Is The Fire Out?

UPDATE (03/18/13): Of course the elevatrors are not fully operational, no legal action has been taken and no full explanation has been given as to the complete history and problems.  Bits and pieces with rumor is we allowed by the developer controlled Board.  I am posting this as most other since it still has informaion needed by us now.  The only posting I will not copy to this blog are those whose material is already present or the matter is no longer an issue. 
UPDATE (12/17/12): After rumors were allowed to flow due to extremely poor communication of the problem for residents whether they be Unit Owners or tenants, I finally was able to get some information after almost 24 hours. According to Engineering, #5 elevator had a DVR (resistor) on the 43rd floor burn out. The "friction caused smoke."

Yes, we all experienced silence from the security guards but the engineering department was told not to talk. But, what needs to be done is a clear explanation as to what is taking place to alleviate the reasonable fears due to lack of knowledge. The mismanagement of the building that we as Unit Owners pay for and is directed by a developer controlled board needs changing and soon.

I was also told that Otis is handling the residential elevators and that Interlift is handling the commercial elevators outside the backdoor lobby doors. Of course, as many are still not aware the residential areas of the building pay 65 pesos per square meter and the commercial areas pay 26.5 pesos per square meter. So what percentage pays for the services of Interlift from the residents?

Since I had brought up the attempted physical contact against me last night, this is not the only time this has taken place. There were also attempts by board members. Of course, I was not in a happy mood last night and most of today and I asked if the videos are being preserved for two of the incidents. You may only guess what took place.

After many, many, many questions to security and the 4th floor office, I was first told it was deleted and then told it still exists in regard to the second incident. Then I was told it is still intact but will be erased. The third incident is unknown at this time. Ryan has great fear now for our safety and carries a video camera just in case.

IS THE FIRE OUT?

(original web post 12/16/13):  Along with more elevator problems, there was a fire but details were withheld. I asked a security guard if the fire was out and no reply. I was also threatened by a Unit Owner for handing out cards with instructions on getting to the forum. The individual asked me to go outside to settle it in a manly way. I asked for definition of what he was saying and none was forthcoming. The security guards had to keep him from approaching me three different times.

I ask all Unit Owners to get involved and help.

Advertisements - Did you save any?

Guide to Homeownership by Armando Ang: Advertisement

(original web post 12/16/12):  On page 336 from Presidential Decree, Section 19:

"Section 19. Advertisements. Advertisements that may be made by the owner or developer through newspaper, radio, television, leaflets, circulars or any other form about the subdivision or the condominium or its operations or activities must reflect the real facts and must be presented in such manner that will not tend to mislead or deceive the public.

The owner or developer shall answerable and liable for the facilities, improvements, infrastructures or other forms of development represented or promised in brochures, advertisements and other sales propaganda disseminated by the owner or developer or his agents and the same shall form part of the sales warranties enforceable against said owner or developer, jointly and severally. Failure to comply with these warranties shall also be punishable in accordance with the penalties provided for in this Decree."

From the chapter on Condominiums and Townhouses page 390:

"Keep all the copies of sale brochures, advertisements and other sales propaganda for future reference. Try to get the promises made by the agents in written for and signed by the owner/developers..."

Remember, as he writes in the same section, the sales agents may make promises that do not reflect the truth. But as I read in the Decree, the developer and their remarks are held under the law as a possible liability referred to in the above Presidential Decree 957.

Guide to Homeownership by Armando Ang

Guide to Homeownership
by Armando Ang, Licensed Real Estate Broker

(original web post 12/13/12):  I have posted links to his article in .rtf format and a .pdf of the original article I had read in the newspaper. I fault myself for not getting his book sooner.

"Tips on Buying a Condominium" - .rtf file

"Tips on Buying a Condominium" - .pdf of the article

WHAT A BREATH OF FRESH AIR. Finally someone speaking to the serious problems of the real estate market in the Philippines. Finally someone speaking truth to the powers that are bringing the nation down. Finally words as to the truth of the industry with comments on what needs to be done.

His next book is to be called COMPENDIUM on CORRUPTION as he states at the end of this book. In fact, he wants wants articles for the work if it has not published already.

The Guide to Homeownership is available at National Books at MegaMall. If an outlet does not have it, ask what location does.

Click here for a .pdf of the cover.

Otis Elevators

UPDATE (03/17/13) - You have and will see other messages about the elevators as I transfer everything to this main hub of writings.  They are an eternal problem.  Why is the big question?
UPDATE (12.14.12 @ 3:51PM) - Once again the elevators are acting up and CPMI, Unit Owner and Developer Board Directors are no where to be seen. There are too many problems in the building for them not to take an active role.
UPDATE (12.16.12) - While the elevators were operating as opposed to working yesterday (12.15.12), we did not see anyone here trying to fix the elevators. I asked guard about engineering calling for service and he came back to tell me that whoever could went home. I think it is time for the three Unit Owners appointed to the Board by the developers to do something and not just sit in their units. While the problem was not as serious as the previous two days, the time to wait was long and at times guards were on the elevators manually controlling them. It is long past the time for Unit Owner control of the building.

Otis Elevators

(original web post 12/13/12):  Yes, this has been written many times before on this forum and been the topic over and over again. In another recent letter, it is brought up again since we are given little information with our money decided upon behind closed doors.

