From coast to coast

MANILA, Philippines - When you know that the destination presents new discoveries and possibilities, the long drive seems all worth it. That was the case when we drove all the way to Nasugbu, Batangas to experience the getaway that is Hamilo Coast, an ecotourism project of SM Investment Corporation.

The 5,800-hectare Hamilo Coast consists of 13 coves that will soon be turned into an exclusive network of coastal communities and development. The first cove to be built up is the Pico de Loro Cove, where, despite the ongoing construction, the developers have maintained and retained the natural surroundings.

Soon to rise in Pico de Loro are mid-rise, low-impact residential condominiums. These will be complemented by the Pico de Loro Beach and Country Club, where an international hotel, a commercial center, and other amenities are bound to make anybody’s weekend trip a blast.

Just recently, the beach club was formally opened to its members. It features the Sun Coral Café, an eight-lane Olympic-sized pool, infinity pool, pocket Jacuzzis, kiddie pools, game and karaoke rooms, library, ballrooms, and function rooms. Guests who prefer calmer moments will want to take advantage of the club’s therapeutic spa treatments at the massage huts.

Those in a more adventurous mood can go snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, eco-trailing, rock climbing, hiking, biking, camping, and even bird-watching. Such is the commitment of this development to nature that Costa de Hamilo, a subsidiary of SM Investments, has partnered with the World Wildlife Fund Philippines.

Indeed, a more thorough walk-through of the place revealed more than just lush greens. Hamilo Coast is also a sanctuary to diverse marine life, from giant sea clams to corals.

We visited some of the Hamilo Coast coves that remain practically untouched. Awesome rock formations, the bluest waters, the finest sands, even the seemingly odd eagle — who knew these existed right under our noses?

Apparently, there’s more in store for those who will be staying in Pico de Loro. There will be a ferry service from SM Mall of Asia to Pico de Loro within the year. Eleven residential clusters will stand in the community, with modern interiors courtesy of Manny Samson & Associates.

The place offers leisure for all types of travelers. In fact, during our brief stay there, Hamilo Coast and the Echauz family banded together to hold the first Manila Yacht Club offshore race for the year. Dubbed the “SM Hamilo Coast-Toots Echauz Memorial Regatta,” the 35-mile race was held in honor of former Commodore Toots Echauz of the Manila Yacht Club and a tribute to Hamilo Coast proponent Noel Benitez.

The fun event concluded for the first time at Pico de Loro. If the reactions of the participants and their friends and families are any indication, Pico de Loro, once it is fully finished, will witness even more happy campers. For now, we are just pleased to experience a place where modern living is seamlessly blended with nature.