Crosswinds, mountain mists and meditations
MANILA, Philippines - I am undoubtedly a mountain person,” declares Victor “Vic” Quisumbing, who, like many of his generation, has numerous happy reminiscences of childhood vacations spent in the summer capital of Baguio. His wife, Teresita, nicknamed Techie, shares the sentiment. “Cool and rainy weather is just perfect for us,” she agrees. Precisely because of this preference, the Quisumbings sought to instill a love of the mountains in their own brood of three daughters and a son. “If you ask us what our most memorable moment in Baguio would be, we would have to say: Each time spent there with our kids.” For this family, time spent together in the mountains is always a chance to fortify ties of affection.
“This place is tremendously convenient for us,” say the Quisumbings about their Crosswinds hideaway. “This was the next best substitute, without the need for long drives to Baguio. We were enamored by the pine tree stands, and the weather is beautiful—just as we like it.” The family has grown to include grandchildren, who enjoy play-time with the cool breezes of Tagaytay.
Crosswinds is an easy 57 kilometers from Metro Manila; a mere 45 minute drive from the Quisumbing’s Alabang home. The Swiss-inspired 100-hectare community is being developed by Brittany Corporation, a subsidiary of Vista Land, the country’s largest homebuilder.
At Crosswinds, homeowners have the option of choosing a custom home site, where you can build your own Swiss chalet or a house and lot such as the charming duplex units of Deux Pointe, situated at the highest peak of the property. Another option is the upscale Grand Quartier condominiums built on the crest of Crosswinds; the two towers offer a grand view of the surrounding expanse of over 20,000 pine trees. Future plans include hotel services in the Grand Quartier, charming restaurants, a quaint chapel and a landscaped event lawn ideal for intimate weddings.
“We opted for a condominium unit at the Grand Quartier because it is more convenient,” the Quisumbings explain. For the couple, the weekend home is usually a place for catching up on hobbies.
“He is the techie,” laughs Techie, of her husband, who has equipped their unit with the latest in audiovisual gadgetry. While he catches up on the latest movies or goes through favorite television channels, she is content to putter around the house or cook the family’s favorite pasta dishes. “I would say my design philosophy is eclectic. I like rearranging and adding or removing things. I’m constantly fixing the house,” she says. Her penchant for design is apparent, however. And as we commented on a unique and attractively framed mirror, she shared that it was her handiwork. “I happened on some colorful tiles, and thought it would be a good idea to cut them up and use them for an unusual picture frame.”
Ducks of various colors and sizes—only a small part of an extensive collection—also have their own places in the well- organized abode. “I’m always on the look-out for lovely and interesting things whenever we travel. I enjoy the high-end outlets as much as the flea markets. And I believe in haggling!” Techie smiles. With much prodding, she admits that she once took watercolor painting and charcoal drawing lessons from the late National Artist Cesar Legaspi in the 1980’s.Gesturing towards the balcony she continues, “Maybe, in the future when I can no longer be too active, I will go back to art and paint from there.” Indeed, the view from the balcony is stunning.
“The balcony is the best place to watch the fog drift in,” says Vic Quisumbing who has observed that the best time for fog is from October to March. The balcony is also a place where he can meditate or read inspirational books. As a pastor of Christ’s Commission Fellowship in Alabang, he is even more stirred to give thanks to the Maker with such magnificent surroundings. “My personal view is that all challenges are from God,” he says. “It is always a blessing to find quiet time to pray.” The view is vastly inspiring with picturesque winding gray ribbons of well-kept roads, deep-green conifer stands and pretty Swiss-chalet style homes that seem doll-like from the height of the promontory. The splendor of the sky is also awe-inspiring as its color palette changes from dusty blue mornings to star-flecked indigo evenings.
But we persisted in asking, “Apart from its various aesthetic and design benefits, why did you decide on a Crosswinds home in particular?” Pastor Vic took a moment to reflect before replying, “Apart from the fact that the homes are priced just right, we saw that the developers stayed true to their word. Schedules were followed and things were done when these should be.”
We appreciate that he is a stickler on “delivering on promises (that are) given.” After all, Victor Quisumbing is also the CEO of the trusted name in life insurance company Great Pacific Life Assurance Company (Grepalife) that operates on the principle “The power of certainty.” For him, keeping promises, building confidence and earning trust is important as it applies in all aspects of business, life, or even real estate.
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Crosswinds is a premiere leisure community nestled in the hillsides of Tagaytay. It is developed by Brittany Corporation, a Vista Land subsidiary that is distinct for unique upscale real estate developments and specializing in the creation of themed, luxury residential properties. To learn more about Crosswinds and other Brittany projects, log on to www.brittany.com.ph. Or call 584-1182.
