Distinct and privileged lifestyle awaits the fortunate few who makes up Raya Garden Condominiums.
When residents started moving in to their new homes at Raya Garden Condominiums as early as November of 2006, expectations were notably high. Here was a serene community made up of magnificently designed and superbly built residential spaces, common areas fitted with modern amenities and facilities, and a location just right at the doorstep of the Metro's major business and amusement centers.
For grizzled hotelier Miguel, the d00rstepities, ty made up of Cenon San Miguel, moving in to Raya Garden turned out to be more than just a novel residential experience. It also opened up for him a work opportunity that others can only fantasize about. Now, he earns by doing what he loves most - and does it practically at the convenience and comfort of home.
San Miguel owns and operates the café-bar at Raya Garden's clubhouse. "I've always wanted to try setting up my own food and beverage business," says the jolly proprietor who has made the rounds of various hotel chains here and abroad. "When we moved in February of last year, the idea of having a mini snack bar at the clubhouse just popped up. We sent our proposal to the admin, and everything just fell into place."
Simply called "snack bar" so as to complement and not clash with the tranquil air of the property, San Miguel's little project is quickly becoming a favorite among Raya Garden residents and guests. A stream of regulars - from those taking advantage of the wi-fi connectivity at the clubhouse, to those enjoying a dip at the pool, to those who simply lounge and kick their feet up at the pavilion - patronize the snack bar for its delectable salads, assorted mini cakes and sandwiches. The straightforwardly set-up joint likewise serves decent coffee concoctions, home-brewed iced tea, and other favorite beverages.
As an add-on, the snack bar offers food delivery a la hotel room service, as well as catering service for special functions. This is on top of other promotional gimmicks he conducts every so often for his customers who have turned into instant friends.
"This is just the perfect set-up," says San Miguel, who admits having been intermittently away from his wife of 11 years because of previous work assignments. "Every work day for me is just light, fun and laid back. I still find a lot of time to do other things. And last but not the least, I'm never late and never in a traffic situation --less headaches --it's just great!"
San Miguel, however, might need to gear up for busier times ahead.
According to Engineer Michael Cruz, Property Manager of Raya Garden, as the development's completion draws nearer, the livelier and more active the community gets.
Presently, all units at the three mid-rise buildings have been sold out, with 173 out of the 252 spaces already occupied. Turnover and move-ins are now underway at the 15-storey Jakarta building. It is Cruz's guarded responsibility to assist buyers through all the necessary procedures for them to be able to settle in the most convenient and pleasant way possible.
"We started turnover of units at Jakarta last February 1st. So far, there have been 44 turnovers and 23 move-ins," says Cruz. "From inspection of the units, through the discussion of the rules and restrictions of the property, through the signing of documents and turnover of keys, up to the unit's fit-out and renovation or modification, and until residents finally move in, we are at the buyers' side every step of the way."
And since property management is a continuous service, Cruz says his job does not stop once the residents have moved in. "We handle the operations, maintenance and upkeep of all the amenities and common areas, as well as supervision of our very able security force," says Cruz. In addition, car wash service is now being offered for the utmost convenience of their valued residents at minimal fees.
Understanding the need to fortify the sense of kinship of such a young community, Cruz explains that their office likewise carries out activities and programs geared toward this end. "We conduct consultative meetings with the residents," explains Cruz. "We also plan to institutionalize our highly successful Christmas and Halloween parties. Just this March, we conducted a fire drill. We have other many other informative and enjoyable projects in the pipeline."
Though performing two distinct tasks and services, San Miguel and Cruz embody the distinct and privileged lifestyle that await the fortunate few who make up the Raya Garden Condominium community.
Phil Star- 4/11/08