One of the most photographed locations in San Francisco, California is Alamo Square’s “Postcard Row”. This area boasts of Victorian-style houses that are set against a backdrop of stunning skyscrapers. But “SF” has so much more to offer. Its cable cars, the Golden Gate Bridge, and many other interesting sites always leave the long-time residents and tourists absolutely breathless. No wonder legendary crooner Tony Bennett sang “I Left My Heart In San Francisco”. Good thing is, you don’t have to fly all those miles to see that iconic city. All you need is to live in La Posada Homes to enjoy the same luxury and lifestyle found in San Francisco.

Finding the Right Houses for Sale In Muntinlupa

In nearby Sucat, one can find real estate that is excellent for personal use or for investment. Among the houses for sale in Sucat, Muntinlupa, the units at La Posada Homes bear the most elegant design and may be considered as having the most strategic location. Aside from being mirror images of the Victorian houses along Postcard Row, the homes in this enclave are very near Makati’s Central Business District and the Southern Metro Manila’s active entertainment and commercial centers.

The property is just a few meters from the Southern Luzon Expressway but it maintains its exclusivity. With a long perimeter fence, guarded gates, and roving security staff, every family will feel safe and secure. Its awe-inspiring view of the Laguna de Bay offers a feast for the eyes as well as a cool, refreshing breeze needed for one’s health. La Posada Homes is indeed the home buyer’s dream come true.

Suggested Read: Celebrate Christmas in La Posada

Why Investing in Real Estate Now Makes Sense

It’s quite easy for the first-time buyer to be impressed by Brittany’s slice of San Francisco in Sucat. But for the discerning investor, some of the factors to consider are location and land value. At La Posada, there is simply no question about its strategic location. When it comes to anticipate increase in land value, the La Posada property is a sure winner. Many real estate investors have noticed the steady expansion south of Metro Manila. Brittany’s project in Sucat is definitely leading the pack because it is still very near the traditional growth area of Makati and, at the same time, within striking distance of the new fields of progress in the Alabang, Las Pinas, Cavite, and Laguna quadrants. As this part of Mega Manila strides towards progress, the property values can only shoot up.

Getting A Good Deal For Houses for Sale In Muntinlupa

The only sure way to get a good deal for a new house, or any real estate investment for that matter, is by first talking to a qualified real estate professional. Visit the property and take a good look around. See the vicinity and the business potentials. For example, would there be people who would be willing to rent your property? If it’s for personal or family use, is the property near schools, hospitals, supermarkets, and other facilities or services you would need on a regular basis?

Brittany, the luxurious name in luxury real estate development in the Philippines, is a subsidiary of Vista Land & Lifescapes, the largest and most successful homebuilder in the Philippines and pioneer in themed real estate development. With Brittany’s Old World European and American-themed projects, Brittany creates masterpieces of upscale living for sophisticated home buyers with a taste for artful living. Brittany offers a fine selection of home designs in excellent locations: Portofino in Alabang, Georgia Club in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, La Posada in Sucat, and Crosswinds in Tagaytay.

When you really come to think about it, “moving” seems too mild or simple of a word to use for such a process that infinitely means a whole lot more than just going from House A to House B. When you think about all that moving to your new Georgia Club Sta Rosa house really involves, you’ll agree that it’s definitely one of the most overwhelming, exhausting and stressful transitions there may be. It may even make you want to reconsider just staying put right where you are. But indeed, what’s the trouble of a few days (or weeks) of chaos and exhaustion when you’re finally going to be moving into the house of your dreams, right? It definitely makes whatever difficulty you have to go through worth it. So, to help alleviate the process for you somehow, here are a few moving tips to keep in mind.

DOs When Moving To Your New Home In Georgia Club Laguna

Do start planning your move as early as you can. The more time you have to prepare for the big day, the less stressful things will be for you.

Do assign tasks to each of your family members and other people who can help. If you have the tendency to want to be on top of everything, ease up. Let your son handle hiring the moving truck. Ask your daughter to be the one to list down and buy all the packing materials needed. Attempting to handle most of the responsibilities yourself will definitely wear you out. Delegation is key.

Do start packing one room at a time. For instance, you may want to clear out the attic first, and then move on to the living room. Being organized will do wonders for your peace of mind.

Do have all your packing materials ready before starting to clear out a room. It’s best to already have a place to put your things in the moment you start bringing them out in order to not have to leave them scattered somewhere.

