Why Gramercy Residences is the perfect for this businessman

MANILA, Philippines - As numerous as the number of condominium developments being constructed in different parts of Metro Manila and nearby areas are the number of first-time condo buyers and investors who continually ask the question: How do we know it’s the perfect development?

Jakarta-based Filipino businessman Martin Brilliantes, who moved into his Gramercy Residences units back in February 2013, had the following checklist: the developer’s credibility and financials as well as the development’s title, location, and the amenities—a checklist that every condo investor could follow.

Brilliantes says that prior to purchasing two studio units at the New York-themed development of premiere real estate company Century Properties Group, Inc., he and his wife were both scouting for a place where they could stay whenever they visit the Philippines.

“My wife came across Gramercy on the Internet. While we were not aware of the Century name during that time, we knew of Essensa and Canyon Ranch,” he says.

Essensa East Forbes in Taguig and Canyon Ranch in Carmona, Cavite are projects of Century Properties. The former is the first ultra-luxurious residential condominium development of its kind in the Philippines, made of travertine stone that is similar to that found in the Roman Coliseum. Years after other upscale developments were built in the now bustling city, Essensa continues to be one of the most highly regarded residential properties in Metro Manila. Canyon Ranch, meanwhile, is a California ranch-inspired house and lot community development found within the San Lazaro Leisure Park in Cavite.

“We checked other real estate companies and inquired online before discussing the details when we got home,” he says, adding that he and his wife are both very thorough when it comes to a company’s financial standing as they both have a finance background.

Brilliantes was also able to see the progress of Century’s developments in its master-planned flagship address, Century City on Kalayaan Avenue in Makati City. Gramercy is one of eight structures within the development, which will soon also have a mall, a medical arts building, and an office tower.

 â€œWe used to stay at a hotel near Century City (whenever we visit the Philippines). That’s why when they were building this (Gramercy), I could see the progress. It confirmed that I didn’t make a mistake in my decision in buying because we saw improvements every time we came here,” he says.

Brilliantes, who grew up in Sta. Ana, says that he likes the fact that Gramercy is located “in the heart of Makati, the Poblacion area.”

Occupying units at the 6th floor of Gramercy also affords Brilliantes the view of the bustling neighborhood, which he affectionately calls the “plaza.”

 â€œThat’s my favorite view and that’s what I miss when I’m not here,” he says.

For Brilliantes, the swimming pool and gym are his favorite amenities in Gramercy Residences: his daughter loves the pool, while he and his wife frequent the gym.

The amenity areas, called the SkyPark, are located in the building’s 35th to 37th floors, giving residents the additional enjoyment of seeing breathtaking views of the city while they relax and unwind.

Apart from having a reliable company behind it, its good location, and “well-planned amenities”—Brilliantes likes the “impressive” concierge service that Gramercy provides. The Gramercy concierge team holds the International Symbol of Concierge Excellence, the Les Clefs d’Or (Golden Crossed Keys) and has an affiliate membership in the Unione Internationale des Concierge d’Hotel (International Union of Hotel Concierges).

More information on Gramercy Residences is available at www.gramercyresidences.com and www.century-properties.com.