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.

Top-of-the-line designs at South Forbes

Philippine Star
December 11, 2009

MANILA, Philippines - Open your eyes to a new way of living at 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, with its incomparably sophisticated selection of homes that all types of people would surely want to have.

Euro-American Line. Us Filipinos are very much immersed in the Western look being a former Spanish colony. But through shared similarities like climate, the Spanish Mediterranean style takes root in South Forbes’ Mediterranean Villas where quaint homes Alicante, Cadiz, Castellon, Sevilla, Tarragona, Almeria, and Costa del Sol — dot the landscape and exude the warm Iberian charm.

Châteaux de Paris, outh Forbes’ sophisticated French enclave, reveals a timeline of French design styles in its model chateaus Chambord, Chantilly, Fontainebleau, and Rambouillet — a showcase of class and culture spanning from Louis XIV to Moderne — and a fascination for themed gardens that govern the ambience and lifestyle of the coomunity. What tropical setting wouldn’t be complete without rows of tall palms that spire up to the sky and sway with the gentle breeze like well-wishers welcoming everyone arriving? Such is the ambience of Miami, the first of many American-themed villages in South Forbes. Four model homes capture the extraordinary charm of this district yet each with its own functional appeal: Daytona, Sarasota, Kissimmee, and Pensacola.

The growing complexity of modern life can take a back seat when staying at the sleek Scandia Suites which takes inspiration from the uncomplicated and innovative Scandinavian style. There are four unit types to choose from, with options for a fully-furnished unit that come with select furniture with brands known for their style, sophistication and quality, and value-added services like professional housekeeping.

Asian Line. Nearer to home and closer to the heart is a modern Asian-themed community called The Mansions, dedicated to promoting the unique beauty of the modern Asian style and maintaining that wealth of innate traditionalism.

All in search of a combination lifestyle of tropical indoor-outdoor living, island charm, an exotic culture, and modern conveniences visit the beach resorts of Bali. Bali Mansions features four posh model mansions – Coralia, Candidasa, Lovina, and Nusa Dua — all named after popular beach spots in Bali. Continuing the Bali Mansions legacy is Nirwana Bali where model homes Jimbaran, Legian, and Sanur are equally stunning like its predecessors.

Philippine Star
December 11, 2009

Developer: Cathay Land

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

Bonjour, South Forbes

Philippine Star
December 4, 2009

MANILA, Philippines - What’s not to love about Paris? Over the centuries, she has acquired a glory which still today shines out undiminished — an unrivalled beauty that has aroused overwhelming passion in the hearts and minds of her admirers.

Emulating such exquisite splendour is Châteaux de Paris, the French quarter of South Forbes Golf City, the largest fully-integrated, self-sustaining, 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.

Un, Deux, Trois. Châteaux de Paris presents a taste of three French design styles in three different homes: the classical Chambord, the contemporary Chantilly, and the moderne Fontainebleau — each with its unique layout to match the varying preferences of different homeowners.

The Chambord reminisces on old world charm that is characteristic of many of our parents’ and grandparents’ homes but updated to meet the modern lifestyle. From the exterior alone, the distinguished Chambord features a turret on one side of the house much like a palace, a unique feature that sets the model chateau apart from all others, hinting of romance and aristocracy. Burgundies dominate the living area accentuated by bright yellows and greens as also seen in the furniture and the art works on the wall — making the room feel sunny and bright. The master suite, which occupies the whole left side of the house, is done in warm tones with Moroccan-inspired chandeliers and light fixtures adding a layer of complexity to the room.

On the other end of the design spectrum is the Fontainebleau unit, reflective of a more sophisticated and urbane lifestyle. Clean lines, chrome and glass, textured fabrics create an interesting interplay of surfaces that makes the home cozy yet refined. Inspired by the small French hotels, the master’s bedroom is quaint with subtle touches of a vibrant red to adding interest and spice to the room.

Philippine Star
December 4, 2009

Developer: Cathay Land

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

Konnichi wa, South Forbes

MANILA, Philippines - A trip to Japan can leave one mesmerized by its charming homes,impressive shrines, and quaint villages that blend seamlessly with the picturesque landscapes. This is characteristic of Japanese design here the built environment becomes part of the natural, inspired by the principles of zen.

In South Forbes Golf City, the country’s largest fully-integrated and all-themed golf resortcity at the heart of the Metro Sta. Rosa – Tagaytay corridor, and recipient of the Best Golf Community Development honor by the CNBC International Property Awards, the world’s most prestigious property awards programme, there is no need to bring out the yen in Tokyo Mansions, South Forbes’ Japanese-inspired enclave where everyday can be a totally zen experience.

Torii Gate. Entering Tokyo Mansions reveals a simple display of plants and dry stones at the guardhouse, a simple structure with a slender base and a prominent roof. The swaying row of tall bamboo along the stone pedestrian walk immediately creates a relaxing, lulling effect. The short walk from the street to one’s front porch becomes a respite, allowing its residents to enter in a more peaceful disposition.

Walking along the landscaped walks of Tokyo Mansions, named after Tokyo’s notable districts, is in itself a meditative exercise.

