Manila's HOTTEST 1BR w/ Balcony: The Celandine by DMCI Homes!
Manila's HOTTEST 1BR w/ Balcony: The Celandine by DMCI Homes! - A Review (That's Probably Too Honest)
Okay, let's be real. Searching for a decent place in Manila can feel like navigating a minefield filled with overpriced shoeboxes and promises of "luxury" that end up being…well, let's just say disappointing. But then… The Celandine by DMCI Homes pops up. 1BR with a balcony?! In Manila?! My jaded travel heart did a little flutter. So, I took the plunge. And… here's the messy, honest truth. Buckle up, buttercups.
Accessibility: The Good, The Okay, and… Manila.
Let's start with the basics. Accessibility in Manila, in general, is a journey. Getting to The Celandine? Well, it depends. Public transport? Pray to the traffic gods. Grab car? Prepare for delays. The complex itself boasts an elevator, which is fantastic. Elevators are a godsend in this city. But real talk, Manila isn't exactly famous for its smooth-sailing accessibility beyond that. I didn't personally need extensive wheelchair access, but I noticed the walkways and common areas are relatively accessible. Still, navigating the city outside the complex? Be prepared for bumps, potholes, and a whole lot of unexpected stairs.
On-site Amenities: Restaurants, Lounges, and My Inner Gym Rat Dilemma
On-site is a big plus and The Celandine hits the mark.
- Restaurants / Lounges: There are multiple restaurants and lounge areas. They rotate in and out. The restaurant I visited was decent and I loved the service.
- Getting Around: The place is just big, so make note of that. It's going to take a bit to go places.
Wheelchair Accessible? As mentioned above, a bit up in the air.
Internet: The Lifeline (Mostly)
Wi-Fi is FREE in all rooms! Thank the heavens. That’s a HUGE deal in Manila, where dodgy internet is practically a national pastime. In my room, the wifi was generally solid. I even enjoyed some Netflix bingeing (essential for surviving Manila traffic). I didn't personally use the Internet [LAN], but the option is there. Internet services are provided. Wi-Fi in public areas? Yup, and it seemed pretty stable. No dropped calls during my frantic video conferences.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Days & Swimming Pool Dreams
Okay, this is where The Celandine shines. For a city stay, you're not just getting a room, you're getting a mini-vacation.
- Body scrubs, body wraps? I didn’t try them, but the spa is there with options. Important note: I am a sucker for these things, and I’m already mentally planning my next visit.
- Fitness center? Yes! And it's actually decent. Not some sad little corner with a treadmill that looks like it was rescued from the Titanic. I actually used it. Gasp.
- Pool with view and Swimming pool [outdoor]? The pool area is EVERYTHING. Seriously. The views are breathtaking. And it's big enough to actually swim in, not just dip your toes. Pure bliss. (See below about cleanliness)
- Sauna, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Spa? Yup, a full suite of pampering options. I regret not hitting these. Next time!
Cleanliness and Safety: My OCD Friend Would Approve (Mostly)
- Anti-viral cleaning products? Sounds good to me. I appreciate the effort.
- Daily disinfection in common areas? Yes, and visible. It makes you feel a little safer in this… interesting city.
- Hand sanitizer? Everywhere. Always a plus.
- Hygiene certification? Not sure, but the place felt clean.
- Room sanitization opt-out available? Excellent. I value the freedom of choice.
- Rooms sanitized between stays. Obviously important.
- Staff trained in safety protocol? Seemed like it. I saw staff wearing masks and maintaining distance.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items? I ate takeaway and I didn’t get sick.
- CCTV in common areas and outside property. Security is a constant concern in Manila, so this is reassuring.
- Smoke alarms and Fire extinguisher? Safety first!
- Security [24-hour]? Essential.
Now, personally, I'm a bit of a clean freak. Okay, a lot of a clean freak. But, everything was spotless. Honestly, I was genuinely impressed.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: From Buffet to Room Service (My Stomach's Recap)
- Restaurants / Coffee shop: There were options! I'd rate them as "good, not gourmet" for the most part, but perfectly acceptable.
- Breakfast service, Breakfast [buffet]: The buffet breakfast was a highlight. They actually had a decent coffee machine.
- Room service [24-hour]? Yep! This is a lifesaver when dealing with Manila time. (You know, when it's always 2 AM somewhere).
- Poolside bar?: The pool bar is a MUST-DO.
- Happy hour? Definitely.
Okay, so here’s the juicy part. The food? It’s a solid good. Not Michelin star material, but perfectly fine, even enjoyable. The real star? The convenience. Being able to order room service at 2 am after a long day? Gold.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
This is where The Celandine really surprised me. They've thought of everything.
