Pico de Loro promotes a leisurely active lifestyle

MANILA, Philippines - Residents and club members discover ways to complement their active lifestyle at Pico de Loro Cove. There is only one rule: Take your time. 

 At Pico de Loro — the maiden residential development within SM Land’s premier leisure destination in Nasugbu, Batangas called Hamilo Coast — they can now enjoy the first phase of the community’s Lagoon Promenade feature. This component of the common area of the community can be considered a premium amenity and is another fresh innovation in this leisure development embraced by mountain and sea. It is a welcome addition to the already extensive array of activities and recreation facilities one can enjoy at the exclusive Pico de Loro Beach and Country Club. 

Here at the Lagoon Promenade, one gets to enjoy life at your own languid pace — just as a leisure community should offer. The promenade is primarily a two-km. paved pathway that circles the twin man-made lakes at the center of the residential development. It is envisioned to provide residents, club members, and guests a venue to enjoy leisurely strolls and soothing nature views. From different vantage points of the lake’s edge, one can meander around and get a closer sense of appreciation of the development’s natural environments. 

“The Lagoon Promenade offers a unique interplay of experiences for unit owners and club members of Pico de Loro,” said Herbert Herrero, Pico de Loro project director for residential condos. “People naturally gravitate towards water so walking around the promenade really gives you a different interest and feeling. You can take it slow, just sit down at the lake’s edge and enjoy your favorite book, or just indulge in the serenity that the lake and mountain offer.”

There are also several quay areas around the promenade where one can have a relaxing view of the lagoon and the mountains.

Herrero added that the Lagoon Promenade will definitely promote a pedestrian lifestyle to instill in people the benefits of walking. At the same time, it will foster a sustainable and environmentally sound lifestyle, which has always been at the core of Hamilo Coast.

The two-hectare twin lakes are positioned as the central feature of the development, as a demarcation of the northern and southern sides of Pico de Loro Cove. As such, visitors can tread the promenade to reach one point to other key areas, such as from the country club or condo clusters, to the beachfront where a host of more active experiences beckon. 

The first phase fronting the Myna and Jacana residential clusters is now accessible along with the completion of the earlier-launched condo buildings. The second phase, which will cover the lake’s edge in front of latest building clusters Miranda and Carola, will be completed in 2011. More than 75 percent of Pico de Loro Cove’s first residential cluster, Jacana, have already been turned over to residents while about 38 percent of Myna cluster’s residents have moved in. The other clusters, Miranda and Carola, were topped off early this year.

Surrounded by lush plant varieties, the promenade is amply shaded by trees such as acacia, palmera, yellow campanilla, Hong Kong orchid tree, talisay, and royal palm.   To make the trail more interesting, the project development team embellished the promenade with an invigorating variety of flora, among them white calachuchi, pink plumeria, bougainvillea, golden spiderlily, red hibiscus, and yellow iris. 

Benches, seating areas, and view decks adorned with railing and trellises are situated in selected areas, serving as convergence points where anyone can gather to spend quality leisure time. Simple furnishings were installed around the promenade to achieve a good blend of the built environment with the natural environment.

Early morning jogs from Pico de Loro’s residential condos to the beachfront can likewise be enjoyed with friends and family along the promenade’s pathways.

“It is very important for a second home to provide a variety of things to do for you to enjoy your weekend vacation. You can go around the promenade to just chill or relax while reading a book or listening to music on your iPod. You can also place a mat on the ground or canoe around the lake and spend bonding moments with family and friends,” Herrero added. 

And since the twin lakes are filled with seawater, the surface is very still and quiet, exuding peace and relaxation. For urbanites weary of the modern world, going to such a different atmosphere and getting close to the water and nature can be very rejuvenating. With the lakes now hosting fingerlings and other fish, they also expect that migratory birds will frequent the area.

The two lakes are further separated by a bridgeway that will contain another viewing deck. On one side of the lake near the country club, an amphitheater will be constructed with the lagoon as its backdrop. At the opposite end is a lagoon plaza that presents a stunning view corridor from the country club all the way to the beachfront.

To know more about Hamilo Coast and Pico de Loro Cove, call 858-0333 or visit www.hamilocoast.com.