Genesis

My journey began early in September 2009 when I became really serious about owning a residential property. For nearly five years, I was renting a condominium unit within the confines of the business district in Makati. I admit that I started quite complacent about owning my own house because my work and my hobby take me to different countries and I find the rented space appropriate to my priorities. I was fortunate that the space I was renting (including parking space), didn’t share a big chunk of my monthly expense despite the location being conducive. I was living less than 10 minutes away (i.e. with relatively light traffic) from shopping malls, wet market, hospitals, churches and even my company’s head office. However, I had enough of Makati; it has literally become a comfort zone and this has somehow retarded the zest that I have for life. I wanted to experience something new; I wanted to reinvent myself. I wanted to be somewhere else.

Priorities do change overtime and alongside my desire to move out, I eventually found myself wanting to live in my own property. Much like everyone else, my first choice was to own a house and lot. My work, lifestyle, financial capacity and my aversion to long-term debt had made me change my mind. I soon realized owning a house and lot will require me to make use of my life’s savings should I choose to free myself from decades of mortgage. I crimp at the idea of being in debt for so many years. I must have inherited from my parents the same aversion to debt.

My next choice then was to buy a condo unit which would cost less than a house and lot. After many sleepless nights, I chanced upon this online forum with relatively comprehensive listing of condominium developments around Metro Manila. I found one that seemed to offer residential units and parking spaces within reasonable terms and with all the amenities that are important to me. After a quick call to the developer, an agent got back to me with the initial details that I needed and within two days after my first call, I visited the site. What followed were weeks of calls and meetings with my agent. The interactions were sometimes unproductive because my agent was neophyte in his field. Nearly always, he was unable to address my questions. Two more people from the developer eventually got involved and there was positive development in the outcome of the discussions. In December 29, I was informed that all the necessary paper works had been completed and the key to my condominium unit will be handed over to me in January. It was the news I was ecstatic to hear! A new home is definitely a good way to start the year!

In choosing the condominium unit, I was initially concerned how the 30-square meter floor area will house all the stuff that I have collected over the years. How could it possibly be a comfortable home for me? How could it be a cozy place for my guests? How can such a space support the usual activities that I do at home? These were just a few of the questions that I asked myself. Always up for any challenge, I eventually found it in me to think creatively. Asking around, researching online and reading magazines and books were the activities that I primarily resorted to in order to answer my questions. All the efforts paid off since I was eventually able to create a floor plan with a fusion of modern and oriental themes along with these amenities:

• Walk-in closet;
• Kitchen with floor-to-ceiling cabinets providing ample space for all appliances and cooking stuff;
• Cozy dining area;
• Zen garden;
• Spa ambiance in the T&B with bathtub;
• Living room complete with home theatre setup;
• An isolated bedroom; and
• A reading room that doubles as a mini-office.

With some help from equally creative friends, I managed to have them all in such a tiny space. Or, perhaps, not that tiny after all?
 
So this is how my journey started. I still want to have my own house and lot –- who wouldn’t? However, while I continue to work on that plan, I am enjoying every step of the way in making my condo unit a livable space –- my very own place under the sun. In a metropolis where space is a luxurious commodity –- and a pricey one at that –- I am keen on making my home a little less than ordinary. I am certain I cannot make a castle out of it; but, hey, who said I cannot live like royalty in my own 30-square meter universe?