Balinese Sanctuary

A Bali in the city–this is how Truly Asia Artifacts president Sam Nathan foresees the latest resort-type residential development of DMCI Homes, Raya Garden Condominiums, which will rise in Merville, Parañaque by the end of the year.

DMCI Homes tapped the Singapore-born Balinese art expert as consultant for the interior and architectural design of the project, which will consist of three five-storey medium density buildings and two 15-storey towers.

The company, which is behind many of the country’s premiere residential projects, wanted all the Bali elements in Raya Garden Condominiums to be truly authentic to simulate the life and style found in the popular island resort.

"Raya Garden Condominiums will be the first Bali-inspired development of its kind in the Philippines," promises Nathan, who first worked as a buyer of Bali décor and furniture for a major Indonesian developer prior to heading his own arts and design company in the Philippines. He has spent 11 years in Bali where his interest in Balinese culture was further enhanced.

Truly Bali

Nathan projects Raya Garden Condominiums to be the closest thing there is to experiencing the Bali lifestyle.

"What makes this project different is that we made sure that all the design elements here really came from and are made in Bali," he says.

In fact, DMCI Homes is shelling out millions of pesos to import these authentic Balinese art objects.

Nathan points out that he has encountered many developments that claim to be Bali-inspired. "But those who know Bali culture will immediately detect that they are rather Thai or Singaporean with just a hint of Bali. Even their images of Buddha are not Balinese," he says.

Nathan explains that Balinese art and architecture takes its inspiration from, first and foremost, Hinduism. "As such, you can observe that Balinese carvings and the sculptures either depict human beings or their different gods," he says.

The carvings and sculptures are also unique in that they are all made by hand and not mass manufactured through moldings. "So you will notice that each art object is different," Nathan says.

These unique art pieces – like large stone murals, wooden sculptures, lamps and light fixtures, among others–find their way in Raya Garden Condominiums.

"Authentic Balinese stone and wood carvings, for example, will line Raya Garden Condominiums’ recreation area. There will also be beautiful wall ornaments inside the pavilions," Nathan says. It will also have sculptures of men and women welcoming guests into the clubhouse, which is a modernized archetype of a Bali pavilion.

The Balinese influence likewise spills over the garden, where plenty of Bali-made statues and sculptures will be found. There are also ponds with water lilies and lotuses, flowering plants that Nathan says are part of the Balinese’ offering to their gods. Trees and shrubbery complement this Bali tropical-inspired setting, with light fixtures, all made in Indonesia, sprucing it up.

"The sight will be very refreshing to the eyes," says Nathan.

Rest and recreation

The Bali influence will likewise be manifests in Raya Garden Condominiums’ various amenities and features. Nathan, in fact, says that the residential development is more akin to a hotel concept.

"Here, they will have homes where they can truly relax," he says.

The lotus pond, for instance, will be the ideal spot to have a moment’s peace and meditate, while the tropical sculpture garden with its lush greens is the perfect place to kick up one’s heels.

Then there’s the central recreation facility that includes the clubhouse that houses an audio-visual room, a bar, floating podium, reception lobby, fitness gym, an indoor dining hall, a TV lounge, and a viewing deck.

Raya Garden Condominiums also have comfortably-sized bedrooms (with the spare rooms easily convertible to entertainment or meditation areas), flexible floor plans that can accommodate a homeowner’s personal design or layout preferences, and private utility areas on the roof deck for storage and laundry, among others.

All its buildings contain single loaded corridors where units open up to an atrium or garden space and not a neighbor’s door, wide flights of stairs, and natural lighting and ventilation.

Raya Garden Condominiums is just one of the many development projects of DMCI Homes, the property development business unit of the D.M. Consunji Group of Companies, a recognized leader in the construction industry.

DMCI Homes offers a perfect balance of quality, location and price. Its resort-residential developments are the outcome of the demand for in-city residences that are both home and relaxing sanctuaries in the concrete jungle.

Its communities carry the seal of quality workmanship from mother company DM Consunji, Inc. – foremost builder of many five star hotels and royal palaces both here and abroad.

These developments are also located in close proximity to the commercial districts. They are to be found within the 25-kilometer radius of Makati, Ortigas or the Global City.

DMCI Homes projects are also conveniently available after a short construction period. They are ready for occupancy within six months and yet priced practically 50 to 70 percent lower than competition – a capability attributed to the fact that it is both contractor and developer of its residential communities.

They are also conveniently available after a short construction period, ready for occupancy within six months, and yet priced reasonably.

DMCI Homes developments also guarantee worry-free maintenance as the company takes care of the place, with minimal association dues.

The Raya Garden Condominiums model units are already up for viewing. For more information, call 888-3333 or visit www.dmcihomes.com.