A Thai paradise home waits

Manila Bulletin
February 17, 2010

Thailand is one country replete with history, culture, and tourist attractions. The colors, sounds and smell of Thailand linger in one’s mind long after the holiday is over. So unique is its culture that it flavors every aspect of Thai life, art and architecture.

One such attraction is the island paradise of Phuket, the pearl of the Andaman Sea, dubbed by many as one of the must-see places in the world. This is the place that inspires the tropical resort-like enclave of Phuket Mansions in South Forbes Golf City, the country’s largest golf resort city along the Sta. Rosa–Tagaytay corridor.

The Chakri model mansion, named after Thailand’s reigning monarchy, is Phuket mansions’ largest house intended for big families – boasting of a huge master suite.

A private swimming pool is located between the living and dining areas as derived from the Thai’s adherence to building beside water.

Hence, the talents of the inimitable tandem of Alamario sisters Ivy and Cynthia were commissioned to transform a house into a home suited for a royal family.

Upon entering the house, one is greeted by a focal table at the foot of the atrium, with its pyramidal form echoing the turrets of a Thai temple. From this double volume space, one can clearly see the living and dining areas, both sharing the same color scheme of coral and turquoise, purposefully chosen to allude to the rich jewel-toned silk fabrics that Thailand is so famous for. In fact, 90 percent of the fabrics used were indeed purchased in Bangkok.

Throughout the house, wood carvings were used that were sourced from the market places of Thailand. Whether artfully framed or silver-leafed, they all contribute to making a stunning impact against the white walls of the house.

On the second floor, the master bedroom is beautiful and cozy with its wood paneling in a traditional Thai motif. Varying shades of green, that mimics all things natural, are highlighted on the beddings, ceramics, and other furniture, serving as a fresh counterpoint to the wood panels.

The two other bedrooms are equally attractive with its contrasting color schemes – done up with matching Thai inspired accents.

The boy’s room is striking and masculine in a black and white combination. The bed’s headboard is a silver-leafed wood carving against a black panel and flanked by two full-height mirrors.

The girl’s bedroom is in a muted tone of brown on a patterned fabric wall that envelopes the whole room, including the roman shades – creating the illusion of a seamless room.

Here, every resident is entitled to free golf membership to the world-class 18-hole South Forbes Golf and Leisure Club at no activation cost, as well as privileged access and special discounts to 42 other golf and sports clubs worldwide owed to the affiliation shared with the IMG Sports Club.

Manila Bulletin
February 17, 2010


Developed by: Cathay Land


Marketed by: Philproperties International Corporation the best professional online real estate company.

Golf clubhouse like no other

Philippine Star
February 19, 2010

MANILA, Philippines - One of the best features of South Forbes Golf City,the country’s largest fully-integrated and all-themed golf resort city at the forefront of the Metro Sta. Rosa – Tagaytay corridor, and recipient of the Best Golf Community Development title by the CNBC International Property Awards, the world’s most prestigious property awards programme, is its world-class 18-hole golf course and its crown jewel, the golf clubhouse.

National Identity. This masterpiece golf clubhouse is the epitome of Filipino architecture and tropical design. It takes into account traditional elements of cross ventilation with the use of properly located openings and raised floors, solar orientation maximizing on natural lighting, the use of color and local materials exuding the native culture, and general site reference that includes access and, more importantly, the view. In a nutshell, the built environment is inextricably linked with the natural environment.

From the approach, the whole clubhouse appears like a huge, traditional bahay kubo which stands on wooden stilts that allows the refreshing Tagaytay-like breeze to permeate through and around the structure, cooling it in the process. The peripheral glass wall allows for a sweeping view of the manicured fairways and lush forests in the background, as well as allow for maximum natural light to illuminate the interior spaces. Its prominent five-meter overhang and eaves, which give the impression of a bird taking to flight, protect the main areas from the harsh afternoon sun and stinging heat.

Mi Casa es Su Casa. Noted for our brand of genuine hospitality, the spacious and airy entrance lobby is enough a warm welcome to greet members and guests eager to hit the greens. Beside the reception counter is the pro-shop where members can purchase last minute golfing articles or bring home some souvenir items. A unique helical staircase at the center of the lobby provides access to the function rooms at the mezzanine or the locker rooms on the lower level.

