From Fear to Forever: A Journey to a Safe Home- Jazel Rosales-Lolo

DMCI Homes 25th Anniversary: Online Home Journal Winner for the month of July

From Fear to Forever: A Journey to a Safe Home

I’ll never forget that night when I saw a small snake in our bathroom while four months pregnant. My husband managed to kill what we suspected was a baby cobra, but this didn’t stop us from moving out.

For eight long years, we had rented in four different locations, never staying long enough to call any place home. Every two years, we had to reevaluate if we’d stick around or pack up again. It was exhausting. Each move came with its own set of challenges—new neighborhoods to navigate, new routines to establish, and the constant feeling of being in limbo. We dreamed of stability, of a place we could truly settle down in, but it always seemed just out of reach.

Once the pandemic lifted, we indulged in some serious revenge travel after being cooped up for so long. The freedom was intoxicating. We explored new places, reconnected with friends and family, and soaked in the joy of being out in the world again. But as the excitement of travel began to wane, we started pondering what was next for us as a married couple. Our sights were set on immigrating to Canada. The idea of starting fresh in a new country was thrilling. We imagined the opportunities, the new adventures, and the chance to finally plant roots somewhere.

However, life threw us a beautiful curveball: a miracle baby girl. The news of my pregnancy was a delightful surprise, but it also threw our plans into chaos. Suddenly, we were in a dilemma. Should we proceed with our immigration plans? We had intended to immigrate via the student pathway, but my due date and the start of my Canadian classes clashed. The timing was terrible. After much deliberation, we decided to put the immigration on hold and focus on the pregnancy. It was the right choice, but it left us scrambling to figure out our living situation.

Our current rental was 35 kilometers from the hospital, making prenatal checkups a logistical nightmare. Every appointment felt like a marathon considering that my pregnancy is considered high-risk. Clearly, we needed a new place to stay before our baby arrived. The thought of moving again so soon was daunting, but we had no choice. We had to find a place closer to the hospital, a place that felt safe and secure.

One day, while scrolling through Facebook, I stumbled upon an ad from a Ms. Christine “Lin” Balisi of DMCI. She introduced herself as a regular employee at DMCI promoting Rent-to-Own units. It seemed too good to be true. From my bedrest, we had several discussions about available units. Ms. Lin recommended a few, but we were hesitant. The idea of committing to a new place, especially one we hadn’t seen in person, was nerve-wracking. Maybe next time, we thought.

Then came that fateful night. I headed to the bathroom and saw a strange shape near our water bucket. Without my glasses, I squinted and moved closer. It was a SNAKE! My heart raced as I rushed to tell my husband. He managed to kill what we believed was a baby cobra, but the terror lingered for days. We couldn’t stay there, not with a baby on the way. We needed to move, and fast. The snake incident was the final straw. We had to find a new home immediately.

I reached out to Ms. Lin again to see if the units were still available. She assured us they were, and we arranged to view them. Units were selling fast, but Ms. Lin promised we’d find what we needed. Her confidence was reassuring. We needed that hope, that belief that things would work out.

And there it is! We found the condominium unit that fit our preferences. We decided to seal the deal and sign the paperwork. Then, we planned our hopefully; fingers crossed—last move.

Finally, we found a place where we could fulfill our dream of being a hands-on parents, nursing our newborn while working from home. Our new home brought an improved quality of living: no more allergic reactions to dust, late-night noises from rats in the ceiling, or SNAKES. I spent my third trimester in a safe, serene environment, finally able to relax and enjoy the pregnancy.

When my baby was born, transitioning from the hospital to the new place was smooth, thanks to our friends, who were also living in Orabella, who assisted me with my hospital discharge, making sure we’re home safe. We’re also grateful for the Orabella food community that nurtured us with their delicious food during the trenches of nursing a newborn baby. Family and friends visited us regularly, enjoying the comfortable amenities. It felt like we were finally part of a community. The support network we found was incredible. Neighbors who we’ve personally known brought over meals, offered to babysit, and helped us settle in. It was heartwarming to feel such a strong sense of belonging.

