MANILA, Philippines ? Call South Forbes a multi-cultural city because this 250-hectare development of Cathay Land Inc. in Silang, Cavite, hosts a myriad of lifestyle options from Chateau de Paris, French-inspired residences, to Tokyo Mansions, Japanese-inspired houses.

?Indeed, wherever you may choose to live here at South Forbes, you will find that each themed residential cluster features exquisitely designed homes as well as facilities distinct to the place,? explained Raffy Yu-Asensi, Cathay Land executive assistant.
South Forbes will feature several themed residential clusters including South Forbes Villas (Mediterranean-inspired), Tokyo Mansions (Japanese-inspired), Chateau de Paris (French-inspired), Bali Mansions (rustic, Asian-inspired), and Phuket Mansions (Thai resort-inspired).

Best interior designers

To really convey the character of each residential cluster, South Forbes asked the services of some of the country?s best interior designers, namely: Dan Lichaoco and the Almario sisters?Ivy and Cynthia.

Lichaoco did the P8.7-million Edo of Tokyo Mansions, P9.2-million Chambord and P9.1-million Fontainebleau of Chateau de Paris, P9.3-million Taksin and P17.4-million Ayutthaya of Phuket Mansions.

The Almario sisters on the other hand, worked on the P4.3-million Alicante and P4.2-million Castellon of South Forbes Villas, P27.8-million Meiji of Tokyo Mansions, P10.2- million Lovina of Bali Mansions and P12.5-million Chakri of Phuket Mansions (price package mentioned here excludes interior decorations and accessories placed).

?We gave them a free hand in designing the interiors and the result was simply stunning. Visitors were amazed and in fact, a number of them even bought the model units or expressed intention to get their services to design the unit they?re going to buy,? Yu-Asensi revealed.

In designing the interiors of the two model homes inside Chateau de Paris, Lichaoco said the units? tall, large windows and doors, light filled interior, high ceilings, and rich color palettes created the right setting for placing locally sourced furniture having modern-French Art Deco design influences.

Target buyers

The result is the Chambord model unit (total floor area: 281.38 square meters) that hopes to attract senior yet hip couples and the Fontainebleau model unit (total floor area: 286.76 sq m) that should appeal to younger set of buyers with preference to bold, sophisticated and very chic design.

When the Almario sisters were assigned to design the Meiji model unit, they had fun with the Japanese Zen theme.

With its cavernous living area and lots of open spaces, this home emphasizes openness and freedom of movement. Light is also given attention so it could freely enter every part of this with 526.13-sq-m (total floor area) house.

?We wanted to have interior space that blends seamlessly with the (bamboo) garden beyond. We also used few accents, as we wanted to achieve the clean and serene look. For this home, it is more important to choose the right item or artifact than to have a lot of different things in the rooms,? Ivy explained.

Indeed, the homes inside South Forbes are remarkable as well as unique.

Another example is the Ayutthaya model unit that Lichaoco designed. Inspired by Thailand?s love for spa, Lichaoco created an atmosphere of complete relaxation, openness and spaciousness.

Each of the three gazebo-like room of Ayuthayya is separated by pools creating ?islands.?

Lichaoco explained that while each room will be made up mostly of wood and glass, the 450-sq-m lot will have carefully placed walls and dividers to ensure privacy of the occupants.

?It was the intention of Cathay Land President Jeffrey Ng to ensure that each home that will soon rise within these themed residential cluster of South Forbes to be special. Not only would the future residents feel privileged but also realize how successful they have become as they enjoy exquisitely designed homes and incredible ambience of the unparalleled surroundings,? Yu-Asensi said.