MANDALUYONG | Soho Central | 41 F| 160m

[GeorgeDeCarlo]

UPDATE (3/26/12): We have been told by Meralco after several phone calls that the main office in Ortigas has the checks that have to be signed. So from the nonsense of the many months, I assume the checks are made out to Greenfield Development [Did they have our money from the difference never returned and did not pay interest via Merdien?] then Merdien gets the money via Greenfield Development [Did Meridien have our money from the difference never returned and did not pay interest?] then Meridien gives us checks that had better have interest Meralco we were told by their local officer is from the beginning. The main part of this nightmare saga is over. Next we look to those that stole the difference and the interest not paid.

Originally Posted by idscpr

Does any of the unit owners ever got back theirP12,000.00 for the meralco deposit. To GeorgeDeCarlo, I know you posted more than once regarding this particular issue, did you get the Php 12,000 from Greenfield/Meridien? They are only giving me Php 4,200+ and I was told the rest is coming from Meralco. Can you share your experience, process of collecting the refund? TIA..

Did you ask Agnes if that check included interest? If not, tell her to get on the phone to the lawyer to expain why before you go to file a complaint with the Justice Department.

I can only call it criminal when our money has been kept and interest not given.

There are two parts to this sickening issue. First, all units purchased from the developer crowd had a mandatory 12,000 peso estimated service deposit. I assume all Unit Owners thought the entire 12,000 pesos was going to Meralco. Wrong!

The developer crowd gave Meralco what Meralco asked for each unit depending upon their formula for the space involved. When the developer crowd gave Meralco that part of the 12,000 pesos Meralco wanted there was an amount left over. That amount was kept by the developer crowd without Unit Owners’ permission. In the US it is called theft when one takes money that does not belong to you. At the annual meeting the Filipinos in the room said it is called the same thing here.

We have gotten back the difference via checks. But, now we hear that the developer crowd is giving the money back after Ryan and I made the discovery and complained as loudly as possible through a credit to their account with Soho Central Condominium Corporation. Hmmm, a way to keep the general account looking good? Who gave them permission to do this? Once again the developer crowd is treating the Unit Owners as children in need of their incompetent guidance. Everyone should have gotten checks as we did to do with the money as they please.

The developer crowd or web that controls the building needs to go. Why did they keep the money and why the delay with titles that I have been told may be used as collateral without the Unit Owners permission. Yes, the Unit Owner could actually lose their unit. Why all this money available to the developers not returned? Keep looking to all those new buildings and the key may be there.

As for the service deposit held by Meralco under Greenfield’s name, Ryan and I are in the process of getting ours back after we had changed the names on the bills to ours. We gave Meralco a service deposit for our two units. So now each unit has had two deposits.

We have now been spending months getting the incompetent dictatorial web to give us back our money. There were arguments between Meridien aka Century Properties and Greenfield about the registration certificate and who had it and then another major obstacle was Greenfield sending an expired seal.

I have no doubt that all this was done as an attack against Ryan and I for being activists. I also have no doubt that the intimidation of Unit Owners to stop participation in meetings is working due to guards sent to keep track and monitor who attends.

Unit Owners time to march.

We were told that all the paperwork has been given to Meralco and that we had to wait another month. Yes, screaming like they have not heard yet will commence if there is another problem. My toleration has ended for any lies and retribution. We now must check to see where the checks are for the service deposit that was under Greenfield’s name.

I was told by Meralco that we will get interest. So ask to see copies of the checks sent to them and also call Rita at Meralco.

But, we still have to contact the Justice Department to file a complaint since we never got interest for the money they kept. We also have to find out if the Justice Department will pursue an investigation as to why they kept the money until Ryan and I discovered their action against us.

[idscpr]

Thanks, George, for the input. Very informative and helpful.

[claireyamashita]

Party! Party! Party! MABUHAY!

[rize®]

I know this has been written before here in Skyscrapercity, but I just need to stress to proactively turn off all unnecessary lights in Soho Central. The building has too many lights turned on in the evenings and no lights need be turned on during the daytime. Take it upon yourselves as owners to turn off the corridor lights or half of the corridor lights in the evening. Light coming from the elevator hallway is enough to provide adequate lighting to the Shaw and Mayflower connecting corridor.

