AFTER the rock and roll scene of Sazi’s bar along España Boulevard ended about a year ago, two Medicine graduates decided to turn what was then a raucous ambiance of the premises into a living space for Thomasians.
Thanks to Dr. Juanito “Jon” Abaquin and Dr. Noel Martin Bautista, it thus became an upscale dormitory.
Sandwiched between two high-rise condominiums, Dormus Boutique Living Spaces is a high-end dormitory equipped with electronic keys and minimalist design of glass-paneled walls.
Dormus is the perfect abode for Thomasians looking for a good space amid the rigors of academic life, said Bautista.
“An environment must be provided for them outside of the school, that is optimally conducive for their full intellectual development,” he said.
Abaquin’s dream of a premium “‘Boutique Dormitory” became a reality when he worked on the dilapidated Macaraeg building in 2005.
Eight years in the dormitory business, Bautista said that while most dormitories in the area offered similar amenities like double-deckers and shared tables, they were wanting in better comfort and security for the students.
“I observed that most dormitories in the area are cookie-cutter types, almost all offering the same menu,” Abaquin noted.
He added that he did not find a dormitory which offered prime location, security, comfort and safety fit for the high-end market.
Since 1983, the Macaraeg building had been a haven of Filipino music. It’s where bands like Moonstar88, The Jerks, 6 Cyclemind were born. The list includes UST bands like Callalily and Paraluman through the iconic Mayric’s, which was later renamed Sazi’s.
Bautista and Abaquin decided to keep the building’s structure but redesigned it, with hopes to turn it into an “aesthetic and iconic landmark” to breathe life into the vicinity.
“We could not, in good conscience, tear down the property and let developers turn it into another non-descript concrete and painted high-rise,” Bautista said.
Dormus began to take its “Learning/Living Lifestyle concept” last November when myDorm Inc. collaborated with Jagnus Design Studios to start the Dormus project.
Bautista, vice-president of myDorm Inc., said the “Learning Lifestyle” was aimed at providing tenants with “utmost comfort and amenities.”
Architecture alumni Sonny Sunga and Arnold Austria of Jagnus Design Studios, which was behind the Ronac Art Studio in Ortigas, worked on the structure of the dormitory using a sleek, modern and minimalist design.
The design studio came up with the word Dormus, combining the colloquial term “dorm” for dormitory and “Domus,” a palatial private family residence in ancient Rome and Pompeii.
With a view of the treasures
Dormus is located across UST on España Boulevard, just beside the Shakey’s restaurant. It provides residents a good view of the campus, the parade grounds, Arch of the Centuries, and Central Seminary.
“In fact, the roof deck is envisioned to be an exciting events place for in-dorm activities and viewing parties during the Paskuhan festivities,” Bautista said.
Besides being in a historic location, Bautista added that España is often busy with people, adding that Dormus “will offer the residents additional sense of security.”
Unique dormitory life
Abaquin said that as far as they know, Dormus would be the first boutique-style living quarters with its upscale and contemporary environment in Sampaloc area.
“As such, it has to offer more in terms of location, security, safety and amenities in order to raise dormitory living to a new level,” he said.
The dormitory has round-the-clock security, CCTVs, and card keys to help keep intruders out.
Male and female tenants occupy separate floors, but a common hall is available for interaction. The dorm can house a maximum of 162 people. Each room, fully furnished and air-conditioned, can house three to four occupants. It also has a 12-foot entrance and large windows.
“Dormus will be a place to live in for the mind to flourish and the body to thrive in. In a way, Dormus will be elevating dormitory living to a new level,” Bautista said. Catalina Ricci S. Madarang