Beyond the lobby is an even larger space — the central dining area — where members, families and guests can continue sharing experiences while partaking of the menu of the day. This enormous space, where a huge gathering is expected, is not warm at all. The high ceiling which follows the slope of the steep roof leads the warm air upward where it vents out.

Private functions like meetings or parties are best conducted up on the mezzanine. Its wide hallway overlooks the central dining area on the main level, even a peek at the golf course through the glass panels running along the perimeter.

The lower level is devoted to the men’s and women’s lockers, complete with a relaxing lounge, dry sauna, and toilet and shower facilities. At the end of the corridor is the golf cart terminal where every good golf game begins and concludes.

Vantage Point. Richard Diedrich, a noted golf clubhouse in the United States, reveals in an article that the best overall designs are those clubhouses which best integrates the structure and the golf course through its terraces with sweeping views of the finishing holes.

“From the golfer’s point of view out on the course, the clubhouse, especially when it’s all aglow at twilight, is home port,” Diedrich says. “That relationship between the structure and the course is the essence, the constant, that I hope never changes.”
South Forbes’ golf clubhouse has an effective 50 meters of gallery view to witness the culmination of an exciting tournament. Its glass parapet offers no visual barrier even when the viewer is seated alongside. On normal days, al fresco diners along the balcony have an unobstructed panoramic view of Mt. Makiling and the Laguna expanse in the lowlands.


Philippine Star
February 19, 2010


Deveoled by: Cathay land


marketed by: Philproperties International Corporation the best professional online real estate company of choice.

Meeting resolutions in South Forbes City

Philippine Star
January 27, 2010
MANILA, Philippines - It’s already been a month since the start of 2010 and what better time than to evaluate one’s performance on fulfilling each person’s new year’s resolutions. Let’s face it. Keeping these resolutions is very difficult, not to mention coming to school/work on time, frequent the gym more often, or spending more time with the family at home or on a trip just to name a few.

But in the country’s largest fully-integrated and all-themed golf resort city at the forefront of the Metro Sta. Rosa – Tagaytay corridor, South Forbes Golf City, and recipient of the Best Golf Community Development title by the CNBC International Property Awards, the world’s most prestigious property awards programme, there is no excuse why resolutions of these kinds could not easily be kept until yearend.

Manic Monday. Talk about disciplinary warnings in school and nasty memos from the office. As always, we conveniently blame it on the traffic and that notorious Filipino time, especially on Mondays.

Developments which subscribe to the principles of New Urbanism like South Forbes ensure that the whole city remains compact, mixed-use, and pedestrian-friendly. This means that the distance between home and school or work is within convenient walking distance and that there is a reduced dependence on vehicles.

“Presently, our parent residents walk their children to school like our very own Learning Links Academy of Sta. Rosa and, soon enough, young adults can walk themselves to South Forbes City Colleges,” Cathay Land president Jeffrey Ng said. “No longer will traffic be a reason to be late for school or work.”

All paths to and from every destination are landscaped to encourage residents to take to walking and leave their vehicles at home, thus ensuring a more sustainable way of living. This is South Forbes’ contribution towards an era of “walkable urbanity”.

Hopelessly Devoted. Every child adores his parents. There is nothing more they want than to spend time with them in the hopes of becoming just like them in the future.

Every South Forbes home has a space where families can spend quality time together. The large Chakri master bedroom in Phuket Mansions allows children to bunk with their parents. The spacious Meiji den in Tokyo Mansions is complete with an entertainment center where families can watch a movie together. In the backyards and themed gardens of Châteaux de Paris, parents can educate their children on gardening which is about nutrition, exercise, cooking and being a part of the Earth.

The strategically-located City Center is the commercial and social hub of the whole city where food, retail, and entertainment establishments abound around a lagoon. In the future, this will be the thriving nexus where adults and children alike will come together to strengthen their ties as a community — the larger family.

Let’s Get Physical. Oh, Filipinos undoubtedly love to do everything with food — every single event, no matter how simple or extravagant. And year after year, the obesity rate in the country is on an alarming rise as proven by those concerned to participate in shows like The Biggest Loser Asia. Actually, any form of exercise is acceptable as long as it is done on a daily basis.

The nearest, most convenient place to stretch out is the village clubhouse and its adjoining amenities like the swimming pool and basketball court. Children living at the Mediterranean Villas even have a fussball court where team sports are encouraged.

