Kadayawan experience at Villa de Mercedes

MORE than 200 guests came and joined Villa de Mercedes' own way to celebrate the Kadayawan sa Dabaw on August 14.

The festivities were held at its posh Clubhouse where a contemporary coffee shop alongside a manicured view deck welcomed the visitors.

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While basking in the beauty of nature that afternoon, guests were treated to good food -- prepared by students of Gabriel Taborin College of Davao Culinary Department -- fun and entertainment, with a cultural dances performed by a local theater group.

Local artists also provided classical and cultural music to the delight of the crowd.

Fruits, grown by Uraya Farms, also abound, including a unique variety of durian, called "kradum."

Uraya Farms is the only one growing this "sweet" variety of durian in Mindanao, according to Debin Uraya 11, president of Uraya Land Development, Inc., the developer of Villa de Mercedes.

Debin said such variety is common in Brunei.

Uraya's 40 hectare farm in Agusan del Sur also grows lanzones, pomelo and other varieties of durian. Its production is being marketed-locally.

When asked if Uraya Farms has plans to export its produce, Debin replied that it will take time "because our production is not even enough for the local market at this time."

As Uraya Farms doing well in its fruit business, so is Uraya Land in the real estate business.

Uraya Land's first upscale development project -- the Villa de Mercedes, located in Catigan, Toril in Davao City -- is now on its Phase 5 of implementation. Lots at Phase 1 to 3 are almost sold out.

Villa de Mercedes is an eight-hectare property, which maintains its natural east-sloping terrain, the waterways that caress the land and the vegetation at the banks of the waterways.

Every aspect of the planning and development, according to its briefer, is designed with its residents in mind. Basic amenities such as steady water supply and a flood-free environment with efficient drainage system will also be in place.

At 535 feet above sea level, Villa de Mercedes proudly offers a 360-degree quaint panoramic view of the great Davao City, the majestic Mt. Apo, the pristine waters of Davao Gulf and the charming Island Garden City of Samal.

What also make Villa de Mercedes as the best resort community in this part of the country is its amenities. Consider the stunning luxury of the infinity pool built in a landscape of lined up palm trees and ornamental flora accentuated by real white sand giving you an illusion of a real beach lounging.

Other features of its clubhouse are a coffee shop, function room, basketball and badminton court and a tennis court.

A four-hectare commercial strip will also be developed within the community.

Uraya Land Development Inc. was established on March 8, 1994, the primary purpose of which is to acquire properties by purchase, lease, donation and to own, use, improve, develop, subdivide, sell, lease, mortgage, exchange, and hold for investment real estate of all kinds.

Established to be the flagship of the Uraya Group of Companies, its main thrust is the development of suburban communities to meet the housing needs of today's growing population.

Its pilot project was undertaken in a 14-hectare subdivision lot in Mankilam, Tagum City. Known as Capitol Homes Subdivision, it has a total of 749 housing units, and was developed for the lower middle-income group of Davao del Norte's biggest population sector.

Elenita Heights is its second project, situated in Catalunan Grande, Davao City. It sits on a 50-hectare property with a total of 1,218 housing units and "lots only" for Phase I and 1,014 housing units and "lots only" for Phase II. To date, only a few units remain unsold.