It was the year 2007 when my husband and I scouted for a new place to live. I was in the family way, and we wanted to transfer to a new home we can call our own. It was also at that time that Raya Garden Condominium’s Surabaya Building was pre-selling and under construction.
Photo by Alona Morilla
Coming from an open neighborhood, DMCI’s Raya Garden is literally a breath of fresh air. The structures of the buildings are strong and well-built, and the open-air hallways allow the proper circulation of the wind which also helps prevent a hot and humid surrounding. The main attractions, the trees and garden landscapes, that not only provide oxygen and clean air, but also a homey feel to the residents. We also took into consideration the wonderful amenities, the security and the peacefulness of the place. Of course, location matters. Imagine living in a district with easy access to nearby cities, surrounded by wet markets and supermarkets, churches, schools, hospitals etc. Raya Garden Condominiums is a thriving community.
We transferred to our residential unit in January 2010. Living apart from my family made me feel a bit sad, but it also brought about learning opportunities, independence and making new memories. Our daughter was two and a half years old then. Funny thing was, the condominium was her namesake by coincidence. When people ask about it, we explain the meaning of her name and how it honors two great faiths.
She studied in a pre-school in Sun Valley. Since she was too young at the time, I had to drive her to and from school. I remembered an incident after I came back, and I was about to park in my slot. My gas accidentally leaked and my car stopped moving. Fortunately, the security personnel were very responsive. They helped me secure the leak and immediately contacted a mechanic to fix the car. I am so grateful to them.
I have watched my child grow with the other children in the community. She has made friends, played in the playgrounds, learned to swim in the pool, and attended social events and activities with the other kids that were managed by the PMO and the residents. I allowed her to explore the locality because I am reassured of her safety within the vicinity. It fills me with joy to see her happy, and I am proud of her development as a person in a good environment.
My husband and I have also embedded our own roots in our new home. We have made new friends with and through our neighbors. The function hall and KTV room are witnesses to every special events and occasions that we celebrate with our families and friends, and other important gatherings such as religious masses, and community meetings.
We love to walk around because the grounds are cool and breezy and the surrounding is decorated with beautiful plants and trees. We also like to play, so we visit the badminton court for a smash or two. Since we love the sea and snorkeling, the lap pool has also been our exercise and practice ground for our lungs in preparation for deep-sea diving.
The main ground is where the activity and social interactions happen. Residents hang out at the clubhouse during the afternoons, either mingling with the other homeowners or just to have coffee in the local resto there. The basketball court is alive when the residents shoot hoops in the mornings and afternoons or when there is a friendly game within and amongst the communities of DMCI. There is a gym for the health enthusiasts and for physical training. And the community road is good for outdoor jogging or if residents just want to walk their pets.
Life is not perfect and sometimes, we are challenged by fate. And at rare times, we are all tested simultaneously. The arrival of the Covid pandemic had changed the liven and bustling life in the Raya Garden Community. It brought out the different attitudes and behavior of the people. There were those who were scared, angry, selfish and indifferent. But there were also those who showed empathy, care and the willingness to help. The Management, from housekeeping, maintenance, security and the whole staff, continued their service of implementing safety protocols, doing their duties and safeguarding the community. They have sacrificed their own time to take upon their responsibilities to their jobs rather than to be with their own families. This was a period when the community slept, but not in the dreaming state.
In these trying times, we make do on what we have and make the most out of our present situation. Even when it is difficult, we try to communicate and reach out to our neighbors who need help. Especially, to those who live beyond our walls and living off the streets. This became a period for reflection to find ourselves and pick up the broken pieces. We became closer as a family. We learned the value of time that we spend with our loved ones, the importance of our relationships, and most of all, our faith and belief in God became stronger.
As months passed, we cope and find our way back to what normalcy should be. We try to find ways for growth, and we discover that we are capable of doing things that we have not known before.
I, personally have ventured back into the arts. Doing sketches, creating jewelries, accessories and other crafts. But, the most surprising thing that I have discovered during this time is that, my ability to write. Being confined to almost three years in your own personal space makes you think a lot, the imagination becomes broader and ideas form.
Inspired by the trees, plants and greeneries, the peacefulness of my surroundings, the good people around me, and the memories of my youth, I was able to write my first book: Raya Luna and the Mystical Moonstone. It is a young adult, mythological fiction book, a product of nostalgic recollections and stories, present day happening and events combined with Filipino customs, traditions and a bit of history. Aside from charities, it is my personal contribution to society, to share the adventures and inspire the imagination; To bring back the love for books and to promote literacy.
Slowly, life came back to the Raya Garden Community. The people came out and tried to reach out to one another once again. There was something different in the air, a promise that the future will be hopeful and optimistic.
The condominium community has learned to focus on health, medical services, and other matters that pertained to the well-being of the people as a whole. The leaders have opened the lines of communication with the local barangay and worked together for the betterment of the communities. Neighborhood meetings became more frequent to discuss present issues and fulfill the requirements of the community. Health, pet, sports and other groups were formed to handle other concerns. Management, staff and security have been strengthened and became more flexible in terms of service.
Raya Garden is not only a community in itself but also a community for others even before the pandemic. I remembered when a huge fire engulfed the barangay residences on the other side of the creek wall. The security and maintenance team worked together to handle the hoses and sprayed water over the walls. The residents contacted emergency hotlines and other government agencies for help and Raya Garden itself opened its gates to let the fire trucks in to be able to reach the endangered parts of that neighborhood. After the smoke cleared and everything has settled, the condominium community raised funds and donations to be given to the fire victims.
There was also a time when a maintenance staff, who is like family and had been a part of the community ever since, died. Residents and staff raised funds not only to help the family left behind but also to acknowledge his service to the community.
A lot of other situations and incidents have occurred. Whenever help is needed, whether inside the Raya Garden family or outside, the community always makes an effort to help and lend a hand.
Fourteen years of living here has collected a lot of fond memories, and like any other neighborhoods, it will always have some issues and problems. But with proper and open communication, patience and understanding amongst the residents, staff, and management, building a beautiful community will be easier. Who knows? We might be shaping the ideal community of tomorrow.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Photo by Alona Morilla
Alona Cuevas-Morilla was born in Manila in August of 1975. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree major in Industrial Design from the University of Santo Tomas. She worked as a graphic designer for a beverage company and as a merchandiser and designer for a clothing brand. She authored and published her first young adult Filipino mythological novel, Raya Luna and the Mystical Moonstone in June 2024. She now lives in Parañaque with her husband, daughter and her beloved dog, Bruno.
