Real estate is back to its robust pace as property developers launch more horizontal residences with the return of residents and workers who migrated from the metro to nearby provinces during the harsher community quarantine levels.

Here, for the first HOTSPOT Best Spaces list, are four of the best property projects that have made rebooting in the now-normal seamless. In no particular order:

1. Capitol Hills by Primehomes

The award-winning project developer led by its visionary architect and CEO Nikki Romero creates an oasis in the heart of Quezon City. The two-phased project—consisting of newly finished Larossa and work-in-progress La Selva—is poised to be a premium location for its botanical concept and relaxing amenities for wellness. Yet, its location is also an attraction for the metropolis' professional and academic set with commercial hubs, hospitals, and schools within reach. It's home with the thoughtful comforts of being surrounded by nature and units designed with a green view and room for serenity. Capitol Hills is an exclusive project of Primehomes Real Estate Development inc.

2. Acqua Residences by Century Properties Group

Foliage and the calming view of Pasig River are part of this modern property's attraction, besides its modern design. The 2.4-hectare property, which carries a Mandaluong City address, has been completed. A bridge away from Century City, the property is also all about access to key areas of the metro while living the life privately in subdued opulence.

A leader in creating iconic structures, Century Properties Acqua Towers continues to marvelously change the metro's landscape and skyscape with The Cielo in the property's fifth building called Acqua Iguazu designed by Philippe Starck's global firm YOO.

For a taste of this luxurious eden, the property has opened Accor-hotel Novotel Suites Manila at Acqua. Launched with the same level of excellence that distinguishes Accor hotels worldwide, the area offers the convenience of a home-away-from-home concept, coupled with enough workspace for those determined to keep that coveted work-life balance with family and loved ones. Consistent with the design-driven sensibility of all Century properties, room and suites carry a cosmopolitan vibe pepped up by mid-Century-like design interiors.

Just a bridge away from Century City, it's the first-ever premium hotel situated beside the Pasig River.

3. Fortis Residences by DMCI Homes

Think of it as your last chance to find a beautiful breathing space in congested Makati City. Where the norm is to create residential buildings for those who are always on the run, the Fortis Residences brings back the luxury of going back to a home. Each building is uniquely designed to complement the needs of its residents. As DMCI Homes projects instantly conjure images of resort living, this 36-story building takes daily retreats to a luxurious level.

Units are spacious at 72 square meters for a basic 2-bedroom home. With standard amenities like 24-hour security, a gym, a convenience store playground, entertainment and game rooms, among others, perhaps the best embodiment of this now-normal way of leading a gentler but productive lifestyle is its pool on top of its hulking structure. Here, one can lounge, swim, and admire sunsets and sunrises while being oblivious to the hustle and bustle of the city below.

4. Alviera by Leonio Land and Ayala Land

Here is an inspiring story of how a seemingly dead property can still be revived as a dynamic community given the right partnership and sharp vision. Indeed, a post-Covid model for recreating comunities after a catastrophic development like the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in 1991.

For decades, a 1,800-hectare lahar-covered portion of Porac, Pampanga was thought to be done until two major property groups decided to work together.

With dedication and vision, Alviera is turning out to be a major hub for business, commercial, and industrial investments while Pampanga also serves as a gateway to the world via Clark International Airport.

Committed to walking its talk, homegrown Leonio Land in 2014 donated land to some 600 households, consisting of about 3,000 informal settlers in Barangay Dolores, as part of its CSR program. Now talk about that focus to make historic Porac strong and alive again with an inclusive vision for its residents as well.

The memory of the volcanic eruption and the more recent impact of the pandemic may still be around, but the seamless collaboration to build a city and make Porac lush again is proof that Pampanga is indeed a robust future-ready, resilient, and agile community.