While my first tattoo (a compass) was and still is significant to me because I love to travel, I told myself that if ever I will get another one, it has to be drawn and designed by me. You see, I used to work as an illustrator and a graphic/web/software/UIUX designer. I designed all our business logos and promotional materials, our wedding invitation, my children's birthday posters—anything I deem personal. A tattoo should not be any different.

I had my first tattoo in 2016, and since then, I've discovered new hobbies and interests, pursued my passions, survived trials, and celebrated milestones in my life enough to warrant a permanent mark on my skin. But if I had done so, I’d probably be covered in ink by now. In 2022, after I gave birth to our third child, I had envisioned a tattoo in my mind—it covers every significant thing about my life. But it was only this year when I finally had the time to draw. 

 In 1977, a vision grew from a newly founded gravel and sand company, laying the foundation for what would become a leading force in the national building sector.  

As the enterprise expanded into construction and property development, it became clear that its ultimate mission was to enable every Filipino to call a home of their own. Capitalizing on its growing real estate operations, the company aimed to turn these long-held dreams into reality. The focus shifted to serving hardworking kababayans, particularly the Overseas Filipinos (OFs)—the nation's unsung heroes.

Recognizing the potential to harness economies of scale and a network of construction experts and suppliers, the strategy evolved from building individual homes to developing entire housing communities. This approach facilitated the creation of cost-effective, high-quality homes. By offering homes with uniform designs and amenities, many Filipinos who once considered homeownership out of reach saw their dreams realized. This innovation led to the creation of Communities Philippines, which eventually became one of the most cherished and largest home builders in the country, Camella.

Built on Dreams and Building Legacies

This vision has developed into more than 200 communities dotting the archipelago, where dreams continue to evolve and take on deeper meaning. Today, Camella represents more than the realization of lifelong ambitions; it symbolizes the creation of family legacies. These homes are not just structures but receptacles of years of memories, adventures, and conversations. They are treasures shared across multiple generations, carrying the imprint of each individual and family that has lived within their walls, spanning from the last five decades to the hope of many more tomorrows.

Camella, the most recognizable name in Philippine real estate, has become synonymous with homes across the country and is intricately woven into the national consciousness. This narrative was born at the meeting of two essential elements: the Filipino collectivist culture and the fundamental belief that homes are cornerstones of many family legacies. Camella is a dedication for every Filipino who wishes to own a home in a community that champions the values they uphold and what the family holds true––through each generation.

Wherever They Want to Live

Camella has committed to realizing the vision of turning Filipino dreams of homeownership into reality while crafting spaces where cherished memories can be created and preserved for many generations. In doing so, the company also embraces every homeowner's desire to settle in any part of the country they choose. Whether driven by tradition, employment opportunities, or simply the beauty and charm of the location, Camella has established communities that cater to these aspirations.

Consequently, the brand has expanded across the country farther than any other. Having the widest geographic reach was essential from the outset, building communities in the exact locations where Filipinos wish to reside—places where they feel more at ease, believe they can lead their best lives, and where they can relish in cherished memories—where they truly feel at home.

Understanding the ethos behind Camella is crucial, especially the philosophy that a home is not limited to the walls of its structure but includes the whole community in which one resides. Every Camella community is crafted with purposely built spaces where neighbors can gather and connect. Features include clubhouses with function halls and al fresco seating, swimming pools to cool off in the tropical heat, play areas, sports courts, jogging paths, piazzas, and parks. These spaces invite residents to step outside and engage in activities, conversations, and playdates, all set within beautifully landscaped surroundings. Camella aims to foster a sense of belonging among its residents, making them feel "I belong here."

Building Up to 50 with Five Pillars

With Camella approaching its 50th year, the company will also celebrate half a century of building homes and communities that make every Filipino family's dream real. 

The longevity of Camella as a preferred housing brand is anchored in its five brand aspirations. These ideals shape every aspect of operations, from day-to-day functions to long-term pursuits, laying the groundwork for lasting success. 

Dream Communities. Each Camella development is a themed neighborhood featuring landscapes inspired by the most beautiful places in the world. Camella holds the view that the true home of its residents goes beyond the walls of their individual houses, embracing the broader neighborhood and community as integral parts of their living space. 

Camella communities are built with amenities, like play parks, that foster lifelong connections.

I should stop lying to myself.

I was unable to blog about our 5th wedding anniversary, which also marked our 10th year together—something I do every year—because I was too busy writing another piece. I thought I could go back to blogging once I finish my long-ass essay. 

But 19 pages later, I try to avoid anything that exerts mental effort.

So again, to let everyone know that I am still alive (even though nobody gives an eff), here's another one from the drafts. I wrote this around 2021, and it still rings true to this day.

I do the flexing mostly online. On the other hand, Jan isn't digitally expressive but instead does it in front of people. There have been countless of times whenever I meet his friends or officemates for the first time that I get surprised at how much they already know about me, my job, skills, talents, and even this blog. "Ah ikaw pala si Sarah. Lagi kang kinukwento ni Jan sa amin." Or sometimes Jan would go like this in front of me and the people we've just met, "She blogs. Magaling yan magsulat. Madami na yan siyang awards natanggap." Sometimes gusto ko na lang magpalamon sa lupa kasi he's exaggerating and nakakahiya. 😅 But it does feel good when someone speaks highly of you. 😉

I was thinking of blogging about something because I wanted to take a break from the long-ass essay that I have been writing. I thought I could pull off what my favorite author, Brandon Sanderson, can do. He writes something different if he's feeling burned out. He takes a break from writing novels by writing novellas. 

But who am I kidding?

So I went through my drafts to see if I could salvage a post, and I've come across this. It's one of those days I felt I was in the dark and I wasn't brave enough to publish this. But I guess, this needed to be out for mothers out there who feel the same way. Know that you are not alone.