Why do we celebrate National Heroes Day?

Philippine history has known war since the 15th century when Chieftain Lapu-Lapu, the first national hero of the Philippines, defeated and killed Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan. Since then, the Philippines has gone through so much pain and bloodshed to win independence.

We celebrate National Heroes Day as a way to honor the memories and the sacrifices of the heroes who lost their lives to win back our independence. Celebrating National Heroes Day reminds us to be grateful for our freedom and independence. National Heroes Day is also a celebration for OFWs and our medical frontliners doing their best to help minimize the pandemic.

Why is August 31 National Heroes Day?

national heroes day

Declared as a public holiday, National Heroes Day takes place on the last Sunday of August each year. National Heroes Day is to honor the ‘Cry of Pugad Lawin’. This event marked the beginning of the Philippine Revolution against the Spanish colonial government.

In 2007, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo signed Republic Act No. 9492, transferring National Heroes Day from the last Sunday of August to the last Monday of August. Her administration claimed changing the date of National Heroes Day promotes long weekends and tourism.

One for the history books: Hidilyn Diaz Lifts Philippines’ First Olympics Gold Medal

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National Heroes of The Philippines

In 1995, the committee of National heroes produced a list of those who made great contributions to the revolution and winning back our independence. They should be honored as heroes during National Heroes Day.

Here is the list of names:

Jose Rizal

José Rizal is considered one of the great heroes of the Philippines. Born on June 19, 1861, José Rizal was raised in Calamba, Laguna. He earned a well-established education and was often praised by others for his intellect and skills as a polymath.

He is widely known for being the author of the novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo which inspired the Philippine rebellion. He was executed on December 30, 1896, by the Spanish colonial government.

Andres Bonifacio

The Father of the Philippine Revolution, Andrés Bonifacio y de Castro was one of the founders of the Katipunan movement. Born on November 30, 1863, Andrés Bonifacio is the firstborn son between a Spanish mestiza and an alkalde of Tondo.

To compensate for his lack of formal education, he read books. Some of those books were José Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. He was one of the original members of the La Liga Filipina and became an active member of reviving the movement, eventually promoting his status to chief propagandist.

Emilio Aguinaldo

A Philippine historical figure, Emilio Aguinaldo was the first and youngest president of the Philippines. Born on March 22, 1869, in Cavite, Emilio Aguinaldo’s family was well-to-do. His father was the municipal governor in the Spanish colonial administration

Emilio Aguinaldo joined the Katipunan led by Andrés Bonifacio. With his military skills and strategic thinking, he won several battles which further strengthened his position as a military leader within the Katipunan movement.

Apolinario Mabini

Considered as the ‘Brain of the Revolution’, Apolinario Mabini y Maranan served as an advisor to the revolutionary government.

Born on July 23, 1864, Apolinario Mabini was born into a poor family but was able to receive a good education due to his intellect. He graduated from the University of Santo Tomas and received his law degree in 1894.

Marcelo H. del Pilar

Leading alongside José Rizal during the Reform Movement in Spain, Marcelo H. Del Pilar was a Filipino writer and journalist whose role in the Katipunan was to inspire other Filipinos to fight for their freedom. He used his pen name Plaridel and published 150 essays and 66 editorials in La Solidaridad and other anti-friar pamphlets.

He died on July 4, 1896, a month before the Cry of Pugad Lawin, and was awarded the title of Father of Journalism.

Muhammad Dipatuan Kudarat

The 7th Sultan of Maguindanao, Muhammad Dipatuan Kudarat is considered the strongest and greatest Mindanao sultan to have ever lived.

During his reign from 1619 to 1671, he managed to successfully drive away from the Spanish invasions. He prevented Jesuits from spreading Christianity to his territory which is why Mindanao still mainly practices Islam to this day.

Juan Luna

The first Filipino to be recognized as a Philippine artist, Juan Luna de San Pedro y Novicio Ancheta was born on October 23, 1857 in Badoc, Ilocos Norte in Northern Philippines.

Juan Luna excelled in painting and drawing, earning a gold medal in the 1884 Madrid Exposition of Fine Arts. During the Philippine Revolution during the late 19th century, he acted as a political activist.

Melchora Aquino

Melchora Aquino de Ramos is popularly known as ‘Tandang Sora’. She was a Filipina revolutionary who sheltered sick and treated wounded revolutionaries in her store. She and her son, Juan Ramon, witnessed the Cry of Balintawak and the tearing of the cedulas. 

Aside from ‘Tandang Sora’, she earned several other nicknames such as ‘Grand Woman of Revolution’, ‘Mother of Balintawak’, and ‘Mother of the Philippine Revolution. As of 2012, her remains are placed at Tandang Sora National Shrine where her memory is honored.

Gabriela Silang

A Filipina leader known for her military contributions, María Josefa Gabriela Cariño de Silang played a large role during the Ilocano independence movement from Spain. After the assassination of her second husband in 1763, she took it upon herself to lead her people against the Spanish colonial government.

Unfortunately, Gabriela Silang was captured by the Spanish colonial government. She and her troops were executed on September 20, 1763. But she will always be remembered as the bolo wielding La Generala on horseback.


For more Historical Philippine facts and trivia, follow Vistaland International!

As the international marketing division of Vista Land, Vistaland International aims to provide OFWs and immigrant Filipinos with interesting entertaining facts and trivia about National Heroes Day. Vistaland International Marketing, Inc (VIMI) has a diverse portfolio of OFW property investments all over the country where you can explore the Philippines ‘ historical and cultural heritage.

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Vistaland International was primarily created to bring OFW closer to their dream of finally acquiring a home in the Philippines. And with the rising cost of living in the country, OFWs and their families are looking for ways to earn extra cash flow to support their daily needs. Luckily, you can also join the global network of Vistaland International as a real estate professional and earn a commission!

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Vistaland International Marketing, Inc. (VIMI) is the international marketing division of Vista Land. Aiming to provide OFWs and migrant Filipinos a home in the Philippines, VIMI has established long-lasting relationships with brokers and clients around the world.

Get started with your property investments! Contact us today and follow our social media accounts: Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn 

Raising a Family In A Condo

Owning a condo in the Philippines isn’t that bad. While there are a few myths surrounding condominiums, being a condo owner is overall a great experience provided that you are prepared for the raising kids in a condo lifestyle. Several Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) have acquired condos for sale in the Philippines and it’s mostly used for vacation homes or rental property.

But how about actually living in a condo with your family and raising kids?

There are several advantages and disadvantages in raising a family in a condo. It all boils down to the lifestyle you prefer.

Is a Condo a Good First Home? Here’s What You Should Know

furniture

A condo in the Philippines is an ideal first home for starting families and OFWs because of its safety, convenience, and affordability. Parents should try to be more patient with their kids when raising them in a condo because they might get bored or antsy considering the limited space inside a condo.

Condo living is not all rosy though. Depending on the chosen real estate developer in the Philippines, condo buildings can be cramped and lack in privacy, children might get bored from the limited play areas because of its small space (compared to a house and lot in the Philippines), and noise could also be a recurring issue with neighbors playing or watching TV loudly late at night.

Getting your child to be more active

For families that are starting their own families, condos are an ideal option that is affordable, convenient, and safe. For families that are starting their own families, condos are an ideal option that is affordable, convenient, and safe. Since condos have limited space, OFW parents must focus on being patient with their kids when raising them in a condo.

Try not to overbook your child’s time by signing them up for lessons: focus on one activity at first then add another if they can catch up.

Becoming more aware of your child’s needs

An important thing to remember about raising kids in a condo is that they may have a difficult time making friends or communicating with other kids their age. Their social skills will be put to the test. Parents should also try to be aware of the child’s needs and adjust accordingly in order to keep them comfortable.

Consider adopting a small, low-maintenance pet

Another thing that parents might consider is adopting pets as companions for kids living in condos so you can spend more time together, especially if there are no nearby neighborhood kids in their age group. Before getting one, check with the condo’s rules and guidelines. Most real estate developers in the Philippines allow small pets, but there a few developers that strictly don’t allow such pets. Always make sure that the pet is allowed and that you have the space to accommodate a new family member.

buying a condo cta

Raising kids in a two bedroom condo unit

When buying a condo for sale in the Philippines, consider a two bedroom condo unit since it offers the most space. It may not be a white picket fence kind of lifestyle, but investing in a two bedroom condo for sale has great returns when you think of raising your kids and family in a 40sqm home.

