Shopping for Condos

WHEN Henry Sy Sr. first decided to showcase the growing number merchandise he was trying to sell, he came up with the idea of opening Shoe Mart or—“SM”—the first air-conditioned shoe store that sold shoes and apparel in a very inviting and classy format. Thus began the history of what would turn out to be the country’s biggest chain of department stores.

Almost five decades later, the vision of Sy continues as the SM Development Corp. (SMDC), has once again found a more accessible way of showing everyone his latest line of business—residential condominiums. Now you can also window shop (or even buy) your future home the next time you go to the mall and do your shopping.
SMDC just unveiled its innovative SMDC Grand Showroom—the biggest residential showroom in the country. The showroom allows interested buyers to view SMDC’s residential projects depending on their budget, preferred size or location—all under one roof.

Covering almost 8,000 square meters in the Mall of Asia Complex, the breakthrough SMDC Grand Showroom has two floors, features an amphitheater, a very spacious lounge, an entertainment deck and a 3,000 square meter showroom area. The innovative showroom was designed by architect Albert Yu of Asya Design, who also planned
SMDC’s residential projects.

“Our task as a real estate developer does not end in offering affordable, five-star homes,” said Bernadette Ramos, SMDC assistant vice president for marketing during the showroom’s inauguration. “It is also our job to make it easier and seamless for people to gain access to the properties that we are offering. With the SMDC Grand Showroom, we are laying out all options in front of them, making it easier for them to weigh one residential property over the other. This, we believe, will help our buyers make the best and most informed decision in acquiring their dream homes.”

The SMDC Grand Showroom currently features eight model units of the Jazz Residences, Light Residences, Sun Residences, Shell Residences and M Place brand, ranging from semi-upgraded studio, upgraded one-bedroom to two-bedroom units with balcony, and an upgraded studio combination type. All units were designed by interior designer Monica Sarmiento of M Concepts, to showcase the design possibilities for every elegant unit.

The new Grand Showroom is seen to boost SMDC’s already burgeoning business. With a current portfolio of 14 residential projects, the company has already completed its first high-rise development, Mezza, strategically located in Santa Mesa Manila, with residents already taking advantage of its amenities. Its mid-rise projects, Chateau Elysee in Bicutan with about a thousand residents, will turn over its last cluster development within the first half of this year, making it a hundred percent completed community, while Field Residences in Sucat, Parañaque City has also completed and turned over its first tower and clubhouse last year.

Also scheduled for turnover this year are Berkeley Residences in the first quarter, Grass Residences Tower 1 in the middle of the year while Field Residences will turn over its second tower within the first half of the year and its third tower within the second half of the year.

During the said launch, SMDC Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Henry Sy Jr. mentioned four new residential projects in Bicutan, Ortigas, Santa Mesa (Manila) and Makati City that will cater to its core SM Residences brand adding that more will be rolled out “as the market gets hotter.”

“Let me tell you about a dream, a dream that will allow every Filipino to have homes they could afford and be proud of and also express who they are,” Sy Jr. stated adding that “these new projects are in line with our vision of providing more luxurious yet affordable homes for the hard working Filipinos.” “With the opening of this showroom our clients will have the chance to view their potential homes without having to go to the different sites just to view the model units.”

“The doors of SMDC Grand Showroom will be open to the public from Monday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. with an accommodating team ready to assist our future homeowners,” he explained.

The event also introduced Anne Curtis as the newest endorser of the SMDC and revealed their partnership with Viva Films for the movie Who’s that Girl that stars Curtis and Luis Manzano.

ED UY