South Forbes' cool lifestyle

MANILA, Philippines - Modern life is full of hassles, deadlines, demands, and frustrations. For many people, stress is so commonplace that it has become a way of life. Stress management involves changing the stressful situation when you can, changing your reaction when you can’t, taking care of yourself, and making time for rest and relaxation.

As there are innumerable sources of stress these days, so too are the options of de-stressing, especially in a place like South Forbes Golf City, the country’s largest fully-integrated, self-sustaining, and all-themed golf resort city at the forefront of the Sta. Rosa - Tagaytay corridor.

“The ultimate goal in South Forbes is a balanced life, with time for work, relationships, relaxation, and fun – plus the resilience to hold up under pressure and meet challenges head on,” said Jeffrey Ng, Cathay Land president.

Cool Connections. Combating the stress bug starts with rethinking the lifestyle. The demands of the home and the workplace, exacerbated by the traffic congestion in between travels, all contribute to damaging your health, your mood, your productivity, your relationships, and your quality of life.

With the unique planning of South Forbes through its distinct 5 Clusters of Excellence, residents are afforded a place to live, work, study, shop, and relax – a self-sufficient community where every resident’s needs is satisfied without leaving city boundaries.

In fact, the New Urbanist planning creates walkable districts which immensely reduce the need to take the car all the time. And what makes walking within South Forbes more enjoyable is its particular attention to providing landscaped promenades all over the city.

Neat Nests. We probably already know that meditation can be a great way to relieve stress in your life, but did you know that regular meditation can help you feel less reactive to future stress?

Tokyo Mansions is one such enclave devoted to creating an environment of total calm and balance. Arriving here is like a healing journey where a garden of bamboo and dry stones in front immediately creates a relaxing effect from the state of constant hurriedness of the outside world and allows its residents to enter in a more peaceful disposition.

Its main features are the poetic Meiji and Edo model mansions that flawlessly integrate traditional and modern principles of Japanese design. Not to be outdone is the Tokyo Mansions clubhouse, the epitome of restrained elegance with its symmetrical layout, highlighted by a Zen garden nearby.

Other enclaves that promote the well-being of its residents in a natural environment of lush flora are the resort-inspired Bali Mansions and Nirwana Bali, the island charm of Phuket Mansions and Phuket Estates, the glorious gardens of Châteaux de Paris, and the fairway-fronting Golf View Terraces to name a few.

Chill Out Hubs. Spend time with positive people who enhance your life. A strong support system will buffer you from the negative effects of stress. Residents and their families and friends will frequently go to the City Center, the nexus of all commercial and social connections. As Filipinos indulge in satisfying their hunger pangs and thirst for stories, the many dining and leisure establishments at the City Center can cater to their every need.

Progressive muscle relaxation is another effective and widely used strategy for stress relief. It involves a two-step process in which you systematically tense and relax different muscle groups in the body. Sweating out the tension with a good workout can be most liberating. After a good game with friends at the Sports and Country Club, pampering oneself at the Astoria Plaza - Sta. Rosa Wellness Center with spa treatments is the perfect ender.  

Outdoor Overtures. Nothing could be better than living next to nature where you feel exhilarated by its beauty and lulled by its tranquility. What better way to commune with nature than by immersing oneself in a few hours of a thrilling game of golf. The world-class 18-hole South Forbes Golf and Leisure Club is open Tuesdays to Sundays to welcome all golf enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Membership comes free with every lot or condominium unit purchase at no activation cost. It comes with privileged access and special discounts at over 42 other IMG-affiliate golf and sports clubs worldwide.

Move in right here, right now. Call 635-7777 or 631-8855 for a free city tour or log on to www.southforbes.com for more information.