South Forbes is strengthening its Leisure Cluster to provide a wide array of fitness regimen through the Sports and Country Club so that its residents live a healthier and happier life. With the many facilities available — basketball, lawn tennis, badminton, wall-climbing, swimming, and bowling to name a few — there is no room for boredom stemming from a repetition of sports activities.

Swings and strokes at the Driving Range use a full range of motion — a good daily exercise or warm up before heading to the world-class 18-hole South Forbes Golf and Leisure Club.


Philippine Star
January 27, 2010

Developed by: CATHAY LAND INC.


Marketed by: Philproperties International Corporation the best professional online real estate company.

Finding a new horizon in South Forbes

Manila Bulletin
January 27, 2010

“Have you ever dreamed of a place far away from it all, where the air you breathe is soft and clean, and children play in fields of dream?” goes a line from an old Burt Bacharach song referring to the Lost Horizon – Shangri-La .

Had it been composed today, it may as well be referring to South Forbes Golf City, the country’s largest fully-integrated, self-sustaining, and all-themed golf resort city that had earned the Best Golf Community Development honor by the CNBC International Property Awards, a prestigious property awards program.

New city. A new place always brings new hopes and new beginnings to anyone who looks for it. Today, no other place in the country can compare to the booming Sta. Rosa-Tagaytay corridor, touted as the new metropolis after Makati or Alabang.

For the freshman entrepreneur, this region has become the ideal place to set up business with the availability of major infrastructure such as roads, communication systems, and electricity. Around the area are technology parks, educational institutions, and residential developments.

South Forbes is a city within a city, complete with all the integral parts of a well-rounded development as seen in its 5 Clusters of Excellence: a Residential Cluster supported by the Education, Business, Wellness, and Leisure Clusters.

Classy communities. South Forbes’ main and incomparable feature is its international-themed Residential Cluster – a community of cultures, so to speak.

Dubbed “The Whole World in One City,” this community offers an array of the world’s best lifestyles and designs in its many enclaves. Those who prefer the Asian style, something closer to the heart, will find their dream homes in the resort-inspired Bali Mansions or Nirwana Bali, the serene Tokyo Mansions, the tropical Phuket Mansions or Phuket Estates, or the soaring Sentosa Heights.

Western charm is alive at the quaint Mediterranean Villas, the regal Châteaux de Paris, or the chic Miami. Condominium living with all the creature comforts is available at the sleek Scandia Suites or the fairway-fronting Golf View Terraces.

Peace of mind. Every parent’s responsibility is the welfare of his children. Aside from providing the basics of food, clothing, and shelter, quality education is of paramount importance. A complete educational structure is provided within this community starting from pre-school through high school at the Learning Links Academy of Sta. Rosa, and tertiary levels at the South Forbes City Colleges.

South Forbes encourages its residents to walk safely and enjoyably through its pedestrian-friendly and highly-landscaped New Urbanist master plan.

Flexi life. Leisure has become a greater priority now more than ever. South Forbes’ Health and Wellness program includes personalized activities at the clubhouse in each themed enclave, the City Center, the social and entertainment hub, the Astoria Plaza–South Forbes, and the Sports and Country Club.

Nature’s way. With over 50 hectares of fairway located within its hills and forests dedicated to a world-class 18-hole golf course, residents are assured of a clean and green environment. Here, the air is fresh to breathe and the climate is maintained cool – unlike the concrete jungle that is Metro Manila.

Membership to the South Forbes Golf and Leisure Club comes free at no activation cost.

Manila Bulletin
January 27, 2010


Developed by: CATHAY LAND INC.


Marketed by: Philproperties International Corporation the best professional online real estate company.

South Forbes "Health perks from living in golf city"

Manila Bulletin
January 4,2010

A place bearing the name South Forbes Golf City, the largest fully-integrated and all-themed golf resort city at the Metro Sta. Rosa–Tagaytay corridor, evidently has a world-class 18-hole golf course as its centerpiece feature. That has earned for it the title of Best Golf Community Development by the CNBC International Property Awards.

“Even at the conceptual stage of South Forbes, we want to create a development anchored around a golf course, not only for its environmental aspect of green development, but also for the physical gains it can offer to residents,” said Cathay Land president Jeffrey Ng. “And membership comes free with every lot or condominium unit purchase at no activation cost – the first in the Philippines to offer such.”

