Covent Garden by Claire

We got this during the preselling period. After waiting for it, I’d say it was worth it.

The building itself is nice, though one tower and the pool area are still being built. We’ll have to see what it looks like a few years from now. Our child rents a new 24-square-metre studio there for PHP 18,800, including operating costs. Water and electricity are extra. The standard furniture is partly furnished, which seems reasonable for the Philippines. It comes with a cold-water shower and a monobloc air-conditioning unit. To keep the room comfortable, that unit has to run all the time on its highest cooling setting. It seems undersized to me, and it’s so loud it sounds like the bearings are damaged. Maybe it was a freebie from the building company to the apartment buyer. With the aircon running about 16 hours a day, the monthly electricity bill was PHP 7,000. After cutting back its operating hours, it’s around PHP 2,500. Water is about PHP 250 a month.

From the upper floors, you get spectacular views of Manila Bay and the city skyline. This is one of the newest high-rise residential addresses along Manila’s university belt, with modern facilities and an easy location for people studying or working in the city. It’s on a main road near the MRT station and SM mall, which is handy for commuters. The number of residents compared with the facilities is low, so the elevators, gyms, pools, and other shared areas shouldn’t feel crowded. It looks set to be one of the more luxurious places to live in this busy city.

We’re happy with the locations and amenities in the Empire East community. Their units are trending and reliable, with high quality standards. A winner!