realm of the extraordinary and immerse yourself in a sexier home entertainment experience. Samsung is giving special discounts for curved TVs when purchased straight via cash or card from participating Samsung authorized dealers until June 30.

For more information, like Samsung on Facebook or log on to samsung.com/ph.

5.5 Shopee Super Sale, The Biggest Mid-Year Online Sale, Wraps Up With a Bang!

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5.5 Shopee Super Sale, the biggest mid-year online sale in the Philippines, wrapped up with a bang last week with a mega 24 hour online shopping bonanza on 5 May. Millions of users from across the country shopped non-stop promotions, flash deals and discounts up to 95% off.

5 things about 5.5 Shopee Super Sale:

*     Quezon City, Cebu City and Makati City recorded the highest number of orders on 5 May

*    The furthest delivery was made to Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, over 1,000 km from Metro Manila

*   In 24 hours, over 4,500 dresses were sold (enough to dress up every contestant of Miss Universe for 50 years) and 6,500 phone cases sold (enough to protect all of the phones that will be featured in the next 600 Mobile World Congresses)

*   Top 6 trending brands were Honor, Xiaomi, Oppo, Colgate Palmolive, Belo Essentials, and The SM Store

*  Top favoured items among Filipinos were Korean Face Masks, Franco Beach Shorts and Magic Windproof Umbrellas - looks like everyone is gearing up for summer in the Philippines!

Limited edition surprise boxes, specially curated by Shopee brand ambassador, Anne Curtis, were one of the hottest items during the sale. Exclusively available on Shopee, the surprise boxes were wiped out in a matter of minutes. Anne$B!G(Bs Mon Amour box, featuring a curated selection of popular men products proved to be the biggest hit, with all boxes sold out within just nine seconds.

While 5.5 Shopee Super Sale may be over, look out for even bigger campaigns in the months ahead!

For more information, visit www.shopee.ph.

Download Shopee app for FREE via App Store or Google Play.