Insider Spotlight
The Baguio residents had established Amante’s Ribs and Steak and Chiisai Izakaya in Mabalacat, Pampanga, after seeing opportunities emerging around Clark. But managing the restaurants meant spending weekends in Pampanga and driving back to Baguio on Sunday nights.
The big move
The arrangement eventually became unsustainable for the young family. Time intended for family and rest was increasingly spent traveling between Baguio and Pampanga.
"Every week, it was the same," Cheerful Homes homeowner Andrew said in a press statement. "We would be here in Pampanga for the weekend, then drive home to Baguio on Sunday night. Then Monday morning, you’re already worrying about whether everything is okay at the restaurant."
Moving to SMDC Cheerful Homes changed that equation. Their restaurants are now about a 10-minute drive from home, allowing the couple to be more involved in daily operations.
Access to SM Clark, airport
"Before, we had to plan the entire week just to get to the restaurant. Now, we’re there every day," Aiko said. "If there’s an issue in the morning, I’m there. Then, in 10 minutes, I’m home."
The development also puts the family near SM Clark, Clark International Airport, schools and business districts. The community features controlled access and amenities including a swimming pool, clubhouse and basketball court.
Passive-income investment
Affordability also helped the couple preserve capital for their businesses and future investments.
"You don’t have to use up all your savings just to own a home," Andrew said. "There’s still money left for the business and for our dream of investing again."
The Amantes are already considering at least one additional unit in the development as a passive-income investment. But for the couple, the more immediate return has been time.
"The time Cheerful Homes has given us isn’t just about convenience," Aiko said. "For us, that’s family time," she added. —Vanessa Hidalgo | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
