Under the warm sand, the eggs hatch. The baby turtles scramble out of their nests and head towards the ocean. If they are lucky enough to escape their predators, they will grow to adulthood there. And uncannily, when it is their time to breed they will find their way back to the place where they were first hatched. For them, the shoreline of the place called Anvaya Cove will always be home.
What will become of the turtles when man and development reach their domain? "We have instituted rules to see to it that they aren’t disturbed," says Marivic Anonuevo, senior vice president for Ayala Land Premier. "We have trained our guards to see to it that no one bothers the nests."
Training in environmental awareness and nature conservation will be continuous for all residents of Anvaya Cove so that the detrimental impacts of human habitation on the ecosystem will be minimized. Clearly, man, the environment and wildlife are equally important in the community.
Anvaya Cove is the private leisure retreat being developed by Ayala Land Premier. Located 20 minutes away from the Subic Bay Freeport, it is a sprawling 320-hectare development that provides a stunning view of the Silangin and Bataan mountain ranges and the calm waters of Subic Bay. Apart from 3.5 kilometers of coastline, the property includes forests and orchards that were carefully preserved during development.
"We promised ourselves that we were going to respect the topography of the land and we avoided cutting down trees," says Anonuevo. There is a continuous survey to document the flora and fauna found in the area, and the company has partnered with the Worldwide Fund for Nature to ensure that the turtles or pawikan that regularly visit the shoreline will continue to thrive.
"The whole vision of Anvaya Cove is to develop a place where families can bond together in an interactive natural setting where the mountains meet the sea," says Marivic Anonuevo. With 60 percent of the area to be left untouched, the development promises to be an ecological oasis where wildlife is allowed to flourish. Family members have the option to engage in nature experiences through diving and snorkeling in the blue water of the ocean, or trekking and mountain biking through forest trails. There will be a lagoon for fishing, kayaking and pedal boats, and Nature Camp will serve both as camping site and summer camp where children will learn the importance of nature conservation.
For those who would rather stay close to the comforts and amenities of modern living, there is the Beach and Nature Club. Beachside barbecues at the Pawikan Beach Bar and Grille, buffet lunches at Bamboo Café, spa massages under tropical foliage and tall, cool drinks at the Tower Bar are equally tempting alternatives. "There is something for everyone of any age," says Anonuevo. "At the Welcome Pavilion, the staff will gladly plan out your holiday for you. What sets Anvaya Cove apart from other Ayala developments is the leisure component."
Currently, there are three neighborhoods being developed: The Cliffside, The Mango Grove and Wood Park. The theme at Anvaya Cove is "Asian Tropical" and an Architectural Compliance Committee is in place to make sure that lot owners abide by the theme. "We have strict guidelines," says Anonuevo. "We want a fenceless community and where necessary, cyclone wire must be covered by hedging or greens." In addition, setbacks of five to six meters are required so that each home will have a lawn.
Club members are not required to buy lots. However, Anonuevo says, "We are happily surprised that people want to own a property." She shares that 60 percent of members are families with parents 41 to 50 years old and with children ranging from elementary school to college level ages. Of these families, 95 percent are Filipinos.
Anvaya means family in the ancient language of Sanskrit, and at Anvaya Cove the family is priority. In that verdant, natural setting, they have the space to reinforce their love for each other through the happiness of shared experiences. However, by embarking on a nature-friendly manner of property development, anvaya takes on a bigger scope. In this case, the meaning of "family" has been expanded to include other living beings that consider the area their home.
Anvaya Cove will be home to both man and the wildlife that was there before him. As man and nature live in harmonious co-existence, this expanded concept of anvaya is a heartening development. It is a an enlightened, less selfish view of family in this increasingly anthropocentric world that we live in.