Do label your boxes or packages in order to make things easier for you when you unpack them in your new home and you start looking for certain things. You can label them based on what they are, what room they should go to, or whose they are, etc.

Do simplify. Throw out or give away things that you are no longer using or most likely will not be using anymore. No need to bring any unnecessary baggage into your new home or to hold on to things of no value. It’s time to minimize your stuff.

DONTs When Moving To Your New Home In Georgia Club Laguna

Don’t pack and bring everything you own to your new Georgia Club Laguna home. There will surely be a lot of things in your present home which you’ll need to let go of. Learn to let go.

Don’t pack other people’s things unless they know about it so as not to cause them stress when they start looking for stuff and they don’t know you’ve already packed them.

Don’t be eager in closing up boxes or other containers. Make sure to maximize the space of each one so as to minimize the number of all the packages you’ll have to bring.

Don’t place valuables on the moving truck, such as cash, jewelry or important documents. It’s best to bring these things yourself.

Don’t go missing when movers are getting your things out of the house and loading them onto the truck. Best to keep an eye on all your belongings to make sure they get to arrive with you to your new Georgia Club Sta Rosa house safe and sound.

Moving To Portofino Alabang

We’ve all had those moments of not wanting to leave a place. It may have been the time you first visited the theme park, beach, or toy store when you were a kid, the time you went on a vacation somewhere real nice inside or outside the country, or when you had to leave a school or workplace where you felt you truly belonged. Indeed, when you’ve fallen in love with a place, it’s definitely difficult to have to say goodbye to it. How much more when that place happens to be the place you’ve called home for the most part of, if not your whole life? For adults, this kind of adjustment could probably be considered a mild one compared to other changes they’ve had to face, or are currently facing; but for children, this could very well be one of the toughest times of their young life.

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

Of course, children will have different kinds of reactions when you inform them that your family will have to move to a new place, even if that place happens to be Portofino Alabang. Some will get excited, there may be some who will be indifferent, but there are those who will also not be too ecstatic about the news, especially when there are certain things or people in your present home and neighborhood that they’ve grown a deep attachment to, which they will have to bid goodbye. Aside from your house and their rooms, these may be friends, a nanny, or grandparents/other family members who will be left behind. Keep in mind also that children thrive on familiarity and routine, so having to go through something that will break these will definitely be a cause of much stress and anxiety for them.

Sad about moving

Though the decision to move to Portofino Alabang may already be final, parents should not forget that how their children feel about it is something they should acknowledge and not choose to just brush aside or ignore. No matter what their reactions may be, it is important for you to let them know that you care for how they feel, and that you understand them. This would make it easier for you to explain to them the reasons for your move, and enable them to accept and understand these reasons better. Despite their shock or resistance in the beginning, proper communication will definitely help your children see and face this change with a better attitude.

Happy about moving

Just like how you search or ask for moving tips as you prepare for your relocation, your children will need a lot of help as well during this time. Make sure not to be too preoccupied with all the arrangements and preparations that you forget to address the fears or worries they may have about this whole moving thing. Instead of focusing on what will be different, assure them of the things that will still remain the same, such as all the things in their room and in the house, as well as certain arrangements they’ve gotten used to. Taking them on a tour of your new house and neighborhood, or at least showing them pictures, could also help get them excited as you show them the luxury homes, and places of interest such as a park, clubhouse, or nearby establishments where they could have fun and meet new friends. With your attentive guidance and support, though it won’t be easy, your children will be well-prepared to face this transition with much courage and confidence.

Suggested Read: 5 Unique Ways to Celebrate Grandparents Month

Furniture Design For Brittany Properties Philippines

Furniture design has evolved, from its humble utilitarian beginnings, into a form of decorative art for all types of real estate investment. Furniture designers are no longer limited to the functionality of these movable objects that were created for our comfort and enjoyment. Designing furniture now reflects, in addition to their functional roles, the different cultural and religious orientations of people.

Furniture has been used throughout the history of mankind, beginning from the period when non-nomadic cultures started developing. Furniture made of stone adorned the dwellings of the Neolithic people. Through the different stages of history, furniture has evolved as determined by the culture of the people and the type of materials that were available during each period.

Furnishing Your Real Estate Investment

Asian Influence

Asian furniture is a class of its own. Some of the best furniture designs were influenced by traditions from China, India, Pakistan, Japan, Mongolia, and Korea. Heavy lacquers characterized most of the Chinese furniture while Japan introduced the minimalist concept of furniture making. Most types of furniture can be found in Brittany Properties Philippines.

