South Forbes en Français

MANILA, Philippines - “Parlez-vous du Français?” to be replied with “Oui, oui!” are as much French as most Filipinos would know. But certainly, there are much more of French origin that Filipinos love to have -- their parfum, cuisine, and haute mode.

Of course, let us not forget the charming chateaus, as in Châteaux de Paris, the French-inspired enclave 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 by the 2007 CNBC International Property Awards, the world’s most prestigious property awards programme, and, recently, the Highly Commended Award for Best Development by the 2010 Bloomberg Asia-Pacific Residential Award.

It’s Just Like Paris. Châteaux de Paris is fit for royalty. From the entrance avenue alone, one can already capture the elegance of the enclave. It is tree-lined and lighted, reminiscent of the Champs Elysée which is intoxicatingly lovely at night.

“The first notable feature is the fully-operational Clocktower, the centerpiece of The Grand Rotunda,” said Cathay Land president Jeffrey Ng. “And even further down the avenue is the centerpiece of the whole enclave, the palatial Clubhouse, complete with a moat and elaborate garden.”

In fact, what makes Châteaux de Paris unique over all other themed enclaves in the Residential Cluster are its gardens located in every quadrant. To the north is the French Pavilion where a circular dome offers ample seats and benches for residents to while away the time. To the south is set the Theatre, inspired by French outdoor theaters common during the 18th century. Creative performances can be staged by families at its elevated platform to the delight of their neighbors.

The Green Hall lies to the east where a tree-lined hallway leads towards a central water fountain and a feature wall. Its open lawns are multi-purpose spaces for recreation and play. An interesting landmark to the west is l’Orangerie, inspired by the orangeries that cultivated the then exotic orange fruit from East Asia in the 18th century. The Orangery will likely feature the local citrus dayap.

French from Top to Bottom. Châteaux de Paris’ original trio presented a taste of three French design styles in three different homes: the classical Chambord which recalls of old world charm that is characteristic of many of our parents’ and grandparents’ homes but updated to meet the modern lifestyle, the contemporary Chantilly which is more to the palate of many, and the moderne Fontainebleau, reflective of a more sophisticated and urbane lifestyle -- each with its unique layout to match the varying preferences of different people.

Soon to adorn Châteaux de Paris’ cobblestoned streets are its latest additions to the royal family: Bordeaux, Clermont, and Lafayette. With the concept of the enclave revolving around the splendor of French gardens like that of the French capital, there will be more garden space in each of these new homes.

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.