We all had this realization over the past year: having our own home is important.

Amid the pandemic and the stringent lockdowns that kept us off our offices, malls and other public spaces, our homes literally became our safe and secure sanctuary that helped protect us from the new coronavirus. Everyone had to stay at home, where we also worked, studied, worked out and tried to have some light moments despite the challenges thrown our way.

But even as things are starting to improve today, with the government's vaccination program, reopening of more businesses and so on, I'm sure there are those whose desire to have their own homes never waned. Whether you're looking for a home in the metro or outside the capital region, it doesn't matter. What matters is that you go and get started on realizing that dream to have your very own home.

If you're currently scouting for a home and you find yourself increasingly drawn to the northern part of the country, you might want to check out some of Sta. Lucia Land's residential developments in Pangasinan and Nueva Ecija—provinces that are now more accessible, thanks to the major thoroughfares connecting to Metro Manila, including North Luzon Expressway, Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway, and the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway.

I should also point out that this property developer has an impressive, very diverse portfolio that shows you more than 250 innovative projects—from golf estates, lakeside communities, to subdivisions and condominiums, among others. All these come replete with choice amenities that help provide a well balanced lifestyle for the residents.

Almeria Verde

Dagupan, Pangasinan

Named after the resort town of Almeria in Spain, Almeria Verde in Dagupan exemplifies the idyllic suburban lifestyle of a riverside community. With spacious lots and elegant home designs to choose from, Almeria Verde offers high-end living in a secure, conveniently-located, self-contained neighborhood in the heart of Pangasinan.

While Dagupan is famed as the country's bangus capital, it is also a first class city, a major commercial hub in Northern Luzon where one can find educational, medical, shopping and entertainment facilities—a perfect location indeed to live your dream.

Residents here can revel in the choice amenities offered to them, from the Clubhouse, basketball court, swimming pool, and children's playground. Landscaped open spaces allow residents to breathe in fresh air and offer safe areas for families and friends to commune.

Acropolis North

Cabanatuan, Nueva EcijaAcropolis North introduces you to a much coveted modern metropolitan lifestyle as it seamlessly fuses a premier residential estate, commercial complex, a sports and country club, and Water Camp in one exciting property development. At the same time however, the rustic charm of the province creates that much needed balance that allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds.

You can very well live, work and play right within the safe confines of your community. One highlight here is the Water Camp and Country Club where the whole family can enjoy the tower slides, relaxing lazy river, lighted swimming pools for adults and children, fountain and villas. Relax and unwind at the multifunction clubhouse, videoke room, covered basketball court, and outdoor tennis court that residents can exclusively enjoy.

Should you have a need for modern comforts, Acropolis North is conveniently located at the center of the city, near universities, hospitals, banks, churches and commercial hubs. It is also just a two-and-a-half hour drive from Metro Manila via NLEx.

Greenwoods North

Gapan, Nueva Ecija

Another topnotch community concept is offered in Nueva Ecija with Sta. Lucia's Greenwoods North. Here, families are offered a safe, conducive and nurturing environment, free from the stressful hustle of city living, as well as first-class amenities that allow you to indulge in modern conveniences while still living in a countryside getaway.

Families can enjoy choice amenities that include a swimming pool, basketball court, tennis court, as well as parks and playgrounds, offering ample spaces where the community can safely gather.

Also, Greenwoods North is located along Maharlika Highway, a major arterial network connecting Nueva Ecija and Pangasinan, Tarlac and Zambales, and is just 20 minutes away south of the progressive Cabanatuan City. Its strategic location affords residents proximity to the public market, barangay hall, school and the Gapan Supermall.