Recently, other countries in Asia, especially Southeast Asia, have developed their own concept of furniture design. While heavily influenced by Chinese and Indian traditions, furniture designers have incorporated modern concepts with local culture and traditions, at the same time utilizing local indigenous materials.

Filipino Furniture Design

The Philippine furniture scenery used to be populated by pieces that were western in design. American and European furniture could be found in almost every Filipino home, even in houses owned by the Filipino-Chinese community, and basically in any type of real estate investment here in our country. Western-designed furniture was the standard of opulence and luxury for many years. However, there is now a growing trend of patronizing homegrown designs that utilize locally sourced materials. It’s about time, for our furniture can definitely hold its own against others in the international furniture scene.

Filipino furniture designers are truly world-class, as proven by the mark they have made in the furniture design industry not just here in our country, but all around the world. In furniture shows and expositions, both local and international, our designers have showcased their own unique furniture collections, enabling others to discover and marvel at the talent and creativity of Filipinos, as well as in the beauty and quality of our products and materials. These furniture collections are surely the type you would find in luxurious houses in Alabang. Some of the collections that really drew raves and admiration are the following:

Voyage Collection by Kenneth Cobonpue For Your Home In Portofino Alabang

he Voyage Collection includes the prominent Voyage bed, daybed, night table, le petite voyage crib, and a pet bed. The pieces in the collection are made for indoor and outdoor use. The indoor pieces are made of abaca or buri, nylon twine, and steel. The outdoor pieces are made of polyethylene fiber, nylon twine, and steel.

The Voyage Collection pieces look like steady hammocks that evoke a feeling of comfort especially when provided with plenty of pillows. The pieces are available in different varieties of brown with perfect sizes to suit various needs. Getting one or several pieces for your home in Portofino Alabang would be a wise investment indeed.

Described as a “crazy cocoon where dreams are revealed”, the Voyage bed, which is a prominent piece in the Voyage collection of Kenneth Cobonpue, is reminiscent of ancient reed boats. This bed is available in two sizes, both constructed on steel frames.

Basilisa Collection by Ito Kish for Houses for Sale In Alabang

Following his very successful Gregoria Collection, award-winning designer Ito Kish launched his second, the Basilisa Collection. It showcases the “solihiya”, a weaving technique used to craft a vivid silhouette of shadows when casted by the light. This chiaroscuro of Filipino beauty is the centerpiece of the Basilisa Collection, perfect for houses for sale in Alabang.

Kish noted how people noticed the sunburst solihiya technique that he applied on the Gregoria lounge chair. Noting that weaving, from baskets to fabrics, is something that is innate among Filipinos, he applied the different styles of weaving in our regions into his Basilisa Collection.

Kish remembered how his grandmother Basilisa used to fix their Filipino Furniture whenever the solihiya had been broken or soiled. As a tribute to the memory of his grandmother, the Basilisa Collection showcased 12 pieces of chairs, tables, stools, lamps, bar cabinet, armoire, and bed, all of them highlighting the genuine Filipino solihiya craftsmanship. This collection would surely bedeck your home in Portofino Alabang unlike any other.

Suggested Read: Most Expensive Comic Book Sold | Luxury Homes by Brittany Corporation

Interior Design For Your Portofino Alabang Home

Interior design is a multi-faceted discipline that includes conceptual development and communication with the different stakeholders of a project, as well as the management and execution of the design. It involves various and related projects aimed at turning an interior space, such as Alabang houses for sale, into an effective setting for a range of human activities. The interior designer is a person who coordinates and manages such projects.

In the past, interior design was not part of the building process as interiors were instinctively put together during the progress of the construction. But the development of complex architecture resulting from the rise of industrial processes gave rise to the profession of interior design. Builders and owners saw the need for the effective use of space coupled with functional design. Out of this need, the profession of interior design was born.

Interior Design in the Philippines

The building and housing boom in the Philippines necessitated emphasis on the planning and functional design of spaces. A bigger construction budget and an ownership demanding a topnotch product required having a designer who will arrange the basic space layout in the building. The designer also took charge of other projects that involved technical expertise on issues such as temperature, lighting, and acoustics.

Filipino interior designers work in collaboration with a building’s architect. While the designer may come up with the best layout of space for your house in Portofino Alabang, for instance, he is not allowed to alter any load-bearing structure without the consent of the architect. For that purpose, it is very common to find interior designers working in tandem with architectural firms.