I noticed tenants don’t seem to care and just turn on all the switches along the hallway regardless of what time it is. Remember that we are the ones stuck with the bill as owners.

The dictatorial group known as Century Properties aka Meridien Development Group doesn’t seem to care about their projects once turnover is complete. As owners, we can make a difference in improving the state of our building and our home.

In addition, let us not forget that we have a duty to attend the Annual Board Meeting. Let our voices be heard here in Skyscrapercity and during the Annual Board Meeting on the last Friday of August. Prior to that event, write all concerns in complaint forms at the concierge or 4th floor admin office, send letters to the government agencies and start cc:’ing all major newspapers.

[GeorgeDeCarlo]

This Thursay, March 26 and next Thursday, April 5 there will be meetings in the Residents Lounge. Please come with your concerns and issues. We will keep trying to change the day of the week for everyone to have a chance to participate.

Thank you.

[mba2000]

We had a fantastic meeting last week????????????

[GeorgeDeCarlo]

ANNOUNCEMENT

Soho Central Condominium Corporation Board Meeting

WARNING: The meeting was stated to be at the date and time below but be prepared for surprises. Also, remember no Unit Owner sits on the Board. It only has members from Meridien aka Century Properties & Greenfield Development.

Preparation: Bring a list of concerns such as Titles, Meralco bill deposits, elevators, etc.

Ryan was just told this afternoon about the Soho Central Condominium Corporation Board meeting. It will be held this Monday, April 16 at 4 PM on the 4th floor.

I had originally written the impression that he had to ask. But, it was worse than usual. He said the Assistant Manager was nudging the Supervising Engineer to tell Ryan. Now those are managerial skills at work.

So once again the Century Properties Management Inc. fails since I asked them many, many, many times about the meeting schedule and they failed to tell me or anyone until FRIDAY about the meeting on MONDAY! I guess they like my constant complaints about such incompetence. So where are the notices? TELL ALL OWNERS AND THEIR REPRESENTATIVES!! SPREAD THE WORD NOW! TELL EVERYONE YOU ENCOUNTER.

Also, remember the Board has no Unit Owners. This Board is controlled by the developers and needs all your concerns and questions addressed.

Oh, since the national law calls for votes by area and not one per unit, Greenfield Development cannot have a seat at the the present time. The vote taken in August 2011 placing them on the Board was done by one vote per unit and not by area as pointed out to me by a broker.

[GeorgeDeCarlo]

The last two weeks were a bit busy but we are back to meetings.

The next three meetings will be on Thursdays, April 19, April 26 and May 3 at 8PM in the Residents Lounge.

(The recent Soho Central Condominium Corporation Board had their meeting in our Lounge. Ryan and I were there but were only able to present some of the concerns. They refuse to have Unit Owners witness their meetings. Sunshine does not penetrate the workings of that group making decisions for our building using OUR MONEY. Oh, comments I had about Greenfield Development and not towards anyone in the room were met with a Greenfield Board member getting up from his seat in a provocative move towards me only to be blocked by someone sitting in a chair. I have been told that if I am physical touched in an attack Philippine law allows me to defend myself. I will.)

Unit Owners have told me of their concern for my person and concern for themselves and their units by such forces. I understand this but we need to work hard using all resources possible to take control of OUR building.

A quote from another Board member I will never forget: "DO NOT INSULT ME WITH THE FACTS!"

The vote taken last August contrary to the Master Deed and national law and the Meralco "estimated service deposit" situation were main issues prior to the Star Chamber meeting.

[hrp]

Hi! Does anyone knew about the elevator incident here in SOHO? I just heard from my driver today he get to speak with the water delivery man but he's got no details much about it. Would anyone know the story? Please share. Thanks.

[mba2000]

Hello Mr.George DeCarlo how are you?how about our beloved soho central condominium private res.

[GeorgeDeCarlo]

UPDATE 6/13/12: Yesterday, I was told by a lawyer that lives in the building that there are Minutes and they had seen them. Well, why was Ryan given Resolutions only. I guess they think of every way to keep secrets and the information from Unit Owners. Tiring us out is not working and intimidation will be reported to the authorities.

