Green Residences for students

MANILA, Philippines - Before they became in-demand stars, SMDC ambassadors Matteo Guidicelli and Kim Chiu were also regular students who worked hard to get good grades while living away from home.

During the grand launch of Green Residences, SMDC’s 50-storey condominium for students in schools around the Taft Ave. area, Matteo and Kim recalled their student life and how they coped with the challenges of living on their own. “I’ve always lived with my family until I left for the US for my college degree,” shared Matteo, who earned a degree in Performing Arts at the Columbia College in Chicago. “That’s when I experienced living on my own and had to fend for myself. It was fun and I learned to live like a real adult.”

According to the 23-year-old racer-turned-actor, he always gave his best efforts when it came to his studies. “I lived in a very nice place with study rooms, a gym and cafeteria. I was able to focus on my studies because my place had everything a student needs.”

Like Matteo, Kim, who only experienced living on her own when she started her career in show business and moved to Manila, also had plenty of fun memories as a student. “I lived with my grandmother when I was still in school, but every now and then, my classmates and I organized group studies and sleepovers at home to do our projects and review for exams. I think students who live away from home should also be provided with amenities like study rooms so they can have their group meetings anytime they want.” According to Kim, living independently has made her become more responsible.

The young stars agree that one of the key things that parents and students should consider in choosing a home is its accessibility to the school. “If the place is conveniently located near the campus, there’s less pressure for the students and they’ll be able to have more time to study,” said Kim.

“It’s nice that SMDC built a place like Green Residences for students. Parents are assured that their children are living in a secure environment and are provided with what they need so they can study better and also have fun living on their own,” shared Matteo.      

Green Residences, soon to rise as the tallest building along Taft Avenue in Manila, will cater to students in nearby schools such as De La Salle University (DLSU) and St. Scholastica’s College. The residences provide a study hall, game room, gym and a function room, aside from a commercial area with shops and restaurants. Green Residences is located beside DLSU and near LRT Vito Cruz Station.