Major Players

Interior design includes commercial design, residential design, healthcare design, hospitality design, and spatial branding. The profession of interior design is relatively new in the Philippines. Many interior designers entered the field after spending time in areas related to interior decoration or furniture designing. In some cases, professionals branched out into interior designing in addition to architectural design.

The field of interior design in the Philippines is not yet crowded but there is a continuous entry of numerous professionals into the industry. These professional interior designers bring their specialty into the field, making it easy for any builder or owner to choose a designer based on the theme or motif of the construction.

Following are some of the major players in the Philippine interior design industry:

Adefuin Design Studio

Jigs Ranada Adefuin, an active member of the Philippine Institute of Interior Designers, has been in the business for more than a decade. He is an in-demand designer known for his unique creations and designs where he blend the client’s personality with the interiors. He combines his acquired knowledge with updates from current trends, making every project an improvement of his previous one. His space planning is the product of his keen eye for details and proportions. Because of this, he has a solid following in the industry resulting in multi-million design projects from a diverse clientele.

Adefuin’s trademark is the elegant and classic look, employing lines derived from the Classic with a touch of contemporary flair, instead of relying on complex structures. He introduced the concept of creating diverse and unique designs that will fit his line of clientele. His designs endure the test of time. Adefuin is based in Makati City.

Budji Layug + Royal Pineda Design Architects

Antonio “Budji” Layug, a graduate of the New York School of Interior Design, and Architect Royal Pineda established the now famous Budji Layug + Royal Pineda Design Architects. The joint venture had set the standard of performance in the field of interior design, turning each work into a masterpiece. The company refrains from repeating a design because it places respect on each of the projects they accept. The company always emphasizes innovation and harmonious blending of the different design elements.
The company adheres to the vision that celebrates a total approach to design – putting together the demands of architecture, interior design, furniture and accessories, and landscaping. The previous experience of Layug as a furniture designer plays well in his newfound field of interior designing. Added to this is the architectural training of his partner, Pineda.

J-Designs, Philippines

With many years of experience in a range of projects from residential homes in Portofino Alabang and high-rise condominium units, to commercial spaces, Jennifer Soliman is a sought-after interior designer who made a name for herself through her design/consultancy work that caters to the good taste of every client.

Her style ranges from classic to modern contemporary, driven by a commitment and passion to design excellence beginning from a project’s concept up to its quality-controlled completion.

Soliman finished BS in Interior Design at the De La Salle – College of St. Benilde in consortium with the Philippine School of Interior Design.

Design HQ

Established in 2000 by Hisako Hirayama and Frenjick Quesada, Design HQ has a dynamic and interesting slew of projects with a wide range of design styles. The company had designed over 100 stores for over 25 brands, restaurants, residential projects, and model units. Their work has been featured in international publications and several TV shows. They always aim to make their design modern, fresh, and relevant for each client.

Arkhi Interior Design and Builders Inc.

Arkhi is a full-service architecture, interior design, and construction management company that combines creativity, passion, and technical skills to every project they handle. The company’s vision is to deliver top-notch design and construction jobs that are high quality, functional, and attractive to their clients.
Arkhi is based in Makati City where a big number of employees and consultants with vast experience in the fields of architecture, structural engineering, interior design, and construction management collaborate to deliver projects that will more than meet the expectations of its clients.

Steven J. Leach, Jr. + Associates

SL + A Manila is part of the Steven Leach Group that was established in 1976. It is headed by Mr. Benjamin E. Hughes II. Throughout the company’s over three decades of serving the Philippine market, the company has served a long list of reputable major Philippine corporations, including multinational firms. They have done a wide range of projects, from small renovations to major corporate installations. The company continuously provides its clients with solutions that will more than satisfy their requirements and expectations. They always complete projects within the allocated budget and time frame.

Entry of More Players

The field of interior design is a robust and growing field. Residences, such as Alabang houses for sale, as well as buildings are continuously built while existing ones are subject to periodic renovations and re-design to keep tune with the changing demands and trends. It can be expected, therefore, that as the demand grows, more and more interior designers will be entering the industry.