Imperial Palace. At the end of the main avenue is an elegant structure — the Tokyo Mansions clubhouse. Residents and guests drive along a concentric circular formation with a fountain at the center. Once one steps in, the grand design becomes apparent: two similar structures separated by an open-air foyer create a sense of balance. A two-level infinity pool offers residents and their guests a chance to relax.

Soon, a Zen garden located further to the side will be that spiritual space where the mind becomes acutely sensitive to the uncomplicated.

Tokugawa Tribute. The Edo model mansion has a contemporary take on Japanese architecture and interior design. The interiors at the main level are a testament to Zen minimalism with the introduction of full-height glass panels and sliding doors integrates the private indoor space to the natural outdoor area. The dark wood of the furniture and architectural elements as well as the reds and greens of accent pieces do not at all clash against the white canvas of the floor, walls, and ceiling. The open layout of the living-dining-kitchen areas allows for a more fluid and functional use of space. The adjacent den is made private with wood-framed sliding doors that mimic the traditional shoji screens.

The master’s bedroom is designed for a well-traveled couple. The patterns on the ceiling hints of tradition, akin to Japanese weaving. A lounge chair and ottoman beside the window The master’s bedroom is designed for a well-traveled couple. The patterns on the ceiling hints of tradition, akin to Japanese weaving. A lounge chair and ottoman beside the window is perfect for some reading before retiring for the night. The children’s bedrooms are the exclusive spaces for a jovial older sister and an active younger brother.

Restoration of Tradition. The Meiji exterior extols the virtue and beauty of simplicity and austerity with its pristine-white walls and clean yet expressive lines from ground to roof, free from ostentatious ornamentation often used in classical Western design. The tranquil waters of the pools finished in black tiles create soft reflections symbolic of a calm and enlightened spirit. A layer of black Japanese roof tiles rests on wooden eaves and exposed rafters that mimic the gentle waves of the ocean. The best time to view the Meiji mansion is from dusk to evening when it transforms to a traditional Japanese lantern that illuminates the night sky as originally conceived by the architect.

The ground level is practically a showroom of world-class furniture and art pieces that enhance, not overwhelm, the pure form of the house. The master suite remains traditional with the ingenious use of sisal matting that resemble the time-honored tatami. The bed rests against a glass headboard depicting flowers in bloom, similar to sumi paintings that have adorned the Japanese home for centuries.

Dózo. Move in right here, right now in South Forbes Golf City where every resident is entitled to free golf membership to the world-class 18-hole Golf and Leisure Club.

Philippine Star
November 27, 2009

Developer: Cathay Land

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

Asian elegance in South Forbes

Manila Bulletin
December 2, 2009

Zen is a concept that most people fail to fully comprehend. To translate it in architecture is even more demanding.

With only a handful of architects who can execute such a concept, Cathay Land president Jeffrey Ng has chosen Arch. Ed Ledesma, a master of minimalism, to design the main features in Tokyo Mansions – the Meiji model mansion and the Tokyo Mansions clubhouse.
Tokyo Mansions is the most serene and contemplative enclave of South Forbes Golf City, the country’s largest fully-integrated and all-themed golf resort city at the Metro Sta. Rosa-Tagaytay corridor. In this community, the Japanese philosophy of building with nature permeates all throughout.

Faithful to tradition. To the Japanese, striving for quiet nobility and restrained elegance remain the highest goal of artistic achievement. Arch. Ledesma achieves this with a balance of materials, color, volumes, and natural elements.

The Meiji exterior extols the beauty of simplicity and austerity with its pristine-white walls and clean yet expressive lines from the ground to the steep, black Japanese tile roof – free from ostentatious ornamentation often used in classical Western design. The tranquil waters of the pools finished in black tiles create soft reflections of the gently swaying bamboo flanked against the wall, symbolic of a calm spirit.

“Clear glass windows surround the whole second floor to illuminate the living spaces inside while the extended eaves help with reducing the glare,” Arch. Ledesma said. “At night, when all is lit from within, the house will glow like a Japanese lantern.”

Upon entering, one is awed with the openness of the whole ground level that allows the entire space to become the main room of the whole house.

The interior space can be divided by sliding screen dividers hidden within the walls that mimic the traditional shoji. The high ceiling and the sliding glass panels, Arch. Ed believes, counteracts the limiting defined space of living area.

The second floor values the hierarchy in the Japanese home where one wing of the house is devoted to the master suite while the children’s bedrooms are all on the opposite end.

As nature intended. At the end of the road from the village gate is the Tokyo Mansions clubhouse, which is striking in its simplicity with the symmetrical layout of the two function halls – wood-clad columns and beams supporting an enormous roof with a five-meter overhang on all sides, with sliding glass panels for walls – lending the illusion of lightness.

The clubhouse is located on a ridge where it slopes down several meters to the rear, to a river runs along the perimeter. A double-level infinity-edge pool was called for and the cascade effect it creates is most soothing to the senses, especially when spending time at the adjacent Japanese garden.

Manila Bulletin
December 2, 2009

Developer: Cathay Land

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