Wednesday, August 22, 2007 Living full, ideal lives at Toscana
TOSCANA, the flourishing Italian-inspired subdivision developed by pioneer master-planned developer, Communities Philippines, is fast becoming the living community of choice.
In less than two years since it first opened its doors to homebuyers, Toscana is now close at the heels of its sister subdivision, Solariega, as another emerging lived-in community.
It carries with it the unmistakable brand of Communities Philippines, whose every development swiftly evolves into thriving communities sought-after by homebuyers.
Located along Libby road at the Puan Junction in Talomo, Davao City, Toscana proves itself to be the perfect setting for families looking for a haven to live fulfilling lives. Three Toscana homeowners share their gratifying stories of how they found their own personal haven in this wonderful place they now call home.
Couple's Dream Nest
When Arnold and Anna Liza Cox first saw Toscana, it had just been launched with nary a structure in sight. They were greeted by verdant greens, a pleasantly cool environment, and a magnificent view of Mt. Apo. The couple immediately fell in love with the place and after over a year, eagerly moved into their new home.
A retired worker from Norwich, England, Arnold has been married to Anna Liza of Bunawan for over a year now. They have been searching for a place to settle down and proudly call their dream home.
"We used to rent a house in the southern part of the city, but we never felt we belonged there. The house was closed-in with concrete fences and grills, and we never got to talk to any of our neighbors," Arnold recalled.
Asked what propelled them to choose Toscana over other subdivisions, Anna Liza emphatically said, "Good location, cool climate, and beautiful, natural surrounding, not to mention a spectacular mountain view. The attractive house designs are already a bonus."
Arnold reveled in the countryside feel of the subdivision and particularly liked that the houses had no perimeter fences. "It reminds me of the houses in my home country. Without fences, it's easier to get to know your neighbors and be friends with them, making us feel like we’re one big happy family," he remarked.
With ideal living conditions, Arnold and Anna Liza enjoy their days in Toscana in laidback style. "It's a good retired lifestyle. The ambiance here is very nice and peaceful, a perfect backdrop for our dream house and our lifestyle. Anyone who lives here should be happy here," Arnold said.
The couple was so proud and pleased with their house that they have become Property Executives of Communities Philippines. The vote of confidence is borne out of the couple's delight over their property, and from their trust in the company's good name and reputation.
Arnold is also pleased about the investment side of his purchase. "It will cost at least P15 million to have a house like this in England. I know I got the best value for my investment in Toscana. That's another reason why I'm very proud of this house," he concluded.
Place to reinvent one's self
Moving in to Toscana was very poignant for 32-year-old Reynante Honrada, a Computer Programming student now working part-time. The moment he finished unpacking and setting everything up, he felt he was a new person living a new life.
Reynante used to live in a relocation site in the north, in tight living conditions in a totally different surrounding. "It was therefore with a great sense of achievement that I transferred here. It made me feel that I moved up in life. The way I see life has changed, and I felt I myself have changed – for the better," he said.
His bachelor's pad at Toscana is one of the four properties he acquired with a business partner, a British national who came to Davao a few years back to climb Mt. Apo with him. When they saw Toscana for the first time, they were both so enamored by it that they hatched up a plan to invest in it.
"We went to a lot of other subdivisions, but we chose Toscana. He liked the houses, landscaping, location, and especially the view of Mt. Apo. It's cooler here and the location is just right – you feel you are outside the city but it is close enough when you want to go there," he said.
It helped their decision to know the developer was Communities Philippines, because Reynante knew the company as a reliable, well-established developer with a solid track record.
Now Reynante enjoys the rewards of all his efforts by taking delight in his morning jogs around Toscana, taking in the beauty of its natural surroundings, as well as making friends with his neighbors.
Haven for the Future
Young businessman Andrew Alipio is as savvy about business as he is about his future home. Being a clinical instructor at the Davao Merchant Marine Academy College of Southern Philippines and handling his family's business of selling surplus vehicles have made him wiser than his 26 years.
"I currently live in my office so I'm very excited to move in my own house in Toscana soon. I am improving my house's interior to suit my taste," Andrew said.
Andrew found Toscana's location very convenient, being close to his work and place of business. Commuting is easy as public transportation is accessible even late at night. He also liked that the area is quiet, the surroundings are beautiful, and the view is great.
Although he has no plans of getting hitched soon, he says his new abode will be a perfect home for his future family. He intends to live a simple but full lifestyle, and considers Toscana, with its quiet and scenic surroundings, as the perfect setting for that.