Like Chinese noodles, frequent golfing can promote longevity with an increased life expectancy. According to research presented by Rose Center for Health and Sports Sciences, burning 2,500 calories a week can reduce the risks of heart disease, diabetes and cancer.

Golfers who walk and carry their own bag burn 721 calories, golfers using a pull cart burn 718 calories, golfers walking with a caddie burn 613 calories and golfers riding in a golf cart burn 411 calories on average. As such, it is easy to see how playing more rounds of golf can factor into a healthy lifestyle.

Cardiovascular fitness is one of the many health benefits of golf through walking, likely covering a distance of about eight kilometers if you like to trek the 18-hole course in its entirety on foot. Otherwise, one still gets significant benefit from walking from the cart to the hole.

With South Forbes’ golf course located on higher elevation amidst the hills, valleys, and forests of the city, the bonus to a good varied workout are the amazing views from the fairways that will excite the senses and relax the eyes.

Extensive research suggests that people who are more exposed to the sun, especially in a tropical country like the Philippines where the sun is a constant outdoor companion, have overall good psychological health and mood. If you happen to be in a pensive mood, walking in the sun along with some physical exercise for some time may have positive results on your body and mind.

Physiologists agree that golf is a neuro-dynamic sport because the game engages both muscle memory and analytical processes.

In golf, one constantly judges distances vis-à-vis wind speed, examines spatial relationships, and considers whether to use an iron or wood. This activity is a catalyst for endorphin release that lifts one’s spirits and creates a sense of well-being.

Coming home to the fairway-fronting Golf View Terraces provides the much-awaited comforts of home after a round or two of golf while staying close to the fairways. With a golf course for a backyard, who can resist the call of the green?

A resident can practically play golf every day of the week. With the community’s Preferred Lifestyle Program which is categorized into: Work-related (part-time, full-time, or consultancy), Sports and Leisure, Civic-related (mentoring, fund drives, city-wide events), Self-Improvement (spiritual or skills development), and Rest & Relaxation activities, one can lead a balanced lifestyle.

In fact, a full-time, 24-7 activity/program management team will design individualized activity programs based on the lifestyle the resident has chosen and will even send reminders and updates.


Manila Bulletin
January 4, 2010


Developer: Cathay Land

Marketed by: Philproperties International Corporation the best professional online real estate company.

5 Clusters of Excellence complete the good life

Manila Bulletin
December 28, 2009

There are not that many developments that can offer everything that you are looking for, whether you’re with a family that demands a workplace or school near the home, or living the single life that craves for a dynamic lifestyle.

But there is always something for every buyer’s lifestyle needs at South Forbes Golf City, the largest fully-integrated, self-sustaining, and all-themed golf resort city at Sta. Rosa-Tagaytay corridor. The area has become an ideal place to set up business with the availability of major infrastructure such as roads, communication systems, and electricity.

“As much as having the fastest growth prospects in the entire country is concerned, the Sta. Rosa-Tagaytay corridor is projected to be the next best place to explore and experience the dynamics that are shaping successful 21st century metropolitan areas,” said Jeffrey Ng, Cathay Land president. “Today, the area is home to diverse populations, major employment centers, and regional entertainment venues, with it having its own priorities for economic development and community character so families and individuals alike are offered many options as they locate there.”

South Forbes is planned, designed, and built to incorporate its Five Clusters of Excellence that provide residents with a place to live, work, study, shop, and play all within reach – making it unnecessary to leave the confines of the city. The developer incorporated the compact, pedestrian-friendly town center type of development, with its City Center surrounded by the Residential Cluster.

The Learning Links Academy of Sta. Rosa, located inside the community’s Education Cluster, caters to young minds from pre-school through high school, also complete with a day care facility. Graduates of the academy can pursue higher education at the South Forbes City Colleges.

The Business Cluster includes the Cyberpark that will feature world-class, built-to-specification buildings suited for BPOs and call centers, supported by The Astoria Plaza South Forbes Business Hotel and Conference Center.

“To beef up our Wellness Cluster, we have recently collaborated with the Southern Luzon Hospital and Medical Center to provide an exclusive healthcare package for residents,” added Mr. Ng.