Many OFW parents often think raising their kids in a condo in the Philippines is not the best option for them as it will affect the way their children grow up. However, this notion can be debunked with several factors to consider:

1) Kids can be grow up to be independent and mature.

First of all, raising your kids in a condo in the city doesn’t necessarily mean that they are growing up weaker or spoiled than other people who were raised in a typical house and lot with a wide living room, dining room, and a backyard in the suburbs. With the right parenting, your child can mature and become independent.

2) More interaction for your child.

Second, raising your children in a condominium offers many opportunities for parents and their children to interact with other people unlike raising them in a close-knit community where they only see the same group of people over and over.

3) A different type of exposure and experience.

Raising your children in a condo is the best way to teach them about society, the real world, and how they relate with people from different walks of life.

4) Improve social activities.

Fourth, raising your children in a condominium enhances their social skills and activities because it offers many opportunities for parents and their kids to interact with other people and families.

5) Right parenting is key.

And lastly, raising your child in a condo is not bad as long as the parents are responsible enough to provide their children with all of the things they need.

Advantages of Raising a Family In a Condo in The Philippines

Family In a Condo

Condo living has several benefits that most families often think it only applies to single individuals or couples. Kids can enjoy living in a condo in the Philippines with the right guidance and planning by their parents.

Moreover, condo living is not for everyone and raising a family in one, has its advantages as well as disadvantages. There are pros to having your kids grow up in an apartment such as the affordability of home ownership right from day one or the convenience of living close to schools and work. On the other hand, there are also cons about raising children in a condo. Let’s start with the advantages.

Check this out: Advantages of Buying a Pre-selling Condo in the Philippines

Ease of commute

An advantage of the condo lifestyle is more relaxed with less traffic and commuting time. You don’t have to worry too much about your child’s safety when playing outside in the common area since it’s monitored by guards or CCTV cameras. Kids are also free from bullies, drugs, and gangs found in malls and schools nearby.

Inexpensive and practical

Condos are an economical choice for raising children because they provide the necessary space, facilities, and amenities that kids need to grow up healthy. You don’t have to worry about extra fees needed for daycare or school.

Convenience

Convenient living arrangement with easy access to transportation, food establishments, entertainment venues such as malls and theaters (depending on location), schools (again depending on the location) etcetera. Being close to these community centers is especially helpful when you’re raising younger children who may not be able to get around well yet by themselves during their early days at home; all within walking distance!

Plus everything’s just right there – your local convenience store, laundry shops and so on.

If you have a family with kids and are raising them in an apartment building or condominium complex the benefits seem to outweigh any negatives of living there for those reasons alone.

The condo lifestyle is also perfect if your children need to stay close by as they grow up because their needs can be easily provided. Especially when they are in college and the condo building is near their university campus, they can safely and conveniently commute to school from their condo.

The Bottom Line of Condo Living. Is it bad to live in a condo?

Overall, raising a family in a condo in the Philippines is a great option and the benefits of raising your children in this type of living environment outweigh any negatives that come with it. For OFWs, it’s definitely a great idea if you want your family to stay close as you work abroad and need to make sure that they still have a good education.

For those OFWs who are present in raising their children in the Philippines, condos can be an amazing choice for your family because it’s so easy to provide most of what a child needs like food, clothing, and entertainment while also giving them some space. The condo lifestyle is perfect if you want your kids to stay close by as they grow up, especially when they’re in college and the building is near their university campus.

Raising a family in a condo building is less expensive than raising them anywhere else but you need to be aware and prepared for the lifestyle change. The kids will grow up feeling like they are part of their community instead of missing out on so many opportunities outside their community which can have its own set of pros and cons as well.


Condo living awaits! Talk to us and move into your new condo in the Philippines.

Vistaland International has reputable condo developers in their roster that provide long-lasting real estate investment in the Philippines. OFWs, migrant Filipinos, foreign investors, even local Filipino citizens are welcome to have their site tour with our real estate brokers in the Philippines and abroad! Check out our FAQs page to learn more.

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Is it bad to live in a condo, raising a kid in a two bedroom condo unit, condos for family, raising a family in a condo

Vistaland International was primarily created to bring OFW closer to their dream of finally acquiring a home in the Philippines. And with the rising cost of living in the country, OFWs and their families are looking for ways to earn extra cash flow to support their daily needs. Luckily, you can also join the global network of Vistaland International as a real estate professional and earn a commission!

Is it bad to live in a condo, raising a kid in a two bedroom condo unit, condos for family, raising a family in a condo

Vistaland International Marketing, Inc. (VIMI) is the international marketing division of Vista Land. Aiming to provide OFWs and migrant Filipinos a home in the Philippines, VIMI has established long-lasting relationships with brokers and clients around the world.

Get started with your property investments! Contact us today and follow our social media accounts: Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Many Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) are looking for ways to support their families in the Philippines. The best way to do this is by investing in condo units that can generate passive income, while they are away working abroad. In Manila, there is a high demand for condo units because of the high value appreciation, location, and accessibility. This blog post will discuss the two aspects between selling and renting condo properties in Manila as well as why OFWs should invest as early as possible. Let’s start by learning the basics of selling a condo unit.

What You Need Know About Condo Selling

The requirements and steps to sell a condominium unit are quite similar as buying a condo. As a condo owner, it’s a common understanding that you already know the factors to consider before buying a condo because these factors can affect how you sell or rent out your property.

Legal Capacity to Transact

It may seem like a daunting process to sell your condo with all the misconceptions about condo living. The first requirement to sell your real estate property in general is to ensure you have legal capacity to transact. A buyer or owner of a condo should be at least 18 years old in the Philippines, at peace with the laws of our republic and capable of handling their own affairs without the need of any protective person under the law.

Condo is In Good Condition

The condo unit should be the same in size and in good condition to that which is being sold on the market. Basically, no shady marketing strategies. Details such as floor area, partition, and paint should be stated. Photos of the condo for sale should not be digitally enhanced so as to protect both buyer and owner in case of any misunderstanding. If this requirement is satisfied then you can sell your condo in Manila through an authorized real estate broker who will guide you through each step from start to finish and assist with all requirements to sell your condo property.

Also Read: 3 P’s When Browsing Through Online Property Listings

Due Diligence

As a condo owner, don’t leave everything in the hands of your real estate broker or agent. Remember this is your condo property, so you have to do your part in making sure your condo meets the market’s expectation.

Document Requirements For Selling Your Condo in The Philippines

Document Requirements in condo selling

Before posting your condo for sale online, there are a few documents that you need to prepare. Here is a list of requirements you will need to resell your condo in the Philippines.

Letter of Intent (LOI)

If you intend to resell your condo property during the first nine months of its possession, there is no need for a LOI. However, if you would like to sell it in the last three months of your term or after that period without penalty fee then this document will be necessary. This document states all the necessary details such as the selling price, reservation fee or down payment, financing terms, location of unit, size of the condo unit, etc. The LOI doesn’t have to be a complex contract, but it should be kept as simple and clear as possible.

Condominium Certificate Of Title (CCT)

The CCT is similar to the Transfer Certificate of Title (TCT) which states the condo unit’s details such as the condo unit’s floor area, floor number, room number, project name, project address, the real estate developer, and owner name. It validates the ownership of a condo unit. You can secure a Certified True Copy of Condominium Certificate of Title from the Register of Deeds.

Contract to Sell (CTS)

The CTS is the condo unit’s contract to sell which states the terms and conditions. The Contract to Sell is prepared by the owner and is issued to the buyer. This is basically an agreement between the seller/owner and buyer and it doesn’t transfer the rights to the buyer if the document is signed.

Deed of Absolute Sale

Following full payment of the price, the seller relinquishes ownership of the property to the buyer through the signing of a Deed of Absolute Sale. Upon signature by both parties, the buyer is deemed the property’s absolute owner. 

Tax Declaration

A condominium unit’s Tax Declaration is a document that shows the ownership of such condo, along with its corresponding taxes and dues. Generally, it also states the value of the real estate property.

Steps in Selling a Condo In The Philippines

Selling a Condo agreement

So now you know the necessary documents to prepare the condo for sale, here are a few steps to effectively sell your real estate investment in the Philippines.

1) Get in touch with a real estate professional.

Find out if these real estate professionals are licensed and accredited. Discuss with your real estate broker a condo marketing plan that best suits your property and attracts your target market.

2) Determine the value of your condo unit

Ask for an estimate of property’s value in the market, preferably with the marketing officer of your real estate developer. Moreover, ask for a list of condo properties that are similar to yours, and  compare the condo’s prices with your property.

