There is a tendency in modern society to prefer city living over a more rural way of life. The narrative for this is simple: Cities are where all the happenings are, whether these are developments that shake the country or lifestyle opportunities that keep people in their toes.
Metropolitan life, however, has its fair share of flaws. The chronic traffic, flooded roads, and pollution are proof that the city is now supporting more than its capacity. As these challenges show no sign of letting up, more and more people are asking, “Is there an alternative to city living?”
“It’s all about options,” answers Fatima Olivares-Vital, Business Unit Head of Ovialand Inc. “The government is actively looking for ways to make these citywide problems more bearable and one of the options they are looking at is to decentralize the congestion in Manila by directing growth to other areas.”
The South is a strong contender for this, with Sto. Tomas, Batangas as one of the most promising provinces. Olivares-Vital explains, “The province can definitely keep up with the progress of big cities while still retaining its rural charm.”
Often, the primary drivers behind the enthusiasm of people to live in big cities are the opportunities available and their proximity to them. According to Olivares-Vital, living in the South also offers these and so much more.
“Sto. Tomas has the infrastructure and the resources to support the demands of the modern Filipino. There are hospitals, schools, and entertainment hubs that are at par with those in the metro.”
Career opportunities are also transforming the once rural town into a competitive job market. The fast moving growth in technoparks which are home to over 300 multinational corporations including Fortune 500 companies and the increasing number of large companies relocating to the South set the groundwork for a stable employment environment.
Additionally, Sto. Tomas is steadily gearing up as a promising landscape for entrepreneurs. As progress in the area continues, so is the demand for more providers who can support the widening needs of its population.
Dubbed as the gateway to the Southern Metro, Sto. Tomas offers the best of both worlds. While the city is competitively keeping up with the conveniences of the Metro, it retains a rustic, peaceful charm signature to the Southern brand of living.
Olivares-Vital says, “In Sto. Tomas, the lifestyle starts with the quality of living. Imagine not having to feel nervous every time it rains because of the reliable drainage systems or knowing that you can go home on time to your family because you won’t have to worry about the traffic. This is how you can really enjoy life.”
The activities available within the vicinity also ensure that everyone can find something that will cater to their interest. Beaches, hiking spots, and lifestyle centers are always teeming with activity and are sure to entertain the most outgoing of souls.
Terrazza de Sto. Tomas, a property developed by Ovialand Inc., is a premier development that is set in the heart of these attractions. The 5.8 hectare property aims to provide an exclusive reprieve as well as easy access to the province’s center of activities. The master-planned development is close to industrial parks and companies, schools, churches, and medical institutions.
Olivares-Vital gives one last advice for those looking for a different brand of lifestyle, “You have to look for options. Changing your lifestyle means you have to try and solve the problem using new ways. How we live and how we hope to live should not be different things. Think and live outside the box.”