Gracious living makes a comeback By Constantino Tejero Philippine Daily Inquirer First Posted 19:52:00 07/22/2008
MANILA, Philippines—We’re looking for a mountain, or a hillock at least, as what the name implies. What we see instead as we drive through the rolling terrain are surrounding vistas of Mt. Makiling, Mt. Banahaw, the Tagaytay Ridge, Laguna de Bay and the Makati skyline.
There is a little lake, too, fed by a natural spring. We take a lakeside tour on a yellow 1930s Rolls-Royce (the “Great Gatsby” variety) to see the tilapia being fed and the ducks rushing in to grab a peck.
The Rolls-Royce ride is a little uncomfortable (what with the narrow leg room and the chug-chugging of the vintage car), but we’re surrounded by a world of comfort. Rolling green, open space, clean air, clear afternoon light, lucent clouds, white ducks, jumping fish—we’ve seen this before. Why, these are images from a picture-book.
It is also called Montecito, a high-end project of Ayala Land, Inc., one of the leading land developers in the country. Less than an hour’s drive from Makati via South Luzon Expressway at peak hours, this exclusive residential enclave in Canlubang, Laguna, is being pushed by its developer to live up to its campaign slogan: “Welcome back to how life once was.”
Distinctive community
José Juan Z. Jugo, or Giggio to family and friends, head of Ayala Land Premier Land & Houses, relates how the place came to be.
This used to be a coconut plantation of the Yulo family. Here, in 1983, former Canlubang Sugar Estate president José Yulo Jr. built a mansion to escape the congestion of the city.
In the last few years, Yulo had thought of subdividing the estate and inviting friends, or only people he knew, to take residence here. His plan was modified after discussion with Ayala Land, with whom his family had had a long partnership on properties around the area.
Jugo says the inclusion of Montecito in Ayala Land Premier’s portfolio came as no surprise, as “it complements the new standards of living we envision for Canlubang.”
He explains: “Ayala Land Premier works around five pillars of excellence: prime location, distinctive communities, unsurpassed quality, hassle-free service and worry-free ownership.”
And Montecito just about fits their concept of distinctive communities. This one has been designed to foster interaction of family and neighbors—“one that embraces gracious living and timeless values,” supported by the concept of family and friendship, and the natural beauty and rich heritage of Canlubang.
Mediterranean flavor
Let’s begin with the village clubhouse. This was the Yulo mansion designed by National Artist for Architecture Leandro Locsin, a relative of the Yulos. It has been renovated and turned into a guest pavilion for the neighborhood’s visitors, and is now called Pasa Tiempo, the centerpiece of the rolling estate.
The old sala is tastefully furnished with an eclectic mix of vintage and new furniture pieces, paintings and pictures. The main hall is wrapped around by a verandah overlooking the swimming pool and a wide, wide lawn, driveway and garden.
There are hammocks under the trees, multicolor umbrellas and green lounging chairs by the pool, and white sheer fabrics stirring in white gazebos.
This is, of course, hacienda living. It figures, as the Yulos are originally from Iloilo and Negros, the land of such baronial estates and mansions and that kind of gracious living of bygone years.
A few blocks away is Villa Primavera, the model house that future residents would have to approximate in architectural design and color scheme. The theme is Mediterranean, which best captures the essence of the four elements.
It is a high-ceilinged courtyard house, sprawling but homey inside, where you stand at the center and you see all the interiors at once. Constructed on stone, wood, metal and glass, it gives the impression of being inside but exposed to the elements.
Shared open space
If you’re feeling nearly as rich as Jay Gatsby and has P27 million in your designer bar, you can get a house in this place exactly like this. Prepare P13,000 per square meter.
Minimum lot area is 600 sq m, which can be found in the Lake District, or those greenway lots near the lake. Maximum is 1,318 sq m, or the Super Prime Lots on elevated area.
There are Greenway Lots, reflecting a courtyard concept with open spaces at the back, as well as Greenway Premier Lots, with wider courtyards and mostly facing east.
There are nearly 300 lots stretched over 60 hectares, mostly with generous open spaces between homes. The grass courtyards and greenways function as ventilation corridors, buffer zones for privacy, and areas for interaction among residents. About 50 percent of the total land area has been set for shared open spaces.
Montecito’s overall design, says Jugo, encourages residents to live the old-time values of graciousness, generosity, neighborliness, a sense of community—“the way good neighbors used to be.”
That’s why he winces when he relates a lady’s comment that 600 sq m is too small to have a garden. Maybe she’s planning to construct a mansion? Even then, the maximum height of her structure should follow the limit of 9.5 m.
Self-sustainability
One of the prides of Montecito is its tree and plant nursery. It has a staff that nurtures the flourishing vegetation for the physical and emotional well-being of the residents.
It also has a mini hydroelectric plant generated by an artesian spring coming from the ridges of Tagaytay and running through the property at a rate of 3,000 gal per minute. The electricity produced lights the main streets of the place.
This natural spring, called Matang Tubig, also provides the water system which irrigates the area. And it has created a home for ducks and fish.
Let’s return to the lake. White gazebos dot its banks, and there are viewing decks and mini wharves, too. The site has been designed for family bonding or gracious interaction of neighbors, through activities such as fishing, biking, picnicking, or merely strolling on lazy afternoons.
Imagine your tot running or biking around the lake, with a little cloud passing by. That, of course, is from a picture-book.
Copyright 2008 Philippine Daily Inquirer. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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