YES, own a home in the Philippines and help improve the economy of our country. That’s the central message of Mike Gaviola when he spoke to the Filipino-American Community of Seattle. Gaviola, president of Philippine Properties Center, Inc. (PPCI), mounted a nine-day road show to Oak Harbor, Bremerton, Tukwila, Tacoma, Marysville, and Portland in Oregon. Organizers of the road show were John Hilotin, Inday Aquino, Ed Ballares, Tess Ramos, Antonio Remoroza, and Annabel Lumauig.

I have watched Gaviola present many, many times and every time, I can’t help but be proud of how Crown Asia and D.O. Plaza contribute to the Philippine economy. “Alam mo ba Romy na we have sold $250 million worth of properties in the Philippines?” Gaviola told me in an interview. “Because of what we do, we were instrumental in creating jobs for the Filipinos. Malaki ang naging bahagi ng mga Pilipino sa ibang bansa sa pag-unlad ng economy sa Pilipinas. The peso has gained significant strength in the world market. The rate of exchange now in the Philippines is good for the Filipinos although it affects a lot of Filipinos who regularly send money to the Philippines. But we do understand that the current rate of exchange of pesos is good for our country.”

Equally stirring was a portion in Gaviola’s presentation showing a clip produced by the Department of Tourism. It featured stars like Ogie Alcasid and Sharon Cuneta inviting Filipinos abroad to visit the country and help build the economy. I was told the celebrities did not get paid for their endorsements. Very nationalistic indeed.

More than just building houses

For his part Gaviola pointed out that “Crown Asia delivers not mere projects, but markers of progress since by improving the quality of life of its market profiles, Crown Asia affords the country the ballast of hope and the impetus for sustained socio-economic growth.”

He added that Crown Asia is developing an upgraded line of residential community projects. “Each of these properties is a combination of strategic location and wisely planned land use, offering diverse opportunities integrated into single, self-contained environmentally responsible community.”

What makes Crown Asia properties unique is the way in which it provides homes with “designs of enduring excellence and recognized value” and weds this with cultivating an active community life it hopes will foster values and goodwill among homeowners. In addition, it is especially proud of the caliber of its staff. “For Crown Asia, it has never been about building houses – it has always been about building homes for the family and for countries others across the nation.”

Balikbayan Blues

Certainly, many Filipino families who migrated to the United States sold their houses so that they could use the money to start their new life. After many years of working in the United States, they face a new dilemma when they decide to go home for a vacation. Because they have no place to stay, they often accept the invitation of relatives to share their homes. That’s usually the time balikbayans realize the need to own their own home in the Philippines.

Because of our culture, balikbayans are constrained to repay the hospitality of their relatives. Therefore, as part of the planned visit to the old country, balikbayans begin saving up for pasalubongs. They start looking out for sales.

Back home, they realize that since they live in the States and earn in dollars, they are deemed more affluent by relatives and are therefore expected to be taya when it comes to paying the bills, whether it’s dining out, sightseeing or shopping.

Finally, when it’s time to return to the States, halos nahubaran na ang pobreng balikbayan. Nahingi na ang pantalon at T-shirt na gamit nya, ang sapatos na suot niya, ang relos, at sunglass na pang-display niya, at ang natira na lamang ay ang kanyang brief or panty, bra, at sando. Wala namang masabi ang pobreng balikbayan dahil sila ay nagmagandang loob na patirahin ka sa kanilang tahanan.

Good or bad, that’s Filipino culture.

Investing in a home back home

So the answer may be to invest in one’s own home in the Philippines. Nowadays, there are so many property developers in the Philippines. Mga kabayan, be sure to check the location, the existing conditions, future developments, etc., before you buy any kind of property. There’s a con man in every crowd, sa States man o sa Pinas so be forewarned. Baka mabentahan kayo ng property na libre ilaw at tubig, yun pala ang pinagbili sa inyo ay yung kalye na may poste ng ilaw at fire hydrant.

When I was in Manila March of this year, I visited the site of Presidio at Britanny Bay, Sucat. The property is luxurious and stylish, cooled by the mountain air of Sierra Madre range to the East and the refreshing breeze from the Laguna De Bay. The community of 16 condominium towers and commercial areas will offer stunning vistas of shimmering waters and distant mountains.

As for Crown Asia, Gaviola asserted that their company boasts of “long years of experience in building flourishing lived-in communities.” As such, Crown Asia has mastered the art of listening and paying attention to its customers’ needs. He concluded: “Just ask any of the more than 20,000 families who are now Crown Asia homeowners.”

Contact the Crown Asia marketing group of Washington at 206.835.1482 or 206.508.1654. Or email phildreams06@yahoo.com