It’s that time of year again when the ghosts of our past come to haunt us. All jokes aside, August is known as Ghost Month, Ghost Festival, Hungry Ghost Festival or the Hungry Ghost Month. Originating from the Taiwan and Chinese Buddhist and Taoist influences, The Ghost Month is said to start on the 1st day of the 7th lunar month and last a month-long.

This year it will be from August 8, 2021, until September 6, 2021. The Hungry Ghost Festival is a Chinese festival celebrated on the 15th day of the 7th month. We also need to consider community quarantine when celebrating.

The Chinese Ghost Month is said to bring bad luck | Photo by Aidan Roof from Pexels

In Chinese folklore, our ancestors said that on the 1st day of the 7th month of the lunar calendar, the gates of hell open and spirits are given one-month parole to feed and enjoy themselves. According to legend, the spirits may play tricks on people and because of this, the 7th month of the lunar calendar has been called Hungry Ghost Festival.

Why do people fear Ghost Month?

A  lot of superstitions and taboos are said to strengthen within the ghost month. Firm believers and our ancestors think that the increase in bad luck is caused by the ghosts that have been freed from hell. Things like bad health and financial issues are said to have a higher probability when it comes to the hungry ghost festival and it is best to try and keep safe as much as possible. 

The festival is said to affect our money and our households. Our friends and brothers may need our prayers this month. Bad news may enter our house. Especially now that we have ECQ, we need to be extra careful without family, business, or investment.

It is also said that children, the elderly, and the sick are often preyed upon by the ghosts of ghost month and must take extra precautions. They are advised not to leave their homes past darkness and should listen closely to the news. It is also said to bring bad luck to couples, families, and managing businesses. There is also a general belief that more bloody accidents may occur this time of the year.

Here is the history behind Ghost Month directly lifted from Chinese Fortune Calendar:

“To feast, the ghosts are from a story of Buddhism. Moggallana Moggallana was one of Buddha Shakyamuni’s best students. He had various supernormal powers and owned the divine eyes. One day, he saw his deceased mother had been born among hungry ghosts. He went down the Hell, filled a bowl with food to provide for his mother. 

Before reaching his mother’s mouth, the food turned into burning coals that couldn’t be eaten. Moggallana cried sorrowfully and asked for help from Buddha. Buddha said the sins of his mother were deep and firmly rooted, it couldn’t be forgiven just using the divine power and it required the combined power of a thousand monks to get rid of her sins. 

Buddha told Moggallana that, ” the 15th day of the 7th lunar month is the Pavarana Day for the assembled monks of all directions. You should prepare an offering of clean basins full of hundreds of flavors and the five fruits, and other offerings of incense, oil, lamp, candle… to the greatly virtuous assembled monks. 

Your present parents and parents of seven generations will escape from suffering.” Following Buddha’s instructions, Moggallana’s mother obtained liberation from sufferings as a hungry ghost by receiving the power of merit and virtue from the awesome spiritual power of assembled monks on the 15th day of the 7th lunar month. Today, similar rituals are held in the Buddhism temples on this day for the deliverance of all suffering spirits.”

Couples are said to have bad luck in the ghost month | Photo by cottonbro from Pexels

Despite the seemingly overwhelming amount of things to consider in the ghost month and the general belief in bad luck, there are things you can do to prevent bad luck from happening to you.

How to Combat Ghost Month

The Ghost Month is not impossible to beat. There are some things and news you can do to prevent bad luck from entering your home and your life. These are things suggested by Master Ang, a feng shui expert.

1. Avoid going out late a night this Ghost Month.

Our ancestors said that spirits become stronger at night because the gates for souls are opened wider. This is especially true for children and the elderly. It is suggested to stay home when the sun sets. The lack of light attracts the spirits. They are attracted to darker areas because the light is something that can burn them. Stay inside your luxury home to be safe from the ghosts of Ghost month and the Covid virus.

It is best to avoid swimming this Ghost Month because it is believed that ghosts might want to drown | Photo by Şahin Sezer Dinçer from Pexels

2. Avoid swimming this Ghost Month.

It is said that when the ghosts see people swimming, they get envious, and because they can’t swim, they won’t allow anyone else to enjoy swimming and they will drown those that are enjoying the activity. It has also been said that the spirits are stronger in bodies of water regardless if this is naturally made or man-made. The goal of drowning the people is to switch places with them. It is one of the things that cannot be fully explained and is thus suggested to just follow it. What is a month of not swimming anyway?

3. Avoid taking photos at night.

They say that cameras, especially those that are available today can pick up on spirit energies. When captured, these energies may stay within the device and may cause bad luck because of carrying around a spirit.

4. Remain positive Ghost Month.

One of the most important things to consider this ghost month is to remain positive. Any sort of negative energy can invite the spirits to you. Spirits are known to live off of negative energy and being negative or not remaining positive can cause them to harm you because you are vulnerable to their deeds.

Maintain a clean and well-lit home like the Antonello Luxury home | Photo from Portofino Alabang by Brittany Corporation

5. Keep your home clean to invite positive energy.

In Taiwan, keeping your luxury home clean and well-lit can also help ward off bad spirits. Because spirits thrive in darkness, keeping your luxury home clean can help keep the bad spirits away. Just like how beautifully cleaned and designed the luxury houses at Brittany, keep your houses well cleaned and decorated to be above the spirits. The interior design of your luxury home matters as much as its cleanliness!

Move into your luxury home with no fear by doing it the proper way | Photo from Brittany Corporation

6. Buy or move into a new home the ‘proper’ way

There is this myth that you should not make investments in Ghost Month, but according to Feng Shui expert Master Ang, you can still move into a new home or buy a new one. You just have to do it properly. By properly, she means offer food.—prepare 6 beverages, 6 mains, and 2 cups of rice.

Suggested Read: Signs it’s Time to Relocate | Brittany Corporation

In Taiwan, they light some incense outside of your new home. This is seen by the spirits as asking for permission to move into the new home. You should take note that the move-in should be done the day after all of this is done. Let at least 24 hours pass before moving into your new luxury home.

Salt has cleansing powers in Chinese belief | Photo by Sarah Chai from Pexels

7. Stock on salt Ghost Month.

Not many people may know, but the Chinese believe that salt sends bad spirits away while inviting good karma. This is why it is suggested to always have rock salt available at your luxury home or when you are traveling. If at home, place the rock salt in a glass bottle and place it near your door. For traveling, place the salt in a pouch and keep it in your bag.

Conclusion

happens every year, but we must always remember that this is just a temporary thing. We will not forever be cursed with the ghosts that play tricks on us. 

After everything is said and done, the ghosts that have left the underworld will come back to whence they came from. We cannot let our lives be stopped by fear. Although we want to make sure that we will live prosperous long lives, we must also remember to actually live it.

If an opportunity of luck would enter our lives, take precautions, but weigh it out. Will it be more beneficial for you to invest at the moment or will it be, in the long run, bad? We are given the gift of free will and it will be most beneficial to exercise this with caution.

Regardless of our belief, it is still in our best interest to follow what we feel is best. If what you want is someone to help, you can always take the help of professional feng shui masters such as Johnson Chua to help you fight off the bad luck of the Ghost Month with feng shui items.

Brittany Corporation makes sure that their luxury homes are always beautifully decorated and well-lit. The interior design makes you feel as luxurious as you are safe. With everything happening in our country, it is best to invest in something that you trust.

Up Next: The Elements of Feng Shui

Up Next: Filipino Humanitarians You Should Know About

After the prompting and recommendation of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on Covid-19, the National Capital Region (NCR) will be placed under an Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) starting August 6, 2021.

The streets will once again be almost devoid of life under the ECQ | Photo by Furknsaglam from Pexels

The palace announces August 6, 2021, as the start of the ECQ in Metro Manila and will last until August 20, 2021. In the two weeks of ECQ, safety guidelines will be heightened as compared to the current General Community Quarantine (GCQ) on Covid-19.

The shift from the current GCQ to ECQ update was implemented due to the rising concern regarding the Delta variant.

In an effort to curb the spread of the Covid-19 Delta variant, President Rodrigo Duterte has opted to announce the implementation of the 3rd round of ECQ.

Suggested Read: What You Should Know About The Delta Variant

President Rodrigo Duterte announces the start of ECQ to start on August 6, 2021 | Photo from the Presidential Communications Operations Office

Why the ECQ Updates?

News on the current ‘surge’ in the Covid-19 cases in the Philippines has not yet been confirmed by the Department of Health (DOH) citing that ‘surge’ is not a recognized term in epidemiology.

In layman’s terms, it is used in relation to the capacity of the health system. It is the rapid rise in the number of cases where community quarantine is needed more than ever. DOH further shares that we are currently averaging on 5,000 – 6,000 cases in the past two weeks, but has seen a rise to 8,000 cases in the past four days.

Hospitals are preparing for the steady increase in covid cases due to the delta variant | Photo from Patrickroque01

DOH cannot confirm that there is a sudden rise in cases considering the information available.

What they can confirm is that there is a steady increase of cases as compared to the past two weeks. In the hopes of stalling the spread of the Covid-19 Delta variant, with a known increase in transmissibility by 60% – 100%, the palace opted for the ECQ.

ECQ Updates: Guidelines

ECQ guidelines have remained unchanged from the initial guidelines announced by the IATF RESOLUTION NO. 130-A. Who is allowed to stay or go out? What is the current curfew status? Where are people allowed to go? How do people get their essential goods? What places are under community quarantine?

These are the questions that will be answered by the ECQ updates.

Healthcare providers are considered to be essential workers and will be allowed to go out under the ECQ | Photo by Anna Shvets from Pexels

Who is allowed to stay or go out? 

Based on the information from the IATF Resolution no. 130-A, these are the individuals permitted to stay or go out of their homes.

1. Essential Workers

2. People obtaining essential supplies

Who should stay home under ECQ updates?

1. All households must follow strict home quarantine and should not leave unless necessary.

2. Members of a household may only leave their homes to procure essential goods such as food and medicine among other things.

3. People below the age of 18 and people above the age of 65 are not permitted to leave their homes.

4. Pregnant women, people with comorbidities, and immune-compromised individuals are not allowed to leave their homes as well.

Public transportation will still be available within the ECQ Updates | Photo by Ketut Subiyanto from Pexels

If you are not sure whether you are a part of the list or not, it would be best to stay home to be sure.

