WHARTON-educated John Victor ?Jigger? Antonio, chief operating officer of Century Properties, furnishes his condominium as if he were building a model unit. With everything itemized, he keeps an eagle eye on the bottom line, making sure that the project sticks to its budget.

Jigger, 36, married Katherine May Muñoz, 29, last November in Boracay after a five-year courtship. He managed the three-day wedding event, flying in guests from Manila, in a very businesslike manner, making sure that it was organized to the last detail.

A 290-square meter, three-bedroom condominium unit in Essensa, a high-end property owned and managed by the family?s real estate firm, was a wedding present from his father, Jose Antonio, who is not only the big boss, but also ambassador to China.

The unit is being renovated since the couple had to wait for the former tenant?s lease to expire. The condo will be reconfigured, extending the den to the living room, supplementing the air-conditioning system, and making the walls soundproof so that they can entertain guests.

Two months before the wedding, Jigger and May consulted Chat Fores, the company?s resident interior designer, and her husband, contractor Hugo Lazano. Being well-traveled, they were inspired by vibrant boutique hotels such as the Philippe Starcke-designed Gia Hotel in Hong Kong and the Bulgari resort in Bali. They wanted a modern-luxe, sleek, sophisticated style ? without necessarily spending a fortune.

May picked up the visual pegs from interior design books and magazines. She favored neutral colors, ranging from natural beige and white to light brown and black. Patterns came from fabrics, wallpaper and mirrors. The interior designer prepared several storyboards for the different rooms. When May and her decorator went shopping, they would send Jigger the photos of their choices for his approval.

Jigger believes that one can achieve maximum benefit at less cost. He explains: ?Since we?re in the real estate business, we know all suppliers. The furniture, cabinets, and flooring are custom-made. It?s much cheaper than buying from the imported furniture stores. We have money to use, but not money to burn. It?s a waste. We have to be prudent because we are starting a family.

?A lot of wallpaper and chandeliers came from Europe,? Jigger says. ?The local distributors gave us a good price since we also hire them for our buildings. It?s like setting up our model units, but it?s more emotional because it?s more personal. May and I are fortunate that we have the same tastes.? Coincidentally, they share the same birthday: November 6. In their five-year relationship, they fought only once.

The first things they ordered were the chandeliers. ?We wanted Baccarat-looking ones, but not in those prices,? says Jigger.

Before the marriage, May went to the bridal registry at Rustan?s and Anson?s. ?I asked for plates, utensils, pots and pans. I?m into home cooking. I prepare Filipino food,? says May. Jigger?s brother Marco gifted them with a King Coil bed, perfect for Jigger?s back problem. One of their favorite gifts was a Kodak electronic album from a principal sponsor, where they can store their happy memories. Friends also gifted them with appliances, beddings and other practical home items.

The couple is now faced with the task of letting go of non-essentials and moving in with enough possessions that would fit in a condominium. ?I?m putting things in boxes ? one to donate to charity and the helpers, another for the yard sale, and another for things that I?m still using,? says May.

Just by looking at the pegs and the amount of work involved in furnishing their condominium, it would seem that the budget is mammoth.

Jigger explains: ?I have limited funds, so I have to stick to it. We also have other expenses. I already prepared it in my bank account. I saved up for it. The unit will be completed no matter what. It will look nice but it won?t come across as expensive. We are in the industry, so we know how much things actually cost.?

He points out another advantage of working in property management. When the contractor asked for the complete MEPS (mechanical, electrical, plumbing and sanitary system) specifications, Jigger was able to supply the data immediately.

May adds that moving into Essensa is like being spoon-fed, since it was built and managed by Century Properties. When she was single and living by herself, she went through the challenges of living in a condo. But since condos are equipped with generator sets, they have an advantage over living in a house, she says.

Starting married life in a condo, May believes, will mean simple living. ?There will be less clutter and problems.?

Originally published in Cocoon Magazine, June/July 2009.

Starter tips

The Antonios Share Guidelines on how to move smoothly into your first home:

Do?s

Plan well by setting a budget. It can determine if you are overspending, and it helps you foresee possible problems.

If you are moving into a condo or a house in a subdivision, check the association dues. When people rent, they don?t factor in association dues. They get surprised why utilities such as water and electricity are expensive.

Check the amenities of the building. If fitness is important to you, make sure there is a gym or pool so you can get adequate exercise. Check out other services like laundry, business center, and function rooms.

Know the administrator of the building. He is your conduit throughout your stay in the condo. In the village, know the association head. The administrator is the liaison between the residents and the support staff such as the concierge, janitorial, plumbing, electrical and mechanical services, and for getting permits to build.

If you are moving into a house, make sure it is fumigated. Check the plumbing system especially if you are renting an old house. If there are leaks, make sure everything is repaired before you pay rent. Old homes and condominiums/apartments will have problems. Make sure everything is prepared before you sign on the dotted line. Once you hand over the check, it?s to each his own.

Make sure the condo or home has a backup genset for power outages.

Check out outlets with 110 and 220 voltages. (At Essensa, centralized transformers can be installed so residents don?t have to plug in ugly surge protectors. That can be done in the central wiring.)

Double-check appliances to make sure they are working.

Check if the locks and windows are operable.

Check interior finishes, if there are any cracks on walls and floor panels, so repairs can be done before moving in.

Buy top-quality bathroom fixtures. They have to last a long time with repeated use.

Don?ts

Do not procrastinate. Start planning early. Once everything is on paper, everything is easy to implement.

Don?t buy unnecessary items that you won?t use.

Couples will be bringing in their own possessions and moving together. Avoid clutter.

Don?t scrimp on good materials. They will last a lifetime.

Don?t waste your window space as it makes one of the best focal points. Don?t block it. Support the natural light coming in. Enhance windows by putting interesting treatments.

Don?t use secondhand appliances. There?s a reason why they?re secondhand.