Paradise south of Metro Manila

The palm tree-laden oasis is a respite from the sweltering heat of a desert. In the same manner, the aptly named Palms Country Club is a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of stressful city life. Occupying a prime island site within Filinvest Corporate City in Alabang, the Palms Country Club is the perfect place to relax with your family, friends, and business associates. It is designed to take club lifestyle to a new level. With first-class facilities, exceptional service, superb dining, and superior management, the Palms Country Club is a valuable lifestyle investment you and your family can enjoy for the years to come. And it’s just a 30-minute drive from Makati!

The premier luxury membership club, inspired by images of a palm fringed oasis, was put together by a design "dream team" of Wimberly Allison Tong & Goo, world-renowned for being the creative geniuses behind Disney’s Grand Floridian and the Palace Tower at Caesar’s Palace; Hong Kong-based International Leisure Consultants Limited, whose credits include the Rockwell Club in Makati; landscape designers Peridian International Inc., USA; concept interior designers Denton Corker & Marshall Group, Arlen de Guzman Design Associates, and Lightsource (HK).

Upon entering the Palms, I was immediately impressed with the spacious and open layout. The natural wood, metal and glass décor combined with a bright interior create a comfortable and inviting environment for revitalizing the senses.

The Palms Country Club offers a distinctive array of food and beverage outlets to choose from. There are three restaurants offering Japanese, Continental, and international cuisine. With its airy interiors and a terrace that overlooks the pool, the Palms’ signature restaurant Café Asiana is recognized for having the best tasting dishes among the premier membership clubs in the country.

To provide members and guests with a variety of activities, all under one roof, extensive world-class leisure and recreational equipment and facilities have been incorporated into the Palms’ wellness concept. The 30,000 square-meter complex includes a 352- square-meter cardio gym, four tennis courts, five badminton courts, two air-conditioned squash courts, bowling alley, a 9-hole putting course for ken golfers, a 25x18 meter lap pool, an outdoor climbing wall, and covered basketball courts. A multitude of health and fitness facilities are also available, including a spacious cardio gym, which features a high tech exercise system complete with video screens to complement the various cardiovascular workouts. Personal trainers are on hand to assist members on their total body workout experience. Aerobics, yoga, Pilates – they have it all!

The Bliss Garden Spa is the club’s world-class spa facility, with an adjoining salon and a tranquil relaxation lounge area. Built on the philosophy of a botanical garden, the spa was named Bliss Garden Spa because of the experience of supreme happiness, joy, and contentment that its clients experience after each visit. Its concept is based on a fusion of the Oriental and the modern, incorporating the latest in spa technology. According to hardworking general manager Graham Kiy, each person has unique and specific skincare concerns, and only the Bliss Garden Spa’s highly trained professionals can assist members on their individual quests for well-being. Guests can select from a wide variety of massage, facial, and body treatments.

The Palms’ huge floor area houses complete banquet facilities for both corporate and social gatherings: everything from intimate soirees to black-tie affairs. The well-equipped boardroom, grand ballroom, and multiple function rooms are complemented by a seasoned banquet team to ensure that every event is a success.

As I reluctantly departed from paradise and bade Graham goodbye, I made a mental note to bring my friends next week to The Palms for a hearty lunch and that much needed break! See you there!

The Palms Country Club is located at 1410 Laguna Heights Drive, Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang, Muntinlupa City. For inquiries, call (632)771-7171, email membership@thepalmsclub. com or visit their website at www.thepalmsclub. com.

* * * A Shangri La Lunch

The Shang Grand Tower, the latest residential skyscraper project of the world renowned Kuok Group, recently held a luncheon for their friends in media. No less than illustrious super executive, the soft-spoken urbane gentleman Tom Zita, vice chairman of the Kuok Group, was on hand to receive the guests. He was ably assisted by tireless director of sales Susan Yu and hardworking chief financial officer Vince Formoso.

The guests were led on a tour of the beautiful model units of the Shang Grand Tower. Everyone marveled at the exquisite elegance of the rooms — from the spacious vibe of the high ceilings to the sophistication of the interior décor. Indeed, opulence and class were the words for the day!

A satisfying and sumptuous lunch, courtesy of the master chefs of Makati Shangri La Hotel, was served. Afterwards, guests participated in a merry treasure hunt, where they searched for gold coins hidden throughout the model units. The prizes put a smile on everyone’s faces, thanks to the generous prize donors: EDSA Shangri La, Makati Shangri La, Liz Clairborne, Boss — Hugo Boss, Essensuals Toni & Guy, Escada, Citibank, Shangri La’s Mactan Island Resort, and Adidas.

Seeing is believing, so view the model units of The Shang Grand Tower today!

For more information, visit The Shang Grand Tower sales office at 4th Avenue corner Rizal Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, or call 811-1819 and 811-0556, or email sales@theshanggrandtower.com.