Will public transportation be allowed under ECQ updates?

Public transportation will remain available within the ECQ. The capacity in which public transportation will operate will depend on the Department of Transportation. The following will be available for use:

1. LRT/MRT/PNR 

2. Bus, Jeeps, etc.

3. Aviation

4. Maritime

What is the curfew status in effect?

Under ECQ updates is the status of curfew within Metro Manila. The curfew will be from 8:00 PM to 4:00 AM. The curfew was implemented as a precautionary measure and response to the steadily increasing Covid-19 cases because of the delta variant.

What establishments will be permitted to operate at full capacity?

With the ECQ updates in place, only essential establishments are allowed to operate. These establishments include:

1. Healthcare establishments including public and private hospitals, emergency and frontline services – dialysis centers, chemotherapy centers, HMOs, and health insurance providers. Included among healthcare providers are pharmacies, and medicine manufacturers, and distributors.

2. Personal hygiene product manufacturers are also allowed to operate within the ECQ. Industrial and personal cleaning products will also be included in this category. 

3. Food manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors are allowed to operate at full capacity. Included in this category are food preparation establishments such as kiosks, commissaries, restaurants, but these will be limited to take-out and delivery only. Agricultural industries will also be allowed to operate.

4. Retail and service establishments like public markets, supermarkets, grocery stores, convenience stores, hardware, office supplies, laundry shops, and water-refilling stations will be permitted to operate under ECQ updates. 

5. Logistics services will also be allowed.

6. Priority construction projects in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Department of Public Works and Highways will be allowed to operate. Under this category, those that manufacture construction supplies will also be allowed to operate. 

7. Financial service providers are involved in the distribution of government grants and amelioration subsidies.

8. Export-oriented businesses will also be allowed to operate.

Related Read: Luxury Living Amidst a Technology-Shaped Pandemic Response

These establishments, although important, will have to operate with only a skeletal crew. | Photo by Cottonbro from Pexels

What establishments will have to operate with a Skeletal crew in the ECQ updates?

These establishments, although important will have to operate with only a skeletal crew. 

1. Healthcare establishments like rehab centers, dental clinics (emergency cases only and must wear PPE at all times), and the like will be allowed to operate with a skeletal crew. For people with disabilities, they will be allowed to have home service therapy but must follow strict health protocols to be able to do so.

2. Banks and microfinance solutions that are not involved in the distribution of government grants and amelioration subsidies are only allowed a skeletal crew. 

3. Utility waste disposal and janitorial services will also only be skeletal.

4. Capital Markets such as Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Securities and Exchange Commission, and Philippine Stock Exchange are required to work with a skeletal crew.

5. Telecommunications, internet providers, and cable TV operators will have to work with a skeletal crew.

6. Airlines and its mechanical services. Those that maintain the aircraft and its crew will be allowed to work, but only a limited number will be allowed at any certain time. 

7. Security companies both private and public will have to work with a skeletal team as well. 

8. Machine and Vehicle repair shall be permitted for household, commercial, and industrial repairs. 

9. Lawyers are also allowed to keep their practice and office but shall be limited.

10. Teachers and administrators that keep the school going will be allowed limited on-site work but may continue with their alternative working practices.

11. Funeral Homes and embalming companies are also asked to work with the limited skeletal crew as only those that have expired due to other causes that are not Covid-19 will be permitted to have wakes and burial services.

12. Online shops and their companies will be part of skeletal services. 

13. Government offices are fully operational, but with a skeleton workforce on-site. The rest of the workforce will have to work under alternative work arrangements for the safety of both the masses and the government offices.

Vaccinations continue within ECQ according to presidential spokesperson Harry Roque | Photo by FRANK MERIÑO from Pexels

Will Covid vaccinations continue under ECQ updates?

Mass immunization against Covid-19 is still in full swing within the ECQ, according to presidential spokesperson Harry Roque. With the rising numbers of Covid patients due to the delta variant, it is more imperative than ever to push for mass immunization. 

Roque states “Vaccinating individuals in this trying time is an essential health activity. Our mass vaccination program will therefore continue and intensify for the first and second dose, notwithstanding next week’s ECQ classification of Metro Manila and other areas,” he continues by reminding the public to practice the strict observance of health protocols. 

What do the ECQ updates mean for us?

The luxury communities under Brittany Corporation will work twice as hard to ensure the safety of our clients. Following the strict guidelines of the IATF will be upheld with Brittany. They will be prioritizing the health and safety of every individual that resides within their luxury communities. 

Because Brittany luxury properties are always within a master-planned community, essentials will always be readily available within the community.

Our luxury properties are near essential places such as hospitals and groceries so that any of our homeowners will be able to practice their own luxury even within the ECQ updates. 

Gatherings may still not be permitted by the government, but nothing is stopping us from celebrating our life events luxuriously at home. We have other tips and tricks to make the ECQ the most comfortable you can in the comfort of your very own home with our lifestyle blogs.

Posted by Brittany Corporation’s official Facebook Page on Friday, August 6, 2021

Brittany will continue to serve you however way we can. You may contact us anytime and we will be more than happy to assist you. We’ve set up virtual tours for our projects as well for your convenience. 

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With the news awash with fear of the new Delta variant, you might already be dreading the oncoming months of quarantine in your luxury homes.

But before you go into panic mode, take a moment to consider that the situation in our country is not the same as it was before. Now that the authorities have grappled with the virus for some time, there’s hope for a better response. The government is even actively vaccinating people against the virus as we speak.

This doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t be cautious, though. The best thing we can all do for now is to continue educating ourselves and sticking to health precautions. This way, we can prevent being infected with the new Covid variant.

In this article, we at Brittany will discuss everything you need to know about the new Delta variant and how you can avoid it.

The Delta variant explained

The Delta variant is a new Covid-19 strain that’s causing panic around the globe.

The scientific community is abuzz with all kinds of new findings of this new variant of the Covid-19 virus. The variant was discovered initially in India last December of 2020. Within months, the virus has rapidly spread to the rest of the world.

Currently, it can be found in over 96 countries, including the Philippines. It’s also the more dominant variant in Great Britain and India. According to CDC estimates, the Delta variant accounted for around 805 of the new Covid-19 cases in the US this July alone. This strain is found to be the most infectious strain of the virus in existence. If the original strain can infect two people inside a room, this Covid variant can infect four people, which means it’s twice as contagious.

Why is there a Delta variant?

That said, why do different variants exist in the first place?

When you’re infected with Covid, you’re not just sick with one particle of the Covid-19 virus. Instead, you’re infected with a whole population of it, sometimes as much as 10,000 particles. As the virus enters your system and infects you, it hijacks your cells. It uses those hijacked cells to multiply, producing millions of other virus particles that will spread throughout your body and eventually make their way outside into another host.

However, the virus does not produce perfect copies of itself. In fact, the copies are prone to making minor errors in the genetic makeup of the next generation of virus particles created in that specific cell. Often, these mutations don’t cause anything different.

However, sometimes, a mutation in the genetic makeup of the produced virus particles gives it an advantage.  The new virus particles might attach better to cells, survive in harsher conditions, or infect cells faster.

Because there’s only a limited amount of cells in the human body, the virus particles compete to infect as many cells as they can. If the conditions are right, the virus created with advantageous defects will outcompete other virus cells and become the dominant strain in the infected body, which will then be passed on to other people.

This is how the Delta variant was formed. The mutation that created this Covid variant just happened to make it more infectious than the original strain, outcompeting the original strain on the body and then spreading to more and more hosts.

Does the Delta variant make you sicker?

There’s still a lot more to learn about the Delta variant. One of the main questions on people’s minds right now is whether this new Covid variant can make people sicker than the original strain of the virus.

According to Yale Medicine, so far, there hasn’t been any conclusive evidence that it does. One study conducted in Scotland did show that unvaccinated people infected with the Delta variant are twice more likely to be hospitalized. Still, data from other studies did not reach the same conclusion.

There also hasn’t been any conclusive evidence of new symptoms. Symptoms also found in the original Covid-19 strain, such as headache, runny nose, fever, and sore throat are more present, based on surveys from the UK. 

Why is it spreading so fast?

Health protocols were eased prematurely.

It seemed like we all woke up one day, and suddenly we’re knee-deep with news about this new kind of coronavirus. There are several reasons why the Delta variant has made its way around the globe at record-breaking rates.

First is the transmissibility of the virus itself. As already mentioned, this variant is about two times more infectious than the original strain of the Covid-19 virus. From this alone, the potential for a faster spread is already present.

The second factor is the easing of restrictions around the world. Prior to this, several notable countries already dropped mask-wearing, stopped social distancing, and reopened leisure establishments. However, they were forced to backtrack after the increase of mobility and loosening of public health measures made cases of the Delta variant surge.

Last is the uneven vaccine distribution, which a recent United Nations panel has called “self-defeating” and “morally unconscionable.” Developed nations have been keeping up with their vaccination schemes, but developing countries like the Philippines are falling even more behind.

This could be dangerous, as the unvaccinated masses could quickly develop newer strains of the virus, threatening the immunity of even those vaccinated against the original strain. 

What’s the difference between the alpha, beta, gamma, and Delta variants?

Although there are many variants of the Covid-19 virus worldwide, all four are designated as VOC or Variants of Concern. Because Brittany wants you to be informed at all times, here’s a quick breakdown of what these variants are.

Alpha variant

Also called the B.1.1.7, the Alpha variant was first discovered in the United Kingdom last September 2020. It has since spread to about 80 countries.

This variant is characterized by a mutation that helps it bind better to cells it infects, which increases infection success rates. Additionally, this variant also increases the viral load in the infected individuals, making it easier to spread to other people.

As a result, this variant is more infectious than the original Covid-19 variant by about 50%, as announced by UK public health officials.

Beta variant

Also called the B.1.351, this variant was first identified in South Africa last October 2020 and is now found in at least 41 countries. 

This variant has the same mutations that cause the Alpha variant to be more infectious. In addition to this, the virus appears to have another mutation that allows it to bypass the immune system, raising fears about immunity and vaccine efficacy.

However, there has been no significant evidence of an increase in severity among infected individuals to date.

Gamma variant

Also called the P.1 variant, this was first detected in Japan in early January this year among travelers from Brazil. It was then found later that month in the United States.

There’s less information available about this strain as of the moment, but it’s said to have an increased transmissibility rate compared to the original Covid-19 strain. However, it’s not as severe as the Delta variant, or the Alpha one for that matter.

