The luxury of slow living in the city

This article was initially featured on the INQUIRER.NET Website on August 2, 2025 authored by Vaughn Alviar.

Taking things slow might feel impossible in Metro Manila, where the demands of bustling urban life keep people constantly on their feet and on the move. But when fatigue sets in, both body and spirit crave rest.

You might call it a luxury to have the opportunity to disconnect and reset. But in truth, it’s essential for long term well-being. It’s a good thing one trusted developer in the Philippines boasts a mastery in all things luxury: Shang Properties Inc. (SPI).

Iconic developments

With a portfolio of iconic residential developments, it has proven that, with meticulous and thoughtful design, slow days are achievable even in the busiest parts of the capital. And, addressing the clamor for such homes, it fittingly delivers more to the market.

Case in point is Haraya Residences in Bridgetowne Destination Estate, touted as a “vertical gated village for the modern era.” It reimagines a posh village in a vertical setting. Its South Tower offers 558 one- to three-bedroom units.

Laya by Shang Properties in Oranbo, Pasig City, near Ortigas Center, invites its residents to live boldly in an aspirational, convenient and secure home. Designed with substance and longevity as key values, it offers 1,283 studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom units. Aurelia Residences, which espouses “the art of elegance,” evokes unparalleled luxury. Located in Bonifacio Global City, it offers 285 bespoke units in three- to four-bedroom configurations.

The Shang touch

Every unit is curated with the Shang touch. These residences are laid out to offer flexibility to their dwellers. Shang Properties also made sure that all details exude elegance, while making their residents feel warm and relaxed.

Another benefit that comes with a Shang Properties home is the assurance of access to luxurious amenities, all ready to pamper dwellers whenever they need it. This is “Shang,” after all, so it has resort-like amenities as well.

Laya by Shang Properties, for example, allocates approximately 3,000 sqm of space to indoor and outdoor facilities. Its amenities include a swimming pool, fitness studio and an outdoor meditation area. It also has special spaces like the Studio, Library and Workspace.

Haraya Residences offers more in amenities, with outdoor amenities alone covering over 2,500 sqm. That includes swimming pools, The Veranda, The Lawn, garden areas and a Jacuzzi. Indoor amenities include a gym, a sauna and more. Aurelia Residences, meanwhile, allotted over 5,000 sqm of space to amenities, including a 40-meter resort pool, a gym, a Jacuzzi, a sauna, lounges and a cinema.

They offer spaces for rest, fitness, socialization and even productivity. Shang Properties also takes pride in its green spaces, where people can commune with nature even amid busy urban locations.

Key to slow living

Location is also key to slow living. Thousands of us wake up early to catch a trip to our workplace, enduring long hours in traffic. It’s the same scenario heading home. It’s a punishing cycle. That experience may be committed to memory when you are centrally located.

Aurelia Residences is in BGC. Bridgetowne Destination Estate, where Haraya Residences is located, is on the C5 growth corridor. Laya by Shang Properties is minutes away from Ortigas Center. That these three residential developments rise within or near cosmopolitan destinations also means a host of exciting experiences are just a few steps away.

You have malls, restaurants and other hangouts within your neighborhood. Essential establishments like schools and hospitals are also around. So are parks and other leisure destinations.

With these offerings, enjoy the luxury of taking things slow. Take a slow sip of that cup of coffee, lounge around, and smile.