Stylish beach condos in Hamilo Coast

SPACIOUS and well-appointed beach condo

With the blooming Philippine economy, owning a beach home is not far beyond the reach of some people. However, the mechanics of buying land, securing permits, tapping a freshwater source, connecting to the power grid, providing sewage and garbage systems, and, finally, hiring caretakers for security can shatter any fantasies of lazy days basking under the sun. And all that has to be dealt with before the first nail is hammered in constructing your dream vacation home.

TWO-BEDROOM suite designed by Nix Alanon

Enter Hamilo Coast. In sunny Nasugbu, Batangas, the heartland of Manila’s esteemed, beach house-owning families, the property is being developed to allow families all the benefits of a second home, without any of the hassles of having to set it up yourself.

Designer Nix Alañon has been collaborating with Hamilo Coast to flesh out the idea of stylish but low-maintenance beach residences at the Pico de Loro Cove, the area’s first residential community. The condo structure gives homeowners instant access to their fully equipped homes on “Day One.” Aside from basic infra, even cable TV and Internet access are already in place.

Alañon’s beach condos are cost-efficient, but they definitely don’t scrimp on style. Each unit has a distinct light and breezy feel, perfect for relaxing by the sea.

The atmosphere is so relaxing that homeowners often don’t want to leave, so it’s a good thing traveling to Hamilo Coast is now just a short hour-and-a-half drive from Manila through the Ternate-Nasugbu Road.

PICO de Loro Cove, the first residential community in Hamilo Coast

The first homes Alañon worked on at Hamilo Coast followed the traditional sea-inspired color palette of aquamarine and sand. For the second round of homes, Alañon took a more experimental route, using mustard yellow with touches of brown and avocado green on a two-bedroom flat. For a three-bedroom, bi-level penthouse, Alañon used light gray with traces of lavender and silver, bringing hints of urban luxe and glamor to the beach.

‘Preserving paradise’ forum

I recently visited the model units when I hosted a forum in Hamilo Coast, “Preserving Paradise,” in celebration of Earth Hour 2014. Members of the Women’s Business Council Philippines, Management Association of the Philippines and Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines spent a wonderful day in Hamilo Coast to exchange views on Mother Earth.

Prof. Roni Balbieran gave a lecture showing the link between infrastructure development and tourism growth. Indeed, I can see the big diff in the area’s development since travel time has been halved with better roads and the new tunnel.

Lawyer Angela Consuelo Ibay, head of the Climate Change and Energy Program of the World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines, gave a talk on the pillars of sustainable tourism based on the WWF framework. She also highlighted “Bancas for the Philippines,” a special focus area of Earth Hour Philippines 2014.

Earth Hour is celebrated every March 29 with a 60-minute switching off of lights to symbolize the fight against climate change. This year, Earth Hour Philippines has a special mission to raise funds to build climate-smart fiberglass boats for fishermen all over the country.

After the forum, the participants took a quick speedboat ride to Santelmo Cove, one the project sites of WWF in Hamilo Coast. The crystal-clear waters and fine, white sand of the cove make it an ideal place to reflect on the need to preserve paradise while making the most out of the natural tourism assets of the Philippines. Tonight is Earth Hour. Switch off your lights!

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