Many would agree that Italy is definitely one of the most romantic destinations in the world. Its 3,000-year-old history and culture, combined with its amazing cuisine, music, art, and architecture, provide a truly romantic ambiance which one will have difficulty finding anywhere else in the world, except maybe in the house and lot designs Portofino Alabang. Going around Italy, one will discover warm and cheerful people, charming villages with winding lanes, subdued music, and intimate hotels, and of course, fabulous food offered by the different regions of the country.

House and lot designs inspired by the most romantic places in Italy

Visitors to Italy have plenty of choices of where to go. They can enjoy the sun-soaked Island of Capri, the misty and magical canals of Venice, the soft classical music floating from St. Mark’s Square, the cobblestone streets, and the breathtaking architecture in every city. This undeniably provides design inspirations for houses and lots for sale in the Philippines. Italy definitely has a lot more to offer, and it is just a matter of what visitors would really like to see.

You can find some of the most beautiful houses in the Philippines in Portofino in Daang Hari near Alabang.

The most expensive houses in the Philippines are those whose architecture is well-curated by the real estate developer. Inspired by Italy’s top destinations, Portofino in Vista Alabang provides a themed luxury community in Daang Hari for the investors looking for the best value of luxury. It houses many luxury models in its enclaves Portofino Heights, Portofino South, and Amore at Portofino, whose architecture follows Italian-inspired designs. To know more about this Italian-inspired luxury community, we listed the top inspirations for this real estate development in this article.

Venice

With its winding canals, gondolas, and narrow streets, Venice is one of the most romantic and beautiful cities in Italy. The spectacular Piazza San Marco and its other beautiful squares and churches are definitely sights to behold. Visitors can choose from its numerous romantic cafes and restaurants where they can linger after meals and just watch the stream of humanity outside.

Venice is famous not only for its canals and gondolas but also for its Carnevale festivals. It is Italy’s top mardi gras celebration which lasts for several weeks, culminating on the day of Carnival, or Shrove Tuesday. The Carnevale season is a laidback affair even when the city is packed with visitors. A fireworks show in Piazza San Marco marks the end of the Carnevale season.

Lake Como

Lake Como is in Lombardy, part of the Italian Lakes District near Switzerland. One can view the lake and the Alps from the village of Brunat which can be reached by the funicular from the Como town. The lake is ringed by resort villages and beautiful villas. Known as the pearl of the lake, Bellagio is one of the most romantic villages in the area.
Lake Como offers hiking paths, boat trips, and many water activities. It is a good place for photography because of the beautiful sights offered by the mountains and cliffs surrounding the lake. Some of the famous attractions of Lake Como are the following:

1. The walled town of Como offers vibrant squares and nice cafes and has several walking paths. The town also boasts of its silk production. The entire silk-making process can be viewed in the Silk Museum.
2. Villa d’Este, located in the village of Cernobbio, had been converted into a luxury hotel on a wooded peninsula.
3. Menaggio, located against the mountains, is a resort with a lakeside promenade. Outdoor enthusiasts go to Menaggio for hiking or walking, swimming, windsurfing, and rock climbing.
4. Villa del Balbianello in the village of Lenno became famous when it was used as a set for one of the Star Wars movies.
5. Villa Carlota, south of Menaggio, is famous for its gardens. Visitors can see original 18th-century artworks and furniture inside.
6. Campsites around the lake are available, or people can join several cruises that take visitors around the lake.

Positano

Located on the Amalfi Coast, the picturesque town of Positano is built vertically on the face of the cliff. The town offers romantic restaurants with very good seafood and fantastic views of the sea. The town has a mild climate throughout the year, making it a perennial tourist destination.
Positano started as a fishing village and it became a popular stop for artists and writers in the 1950s. The town still retains its fashionable character. It is a good spot for photography because of its pretty pastel-colored houses and flowers.

Positano visitors will enjoy swimming in the crystal clear waters or simply enjoy the sun on its pebble or sand beaches. They can shop or have a seafood meal along the Spiaggia Grande by the seaside. Strolling along Via Cristoforo Colombo would be another option for visitors. Positano visitors can also see the icon of the Black Madonna inside the Church of Santa Maria Assunta that has a beautiful majolica dome.

Island of Capri

The magical island of Capri, a favorite destination since Roman times, is a picturesque and enchanting island made of limestone rock. Adding to the romance of the island is the abundance of flowers that provide scent to the air. The island has secluded coves with romantic and stunning views.

There are many attractions on the island that include romantic spots, such as the Arco Naturale which was used by the Romans as a water shrine, the Augustus Gardens, the remains of Villa Jovis, and the thermal pools and hot springs of the nearby island of Ischia.

