MANILA, Philippines - Tarlac is blessed with a rich historical and cultural significance and economic prosperity. As far back as the colonial period, even the Spanish settlers recognized and appreciated the bountiful blessings that nature has bestowed upon it. Today, Tarlac stands proudly at the crossroads of art, history and progress.
The province is aptly named after malatarlac, a weed that grows abundantly in the area, which reflects the enduring spirit of its people. Rich in natural resources, its enviable terrain attracted many settlers. Mountains such as Telakawa, Bueno, Dueg, Maasin, Papaac, Bacsay and Cayasan are within its borders, providing various forest products. On the flat lands, rice and sugar are grown.
Tarlac’s cultural heritage is like a romance novel. It was the seat of the first Philippine Republic when Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo moved his fledgling government from Bulacan. Capas was the end point for the thousands of valiant Filipinos forced to take part in the Death March from Bataan during the Japanese occupation. And through the Raid at Capas, Filipino and American soldiers alike were rescued from the Imperial forces.
Today, visitors are treated to its many natural and historical sites. Most popular is the Mt. Pinatubo trek where adventure seekers get to see the crater formed after the volcano’s catastrophic eruption in 1991. There are also the Bueno Hot Springs and the Dolores Springs, believed to be medicinal. And the Anao Quinabutok Creek is a favorite picnic and fishing spot.
Churches also abound — St. Rose of Lima Church is one of the oldest in the country and the San Sebastian Cathedral was the site of the revolutionary congress. Historically significant sites include the Maria Clara Museum where mementos of Leonor Rivera — Jose Rizal’s sweetheart and the basis for the character Maria Clara in Noli Me Tangere —are kept; the Sto. Domingo Death March Marker, and the Capas National Shrine — the concentration camp which also served as the burial grounds of Filipino and American soldiers during World War II.
After Mt. Pinatubo, this heritage-rich province is now a modern melting pot blending traditional culture with the new. The presence of economic zones has resulted in rapid industrialization, and more jobs for residents. The Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) has cut travel time from Manila significantly, making travel safer and faster for commuters.
Just 10 minutes away from the exit of the SCTEX is a growing community that is now providing a safe and secure home truly appropriate for the modern Tarlac resident. Camella Tarlac is a 61-hectare property that offers stylish homes that are truly financially accessible. “Its proximity to the commercial hubs, financial districts, major universities and hospital facilities make it an ideal property investment — its value rising as the growth of the province continues,” declares Camella president Maribeth C. Tolentino.
“It has three enclaves that provide this growing community a variety of options with seven model homes to choose from,” added Dante Julongbayan, Camella’s head for North Luzon. “Each was designed to respond to specific needs of a variety of homeowners — from single professionals to starting families and even empty-nesters.”
With the grand launch of Camella Tarlac, visitors can view and experience for themselves the advantage that the Camella lifestyle offers. A showcase area features the Affordable Series and the Lessandra Series — space-efficient homes designed to respond to various styles and requirements. The Lessandra series offers model homes such as Reana, Margarita, Reena and Marga, all designed to meet the various requirements of the diverse market. The Affordable Series, on the other hand, has five model home choices, namely Lara, Marvela, Carmela, Drina and Elaisa.
Camella Tarlac likewise offers amenities that are a standard for residential developments: a clubhouse, swimming pool, basketball court, tree park, jogging park, picnic area, playground and exercise area. The development also offers various security measures to ensure the community’s safety. A shuttle service brings residents to drop-off/pick-up points in the city proper at specific hours.
Tarlac’s neighbor, Apalit, is also showing signs of progress and prosperity. It is no surprise to find a Camella development in this place. Formally established in 1582, this municipality is a gateway to Pampanga and the rest of the northern regions — it being the first town of the province located right next door to Bulacan. Furthermore, it served as a haven for the country’s elite during the Spanish era with its high society regularly playing host to Manila’s and Europe’s royalty. Today, Apalit is once again on the rise. The presence of many manufacturing firms, refineries, and a multinational oil corporation has fast-tracked its growth and attracted commercial, financial and retail establishments to cater to the needs of its residents. Camella’s presence has provided quality homes with a higher standard of living for the people.
Camella Apalit is a Mediterranean-themed community on a 15-hectare property. Its homeowners can enjoy amenities at par with developments in the country’s major cities including a clubhouse with swimming pool, parks and playground, and a basketball court. More importantly, it has a perimeter fence to ensure security of its residents. It offers 12 model homes — each one tailor-made to respond to the market’s varied needs and lifestyles. From the Crown Jewels series, model homes Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire, Pearl and Jade are available. From the Camella series, one can choose from Elaisa, Drina, Carmela and Marvela. And from the Lessandra series are Rina, Marga and Reana. “Just like Apalit where it is located, Camella Apalit continues to grow and respond to the needs of its homeowners. Residents can look forward to a commercial area which will ensure convenience and access to basic commodities without having to leave the safety and security that Camella offers,” Tolentino concluded.
Camella Tarlac and Camella Apalit are developments of Camella, a subsidiary of Vista Land & Lifescapes, Inc., the country’s largest homebuilder. It has 35 years of experience, building more than 200,000 homes through 87 projects and maintains a strong presence in Mega Manila and 19 other key provincial destinations and 44 cities and municipalities, while expanding to other regions. For more information, call: (02) 584-1182 or 0917-8576494 for Direct Marketing; 772-1096 for South Manila; 723-5013 for East Manila; 352-4457 for North Manila; (044) 796-0078 for North Luzon; (043) 757-0702 for South Luzon, (033) 337-7699 for Visayas and (082) 298-0387 and (082) 298-0300 for Mindanao projects, or log on to www.camella.com.ph.