A father’s love language

Father of three Randy Carizo says spending time with his children everyday is a top priority. Whether it’s whipping up homemade pizza in the kitchen, experimenting with arts and crafts, playing video games, watching movies together, or simply doing nothing around the house — Randy always makes sure he and his kids get to strengthen their bond over fun activities.

“My workplace is close to where we live, which allows me to have time with my kids and pick up my son from school during lunch break. My kids are also regular visitors to the office where I work,” says Carizo.

An architect with over 15 years of design experience, Randy, together with his wife, Love, and their kids, Margaux, Loukas, and Laura, are all based in Hong Kong. As it is with most Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), traveling back to the Philippines on holidays has always been memorable for this family.

Apart from visiting their relatives, what they really look forward to when coming home is the opportunity to relax and make lasting memories with one another.

Centrally-located developments — especially those with resort-style amenities, hotel-like interiors, and a plethora of dining and shopping options — make up the perfect staycation for families like Randy’s.

A savvy investor himself, Randy has always shown interest in real estate investing. During one of their family summer trips to the Philippines, they stayed at Shell Residences, an in-city residential-resort development by SM Development Corporation (SMDC). “We chose to stay in a unit offered as a short-term stay. My kids enjoyed the facilities, but as an architect, I felt that I could do a good job in designing a unit that people will enjoy.”

Randy did not expect that one staycation would wind up to be a long-term investment — but he has no regrets. “You don’t need to be an architect [to invest in real estate],” he said.

According to him, SMDC developments cater to a wide rental market mainly because of their prime location. “[Shell Residences] has all the hallmarks of a good investment. It sits at the end of EDSA amid the SM Mall of Asia complex. I find that extremely unique! Aside from that, it’s an urban resort that is a quick getaway from the intense city life.” In addition, the development is a quick drive from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and is accessible to and from major thoroughfares in the metro.

Two condominium units and more than a decade later, Randy now has a steady stream of passive income from long and short-term tenants looking to enjoy a taste of ‘The Good Life’ with SMDC.

“Currently, we own both outer and inner units, and it’s always difficult to choose where we should stay whenever we are in the city. Inner units are always next to nature while outer units enjoy city views,” he shared.

With a discerning eye for well-designed spaces, Randy maintains a thriving rental business with local and international guests.

“Our host often gets asked who the designer is. On top of that, they get to enjoy the pool and the gym. The lobby is quite welcoming and there are shops around the area. It’s also easy for them to walk around and explore places when they want to,” he said.

When asked about his advice for those looking to diversify their investments to include real estate in the mix, Randy underscored the importance of doing research.

“Pre-selling stage projects is always a great option [for those who want more flexibility with payments.] However, buying a ready-for-occupancy project is easier if you have the budget, as you can already see what you are getting. [Either way,] SMDC projects are always a good buy no matter where it is.”

However passive, renting out a unit is a whole different ball game. You not only need to select a reputable developer to invest in, but a trusty and dependable partner to help you out in running and managing your rental business.

“I was lucky enough to be surrounded by dedicated and talented people while doing this project and managing it remotely from Hong Kong,” said Randy.

Resolute to empower more Filipinos with compelling real estate investments that allow them to build a sustainable source of passive income, SMDC equips their investors with the right tools for maximum returns.

Their property management arm, Greenmist Property Management Corporation, ensures that various aspects of the property — maintenance, administration, finance, security, and sanitation — are consistently in synergy with one another, so residents are provided with optimum living experiences, and investors get the best value for their hard-earned money.

Meanwhile, SMDC Good Stays, the company’s leasing and tenancy management arm, locks you in for a hassle-free investment experience. From tenant sourcing, to unit fit outs, and even home maintenance  — SMDC Good Stays has got you covered.

Thanks to his investments in SMDC, Randy gets to have more time for his family despite being in a place where the cost of living would require him to work more. The extra income he earns from renting his units has been very helpful in providing for his family’s growing needs.

“I would say financial stability is coming back on track [for our family]. I think I share the same thought with a lot of people. This year is notably better than the past three years. We have learned to adjust and recalculate, knowing that property markets go through cycles. These particular investments are for the long term, and it gives me a great sense of peace and stability knowing that we have SMDC units to rely on,” Randy said.

More than anything, Randy’s love for his family is made apparent in how he provides for his family. With SMDC’s help, he knows that he can give the best version of himself — all ways, always.

To know more about the SMDC, follow them on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and Tiktok, or visit the SMDC website.