Gabby Interview

Exploring Community Living: A Glimpse into Casa Mia Coliving

One of our most social members is Gabby, we'd love to introduce him to you and let him tell you a little bit about his experience moving to Singapore, living in different types of accommodation and of course, his experience living at Casa Mia Coliving. Read on to learn more!

If you're new here, welcome! Casa Mia Coliving represents a new wave of living arrangements gaining popularity in Singapore. More than just shared accommodation, Casa Mia offers a lifestyle where residents can forge meaningful connections, share experiences, and thrive in a supportive community setting. You can read more about our community, here!

Each Casa Mia home is thoughtfully designed to blend private living spaces with communal areas, creating a balance between personal privacy and social interaction, the perfect mix when you are moving to a new country!

Residents of Casa Mia come from various walks of life—entrepreneurs, digital nomads, creatives, professionals and students—all drawn together by a shared desire for a more enriching living experience. Here, diversity isn’t just celebrated; it’s integral to the community’s spirit. Whether you’re looking to network, collaborate on projects, or simply enjoy stimulating conversations over dinner, Casa Mia provides the ideal backdrop for personal and professional growth. Let's get into it!

Interview With Gabby

Name: Gabriel Gregorio (Gabby)

Age: 30

Occupation: Transaction Manager (Commercial Real Estate)

How long you’ve been living in Singapore: 2 years

Anywhere you’ve lived before: Manila and New York

What made you decide to move to Singapore?

I grew up in Manila while my wife, Megan, is from New York. She was offered by her company to relocate and be a part of their new APAC HQ. We made the move here back in March 2022 with our chihuahua, Porsche, and since then I've made Singapore my base home until such time that I move to the US.

What were you most nervous about before moving?

My wife and I had no clue what to expect here and we've heard how competitive everyone is in terms of securing a place to lease, to a point that people were pre-committing to leases without actually visiting the places in person.

How was your experience finding a place to live in Singapore/what's your renting experience?

Given that we were a couple (and with a dog), we had to look for a place to rent on our own. We also had to commit to at least 2 years as landlords are usually not keen to lease for shorter.

What was the hardest part of finding accommodation in Singapore?

On our first month, we had to balance working full time and attending viewings any chance we get. We probably saw at least 10 apartments before finding the one that fit our needs well. Because of the delay, we had to extend our stay in a more expensive serviced apartment for 2 months.

We made you decide to move to a Casa Mia home?

This 2024, my wife was recruited back to New York. We made the decision that I stay back here in Singapore to continue build my career while waiting for the my green card (we travel back and forth regardless so it works okay!). As I'm now alone, I wanted to see if having housemates could be a nice experience to make new friends here in Singapore.

How has your experience been so far?

Casa Mia has been amazing. Not only did I get to have housemates as friends, but I also get to connect with other members hailing from different parts of the world as Casa Mia organizes various weekly events to bring all the members together. The Casa Mia team itself has been great. Everyone is friendly, helpful, and professional.

Now onto more general things... some tips from Gabby for you!

What are your favourite things to do in Singapore?

Do everything in East Coast Park (run, picnic, hang by the beach, etc.).

(You can find Casa Mia's favourite places in East Coast, here! :P)

Top 3 restaurants/bars/coffee shops/ activities

Spago in MBS, karaoke, football

What's your favourite in Singapore and why?

Love how nice and efficient the airport is, especially since my wife and I always fly in and out. I come from a country where 3 hours is minimum allowance when arriving for your international flight. Here, I can leave my house 1-1 .5 hours from my flight time and everything is still such a breeze.

What’s your favourite Singaporean food dish?

Chicken rice. I live in Katong area and there's this small chicken rice stall called Bruce Lee Chicken at The Bullion Hawker bar, and it's still my go-to place as the uncle is very friendly and you get an entire set for only 6 sgd!

What is the most important thing you would recommend to anyone moving to Singapore?

Flexibility in leases is very important, especially for foreigners. Singapore market is so volatile that people come and go all the time. You have to be ready if and when the time comes that you have to move again. Good luck!

Conclusion: The Convenience of Coliving in Singapore

Coliving at Casa Mia isn’t just about shared amenities and cost-effective living; it’s about tapping into a lifestyle that promotes convenience and community. In a city like Singapore, where space is a premium and the cost of living can be high, coliving emerges as a practical and fulfilling alternative. Residents benefit from flexible lease terms, all-inclusive amenities, and the opportunity to live in prime locations without the hassle of long-term commitments.

Beyond the practicalities, coliving fosters a sense of belonging and companionship—a rarity in today’s fast-paced world. Whether you’re new to the city or a long-time resident, Casa Mia offers a sanctuary where you can grow professionally and personally while forging lasting connections.

Explore Casa Mia Coliving and discover why more individuals are choosing this innovative living arrangement in Singapore. Join a community where comfort meets connectivity, and where every day brings new opportunities for collaboration and camaraderie.

Keen to hear more from our members? Find more interviews here:

• Tanvi; a perfect, budget-friendly coliving experience
• Yan; sometimes the best things in life are unexpected!
• Matteo; first time living abroad and moving in with Casa Mia was the best decision!
• Gabriela; the perfect option for students and expats!

Looking to book a room with us but want to find out more? Check out our FAQ page, here!