- Air conditioning in public area, Elevator: A must-have in Manila's heat.
- Cash withdrawal, Convenience store, Currency exchange: Super helpful.
- Concierge, Doorman: Efficient and friendly.
- Dry cleaning, Ironing service, Laundry service: Saved. My. Life. (Seriously, I'm a terrible packer.)
- Daily housekeeping: Always a plus.
- Facilities for disabled guests: Appreciated (though more details would be ideal).
- Food delivery: Yup, you're set.
- Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes: Essentials.
- Smoking area: Available, away from the main areas.
For the Kids: Family Friendly…ish?
- Babysitting service? Kids facilities? I didn't see much on this front. It felt more geared towards couples or solo travelers.
- Family/child friendly? To be honest, I didn't see many kids.
Available in All Rooms: What About the Room!?
- Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Blackout curtains, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Mini bar, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
The BEST PART: The Balcony.
Okay, I'll be honest. The balcony was a MAJOR selling point. Stepping out onto that balcony, sipping my coffee, and looking out at Manila? Glorious! Especially after being cooped up in those Manila traffic jams. It was my little slice of sanity.
My (Very) Personal Take: The Celandine is Not Perfect, But It's Damn Good.
Look, this isn’t a five-star resort. There may be minor imperfections – a slightly slow elevator on occasion, maybe the odd noise from the hallway. That's Manila, honey. You can't expect perfection. But The Celandine offers something that's increasingly rare: a comfortable, clean, and convenient stay with some seriously awesome amenities.
The Verdict:
- The Good: The pool, balcony, cleanliness, convenience, and the awesome staff. The gym. The general vibe of "I'm actually on a little vacation."
- The Okay: The food, the Manila traffic, and the slightly limited kid-friendly options.
- The Ugly: (Well, not ugly, but…) Accessibility outside the complex.
Would I stay again? YES. Absolutely. In a heartbeat. It's a little oasis of calm in a city that can be overwhelming.
My Unfiltered Offer to You: Book Your Escape to The Celandine!
Tired of the Manila Grind? Need a Break?
Escape to The Celandine by DMCI Homes, and discover your own slice of paradise! We're offering a special package just for you, including:
- Guaranteed 1-Bedroom Suite with Balcony: Wake up to stunning city views and
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we are about to plan a "trip" to… well, my version of a vacation, holed up in a 1BR with Balcony at The Celandine by DMCI Homes in Manila. This isn't your perfectly polished, "Instagram-worthy" getaway. This is the messy, real-life version, full of questionable food choices, existential crises on the balcony, and the never-ending battle against the allure of Netflix. Here we go:
The Celandine Confinement: A 3-Day Manila Me-Time Marathon
Day 1: Arrival and the Perils of Delivery (and the Joy of Air Conditioning)
- 1:00 PM: Touchdown at The Celandine (hopefully). Okay, let's be honest, the "check-in" process is where this whole thing could fall apart. My luck? The elevator will be broken, and I'll be hauling my suitcase up… well, however many floors. (Deep breaths. Manifestation. Chill vibes.)
- 1:30 PM: Air Conditioning Heaven. Oh, sweet, glorious air conditioning. This is the first thing that I'm going to revel in. Manila heat is a real beast, and the promise of a cool haven is basically the entire reason I chose this place.
- 2:00 PM: The Great Delivery Debacle. Hunger pangs! Time to order food. I have a love/hate relationship with delivery apps. The convenience is life-saving. The potential for disappointment? Also, life-altering. I'm craving something…maybe adobo? Or… a massive pizza? Okay, let's make it a pizza.
- Anecdote: Last time I ordered from a new place the delivery guy got lost. Repeatedly. Ended up chatting with him for a solid 15 minutes while he navigated Manila traffic. Pizza finally arrived… stone cold. Lesson learned: Always check the delivery radius before you get your hopes up.
- 3:00 PM: The Balcony Revelation. Okay, let's hit the balcony. This is a must for me. Get some kind of view, even if it's just of other buildings. I'll probably stand there staring at the city. I have a thing for balconies. It's a space to see beyond the building. I could get philosophical. I could start a novel. I could… just stand there and stare. Probably the latter.
- Quirky Observation: Balconies are basically tiny stages where you can play out your life's drama. Is the world watching? Probably not. But you feel like you're in a movie.
- 4:00 PM: Unpacking and the Guilt of Doing Nothing. Okay, time to unpack and try to organize. Is that the right thing to do? Or just lounge on the couch? The tension! The internal battle! The allure of the sofa with a blanket is strong.