Delta variant

Of the four VOCs, this Covid variant is considered to be the most dangerous. To recap, authorities first found it in India as early as October 2020, and, as of the time of writing, the virus has already been identified in 98 countries.

As mentioned, the strain is characterized by increased transmissibility.

Do vaccines work on the Delta variant?

Different Covid-19 vaccines have different efficacy rates.

After learning all about the new Delta variant and all the other Variants of Concern, you might be wondering whether vaccines can protect you from these new threats.

Don’t worry, though — the best thing that you can do to protect against this Covid variant is still to get fully vaccinated. Vaccination, in general, will protect you from most of the risks associated with contracting the disease, no matter the strain.

Whether or not you’ve gotten your shots, though, it’s still crucial for you to follow the standard CDC-mandated guidelines, such as wearing masks, constant hand washing, and social distancing.

However, clinical trials have found that various vaccines react differently to different strains. As of the time of writing, there are currently six vaccine brands delivered and being administered to the Filipino population: Sinovac, Astrazeneca, Pfizer-BioNTech, Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, and Sputnik V.

We at Brittany want you to have high vaccine confidence, so here is a summary of all the available information.

Sinovac

Although the Chinese government hasn’t released concrete figures of the vaccine’s efficacy rates against the original strain yet, at the very least, the Sinovac vaccine is shown to be effective in preventing hospitalization.

Moreover, public health officials in China have also stated that the vaccine is effective against the Delta variant, based on case studies they’ve done in their homeland.

AstraZeneca

For the original strain of the virus, this brand has shown to be 76% effective in preventing symptomatic disease and 100% effective in preventing severe disease.

The brand seems to have an efficacy of 74.6% for the Alpha variant and less for the Beta variant for mutations. However, the vaccine’s rates against emerging VOCs are still being researched extensively.

Pfizer-BioNTech

This vaccine brand is 95% effective in preventing symptomatic infection against the original strain and 100% effective in stopping severe symptoms.

It was also found to be 95% effective against death or severe disease for the Alpha variant and the Beta variant for virus mutations. For the Delta variant specifically, it was reported to be 88% effective in preventing symptomatic infection and 96% effective in preventing hospitalization.

Johnson & Johnson

Against the original strain, Johnson & Johnson has an overall efficacy rate of 72% and an 86% rating against severe symptoms.

For mutations, it is effective against the Alpha variant with an overall efficacy of 64% and can prevent severe symptoms by up to 82%. It’s also reportedly effective against the Delta variant since it only shows a minimal drop in ineffectiveness.

Moderna

Against the original strain, Moderna was shown to have minimized instances of symptomatic infection by up to 94.1%. It was also shown to be 100% effective in preventing hospitalization.

There is still no concrete data about the difference in its efficacy for virus mutations, although it’s extensively researched.

Sputnik V

This Russian-made vaccine is almost as controversial as Sinovac because the Russian government hasn’t published any primary data regarding its effects. However, some sources have claimed that the vaccine is 91.6% effective in preventing symptomatic infections.

That said, the manufacturer announced that the brand is 90% effective against the more infectious Delta variant.

How can I protect myself from the COVID-19 Delta variant?

Continue wearing masks, social distancing, and washing your hands often.

You might be feeling scared of the Delta variant, and rightly so. However, here at Brittany, we want you to protect yourselves from harm and continue enjoying your home. Thus, here are things that you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones from this infectious variant.

Get vaccinated

All vaccines are shown to significantly protect you from acute symptoms. No amount of social distancing and mask-wearing can beat the protection from a vaccine.

Follow the usual protocols — even if you’re already vaccinated

This means constant hand washing, mask-wearing, and strict social distancing if you’re feeling sick. You can always stay quarantined in your luxury condominium or luxury properties until you’re all healed up.

Ensure ventilation

Because this strain of the Covid-19 virus is highly transmissible, you should avoid staying in places with improper ventilation. This means keeping the windows open whenever you have a visitor in one of your beautiful Brittany luxury homes or keeping the car windows cracked a little open during car rides with people who are not your family members.

ALSO READ: Benefits of Donating Blood this Blood Donors Month

Staying protected from the Delta variant at Brittany

Here at Brittany, our job involves providing you a beautiful life. That’s why it’s important to us that you remain safe and healthy — so that you can enjoy the beauty around you for much longer.

We create ultra-exclusive enclaves, complete with the best security, services, amenities, and strict implementation of whatever health guidelines are currently in effect. With our exclusive communities, you can stay safe in your home during the new normal.

We want you to live the best life, and we hope that this primer on the Delta variant has helped you in your journey.

ALSO READ: ECQ Updates, Lockdown Begins August 6, 2021

ALSO READ: Luxury Home Living Amidst a Technology Shaped Pandemic Response

Sometimes a luxury hotel room is so beautiful and relaxing that you would never ever want to leave the place. Luxury hotels are usually far more beautiful than you would have thought, they compare to your own luxury house and lot. The common areas, which include the lounge, are so pleasing to the eye and it’s likely that you will know you’re somewhere special the moment you step into the hotel.

SUGGESTED READ: Why You Need a Professional Luxury Travel Advisor

From being first-class passengers with first-class seats, it’s important that your hotel room be better than your airport lounges. In this premium economy, domestic flights should feel like first-class seats in international flights.

There are some of the extra services that you may also enjoy in a luxury hotel like welcome sweets, laundry service, car parking service, multilingual staff, and a lot more.

Top luxury amenities and features

Some of these extras and the hotel’s amenities and features can go a long way to making your holiday even more special.

Swimming Pools

While many regular hotels have swimming pools, the pools that you’ll find in or outside of a luxury hotel are usually nicer and better. Some of the pools are heated, it may be an indoor pool and it may even come with a separate hot tub or whirlpool.

Your hotel might even have separate kid’s pools too, ensuring you can have a good swim while your kids play around in the water.

Stunning Rooms and First Class Seats

Many luxury hotels have stunning rooms with views. They are occasionally designed in a specific way so they remind you of a location. Rooms in luxury hotels are so beautiful making it hard for you to leave the place. If you thought being first-class passengers with first-class seats was already good, imagine what you can do with your home.

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Very Comfortable Beds

The beds you’ll find in luxury hotels tend to be very comfortable. They’re not just any simple double bed as if you’re in lie-flat seats in a class cabin. They are often large. You might not want to get out of bed as they’re so comfortable and the pillows are so soft that they mold around your head.

Modern Amenities of Business Class

The rooms in the hotel you choose to stay in may come with a number of modern amenities. You’re likely to have a TV with lots of channels to choose from. You may also have a coffee machine, your own bar, a desk to work on, and even some special set of towels and toiletries.

Every luxury hotel offers something different. And in each business class luxury hotel, it is likely that you will find the different amenities available for you to use. If you are considering going on holiday it’s clear that you should stay in a luxury hotel as first-class passengers.

This will surely bring a lot of memories when you get back home. Instead of letting your travel memories fade, why not relive them by bringing the luxury style to your home to recreate the experience. And if you are the type of person who travels a lot and is fond of bringing souvenirs home from your vacation trips, you may also want to consider making them a part of your home decor. This will instantly add uniqueness to your home interior.

Here are some of the ways to achieve the luxury of travel in your home as you were in first or business class.

Buy Luxury Linens

Nothing makes a home feel luxurious than being able to sleep in a big bed with the finest quality sheets and blankets. Admit it or not, there is something about luxury hotel linen that’s just softer and comfortable than in any other accommodation.

Bring that luxury comfort to your own home by buying quality sheets for your bed. There are a lot of companies that offer linens to luxury hotels across the world, which means you know you will get that exact level of comfort you’re looking for. Don’t forget to buy quality pillows too – these are needed to recreate that luxury hotel experience.

Buy Quality Toiletries

One of the most interesting things about staying in a luxury hotel is that you get to test out different toiletries, most of them are even branded. Think about the lotions, shampoos, soaps, hand creams, and more that are neatly lined up next to the sink, and each day you get a chance to try something new.

Why not set up your bathroom like a luxury hotel by installing black tapware that can instantly transform the room’s look and feel. You can also complement this by buying quality toiletries that will surely add a touch of luxury. Test out different toiletries so that you can find your perfect selection, and arrange them in your bathroom in an organized, inviting luxury hotel way.

Get an Elegant Coffee and Tea Set

Every luxury hotel room always comes with a classic coffee and tea set on a tray, accompanied by boxes of tea bags, coffee, and other treats. It’s just so beautifully arranged that everything matches perfectly together.

You can pull this off at home by putting a coffee and tea set in your bedroom and having it there for your early morning fix or late-night refreshment. Why not treat yourself to a classic set that looks like it could be in a hotel room, and keep it full of your favorite teas and coffee drinks.

Get Yourself Some Nibbles

Have you ever noticed that there is always something to nibble on in a luxury hotel room? You can also do this at home by keeping a few goodies by your bedside or on a desk in your room to create that five-star hotel feel.

You can buy some chocolates and snacks on them every night, or put some biscuits on your coffee and tea tray. But remember to watch your diet. Control yourself from eating a lot, because, unlike a hotel, no one but you is going to refill them!

Buy a Good Robe

Having a soft, quality robe to lounge around in after a shower is essential to the luxury hotel experience. Luckily, it is also easy to bring that luxury vibe to your home. You could buy yourself some slippers to match your robe.

If you’ve stayed in a luxury hotel and would want to have the same quality robes, you can directly buy from them in order to get the exact feel that you want or you can also buy from quality suppliers who can even personalize your robes.

Look for Signature Pieces of Furniture

One of the best features of luxury hotels is the interior design and signature pieces of furniture that work well together to create a unique concept. You can take inspiration from the best hotels you’ve stayed in around the world and apply it to your own home with signature pieces.

You can buy matching lamps to put on either side of your bed, or a chair that you can place in the corner of the room with a cushion that matches your bedsheets.

SUGGESTED READ:Ultimate Guide to Traveling Around Europe

Display Your Travel Souvenirs as first-class passengers

Most people like to bring souvenirs home from their travel trips. Vacation souvenirs seem to be a good idea to collect when you are on an adventure trip because they remind you of the distances that you have journeyed and as well as your memorable experiences during the trip.

You could make use of these travel souvenirs and create your bedroom’s look around it to feel like a hotel in that particular country.

