Last month, I was elated to receive an e-mail invitation from Dino Manosa, Founder and CEO of Manosa Properties, who also happens to be the son of world-renowned Arch. Francisco “Bobby” Manosa.

The invitation was for the February 7 blessing of the model unit of the company’s project – Lantana Lane – in upscale New Manila in Quezon City.

But before I tell you about this beautiful project, let me say something about the man I have admired for so long.This website is a result of my life-long interest in beautiful houses. When you are fascinated with beautiful houses, you’re bound to learn about the people who designed them. Foremost in my list is Arch. Bobby Manosa who was conferred the National Artist Award in Architecture last year; it’s the highest recognition given by the country to Filipinos who have made significant contributions to the development of Philippine arts.

Click here and here to know more about Arch. Manosa and the many things that have been said about him.

Not mentioned in the above articles and my favorite is something I read a long time ago in the Inquirer: “He is the type who will never cut corners or take short cuts when executing his design.” This, I believe, is the reason why the “Philippine Regulatory Commission has singled him out for his adherence to the profession’s code of ethics…”

Real estate developers, like other businessmen, are out to make profit. Sadly, many readily make compromises when their profits are threatened. Developers operate within a set budget. In case of unforeseen increase in the price of, say, concrete, many cut back on the last and one of the most expensive phases of construction – finishing. Many do not deliver what they promise.

On the other hand, there are those who value their name and reputation over and above profit. Manosa Properties, I believe, is one of them. The company, by the way, is not a developer; it’s a real estate development manager and adopted a revolutionary home ownership scheme called “build-to-own.”

It’s a tripartite scheme wherein the company charges a professional fee of 10 to 15 percent of the project cost and does not make any profit over and above it. In effect, Manosa Properties has removed from the picture the developer who normally makes a profit of 35 percent or higher. It’s tripartite because a bank, Banco de Oro, holds the buyers’ payment in escrow and sees to it that all money is channeled by the Manosas towards the completion of the project.

After seeing every minute detail of the model unit and after talking to Arch. Bobby Manosa and to his children, I can honestly say that Lantana Lane offers one of the best investment opportunities that cannot be matched by developers. This is what dream houses should be!

From the same man who designed the Coconut Palace, Amanpulo, the Edsa Shrine, Pearl Farm, Shangrila Mactan, the headquarters of San Miguel Corporation, among others, plus hundreds of elite houses, now comes Lantana Lane Townhome Community.

Located at #21 Lantana Street, New Manila, Quezon City, this project sits on 3,171 square meters of prime flood-free real estate and will consist of just 16 exclusive luxury residences.

Each unit will have an individually-titled lot that measures 94 to 185 square meters. It will have 3 floors and a penthouse with a rooftop garden, entertainment or party area and an optional Jacuzzi; 4 full bedrooms, each with toilet and bath. Total floor area is from 380 to 390 square meters.

Driveway is paved with water-permeable pebble washed tiles accented with lines of fine gravel and carabao grass. It’s the same kind of tiles manufactured by Hyundai for Asian Development Bank’s headquarters in Pasig City.

Ground Floor

Ground floor facade is finished with ara-al stones individually cut, crafted and pieced together by artisans. Each unit is allotted 4 parking slots, with separate maid’s and driver’s quarters each with its own cabinets and bath. The maid’s quarter can comfortably accommodate 4 persons while 2 bunk beds can fit in the latter. A utility room is provided on the ground floor for dirty kitchen, household staffs’ dining area and space for washing machine and dryer. The ground floor also features a yard for clothes lines and open-air laundry drying.

The porch is lined with ceramic floor tiles and features a wood-slat bench that conceals extra storage space. The front door incorporates coconut shell inlays.

Foyer features glass and wooden grills to allow natural lighting. Stairs are made of solid recycled narra lumber with tempered glass banisters and wooden handrails and have so-called “Senorita” steps (6 inches) for easy mounting and follows the geomancies of the West (oro, plata, mata) and the East (good-good-bad-bad).

Landings feature individually-designed shadow boxes with cabinets that conceal fire protection pipes, water hose and valve.

Second Floor

All rooms, except the kitchen, use engineered bamboo floor planks with wooden baseboard. Windows are of optimum height and width with awning design, i.e., they open outward at the bottom allowing for all-weather ventilation. Fixed frosted windows are strategically-placed allowing for maximum natural lighting while adding privacy at the same time.

Ceiling fans are also added for extra ventilation.

Bedroom has an area of 21.20 square meters inclusive of walk-in closet area built with customized modular cabinets with lights. Bathroom features multi-point water heater and can be used as guests’ powder room.

Kitchen features customized modular cabinets and pantry with moving metal shelves to optimize corner areas. Fittings are German-made “quiet-open-quiet-close” system. Countertops are made of marble and walls are backed with polished granite for easy maintenance. A water heater, grease trap and ventilation/exhaust ducting system are provided plus built-in gas pipe connections to the central gas tanks on the ground floor.

An original Filipino design element, the “banggerahan,” is also added for natural drying of dishes. It is made of stainless steel and sloped for proper draining.

Third Floor

This area can serve as a study room, library, computer room or a private family area. Note again the uniquely beautiful bamboo floor planks

My favorite part of any house, the master’s bedroom.

It has an area of 32.9 square meters inclusive of walk-in closet and bathroom

Bathroom features full wall mirror, built-in cabinets, bathtub, tempered glass shower enclosure and multi-point water heater.

The other bedroom has an area of 22.4 square meters inclusive of its own bathroom with multi-point water heater plus customized modular closets and cabinets. Sorry, I wasn’t able to take pictures of this room: (

Penthouse

The penthouse features an 18.9 square meter den with cathedral ceiling of woven design and uses PVC material for low-to-no maintenance. Original Manosa-designed wooden wall lamps are also incorporated herein.

It also features a deck with all-weather red cedar planks sourced from forest farms and has provisions for water supply, drainage and power for an optional Jacuzzi,

…a perfect place to entertain relatives and friends.

Additional eco-friendly features of Lantana Lane

• Each unit will have two concealed rainwater collection tanks with total capacity of 360 gallon for flushing the toilet and other non-human use like watering the plants and for general cleaning. It has an automatic valve that switches to regular MAYNILAD line when rainwater level is low in the tank.

• Use of DECOMAXX brand of paint for interior finishes. Aside from being water-based, it is low-odor, lead-free, stain-resistant with anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.

• Provision for Zero-Waste Management to be administered by Lantana Lane Property Managers

• Use of indigenous landscaping, as local plants are sturdier and require less water and care.

More about Arch. Bobby Manosa and his family
The blessing of the Lantana Lane model unit was more than a visual delight; I gained insight into a famous Filipino and his family. Now I understand the reason behind the Manosa fascination with anything Filipino – they love the Philippines and the Filipinos so much.

Seldom will you encounter people who not only talk about love for country but actually do something about it. The family advocates urban farming to mitigate hunger in the country. A daughter, Mrs. Bambi Manosa-Tanjutco, an interior designer, regularly gives free talks on “Creativity” at DepEd forums for children.

Lastly, in spite of their success and affluence, these people are some of the most down-to-earth I’ve met.

Sa pamilya Manosa, maraming salamat po at Mabuhay po kayong lahat!!