Scenic cycling through Hacienda Escudero

MANILA, Philippines - Cycling—as a recreational activity—is just gaining currency as more and more people are focusing on the health and wellness aspect of sports as opposed to its competitive nature. Though you still have a whole-body cardiovascular workout—with emphasis on legs, core, back and arms—recreational cycling affords you to take notice of the view in front of you, the wind on your face and the beauty of the outdoors that the Philippines is known for. It is not a sin to stop, put your bike aside and admire the view. In fact, it is even encouraged since a gap of relaxation reconditions your body and provides the opportunity to rehydrate. 

Hacienda Escudero, long known as a cultural and heritage model of the Philippines, features a bike trail as part of the amenities of the emerging mixed-use development masterplanned by Landco to interweave nature into residential, commercial, civic and golf districts. A residential enclave steep in the Filipino tradition, Aldea del Palmeral is currently being developed alongside the other exciting developments, making Hacienda Escudero up-to-beat with modern-day living but still retaining its old world charm. 

The trail, which is about 6.8 kilometers per loop, is designed by Sabak Sports’ Ricky Montelibano who also spearheads the annual cycling competition for Hacienda Escudero. “The trail,” says Montelibano, “runs around the village open lots with gravel tracks, fire roads with berms and tight turns.” 

Because the property has a flat profile, being a coconut plantation in its former incarnation, the trail is easy to navigate. Family members of varying age, not just long-timer bikers and thrill seekers, can enjoy the challenge of the track. People who want to see the potential of Hacienda Escudero as a leisure community can discover its many offerings by cycling within the property as well.

Gifted with the spectacular views of Mt. Banahaw, Mt. Cristobal and Mt. Malarayat, Hacienda Escudero, straddling between the two provinces of Quezon and Laguna, affords the cycler scenic mountain views. At the Great Lawn area, a one-hectare lake greets the cycler, trailing through lush coconut trees looping around the property, giving the cycler fantastic lakefront views set along with a backdrop of pleasant mountain range sceneries.

For more information, visit www.landco.ph.