As a young family, we constantly dream for better things to happen, especially for the children.  We dream of being able to give the same (or even more}comforts to our own children just like what our parents were able to give us when we were younger.  One of those dreams that hubby and I want to fulfill someday is to be able to own a home we could exclusively call ours.

I've shared in my past post that we've been through some tours in several condos in the city to check out what they offer to young families like ours.  I'm sure most of you, like myself, dream of having her own kitchen to whip up delicious meals for the family on weekends, or maybe also dream of having her own dining and living area she could personally style.  I am actually having my own dilemma in the latter because as much as I want to redecorate the living room where we stay, it's not our house.

I will be sharing the condos I visited and inquired about around Mandaluyong-Makati area.  This will then serve as your reference should you need a review of condos in these areas.  I'll be showing pictures of the featured condos then will follow it with information and what I think about its: location and accessibility, types or units and their prices.

Pioneer Woodlands (Empire East)

Photo from MRT Boni Station

1 BR Model Unit

Toilet and Bath

2BR Model Unit

Location and Accessibility :
Pioneer Woodlands is located along EDSA corner Pioneer St., Mandaluyong City.  It has a direct access to MRT Boni Station.  Having said that, Pioneer Woodlands is very accessible to public transportation.  It has commercial establishments at the first two levels of Tower 1 facing EDSA.  If you are riding a PUJ going to let's say Manila or other parts of Mandaluyong, it's available upon crossing EDSA via the MRT station.  Robinsons Forum/Pioneer is just beside the condominium which makes it very convenient for the residents to do their grocery shopping, malling or bonding with kids.

Types of Units/Sizes:
There are three types of units that are available: Studio (22.5 sqm) 1BR (26 sqm) and 2BR (36 and 50 sqms).  All units upon turnover come with the following:

• Wood grain vinyl planks in living, dining, kitchen and bedroom areas
• Ceramic tiles in toilet and bath
• Custom built under-counter kitchen cabinets
• Provision for mechanical ventilation for kitchen and toilet
• Provision for air-conditioning unit opening for bedroom/s

Availability and Price:
Tower 1 will start its turnover in 2014, while Towers 2 & 3 will be ready for occupancy in 2017 and 2018 respectively.  Towers 4 to 6 is still under construction and turnovers are TBC.
Studio costs around Php 2.2M
1 BR costs around Php 2.6M
2BR (36 sqm) costs around Php 3.5M
2BR (50 sqm) costs around Php 4.9M

Look and Feel:
I felt that it lacked breathable space.  Something that a family with young children needs.  Although their seventh level amenities for swimming pools, garden and gym will be available, I think it's not enough.  But accessibility is a win for this condo.

SMDC Light Residences

1BR Unit (turned over by agent)

Swimming Pools at their amenity area (8/F)

Location and Accessibility:
SMDC Light Residences is located along EDSA cor. Madison Street, Mandaluyong City.  Just as any SMDC projects, it has commercial establishments found at the ground level of the condominiums, Savemore Supermarket being the flagship establishment.  It is right beside Pioneer Woodlands and is accessible via MRT and buses that pass by EDSA.  Victor Potenciano Hospital, EDSA Central public market and a church may be found within the vicinity.

Types of Units and Sizes:
Available units are Studio (20sqm), 1BR without balcony (23sqm) 1BR without balcony (27 sqm) and 2BR (52 sqm) respectively.

Availability and Prices:
Tower 1 which is facing EDSA has started its turn over this year.  The others are TBC.  Prices range from 1.9M for Studio to about 3.8M for 1BR to 5M for 2BR.

Look and Feel:
SMDC Light Residences' 40-storey towers, when looked from afar, actually scare me.  I used to see their Mezza Residences being built almost everyday back then.  Looking at how fast it was built gave me an impression that it was rushed.  But upon seeing the actual unit turned over, it looked okay, but just a typical closed condominium which lacked breathable space too.  Not for a family of four to five.  However, their amenities area found at the 8/F balances this, but with three towers surrounding it, I think it's not enough.

Flair Towers (DMCI)

LumiVentt Technology of DMCI (Light and Ventilation)

Grand Lobby/Lounge Area

Facing the pool area in between North and South Towers

Checking out the 2BR De Luxe

Location and Accessibility:
Flair Towers of DMCI is located at Reliance St. corner Pines Street, Highway Hills, Mandaluyong City.  It's near EDSA and strategically located not along the highway to remain its exclusivity feel for the residents.  It may be accessible through buses and also MRT, plus a tricycle ride coming from EDSA-Reliance Street.  It's few minutes away from malls, schools and hospitals.

Types of Units/Sizes/Price:
When I went there, the South Tower is already full and what was being offered for reservation is the North Tower which is currently still being constructed.  Full turnover of the South Tower will be on February 2014 while the North Tower's promise is to turn over its units to its owners on December 2014.

Look and Feel:
I love that DMCI uses only 30% of the whole land for their building structures and 70% dedicated to open spaces and amenities.  What's more is that DMCI is known to build resort-lthemed and modern urban designs in most of their developments.  Their Lumiventt Design Technology is what got me as well.  It's condo but a livable and breathable one.  Perfect for starting and young families like ours.  Their amenities are almost, if not already, complete.  I don't mind the exclusivity of its location, making it not very accessible to main roads because, I felt important when I was there.  Their amenities are complete and serves residents of all ages.  There are kiddie and adult pools, playgrounds and a basketball court, gym, sky garden and lounges, pavilions, game and music rooms, and an observatory at the roof deck of both towers.  Security is also guaranteed and that's an important factor for any buyers.  For me that is convenient and comfortable living.

This is Part 1 of 2 featuring the condominiums we visited in Mandaluyong City.  Why Mandaluyong you ask? It's right smack in the middle of the Metro Manila.  Hubby works in Ortigas and I in Makati, perfect venue for us.  It's near business districts, malls, churches, schools and supermarkets.  A strategic venue for the lifestyle that we already have right now.  Stay tuned for five more condos I will feature on the blog loves! :)