3) Set the price for your condo unit

Determine a fair price for your condo property, and then determine how much you are willing to sell it for. You can check property listings from various real estate companies in the Philippines to see if your condo’s purchase price matches the other condominium prices.

4) Market your condo unit

After determining the market value of your real estate property and setting the price, you can now formally post your condo for sale in Manila.  However, aside from your condo’s marketing and posting on the internet, it is also advisable to personally contact potential buyers. You can do this by going through Facebook Buy and Sell Groups or online forum groups. You can even get in touch with your friend and family who need a home that they can immediately move-in.

5) Property inspection

When selling your property, you have to be prepared when buyers want to have a property visit to check the condition of the condominium building. From a buyer’s standpoint, they will check if the condominium project is still in good condition and if condo amenities are still working.

Overall, selling your condo is a great move if you want to move into another property as soon as possible and want to use the money to buy a new house and lot or condominium unit.

Is Renting a Condo a Good Idea?

Renting a condo is a great option for budget conscious OFWs who are not sure about their long term stay abroad. It can also be a means of earning passive income to support their families in the Philippines. They can turn their condo unit into an Airbnb or apartment business rental. Renting out your properties is a good idea if you are not looking for a long-term condo ownership.

A typical monthly rent in Metro Manila costs  from PHP 15,000 to 30,000 depending on the condo’s location, amenities, and the value set by the real estate developer.

Condominiums have had high appreciation rates and return on investment for many OFWs who invested in them before they left abroad to work. Condos also have higher value appreciation rates mainly because condos are built within the Metro. With this prime location, condo owners have access to main roads and highways that can bring them closer to their workplace.

Also Read: Which Condo Investment is Best for OFWs?

Should I Sell or Rent My Condo?

OFWs should research the condo market before deciding whether they want to rent or sell a condo in Manila. Whether you want to sell or rent your condo, depends entirely up to you.  The condo market is very dynamic and can change quickly. If you want to sell your condo, it’s important to know the requirements for selling a condo in Manila and make sure that it will provide a passive income while you’re working abroad.

On the other hand, if you want to rent out your condo, there are several benefits that can come out of it. A condo owner has an opportunity to generate passive income by renting out their property or through appreciation rates with minimal work from them as they are away on business trips – such as during holidays like Christmas when many OFWs return home for family gatherings. With low maintenance costs, investing in condominiums does not require extensive repairs unlike houses which need constant renovations every year at least. 


Invest in a Real Estate Property in the Philippines!

Buying real estate properties for the purpose of investment is one of the best decisions an OFW can make. On top of their remittances, having a condo for rent in Manila can be an additional financial support. As OFW property owners, always look for the best real estate developers in the Philippines. Luckily, Vistaland International has a wide roster of real estate companies in the Philippines that have provided house and lots as well as condominium properties to OFWs and local Filipino citizens.

You can check out our FAQs guide to know more about real estate investment in the Philippines.

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condo selling, requirements for selling condo in the philippines, steps in selling a condo in the philippines, Is renting a condo a good idea, condo for sale in the philippines

Vistaland International was primarily created to bring OFW closer to their dream of finally acquiring a home in the Philippines. And with the rising cost of living in the country, OFWs and their families are looking for ways to earn extra cash flow to support their daily needs. Luckily, you can also join the global network of Vistaland International as a real estate professional and earn a commission!

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Vistaland International Marketing, Inc. (VIMI) is the international marketing division of Vista Land. Aiming to provide OFWs and migrant Filipinos a home in the Philippines, VIMI has established long-lasting relationships with brokers and clients around the world.

Get started with your property investments! Contact us today and follow our social media accounts: Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Real estate is quite a profitable investment. However, many middle to upper-class Filipinos and OFWs still tend to shy away from it because of the many challenges. High purchasing capital and the recurring cost of managing real estate assets are only two of them. Real estate investment trust (REIT) is a good alternative to this.

Simply put, REITs don’t require you to own or manage the property yourself. You will basically be investing in the property of a company that holds a wide array of real estate investments. REITs are the emerging alternative for small and beginning investors and learning all about it can only benefit you. Read on below to know more how to invest in REITs in the Philippines today.

What is a Real Estate Investment Trust?

For decades now, thousands of people have been investing in real estate investment trusts or REITs. But what is a REIT and how does it work? A company that is considered as a REIT is one that owns, operates, or finances income-generating real estate properties. Instead of buying, managing, or financing properties themselves, investors of a REIT can earn dividend income from the real estate investment without doing much of the work themselves.

Some people call it “passive income” but it’s more than that. REIT companies mostly deal in publicly traded stocks from a wide array of real estate property types. From empty lots to office buildings to cell towers to data centers to hotels to medical facilities to warehouses to shopping centers, many REITs invest in them and many people invest in REITs.

How To Invest In REITs

Generally, REIT companies specialize in a specific real estate sector. Some focus on the retail industry while others on housing and private properties. However, more and more REITs are now presenting diverse investment portfolios that include more than one type of real estate business. Investors can buy shares in commercial real estate portfolios instead of buying the properties themselves. 

Many REITs are also publicly traded on major security stock exchanges. This is so investors can buy or sell their shares like stocks throughout the trading session. REITs work pretty straightforwardly: Lease space and collect rent from the real estate properties and use that to generate income that will be paid out to shareholders and investors in the form of dividends.

What are the Major Types of REITs?

how to invest in reits

There are many types of REITs. Depending on the company’s specialty, they can be considered a type of REIT or a combination of two.

Equity REITs

This is the most common type of REIT. Equity REITs are owners and managers of income-producing real estate. Their revenues are primarily generated through rents from the properties they own or manage.

Mortgage REITs

These companies lend money to real estate owners and managers. They do this directly through loans and mortgages or indirectly through mortgage-backed securities. Their revenue comes from net margin interest, which makes them potentially sensitive to interest rate increases.

Hybrid REITs

These REITs use a combination of Equity and Mortgage REITs and use the investment strategies of both equity and mortgage REITs.

Public Non-listed REITs

Public, non-listed REITs (PNLRs) are registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission but do not trade on national stock exchanges.

Qualifications of REITs

For a company to qualify as a REIT, it must comply with certain provisions in the Internal Code of Revenue (IRC). Some of the requirements include primarily owning income-generating real estate properties and having shareholders to distribute the revenue to. They must invest and derive their assets for a certain majority percentage. They must also have a certain number of shareholders and investors. These qualifications may vary per country, especially the percentage and number of investors required.

How To Invest In REITs in the Philippines?

Real estate investment in the Philippines through REITs can be tedious work if you don’t know where to look and which companies to trust. The whole process requires everything from the establishment of the REIT company to when it gets listed in the Philippine stock market to how you as an investor can earn money from investing in REITs.

First, a real estate developer in the Philippines creates a REIT corporation. The company will transfer income-generating properties into the REIT to build its investment portfolio.

After that, the real estate developer in the Philippines will file for the REIT to be approved by the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Then, the REIT will be listed in the Philippine stock market through an initial public offering (IPO) after complying with all the requirements mandated by the REIT law and once it is approved by the SEC.

Only then can the REIT share in the stock market its IPO for public investors to view and consider. When the REITs start gaining investors and shareholders, they will start earning more revenue then they can pay off the investors with dividends.

Is REIT a Good Investment in the Philippines?

In hindsight, real estate investment in the Philippines through a REIT is a smart decision. Some would argue that it incurs less loss compared to owning and managing properties yourself. Owning stock or shares in liquid assets can be tricky but this is where REITs come in and do most of the heavy lifting for you.

What is the minimum amount to invest in REITs?

There are many questions surrounding investing in REITs. Can you lose money in a REIT? Can anyone invest in a REIT? How much will you need to start investing? It is understandable that because of these questions, people are hesitant to take the leap. With real estate developers in the Philippines dipping their toes into REITs, the real estate market is slowly widening for public investors. For beginner investors, your starting capital can be as little as PHP 5,000 depending on the REIT you have chosen.

What are the Advantages of a REIT?

REIT

There are many benefits to real estate investments. A house for sale in the Philippines might benefit migrant Filipino workers if they are looking for a home in the future. However, REITs might double their ROIs if an investment is their primary goal in mind. There are other benefits and reasons to invest in REIT. These benefits include:

Regular income through dividends

REITs are required by law to pay at least 90% of their distributable annual income to their shareholders as dividends. Since REITs deal with real estate, it is more sensitive to property value appreciation than depreciation, as is the nature of real estate investments.

