South Forbes' Thai Palace

MANILA, Philippines - There are one or more traditional palaces in every country that remind citizens and give visitors a background into the history of the country. Built in 1782 by King Rama I, the Grand Palace of Thailand was the official residence of the Chakri monarchs until the reign of King Rama VIII. Now a museum, it consists of several Thai-style buildings with highly decorative architectural detail.

Noted for ingenious assimilation of foreign culture with our own Filipino sensibilities, South Forbes Golf City, the largest fully-integrated and all-themed golf resort city at the heart of the Metro Sta. Rosa - Tagaytay corridor, and recipient of the 2007 CNBC International Property Awards, the world’s most prestigious property awards programme, for Best Golf Community Development, has built an astounding clubhouse for the royal residents of Phuket Mansions and Phuket Estates, exuding the best of Thai culture and that of ours.

“We have recently completed the Phuket clubhouse and is now ready for use by its residents,” announced Jeffrey Ng, Cathay Land president. “It is undeniably the crown jewel of our two Thai-themed enclaves — a palace in its own right.”

Vibrant Palette. Phuket Mansions residents deserve a regal entry and what better way than with a brilliant display of colors. Like a flank of honor guards to welcome the King, colorful bougainvilleas and tall anahaw trees directs residents and guests from the gate to the clubhouse while giving a strong sense of contrast that creates a stirring panorama. The main driveway of natural black stones offer a counterpoint to the whites, pinks, and greens of the foliage. 

A Make-over. Thailand’s zeal for modernization has not eclipsed their traditional culture but even preserved it. The Phuket enclaves clubhouse, the first and most elegant structure which can be seen from the property’s main gate, conveys classic Thai aesthetics while embracing modern lines suited to today’s appeal.

The high-pitched roof is its most prominent element as it has always been the defining feature of classical Thai architecture. A massive pristine-white non-gate with floral patterns hints of the plethora of vibrant Thai flowers. Beyond at the main lobby are interlocking wood-clad columns and beams that suggest warmth and hominess.

The clubhouse is designed to accommodate functions in different environments — air-conditioned indoor, covered al fresco, and outdoor — and the function halls are enclosed in glass, creating a seamless blend between interior and exterior. These glass doors that keep separate functions private can also be opened to expand to a larger space; hence, a bigger function area.

Flowing Waters. The symbiotic relationship between nature and structure manifests itself in the Thai tradition of building beside water. Water refreshes and cleanses our aura and body. The blanket of black natural stones of the clubhouse’s driveway and rotunda leads down to the 25-meter infinity lap pool which presents a scene of sheer tranquility with the illusion of water flowing down the river below. Pavilion-style gazebos, outdoor showers, reflecting pools and a sunbathing deck remind of a Phuket weekend experience.

As a river runs between the enclaves of Phuket Mansions and Phuket Estates, a wooden foot bridge, widely used back in the days of old, now connects the residents of these villages through the rear of the clubhouse and a feature park on the other side. And just like in Thailand on the event of the Loi Khratong, residents and guests will notice hundreds of lights floating on water, gently flickering, dipping and dancing in the breeze as they, making a spectacular sight.

Royal Perks. The anchor of the whole development is the centerpiece world-class 18-hole South Forbes Golf and Leisure Club where membership comes free with every lot or condominium unit purchase at no activation cost.

And should club members visit Thailand, they can drop by and play golf at the Laguna Phuket Golf Course with their privileged access and special discounts through South Forbes’ affiliation with the IMG Sports Club.

Move in right here, right now. Call 635-7777 or 631-8855 for a free city tour or log on to www.southforbes.com for more information.