Philippine real estate today is more than just an investment. The local housing market has surged amid the pandemic as homes turned into sanctuaries for homebound people who seek the comfort of a work-from-home setup, while others sought new places to live where they can experience life at their doorstep.

SM Development Corporation (SMDC), the country’s leading real estate developer, unveils Jade Residences, a groundbreaking development that reimagines living spaces to enhance residents' well-being. Bright lights. Skyscrapers. Vibrant life. Makati City is everyone's dream city to live in. It is bustling and is filled with adventurous, goal-oriented individuals who are looking for one thing: a space where creativity can thrive and a holistic lifestyle can be achieved. Drawing inspiration from modern East Asian style, SMDC’s Jade Residences showcases an Oriental design, and a fusion of the color of Jade with neutral and classic earth tones, and accents from ornately designed wall murals. Jade Residences sets out to explore the profound impact of creative and open spaces on the wellness and relaxation of its residents. The property’s design concept harmoniously blends nature, functionality, and aesthetic appeal, creating an environment that nurtures both the body and the mind. These design choices aim to create an atmosphere that promotes emotional well-being and a sense of self-connection, as it redefines the Makati skyline. At SMDC’s Jade Residences, the deliberate incorporation of the gemstone’s attributes into the property’s design provides residents with a unique and enhanced living environment. The presence of jade-inspired elements throughout the development, such as decorative accents and art installations in its public spaces and lounge areas, fosters an ambiance of balance, tranquility, and positive energy. The concept behind the development is to provide a living space that not only exudes effortless elegance but also a sanctuary where they can disconnect and experience the holistic benefits of putting one’s wellness first. And these well-designed spaces and greeneries are perfect for nurturing the mind, body, and soul. SMDC’s Jade Residences boasts of delicately designed spaces unlike any other. The Tea Lounge’s relaxing and serene ambiance will allow residents to connect with each other through stories and some light snacks. The yoga deck, meditation deck, and garden pools will enable one to relax under the sun, with the breeze, and the sounds of flowing waters. If you are looking for ways to incorporate healing and relaxation into your life, the sauna area and the lighted pool lounge deck are just right for you. And for residents seeking a place for entertainment with friends and family, Jade Residences’ sophisticated and well-equipped Media Lounge, Game Lounge and Music Lounge are the perfect spots to unwind and socialize. Apart from these amenities, SMDC’s Jade Residences is a promising investment that offers high returns. For investors, being located in the Makati CBD makes the property accessible and convenient, making the units highly rentable and profitable. For homeowners, its proximity to schools, offices, commercial establishments, and creative spaces like museums and galleries make it a really conducive area to live in. SMDC’s Jade Residences, with its impeccably designed spaces, and intentional focus on well-being, goes beyond providing mere shelter and instead offers residents an immersive and transformative living experience.

Working from home used to be a fantasy for most. Not anymore. It comes with a slew of predicaments: the need for a reliable internet connection to prevent untoward interruptions; the constant search for Zoom-worthy backgrounds for never-ending discussions that could’ve just been emailed; the gasp for open and safe spaces for quick breathers; and so on and so forth. Running a business remotely adds up to the myriad of challenges the modern entrepreneur faces. Some of the country’s most inspiring business persons who have transformed themselves and their businesses share their secrets to success. Rhoda Campos-Aldanese, Beauty Scout founder “Managing a business from home] can be challenging as the work-and-home-life balance is disrupted. Aside from thinking about how to gain exponential growth, we now have to navigate as well that sense of imbalance. It is really important to think of wellness. You need to keep your mind sharp and your body fit as well. It’s good to be in an environment that enables you to live and work well.” Winston Llamas, Wilbros Entertainment Inc. president and Wholemart Philippines CEO “As an entertainment and concert company, our concerts and events got shut down when the pandemic hit. So we had to focus on other possible areas, such as international talents acquisition. Whatever the situation is, always look at the bright side. Instead of giving up and closing down, we were able to pivot and focus on other things.” Kris Lawrence, Champ Tailors Inc. co-founder “During the early stages of the pandemic, I was live-streaming and doing Zoom concerts. I also endorsed fashionable PPE’s, or essential fashion, for a garments factory, which eventually got shut down. But my friends and I decided to ‘save’ the factory. That’s how Champ Tailors was born. Today we create export-quality merchandise. It’s important to look for partners who complement your strengths. Also, build your own, personal sanctuary.” These modern entrepreneurs gamely shared their experiences and expertise at a recent virtual roundtable discussion brought by SM Development Corporation (SMDC), which also launched SMDC’s newest property that caters to the needs of people working from home.