A visit to Capri will not be complete without visiting the Blue Grotto, Grotta Azzurra which can be reached by boat from the Marina Grande. The refraction of sunlight into the cave produces an iridescent blue light in the water. One can enter the cave by a small rowboat. Inside the cave, one will have a spectacular view of the blue water.

The Trevi Fountain in Rome, Italy is an iconic landmark in Italy. Brittany’s Ultimate Luxury Playlist aims to make its listeners feel right in the middle of the Trevi Fountain.

Rome

The city of Rome may not be everyone’s choice for a romantic destination because it is a bustling and busy city. However, Rome, also known as the Eternal City, is considered one of the top destinations in the world. Visitors can marvel at the masterpieces of art, the imposing architecture, and its ancient history that spans more than two and half thousand years. In the ancient world, Rome was the capital of the Roman Kingdom, the Roman Republic, and the Roman Empire. Rome is regarded as the birthplace of western civilization.

Other Places to See

There are numerous other places to see in Italy, such as the Portofino, which inspired house and lot designs in Portofino Alabang, on the Italian Riviera, Verona which is famous for the house and balcony that belonged to Juliet in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, Taormina in Sicily, Tuscany which boasts of olive groves and vineyards, and numerous other beautiful and romantic places. For those who have yet to visit all these lovely sights in Italy, experience the beauty and romance of this country in your Italian-inspired house and lot for sale in Alabang, for now.

View our virtual tour to step into what Italian luxury living is about in the Philippines. Find out how we do our house and lot designs it in Brittany.

Situated in one of the highest points of Tagaytay City is an exquisite and extraordinary Philippine luxury real estate community called Crosswinds, a breathtaking development inspired by none other than the beautiful and magnificent neighborhoods and landscapes of Switzerland. Aside from Swiss-inspired luxury properties in the Philippines, Switzerland is famous for so many things like Swiss food, and there are specific products that people easily associate with this country, which also happens to be the wealthiest country in the world.

Crosswinds Tagaytay is a serene, relaxing place inspired by European themes.

And since the most romantic day of the year is fast approaching, here are two types of Swiss food easily associated with romantic evenings and dinners: chocolate and cheese, which Switzerland also happens to be very well known for.

What Swiss food do you need for a romantic day?

Swiss Chocolate

A master chocolate maker in a small town in the Swiss Alps skillfully blended the finest cocoa, fruits, marzipan, nuts, and other ingredients into what is now regarded as one of the finest recipes in chocolate-making. Dolf Teuscher, one of the world’s greatest chocolatiers made his brand famous since he started that task more than 80 years ago.

That story could be repeated many times in the long history of chocolate making in Switzerland. Swiss chocolate has earned an international reputation for high quality in the same level as other Swiss products. While cacao and other ingredients of making chocolate came from outside the country, the actual production of chocolate must take place in Switzerland before the products could be classified as Swiss chocolate.

For hundreds of years, Switzerland has always been at the forefront of manufacturing chocolates worldwide. Swiss chocolatiers created such chocolate delights as truffles, mousses, pralines, and a lot more. Swiss chocolate is enjoyed on its own or with sweet wine, whiskey, or an espresso.

The Chocosuisse, an association of 18 different chocolate makers in Switzerland, protects the interests of all Swiss chocolate producers. Some of the famous chocolate factories in Switzerland are: Cailler, now Nestle, in Vevey; Suchard, now Kraft Foods, in Suchard; Lind, now Lindt & Sprungli, in Bern; Maestrani in Flawii, Frey in Migros; Klaus in Le Locle; Teuscher in a small town in the Swiss Alps; and Chocolats Halba in Wallisellen.

Swiss Cheese

What is commonly known as “Swiss cheese” is the Emmental that originated from the Emme River Valley near Bern. Emmental is a very large cheese that uses 262 gallons of cow’s milk to produce a 200-pound wheel of cheese. The cheese has large eyes or holes that resulted from the carbon dioxide released while it undergoes the maturation process. The size of the holes can be controlled by varying the temperature, acidity, and length of curing time. At times, the holes are the size of a golf ball. The scent of the Emmental cheese is similar to the scent of wood fires, meadows, and raisins. It has a strong fruity flavor with a woody finish.

