Las Haciendas Evergreen Communities: Offering a new tourist destination
MOST of the time, we travel to unfamiliar sights to gain new experiences or join a festivity. But we seldom travel for respite, recollection or retreat. Not too far away from Manila is a perfect place to find amusement, feast on wonderful sceneries while lulling the mind and spirit at the same time.
Resting at the foothills of Tagaytay ridge and facing Taal Lake, this 342-hectare dreamland being developed is the Las Haciendas Evergreen Communities. One of the prime projects of Phoenix Land Inc. (PLI), this haven in Laurel, Batangas signifies innovative real estate and development, and the way we define luxury and living well today.
Water
Waterfalls are hard to find these days. One must travel far just to get to one, or pay huge sums to even get close or, worse, just be contented looking at them on the Internet.
Waterfalls seem to grab the hearts and minds of people. Go to any location that has one or more waterfalls, and it is pretty much a guarantee it is a major attraction, if not the main attraction, of the area.
In the minds of the Haciendas’ developer, the water element connotes not only beauty but rest, peace and continuity. There are three natural—note, natural—waterfalls inside the Hacienda. One of them is Ambon-Ambon Falls.
“While the stress and drama of life in a big city and increasingly competitive world persist, it’s nice to know we have a means of getting away from it all. With Las Haciendas’ rich natural beauty, anyone who wants to get a break from the noise and hassle of urban living, trying the buhay probinsya once in a while, is refreshing,” PLI executive vice president Charina Garcia points out.
Las Haciendas does not only take pride in its waterfalls but also in the clean and flowing stream that creates a soothing sound as one walks inside the Haciendas.
“People are generally drawn to waterfalls, rivers, oceans or other bodies of water for various reasons. One, when we see a natural waterfall flowing, we get the sense that things feel ‘right’ and healthy. Two, perhaps it’s because water has a natural order in contrast to the ever-changing chaotic world we are used to every day,” Garcia adds.
Several bodies of water may be found inside the Haciendas, which is near the Taal Lake and a stone’s-throw away from the sea, streams—but it’s the waterfalls that make Las Haciendas a good tourist destination.
“The flow of water resembles a sense of order—it has a beginning and an end that journeys through a common path. Visit a natural waterfall and it’s easy to appreciate nature and want to protect it for future generations. In fact, waterfall moments can be so special that you’ll remember them for the rest of your life,” Garcia quips.
‘Buhay probinsya’ and outdoor activities
The Pugad Lawin Adventure Camp houses the best and the most challenging trails to conquer. The adventure camp is sure to attract the new breed of adventurers with its ever-challenging ropes courses.
Pugad Lawin is also a farm-land providing a venue for relationship-building and bonding, as corporations or groups can use this site to facilitate team-building, hold corporate outings, or just provide an adventure getaway for the whole family.
Beauty and wellness
One can have a good massage and relax in the spa while enjoying the sounds of flowing water, birds and other animals until one is lulled to sleep—only to wake up to the rustling of leaves from the trees.
Simbahang Bato
As its name connotes, the stone church located at the heart of the Haciendas offers not only a spiritual sanctuary for the soul, but also for the whole being.
In the midst of nature surrounded by God’s creation is very well the purest and most tranquil setting for recollection, meditations, yoga and just about everything for the wellness of both the mind and the soul. Las Haciendas is not only about fun and adventure but also a place for travelers who want to spend time praying or meditating.
“Again, as a consistent feature of Las Haciendas, the church is practically the cave itself and there have been little or no changes at all in the structure of the church. The Simbahang Bato is nothing short of a spectacle, God’s hand all around. Las Haciendas is very rich in natural beauty and Simbahang Bato is one thing that everyone will surely want to visit because serenity resides in this gift of nature,” Garcia adds.
Foodie hub
To complete everyone’s itinerary for a rewarding and fulfilling trip is a stop to a delightful restaurant that will suffice discriminating taste buds.
“You don’t have to go outside Las Haciendas if you want to enjoy delectable dishes. This is one thing that we want to be known for—Foodie Hub,” Garcia notes.
Las Haciendas last year held a nationwide contest for students to cook the best adobo. It was dubbed as the national search for best adobo. At least 35 culinary schools, colleges and universities joined the contest. Las Haciendas was able to gather more than a hundred adobo recipes prepared by students from all over the Philippines.
“Las Haciendas will be the home of best adobo in the country as we are in the process of getting all the best recipes of adobo of known and amateur cook in the country. Aside from that, we cater different dishes—Filipino, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, American and Korean,” Garcia says.