EDSA. 7:00 PM. Pre-pandemic Era.
People were walking about, going straight to restaurants after work or school. Malls were packed, people of all ages littering every hallway and every store. It was a typical populated weekday scenario, with the number of people outside expected to double in size as soon as the weekends come.
It was also a common “weekday night” scenario evident in every city all over the world. Despite most people minding their own business, focused on heading to their specific destinations, the scene was a picture of a community thriving in interactions and unrestricted conversations.
Source: Helena Lopes from Pexels
Gone were the days when people go out in public spaces (e.g. restaurants, parks, etc.) just to take a well-deserved breather after work or school. Even with the slowly easing restrictions, the still ongoing pandemic and heightened precautionary measures limit people’s intention to go out and have fun.
The sound of people muttering and conversing once filled the streets. Now, conversations were converted into virtual ones, as social distancing continued to hinder the possibility of physical contact. The digital space offered a platform similar to a “public space” given that various activities are now done online: from the simple movie marathons with friends to the grandeur of accomplishing and purchasing life-changing ventures.
Maintaining Communications Virtually
Communicating with other people online still falls under the need to make relationships even stronger. As said by social psychologists Roy Baumeister and Mark Leary, “humans have a deep need to belong, to feel connected with others in enduring, close, supportive relationships.” This need to belong can be seen through the strengthened online communications overcoming the gaps instilled by lockdowns.
From reaching out to loved ones to availing needs, every aspect of human need has slowly transferred online.
Social Platforms
Source: Tracy Le Blanc from Pexels
The available social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tiktok, etc.) and messaging apps (Messenger, Viber, WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.) continuously fostered and maintained the communications between families, friends, and other social groups. The struggle caused by distance was lessened, as reaching out can be done in just a few taps on mobile phones and keyboards.
Group hangouts were also unstoppable as software innovators continue to develop a variety of platforms that can temporarily (or permanently) substitute the indoor and outdoor activities people love to do during their leisure hours. Streaming services like Netflix and Spotify and their extensions like Houseparty, allow virtual movie marathons with friends and long-distance family members to be possible.
Work and Study from Home
The stay-at-home order (which was at its peak during the first half of 2020) boosted the use of conference calls and online collaboration platforms. Zoom Video Communications, Skype, Microsoft Teams, Google Classrooms were just among the few applications that became vital for schools and businesses to keep moving.
Source: Tima Miroshnichenko from Pexels
Working and studying from home
became a major change not just in the lifestyles of people all over the world,
but also in terms of their house interior setups. The topic of interior makeovers,
especially the do-it-yourself ones, had a popularity boost given the number of
ideas and tips shared throughout the digital platform.
Online Market
Online shopping. One of the industries that undeniably boomed during the lockdown are the shopping platforms like Lazada and Shopee. The virtual market also saved lots of Filipinos who lost their jobs, as many delved into selling goods through social media and websites.
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Essentials became more accessible to people through online stores, given that malls were closed for a time during Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ), then resuming operations with limited capacity. Along with the growing virtual market, users of online payment modes also rose in number, as this type of transaction reduces physical contact.
Industries such as food, fashion, automotive, and real estate also strengthened their presence and availability in the internet. Lessandra, a housing brand offering quality and affordable house and lots in the country, is one example. In a report by Business Mirror, Lessandra showed positive growth in sales by the second half of 2020, and a promising 2021 outlook, as its remarkable brand presence and efforts in the web greatly contributed to the brand’s success.
Turning into the online world somehow salvaged the challenges brought by the needed physical separations from other people. As the pandemic and its after-effects demand heightened maintenance for virtual support, innovations on the side of internet providers need to be more aggressive.
Source: Edward Jenner from Pexels
The availability of internet has become a vital factor to ease the struggle brought by the pandemic. Households in almost all over the country and the world are connected virtually. Recognizing this need, home and community developer Lessandra partnered with the new telecommunications player Streamtech, to provide fast and reliable connections in the housing brand’s selected communities nationwide.
Instant Connection
The rising telco player Streamtech is initially available in selected areas: Batangas, Bulacan, Cavite, Ilocos, Iloilo, Naga, NCR, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, and Rizal. Lessandra communities located in these areas can enjoy the fast and reliable service of the telco player.
In this partnership with Streamtech, new Lessandra homeowners can expect free and advanced installation for their Lessandra homes. This means that upon moving in, their Lessandra houses are already equipped for internet connection, reducing the hassle of arranging appointments just to accommodate their need for virtual communication.
To acquire Streamtech’s offered services, what residents need to do is inquire at Streamtech and choose the plan they would wish to avail themselves. Given that provisions for connection are already available upon move-in, homeowners can enjoy their subscription within 48 hours after confirmation. More than the internet, Streamtech also offers solo cable TV services and cable + internet packages.
One of the things that makes Lessandra homes an ideal real estate investment is the formed communities all over the Philippines. With this partnership of instant connection with Streamtech, the need for connecting to places beyond the boundaries of their neighborhoods just became faster and more ideal upon moving into their Lessandra property.
Lessandra communities are not just houses built side by
side. The bonds formed between neighbors are also the highlights of these maaliwalas communities. More than
quality and affordable house and lots, the vibrant relationships within the
neighborhood emphasize the comfortable and safe environment in Lessandra.
Sources:
Human
Connections and the Good Life: Balancing Individuality by David G. Myers
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/pa.2417
