HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRIPE-VINE:OUR NEW ABNORMAL
Here we are again, talking about domestic tourism as one of the avenues to jumpstart our national recovery. And today, I’d like to turn our attention to seaside residential communities, and how they can be part of the wave of tomorrow for both adventurous entrepreneurs, as well as potential homeowners. If there’s something this pandemic has taught us, it’s that work from home (WFH) can be productive, as long as you have decent and dependable Wi-Fi, and strong, personal discipline. We also learned that the allure of congested urban living has greatly dissipated, with living in the countryside a far more attractive proposition than it used to be.
I had the opportunity last week to visit Landco’s Calatagan South Beach, and as it’s situated in proximity to their Aquaria Waterpark, and the Crusoe Cabins; it was an eye-opener to how developments in this Batangas seaside town is progressing. If you know your history, you’ll know how the name Calatagan conjures up images of exclusivity, of hacienda-living, and how so many illustrious surnames are attached to the locality. It wasn’t that long ago that Calatagan was even referred to as the Forbes Park of the South.
Well, while those surnames still have their expansive properties, Landco is developing a precious 15-hectare seaside residential community, that’s attached to a host of leisure amenities to help guarantee how this development will be a beehive of activity, with visitors for the day a regular occurrence. The Aquaria Waterpark is a one-hectare area that boasts of five cove pools, an expansive kiddie pool, and a giant three-storey high pool slide. And can I just say we had fun with the pool slide - safe, but faster than you’d think.
The Crusoe Cabins are smartly converted 40-feet containers, turned into comfortable overnight accommodations for guests to the complex. I really liked the ones that face the sea. The other option is to sleep at their Cocoons, a snug option for those looking for something more affordable, and just needing a place to sleep comfortably. They’re positioned behind the Playa Calatagan Beach Club, and they’re colorful and delightful to view. There’s a big events tent going up, and I heard it could be accepting bookings by June or July - perfect for weddings, big parties and family get-togethers.
The view from the CaSoBe Beach Club, and the pool slide at Aquaria Waterpark.
I was at CaSoBe on a Monday, and was surprised by the number of people who were there enjoying a summer respite. Whether indulging in the beach, picnicking in the cabanas and villas, or just hanging out by their cabins, it was evident that CaSoBe is a popular choice along this section of the Batangas shoreline - and a broad cross-section of people were represented. In a manner of speaking, it’s about democratizing Calatagan, and making it a destination spot for those seeking a more relaxed, chill vibe.
From the plans I was shown, Landcos Beach Town project is the chance to own a piece of Calatagan within an exclusive residential development. The aforementioned Beach Club is one amenity for village owners that’s already standing. And soon, there’ll be a Hilltop Clubhouse, a Central Park, a Bamboo Park, and an Amphitheater Park - all part of the plan to make this a thriving Calatagan mini-community.
CaSoBe is a well-planned and sustainable residential and commercial development. The idea is that one can invest in a lot situated by the Beach Club and put up a small business suited for the community and the day visitors. One has the freedom to even construct, and make the ground floor their commercial area, with the second floor serving as one’s living quarters. It’s all really up to you, your imagination, and entrepreneurial spirit.
Whether as a vacation/weekend retreat, as a first home, or as a place of business while doubling as your residence, the possibilities are endless. The Landco vision is to turn this into a smart leisure community, that’s nestled in one of the most sought after leisure destinations in the Philippines. Visit the Landco FB and IG assets, or email them at [email protected]. Who knows, a seaside community lifestyle for your whole family may just be around the corner. This is tourism, with the extra dimension of investing, and owning a home and/or business.
My Mother’s Day reverie
Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers out there! As I’ve confessed before, I’ve treated this day with ambivalence for some 25 years now, as my Mom passed away in 1996, when she was just 62 years of age. So Mother’s Day is always a bittersweet reminder that she’s gone. Hopefully to a better place, as I did watch her suffer from the cancer that took her away.
My Mom, who passed away in 1996
So hug your mother if you can, tell her how much you love her, and what she means to you. I know I still miss mine after all these years; and perennially, there are moments when I see something or am eating something, and the thought flashes of how I wished I could share that moment with her. That doesn’t go away, and am glad for that.
Continue making lasting memories with yours - anecdotes and stories that you can pass on to your children, so they’ll have a better appreciation of who their Lola is. I try to create that with my first two boys, who were only five and two years of age when she passed away, and my youngest, born in 1999, didn’t meet either of his grandmothers.