Ryan asked for a copy of the Minutes telling them what we learned. I guess they did not want us to have a set before the Annual Meeting.

UPDATE: As for tonight's (5/17) meeting, we may try to start the floor-by-floor inspections. We can select a floor and then go to inspect taking photos and writing notes. The results will be placed in this forum. We will continue the process until all floors are covered. Join us and see the building.

The next Soho Central Unit Owner Meetings will be at 7PM (time change) on Thursdays, May 10, 17 and 24.

While the meetings have had light attendance, we often have important concerns from Unit Owners and, of course, many talks with Unit Owners outside of the meetings. Our advice is to read this past messages on this forum and to write to government authorities or at least cc: them when writing to the dictatorial web that controls the building. We have also been telling people to hire lawyers and start suing.

The issues are not being addressed. We will try to catch up oin postings this month and several letters that need to be made. Ryan got copy of Minutes and they are a joke. He was told that wht he was given was all there is and true Minutes were NEVER DONE. In the US this would be a serious legal problem but here I do not know. We will scan the Secretary's Certificates and post them. Yes, the Board is a star chamber operating in secret making decisions with OUR MONEY against our interests.

Where are all the Unit Owners? Do they not care about the money they invested? Do they not care about their property? This is politics (power & influence) taking place here. If you do not turn on to politics, politics will turn on you. It has!

The elevators are still not working properly. Two are still out of service. The others make noises and the ride at times has bumps.

We were told by the management that some agreement on awnings for the 4th floor of Mayflower has been in the works. Their very large balconies are useless and can be dangerous from falling objects by residents above. Serious debris needs to be reported to the building and the local police.

Owners are still having Title problems. Meralco is now issuing checks to Greenfield for our two units. Meralco first said 1 to 2 months and have changed the story to 2 to 3 months. The lies here having to do with condos never end. All words are lies until backed up with physical evidence. NEVER EVER believe what anyone says about anything unless they are will to put it in wrting and sign a proper document. Ryan warned me and I did not want to believe or act improperly. But, Ryan was born and raised here and I will now believe him and respect his truth.

Oh, another warning I have been getting is the possible threat to my person (life and limb) for my being a Unit Owner activist. These warning have come from Filipinos and one foreign national. I make this statement here in case anything happens to me.

[GeorgeDeCarlo]

Yes, one of many misconceptions and lies spread since this building was being marketed with brokers passing on the original lies. One Unit Owner told me of how she was sold her unit by a family member of the developer with all kinds of promises besides the brochure which was filled with photo lies.

As for the leasing company allowed to have an office in the building, please do not use them. I have spoken with those that have rented their units through them and had problems with damage, units not checked regularly and long periods of not being able to rent their units.

There are people who take care of units as their business. I do not know all their names and only have contact information for one person. She was treated quite badly last year being the caretaker and representative for several units since the dictatorial web that controls the building wanted the monopoly for their own company. Yes, the incest of companies never ends here at Soho Central so long as Unit Owners are refused and prohibited to be elected to the Board. She had to take her troubles to outside authorities to solve the problems.

I would like all caretakers to get together and see if they could work together on some level since some may not want that many units to care for and others could appreciate more work. Cooperation to fight the monopolistic control and better maintenance of the units would be goals.

So I would highly recommend Regina Alemania 0927-238-1535 or 0918-476-3863.

[GeorgeDeCarlo]

Pets in Soho Central Condominium have had an interesting history. We were originally told that pets were not allowed by the previous onsite managers. There was one pet I had heard about that was tolerated due to the rule being made after they had the pet on the premises from what I was told.

Then last year I kept asking for documents denied Unit Owners freely and openly when I had been made aware of their existence. The Rules and Regulations which I had scanned and posted on an earlier message was one of them. (Remember, please read all past messages and bring up topics of concern.)

In that document copied for our (I know it is ours but 100% controlled by developer forces.) building from another Century Properties project, pets are allowed and have their own section of rules.

Some Unit Owners I have been told are now very concerned about this change and their allergy (health) problems. Well, since the rules are used in an arbitrary manner against Unit Owners by the dictatorial web that controls the building, let us see what the Rules and Regulations from Soho Central Resident’s Handbook, Section 3 Use of Commercial Units, Common Areas & Limited Common Areas, Part II, pages 19-20 state.