The letter below is another attempt to find out the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Is such a thing possible in Soho Central Condominium Corporation?

Just this evening another serious malfunction of the elevators that are operating took place when they shut down leaving people trapped in two of the four that are working. Well, they have not worked since turnover and last April's Minutes with "common" property transferred is infuriating. All done without Unit Owner knowledge. This disgustingly filthy situation must come to an end!

Each person needs to file a complaint with the local government and ask that the elevators be inspected.

I handed out my card with the instructions on getting to this forum quickly. I ask all that need assistance with this forum and other SCCC matters to talk and we can meet off the premises since many have fear for themsleves and property. Yes, even a current Board Director once asked to meet with me but off the premises. I wonder what that was all about.

Click here for a .pdf of the letter.

Settlements?

Settlements?

(original web post 12/13/12):  Have there been any Settlements here with Soho Central Condominium Corporation funds?

Click here for a .pdf of the letter.

Air Conditioner Cleaning

Air Conditioner Cleaning

(original web post 02/16/13):  This is just one of many things you will learn when the pros are not contacted in favor of non-professionals.

We had also learned that the split-type and window types need cleaning every 6 months if there is heavy use. You will be shocked at how dirty they get when looking at the water. We had also gotten an air purifier and can only imagine how dirty the air conditioners would have been without the air purifier.

Several people we have heard in our building had leaks since they never cleaned their air conditioners since we were never told what to do.

The Carrier authorized dealer who had told us about the installation problems:
Tristar Service Center Inc.
No. 32 Mayon Street, Bgy Malamig, Mandaluyong, Metro Manila
532-1353
532-3564
534-8046
531-7562 (fax)
0920-9215091 (cell)
0922-8898233 (cell) tristar@surfshop.net.ph

I have known those in the building having non-air conditioning specialists clean their units with problems afterwards. This service is trained to do the job. Just make sure they bring the bag for the split-type to keep the wall clean.

EMERGENCY ISSUE: Broker Problem (Gramercy)

EMERGENCY ISSUE: Broker Problem

(This problem at Gramercy may be repeated elsewhere if Master Deeds change without notice.  I have now heard that anger and arguments with new Unit Owners is common at Gramercy.  Buyers turned Unit Owners are dismayed at what they now know.)

(original web post 02/14/13):  A caretaker was told today by the concierge desk at Gramercy Residences that the Master Deed requires that Century Properties Inc Leasing share in the commission.

I asked was the Master Deed or any of the important documents I told others about given upon turnover/closing? Was this made known to all buyers?

Most importantly, is it true? And, is it legal under the laws of the Philippines. I have learned that just because it is in the Master Deed or By-laws and was submitted to a government agency does not make it legal or a new law.

As an example, Soho Central had voting rights by area in the Master Deed and one vote per unit in the By-Laws - a conflict. One of the current unelected Board members who is a unit owner even called for an acclamation in 2011 before the Board walked out of the Annual Meeting. Seemingly none of the geniuses on the Board then and the "Steering Committee" had read or caught the problem in the building's documents. The By-Laws were illegal and the vote called was illegal and it did not make either legal due to the legally called for meeting and documents submitted to the government. Mixed-use buildings must have votes based upon area.

I had given the name and contact information for a lawyer at the closed pre-turnover Gramercy forum. I would suggest that Unit Owners now discovering or being told this news consult a lawyer immediately.http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showth...61835&page=388

I looked through the Knightsbridge Master Deed and did not see any such requirement.  (The Master Deed for Gramercy was amended without notice adding a restriction regarding leasing.  Will the same be for other projects?)

***

UPDATE (02/17/13) : See this policy below. Under what laws of the Philippines are these rules allowed? Who approved this policy? What committee approved this policy? Are there Minutes and Resolutions from the meeting that took place? Please read this carefully and then be prepared for the zinger at the end. Does it get any worse?

Click here for a .pdf of the policy.

Everything about this policy stinks. But number 7 demonstrates the depth of the stench. I was told that at age 55 and above getting an official license is not needed. A scenario can then be assumed given the stench of this policy with no cited justification under Philippine law that by default all those Unit Owners selling their property, YES their property, are brokers. They would be brokers since they are engaged in brokering a deal to sell their property. They would then be required or a demand put upon them to pay a commission. Who gets this commission?

So all those buyers at Gramercy Residences who paid for properties are not really owners since the terms of renting and selling are dictated by Century. So I guess they paid for property that is really owned by Century but the residents just paid not an ownership price but an amount giving them a trust so they could live there. Century must also share the profit when selling this odd trust due to monopolistic control. Is this not so?

I was also told that a lawyer stated that Master Deeds cannot be against the Unit Owners.

UPDATE (03/17/13):  Gramercy Residences - Deed; Amendment; 2nd Amendment (I have been told that it is being changed and that they would not give a hard copy to a unit Owner.  Does this mean another (3rd) amendment?  Yes, no warning to buyers and current Unit Owners if true.  What is going on there and at all properties given secrecy and private board meetings?)
UPDATE (03/22/13):  These are the Rules & Regulations for Gramercy.  Yes, just when you thought it could not get worse.  Read them carefully.