The pandemic has drawn focus to our homes and the communities we are in. With limited mobility, we gained greater appreciation for what our own neighborhoods have to offer. This appreciation was pronounced among some condominium dwellers as their immediate community is made up of literally their “next-door” neighbors, as well as the staff that keep their little village running.
The pandemic kept most of us in our houses, but it also kept some of us from returning to theirs. This unfortunate circumstance became a shining bayanihan moment for condo residents as they invoked their sense of (comm)unity in the middle of a crisis.
From self to others: Real stories
As most of the security personnel and maintenance staff of various condominium communities struggled while being away from their families, residents launched into action.
A resident of San Lorenzo Place in Makati City campaigned for donations among her community to provide food and toiletries for all the staff who continue to work every day to care for the property. Other residents whole-heartedly lent their household items like rice cookers, utensils, blankets, and pillows to the affected workers.
A homeowner in Pioneer Woodlands in Mandaluyong City raised Php20,000 worth of contributions from the whole association to give to their “frontliners.” This amount was used to buy about two months’ worth of food and other necessities.
In Pasig City, donation boxes were strategically placed at the lobbies of all towers at The Rochester. Residents dropped off clothes, rice, canned goods, and toiletries for the community guards and personnel as the residents witnessed their persistence in giving continued service despite the office's work cancellations.
A property owner in Cambridge Village in Pasig-Cainta initiated a feeding activity for its guards and other staff. Because of this, other homeowners followed suit by organizing donations that included food and vitamins.
It can be said that the pandemic shifted one's focus from self-centered survival to community survival because of the collective thought that “this fight is everyone's."
From "Sariling Tahanan" to "Bayanihan"
All of the above were actual stories of generosity and unity among residents of various Empire East properties. It is truly inspiring to know that while the homeowners chose their homes based on their personal wants and needs, having a home within a condominium community makes one aware of the needs of others.
Empire East residents now enjoy the beautiful realization that anyone could depend on a kind and friendly neighborhood, especially during trying times. In the face of this pandemic, it has engaged its residents via their #commUNITYinaction campaign, giving everyone a stake in rising above this crisis.
Bayanihan is a concept that has been ingrained in Empire East. Now on its 26th anniversary, Empire East has been committed to constantly innovating, adapting ideas, and introducing concepts that have been game-changers in the real estate industry.
Empire East was the first and only company to allow in-house payment for as long as fifteen years, understanding every household's need to budget every month*. It also boldly implemented the Zero Downpayment scheme at the surprise of other industry players.
Empire East was also the first to introduce Transit-Oriented Developments or TODs which aim to bring everything closer to home to reduce time spent travelling. Empire East developments are strategically located, making it easier for homeowners to run errands, obtain daily essentials and services, go to work and come back home.
In the face of this global health crisis, Empire East properties implement proactive management by conducting temperature checks on guests and homeowners, putting up signage and guidelines, ensuring that CCTV cameras are working and guarded by the security and maintenance staff daily. Property administrations of some Empire East properties have partnered with local governments to set-up “mobile palengkes” in the communities. Through these efforts, homeowners need not to go outside the vicinity to get their basic necessities such as food and toiletries.
A home may come in different shapes and sizes, but the old saying is indeed true. Home is really where the heart is and it is truly evident and alive in a #commUNITYinaction.
Originally published on GMANetwork.com
Empire East Highland City
The Paddington Place
Mango Tree Residences
Kasara Urban Resort Residences
Covent Garden
The Rochester
Pioneer Woodlands
Little Baguio Terraces
San Lorenzo Place