Diversified assets

Owning a condo for sale in the Philippines is all well and good but a diverse portfolio of real investments is even better. Venturing into more than one area of real estate investment is not only a high-risk-high-reward for your pocket but for your experience as well.

Easy investment

As mentioned before, REITs are a reliable source of passive rental income. The company does the management of the properties whereas you invest in what they invest in. In short, you won’t need to be a landlord yourself but still, reap the benefits of rent and mortgage.

Why OFWs Should Invest in REITs

Overseas Filipino Workers and migrant Filipinos are usually interested in buying a house or a condo for sale in the Philippines. Rather than renting in apartment buildings, they’d rather live in a home or condo that can be inherited by their children in the future. They are interested in investing their money into real estate because they know its depreciation value is significantly lower compared to other investments. Real estate investment trusts are historically known as investments that deliver competitive total ROIs. It isn’t a fool-proof-no-loss investment, but it offers steady net income via REIT dividends. OFWs would also benefit well from a diverse real estate investment portfolio.


What are the best REITs in the Philippines?

Good news! Vista Land and Lifescapes, one of the leading real estate companies in the Philippines, plans a REIT IPO. In the meantime, you check out Vistaland International’s available properties for sale in the Philippines. As the leading home-builder in the country, Vista Land offers a wide array of houses and lots, condominiums, and residential lots. 

If you’re looking for a house for sale in the Philippines or a condo, commercial space, and other properties, they can help you find your dream home. Not only that, but the company is also launching its own REIT soon. As an already established real estate company, Vistaland International would be one of the best choices for your long-term investment goal.

affordable house and lot
affordable house and lot

Vistaland International Marketing, Inc. (VIMI) is the international marketing division of Vista Land. Aiming to provide OFWs and migrant Filipinos a home in the Philippines, VIMI has established long-lasting relationships with brokers and clients around the world.

Get started with your property investments! Contact us today and follow our social media accounts: Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

When planning to relocate to a new neighborhood, it’s always a struggle to find a good area where your family can live peacefully and progressively. And there are two major cities that often compete: Cebu and Manila. These two cities are always being compared, with the former known as a scaled down version of the latter. Cebu has a much slower pace yet still maintaining that lively energy in the area. Manila is the main entrypoint of the country, the national capital, and the main headquarters of most offices and businesses.

In this blog, let’s tackle all the aspects of choosing the better location that fits your lifestyle and interests.

Similarities of Cebu and Manila

According to this year’s 2021 property forecast analysts, interest in condos remains strong among OFW investors. With OFW investors sending remittances to their families and foreign companies outsourcing their business, many real estate developers continue to build more condos in the Philippines.

Condominium Projects

Despite the pandemic, there is still a high demand for condos in the Philippines. Metro Manila gets the most attention when it comes to condos for sale in the Philippines. As the main capital, it has the biggest business hub and is responsible for one third of the country’s GDP growth. By far, condos for sale in Manila are the largest market by real estate developers in the Philippines. 

With foreign businesses shifting their offices to other provinces in favor of lower labor costs, the number of condos for sale in Cebu follow closely behind Manila. Several condo projects have begun construction in Cebu.

Standard Cost of Living

According to Numbeo, the world’s largest cost of living database, the typical living expenses of residents in Cebu for 2021 is 4.98% lower compared to Metro Manila. Rent prices in Cebu region are 47.99% lower than in Metro Manila. Manila is 5.24% more expensive than Cebu City and rents in Metro Manila are 92.28% higher than in Cebu. Unsurprisingly, condos for sale in Metro Manila are more expensive compared to condos for sale in Cebu. 

Business District

As the capital of the Philippines, Manila’s business center is the top king of business districts nationwide. It is the main headquarters of several giant companies, both local and international. There is a high demand for condos for sale in Manila near these locations. Business in Cebu is also steadily rising at an increasing rate. For instance, a new restaurant in the region is often priced similarly to Manila and people would still visit the place. New infrastructures and business projects are being developed in prime locations.

Is Cebu better than Manila?

cebu vs manila

Manila and Cebu are the top two popular cities for foreign businesses. Especially the latter province where labor costs are lower. If you’re wondering which city is better as a real estate investment then this article may help you decide. Here’s a comparison of things between these two cities in terms of the geographical location, places of interest, and transportation and infrastructure development.

Geography

Regarded as the Queen City of the south, Cebu is a small island that lies in the middle of the country. The island sits in between the sea and the mountains, offering easy travel access from one location to another. For comparison’s sake, Metro Manila is like New York while Cebu is like Hong Kong. Visitors and investors often like to roam around the city’s business and entertainment hubs that’s conveniently located near their hotel or rented apartment and the airport.

Places of Interest

One advantage Cebu has is the city’s distance between the sea and the mountain. It only takes a couple of minutes to travel to the top of the mountain and visit the seaside on the same day. It has become a popular place to visit. Businessmen can work and later enjoy the nature tourist destinations. Cebu is rich in tourist attractions. From the busy streets of the uptown and downtown area in Lapu Lapu and Mandaue City to the Cebu Strait, beach islands, waterfalls, and scuba diving spots, you’ll find yourself enjoying their culture with the locals and visitors.

Transportation and Infrastructure

Life in Manila isn’t complete without experiencing traffic. Metro Manila is infamous for its traffic but the infrastructure and system of public transportation are more complex and bigger while Cebu still has underdeveloped road and infrastructure systems. Due to Cebu’s rising business centers and tourism growth, traffic in Cebu City has increased.

Real Estate Properties for Sale in Cebu City

Because of Cebu’s increasing tourism and urban growth, real estate developers in the Philippines are investing their projects in Cebu. There is a high amount of income opportunities for real estate developers in the Philippines to place their projects in Cebu. From rental properties and office spaces, there are several investment opportunities. Here is a list of properties for sale under the Vista Land flagship brand.

Cebu Condo For Sale

condominium outdoor pool amenity

There are several real estate developers that are eyeing the Queen City of The South for their upcoming property developments. Vista Residences, a well-known real estate developer in the Philippines has a condominium development in Cebu.

Suarez Residences

Suarez Residences is a condominium project developed by Vista Residences. It is located at the heart of Cebu City, Philippines.  The condominium is situated near major hospitals, shopping malls, universities, and several entertainment centers. Offering the best urban lifestyle, Suarez Residences is a premium condo for sale in Cebu for the modern home buyer. 

House and Lot For Sale in Cebu

house and lot interior with furniture for dining and living area

Horizontal residential developments such as subdivisions are also growing more in-demand as the commercial industry grows in the city. Luckily, Vista Land has house and lot projects already present such as Camella Riverscapes offering house and lots for sale in Talamban Cebu City, and Bria Homes offering socialized house and lots for sale in Danao City.

Camella Riverscapes

Camella Riverfront is a 35.5-hectare house and lot for sale in Cebu. It is a subdivision with 6 enclaves. Located in Talamban, the subdivision is built on a naturally sloping and hilly land area. It is surrounded by nature and gives you a great view of the mountains. Fresh air, the sounds of birds in the morning, and being surrounded by greenery can take you back to nature. 

Bria Homes Danao

Located in Danao City, Cebu, Bria Homes Danao is an affordable house and lot for sale in Cebu built for you and your growing family in mind. It offers 24-hour security, a guarded entrance and exit, a perimeter fence, and a guardhouse to give you peace of mind for the safety of your family. 

Is Metro Cebu A Better Alternative to Metro Manila? 

Now that we’ve settled the resemblance of both cities, the question still arises: which city is better? Honestly, it all depends on your personal preferences. And depending on an OFW investor’s preferences, each city has its advantages and disadvantages. Real estate investment in the Philippines is highly lucrative. Cebu has strong real estate investment potential. Yet it is not as complex and developed as Manila. Some experts suggest Manila is the best city for real estate investments for OFW investors. Because it is the center capital of the country there are many condos for sale in Manila to choose from.

A two bedroom house is the ideal choice for a young couple, a small family, and an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) looking for a real estate investment in the Philippines. Because of the small floor area, two bedroom house and lots in the Philippines are inexpensive so it can also be a property that can be rented out generating passive income. Having the right interior house design for your 2-bedroom house can make it look really beautiful and cozy.

In this article we’ll discuss modern house designs, its characteristics, and discover 2 bedroom house design ideas to transform your house into a lively, invigorating space!