Suggested Read: Traditional Swiss Dishes Must Try

A Baby Swiss, a type of cheese made from whole cow’s milk, has pale yellow color and soft, silky texture with small eyes or holes. It has a mild, buttery, creamy, and slightly sweet flavor. It is widely used in dishes that require cheese melting. Other Swiss-type cheeses include Blarney, Comte, Jarlsberg, Raclette, and Tete de Moine.

Speaking of Swiss food, one will also surely find the food choices at the quaint cafes of Crosswinds Tagaytay to be just as excellent and delightful as its scenery and ambiance.

NEXT READ: Enjoying a Swiss Christmas

Philippine Real Estate Inspired by Switzerland

Switzerland, officially the Swiss Confederation, situated in Western and Central Europe, is a landlocked country that is made up of the Alps, the Swiss Plateau, and the Swiss portion of the Jura Mountains. The Alps cover a greater part of the Swiss territory but most of the population is concentrated on the Plateau where the economic centers Zurich and Geneva are situated. Switzerland, with its prosperous and high-tech economy, is considered the wealthiest country in the world.

Aside from the country’s extraordinary landscapes and scenery, which has inspired Brittany Corporation to develop similar property in the Philippines, Switzerland is also famous for so many other things – specific items which people easily associate with the country. Here are some of the items that make Switzerland famous all over the world:

Swiss Alps

The Swiss Alps is one of the three physiographic regions of Switzerland. It extends over the Western Alps and the Eastern Alps, covering the area that is referred to as the Central Alps. The northern Alpine ranges starting from the Bernese Alps up to the Appenzell Alps are entirely in Swiss territory. The southern Alpine ranges from the Mont Blanc massif to the Bernina Massif are territories that are shared with France, Italy, Austria, and Liechtenstein. The Swiss Alps span 125 miles with an average altitude of 5576 feet and cover approximately two thirds of the country’s total surface area. The Alps’ snow line starts at 8,000 to 9,000 feet. The Swiss Alps have 48 mountains that are taller than 13, 120 feet and about 1,800 glaciers.

Tourism is the main economic activity in the Swiss Alps, with around 60 percent of tourists visiting the Alps and their foothills. The Swiss Alps offers the world a winter wonderland with its snowcapped wooden chalets and ski resorts. Verbier, for example, is recognized as a premier site of “off-piste” or backcountry skiing on unmarked ski runs.

The major destinations for winter sports such as skiing are Valais, Bernese, Oberland, and Graubunden. The ski season is from November up to May. The large resorts are popular not only in winter but also during summer. Hikers and mountaineers attempt to reach the much higher altitudes during the summer season. The Swiss Alps is the playground for outdoor-loving people throughout the year.

Swiss Watches

Swiss watches are unique because the movement, which must conform to Swiss laws, must be encased in the country and the final control or inspection by the manufacturer must be done right in Switzerland. Swiss watches belong to a unique class, incomparable to the watches produced in other countries.

A watch movement is considered Swiss if it is assembled in Switzerland, the movement has been inspected by a Swiss manufacturer, and at least fifty percent of the components are Swiss-made.

Swiss watches, except Breitling, are prominently labeled “Swiss Made” on the faceplate. The words are by tradition capitalized, positioned on the bottom part of the plate and split by the half-hour indicator. In comparison, non-Swiss watches indicate at the back of the watch the country of origin label.

Some of the famous luxury watches that are known worldwide are as follows:

Rolex – The company originally known as Wilsdorf and Davis was founded in London, England in 1905 by Hans Wilsdort and Alfred Davis. It moved to Geneva, Switzerland in 1919 and was renamed Rolex. The company is famous for the major innovations in watch-making that they introduced, such as the first waterproof watch named Oyster in 1926, and the first watch that automatically changes date on the dial, the Rolex Datejust, in 1945. The most noted accomplishment of the company is its chronometer certification, the first for a wristwatch.

Omega – A Swiss luxury watch maker based in Biel/Bienne, Switzerland. In addition to the patronage shown by the world’s richest and powerful people, Omega watches are also used by the world’s powerful military units, such as the U.S. Aramy and the British Royal Flying Corps. It is also the official timekeeper of the Olympic Games. Omega watch was the first watch on the moon in 1969.

There is a long line of other luxury Swiss watches, such as Breitling, Tissot, Hublot, Breguet, TAG Heuer, Baume & Mercier, Raymond Weil, Vacheron Constantin, and many more. These brands are famous the world over for the craftsmanship, elegance, and luxury.

