A serene, resort-like neighborhood

By MAAN D’ASIS PAMARAN

April 20, 2011, 10:36am

The DMCI Royal Palm Estates in Taguig City. Its developer is constructing two high-rise condos at an adjacent lot.

MANILA, Philippines -- There’s no doubt, the long-underachieving city of Taguig has become a rising real estate hotspot. Since the development of the Bonifacio Global City, new developments have been mushrooming – all of them taller, higher, flashier than previous projects. “This is the next major CBD”, metrophiles tout, and they watch as the once-clear skyline fills up with buildings.

But somewhere in the perimeter of the Fort area, there is a development where there is still room to relax. The DMCI Royal Palm Residences, located within the expansive Acacia Estates boasts of home structures that offer refreshing eye-candy to weary citified dwellers. The clubhouse and residential structures look more like a Balinese spa retreat than urban domiciles, with earth-tone colors, and roof structures that reflect traditional Thai architecture. Even the clubhouse accents such as knickknacks and furniture are decidedly Asian.

Outside, there are Tai Chi grounds, Oriental gazebos, a koi and lotus pond, and a flower garden.  The jewel of this palace is the glittering swimming pool that residents use to soak off.  Those who seek a more active lifestyle can also take advantage of the open play field, skating rink, and basketball court.

“The concept was so exciting, that the mid-rise units had a long reservation list as soon as we announced the opening.  There are five mid-rise structures already being occupied at the moment, and there are two 18-story residential condo structures that we are already offering, the Rawai and Kamala Towers,” shares Marz J. Encarnacion, Royal Palm senior project development manager.

She adds that even though the Towers are higher than their mid-rise neighbors, one won’t feel he’s boxed-in. “We are using the innovative DMCI Homes Lumiventt technology, in which we make efficient use of available natural light and wind. 

We also make sure there are breezeways within the building, and that there is an atrium area for every five floors. It is conveniently located a few minutes away from both the Ortigas and Makati CBD, but you really do not feel as if you are encapsulated inside the city.”

The open spaces are certainly appreciated, and put to good use. Moms and nannies with babies in strollers on the pathways, kids splashing in the pool – these are all images of an ordinary relaxing afternoon in this Asian enclave.