INVESTING IN THE FUTURE IN OUR MIRACLE HOME -Ana Celina D. Aboganda

Living in DMCI was a dream of mine that I never thought was possible. For years I’ve always admired from afar various DMCI developments and their beautiful facades with their trademark Lumiventt Design Technology. But what left the biggest impression on me was when a friend who was living in a DMCI mid-rise condominium commented about their home: “It is such a blessing. I wake up every morning and feel like I'm in a resort and not the city.” “Wow. Wouldn't that be awesome?” I thought to myself.

The design and vibe of DMCI condominiums make you feel like you're living in your own piece of paradise, far from the convenience of important establishments and offices–but you actually aren't! What's even better is that the beautiful, air-y and bright feel of DMCI is not just experienced in the lobbies and amenities, but in the individual units, as well. The cuts are generous and the windows and balconies allow for light and air to fill and circulate in the home. Having lived in three different condominiums in the first eleven years of our marriage, a DMCI unit was the ultimate goal for my husband and I.

I do not exaggerate when I say that our DMCI home is our miracle home. It all started with an online inquiry out of curiosity, not thinking we had the capacity to buy. After checking multiple developments and locations, we found ourselves choosing to purchase a pre-selling, 2-bedroom, Korean cut unit in Sheridan Towers. Though I was secretly hoping for a 3-bedroom, I didn't think we could find one that would fit our budget. Before signing the contract, I checked out the DMCI Sheridan Towers website and I looked at the different unit offers. Lo and behold, it had 3-bedroom units. Our agent sent us a computation and we were thrilled to find out we could afford it. That same day, we signed the papers.

It was a long wait and in the meantime, I prayerfully reminded myself to keep my hands “open” to this new home. This means I should remember to surrender to the Lord this home and not hold on to it so tightly with clenched fists. He still knows what is best, so this home is for Him to give or withhold.

Pandemic hit and the construction was delayed. “Open hands,” I said, “Open hands.” Whenever we passed by Edsa-Guadalupe bridge, we lowered our windows, gazed at the rising tower, and I whispered a prayer, “Open hands.” I would regularly check the website and see construction updates of the building and the various units. My heart skipped a beat as I prayed, “Open hands.”

Even in the midst of the pandemic, DMCI delivered and our unit was ready for turnover in the same year they promised. However, a new hurdle arose: getting bank approval for a housing loan. Because my husband was a church worker, meeting all the requirements wasn't easy. We were denied at first and we wondered if God wanted us to give up the home. However, we prayed, appealed and submitted supporting documents with the help of a friend. At the last minute, the same bank that denied our application, gave their approval. At the same time, another dear friend suddenly gave us a huge sum of money that was beyond our wildest dreams, with no strings attached. She said the Lord told her to give it to us and we should lower our bank loan! As if that wasn't enough, as we prepared to move into our new home we wondered how we could furnish it as we literally had zero budget. But while many businesses faced financial challenges, the company I was working with at that time was experiencing growth and it provided us with bonuses that allowed us to furnish and even renovate some parts of our home! My mind was blown and I was incredibly humbled. How could God be so good to such imperfect people like us? I knew God wanted us to remember that He was performing these miracles not just to bless us with this home but so we can be a blessing to others. My new prayer was, “Lord, you have put us here for a reason. Please help us to make a difference for You in Sheridan.”

Being an introvert who finds it painfully difficult to engage in small talk, I didn't know how to start. But soon after moving in, I was pleasantly surprised that the Sheridan community was extremely vibrant with many groups and channels to reach out to our neighbors–something very different from the past condominiums we've lived in. I admired the different people who make a positive impact in the Sheridan community which surely has a ripple effect in the world.

We have a volunteer group that cares for cats and makes sure they are protected, vaccinated and don't become a nuisance. They encourage people in the community to pitch in when a cat is sick or needs a new home. We have people who care for the environment and volunteer to collect recyclables from neighbors to bring to proper facilities. Now there is a regular pick up of recyclables in the community with the trash-to-cashback program. There are those who organize sports activities, leagues, and classes, Zumba and dance sessions. There are seminars on health and wellness, as well as free vaccination programs for children which are incredibly helpful for an overwhelmed-mom-of-four, like me. There are arts-and-crafts activities, storytelling time, and trick-or-treat events for kids. Even the products and services being sold and provided by neighbors gave us plenty of options for quality items/service and healthy, homemade foods! Neighbors even started a group where we could swap, donate or give away items to those who will find it useful. We've had several community donation drives for families affected by different calamities, and we prepare a simple feast for Sheridan staff who are working during the holidays.

From the PMO, Sheridan council, manpower and residents, everyone strives to build a fun, healthy, and caring community that makes a positive impact even beyond its borders. Our family was encouraged and inspired to be a part of it!

We started with being active in the groups sharing information and things we've learned or inspirations we have during renovation. We knew our new neighbors were just as excited as we were to move into their new homes. Once moved in, we made sure to lend any items that any neighbor might need from ladders to balloon inflators. Every Christmas we prepare simple gifts of food to each Sheridan staff to bring home to their families. If a neighbor shares that they or a staff member is in need, we feel privileged to give when we are able. But for our family, we knew that the most important thing we can contribute in the community is to share the love of Jesus.

We started by conducting a free, one-day spiritual retreat for anyone interested to attend. Through this event, we met a young family that has become dear to us and are now part of our small couples’ group in our local church. Several months later, a neighbor posted in our groups, asking if there is a Bible Study for children in the community. We knew God was opening an opportunity for us and, with the help of our neighbor-turned-friends, we started a Bible Study group for children.

It was a joy to meet the children and their families through this Bible Study, but it was also challenging to do our activities in the lobbies where the wind blew our materials away and we didn't have enough tables and chairs for the children. More months passed and a family in the group eventually opened a learning center in the community. They generously offered the facility for us to use during the weekly Bible Studies, and this new venue made our meetings more comfortable, safe and fun! I knew in my heart that the Lord allowed us to meet like-minded families who believe that investing in the lives of our children is investing in tomorrow: raising future adults and leaders who are God-fearing, loving, honest, and compassionate.

The Sheridan community allowed me to experience first-hand the beauty of a different kind of “bayanihan” where a community comes together to use their time, talents and treasures to make a positive difference in the world.

Truth be told, dreaming of a home to call my own was not something new to me. Growing up, our family always rented and never owned a home. As a young child I observed how difficult that was for my parents and my biggest goal was to buy them their own house. I would even stay in my room designing our future home and doing the Math on how much I need to save once I start working. However, they both lost their battles to cancer, 2 years apart, before I could make that dream a reality. Nevertheless, I am certain they are now living in an even better mansion in Heaven and that fills my heart with joy with no room for sorrow or regret. That is why we share God's love as much as we can in Sheridan. Because the beautiful home we have here on Earth is nothing compared to the house the Lord Jesus prepared for His children in Heaven.

About the Author

Nina is a homeschooling mom of 4 and married to her high school sweetheart, Yuklid, for 15 years. She took up Philippine Studies (focused on Creative Writing in Filipino and Teaching in the Early Grades) in UP Diliman, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude. She has served full-time in her local church as a Missionary to high school and college students for 14 years. If she were to study again, she would like to take up interior design since she's fond of watching home makeovers, particularly tiny homes.