Cristina Comia, senior division manager for construction management of Ayala Land, recalls being immensely refreshed by the gentle rustle of bamboo leaves when she first visited the 320-hectare development along the Bataan coast. "We’ve worked hard to preserve the lawiswis or gentle whisper of the bamboo trees and many other natural elements of Anvaya Cove," she says. "Our blueprint simply improves and further enhances the unspoiled surroundings."
The decades-old mango trees, other heritage trees, meandering roads and waterways leave their mark on the visitor who is led to celebrate nature in Anvaya Cove. Comia relates that the ecological trails, "discovery classrooms," obstacle courses and other facilities have all been intended to help the visitor have a keener appreciation of the area’s unique environment. Amidst this setting, free from many of the distraction of modern living, families are also envisioned to come together through amenities like camping and picnic grounds.
Cogon grass, green bamboo, and other tropical plants endemic to the Bataan peninsula welcome the visitor to the high-end luxury development by Ayala Land. An Asian tropical theme was simply the most appropriate for the area, says Comia, who has aligned her plans to keep the pristine quality of the property.
Great pains were taken to achieve a non-artificial, all-natural look, she relates. Tiles of Bermuda grass, for instance, were not simply laid out on the green areas as is usually done. Rather, the planners resorted to hydroseeding. The planting method makes use of a compactor to distribute grass seeds so that when they mature, they will have deeply-imbedded roots that firmly grasp the soil. This gives the grass a grow-in look, making it seem like it grew naturally of being planted.
Aside from providing a genuine tropical Asian character to the Anvaya Cove landscape, cogon grass helps prevent soil erosion during downpours – a vital consideration for any development on a hilly topography, according to Jomar Borja of Tropic Asia, which served as Ayala Land’s landscape consultant.
Saplings of different plant species endemic to the Bataan forest like the mahogany, narra, fire tree, tanglad, alibangbang and cupang were sourced and planned in clusters along the road to ensure a natural look for the spine road. In some areas, like the stretch from the entrance to the view pavilion, acapulcos or small trees with vibrant, yellow flowers sprouted on their own and surprisingly, blended well with the landscape. "We took that as nature’s way of enhancing our landscape plan," smiles Comia.
To complement the flora, gigantic boulders found within the property serve as focal points in some areas. A few pieces were moved to more strategic locations like the marketing pavilion where the boulders now serve as places where visitors can sit and take in the panoramic views of mountains meeting the sea.
For lights, Comia opted to place low-lying bollards along the roadway instead of standard electric posts. Low intensity lights were employed to illuminate the path of future residents and visitors, as well as to ensure that the sea turtles or pawikans would not be disturbed as they laid their eggs on the shores of Ilingin Bay. Pawikans are very sensitive to strong lights, Comia explains.
Other than the pawikans, other species of fauna that need unspoiled natural surroundings will continue to find a home in Anvaya Cove. Located near the Subic Bay Freeport, Anvaya Cove is less than three hours away from Manila by car. It is the first seaside leisure community project of Ayala Land Premier.
For more information about Anvaya Cove, call 728-7000 or visit www.anvayacove.com. Interested parties may also visit Anvaya Cove’s marketing showroom located at Greenbelt 2 Park (near Italiannis and Segafredo), Ayala Center, Makati City.