Considering the huge contrast between our country’s and that of Switzerland’s climate and economic status, as is evident from the information above, it is indeed remarkable that here in the Philippines, one will be able to find a one-of-a-kind community inspired by none other than the beauty and magnificence of the neighborhoods and landscapes of Switzerland. Built by Brittany Corporation, the premiere developer of luxurious, themed Philippine real estate properties, this community, which is situated in one of the highest points of Tagaytay, is known as Crosswinds in Tagaytay.

Entertaining Guests in Your Real Estate in the Philippines

As the homeowner of a Brittany real estate in the Philippines, an art you would definitely have to master would be the art of hospitality. According to its definition in the dictionary, hospitality is the friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors, or strangers. With such a spacious, luxurious and magnificent house, who would not want to open it to others and receive guests with much kindness, enthusiasm and warmth?

One of the ways you can master the art of hospitality in your house and lot in Alabang is to aim for excellence when it comes to serving your guests. And of course, how else can you serve them better than to provide them with a feast for their tummies? If there’s one thing guests always look forward to when visiting a home, aside from the people there of course, it would have to be the food. Here are some Italian favorites you can serve your guests in your house and lot in Alabang.

The Wines of Italy

Italy is the world’s largest producer of wine and is home to some of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world. The broad variety of Italian wines is famous worldwide. There are vineyards in almost every region of Italy. Before the Romans started growing grapes in the 2nd century B.C., the Greek and Etruscan settlers were already producing wine in Italy. The Romans introduced the prolific and well-organized way of grape growing and winemaking, including the wine storage techniques like the making of barrels and the bottling of wine.

Moderate Climate for Grape Growing

Italy is a long peninsula that stretches from the Alps in the north to close-proximity to Africa in the south. The shape and location of Italy accounts for the moderate climate that is conducive to grape growing in the coastal regions. Italy also has extensive mountains and foothills where the different altitudes, climates, and soil conditions are suited for growing different varieties of grapes.

Wine Regions

Italy has twenty wine regions, with different cuisines that reflect their variety of wine. The Italian wine regions produce a significant portion of the inventory for the international wine market. Italy’s multitude of wine selection includes the hearty red wines, the fruity and sweet dessert wines, and the sparkling Spumante. The Italian wine regions stretch from Veneto and Piedmont in the north, to Tuscany and Campania, and to the islands of Sicily and Sardinia.

The wines produced by the regional vineyards range from Sangiovese to Trebbiano and a myriad of viticultural varieties in between. Whatever the occasion is, or whatever the food type to be consumed is, there will always be a bottle of Italian wine that can be uncorked to be savored and enjoyed.

Tuscan Food

Tuscany in Italy is regarded as the playground for the world’s rich and famous. Tourists had flocked to Tuscany since the days of Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. The Etruscans from Asia Minor settled in the region around 1,000 B.C., planted their vineyards and olive groves and extended their influence up to the islands of Elba and Corsica. Tuscany is one of the largest and wealthiest regions of Italy.

Simplicity in Food

Tuscany’s landscape is simple, clean, and sober. The same descriptions apply to the Tuscan food. Tuscan food is interplay of simple fares such as vegetables, beans, bread with no salt, and olive oil. Tuscan cooking is an art of understatement, there is nothing in excess. The aromatics that are added to enhance their food, such as rosemary, thyme, and fennel, are in the bare minimum hence there is no wastage. The flavor of cooked food is as simple as it can get. Tuscan food utilizes sheep’s milk cheese to add pungency and saltiness to the pastas, salads, and pies. They typically add farro, or emmer wheat, to provide body to their soups.

Tuscans are lovers of rice. They make risotto with the ink of cuttlefish, with squab, or with chicken giblets. They really love rice so much that they often times add rice to their vegetable soups.

Italians are pasta eaters. Tuscany’s stuffed pastas such as ravioli and tortelli are filled with potatoes, ricotta, or pancetta and cooked with tomato sauce or a meat ragu. In the coastal part of Tuscany, fish and other seafood are the main fare. A pot of thick, tomato-laden soup called cacciucco is filled with monkfish, mullet, scorpion fish, and other rock fish.

Tuscany has a special breed of cattle, Chianina, that supplies succulent meat while the wild boars in the woods are cooked into sweet and sour stew or made into hams. Tuscan food may be simple but they always turn out great especially when paired with the different Tuscan wines.

These are just some of the many types of fine cuisine you could try serving your guests at your Brittany house and lot in Alabang.