7th heaven property rises in Bicol

When money is no object—you must have at least P42 million to have a chance to be part of this proposition—and you long for an insanely lavish island living, then you should be talking to Andrew Sparrow, CEO of Blue Development Inc. and development director of Ugen, a soon-to-rise luxury masterplanned real estate development in Calintaan Island in Matnog, Sorsogon.

“Where do you go when extravagant just isn’t enough? In this project, you will have the chance to luxuriate in one of our 100 Hillside and Beachfront Modular Villas just steps from ethereal pink sand beach some 800 meters long. At the same time, the island also allows you to explore its numerous pristine beaches, go spelunking in its famous cave; visit marine sanctuaries and hidden isles nested by migratory birds. If you want to explore further, we will provide you with the most convenient way to visit Mayon Volcano in Albay; swim with the famed whale sharks of Donsol; explore the 250-meter Busay Falls in Malilipot, Albay; ride the 320-meter zipline in Ligñon Hill Nature Park also in Albay; go bird watching in Pili’s Eco-Village, wetlands in Cabusao, or Mt. Isarog; or relax amid the serene lake of Mt. Bulusan. Indeed, Ugen is set to be the new millionaire’s outdoor playground,” described Sparrow.

To give one an idea where this development is located, Calintaan island is about half an hour away from the port of Matnog (where one also catch a Ro-Ro (roll on, roll off) to Allen, Northern Samar). The island faces to the east San Bernardino Straight and is sheltered from the Pacific Ocean’s oftentimes harsh waves.

First phase

Ugen’s first phase, which spans 5 hectares out of the project’s 10-hectare total area, will already include construction of a beach club, tree-house bistro, lake deli, marine life sanctuary, yacht dock, game room, helipad, and water sports facilities.

“The growth in numbers of the ultra wealthy has driven demand for life on a tropical island. For these select few, it is the ultimate trophy asset. But more importantly, our clients are seeking the ultimate hideaway. For them, the qualities remote and private are priceless,” said Sparrow.

According to him, Ugen will offer personalized residences —only 67 units will be available —in lots 1,000 to 2,100 square meters in size.

While the 1,000 sqm lot sizes will be “made to measure” meaning, the owners will just select from existing design layouts, those who will opt for the lots sized 1,400 and over will be “bespoked” wherein the owner could fully customize the unit’s design.

Sparrow shared that his group has tapped the services of renowned Filipino designer

Antonio “Budji” Layug and architect Royal Pineda to design these ultra high-end residences that will highlight the country’s architectural heritage.

Ugen will also offer 100 modular hillside and beachfront villas that will be available in sizes 350 and 500 sqm. Each of these villa will be designed and constructed by Blue Development consultants to afford buyers a full turn-key experience.

Ultra wealthy individuals

“We anticipate more second- or third-generation ultra wealthy individuals, accustomed to money and who are becoming more interested in having those with more lasting impact, to play an important role in our latest endeavor,” said Sparrow who has been developing real estate for over 25 years, and more specifically yield-based residual assets over the last 12 years. He is also part of the team of international experts responsible for the design and development of Anya Resort and Residences, a world-class resort in Tagaytay City, and other five-star resorts and residences throughout the Indian Ocean, Caribbean and Central America.

Sparrow added that investors now bid that they stay in and enjoy places which not only give them the luxuries and personal experiences they demand, but also respect and give something back to the local environment.

Sparrow said: “In conceiving this place, we have involved all the people of the island. We will not only make them partners of this development but also our agents to make sure the island’s resources will be protected. In fact, we will take advantage of the island’s wealth of sun, wind and waves by building renewable alternatives to carbon fuels.”

The islands receive significant solar radiance and extensive winds so why not take advantage of it?” asked Sparrow.