My friends Nini and Art retired, sold their big house, and moved to a brand-new 55+ senior living community in Manteca by developer Trumark Homes.
Nyke and I drove through heavy fog this morning to visit them.
Over a hearty lunch of pasta, beef with mushrooms, baked salmon, hors d’ oeuvres, and ice cream, we made kwento kwento.
Their place is homey and cozy. While I was watching them prepare our lunch, I felt a certain vibe—like a couple on vacation. Then it struck me: this is their vacation place. And they’re on vacation every single day.
This is Art and Nini’s daily honeymoon place.
They both had meaningful careers. Nini was a Philippine diplomat assigned in Paris, China, Vancouver, and other places. Art was—and still is—an architect. Now, they’re simply living their best life.
They wake up relaxed, not hurried. They enjoy slow lunches and dinners with their Fil-Am friends in the same subdivision. Nini sings and is now part of a band that performs weekly at the clubhouse. Art belongs to a religious group and stays active there. They’re busy—but it’s the good kind of busy. The kind without stress.
After lunch, they showed us around the community.
There’s a sprawling clubhouse complete with elegant lounges, chef’s kitchens for cooking demonstrations or potluck gatherings, ping-pong tables, a swimming pool, a dog park, BBQ areas, and expansive balconies where residents can hang out and enjoy conversations with neighbors. Or simply sit quietly—peaceful, alone, but never lonely.
The place is simply beautiful. We even made usyoso some of the model homes. Art was trying to convince me to move there too. Talagang maganda naman kasi. And the houses are priced reasonably I honestly wouldn’t mind living there—except our situation is different from theirs. Edmund and I won’t be spending our retirement years in the U.S. We plan to spend our twilight years in Tagaytay. As for my son, he can’t live there yet—he’s not 55.
Nyke and I left Manteca with full tummies and happy hearts. We enjoyed our lunch with Nini and Art. We enjoyed the tour of the clubhouse and exploring the beautiful model homes. It was a lovely visit—and an inspiring glimpse of what retirement can look like when it’s lived well.
my wife and i also dream to retire, kahit sa province lang. away from the stresses of city living 🙂 if God permits then that place would be the ultimate retirement area. very very nice, so picturesque, relaxing and calming.
Retiring in the province I think is good. Away from the traffic, noise, and air pollution in Manila. As long as your place is near conveniences such as a well-equipped hospital.