Nature-tripping at Puerto Azul

If a sprawling, bucolic landscape is your drawing board, with no less

than internationally acclaimed architect Bobby Miqosa executing the

design, what financially sound and eco-friendly property will you come

up with?

A fully developed beach resort with complete facilities was a very apt choice of

the Panlilio family for tapping their 3,300-hectare lot in Ternate, Cavite.

An oasis of hilly surroundings, lush mangroves and a wide stretch of deep

greenish blue seascape-to-sky backdrop, the place is thus called Puerto Azul.

About a two-hour drive from Manila, Puerto Azul is both a rest and recreation

zone. It has a community resembling the Hilton Head Island in North Carolina.

Condominium-style villas, subdivisions and homes have been put up for the

upper crust called Vista de Loro.

The Edenic habitat soon became second home to nature lovers and weary

citified souls who cherish intimate moments with nature: laze under the sun,

frolic by the beach, engage in various water sport activities, or simply unwind.

To cater to a growing sophisticated clientele, the owners set up a 340-room

hotel. Facilities were upgraded and a brighter business prospect was realized

when a golf and country club was established.

The Gary Player-designed golf course boasts of an 18-hole (par 71 course)

and ninehole (par threes) putting greens. Some 37 cottages by Miqosa dot

the country club. Using indigenous materials, the nipa hut-like structures

reflect a homey ambience in a natural milieu. Equally reputable

architects/designers Roger Villarosa and Lor Calma did the main clubhouse.

Other Puerto Azul assets include the fully harnessed Paniman, Caysubic and

Panicpican beaches and coves.

One of the best ways to explore these coves is by walking the nature trail, raft

sailing in a swamp, deep-sea fishing and kayaking, among others, said

Silverio dela Cruz, the seasoned resident manager of Puerto Azul.

All activities are guided and can be done in an hour or so, as the weather

permits. Raft sailing, for instance, takes one to a winding swamp route with

the age-old trees foliage on both sides as canopy. Sailors will surely find it so

delightful to hear various migrating birds and ducks cooing and warbling.

Liza H. Morales, Puerto Azuls director of sales and marketing, enthused that

the activity can also be a learning experience once they are able to label the

ancient trees along the swamp.

A group of five or six per raft, including the guide, can even have a little picnic

while sailing. Lizas office can have it arranged should guests request that

snacks be served on board.

For those who prefer on-foot adventure to flex their muscles, the hour-long or

more nature trail fits the bill. A winding path that cuts across a heavily wooded

area in a cove is enough to give any trailblazer a natural lift.

Beautiful butterflies and exotic birds, some wild boar and deer can be seen

along the trail. Likewise, one can admire some rare plants or blooms that

abound all over. Just be sure to wear non-slippery sneakers to avoid a bad fall,

otherwise, its going to be a super-fun experience.

Dela Cruz even noted that nature trailing can be one of the most unforgettable

experiences that parents and siblings can share.

It can be a good time for bonding. You know, spending real quality time with

the kids one weekend. Parents and children or just father-and-son can chat

one-on-one while walking in the woods and enjoying nature, somehow trying to

survive or recalling how to get back to the point where they started. These are

among the most precious moments that even the whole family can take

pleasure from, Dela Cruz said.

Puerto Azul also takes pride in two of its many human assets the amiable

food and beverage director Walter Negelee and seasoned chef Simplicio

Mercado, fondly called Mang Ambo by everybody.

Mang Ambo is the kitchen whiz of the Panlilios for 24 years now and he can

whip up any dish with gusto. His forte, though, is the native cuisine: succulent

lechon kawali (deepfried-pork chunks), rellenong pusit (stuffed cuttlefish),

pinakbet (assorted vegetables cooked in fish sauce), lengua (stewed ox

tongue), to name a few.

A nature reserve that Puerto Azul is, it gets about half of its visitors from

Manila. Around 15 percent are walk-ins and 40-60 percent make up the

corporate accounts, related Amy Pimentel, Puerto Azul country clubs

associate director of sales.

They also have long-staying guests that stay for a week up to one month or

more. These are mostly from the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA)

and other businessmen from various countries.