- 5:00 PM: The Netflix Trap. I'm weak. I know it. After all, the air con and the temptation of a good show… it's a cocktail for disaster.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner 2.0 (or the "I'm So Over This Pizza" Meal). The pizza arrives. The pizza is… okay. Not the culinary masterpiece I'd envisioned. Time to re-assess my food choices. More delivery, or a quick trip to a nearby cafe? (Probably the former. I’m lazy.)
- 8:00 PM - Bedtime: The Art of Doing Absolutely Nothing. TV, more Netflix. More scrolling social media. The day, in essence, is an exercise in self-indulgence.
Day 2: Fake Productivity and the Quest for Sunshine (and Coffee)
- 9:00 AM: The Morning After Regret. Wake up and stare at the ceiling feeling the weight of my decisions from yesterday. Why did I eat the entire pizza? Okay, new day. Fresh start… maybe some exercise?
- 9:30 AM: Exercise Attempt: A Disaster. The "gym" at this place… is it even open? Will I actually use any of the equipment? Probably not. I'll probably walk around a bit.
- 10:00 AM: The Coffee Crisis. Need coffee. Desperately. Is there a coffee maker in the unit? If not, the caffeine withdrawal is going to be brutal. I'll Google "best coffee shops near me" and walk out.
- Anecdote: Once, I ended up in the dodgiest part of town because I trusted Google Maps. Turns out, the "cafe" was basically a shack. The coffee, however, was surprisingly good.
- 11:00 AM: Balcony Contemplation Session 2: Electric Boogaloo. Back on the balcony with coffee. Maybe journal a bit. Or just stare at the concrete jungle and ponder the meaning of life.
- 12:00 PM: The Lunchtime Dilemma (Again). Food! Food! This is hard!!
- Emotional Reaction (Good/Bad): The joy of ordering delicious food, the dread of regretting it later.
- 2:00 PM: The "Work" Phase (Maybe)." I'll open my laptop and… make an effort to do something. Answer emails. Pretend to be productive. (Spoiler alert: procrastination will win).
- 4:00 PM: The Pool! Let’s swim!
- 6:00 PM: Dinner and the Evening Netflix Death Spiral. The Netflix coma descends. I'm losing the fight.
Day 3: Departure and the Lingering Sense of… What Was the Point?
- 9:00 AM: The "Last Day" Morning. The realization that this is all coming to an end hits hard. I'm suddenly motivated to do ALL THE THINGS. (Which, in reality, will be very few.)
- 9:30 AM: The Laundry Challenge. I'm not sure about laundry facilities. Will I wear clothes I have already? Or will I attempt a DIY laundry operation? (Probably the former.)
- 10:30 AM: Final Balcony Moment. One last look. One last deep breath of Manila air. One last chance to feel… something.
- Opinionated Language: The view is… okay. It’s not the Maldives. But it’s mine for a few more hours.
- 11:30 AM: The "Check Out" Panic. Did I leave anything? Did I eat everything? Did I even truly "vacation?"
- 12:00 PM: Departure (and the Post-Vacation Blues). Back to reality. The city. The bills. The work. But hey… I had my balcony time. And the air conditioning. And a lot of Netflix. So… success, maybe?
- 12:30 PM: The Food Review: What did I eat? Was it any good? I can't remember. I can't believe I ate the entire pizza!
This itinerary is a complete and utter mess. And that's exactly how I like it. Cheers to embracing the chaos and finding the joy in the little moments, even if those moments mainly involve Netflix and a slightly disappointing pizza.
**Dubai Burj Khalifa View: Stunning 1BR in Business Bay!**
The Celandine by DMCI Homes: You HAVE Questions? I (Maybe) Have Answers (and Feelings!)
Okay, Seriously, Why is EVERYONE talking about The Celandine's 1-Bedroom with a Balcony? Is it REALLY that good?
Alright, let's be real. It's not a *secret* weapon. The Celandine is… well, it’s got buzz. Partly because DMCI Homes, the developer, knows how to sell a dream. And partly because, in a city like Manila where space is a precious commodity, a decent-sized 1-bedroom with a *balcony*? That's gold, baby! They've marketed it brilliantly, showing off the DMCI's core innovation of the Lumivent system (that’s supposedly for great natural light and air flow) so you’re not stuck in a concrete shoebox. I've seen the videos... you know, the ones with the impossibly attractive people sipping coffee on their balconies at sunrise? Yeah, that sells. And honestly, the balcony is the main selling point. It gives you a taste of the outdoors, a place to actually *breathe* (if the Manila air cooperates!). So yeah, it's good. But is it life-changing? Hold on to your hats, we'll get there.
