Looking South for upscale living

Metro Manila, with only 636 sq. km. of land and a population of almost 11.3 million as of the 2000 census, is home to a teeming mass of humanity packed into 14 cities and three municipalities. The metropolis is one of the most densely populated urban areas in the world. Even for the fortunate few who are able to afford upscale homes in exclusive communities, choosing locations in Metro Manila is a big challenge. Deciding on a home’s location, of course, depends on such key criteria as safety and security, quality of environment, accessibility and distance relative to important factors like livelihood, education and leisure, as well as other lifestyle needs and wants.

Given the requirements of up-market home buyers, Brittany Corp. has consciously selected sites in the metro south, on which to build its signature, high-end communities shaped by vision-driven master-planning that incorporates themes inspired by the world’s best destinations. The result is the creation of a "lifescape" in every community, each offering a quality of living that elevates the enjoyment of life to a new level, while addressing the needs and wants of residents in ways they would not find elsewhere.

"We have picked locations in the metro south for basic reasons. First, there is the availability of suitable land for the development of upscale communities, and an environment free from congestion and pollution," says Jing Serrano, president and CEO of Brittany Corp.

"Equally important, if you look to the north, south, east and west of Metro Manila, the south has the better road infrastructure network," she notes.

• The South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) is the major southern artery to and from Makati, the country’s premier business and financial district.

• The planned development of C-6 along Laguna de Bay will provide access from points north and east like Quezon City, Mandaluyong, Pasig, Antipolo, Taguig and Makati to Parañaque, Alabang-Muntinlupa and other destinations south.

• From the Alabang-Zapote Road, the expanded, four-lane Daanghari highway serves as a corridor to the Molino-Paliparan Highway, which links the Coastal Road on the right, and Governor’s Drive on the left, which in turn connects to Tagaytay or Batangas, and the Carmona Interchange on the SLEX.

• On the other side, from Manila and Pasay, the Coastal Road or Manila-Cavite Expressway, complemented by the Diosdado Macapagal Highway, leads to Cavite and other points in CALABARZON.

"Our flagship development, Brittany Bay, is a neo-Victorian themed community of neighborhoods that offers single-detached homes, Duettoes and Quadrilles, as well as mid-rise condominiums, delightful visual compositions amid amenities that include restaurants and shops. Brittany Bay is a stone’s throw away from the Sucat Interchange on SLEX, yet the topography tucks it away so it is a world of its own, looking out towards Laguna de Bay. It is close to Makati, Ortigas Center and Alabang," says Serrano.

"Portofino, a sprawling, elegantly Italian-inspired residential reserve composed of Portofino Courtyards, Portofino Wide Lots and Grand Portofino, is conveniently located along Daanghari, mere minutes away from the Alabang commercial and business area.

"The Islands, our Caribbean-themed community inspired by island resorts, where great outdoor spaces are very much in evidence, is bound by the Molino-Paliparan Highway and Governor’s Drive in Cavite. The Islands are intended for families with a certain set of requirements in mind as to how they want to enjoy their lives.

"Vita Toscana, our countryside Italian-themed development on Molino-Paliparan Highway towards the Coastal Road, is meant for residents in Cavite who may have businesses in Manila, who want to enjoy a laid-back, more traditional atmosphere.

"CrossWinds, our Swiss-themed weekend retreat with single-detached residences, Swiss Quadrilles and the Grand Quartier, set amid rolling, green terrain and thousands of imported pine trees in the cool climate and quiet of Tagaytay, is a convenient drive from Makati through the SLEX via the Sta. Rosa Interchange," explains Serrano.

"These factors of access, coupled with the rapid development of commercial, educational, industrial and leisure facilities in the south, make a compelling case for building our communities in their specific locations, providing benefits and values for residents that allow them to enjoy a privileged lifestyle only Brittany creates," says the CEO.