The Freedom to Live Life as You’ve Imagined It to Be

This article was initially featured in the Inquirer Mobile App on September 2, 2023 authored by Vaughn Alviar

The real estate market is witnessing the emergence of a new breed of homebuyers—a young, driven set with distinct needs and wants in their living spaces, and with tastes that have evolved, thanks to the passing of time and the attendant changes in society.

Agile and visionary builders like luxury developer Shang Properties Inc. see that exciting change and yearn to capitalize on it with outstanding creativity and workmanship. Now, the company is brimming with pride as it offers fresh products that appeal to this emerging category of the market, which is only expected to further grow in number in the coming years.

Remarkable additions

Shang Properties’ illustrious portfolio now touts two new remarkable additions: Haraya Residences in the up-and-coming economic hub called Bridgetowne Estate, and Laya by Shang Properties in the vibrant Oranbo district of Pasig City.

If you reimagine a posh gated community for the vertical setting, instead of the traditional horizontal one, you would come up with something like Haraya. It positions itself as a “vertical gated village for the modern era.”

Haraya, which takes its name from the old Filipino term for “imagination,” will first deliver 558 condominium units through South Tower, one of the two towers. Unit cuts include one- to three-bedroom units, with sizes ranging from 60 to 187 sqm.

Laya, meanwhile, offers itself as a blank canvas or a blank page where dwellers can create their own story. The 67-story development rising on Christian Route promises what its name signifies as Laya is another Filipino term that means freedom, liberty and independence—concepts that Filipinos and youngsters can easily warm up to. It offers 1,283 studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom units, with sizes ranging from 33 to 149 sqm.

Luxury in the details

Both Haraya and Laya carry the marks of Shang’s touted pursuit of luxury in the details, i.e., in the choices it ended up with as early as the design stages, as well as the artisanal skill and unprecedented refinement proudly reflected by the finishings.

At Laya, younger generations will love how the provisions cover their modern demand in utilities, facilitate their self-expression, and respect their desire for the multifaceted life. Haraya’s Italian-style loggias are not only aesthetic but are also practical—they extend the living space outdoors. As the building is designed with curves, the windows of the units curve outward to provide unparalleled views of the metropolis.

You also see the touches that differentiate Shang products in the amenities that unapologetically send a message of privilege and exclusivity. At Haraya, the outdoor amenities that include swimming pools, a Jacuzzi and a garden cover 2,500 sqm of space. Indoor amenities include The Playroom, The Library, The Lounge and The Lobby Lounge, and The Gym, with Changing Rooms and Sauna.

Laya gives dwellers access to a combined 2,800-plus sqm of amenities on Level 11 and 382 sqm more on Level 12. Among the amenities are the swimming pool; the Fitness or Yoga Studios; as well as the productivity area, The Studio, The Library and The Workspace.

Central location

While Haraya and Laya give the impression of homes far removed from the hustle and bustle, both are centrally located.

Bridgetowne Estate, where Haraya rises, is a 31-ha masterplanned community hosting modern offices, residences, hotels, retail spaces, recreational quarters and more. The estate is also located along major routes like C-5 Road and Ortigas Avenue. Meanwhile, Laya is on a corner of Pasig that makes it neighbors with reputable hospitals and schools, as well as world class commercial centers and corporate headquarters. Outside your own abode are spaces to work, play and rest, too.

Haraya and Laya successfully interpret the Shang advantage–which has long endeared the company to generations of Filipinos–for this new and upcoming breed of young, discerning homebuyers.