The Residential Cluster provides a fusion of international design elements and Filipino sensibilities resulting in a unique development that harmonizes with our culture that of the foreign region. Already completed and occupied are the quaint Mediterranean Villas, the resort-inspired Bali Mansions, and the serene Tokyo Mansions. Other enclaves include the tropical Phuket Mansions, the grand Châteaux de Paris, chic Miami, and the sleek Scandia Suites.

“We also have residential communities offering breathtaking views of the golf course like the fairway-fronting Golf View Terraces and the summit-set Sentosa Heights,” added Mr. Ng.

Enhancing the quality of life is also synonymous to environmental protection. South Forbes’ biggest garden is the 50-hectare golf course, integrated in the forests, hills, and valleys, that accounts for much-needed green space within the whole development.

The special grass used, Sea Isle Paspalum, conforms to any water type, even salt water, that it neither consumes nor depletes the supply of fresh water devoted for the residents.

Membership to the world-class 18-hole South Forbes Golf Club comes free with every lot or condominium unit purchase at no activation fee.

These features have earned the project the Best Golf Community Development title by the CNBC International Property Awards, a prestigious property awards program.


Manila Bulletin
December 28, 2009

Developer: Cathay Land


Marketed by: Philproperties International Corporation the best professional online real estate company.

Fine feathered friends

Philippine Star
December 18, 2009

MANILA, Philippines - Well, here’s one for the birds. Who would have thought that South Forbes Golf City, the country’s largest fully-integrated and all-themed golf resort city at the forefront of the Metro Sta. Rosa - Tagaytay corridor, and recipient of the Best Golf Community Development title by the CNBC International Property Awards, the world’s most prestigious property awards programme, is home not only to people, but also to a myriad species of birds? Then again, with the city’s concern for a sustainable way of life and the preservation of the natural environment, it is no surprise at all.

“In the pursuit of building green, South Forbes is earnest in maintaining its green zones and determined to integrate the same wherever necessary,” said Cathay Land president Jeffrey Ng.

Birds of a Feather. Bird watching has been a growing hobby among Filipinos these past years. With what started as an internet-based community of bird enthusiasts, the Wild Bird Club of the Philippines (WBCP) was launched in 2003, now a nationwide club of bird watchers dedicated to providing a forum for individuals to share their interest in watching wild birds in the Philippines and to providing support and information about wild birds and protecting their habitats in the country.

The Early Bird. In the morning of December 4, 2009, a small contingent from the WBCP visited the environs of South Forbes’ golf course where lush flora and some watering holes still dominate the site — the perfect habitat for wild birds. The result of their morning “birding” revealed at least 23 migrant and resident species of birds, much more than their previous afternoon visit.

“The highlight of the trip for me was a calling Siberian Rubythroat which responded very clearly to (one of the watchers’) tape,” said Leni Sutcliffe of WBCP. “We had a single Striated Swallow, too, a species not seen in the previous visit.”

The Siberian Rubythroat is a migratory insectivorous species breeding in mixed coniferous forests with undergrowth in Siberia and winters usually in India and Indonesia. The Striated Swallow, on the other hand, is endemic to Southeast Asia.

Free as a Bird. How great it is to have a golf course for a backyard where the view is as far as the eye can see, the air is crisp and clean, and the hills are alive with the sound of bird music. South Forbes presents two unique enclaves where life is not just closer to the green, but closer to the birds as well.

Akin to Singapore’s most popular island resort, Sentosa Heights is South Forbes’ prestigious island enclave with only 29 lots available — all offering coveted views of the golf course. With its exclusive nature of having limited lots and its location surrounded by nothing but the fairway, it realizes the Malay definition of sentosa, which means peace and tranquility.

The setting of the Golf View Terraces takes advantage of natural elevation changes. It is perched high on the ridge of the hill while the golf course is nestled in the valley below and atop the opposite ridge. Mature vegetation and forests, along with a linear lake that winds throughout the course complement the scenic, rolling topography.

For the avid golfer or the moderate environmentalist, the call of the green is too strong for him to just appreciate only from his home. With his free golf membership that comes along with every unit purchase, he can run the course of the world-class 18-hole South Forbes Golf and Leisure Club any day he chooses.

“In fact, with our fleet of electric golf carts, our resident and migrant birds, as well as our residents, are assured of a noise-free environment,” Mr. Ng said.




Philippine Star
December 18, 2009


Developer: Cathy Land


Marketed by: Philproperties International Corporation the best professional online real estate company.