Get Some World Cities Time Zone Clock

There are some who purchase expensive and inclusive time zone clocks to decorate their home. Make it a bit innovative by making a personalized set of individual watches. You can simply label them with city names from all over the world.

Print the labels from different countries and place them under the watches. You can set the timings according to the county names and simply frame them.

Polaroid Photography

If you love photography, then capture your travel pictures. But instead of placing these polaroids in a book, turn them into wall art. Display these polaroids on your wall to create a memory wall.

It is a bit more expensive than other decor ideas with travel souvenirs but worth keeping at home.

When you are home, these pieces are a conversation piece and a reminder about the memories and moments you spent in different places. So think out of the box on how to make them glam up your home.

Brittany Corporation, the premier name in luxury real estate development in the Philippines and a subsidiary of the largest homebuilder Vista Land & Lifescapes, Inc., offers Old European and American-themed projects and creates masterpieces of upscale living for luxury homebuyers with a taste for artful living.

Brittany Corporation offers a fine selection of home designs in excellent locations: Portofino in Alabang, La Posada in Sucat, Augusta, Georgia Club, and Promenade in Sta. Rosa, Laguna and Crosswinds in Tagaytay.

Brittany Corporation’s communities continue to offer luxury properties that are rich in character and sophisticated in thematic appeal. For more information on Brittany Corporation and its roster of luxury-themed properties, visit their official Facebook page.

You’re going to want to be sure to work with a luxury real estate sales professional who has a proven track record and experience in successfully navigating the luxury real estate market. All real estate sales professionals have their specialties and it is necessary that you understand the ins and outs as well as the trends in luxury real estate.

Brittany Salesforce, the official selling arm of Villar-led Brittany Corporation, is composed of real estate sales professionals with vast experience in luxury real estate and a proven track record in handling and servicing the most prestigious clientele in the country.

For more information on Brittany Salesforce and their luxury properties, visit Brittany Salesforce Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

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Self-care is a crucial part of our daily routines. After a long day’s work, we must treat our skin with utmost care because it’s the barrier that protects our internal organs from bacteria and others that could be detrimental to our health. Our skin is the largest organ in our body and we should be active in protecting it. We know how intense the heat of the sun can get as we live in a tropical country. We follow the unwritten basics such as using hats, umbrellas, passing by shaded areas, and wearing sunblock. But when the rainy season arrives, should we still

Applying sunblock is a skincare staple. Whether you’re going for a dip in the ocean, a run in the park, or just strolling down the farmer’s market, you should always wear sunblock to protect you from the harmful rays of the sun. But does this still apply during the rainy season? That’s what we’re here to find out.

Investing in a good quality sunblock is a must because of the benefits you can reap in the long run.

Sunscreen vs. Sunblock

Before we delve deep into sun protectants, let’s first discuss some definitions of terms. When you’re in the department store, scouring through the beauty section, you will notice the terms ‘sunscreen’ and ‘sunblock.’ You find yourself confused as to which one to pick up.

Sunscreen is a chemical sunscreen which “screens” some of the sun’s UV rays (Ultraviolet) but lets some in. They usually contain oxybenzone or avobenzone. On the other hand, sunblock is a physical sunscreen and reflects the sun’s rays from the skin and therefore, blocking the rays from entering the skin.

Both sunscreen and sunblock are sun protectants. In terms of choosing which one to purchase, it’s really all just a personal preference but if you have sensitive skin or have any known allergies, it is recommended to wear sunblock but you must still inspect the active ingredients present so you can make an informed decision.

You should take note that the method of application of these two products differs. Sunscreens need to be rubbed into the skin so the product can be absorbed. Sunblocks can simply be slathered onto the skin since it acts as a physical barrier between sun rays and the skin. Although it needs to be applied evenly because UV light hits any exposed part of the skin.

Why we should wear sunblock

As the name states, sunblock “blocks” the harmful rays of the sun to prevent them from penetrating the skin and causing skin problems as critical as skin cancer.

We use sunblock to shield our skin against the following:

● UVB rays

● UVA rays

● Blue light, from electronic devices

UVB rays damage the outermost layers of the skin. This causes sunburn and blistering. Ultraviolet B rays do not penetrate that deep into the skin but they can cause serious burning on your epidermis. These rays have the ability to damage skin cells and cause DNA mutations which can eventually lead to the development of melanoma or skin cancer.

If UVB rays can cause the skin to burn, UVA rays on the other hand can cause signs of aging such as early-onset of wrinkles and loss of elasticity. These rays can penetrate the skin deeply and constant exposure can cause genetic damage to the skin, with extreme cases leading to skin cancer. The skin’s defense mechanism is to darken and over time can result in premature aging.  This still applies even if you’re cozy and warm inside your luxury house because UVA rays are infamous for penetrating even through clouds and windows.

Blue light, also known as High Energy Visible light, is emitted by electronic devices such as computers, cellphones, television, to name a few. It’s known to cause digital eye strain and disrupt our body’s circadian rhythm but did you know it also damages the skin? The blue light coming from the screens of our devices can reach far deeper into our skin than UV light can.

Studies also reveal that blue light can be more notorious for causing pigmentation compared to UV light. Experts in the field further claim that blue light confuses skin cells to think it’s still daytime, therefore disrupting the nighttime regenerative cycle of cells.

In an ideal world, a no-brainer solution to prevent harming your skin is to avoid long exposures to sunlight and blue light. Since sun and digital exposure is unavoidable, we should give our skin the best defense possible. Sunblock will serve as a protective layer of your skin against these harmful rays.

Does SPF matter when you wear sunblock?

Before purchasing sunblock, check its ingredients list and SPF rating.

What’s the major selling point when it comes to sunblock? The higher the SPF, the better. But what does SPF mean and why should we look for the highest possible number available? SPF (sun protection factor) pertains to the ability of the sunblock to block UVB rays that cause sunburn.

The SPF rating seen in sunblock bottles is the measure of how long the product can protect you from UVB rays. According to dermatologists, purchasing a sunblock between SPF 15 to 50 is ideal. Wearing sunblocks that have high SPF doesn’t give you a whole lot more protection. An SPF 30 can block 97% of UVB radiation, an SPF 50 blocks 80%. Although, sunblocks available in the market today are offering products with the title ‘broad-spectrum.’ This means the sunblock can protect you from both UVB and UVA rays.

The next time you shop for sunblock, look for SPF 15-30 with broad-spectrum. Another useful tip in wearing sunblock is to apply it evenly and know when to re-apply it. Dermatologists recommend applying sunblock at least 30 minutes before heading out and re-applying every 2 hours.

Can sunblock still serve its purpose during the rainy season?

Don’t skip on the sunblock regardless of the weather you’re experiencing.

You might be thinking that these are fun facts and tips to know but, are we still supposed to wear sunblock during the rainy season? Since the sun might be missing in action during this season, should we still bother applying sunblock? The answer is yes, we wear sunblock regardless of the season we’re having.

As discussed earlier, clouds do not completely block UVB and UVA rays. Clouds can only minimize UV rays up to 25% so even though the sun is invisible, it can still be absorbed by the skin. Even though it’s no longer summer, sun care protection should still be maintained. We should always keep in mind the consequences of not protecting our skin against the harmful rays of the sun.

Sun damage is not just your common sunburn. It also manifests in premature skin aging, wrinkles, cell death, collagen degradation, and in severe cases, skin cancer. Always include sunblock in your skincare routine. Do your skin a favor every day and wear sunblock.

Always Give Yourself The Best

In the end, we should always give ourselves the best we can. After all, skin is the largest organ of the body and we must not neglect it. It helps us protect our internal organs from threat and the least we can do is treat it with care. Always put sunblock in your cosmetic bag so you won’t forget to apply and re-apply it within the day.

Here at Brittany Corporation, we also believe that you deserve the best. May it be pampering yourself or treating yourself to a luxury home, our properties can provide it for you even this rainy season. Crosswinds by Brittany will transport you to beautiful Switzerland where you can feel the famous cool breeze of Tagaytay. Remember, even though the climate is cool, we highly encourage you to wear sunblock!

We at Brittany offer the best luxury houses and experiences for our clients. Experience thriving in a life of opulence, exclusivity, safety, and security in our properties. Learn more about our luxury homes and condos here.

It was only a couple of weeks ago when Olympic medalist Hidilyn Diaz made history by bagging the Philippines’ first Olympic gold medal in nearly a century. The 30-year-old weightlifter and airwoman outperformed in the 55-kilogram category of women’s weightlifting at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, bringing attention to the unrelenting Filipino spirit and heart. Her Olympic gold medal was a symbol of pride and gratitude, the Olympic Medalist was warmly welcomed back home to the country with what seems to be a never-ending shower of gifts, financial aid, lifetime promos, and even expensive cars and luxury houses and lots for sale in the Philippines.

The victorious Hidilyn Diaz at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Image by Vincenzo Pinto/Agence France-Presse.

Shortly after her astonishing win, Nesthy Petecio also made headlines because of her continuous wins in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics women’s boxing category. With one victory away from another gold for the Philippines, the entire nation proudly cheered on the silver Olympic medalist who is anticipated to go for gold at the next prestigious sporting event. In an inspiring show of strength, both Olympic medalists have empowered women, Filipinos, and Southeast Asians with this Olympic history win.

Nesthy Petecio raising her silver medal after her final match in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Image by Ueslei Marcelino/REUTERS)

The First Filipino and Southeast Asian Olympic Athlete

Prior to Hidilyn Diaz’s unexpected success, the Philippines suffered from an Olympic medal dry spell, although she did win a silver medal in the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympics. That was the country’s first appearance on an Olympic podium in 20 years. The dry spell led to the lack of support from the national government and retail brands which would otherwise be present if this were the likes of China, Brazil, Russia, the USA, and other countries that are known for their athleticism. The Philippines has competed at every edition of the Summer Olympics since 1924 — except for the boycott of the 1980 Moscow Games — and has won three silver and seven bronze medals.

From left, swimmer Teófilo Yldefonso, jumper Simon Toribio and boxer Jose Villanueva. Image collage by Manila Bulletin.

Revisiting the past, three local athletes made world history unbeknownst to most Filipinos. They are swimmer Teofilo Yldefonso, jumper Simon Toribio and boxer Jose Villanueva.