What's the actual *size* of the 1-bedroom unit? I'm claustrophobic.
Sizes vary, but from what I remember browsing online (years ago when I was actively looking at this!) it's typically around 28-32 square meters. Now, that sounds… cozy, right? And it IS. But the balcony actually makes it feel bigger! The Lumivent thing also helps. You won’t be throwing lavish dinner parties for 20, that’s for sure. Think of it as a well-designed, efficient space. If you plan on having a ton of people inside, you and your friends are gonna be very friendly (or at least, *physically* close). I remember visiting a friend in a smaller unit (not The Celandine, but similar) and feeling… a little panicked. But the balcony? That’s your escape hatch. That’s where you can go when your soul needs a breath of fresh (relatively) air.
Is the parking situation a nightmare? 'Cause Manila *is* Manila.
THIS IS THE BIG ONE. Parking in Manila is always a gamble. I haven't personally lived at The Celandine (yet… still dreaming!) but based on what I've heard from friends and read online… it's generally a good idea to *plan* on not having parking. Unless you’re incredibly lucky or pay extra for a slot (which, let's be honest, is probably what you'll have to do). Expect potential competition. Expect to walk a bit. Expect to possibly have to park a few blocks away and pray your car doesn't disappear into the Manila traffic abyss. It’s not a dealbreaker for everyone, especially if you're relying on Grab or public transport. But if you *need* a car, factor that into your budget and your sanity levels. Honestly, the parking situation in Manila is enough to make a grown person cry. Don't say I didn't warn you.
What are the amenities like? Pool? Gym? All the good stuff?
DMCI Homes generally loads their projects with amenities, and The Celandine is no exception. Expect a pool (always a plus in this heat!), a gym (try and actually *use* it!), a playground, and a function room. Basically all the things you *think* you’ll use but realistically might only utilize on special occasions (like, say, a pool party you're forced to attend). They're all pretty standard but a nice feature to have! The details (like the quality of the gym equipment or the cleanliness of the pool) are usually something to see up close - and honestly, is something that's different from a lot of other places.
Okay, let's get to the Nitty Gritty: What's the COST? And is it worth it?
Alright, here's where things get… complicated. The price, as with any condo, is influenced by a ton of factors: the size, the floor level, the view, and (let's be honest) the current market. Expect to shell out a substantial amount. It's not dirt cheap, but it’s generally considered competitive for the area and what you're getting. Is it *worth* it? That depends entirely on your priorities and your budget. Here's my truth bomb - this is where I went from "maybe" to "maybe someday!"... I looked at the numbers, considered the downpayment, and the monthly amortization, and the association dues THEN said "Nope." I couldn't do it then. Renting is a viable option, and so is moving somewhere cheaper. Remember, it's not just the initial purchase price, but the ongoing expenses. Consider the commute - the traffic alone can cost you time, money, and sanity! So, research the location, see if it fits your life, and then... crunch the numbers. Seriously crunch those numbers. And then... pray to the Manila real estate gods for a good deal. Or a winning lottery ticket. Either works.
Can you talk about a specific friend's experience? The good, the bad, the ugly?
Okay, buckle up. I have a friend, let's call her Sarah, who almost bought a unit. *Almost*. She was SO excited. She had the vision: coffee on the balcony, plants cascading, city lights twinkling. Perfect Instagram feed material, right? She loved the location, the overall look, the idea of finally having her own space. She had everything planned. She'd been living with family, and finally had enough saved. Well, things went south fast. First, the financial details. She had to pay a premium because the unit was pretty high up and had an amazing view. (That's what you pay for!). Then, the loan application process. The bank was… slow. The paperwork was… endless. And then there was the realization that her dream of 'peaceful mornings' on the balcony might involve the sounds of construction and the occasional smell of… well, you know what Manila smells like sometimes. But the biggest hurdle? The maintenance fees. She hadn't fully grasped how much they were going to be. On top of the mortgage, the parking (the *extra* expense we talked about), the monthly dues... it just became impossible. She started to have panic attacks just thinking about the bills. The dream slowly transformed into a nightmare. She had to back out. And the heartbreak? Oh, the heartbreak was *real*. She felt defeated. Like she'd failed. Now, years later, she's still renting in a different complex closer to her work, and while she has no balcony, she's much happier with the load off her mind. She still occasionally scrolls through Instagram, wistfully gazing at those perfectly-lit balconies at The Celandine. She says she “hasn’t completely given up on the dream," but she adds a slightly hysterical laugh at the end and then quickly changes the subject. Just the fact that she'Travel Stay Guides
