A first in Asia: Exclusive luxury living on an island
A Japanese businessman’s promise to his dying father yields a plan aiming to create ‘the most spectacular resort this country has ever seen’
IT’S THE pink sand that catches your eye on these two islands in southern Luzon, now called Ugen. The rosy, powdery soft sand, however, is just one of the features of this private island community due to start construction.
“Once completed, the property will be the most spectacular resort this country has ever seen,” development director Andrew Sparrow said.
The team has tapped BUDJI+ROYAL Architecture+Design along with Enveron Realty Inc., and Blue Development Inc. to create an island living experience sensitive to the local community and the environment.
“Every tree we cut is replaced with two trees,” Sparrow noted.
This integration of luxury living and care for the environment is a thrust espoused by developers today. “This is our statement; this is how we are evolving now,” architect Royal Pineda said.
Inspired by the Japanese aesthetic concept of “yuugen,” or “a subtle expression of profound beauty,” Ugen wants to be the first of its kind in the country and in Asia. There will be 67 multimillion-dollar villas, ranging in size from 815 square meters to 2,700 sqm.
Homeowners can choose from two types: made-to-measure, to be designed from a basic structural framework; or bespoke, which allows owners to design every detail of their vacation home from scratch.
The islands are secluded, but provide access to some of nature’s wonders, including Donsol’s famed whale sharks and some of the most diverse marine life.
Wonders of nature
“Ugen takes tourism to a level never before seen in the region,” said Katsumasa Aikawa, Ugen director and CEO. “Bicol and the Sibuyan Sea have an ideal climate and Ugen provides us an opportunity to share the wonders of nature and create something that has never been done before.”
The Japanese national said he first became interested in the Philippines in the late 1990s, when his father wanted to invest in the country by constructing condominiums. The elder Aikawa never got to do that, but before he passed away, he told his son that he wanted his ashes to be scattered in the waters of Cebu.
The younger Aikawa followed his dad’s wish and soon grew to love the Philippines.
The opportunity to fulfill his father’s dream came when Sparrow approached Aikawa and told him about the two islands.
“The region has a hidden charm that is
different from other destinations in the world,” Aikawa said, pointing out the pristine lagoon, mangrove forest, marine life sanctuaries, caves and private coves in nearby islands, and the Bulusan volcano in the main island of Sorsogon.
“Our target market are successful families who want to invest in Ugen,” Sparrow said.
“They can fly from Manila Bay to Ugen on private planes, and be on the island in 90 minutes. Before they arrive, the concierge will do the shopping for them, while our housekeeping department will make sure everything is in working order. All they have to do is show up.
Visit www.ugenisland.com or e-mail jconcepcion@ugenisland.com.