Simeon Galvez Toribio (September 3, 1905 – June 5, 1969) was a Filipino high jumper. He competed at the 1928, 1932, and 1936 Olympics and won a bronze medal in 1932. In 1930 he was awarded the title “Asia’s Greatest Athlete.”

José Luis Villanueva (March 19, 1913 – November 11, 1983) was an amateur boxer who represented the Philippines at the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics. Born in Binondo, Manila, he won the bronze medal in the bantamweight class. His son, Anthony Villanueva, also became a boxer and won a silver medal during the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. After becoming an Olympic medalist, Jose Villanueva went on to become a boxing trainer. His most famous student was Gabriel “Flash” Elorde (March 25, 1935 – January 2, 1985), who is considered to be one of the best Filipino boxers of all time, along with eight-division champion Manny Pacquiao and Pancho Villa, flyweight champion. He is the inspiration for the most popular boxing gym in the Philippines: Elorde Boxing Gym.

The Rise and Fall of Olympic Medalist Teófilo Yldefonso

Teófilo E. Yldefonso (November 5, 1903 – June 19, 1942) was a Filipino breaststroke swimmer. He is the first Filipino and Southeast Asian to win an Olympic medal, and the first Philippine athlete to win multiple medals. Additionally, he is also the only Filipino to date to win back-to-back Olympic medals in any sport. He later became known as “The Father of Modern Breaststroke” because of the way he transformed the swimming stroke as a four-time gold medalist in the 200m breaststroke at both the Far Eastern Games and the Philippines vs. Formosa Dual Meet.

Winners of the 200m breaststroke competition at the 1932 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, California from left to right: Yldefonso, third (Philippines); Tsuruta (Japan), first; Koike (Japan), second. Image by Los Angeles ‘84 Sports History Library.

Olympic Medals and Awards

● 1928 Olympic Games: Bronze (200 m breaststroke)

● 1932 Olympic Games: Bronze (200 m breaststroke)

● 1923 Far Eastern Games: Gold (200 m breaststroke)

● 1927 Far Eastern Games: Gold (200 m breaststroke)

● 1930 Far Eastern Games: Gold (200 m breaststroke)

● 1934 Far Eastern Games: Gold (200 m breaststroke)

● 1929 Philippines vs. Formosa Dual Meet: Gold (200 m breaststroke)

● 1931 Philippines vs. Formosa Dual Meet: Gold (200 m breaststroke)

● 1933 Philippines vs. Formosa Dual Meet: Gold (200 m breaststroke)

● 1937 Philippines vs. Formosa Dual Meet: Gold (200 m breaststroke)

Childhood

Similar to Hidilyn Diaz, Teófilo neither inherited nor grew up in an athletic family. In fact, he mostly grew up without parents and without the liberties of a luxury house and lot with a pool. He was born on November 5, 1903 in the Municipality of Piddig in Ilocos Norte, to parents Felipe and Aniceta Yldefonso, the second of three siblings. Unfortunately, his mother passed away while giving birth to his younger brother, and their father also passed away in their youth. The siblings then practically raised themselves into adulthood. At the knee-deep Guisit River next to where the three brothers lived, Teofilo and his siblings learned how to swim. This was the beginning for the country’s “Ilocano Shark.”

Sergeant Teófilo Yldefonso served in the 57th Infantry Regiment (Philippine Scout). Image by National History Day.

Military Career

Upon moving to Manila in 1922, Teófilo enlisted in the 57th Infantry Regiment of the Philippine Scouts at 18 years old. This military organization of the United States Army Philippine Department comprised of both Filipinos and Filipino-Americans during the US occupation. His talent in swimming was well appreciated, helping him to become recognized in the sport.

According to the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), this enabled him to train with makeshift pools as a hobby and skill, and eventually as preparation for serious competitions. He was remembered as an elite rifleman and a strict instructor who taught new recruits swimming and water safety.

Philippine Representative for International Competitions

The 1928 Olympics in Amsterdam was Teófilo’s first Olympic appearance after regional and national competitions. His coach at that time was Dr.Candido Eduarde Bartolome III, the father of Physical Education in the Philippines and the proponent who introduced gymnastics to the national curriculum. Dr.Bartolome recalled in an interview that Teófilo could have won the country’s first gold Olympic medal if it were not for the unfortunate timing of his flu. In the end, he won the Philippines’ first ever Olympian medal in bronze. Nonetheless, Teófilo continued to dominate in the sport. He went on to win four gold medals back to back in 1923, 1927, 1930, and 1934 at the Far Eastern Games, the precursor to the Asian Games. The Far Eastern Games was considered the second most prestigious multi-sport event after the Olympic Games. His exposure in tournaments held in Western countries drew much attention to his swimming techniques. “Yldefenso is credited for developing a unique style of doing the breaststroke, which he executed during the Games by bringing the stroke more to the surface of the water rather than under the water, as was more common at the time.” He is then described by European texts as the “Father of the Modern Breaststroke.” In 2010, the Fédération internationale de natation (FINA) – or the International Swimming Federation in English – inducted him into the International Swimming Hall of Fame. The international federation acknowledged his 16 year career in professional swimming.

WWII Hero – The Bataan Death March

Teófilo served as a lieutenant when World War II broke out. Immediately after the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941, the Japanese Imperial Army struck the Philippines as an American base. Two months later, Teófilo’s Infantry Regiment was positioned for the Battle of Bataan. It was assigned to the critical location where the enemy forces were expected to breach the Filipino-American defense. However, as history books have taught us, they were defeated.

The troops were forced to surrender and Teófilo was one of the many soldiers who were enslaved to march 65 miles from Mariveles, Bataan, to the San Fernando train station. This is what is now known to be the Bataan Death March, where many died of brutality, thirst and starvation, or war inflicted wounds.

His family later narrated that his Olympic rival Yoshiyuki Tsuruta, who was then serving as a lieutenant in the Japanese Imperial Army, immediately requested his release when he found out aboutTeófilo’s situation. Unfortunately, he was too late.

Nonetheless, he was a hero who not only represented the Philippines as an Olympic medalist, but defended it to his final breath as well.

Revisiting the Past: Going for Gold

It’s always a beautiful trip down memory lane, no matter how good and bad the memories are. The Olympic season is a time for remembering legends so that new heroes could stand on the shoulders of giants.

Brittany Sta. Rosa means having the world and its opportunities at your fingertips, where you and your family can grow within lush, beautiful communities.

Such is the beauty of a classic luxury home, where glistening colors of golds, silvers, and bronzes welcome you home. The luxury houses and lots and luxury condos for sale at Brittany Corporation, in particular, are of prime quality.

With master-planned developments such as Crosswinds in Tagaytay, Promenade in Brittany Sta.Rosa, and Portofino in Vista Alabang, there is a luxury property for you in every key location. As we celebrate the country’s wins, let’s sit comfortably in the best luxury developments in the Philippines.

In the Olympics of premium houses and lots, Brittany stands out as gold. Invest in the best now.

Alpine Villas by Brittany Corporation breaks ground for its second tower, Blanc at Alpine Villas on June 7, 2021. It has been a tradition in the construction field to hold a groundbreaking ceremony to kick start or mark the beginning of the construction of a new building or a new project.

As part of the tradition, exclusive guests from Brittany Corporation and MGS Construction Inc. participated in the burying of the time capsule that includes the plan of the tower and other important documents to ensure the “firm foundation” of the building.

Set to be turned over by the second quarter of 2022, Blanc at Alpine Villas is one of the buildings included in Alpine Villas’ first phase and will soon deliver the exclusive luxury condominium living experience to its homeowners. Alpine Villas’ first building, Bernese, is set to be turned over in the fourth quarter of this year.

This momentous groundbreaking event included a wine toasting ceremony in which guests from different departments shared their inspiring toasts for the success of Alpine Villas by Brittany Corporation.

The success of Alpine Villas’ first building, Bernese, led to identifying the success factors of the project and with this, Brittany Corporation is on to the construction of Alpine Villas’s second building, which is another milestone for the company.

ALSO READ: Crosswinds’ New Luxury Condominium Developments

The Groundbreaking of the Brienz

Brittany Corporation, together with MGS Construction, is delighted to take the lead and showcase another successful project for Crosswinds. The year 2021 has been another year of new milestones for Brittany Corporation’s Crosswinds Tagaytay.

Brittany Corporation breaks the ground for its newest vertical project Aplpine Villas’ second building – Blanc.

Inspired by beautiful Swiss chalets, Alpine Villas offers three buildings for the first phase namely Bernese, Blanc, and Brienz. As Brittany Corporation breaks ground for Alpine Villas’ second tower, its third building Blanc at Alpine Villas is opened as the project’s latest offering.

Named after Lake Brienz in the Brienz village in the Swiss-German alps, The Brienz at Alpine Villas is an ideal investment for any real estate enthusiast or homeowner. It is the perfect place with panoramic views of the beautiful mountain vistas of Tagaytay. Located in Iruhin Central, this Lake Brienz-inspired real estate condo will surely be the sale you are looking for.

Blanc at Alpine Villas will be turned over during the first quarter of 2023, offering both studio units as well as one-bedroom units for sale.  Brittany’s Alpine Villas is the newest vertical residences development of the company that offers luxury condominium units for sale across Crosswinds’ prominent and exquisite commercial strip.

Carefully master-planned to make everything within an arm’s reach, Alpine Villas showcases a modern and exclusive Swiss luxury living just a few steps away from high-end restaurants and cafes such as Coffee Project, Ruined Project, Café Voila, and Napa at Crosswinds.

While you can enjoy the best-tasting coffee and cakes at Coffee Project and Ruined Project, Café Voila and NAPA at Crosswinds offer exquisite dishes to satisfy our cravings for Asian and American cuisine. These exciting foods make living atop the popular tourist destination and tourists’ vacation favorite as convenient as living in the busy city of Metro Manila.

Offering the best views of the city, Alpine Villas’ condominium units for sale come with balconies for the appreciation of the beauty of Crosswinds’ lush greenery and Swiss-inspired homes. Investing in a luxury condominium property in Tagaytay City gives you the luxury of everyday exclusive Swiss-living and that will make your stay worthwhile.

The calming 35,000 pine trees surrounding Crosswinds give Alpine Villas the true feeling of living in an exclusive pine tree forest and Swiss Enclave. Brittany Corporation aims to give its investors the best Swiss luxury community in the country’s favorite weekend destination.

