Ideal Baguio vacation home delights balikbayan retiree

Many consider Baguio City as an ideal place to spend life after retirement because of its cool weather, astonishing panoramic views, and vacation atmosphere.

Claudio Asiong, a balikbayan retiree from the United States, could not agree more. “I’m from Benguet, so I’m very familiar and I’m very comfortable with the environment here. And I like the weather. As you guys know the weather is the number one factor,” he says in an interview.

“And of course, the people. The people are very nice,” he quickly adds.

These are the same reasons why Claudio decided to invest in a 2-bedroom condominium unit at DMCI Homes’ Bristle Ridge community along Pacdal Road, Baguio City.

Condo investment

Claudio and his family have been living in the United States for almost 40 years, so buying a property in the Philippines was not really part of their plan.

This changed when they chanced upon Bristle Ridge’s project presentation when he and his wife were walking around Mines View Park in Baguio City during their vacation in 2016. 

“We didn’t have any intentions, but the presentation was really good,” says Claudio. “Fortunately, at the time, my wife was also there, so we decided to buy then and there.”

Right decision

Their decision turned out to be the right one as Claudio noted how happy he is with his vacation home at Bristle Ridge.

Since the unit was turned over to him in 2019, he has been, so far, “satisfied.” 

“Actually, ’yong expectations ko were met,” he says. “Maganda ang pagkagawa. Kung sino ang papasok dito, kahit from the States, impressed.” 

Claudio is also very impressed with the amenities, specially of the gym equipment: “Akala ko ’yong gym na ina-advertise noon, baka ’yong equipment low-grade. Pagpasok ko, ‘Wow!’”

Safe and healthy environment

He says that that the ambience of the place was especially helpful during the pandemic. “When you come home, relaxed na relaxed ka. I can walk around the compound. Maganda ang open area. ’Tsaka nakakatulong mga security, they are very nice.” 

Claudio says his condo unit at Bristle Ridge is way much better than his sister’s place in a “hotel-style” condominium also in the city, whom he visits often. 

“Walang air na pumapasok. Right when you come into the lobby, naaamoy mo na musty ’cause of the weather,” he says of his sister’s condominium.

“While the design here [at Bristle Ridge] is very nice. Open space. Hindi lang ’yon, the small things, ’yong mga halaman, that adds to the good ambience of the community. Mga halaman sa paligid, sa loob, that’s a nice touch.” The rooms also have a fireplace and a fire pit. 

‘Retirement friendly’

Claudio admits that he can’t think of any other location that would suit his needs other than Baguio, the city he calls his home. 

He likes to drive, and he loves the fact that he can just drive around to go to the grocery or simply see the sights. Manila, he says, is “too hot for me, too crowded.”

Plus, he says, it’s a great place for retirees like him: “It’s retirement friendly. And you know, there are lot of expatriates living here. Security is also a factor. Kung kaming mga retirees, and you bring your family for vacation, it’s not a problem. 

“If I had to convince somebody or retirees to live in Baguio, I would tell them that the people are very nice, the place is very nice. ’Tsaka its’ safe, very safe. Kahit Amerikano ka, Koreano ka, maglalakad ka, they won’t touch you.”

Bristle Ridge is one of the developments of DMCI Homes, the country’s first Quadruple A real estate developer known for building quality resort-inspired communities in Mega Manila, Baguio City, Boracay, and Davao City. Each of its properties is built with world-standard craftsmanship borne from D.M. Consunji Inc.’s over 60 years of expertise in the construction and development industry.

To learn more about Bristle Ridge and other DMCI Homes’ pre-selling and ready for occupancy projects, units for lease, and special promos, call (632) 5324-8888. You can also visit leasing.dmcihomes.com to know more about opportunities in leasing and rent-to-own programs of DMCI Homes. News and other updates are also posted on the company’s official website and its social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.