The Villa Staycation at La Verti Residences

The building has great views, but the guest rules were unclear and seemed to change without explanation. The curfew was first 11 p.m., then suddenly 7 p.m. Some guests got in without checks, while others were stopped at the gate and treated with suspicion. There are lots of rules and violation tickets that the condo owner has to sign just to let guests in. Even a visitor who has just returned from buying something at a shop may have to sign in for a new visitor pass. One security guard, the one in the picture, was rude several times. Most of the guards were friendly, but this one looked at me in a hostile way while my guest was signing in and spoke to me in Tagalog. It made us uncomfortable, and I don’t think someone who behaves that way should work in security. Guests also have to pay a strange 224 pesos fee and sign another form to use the pool. There’s no garbage chute on the floor, so we had to take our trash bags down in the elevator. Those last two things are minor inconveniences, but if security is a serious concern, they should install a modern keycard system instead of using outdated, intrusive procedures. There’s no motorbike parking either, and the only parking option, at the hospital, costs almost 500 PHP for 24 hours. With so little privacy, I’d think twice about staying here again.

The penthouse gave us a great view of the city, especially at night, and the bar on the deck made it even cooler. The location is handy too: there’s a 711 beside the condo, fast food near the bus terminal, and the terminals are to the left of the towers. MoA is only a few minutes away by ride. Is this really the heart of Pasay? Not sure. 😂

Parking can be a problem if you’re visiting with your own car. There’s free WiFi in the lobby where you can contact a Grab, and pedicabs and tricycles are easy to find outside the gates. Shopwise, Harrison Plaza and Cash & Carry are only a few minutes away. It’s a very nice place, but the neighborhood and the narrow roads outside the lot aren’t great. If you’re on a lower floor, passing LRT trains may be noisy. Noise-resistant windows and balcony sliding doors could help muffle the street sounds.

The condo is very spacious, and the rooms are okay. The views are good too, looking out toward the Makati skyline and the bay.