3.7 Pets

3.7.3 …”Whenever they need to be taken out of the unit, they must always be on leash or similarly restrained, when applicable.” But, I witnessed a resident upon leaving the passenger elevator place the dog on the floor and also placing the leash on the floor allowing free reign of the dog as they headed for the Mayflower tower. This took place at approx. 3:30PM on 5/14/12 on the 33rd floor.

3.7.8 “Pets shall be moved in and out of the building using the service elevator or stairways only.”

Generally, I am opposed to pets since they will attract pests of various types due in great part to pet owners not properly caring for and cleaning up after the pet. The food placed in the open 24/7 for pets within units will be a major attractant creating pest problems for the general area of the unit. Noise and pet waste are another issue. Additionally, pet waste will be disposed of in the garbage placed in the stairwells which may not be fully secured. Another transit of waste such as kitty litter may be the plumbing system of the building.

The lower floors have had odor problems and the building has a sewage treatment plant in the subbasement. Just imagine the addition of various waste products such as kitty litter, paper products, etc. from pets. Clearing out the pipes will be a regular chore and damage will incur from the process we will all pay for in the future. Main transit pipes for the sewage system are on the 4th and 5th floors of the two towers. Clear mapping of the system is available in engineering in the basement office.

(see message #721, page 37 of this forum’s postings)

[GeorgeDeCarlo]

Take a good look at Twin Oaks and see the concrete that is falling or breaking off from the building. Tell all those that bought into that project developed by one of the dictatorial factions that controls the building we paid for and have no say in how OUR MONEY is used to run it.

I would assume the same concrete on the outside surfaces of the structure is used for keeping it standing.

Also where railings are put in place concrete has broken away.

[GeorgeDeCarlo]

Is anyone in Soho Central surprised by such an accusation?

http://business.manilastandardtoday....-claim-bucked/

Gramercy claim bucked

Posted May 17th, 2012 by Manila Standard Today & filed under Business.

The race for the country’s tallest residential building has reached the courts with Gramercy Residences’ developer being accused of fraud and misrepresentation for claiming to have 73 floors, although it is allowed to go as high as 68 floors only.

Picar Development Inc., which is building the adjacent 70-story Stratford Residences on Kalayaan Ave. in Makati, also asked the Muntinlupa regional trial court last week to stop Gramercy from constructing the additional five floors.

In its complaint, Picar attached a letter from the Makati City Hall certifying that the local government had not received any application from Century Properties Inc. to raise Gramercy from 68 to 73 floors.

Picar also asked the court to stop Century Properties from claiming its project as the “Philippines’ first super tall building and will also be the highest” to protect the public who might buy “on the mistaken belief that The Gramercy Residences has the distinction of being higher than The Stratford Residences, if not the highest in the Philippines.”

[GeorgeDeCarlo]

This another article about the suit.

Posted May 17th, 2012 by Manila Bulletin & filed under Business section

Court Asked: Stop Gramercy Construction

The race for the country’s tallest residential building has reached the courts with Gramercy Residences’ developer being accused of fraud and misrepresentation for claiming to have 73 floors although it is allowed to go as high as 68 floors only.

Picar Development Inc., which is building the adjacent 70-storey Stratford Residences on Kalayaan Ave. in Makati, also asked the Muntinglupa RTC last week that Gramercy be stopped from constructing the additional five floors.

In its complaint, Picar attached a letter from the Makati City Hall certifying that the local government has not received any application from Century Properties Inc. to raise Gramercy from 68 to 73 floors.

Picar also asked the court that Century Properties be stopped from claiming its project as the “Philippines’ first supertall building and will also be the highest” to protect the public who might buy “on the mistaken belief that The Gramercy Residences has the distinction of being higher than The Stratford Residences, if not the highest in the Philippines.”

The “canard” being peddled by Century, the complaint said, “amounts to fraud which is detrimental to the interest of the plaintiff and the public.”

[GeorgeDeCarlo]

I just had the following text sent to me:

"There are bugs and moth(s) flying around the hallways and wors(e)...there are tiny m(ice). Either (they) came from outside source or not, one housekeeping commented that the PEST CONTROL is becoming a pest with all these insects multiplying rather than diminishing. Oh my GOD!"

