House Hunting

House hunting in the big city is like looking for a needle in a haystack. Yeah, that hard. 

This barrio girl joins the millions of transient residents in cosmopolitan Manila. And this lass is now happily married. When you enter this variable into the equation, the search expands and becomes a bit more complicated. 

For many years, I had been content living in a tiny studio. In fact, I had viewed a 34 square meter flat, a generous space. When I made my big move here in the big city, I rented a studio that has enough space to hold my bookshelf, several pairs of shoes, clothes and a few kitchen appliance. It was small but back then it already cost me an arm and a leg. 

But I had a living subsidy back then from my company. It was called an out-of-base allowance. So, paying the rent didn't pinch as hard knowing that I wasn't throwing away much. However, that program sunseted after five years. Gone is the allowance. Gone is the nice neighborhood and the nice studio. 

Which brings me to my initial statement: it is hard to look for a decent place to stay in Manila particularly, in Makati. Two years ago saw me moving in the residential section of Manila that is just a little beyond the boundary of Makati. I wasn't thrilled but I needed to be practical. I learned to love though my neighborhood. It's safe and secure. And those were what matters. 

Nevertheless, some good things never last. Now, am back to surfing the net looking for a new place. I realized that some people have complete disregard in the condition of a house, a condo or a flat when advertising. It's very rare to find a previously-tenanted unit in a mint condition. 

If money were no object, I'd totally build a house like this. (Photo credit: Pinterest)

Or this gorgeous house. (Photo credit: Pinterest)

But reality can be really stark. So, I'd settle for this. 

Hahaha am still dreaming.

If the world was perfect, I may be able to afford a house in the suburbs. But cosmopolitan living this side of the planet means steep tolls and horrible traffic. 

Right now, I'd be happy if I find a place that's decently priced, moderately-sized (2 bedroom) in a respectable neighborhood, in an area that traffic is not an issue. 

Where that would be? Am still looking. Know of a great place? Or are you in the same boat with me? Share your secret to a successful search. 

 

XX

Room with a View

I grew up in the province where banana trees grow aplenty. My world was colored green; filled with earth tones. Everything was just naturally pleasing to the eyes.

"For everything you have missed, you have gained something else, and for everything you gain, you lose something else." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

But the dreamer in me can't wait to escape the natural beauty of my birth place. I had to go to the big city. The thought of living a commuter's life thrilled me. And the prospect of being urbane exhilarated me.

Now, I live in the metropolis. My taste gets a little more gourmet, day by day. My stance becomes a little more defined, everyday. My demeanor changes a little, everyday. My horizon has broadened, a little bit each day. 

Yet, some things couldn't just be traded for the skyscrapers of the urban jungle. I catch myself longing for the days where I get a view of a garden or some pretty plants across my window. I want a room with a view. 

So, I bought myself a plant. In a small pot. Just like this one.

i speak to my plant, everyday. just a simple hello. (photo from Google)

I have this almost obsessive fear of the health hazards of the smog in the metro. I try to compensate my carbon footprint by planting or taking care of small plants in my house and in the office. 

My plant in my office. 

However, I still go home to this nagging feeling that someday I need to be in a better place. It's not so much the aesthetics but the ambiance of a home. I want to recreate my childhood room with a picture window. 

Almost like this. Thanks, Pottery Barn.

If money were no object, I want a loft. 

Just like this one. Thanks, Google.

I wish that one day, I'd enjoy that luxury of building my own library. And I get to have that really cozy corner furnished with this beautiful couch. 

My future reading nook. Thanks, Pottery Barn for the inspiration.

There's no question about it, I want to build a life and family here. And a little semblance of life, as I knew it in the province, with an abundance of greenery.