Characteristics of A Simple House Design

Most two bedroom house and lots for sale in the Philippines are either bare units with an open floor plan that doesn’t come with tiles, paint, and wall partitions or it comes as fully furnished units which means it comes with tiles, paint, wall partitions, and ceiling. For a two bedroom home, there are several house designs that you can do to maximize space and function. Just because it’s a small home doesn’t mean you can’t design or decorate. Before heading out to the local shopping mall to buy furniture and appliances, you should learn the different features that make up a simple house design.

Here are the best qualities of simple house plans:

Free flowing or open floor plan layout

Open floor plans are always a trend in interior design and architecture. Basically, an open floor plan is combining two or three areas in the home to form a one big space giving the illusion of a wider floor area. The main objective in having an open floor layout is to connect your living room and dining area, or the dining area and kitchen, or even all three of them. Before breaking down the walls inside your home, you should always consult a professional. Especially for two storey houses, the walls separating your living room and dining area can serve as a support beam and once that support beams is broken down you might be facing a new problem. Take a look at Bella, a two bedroom house and lot for sale in the Philippines, has an open layout that connects the living room, dining room, and kitchen.

Clean visual design

Simple house designs offer a pristine look characterized by natural light filling in common spaces, clean lines, and a clear, airy ambiance inside the home. The clean visual appeal makes it look more elegant and regal even though it is just a simple two bedroom home. It usually has the modern minimalist vibe that focuses on natural elements such as wood and plants and mainly on the white aesthetic to give a loose and open feel in the home. The clean visual takes inspiration from trending interior design styles such as the common minimalist style, Nordic or Scandinavian concept, and Japandi designer style. Crown Asia, a luxury real estate developer in the Philippines, has house designs and house plans with impeccable interiors. Crown Asia’s house and lot with two bedrooms can also fit three bedrooms if the floor plan is properly allocated.

Straightforward exterior design

Simple house plans usually opt for a simple wall finish or just using two colors for the exterior paint. Take for example our Angelique Duplex house and lot in the Philippines. It’s a standard two bedroom home with a 36sqm floor area. It comes a bare unit, which give you a lot of creative space for your house plan. But also note on its simple exterior with the two-tone color way and clean lines. Simple and straightforward, perfect for its size. When the home’s exterior has too much colors and shapes, it can be an eye-sore to look at.

2 Bedroom House Design Ideas

Below are a few tips on two bedroom house designs. Modern simple house designs can give you the perfect amount of living space, without going overboard. By choosing the right layout, you can make sure that your two bedrooms are perfectly aligned – this way everyone gets their privacy. You’ll also want to keep a few other factors in mind like room placement, flooring type, window, and door size while making your house plans.

In this post we’ll explore five great two bedroom house design ideas that will give you some inspiration or act as a starting point for more creative designs!

1) Stylish Organization

living room

Who says organizing your home has to be boring? Incorporate built-in storage drawers and cabinets in your living room specifically in your TV set area. This is where you can store plenty of your day to day items such as books, figurines, stationery items, and cleaning supplies. Two bedroom houses have smaller floor areas compared to the three bedroom and four bedroom houses. So you have to get creative in organizing your household items.

2) Floor to Ceiling Mirrors

Floor to Ceiling Mirrors

Maximize your floor area by making use of the walls, especially the ones in your living room. You can do this by installing floor to ceiling mirrors near the divider. It’s popular among house plans to install large mirrors because it makes the room feel lighter and wider and gives the look of a lot more space in your house. This way you’ll see the layout of your living room from a different perspective while still being able to make use of all of that gorgeous space!

3) Bathroom or Toilet Separation

Bathroom or Toilet Separation

There’s no need to clutter up your master bedroom with bathrooms and toilets when you have a small design space. A well-placed toilet and bathroom separated from the bedrooms will give you more space for your living room area!

4) Round Dining Tables

Round Dining Tables

Not only are small round tables perfect for breakfast nooks, but they save space! Since round tables technically don’t have corners, it also creates more space for people or family members to gather around the dining or kitchen area to eat together.

Did you like these house design tips?

To sum it up, these house design are great for a small home with a minimum floor area. We have several house and lots for sale in the Philippines at different price points. Take a look at Bettina Townhouse by Bria Homes, and Bella Single Firewall by Camella Homes. These houses are also a great alternative as a real estate investment in the Philippines. Since they’re reasonably priced, they’re great for rental properties.


Invest in a Two Bedroom House and Lot In The Philippines!

As the international marketing division of Vista Land, we primarily provide a roster of top real estate developers in the Philippines that offers properties such as house and lot for sale and condo for sale. Vistaland International also provide several financial growth opportunities for OFWs and local Filipinos alike. Selling aside, we also provide advice and support on your real estate investment in the Philippines. Check out our property search tab and FAQs page for more information.

2 bedroom interior design ideas, 2 bedroom house design, simple house design, bedroom design ideas, small room design
2 bedroom interior design ideas, 2 bedroom house design, simple house design, bedroom design ideas, small room design

Vistaland International Marketing, Inc. (VIMI) is the international marketing division of Vista Land. Aiming to provide OFWs and migrant Filipinos a home in the Philippines, VIMI has established long-lasting relationships with brokers and clients around the world.

Get started with your property investments! Contact us today and follow our social media accounts: Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn

Contrary to popular belief, buying a memorial lot can also be an investment. Sure, it’s an oddly different asset to invest in but it does yield returns financially and personally. It’s also a great option for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to own for themselves and their family.

In this article, we are going to define memorial lots, why it’s a good idea to buy one for personal purposes and investment purposes, and a renowned deathcare company in the Philippines.

What is a memorial lot?

Before diving into the investment aspect, let’s first tackle the definition of memorial lots.

A memorial lot is a small area within a cemetery plot where you can have your loved one’s remains buried. These lots are usually quite small, with enough space to fit your dearly beloved. Memorial lots come in different types, such as your typical memorial lot, a family patio, and a mausoleum.

One notable feature of this type of property is that memorial lots have no land title but instead they have lot titles. The reason for this is because you’re only buying a portion of the developer’s total land area. Lot titles specify the owner’s name, lot size, location, and other corresponding information.

Private memorial parks’ property manager in-charge and local government units for public cemeteries usually keep a record of their lot owners along with their memorial lot location info.

So now that we have that out of the way, let’s talk about the advantages of investing in a memorial lot as early as possible.

 Is it good to invest in a memorial lot?

Investing in a memorial lot as early as possible takes away the future financial burden once the inevitable comes. As OFWs, the goal of preparing and saving your future stays until the very end. Buying a lot early on fulfills two purposes: personal use and investment purposes.

Purchasing a memorial lot for yourself saves your future family the time, effort, and money in looking for a perfect lot for you to rest in. You are basically securing your future.

Aside from its primary use as a final resting place for our loved ones, memorial lots can also be bought as a means of real estate investment. For this purpose, make sure that you invest in a reputable memorial park developer. There’s a lot of factors to consider before buying a memorial lot. Consider the location, amenities, and maintenance of the memorial park. And also, you should at least have a memorial lot for yourself already so that you have a safety net of your own in case the time comes before buying a lot only to sell it off in the future. 

Reasons why you should invest in memorial lots

memorial lots

Why is memorial lot a good investment idea? Let’s face the reality. Death is part of life and there will always be someone looking for a memorial lot for their loved ones or family members that have passed. As it is inevitable, there is always a memorial lot market. Here are a few advantages of buying a memorial lot.

Perpetual ownership makes memorial lots easy to resell

Just like other real estate properties, your memorial lot will become yours once it’s fully paid. Unless you plan on selling it off once it has doubled in value, you have the freedom to transfer the lot title under your client’s name.

In reselling, consult the current market selling price with the memorial park owner first. So that you can determine the sale price of your property. You can also set the financing options such as paying in installment terms or spot cash terms.

 Memorial lots gain in value over time

Investing in memorial lots guarantees high appreciation value rates. With the right location and a reliable memorial park developer, your investments will surely grow just like any other real estate property.

 Memorial lots are an investment in your future

We’ve already said this many times before in this article but we only want the best for you. Buying a memorial lot early on in life can ease the burden of your future loved one of having to find the perfect burial spot for you.

Golden Haven – Memorial Lots for Sale In The Philippines

Golden Haven Memorial Lots

Golden Haven Memorial Parks is a deathcare company under the Golden MV Holdings Inc. In terms of market capitalization, it’s worth noting that Golden MV Holdings is one of the largest real estate companies in the Philippines. Golden Haven is mainly engaged with developing memorial parks and selling memorial lots in the Philippines. The deathcare company currently has 35 memorial park developments in 32 park locations in the Philippines.

