Havila: The art of nature

MANILA, Philippines - Traveling to Angono, Rizal may sound like a daunting invitation, but an actual trip proved to be quite a breeze. Mere minutes are all it takes from Ortigas Center in Pasig to Angono, the art capital of the Philippines. Along the way, one is greeted by commercial centers, medical centers, wide paved roads, and business establishments. It was a bonus to see lush greenery as well.

True to form, Angono bustles with artful activity, as studios, art galleries, and museums are lined one after the other. The first stop of this particular trip is National Artist for Visual Arts Carlos “Botong” Francisco’s Second Gallery.

The gallery stands right in front of Francisco’s actual home, where a section has been generously converted into a museum. The place keeps some of the artist’s original works, painting materials, sketches, medals, and other memorabilia.

Turned out Francisco’s gallery is just a foretaste of Angono’s visual resumé. Next stop is the Nemiranda Art House, where this visit is graced by none other than the artist Nemesio Miranda himself.

More than just another art gallery, Nemiranda’s house reflects Angono’s local culture as evidenced by his images of mythical beings. The art house has become a family affair, with his children contributing their art works as well.

Carlos Gil Francisco II, great grandson of Botong Francisco

Perhaps the most intriguing portion of this trip is the visit to the Angono Petroglyphs. Now a heritage site, the Angono Petroglyphs is the oldest work of art in the country, dating back to 3000 BC.

The rockwall bears drawings of stylized human figures and animals. Noteworthy, too, is the fact that Botong Francisco discovered this site in 1965. As it turns out, this place sits along the boundaries of Angono, Binangonan, and Antipolo.

What is particularly impressive about all this is the reaffirmation that art and nature can actually harmonize, in the same manner that Rizal makes accessible the best of laidback living and urban development. Nowhere is this point realized than at Havila, a 300-hectare community that stands in Angono, Taytay, and Antipolo.

Named after a mythical land by the river of Eden where everything turns to gold, Havila is developed by Filinvest Land Inc. and is comprised of residential, commercial, and leisure developments. Like the three towns connected to one another, Havila’s four villages are linked to form a community that reflects Rizal province’s passion for art and nature.

The first of Havila’s communities to stand in the area is Mission Hills. The village is now known for its sprawling lawns and wide open spaces. Interestingly enough, it is these spaces that actually offer residents a chance to foster closer ties. After all, in a place where nature inspires productive activity, one is truly in his element.

Havila’s Highlands Pointe is also just as spacious, with a commanding view of the Makati, Ortigas, and Fort skylines and the relaxing landscapes of Laguna de Bay. This 56-hectare sanctuary is naturally enhanced by Rizal’s cool climate and spectacular sights to see every day.

The 31-hectare Forest Farms is considered the most beautiful and last forested community east of Manila. Most notable about this village is the presence of centuries-old trees. This environment-friendly community is truly a nature lover’s dream, with cool mountain air and greenery generously giving residents a chance to commune with nature together with their loved ones.

The Hispanic-themed Villa Montserrat honors the Spanish mountain it was named after. The village promises the peace and quiet that city dwellers have long been praying for. It offers highland living and modern-day conveniences that have proved to be popular for start-up families.

It all sounds too good to be true, but it is all-too real: four Filinvest properties connected to one another offering 24-hour security and accessibility to schools such as San Beda College, PAREF Rosehill School, La Salle Antipolo, and Assumption Antipolo. It is also within reach of shopping malls, business districts (Makati and Ortigas), medical centers, and leisure spots, among other places.

Nowhere has a development actually reflected the places where it is located. Havila has combined art and nature into a seamless whole, providing residents with the rich cultural heritage of Rizal and its pristine natural resources. Havila gives homeowners a place where they can relax and enjoy solitude by themselves or with their families while making it within arm’s reach of modern-day niceties. Paradise has, indeed, been found.