Suggested Read: Alpine Villas: Your Luxury Condominium Resort Living | Brittany Homes

Alpine Villas’ breathtaking view of Crosswinds Swiss-themed homes offers a luxurious escape away from the metro.

As breathtaking as it may look, Alpine Villas offers the best views of the lush greenery, Swiss-inspired homes, or even the lively commercial strip of Crosswinds Tagaytay. Taking luxury living to the next level is what Alpine Villas has to offer and Brittany Corporation sets the bar high in developing an exclusive themed community development.

Investing in a luxury condominium away from the hustle and bustle of the crowded metro gives you ease and comfort in terms of booking a hotel for a weekend or a holiday staycation. Tagaytay City is considered as the country’s favorite weekend getaway offering breezy weather all year round, making people from north and south delighted to have a glimpse and experience the city.

The city’s accessibility and stunning views make it the top location for buying an investment property outside the metro. With close proximity to essential establishments and outstanding tourist attractions, Tagaytay is an ideal location for a vacation or retirement home.

Aside from the pre-selling luxury condominium units for sale at Alpine Villas, Crosswinds Tagaytay offers luxury ready lots. Crosswinds is also offering pre-selling lot packages with Lausanne at Crosswinds, as well as ready homes or luxury house and lots for sale. These horizontal properties inside Crosswinds residential area are surrounded by lush greenery and a captivating display of the metro skyline, Laguna Bay, and the lush hills of the city.

On the other hand, Crosswinds also offers ready for occupancy luxury condominium units for sale with the Grand Quartier 3. Grand Quartier or Crosswinds’ Swiss luxury resort suites are composed of three buildings, with two buildings fully operational for hotel accommodations purposes. These ready-for occupancy units offer stunning and picturesque views at Crosswinds’ breathtaking vantage point.

Crosswinds by Brittany Corporation aims to let its investors indulge in high-end amenities, savor exciting eats, embrace the lush greenery surrounding its community, and live at their very own Swiss sanctuary in the South. These luxury homes for sale by Brittany Corporation redefine living luxuriously and comfortably in one’s very own space.

Want to know more about your next luxury condo investment? Read more here Should You Invest in a Luxury Condo as a Vacation Property?

For more information on Crosswinds Tagaytay by Brittany Corporation and the latest updates on its luxury condos for sale and other luxury properties, visit our official Facebook pages at @AlpineVillasTagaytayOfficial and @CrosswindsTagaytay.

NEXT READ: The Grand Quartier: Your tranquil luxury condo in Tagaytay

Just a few hours away from Manila, Tagaytay City is well known for its cool climate, serene setting, and the best restaurants. That makes it an ideal location for a quick escape from the Metro. Tagaytay offers a wide array of cafes and restaurants in Tagaytay with views of the famous Taal Lake and Taal Volcano. This will surely leave you and your loved ones an unforgettable experience.

It is not only known as a tourist destination but also considered as the most sought-after address for property investments such as luxury condominiums and luxury homes. Well known because of its cool climate and its close proximity to Metro Manila. With only a one-and-a-half-hour drive, Tagaytay has become one of the Top Vacation Spots in the Philippines. This is why knowing the best restaurants to eat in Tagaytay is a must! Check out these cafes and restaurants in Tagaytay with great views and delicious food on your next trip down South!

Suggested Read: Traditional Swiss Dishes Must Try | Luxury Homes by Brittany Corporation

Tagaytay’s safety guidelines:

Minimum health protocols are strictly implemented when dining in Tagaytay’s restaurants:

1.    Wearing face masks upon entering the restaurant is required.

2.    Only fully-vaccinated customers aged 18 to 65 are allowed to dine in.

3.    Citizens with underlying health conditions and pregnant women are encouraged to stay in their residence.

4.    Tagaytay implements curfew hours with establishments expected to close at 9:00 PM.

Best Casual Fine Dining Restaurant in Tagaytay City

Bag of Beans Tagaytay

This restaurant has several locations in Tagaytay City. Having been around for 2 decades, this restaurant in Tagaytay has already established its name. It is a popular,must-visit restaurant with locals and tourists visiting the city. Guests will undoubtedly have a delightful dining experience because of this restaurant’s lovely design and ambiance.

Photo by Bag of Beans on Instagram

As one of the best restaurants, you can enjoy a good food trip with a relaxing ambiance while being surrounded by the lush greenery of Tagaytay restaurants.

Address: Mendez Crossing West Tagaytay City (more locations here)

Operating Hours:

Monday to Sunday – 8AM to 5PM (may vary slightly per branch)

Antonio’s Tagaytay

Hidden from Tagaytay’s stunning views is a fine dining restaurant housed inside a beautiful Spanish Colonial-style house. It is recognized for its great steaks and unforgettable dining experience.

The design of the restaurant speaks for itself as it exhibits one-of-a-kind grandeur in every corner of the room. Antonio’s is truly the definition of a premier dining experience.

Address: Purok 138,, Barangay Neogan, Tagaytay City

Operating Hours:

Tuesday to Sunday: 11:30 AM to 3 PM and 4:30 PM to 8 PM

Breakfast at Antonio’s

We all know breakfast is the most important (and the best) meal of the day. A healthy breakfast gives you more than simply the energy to face the day, it also boosts your metabolism and promotes heart health. Breakfast at Antonio’s hits all the marks in serving our most favorite meal of the day. It offers exquisite breakfast staples from different parts of the world.

Skipping breakfast is a bad idea so make sure that you get the Top Nutrients To Boost Your Immunity especially now in the pandemic era.

Suggested Read: Must-try Steakhouses in the Philippines

Balay Dako

Balay Dako means “big house” in Negrense. The name is absolutely fitting because this restaurant in Tagaytay is housed in a grand Filipino-Spanish style home that matches their menu. They are also part of the Antonio’s group of restaurants which is well known for their top notch cuisine and quality service. Every dish they offer is a celebration of every Filipino’s shared sense of family and history. Dining at Balay Dako will surely give you a taste of classic and remarkable Filipino cuisine.

The facade of this restaurant is speckled with classic architecture that reflects Filipino identity. This will give you the feeling of being transported to the luxurious life of the country’s old elites.

Architecture gives out the beauty of a space. It gives an important impact to the value of a home for future generations. There are a lot of ways how architecture influences the value of your luxury home but with the concept of this best restaurant in Tagaytay, architecture preserves tradition by adding a little bit of modern taste.

Address: Tagaytay – Nasugbu Hwy, Tagaytay City

Operating Hours:

Monday to Friday: 11AM to 9PM

Saturday to Sunday: 8AM to 9PM

Dine-in vibrant hues at Cafe Voi La

This Asian inspired cafe strategically located at the entrance of Crosswinds Tagaytay, welcomes you with a vibrant collection of colorful interiors and furniture. Their Asian menu will surely take you on a journey to your Southeast Asian countries’ tastebuds.

This restaurant in Tagaytay also features an alfresco dining area for guests who prefer enjoying lunch or dinner with open and safer spaces. Guests will surely enjoy al fresco dining in this restaurant with stunning views of over 35,000 pine trees surrounding the luxury community of Crosswinds Tagaytay

Crosswinds offers panoramic views of the European countryside while Cafe Voi La serves all-day breakfast classics. Image by Cafe Voi La / Zomato

Cafe Voi La is a cafe in Tagaytay that you most definitely need to check out when you next visit the South.

Address: Iruhin Crosswinds Tagaytay

Operating Hours:

Monday to Friday – 8AM to 8PM

Saturday and Sunday – 7AM to 8PM

Coffee Project Crosswinds

Located at the entrance of Crosswinds Tagaytay and right beside Cafe Voi La stands Coffee Project. The architecture of this cafe matches the Swiss-inspired theme of Crosswinds Tagaytay. This is the only branch they have in Tagaytay, but they have several branches nationwide. This coffee chain is well known as the most Instagram-worthy coffee shop because of its good ambiance and pleasing interior design perfect for chilling moments.

The breathtaking backdrop at Crosswinds Tagaytay

Address: Iruhin Crosswinds Tagaytay

Operating Hours:

Monday to Sunday – 7AM to 9PM

Ruined Project?

This unique Villar-owned cafe is the 50th branch of Coffee Project located at the Villar group’s luxury residential development, Crosswinds Tagaytay by Brittany Corporation. The name itself explains that beauty can be found in the most unexpected time and situation. There is beauty in ruins. Launched in the last month of 2020 during a pandemic, Ruined Project? is envisioned as the Coffee Project’s flagship store.

It’s all about that perfectly imperfect interior.

Ruined Project? Feature an alfresco cafe with accents of live plants that present a nature-themed interior emphasizing the outdoor feel even more. If you want to drink your coffee with great views, head over to the balcony, for a breath of fresh air and indulge in the great views of Crosswinds Tagaytay.

Ruined Project? Is more than a cafe; it signifies hope and perseverance.

Address: Crosswinds Tagaytay, Tagaytay City

Operating Hours:

Monday to Sunday – 7 AM to 9 PM

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NAPA at Crosswinds

Napa at Crosswinds is a beautiful place to enjoy the pine tree forest of Tagaytay.

Feast your senses with their Instagram-worthy location. This recently launched NAPA Valley in Northern-California inspired cafe is nestled inside the luxury community of Crosswinds. The best part about this restaurant is that it is situated in an exclusive community with beautiful views of nature and Crosswinds’ luxury residential area making it a perfect spot to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and experience dining in a more relaxed and quiet location.

This cafe has a wide range of food and beverage options. From coffee-based beverages to expensive wine and charcuterie boards, they serve it here. Plus, they are pet-friendly! You can walk with your pets around the community after enjoying a meal at NAPA.

Crosswinds Tagaytay is a 100-hectare Switzerland-inspired community by Brittany Corporation of Vista Land. This luxury community in Tagaytay is perfumed by over 35,000 pine trees which have been specially imported from other countries.

Al fresco dining with breathtaking views of Crosswinds

Address: Crosswinds Tagaytay, Tagaytay City

Operating Hours:

Monday to Sunday – 7AM to 9PM

 SUGGESTED READ: Must-Try Dishes at NAPA | Luxury Homes by Brittany Corporation

Savor panoramic views and save special moments

Live close to these best restaurants and cafes. Invest in your future luxury home in Crosswinds Tagaytay where you get the luxury to savor such great views of an exclusive community and the cool climate of Tagaytay.