4 Types Of Memorial Lots for Sale

Golden Haven Memorial Parks offers different sizes of memorial lots along with other products such as columbariums and crematoriums. Here are the four basic memorial packages offered by Golden Haven.

Lawn Lot

Price: PHP 93,000 – PHP110,000

The most basic and traditional package in any memorial park is the lawn lot. This 1 meter by 2.5 meter single lot is a double-tiered underground area for the burial of the departed and marked by a tombstone.

Garden Niche

Price: PHP 370,000 – PHP 440,000

A garden niche is a 2 meter by 5 meter cluster of lawn lots that can fit up to 9 body interments that come with a bone vault.

Family Patio

Price: PHP 740,000 – PHP 780,000

The family patio property is approximately 18sqm or the equivalent of seven lots that can fit 10 body interments. In this type of memorial property, you have the option to build an open structure within your area. However, the construction of the niche is not included in the price.

Family Estate or Mausoleum

Price: PHP 1,320,000 – PHP 1,370,000

The mausoleum is an open or closed structure that can cater both underground and above-ground burial. This kind of memorial lot is worth its price because you can maximize the big space and can fit several to an unlimited number of interments as long as it fits the memorial site.

Other Memorial Products Offered

As the largest and most beautiful chain of memorial parks in the Philippines, Golden Haven goes above and beyond to cater to your memorial needs. Golden Haven has columbariums, chapels, and crematoriums in their memorial parks across the country.

Columbarium Vaults

A columbarium vault is space saving because it’s primarily built to store urns. These urns contain cremated remains of the deceased. Golden Haven’s columbarium vaults can fit 4 urns in a single storage vault.

Chapels and Crematoriums

Each chapel in Golden Haven’s memorial parks in the country have their own place of tranquility to pray for the departed souls. Additionally, Golden Haven offers crematorium services at their Las Pinas memorial park branch.

One ideal thing about Golden Haven is that it also offers other memorial needs such as funeral services, hearse rental, storage rental, urns, caskets, engraving, flower arrangements, and restoration and make-up are also offered by Golden Haven.

The Bottom Line

Death, for most people, is a very delicate subject to talk about. But whether we like it or not, death is a part of life. Preparing for your future death isn’t as weird or morbid as some people think. It’s simply thinking ahead so that your family can peacefully grieve without having to stress about the finances.

For more information and questions, follow Vistaland International!

Looking for property investments? Contact Vistaland International’s agents today! We offer house and lots for sale, condos for sale, residential lots for sale, and memorial lots for sale in the country. To further guide you, use our property navigation and read our FAQs to learn more us. As the international marketing division of Vista Land, we provide several financial growth opportunities for OFWs around the world. Become an OFW investor today and grow your real estate asset with us!

Is it good to invest in a memorial lot, Memorial lot for sale, lawn lot, niche gardens, Family Patio, mausoleum, columbarium vault, crematorium

Is it good to invest in a memorial lot, Memorial lot for sale, lawn lot, niche gardens, Family Patio, mausoleum, columbarium vault, crematorium

Vistaland International Marketing, Inc. (VIMI) is the international marketing division of Vista Land. Aiming to provide OFWs and migrant Filipinos a home in the Philippines, VIMI has established long-lasting relationships with brokers and clients around the world.

Get started with your property investments! Contact us today and follow our social media accounts: Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

The rainy season in the Philippines is generally from June to November and sometimes even December. Filipinos expect moderate to heavy rainfall events during these months. And when there’s rainfall activity, Filipinos are no stranger to flash floods.

When you’re living in the Philippines, it’s unlikely you’d avoid wading through shoulder-level flood. Even Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) know how fast the water level rises in any region of the country.

The impact of flash floods in the various parts of the country evokes the national government to increase their budget for the public. Evacuation centers and shelter agencies often prepare the area and offer assistance for the people who lost their homes due to typhoons or storms. But those acts alone aren’t long-term solutions. It’s merely a band-aid solution waiting for the worst possible scenario.

How can we prevent flooding in the Philippines?

Throughout the years, the country’s flood-related disasters were getting worse. The nationwide catastrophe brought about by typhoons and climate change prompted the national government to make a flood risk management master plan.

This article will discuss various ways to protect your home from potential floodwaters as well as provide tips on how to prevent additional damage if you do experience a flood. 

What causes flooding in homes?

There are several scenarios and problems that could be the cause of flood waters to enter our homes. Most people assume that they are located along the flood prone areas of the country. While it may be true in most cases, sometimes all you need is professional assistance to reduce flooding.

Faulty Plumbing and Appliances

A lot of homeowners think that flood events occur because their home’s foundation is not supported enough. However, the majority of flood cases occur because plumbing and appliances within the home allow water to enter the structure. That is why it is important to be sure that those who build or repair your home are licensed and insured.

Clogged Sewage System

Flooding occurs when flood waters in the sewer system backs-up and enters your home. It can also be caused by any number of things such as a lack of sewage main, clogged sinks and toilets, blocked drains or diverters or even standing water that is not drained properly.

Poor Construction

A flood can also occur because a pipe has not been installed properly or a home has been built on top of an existing drain that is not properly sealed. Homes with older plumbing areas often have a no-sewer policy in place to protect the pipes within the structure from potential corrosion, so it is very important to create a flood management master plan and involve your plumber if you plan to remodel or build on your existing home.

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What are the solutions to reduce flooding?

Watering down your property or basement should never become a regular, routine habit. The potential consequences of flooding are too high for this to be considered a casual act. What should you do if your property begins to flood? There are many measures you can take to prevent flooding in the first place.

Proper Drainage System

The best way to prevent it is to make sure your property’s drainage systems work effectively by having them regularly cleaned and checked. This will likely be a large investment; however, keeping your system clear of blockages and in good working order will save you money in the long run, especially if your property is prone to flooding.

Contact Your Local Professional Plumber

If you are already experiencing flooding problems, you should contact a professional plumber immediately so that they may assess the problem and provide solution options for you. If possible, try to move any furniture from the affected area so that it does not get damaged by the rising water levels.

Don’t attempt to do any of these things yourself. Water damage can sometimes be a fatal problem, so you need to call in the professionals immediately to help you and your family.

Clear the Sewer Lines

To avoid floods in the future, you also need to make sure that no trees or branches are planted near sewer lines, drainage outlets, and even the river systems. These kinds of trees can cause blockages to occur, which will lead to water overflowing from the sewer system and flowing into your property.

How do I know if my area is flood prone?

flood on national road

In 2010, the national government placed 12 cities in Metro Manila under a state of calamity due to Tropical Depression “Ondoy.” This was the first time in history that such an extensive declaration was made. The National Disaster Coordinating Council (NADCC) expects that by 2030, half of Metro Manila’s millions of residents and large business centers will be located within 100 meters of a waterway.

Buildings constructed on swampy land may experience structural damage as well as seepage or flooding from water sources. These homes are also more vulnerable to storm surges and landslides following intense typhoons.

What are the flood prone areas in Metro Manila this 2021?

The floods in Metro Manila come about when one of the capital city’s main rivers, Magat, overflows. The river originates in the mountains and empties off into Manila Bay. There are two other large rivers that also contribute to flooding: Pasig and Marikina.

Listed below are 5 flood prone areas of Metro Manila that need a sound flood management plan.

1) CaMaNaVa (Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela)

2) Makati

3) Manila

4) Paranaque

5) Mandaluyong

Reasons Why Metro Manila Is Prone to Flooding

The Philippines’ geographical location partly contributes to the recurring flash floods. Metro Manila is mostly flat swamp land as opposed to the surrounding mountains where it is located. Floods occur more often in the capital since there are limited outlets like mountain tops that would interrupt the flood process.

These floods have always been present but they have become more frequent due to the recent development of infrastructure projects and buildings around Manila Bay. Residential areas were placed upriver near Gapan, Balintawak, Malabon, and Cavite City.

Clogged Waterways

Inadequate flood control systems and poor drainage management in the country have resulted in waterlogged streets and neighborhoods that are often inundated by floodwaters that cause fatalities and property damages.

Improper Waste Disposal

Just like many other environmental disasters, the rising water levels and subsequent flooding often reflect a significant increase in the rate at which waste products are discarded into the water. When these items accumulate for any certain period in river communities, they will cause serious challenges in and risk in overall health.

Pumping stations are designed to prevent flooding, but due to the sheer quantity of items being discarded, flood pumping stations have a hard time pumping away water from communities.

Once these pumping stations fail to function, the excess waste will find its way into surrounding waterways. This often results in visual pollution, a change in water flow (the flooding you see), and an increased likelihood of disease spreading among animals and humans alike.

