Asia alive in South Forbes

MANILA, Philippines - Every Asian country has undergone development in architecture and design over the decades, modernized yet maintaining that wealth of innate traditionalism.

South Forbes Golf City, the largest fully-integrated, self-sustaining, and all-themed golf resort city in the heart of the Metro Sta. Rosa - Tagaytay corridor and recipient of the 2007 CNBC International Property Awards, the world’s most prestigious property awards program, for Best Golf Community Development, has devoted an extensive part of its international-themed residential cluster to feature the unique beauty of the modern Asian style.

“Not only do we imaginatively re-interpret time-honored foreign Asian styles and assimilating it with Filipino sensibilities into the homes, we even take it to the next level by integrating it with the amenities that reflect the lifestyle of the featured country,” said Jeffrey Ng, Cathay Land president.

Enticing. All in search of a combination lifestyle of tropical indoor-outdoor living, island charm, an exotic culture, and modern conveniences visit the beach resorts of Bali. Bali Mansions features four posh model mansions - Coralia, Candidasa, Lovina, and Nusa Dua — all named after popular beach spots in Bali. From the exterior, all exude the modern, tropical Asian motif with dark wood finishes against a backdrop of light earth tones. Its interiors are luxuriantly furnished with bright tropical colors and with traditional objects and elements, evoking a spirit of delightful eclecticism.

“Due to insistent demand for the modern Balinese style, we have launched Nirwana Bali, located on higher elevation which assures of much cooler weather and a more imposing view,” Mr. Ng said.

Rejuvenating. The peaceful and private enclave of Phuket Mansions and Phuket Estates continue the contemporary tropical Asian theme, offering a resort lifestyle in a serene and lush paradise. It is designed with relaxation and enjoyment of nature in mind. Three model mansions - Ayutthaya, Chakri, and Taksin - are all spacious, airy and cool, open to the freshness of nature and affording access to life-giving water. The pools at these homes, significant to Thai design, are incorporated into an overall design concept that particularly emphasizes intimacy, seclusion and renewal.

Tranquil. The aesthetic awareness of the Japanese, who generally love simplicity and profound subtlety, personifies the spirit of Zen. The central theme of Zen is an individual living life in harmony with his surroundings, having balance in his everyday life, and an understanding of his place within the universe — his home.

Such is the value of Tokyo Mansions, where homes named after Japanese periods — Edo, Showa, Taisho, Heisei, Meiji, and Yamato — were inspired by both traditional and modern elements of Japanese design, providing the means for the mind to become acutely sensitive to the simple, small matters that are often blanketed by daily life.

Call 635-7777 or 631-8855 for a free city tour or log on to www.southforbes.com for more information.