Well, common areas such as electrical rooms, water cabinets, etc. are not sprayed. I would assume that many other areas are not excluding the units. Has the rotten management imposed upon us created a memo clearly stating that all residents need and must keep units very clean eliminating all sources of food and water? NO!

They cannot even create a memo on keeping the stairwells clean and to bag garbage so no food and liquid escapes. Open garbage and sweepings continue to be deposited in the stairwells. On the 21st floor one person places their garbage in the hallway outside their door.

The gym is one source of insects since just out the windows are troughs that are not cleaned or sprayed. Standing outside the lobby down three levels does not bring as many stings as being inside and up on the 4th floor in the gym.

Management needs to be replaced.

[jaguar21]

Vote for George De Carlo for Soho Central building manager!!!

Originally Posted by GeorgeDeCarlo

I just had the following text sent to me:

"There are bugs and moth(s) flying around the hallways and wors(e)...there are tiny m(ice). Either (they) came from outside source or not, one housekeeping commented that the PEST CONTROL is becoming a pest with all these insects multiplying rather than diminishing. Oh my GOD!"

Well, common areas such as electrical rooms, water cabinets, etc. are not sprayed. I would assume that many other areas are not excluding the units. Has the rotten management imposed upon us created a memo clearly stating that all residents need and must keep units very clean eliminating all sources of food and water? NO!

They cannot even create a memo on keeping the stairwells clean and to bag garbage so no food and liquid escapes. Open garbage and sweepings continue to be deposited in the stairwells. On the 21st floor one person places their garbage in the hallway outside their door.

The gym is one source of insects since just out the windows are troughs that are not cleaned or sprayed. Standing outside the lobby down three levels does not bring as many stings as being inside and up on the 4th floor in the gym.

Management needs to be replaced.

[mba2000]

Yes, yes! I second the motion!!!

[mba2000]

Good day!

To ensure the reliability of our building Fire Detection and Alarm System (FDAS), please be informed that we will be conducting a testing of the system (smoke and heat detectors) inside each units to those who have not participated yet on the activity from May to June 30, 2012 by floors between the hours of 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM to be conducted by our FDAS service provider, YEK YEU MERCHANDISING, INC., as follows:



Unit Floors
Scheduled Dates

1
05th Floor
May 2, 2012
2
06th Floor
May 3, 2012
3
07th Floor
May 4, 2012
5
08th Floor
May 5, 2012
6
09th Floor
May 6, 2012
7
10th Floor
May 7, 2012
8
11th Floor
May 8, 2012
9
12th Floor
May 9, 2012
10
14th Floor
May 10, 2012
11
15th Floor
May 11, 2012
12
16th Floor
May 12, 2012
13
17h Floor
May 13, 2012
14
18th Floor
May 14, 2012
15
19th Floor
May 15, 2012
16
20th Floor
May 16, 2012
17
21th Floor
May 17, 2012
18
22th Floor
May 18, 2012
19
23th Floor
May 19, 2012
20
24th Floor
May 20, 2012
21
25th Floor
May 21, 2012
22
26th Floor
May 22, 2012
23
27th Floor
May 23, 2012
24
28th Floor
May 24, 2012
25
29th Floor
May 25, 2012
26
30th Floor
May 26, 2012
27
31th Floor
May 27, 2012
28
32th Floor
May 28, 2012
29
33th Floor
May 29, 2012
30
34th Floor
May 30, 2012
31
35th Floor
May 31, 2012
32
36th Floor
June 1, 2012
33
37th Floor
June 2, 2012
34
38th Floor
June 3, 2012
35
39th Floor
June 4, 2012

We are looking forward to your support and cooperation to allow us to access your units on the said dates as this redounds to the fire safety interest of the entire building complex.

Should the above schedule is inconvenient for you, please reply to our email or call the concierge at 794-0638 and advise us of your preferred schedule, notice of which shall be received by us at least one (1) day ahead of your ideal schedule but is limited to working hours (9:00 AM to 6:00 PM) only so we can arrange it with the contractor. For your convenience, we can also accommodate you during Saturdays and Sundays.

Thank you.
Assistant Property Manager