Best Ways To Prevent Flooding in Metro Manila

Metro Manila is home to 14 million people and is composed of 16 cities. The people from these locations are exposed to natural calamities such as typhoons, earthquakes, and floods. While there’s already an implemented flood master plan for these flood prone areas of Metro Manila, it’s still best to avoid dumping garbage.

Here are three recommendations and solutions to help the flood prone areas of Metro Manila:

1) Metro Manila Flood Management

2) Solid Waste Management

3) Flood Catchment Area


For more news and updates, follow Vistaland International!

Vistaland International Marketing Inc (VIMI) also provides our dearest OFWs and immigrant Filipinos abroad timely news. 

VIMI caters to all Filipinos citizens locally and globally, that’s why we have international offices in Italy, United Kingdom, United States of America, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait.

Vistaland International is the global marketing group of the leading integrated real estate developer in the Philippines, Vista Land and the group was primarily created to offer condos for sale and affordable houses in the Philippines to OFWs.

best ways to prevent flooding in metro manila, know the flood-prone areas in metro manila

Vistaland International Marketing, Inc. (VIMI) is the international marketing division of Vista Land. Aiming to provide OFWs and migrant Filipinos a home in the Philippines, VIMI has established long-lasting relationships with brokers and clients around the world.

Get started with your property investments! Contact us today and follow our social media accounts: Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Ending the 97-year drought

It has been years since the Philippines won a medal in the Olympic Games. Before weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz got the historical gold medal in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, there were 7 bronze medals and 3 silver medals won by hard working Filipino athletes.

In this article, you’ll know more about the Olympics, Philippine’s participation in the Olympics, and most importantly why the gold medal of Hidilyn Diaz in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games made the whole nation proud.

Philippines at the Olympics

The Philippines began participating at the Olympic Games in 1924 held in Paris, France. It’s also the first country in the Southeast Asia region to compete. Since its initial participation in the Olympic Games, there were 8 Filipino athletes who brought home seven bronze and two silver medals.

Who was the first Filipino Olympian?

David Nepomuceno

David Nepomuceno was a runner and was the sole representative of the country at the 1924 Summer Olympic competition held in Amsterdam, Netherlands. In 1928, four years after the country joined the Olympics, Teofilo Yldefonso of Team Philippines won its first bronze medal in swimming. After the win, the country consistently won medals mainly in the athletics and boxing competition and  was ultimately brought to a halt until 1996.

On July 26, 2021, after more than two decades of relentless efforts to win a medal, Hidilyn Diaz made the headline of every newspaper and magazine when she won gold in the women’s 55kg weightlifting competition.

Who is Hidilyn Diaz?

Hidilyn Diaz

You may know her as the first Filipina that made history to win gold in the Olympics, but did you know that she hails from Asia’s Latin City, Zamboanga City? Here is a brief segment from her early life at home and education up to her participation in the 2016 Rio Olympics and the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

Early life

The Filipino airwoman and weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz was born on February 20, 1991. She is the fifth child of Eduardo and Emelita Diaz; her father was a tricycle driver, then became a farmer, and then a fisherman. She grew up wanting to be a banker and enjoyed playing basketball and volleyball. She learned weightlifting basics from her cousin Allen Jayfrus Diaz which we didn’t know sparked the enthusiasm for weightlifting.

Education

Diaz studied computer science at the Universidad de Zamboanga, where she earned a bachelor’s degree, but she stopped attending the university in her third year after finding her degree unsuitable for her. She even noted that studying distracted her training. 

The weightlifter Diaz then continues her tertiary education and plans to study sports in Manila in the wake of her weightlifting Rio Olympics success in 2016. After winning the Asian Games, Diaz received a scholarship from De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde to study business management. In 2018, she took a leave from school to focus on her Olympic preparation in weightlifting. Diaz re-enrolled for online classes in 2020, since the Summer Games were rescheduled to July 2021.

Military Career

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) recruited Diaz through its Direct Enlistment Program in 2013. She was initially assigned to the Air Force Special Service Group. She also received a Specialty Code in recreational weightlifting. 

In 2014, Diaz gained the rank of Airwoman Second Class, was awarded the Military Merit Medal for organizing PAF events and was awarded the Presidential Citation Unit Badge. PAF recognized her accomplishments at the Olympics by giving her a promotion. 

Details of the promotion, which initially remained classified, were later revealed to be first class. Diaz was promoted to Airwoman Sergeant after her performance at the 2018 Asian Games. 

Goal setting

The 58-kg weightlifting division was her first Olympics, where she competed as the youngest competitor. 

During the 2016 Rio Olympics, Diaz won a silver medal in the women’s 53-kg weightlifting class, ending the Philippines’ 20-year medal drought. On top of her silver medal, she was also named Athlete of the Year by the Philippine Sportswriters Association on February 14, 2017.

At the 2020 Summer Olympic Games for women’s weightlifting, Diaz won the Philippines’ first Olympic gold medal, setting an Olympic record by lifting 224 kilograms in the women’s 55kg weightlifting category. 

Hidilyn Diaz’ Achievements in Weightlifting

Hidilyn Diaz in tokyo 2020

She represents all aspiring women that no matter what people have to say about your skills, as long as you trust the process and believe in yourself, you will be rewarded according to your efforts.

Historic Accomplishment

97 years later, Hidilyn Diaz wins the coveted gold medal at the women’s 55kg weightlifting competition at the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics. She came a long way; from learning and training hard amidst facing personal adversities, she got back up and went for the gold. 

Gold Prizes for the Olympic Gold Medalist

As a reward for her hard work, Hidilyn Diaz will receive at least 33 million pesos. A prize worthy of her efforts to bring glory and pride to the Philippines. According to Republic Act No. 10699 known as the “National Athletes, Coaches And Trainers Benefits And Incentives Act”, Hidilyn Diaz is entitled to ten million pesos to be issued from the PSC.

Diaz will also receive ten million pesos each from Philippine tycoons Ramon S. Ang and Manny V. Pangilinan. Her hometown, Zamboanga City, also pledged to give her 2.5 million pesos.

Moreover, Hidilyn Diaz has a house and lot in Tagaytay waiting for her from Abraham Tolentino, the President of the Philippines Olympic Committee (POC), a residential condo, and a lifetime of free flights from AirAsia.

Truly, blessings upon blessings. Team Philippines is surely proud of how far the humble athlete has accomplished.

In line with this, there are also other Filipino Olympic athletes such as Carlos Yulo (Gymnastics), Margielyn Didal (Skateboarding), and Nesthy Petecio (Boxing) and many more that deserve our support and recognition.


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Vistaland International Marketing, Inc. (VIMI) is the international marketing division of Vista Land. Aiming to provide OFWs and migrant Filipinos a home in the Philippines, VIMI has established long-lasting relationships with brokers and clients around the world.

Get started with your property investments! Contact us today and follow our social media accounts: Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn

Sometimes we choose to stay indoors, sometimes the bad weather, an illness or other circumstances make it necessary for us to spend time indoors. Regardless of the reason, staying at home has become a joy for indoor sessions.  

However, because of circumstances brought by COVID-19, many outdoor gatherings were prohibited. Even essential things such as work where you’re needed in the field.

Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) had it rough too. They faced several challenges from staying too long abroad such as running out of emergency funds, yearning for their children, and going through homesickness.

With these changes, we don’t have a choice but to stay inside our homes and think of something we can use our day and time wisely and also be productive for the rest of the day.

Speaking of homes, check out our featured house and lot developer in the Philippines that’s widely known among the OFW community: Camella Homes.

Camella Homes started out as a simple house and lot developer to a blossoming home builder known to deliver quality a house and lot for sale in the Philippines. With their modern selection of homes that have more space, your children can surely grow up and enjoy living comfortably in a self-sustaining township.

Creative Things to Do At Home

While dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic or other life event making you stay inside your home, think of the resources you have and try to maximize and do the best out of them.

We have arranged a list of fun ideas and exercises to do at home to better appreciate your condo living. A few of them are truly fun within the sense simply will unquestionably have a great time doing them whereas the others will be energizing as they are modern and will empower you to create modern recollections whereas doing them.

Indoor Activities in Your Condo for the Whole Family

Since the COVID-19 pandemic struck, it was a new working and living environment. Especially for the children. They easily get restless and would often want to spend time outdoors with other children in their age group.