This themed community by Brittany will let you experience the country life near the Metro. Crosswinds offer different types of luxury properties such as luxury pre-selling condo in Tagaytay, luxury lots for sale, and luxury ready homes.

Wake up to breathtaking views each day in your future home near the metro and experience luxury living like no other only in a luxury home by Brittany.

Discover more about living in your own sanctuary at Crosswinds here.

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A good lifestyle is a privilege. It’s best enjoyed when you put yourself first! Making worthy investments matter especially in a time such as a global pandemic. Putting your life on hold is a thing of the past. Luxury condo living is the definition of living today. Having a studio or 1-bedroom unit at Tagaytay’s best community and leisure spot is the little treat that will last you years. This condo living guide is the only guide you’ll ever need.

A Swiss-wonderland like Alpine Villas in Crosswinds Tagaytay is Brittany Corporation’s pride and joy, as well as yours because it’s a step towards your dream life! With Bernese, one of the three buildings of Alpine Villas in Crosswinds, getting ready to welcome you in December, there are only a few months left to get yourself ready for the next step to becoming condo owners.

Tagaytay’s accessibility from a lot of places, especially Metro Manila, is one of the added perks of luxury condos for sale in Tagaytay. In Alpine Villas, both interior and exterior are evident of this class. Changing your lifestyle from what you’ve been used to will be tricky, but it’s an added step in being an Alpine Villas condominium owner, so you can be the best version of yourself as a home-owner and community neighbor! Of course, we also got you covered in this area, as a welcome to the high-end life of owning one of the best homes in the Philippines.

Life in the city is different from living in the mountainside, but luckily, you get the best of both worlds in your new Tagaytay luxury home by Alpine Villas. There are four important factors in maintaining a lifestyle with good practices and habits: food, exercise, beauty, and mental health! Since you’ll be living in a luxury condo, your sense of community will also need some attention. Let’s get down to business with all the best condo living guides.

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Luxury Condos Living Guide for Food

When you eat the proper food, you also nourish your body and take care of your health! You can’t live a luxurious lifestyle without caring about what your body needs. The added benefit of eating healthy is an investment in itself, for you and your family! Luckily, Alpine Villas is surrounded by good eats like Café Voi La, Napa, Coffee Project, and Ruined Project?!

1. Learn how to make your own meals

Learning how to prepare and cook your own food is essential.

Make use of Tagaytay’s market and natural resources to plan your own meals according to your diet! You can count your calories or simply make use of your time wisely in quarantine. Better yet, impress your guests or make yourself feel truly at home with Swiss-inspired easy to make recipes you can prepare in the comfort of your Alpine Villas luxury condo unit.

Dine al fresco at your balcony or have a romantic date night at home! There are a lot of Swiss food you can try making by yourself but we recommend cheese fondue because Switzerland has the best cheeses or Rösti a fried potato pancake made from season potato patties that are baked or fried! You can even find the wine for it from Napa, just a few steps away from your condo unit! Save both time and money while giving yourself extra knowledge in the kitchen!

2. Don’t skip breakfast

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

If you’re not a morning person, a simple habit can change that: getting excited about breakfast! We know that cooking may be difficult with Tagaytay’s bed weather, but that’s nothing a cup of Swiss hot cholate can’t fix! If you fancy a morning walk, stroll over to any of the nearby food establishments in Alpine Villas. Word of advice: Café Voi La offers all-day breakfast meals! Nothing says luxury than enjoying a meal in one of the prettiest cafes in Tagaytay!

Your condo investment from your real estate agent is a luxury property. The real estate market gives Tagaytay high property values. Enter Alpine Villas, their condo units are equipped with all the amenities you need. They also have swimming pools, shopping facilities, and the best bathroom fixtures in desirable locations.

3. Indulge in your food or drink cravings every once in a while

A coffee press can be a great investment for anyone that enjoys their morning brew.

Being on a diet doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a glass of wine, a cup of coffee, or a slice of cake when your soul needs it! You don’t even have to go far to satisfy your cravings. Schedule your cheat day and take pretty photos for Instagram while you’re at it because Alpine Villas has a fantastic view of Tagaytay and Ruined Project? available for a perfect ambiance.

Exercise is a condo unit living guide must

If it’s too hot to do anything in Metro Manila, Tagaytay has the perfect weather for outdoor activities! Pair your new food habits with healthy exercise that will keep you fit and will keep you familiar with your surroundings. Being active in exercise also gives you a lot of energy for adventures around the area. Even better when you know you have a safe, comfortable Alpine Villas luxury condo unit to come home to.

1. Make the gym a part of your daily routine

Working out is a great way to stay fit and release endorphins.

A gym membership can be pricey, but at Alpine Villas, homeowners are entitled to fitness gym use over at Amenities! Look upon fitness routines you can do to achieve your goals and how to use the equipment. Soon, your home workouts will be elevated with this awesome perk! You can even meet people in the community as dedicated as you are to fitness!

2. Take daily strolls or challenging jogs

Jogging can help your cardiovascular health improve.

Did you know that Alpine Villas is home to 35,000 pine trees? Talk about the perfect ambiance for walking around or creating a path to jog! Since it’s a community with security, you can be sure that you will not get lost and that there is staff ready to help you, just in case. The weather is also great whether you want to do it early morning or late afternoon.

3. Explore new and mindful workouts

Swimming does not only gets you fit but also calms your mind.

Besides the scenery, Alpine Villas also has a pool for its homeowners to enjoy with the rest of the community. If you’re in need of a new type of workout, maybe swimming could be exercise and a winding down activity rolled into one. If you’re craving a more relaxed workout, roll out your mat at home or outside for a quick yoga session. There are so many things to do in a place like Alpine Villas, everything you might need is already waiting for you.

Our Condo Living Guide to Beauty

Beauty

If you live in a beautiful Swiss-inspired luxury condominium in Tagaytay, of all places, you deserve to look as luxuriously beautiful as you feel. and feel the part of a high-end individual! Altering your lifestyle should also include self-care rituals that will keep you looking fresh and IG-photoshoot ready.

1. Never forget to put on sunscreen is a condo living guide staple

Sunscreen has multiple health benefits apart from protecting you from the sun.

One of the best skin care tips that are also the most ignored is putting on sunscreen every day., even when it’s not particularly sunny you still need to put on sunscreen. Don’t be fooled by Tagaytay’s cold weather.: you’re still exposed to harmful UV rays! The secret to less dark spots and supple, youthful skin is consistent sunscreen application after your basic skincare routine. Better to use sunscreen with SPF 50+. A lot of brands offer that, but La Mer’s The Broad Spectrum SPF 50 UV Protecting Fluid is one of the most expensive and efficient sunscreens in the market.

2. Have a personal dermatologist and schedule spa trips

Everyone’s skin is different.: you shouldn’t mix and match skincare products without proper guidance! Aside from knowing skincare basics like taking off your makeup before you sleep, you need to have a dermatologist check your skin regularly and also pamper yourself with spa trips! After all that exercise and working daily, you need a body massage or you can have your nails done! If your busy schedule and the fear of going out too much gets to you, telemedicine and a trusty face mask at your relaxing luxury condo unit in Alpine Villas at Crosswinds is another option.

3.       Don’t be selfish with your zzz’s

The simplest beauty tip? Get your beauty sleep! If you’re having trouble sleeping, your comfortable bed in your luxury condo unit is a big help. However, you can still find remedies like new pillows, a weighted blanket, a trusty humidifier, or soft background music to set the mood. Tagaytay provides cozy weather, so maybe a cup of hot chocolate before you sleep can help.

Condo Living Guide for Mental Health

Always remember: you can seek help if you feel like you need it. A luxurious lifestyle can get stressful or sad, like anything else. It’s crucial to know when you need a break. Luckily, Crosswinds at Tagaytay gives you all the breathing space you need with its classic views.

1.       Do journaling

Not much of a talker but you need a release? |  Photo by Mathilde Langevin on Unsplash

Putting it on paper can work! The balcony over at your luxury condo unit or the tables at Coffee Project are the perfect places worthy of some journaling in the morning. Write down your thoughts, rip some pages, or talk about your day without worrying that someone will read it. Be honest with yourself and feel more relaxed and in touch than ever.

2. Take a break from social media

Admire the breathtaking views of Tagaytay with little effort! Spend at least a day offline after reading this condo living guide and help yourself to fun activities around the area. Even if you opt to stay inside, read a book, or order takeout while listening to music! The world will keep turning even if you rest on the weekends. Remember that working hard is great but not at the expense of your own health!

3. Spring clean, no matter the season

Living in a clean and sanitary home is more than a health precaution.: it can bring you so much peace and joy, Marie Kondo style or not! While making sure that your Alpine Villas luxury condo stays beautiful and pristine, you’ll get some ideas on personalizing your place or dabbling in some feng shui for a unique interior design. This is certainly a great way to prioritize your mental health while doing something productive!

What to do after buying luxury condos?

At Alpine Villas by Brittany Corporation, every homeowner is a valued client. However, being a part of a luxury condominium community may take a lot of getting used to especially if you’ve only recently made the leap of investment. Living in luxury has certain perks, but you also need to pay it forward so that even your neighbors get to have a pleasant stay. Be the belle of Bernese and be treated with the utmost care when you follow very simple unspoken rules.

Treating the staff nicely and respecting house rules in communal places of Alpine Villas is a good place to get into everyone’s good graces! The staff will most likely be available for your every need and you’ll have no problems in feeling at home. You’ll be able to gain friends, too, ones that live near you and are like-minded in your luxurious interests! The dream.

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Keep places you have been in clean and sanitary for health reasons and as a courtesy to your other companions. People who strive to live luxuriously do not litter, especially in Alpine Villas where we like to keep things green and clean! Your valued guests coming over for their own Tagaytay getaway will also benefit from the cleanliness and security of your luxury home by Brittany Corporation. You might even inspire them to make the move when Brienz and Blanc rise!

All these things you can do even before settling in your new home at Alpine Villas in Crosswinds Tagaytay. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and make the most out of your experience by messaging Brittany Corporation now to get started on your dream home and life!

Visit Brittany’s official property page to know more about Brittany’s beautiful thematic offerings or follow us on our Linkedin, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts!

