Journey of Joy and Growth: My Life at Prisma Residence – Jillian Keira Aguila

Hello! I’m Jillian Keira Aguila, an 18-year-old with a passion for living life to the fullest. Since moving to Prisma Residences in September 2022, I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing a wonderful new chapter in my life. I’m currently a Grade 12 student at Kapitolyo High School, deeply involved in STEM and aspiring to pursue a career in medicine. Originally from Paranaque City, my new home in Pasig has brought many exciting changes, largely due to my aunt's decision to invest in a DMCI Homes unit. Here’s my story on how it helped me take a step closer to my dreams.

In 2017, my aunt, who is an overseas Filipino worker, working in the UAE, returned to the Philippines for a family reunion. During her visit, she was introduced to a pre-constructed condo in Pasig by a friend from DMCI Homes. This opportunity struck a chord with her, as she envisioned a place where our family could gather and make lasting memories.

Her decision was the culmination of years of hard work and a desire to secure a future for us. When she shared her plan, our excitement was palpable. At first, it felt like just a new address, but the thought of living in a DMCI Homes development filled me with eager anticipation. I imagined a vibrant community and a comfortable living environment.

By 2022, with the pandemic finally easing, we got the long-awaited news: her unit was ready. My aunt insisted we move in as she is still working abroad, especially to provide a comfortable space for my grandmother, who needed it due to her dialysis treatments.

The prospect of moving to a new home was thrilling. It meant a fresh start at a new school, access to amenities like a swimming pool and roof decks, and a peaceful place to study. These new possibilities excited me, and I looked forward to the change of environment and the opportunities it would bring.

The moving day was filled with a mix of emotions—excitement, nervousness, and immense gratitude. As we stepped into our new home at Prisma Residences, I was struck by its modern design and inviting atmosphere. The sleek interiors and thoughtful layout made it feel like a perfect retreat from the city’s bustle.

The first week here also marked my first day at Kapitolyo High School. Balancing the excitement of a new home with the nerves of starting a new school was challenging. Each morning, I walked to school with a blend of eagerness and anxiety, curious about my new classmates and teachers. Fortunately, the warm welcomes and friendly faces at school soon put me at ease.

Our pets also adapted quickly to our new environment. They enjoy playing in the grassy areas and the open spaces around the residence. Their playful antics and contentment add to our joy, making our experience at Prisma even more fulfilling.

Returning home each afternoon was comforting. My family and I would share stories about our day while we continued to settle into our new space. Despite the busy transition, the supportive atmosphere at home and school helped me adjust quickly. The combination of a new home and a friendly school community made this period of change a positive and memorable experience.

As the months went by, the Astra building became livelier with new residents. I met some of my closest friends here—Kylian, Rachelle, and Thea. Our time together after school, whether swimming, dining out, or exploring Pasig, has been a source of joy. We’ve also forged friendships with the Prisma staff, contributing to a strong sense of community.

These friendships have transformed Prisma from just a residence into a vibrant community. The supportive atmosphere and growing circle of friends have enriched my life, making the move one of the best decisions we made.

By December (2022), Prisma Residences hosted a festive Christmas party. The event was filled with joy as we enjoyed delicious food, games, and celebrations. Winning almost all the games was a highlight, and participating in the open mic session added to the lively spirit of the evening. This celebration strengthened our sense of community and made Prisma feel even more like home.

As New Year’s Eve approached, residents gathered on the roof deck to watch the spectacular fireworks displays from neighboring cities. The vibrant colors and dazzling patterns created a breathtaking view, marking a perfect end to our first year at Prisma Residences. The celebration was a shared experience of excitement and joy.

In 2023, Prisma Residences continued to offer memorable experiences. On Mother’s Day, the community honored mothers with roses, a gesture of gratitude and celebration. I would also like to commend Prisma for always hosting a Sunday mass as it is a cherished part of our routine. I also celebrated my 17th birthday with friends in the pool area. My classmates are always invited, we do our projects and practice our performances here making the experience even more enjoyable. I appreciate the staff’s patience and support during these busy times.

During summer, my cousins visited, adding to the excitement of our first year at Prisma. We enjoyed the holiday season with Prisma’s festive activities, including the Christmas bazaar and enchanting Christmas tree light show. Renting a unit in the newly opened Celeste building with my friends was another highlight, filled with fun and unforgettable memories.
As usual, we welcomed the New Year by gathering on the roof deck to view the spectacular fireworks. Prisma Residences consistently offers engaging events, like the "Home at Last" celebration with food, singing, and games for all ages. The taekwondo lessons for kids further enrich community life, making Prisma a fantastic place to live.

A major highlight of 2023 was my aunt’s surprise visit, which truly made the year unforgettable. Her reaction to the beautifully maintained unit and the surrounding areas of Prisma Residences was heartwarming and deeply satisfying. Despite the short duration of her stay, we made the most of every moment by exploring the vibrant city of Pasig and showcasing all that Prisma Residences has to offer. She frequently remarks on how pleased she is with her decision to purchase the unit, and her positive feedback meant a lot to us. Our time together was filled with joy and memorable experiences. However, as all good things must come to an end, Saying goodbye was bittersweet, and while I couldn’t accompany her to the airport due to school, my mom and grandmother took on that task. Their departure was marked by tears—an emotional yet slightly humorous farewell. Despite the sadness, we cherished our time together and looked forward to our next reunion.

As we enter 2024, Prisma remains as wonderful as ever. My friends and I continue to enjoy our time here, and I recently donated blood—a funny story because I almost passed out. Thanks to the attentive staff who made sure I was okay. Prisma also supports the community with services like medical missions and voter ID registration. These initiatives add to the services and events that enhance our living experience. Now that I’m 18, I celebrated my birthday by renting an Airbnb in the Celeste building with friends. As I approach my senior year and prepare for college, I’m excited about the future.

Prisma Residences has truly become a special place for me, offering not just a home but a vibrant sense of community and belonging that has deeply enriched my life. The fresh, welcoming environment here has played a crucial role in helping me become more confident and stronger, allowing me to grow in ways I hadn't imagined. The memorable events, the supportive atmosphere, and the genuine friendships I've formed have all contributed to my personal development. As I look ahead to the future, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences and opportunities Prisma has provided. Here’s to many more wonderful years of shared moments and celebrations. A heartfelt happy 25th anniversary to DMCI Homes! I’m excited about the many more milestones and memories we will create together in the years to come.