However, indoor activities can be a lot of fun for families. You just have to think outside the box and keep it simple when it comes to indoor action. In which the whole family will enjoy and as well as forming a strong bond together. There are websites such as Pinterest where you can get more DIY projects and unique ideas to do with your children.

Plan a Picnic

If your family misses outdoor picnics, you’ll be able to bring this mid-year movement into your terrace instep! Begin by planning a conventional outing lunch like sandwiches, natural products, and potato chips. Stack everything into a bushel and bring it to your outing goal, whether it’s a cover on the garden or a yard table. Your family will have something to talk about and a dosage of vitamin D.

Build an Indoor Labyrinth

Create a puzzling path inside your home using chairs, pillows, or any available materials and create simple patterns similar to children’s board games. Your kids will surely love this kind of game! Make sure that the items you’re going to use in making obstacles won’t hurt anybody who’ll participate in the game.

Learn Cooking

Kids particularly cherish making pie, pastries, and pizza since they can squish the mixture with their fingers. When the baking and cooking is done, sit back and appreciate a bite with a nearby drink.

Star Gazing

To start this fun outdoor activity, download a star chart from the web. At that point select one spot in your yard that manages a clear view of the sky, and wander outside to observe how the night sky changes each day.

Indoor Camping

Longing for the great outdoors? Campgrounds may be closed, but you can improvise a camp set up in your condo! Set up cover fortifications or tents, tell a short story around a “fire” (candles or light), and eat snacks like s’mores. This idea is great for children since you’re basically taking the outdoor action right in your condo.


Indoor Activities in Your Condo for Solo Condo Living

No matter your circumstance, it’s critical to require time for yourself in a way that’s important to you. With the raging pandemic, community lockdowns are bound to happen anytime. So why not do something outside your comfort zone yet within the safety of your condo in the Philippines? Alone time can be mentally mending. Isolation in your condo home can kickstart your imagination, grant your point of view, or rest your mind.

Paint Your Story

Choose a paintbrush. You don’t have to be a present-day da Vinci to appreciate the portrayal. Get a glass of water, a little paint, and a canvas or paper. Get your hands dirty. Your push will reduce with each stroke. Being an artist doesn’t require good canvas skills. Just start painting to release yourself. This mini art class for yourself can be quite a stress reliever and a great medium to channel your emotions. Don’t want to paint? There are adult coloring books in the market that’ll surely take your mind off things.

Time To Tune

It doesn’t matter if it’s on vinyl, a cassette, or gushed from Spotify. Turning on your favorite music can boost your temperament and help you in distress. One of the great things about listening to music is that you can have your own dance party right in your living room.

Improve Your Closet

Rearranging your closet can help you to focus on what you cherish, need, or require. Reorganizing by season, color, or cut can offer assistance and give a new viewpoint, and tidying up will make you feel way better about yourself and your environment.

Learn to Meditate

While there are numerous diverse approaches to meditate, preparing the mind can have far-reaching benefits for individual association. If you’re fairly getting started, apps like Headspace or Calm give guided contemplations, shifting in length and center.

Compose a Passage in Your Journal

We’re living through a critical minute in history. As overwhelming the everyday news and vulnerability of the pandemic can be, journaling your contemplations and encounters will be particularly important to look back for a long time down the street. Also, the physical handle of putting your feelings and viewpoint down on paper can be greatly cathartic.

Make a Scrapbook

Take a trip down memory lane and have yourself a crafter at noon at the same time. A scrapbook can also be a photo book or photo album with your children and family.

Looking back at upbeat times will warm your heart, whereas planning page formats and cutting page extras will provide you a reflective center.


Virtual Activities To Do in Your Condo

The COVID-19 widespread has changed the conventional ways of working. It caused critical disturbances over different businesses, driving companies to embrace elective strategies to remain above water. With the physical occasions getting to be a removed plausibility, the virtual occasions have taken over.

Virtual occasions give an internet stage that connects all players in a web environment, completely breaking up the imperatives of physical environments. 

They become important devices particularly when companies have delegations in completely different places, or when the occasion involves an expansive number of participants partaking who are working remotely.

Virtual events have changed groups: webinars, virtual preparing sessions, video conferences, webcasts, online conferences, and group building exercises.

Having limited space inside your condo unit will hinder your plan from doing physical pursuits. So here are some indoor activities that you can do virtually.

Playing Online Games

In any case, online gaming can be positive for youthful individuals. Recreations require a level of interaction and ability from the player; not at all like observing tv, which is more inactive. Diversions can be a concern for guardians and instructors, but playing diversions can moreover have useful impacts for children and youthful individuals.

Games are very attractive and require a higher level of accidents, troubleshooting, and patience. Most games require a strategy that understands the rules and works within them. All matches offer a combination of internal and external compensation.

Contrary to popular belief, online games can actually help develop children’s sense of unity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills through constant communication. It also provides children with the opportunity to practice their communication and conflict resolution skills.

Watching With Friends

The timely launch of Netflix Party, now known as Teleparty, allows users to stream TV shows and movies with friends and family. The Google Chrome extension also includes a chat room for users to talk to each other, or you can run a separate video or voice app in the background for those who are more tech-savvy.

It is also particularly useful for coordinating virtual meetings because it synchronizes shows or movies for everyone through links, so if one person clicks the pause button, the others will also pause.

Even if you can’t go to the movies or invite family to watch movies, that doesn’t mean you can’t spend a movie night together with your parents or loved ones. Try to use social apps that can share your screen with them such as Zoom or Facebook Messenger app.

Learn Cooking Online

Many people treat cooking as a hobby and some show off their new cooking skills by posting photos of freshly baked bread, cakes, and cookies on social media. But through a video calling social media app to help you and your friends baked together, making cooking a shared experience has never been easier.

Work-out With Friends

Although the public can exercise outdoors, why not exercise at home with friends to stay motivated? Video calls make it easy for multiple friend groups to exercise together, whether it’s an energizing Zumba dance or a relaxing yoga class.

Of course, exercise can also improve your physical health and physique, improve your abdominal circumference, improve your lifestyle, and maintain a long and healthy life. However, it does not motivate most people to stay active.

People who exercise regularly give a huge sense of well-being and tend to do so. They feel more energetic all day, sleep better at night, have clearer memories, and feel more relaxed and positive about themselves and their lives. It also reduces stress and boredom, improves memory, helps with a good night’s sleep, and improves overall mood.

And you don’t have to be a fitness fanatic to get the benefits. Studies show that the right amount of exercise can make a big difference. Regardless of your age and fitness level, you can learn to use exercise as a powerful tool to address your mental health challenges, improve your energy and outlook, and enrich your lifestyle.

Connect With Your Family

Having good friendships, relationships, and social connections with family plays an important role in caring for our health. Taking steps to separate yourself and socially distance you can begin to feel that you are out of contact with society. It hurts our mood. 

Therefore, it is more important than ever to stay connected to your loved ones while staying away from the effects of coronavirus infection.

OFWs have already spent enough time alone and away from their family in the Philippines. And in situations where you can’t meet your relatives and children in person, video calling on the phone can help bridge the gap. 

Organizing regular updates can give you something to look forward to and can also help you increase the structure of your day.

Opening Up to Your Family

Naturally, all kinds of emotions will be felt during these trying times. Sharing each other’s feelings can help them better understand and manage their feelings. 

By talking about your feelings, you may find that you can share different ways of thinking and get different perspectives. You can also reduce feelings of loneliness about yourself and get helpful advice from your family members that you trust.

During times of trouble in a place or even isolated under the same roof, stress, anxiety, and even depression are likely to begin to take over.

If it happens to you, know that it is normal, especially in chaotic situations. It is equally important to listen to each other. Listening with compassion and understanding can be very comforting.


Is condo living good for families? Talk to Vistaland International!

Generally speaking, condo living is great for families. While it may not be for everyone, condos for sale in the Philippines usually have enough room for families to do their task or routine activity for the day.

There are several real estate developers in the Philippines that offer property investments such as a pre-selling condo for sale and a ready for occupancy condo for sale. These condos for sale have spacious rooms and essential amenities such as convenience stores within the community where condo residents live conveniently close to.

For more information, use our property navigation tab to browse through condos for sale in various regions of the Philippines.

Contact Vistaland International, Marketing Inc. with any concerns you have in buying a property. We are more than happy to assist you.


Vistaland International Marketing, Inc. (VIMI) is the international marketing division of Vista Land. Aiming to provide OFWs and migrant Filipinos a home in the Philippines, VIMI has established long-lasting relationships with brokers and clients around the world.

Get started with your property investments! Contact us today and follow our social media accounts: Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn

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