In the time of looming skyscrapers, overcrowded cities, and the dreaded rush hour commute, personal space is a sacred concept often desecrated.

Humanity longs for space to breathe in. Over 100 million people now reside in the country, 1.65 million1 of which are in Manila, a large concentration in a capital where a number of business districts thrive and where living spaces are getting more and more cramped. As far as space is concerned, the statistics alone don’t leave much to be desired.

Although living in a concrete jungle has its perks, people find that over time, those advantages are greatly outnumbered. When you have toxic fumes and nauseating crowds as a downside, it’s definitely time to move out.

To the modern family, abundant provisions of space offer more than just a cure to one’s sanity; it allows comfort, an even-tempered kind of living where worries and anxiety are minimal. Sky Villas at One Balete offers exactly that. Ensconced within the tree-lined vicinity of New Manila, living at Sky Villas is a lot like living in an enclave within an urban setting.

“Yes, you feel that you’re in the city, but you’re really not. It’s not as densely populated. It’s not as crowded as living in the CBDs,” shares Andrew Alcid, CEO of Philippine Realty Holdings Corp., or PhilRealty, the developer behind Sky Villas and the One Balete complex.

Masterplanned to reflect the company’s age-old and time-tested principle of offering spacious living in intimate communities, Sky Villas features the company’s distinct heritage blended with the kind of luxury fostered by the New Manila commune.

Engineered and curated for multi-generational use, Sky Villas is made to resemble the gated mansions nestled within the pre-war district once known to house the country’s elite. In keeping with PhilRealty’s legacy of spacious living, the One Balete complex will house six towers, each targeting generations of families who live and understand what true luxury is. The complex will even house the One Balete Clubhouse, a highly accessible community center where families can relax inside amenities that include a library, a gym, a pool, and a spa. It will have function rooms, as well.

At Sky Villas, every unit is done using floor layouts well planned with minimal wastage. While most condos lack the generosity of space, Sky Villas has an open layout that’s perfect for creating social islands that feature intimate seating for conversation groupings within. You’ll find that every unit is highly functional with good utility provisions, circulation, wide storage spaces, and more. Not only does it have that, its floor to ceiling windows allow for cross ventilation and natural lighting. It definitely caters to couples or families who are looking to settle and enjoy comfort at the end of the day, after the hustle and bustle of daily life.

“When you enter a unit, you walk into an open layout living room and dining room, as well as a powder room that’s easily accessible to guests and is separate from the living space,” adds Alcid.

The living space is made up of 3 generous bedrooms with floor-to-ceiling bedroom closets and bathrooms equipped with Grohe and Kohler fixtures, including glass shower enclosures. The kitchen is also generous in space, and is fully fitted with SMEG appliances; it comes with an undermount double sink, two-door refrigerator, built-in oven, and a four burner cooktop and a range hood.

Andy also shares that, “For the utility space, we provided a pretty big maid’s room, with toilet and bath, and a drying area that features an air well. One thing we’re also proud of are the balconies that have glass and stainless steel railings—a feature that lets residents be one with the lush surroundings of the entire One Balete community.”

Bathrooms will also have dual point water heaters, allowing residents access to both hot and cold water straight from their sinks and showers. All in all, the package includes two parking spaces, SMEG kitchen appliances, 6 airconditioners, glass shower enclosures, and for the first year, a fire insurance valued at P2million for the inside and a P1-million accident insurance.

These are the elements integrated to the whole One Balete living experience; distinct features that elevate the feel of relaxing within a peaceful refuge away from the cramped qualities of city living.

[1] Population of the City of Manila stands at 1.65 million, Philippine Statistics Office, census-ncr1.ph, http://census-ncr1.ph/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=102%3Astatistics&Itemid=54