You’re an urban achiever. You’re on your way to sure success. You have a whole lifetime ahead of you. And you’ve got a company that caters to you and your peers. Community Innovations (CI), according to its president Dan Abando, "caters to the residential needs of today’s urban achievers. It is the fastest growing subsidiary of Ayala Land. Since its incorporation in 2002, eight projects have been launched," the newest offering being the 5.2-hectare Celadon Residences and Celadon Park San Lazaro in Manila.
"These thriving communities are testimonies to CI’s promise of delivering developments that suit the needs of upwardly mobile individuals who want homes that meet the demands of their fast-paced lifestyles, while providing the ideal space for their families to grow and enjoy the company of their neighbors."
Abando notes that their market of young upwardly mobile professionals come from diverse fields – from entrepreneurs to doctors, nurses, artists, architects and bankers. "But more than distinguishing them according to their profession, we describe them as individuals who are career-driven; their work is something they value. They’re socially connected, they enjoy hanging out with friends, are well-traveled, and lead active, dynamic, balanced lifestyles. They work hard and play hard."
CI communities also cater to balikbayans and overseas Filipinos who want to invest in properties in the Philippines either to rent out, or for their own use when they come home to visit.
Abando explains that what sets their projects apart from the competition that ostensibly goes after the same market is the extras and quality of living the CI communities provide. "For example, amenities. We ensure that these are generous. We guarantee that we give them unique living experiences that support the kind of lifestyle they lead. At Celadon Park, we have 1.2 hectares of open space and greenery in the middle of Manila. Knowing how expensive land is in the area, we had the option to use the space to build more units, but because we understand what our market needs, we won’t be contented with just putting a pool and a small garden for them to hang out. We have the Ayala Land brand under our name, so it is innate in us to keep challenging ourselves. We come up with innovative concepts that will enhance the living experience of our future residents."
Abando says that Community Innovations projects are all situated in strategic locations. They are within walking distance, if not a short drive to places of work, school and recreation. "Our residents always naturally take pride in the addresses we establish."
That’s another thing about projects under the Ayala Land brand. An address may not start out as very prestigious, but after it develops the land, it becomes very prestigious, upping the value of the land and its surroundings.
One of the reasons is that these communities are never congested and are always well designed. "We measure the ratio of circulation space over usable space and make sure that living area is indeed maximized efficiently. Our technical services group is likewise ISO certified."
And before they turn over the units to residents, CI teams check and re-check the units. Abando puts it this way: "We have a checker who checks the unit. Then we have the checker’s checker who once again checks the unit. And lastly, the checker’s checker’s checker who inspects the unit one last time prior to endorsing the unit to the buyer. Should the client still have concerns, they’ll be immediately attended to, that by the time they finish signing their documents, their concern has already been rectified."
Apart from Ayala Property Management Corporation (APMC) helping keep the value of the property through excellent upkeep, there is also the concierge desk where services like laundry, transportation, down to ticket and restaurant reservations are taken care of to make living hassle-free. "Unit owners who are based outside of the Philippines may also avail of APMC’s investor services to take care in renting out their unit and paying the real estate taxes."
It’s almost like having a whole staff catering to your needs.
So, what do urban achievers look for when choosing a home? "First, the best location. Second is the product itself and the reliability of the developer in terms of delivering the unit or what was promised. Third is property management after turnover."
Young professionals are hard workers and it’s a good thing that when it comes to making their first major – and probably their biggest so far – investment in life, there’s an entire company that takes their interest to heart.