That the raging COVID-19 pandemic has changed the world and life as we know it is an understatement. As talk of the new normal occupies us these days, one can’t help but think if new means better, or more of the same. In the end, it really depends on how we view and respond to the crisis that would set us apart from the other person.
Instead of seeing it as a major disruption, Joeben Tai, president of Grand Taipan, views the crisis as a catalyst for bringing about the “pursuit for creating better beginnings every day.” As a man who wears many hats, Joeben is both hands-on leader of his company and its charitable arm.
Whenever he’s free, for instance, from conference calls and Zoom meetings—another constant feature of corporate life in the new normal—Joeben and his team have gone on numerous relief operations in various parts of Mega Manila. These efforts, he says, is an extension of his philosophy of “putting people first over profit.”
Corollary to this, Joeben declares that taking care of his employees is a priority. Without them, he says, there would be no Grand Taipan. “I believe it’s incumbent upon me to take care of them, especially during challenging times,” he adds.
The same passion and commitment to serve others are evident in Grand Taipan’s measures to secure its properties from possible infection. After all, building security, although vital and in need of a major rethink post-COVID-19, should be guided by its primary purpose, which is to serve and secure the well-being of its occupants.
Restrictions therefore shouldn’t be limited to guests, both welcome and unexpected, but also to unwanted microscopic “guests” hitching a ride on people’s hands, shoes and other personal effects. Thus, such measures and features as temperature checks, disinfectant shoe dips, sanitizer pumps and regular hourly sanitation efforts have become de rigueur at every Grand Taipan property.
Pandemic or no pandemic, “buyers will demand that properties be well-maintained and properly managed,” says Joeben. This demand becomes more paramount, as most of them spend more time at home these days to avoid getting sick. Apart from comfort, people would want a secure space, which includes all common areas inside the building.
Because of the crisis, Joeben also predicts that those who can afford it will consider investing in “bigger-cut” units. Although small spaces are more affordable, in the long run, such cramped units offer very little to people, especially families, who now live, play and work from home longer and more frequently.
In addition, people who have embraced high-rise living will be looking for such features as balconies and pocket gardens. These tiny breathing spaces, he shares, will provide condo-dwellers not only with the needed respite from working from home, but also a safe refuge as they avoid, for the time being, public parks and gardens.
Again, pandemic or no pandemic, he insists that investing in a well-conceptualized and well-maintained property will always be the best bet for investors.
“Property prices have stabilized and payment terms are more flexible nowadays,” he adds. “Properties, whose values don’t drop overnight, are safer investments compared with other investment options.”
This pandemic, he adds, further emphasizes how it’s much more safe and stable to invest in properties compared to other forms of investments. A growing number of people are beginning to acknowledge and appreciate this fact. And when it comes to choosing where to invest, location is still king.
“Prices of prime properties are first to rise and the last to fall compared to projects in secondary areas,” he shares.
Beyond real estate, Tai sees digitalization, again a direct result of the pandemic, developing at ever-faster speeds. People, he says, have begun to accept and adapt to digitalization faster.
While these forecast in the real estate industry may come and go, he credits “two constants” in his playbook: rising up and dusting one’s self with every fall, and choosing to discover opportunities amidst challenges and loses. To sail through tough times, Joeben Tai draws on hope and resilience to carry and guide him and his company through.