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Farm Resorts are the Best Way to Disconnect to Reconnect

There is a well-known Japanese practice called “Shirin-Yoku” or “Forest Bathing” in English. Essentially, it is the act of taking in the forest with all our senses. To see the beautiful rays of sunlight breaking through the treetops, to smell the calm of unique flowers and plants carried on the wind, to feel the gentle grassy fields below your feet, to listen to the swaying flowers and leaves, and to taste the fruits and berries of nature. It is, in a way, a kind of unity, of becoming a part of the forest and the forest a part of oneself. This experience of forest bathing can be recreated in the finest farm resorts that the south has to offer.

Farm Resorts as Natural Therapy

Of course, that is a very philosophical explanation of the practice, but, simply put, you could understand it as natural therapy. It is the therapeutic act of momentarily retreating to nature. It is a kind of escape–to breathe, destress, relax, and rejuvenate oneself by being in a natural space as opposed to an artificial one (such as our workspaces, city streets, and public spaces, among many others).

And with how demanding work and business can be today, we are sometimes left in want of a change of pace. That a day spent resting at home may not always relinquish feelings of burnout, demotivation, and stress–compelling us to take a break away from it all and reconnect with nature, our families, and ourselves.

Nature gives us a unique form of refuge that allows us to heal, learn, and rediscover ourselves.

Nature gives us a unique form of refuge that allows us to heal, learn, and rediscover ourselves.

One of the beauties of residing in a tropical country is the fact that the Philippines is abundant with nature sanctuaries. In the North and South Luzon alone one can find hundreds of spots to find refuge in, even areas that are not entirely developed.

Farm Resorts and Spots in the South

A popular niche one could explore are beautiful farm stays, resorts and villas that offer different amenities and activities such as kayaking, fishing, and biking among so many other. Some are as simple as staycations in nature while others giving you the opportunity to keep active like playing sports, swimming, or hiking. These are perfect spots that would definitely provide you the much needed natural therapy to keep healthy.

With Vista Alabang’s strategic location in the South, retreating to nature has never been more convenient than with Brittany’s luxury development in Daang Hari. You have immediate access to major roads and highways that you could take to popular farms spots for the perfect escapade.

1. The Farm at San Benito is one of the top farm resorts in the country 

The Farm at San Benito is a luxurious medical wellness resort in Batangas.

The Farm at San Benito in Lipa City, Batangas is an eco-luxury holistic medical wellness resort that is roughly 80-minutes away from Vista Alabang. With the resort’s 48-hectare development, it is the perfect location to rejuvenate and spend quality time with your family amid the dense green jungle. The resort has a majestic view of mountains with a perfect open space for fresh air that gives off immense positive energy, peace, and healing. 

Of course, the natural element of the resort is just part of the experience. You not only get to bask in a rich environment, but the Farm at San Benito offers holistic treatments by licensed medical professionals, therapists, and service provides to make your stay at the resort every more luxurious and comfortable. They provide special offers and health programs such holistic health assessments, spas, nutrient-rich vegan meals, mindful movement activities, and preventive health programs.

Today, the Farm at San Benito is a COVID-free safe haven that allows you to rest and relax amid the stressfulness of the pandemic.

You can easily travel to the farm resort from your luxury house in Portofino by entering the Muntinlupa-Cavite Expressway and travelling down the South Luzon Expressway to the STAR Tollway/Calabarzon Expressway then entering Lipa City.

Resort Location: 119 Barangay Tipakan 4217 Lipa City, Batangas

Contact Number: +63 918 884 8080 / +63 917 572 2325

Website: https://www.thefarmatsanbenito.com/

2. Preziosa Botanic Park & Farm Resort

The Preziosa Botanic Park and Farm Resort is a multi-faceted farm resort featuring several activities in nature.

Located in Cavite, the Preziosa Botanic Park and Farm Resort a farm resort that offers its visitors with three major features: 1. The Farm, 2. The Akela Campsite, and 3. The Villas. In the Farm, visitors get to view the local vegetation and domesticated animals, here you could get the opportunity to harvest a wide range of crops such as cassava, gabi, ube, pandan, and many more. You also get to meet animals such as goats and lambs.

The Akela Campsite, on one hand, is a vast open leisure area that is perfect for the best camping experience with family and friends. It includes various amenities such as a rope course, rappelling area, cooking sites, a mess hall, and 24-hour power supply.

The Villas, on the other hand, are units that visitors may book to enjoy a serene and simple staycation at the farm resort. The Villas feature three main interior and exterior home styles that exude a different cultural vibe: Modern Thai, Japanese, and Classic Balinese.

The Pavilion, aside from the three main features of the farm resort, is the main cultivating area for visitors. Inside the structure is an indoor café, a guest lounge, and two function halls.

Portofino homeowners may find their way to this gem farm resort through the South Luzon Expressway heading towards the Santa Rosa – Tagaytay Road. From here, you will take the Tgaytay – Nasugbu Highway and taking Luksuhin – Mangas road to Luksuhin-Sulsugin Road which would take you to the farm resort. The trip from Vista Alabang to the Preziosa takes roughly 80-minutes.

Resort Location: Barangay Sulsugin, Alfonso, Cavite

Contact Number: 02 8723-90-64 / +63 929 492 2180 / +63 927 560 9808

Website: https://www.preziosa.com.ph/

3. Ybonita Farm and Villas (Yvatan Villa)

The Ybonita Farm is a tranquil rural escape located in Calatagan, Batangas.

The Ybonita Farm and Villas is a 2.9 hectare farmland that features a lush green outdoor space that exudes a tranquil and positive natural vibe. You get the unfiltered, unbarred experience with nature amid the crow of roosters in the morning, the goats, horses, and geese, the excellent meals and a perfect view of the sunset from the estate.

It is a simple yet exquisite villa featuring its Yvatan-inspired architectural home. It is the perfect farm resort for families to unwind in the richness of nature.

It takes a whopping 3 to 4 hours to get the Ybonita Farm and Villas from Portofino, especially since the estate is located at the tip of Calatagan. You will take the same usual route of the South Luzon Expressway to the Santa Rosa – Tagaytay Road then the Tagaytay – Nasugbu Highway. From there you’ll take the Palico-Balayan – Batangas Road to the Balibago – Balayan Highway. Here, you’ll travel down and take the Calatagan – Lian Highway that would lead you to the farm resort.

Although the travel is astonishingly long, it is definitely worth it.

Resort Location: 4215 Calatagan, Philippines

Contact Number: +63 0929 134 7224

Website: https://www.facebook.com/ybonitafarmandvillas/

4. Arca Country Farm

The Arca Country Farm features meek rustic cottages located in Amedeo, Cavite where families could have a serene escape from the city life.

The Arca Country Farm features meek rustic cottages located in Amedeo, Cavite where families could have a serene escape from the city life.

Located in Cavite, the Arca Country Farm is a close-to-nature space graced by its iconic wooden light colored cottages. The space provides its visitors with a calming sense of peace and quiet, slowing down time and allowing its visitors to relax and enjoy the simple cool temperature of the locale.

The cottages can accommodate 1 to 4 guests, enough to welcome a small family with either its queen size beds, bunker beds, and/or sofa bed. The cottages are furnished with a kitchen, refrigerator, and television. Exterior to the cottage is a patio where you could rest and relax or have a grill outside.

Guests may also roam the farm resort and visit its different spaces such as the plant nursery, greenhouses, gazebo where recreational games may be found, and see the different animals in the farm. Here, guests may also learn some tips from the owners on how to plan their own produce.

The farm resort is roughly 60-minutes away from the luxury houses and lots in Vista Alabang. You can travel down Daang Hari road toward Governor’s Drive. From there you will take Crisanto M. De Los Reyes Avenue which will lead you to the Arca Farm in Brgy. Dagatan.

Resort Location: Barangay Dagatan 4119 Amadeo, Cavite

Contact Number: +63 917 856 8710

Website: https://www.facebook.com/arcacountryfarm/

5. The Den Vacation House

The Den is located in Alitagtag, Batangas with exquisite amenities such as a pavilion, pool, and jacuzzi.

The Den one of the best farm resorts in Batangas is the large estate with numerous activities to make the stay in nature a lot more enjoyable and exquisite. The resort offers a wide range of entertainment activities that is perfect for the family to make each minute meaningful. You could enjoy various entertainment amenities such as ping pong, pool, board games, a fire pit, pool, and jacuzzi.

All bookable units are furnished with their own pantry, refrigerator, dishes and silverware, stove, and rice cooker. 

The farm resort is also the perfect location for numerous activities such as family trips, birthday celebrations, team buildings, retreats, and even weddings. All of them done amid the beauty of nature. For the Den features not only an exquisite vibrancy and comfort across its cottages, but also curated the charm of its cottages to match the warmth of nature through its bahay kubo-inspired houses. It is one of the perfect farm resorts for you and your family.

You may travel from your luxury house in Portofino to Alitagtag, Batangas by taking the South Luzon Expressway heading towards STAR Tollway/Calabarzon Expressway. From here, you’ll travel down President Jose P. Laurel Highway to the National Highway. The whole travel will take approximately 120-minutes.

The specific location of the farm resort will be provided by the owners.

Resort Location: Alitagtag, Batangas

Website: https://www.facebook.com/thedenvacationhouse/ / https://www.instagram.com/thedenvacationhouse/

6. Caliraya Ecoville Recreation Farm & Resort

The Caliraya Ecoville is a 20-hectare facility located in Cavinti, Laguna and is renowned for is offer of wide range of activities and experience with nature.

The Caliraya Ecoville is one of the premier agri-tourism centers in Laguna that promotes a close-to-nature lifestyle fused with amenities and activities that strengthen familial and friend ties. It features an astonishingly wide range of amenities and activities such as farming, team building courses, kayaking, swimming pools, hiking, biking, indoor sports, and many more.

It is a haven for families and friends looking to escape the business of the concrete cities, offering visitors plenty of activities to make the stay ever more enjoyable. For visitors are provided the option to make their stay very much unique whether through tent accommodations, a stay at the ecohotel ideal for couples and families, or at the ecodorm which may larger groups of up to 8 pax.

Indeed, if you’re in search for a vast space to not only retreat to but to also experience nature with those you love, then Caliraya Ecoville is a perfect spot for you.

Travelling from Portofino to Caliraya Ecoville takes roughly 2 to 3 hours via the South Luzon Expressway. From SLEX, you will exit Calamba thru the Bucal By-pass road and exiting to Los Banos. From there you will travel down Sta. Cruz and Pagsanjan before traversing up the hill of Caliraya to the farm resort.

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