For the first time, we didn’t have to worry about moving again in two years. We had a permanent home, a safe space for our growing family. The PMO, admin, and engineering teams’ attentiveness to our needs and the guards’ security presence gave us peace of mind.

I often talk to my baby girl about our future adventures—her swimming in the pool, playing in the playground, and hanging out with friends. This home is something we can pass on to her when she grows up, shaping tomorrow by creating a lasting legacy.

Thank you, Ms. Lin as well as DMCI. Your help turned our life from a series of temporary stops into a journey of fulfillment and stability. Our home is now filled with dreams, laughter, and the promise of a bright future. The sense of security we found here has made all the difference. We’re no longer living out of boxes, constantly preparing for the next move. We can finally breathe, knowing we have a place to call our own.

Our decision to put the immigration plans on hold wasn’t easy, but looking back, it was the right choice. Focusing on the pregnancy and finding a safe, stable home for our baby became our top priority. It’s amazing how quickly things can change. One moment we were planning a move to Canada, the next we were preparing for parenthood.

The snake incident, terrifying as it was, pushed us to make a change. It was the catalyst we needed to take action. Sometimes, it takes a scary moment to realize what truly matters. Our safety, and the safety of our baby, was paramount. We couldn’t risk another encounter like that.

Ms. Lin was a beacon of hope during a time of uncertainty. Her patience and understanding made the process much easier. She helped us navigate the complexities of finding a new home, and her support was invaluable. It’s rare to find someone who genuinely cares about your well-being, and Ms. Lin was one of those people.

Our new home exceeded our expectations. It wasn’t just a place to live; it was a sanctuary. The peace and quiet were a stark contrast to the chaos we had experienced in our previous rentals. The air felt cleaner, the nights quieter, and the overall atmosphere was calming.

The community we found was a blessing. From the moment we moved in, we were welcomed with open arms. The staff would always greet us with a smile, offered help, and made us feel at home. It was a different experience from our previous rentals, where we often felt like outsiders.

Our daughter’s arrival brought immense joy. Holding her for the first time was a moment of pure bliss. In that instant, all the stress and anxiety melted away. We had made it. We had found a home where she could grow up safely and happily. It was a dream come true.

In retrospect, every challenge we faced brought us closer to where we are now. The constant moving and the uncertainty were all part of our journey. They taught us resilience, patience, and the importance of creating a stable environment for our family.

This home represents more than just a physical space. It’s a symbol of our perseverance and love. It’s where we’ll celebrate birthdays, holidays, and all the little moments in between. It’s where our daughter will take her first steps, say her first words, and make lifelong memories.

Thank you, Ms. Lin and DMCI, for helping us find our sanctuary. Your guidance and support transformed our lives. We’re no longer restless wanderers but a family with a home. Our hearts are full, and our future is bright.

In the end, the journey to find our home was filled with twists and turns. It wasn’t easy, but it was worth it. We’ve learned that home is where the heart is, and our hearts are now firmly rooted in this beautiful place we call our own. We’re grateful for the challenges that led us here and for the community that embraced us.

Looking forward, we see a bright future. Our home is not just a place to live but a foundation for our family’s dreams. We plan to watch our daughter grow, explore, and thrive in this safe environment. The possibilities are endless, and we are excited about what the future holds.

Our story is one of resilience, love, and the unwavering pursuit of a place to call our own. It’s a story we’ll cherish and pass down to our daughter, teaching her the value of perseverance and the importance of home. And it all started with a snake in the bathroom, a moment of fear that led us to our forever home.

About The Author

I’m Jazel “Jae” Rosales-Lolo, a first-time mom, a wife, and a storyteller at heart. I work as a freelance creative director, leading creative marketing initiatives for both local and global brands. On my off days, I dabble in film photography, journaling, and binge-watching TV shows.