L.A. at the UB? Vietnam in C. M. R.? #youniversitysuites

Walking along the pedestrian walkway from Loyola st. to Legarda st. along CM Recto Avenue in Quiapo, my attention was caught by a modern building with a unique entrance, giant oak fountains in between two known outlets, Watsons and The Coffee Beans. I was drawn inside and spotted an atrium that is about 5 stories high. Above it is an airplane hanging from the ceiling.

This structure is the retrofitted Laperal Building now converted into a student dorm with all the amenities. Now named YOUniversitysuites, its main attraction is the food court with concept restaurants spread out at the three floors of the suite.

Patronizing the food court are mostly students and young professionals presumably working within the vicinity.

Times indeed have changed. Decades ago, only school canteens provide food service to the university belt population. Then carinderias sprouted at the side streets offering tasty and affordable meals. The UB also witnessed the proliferation of fast food chains occupying the preferred real estate locations. Catering to the majority of workers are the food providers selling ulam in plastic packs daily. In keeping with combining function and concept, glamorized carinderias called cafes and bistros earned their niche in the district.

When entrepreneurs are willing to invest in capital costs, the consumer always wins. A structure built as massive as YOUniversitysuites is an indication of the changing landscape in Quiapo, the emergence of a more discriminating student consumer and an untapped gold mine in the university belt.