Friday, November 14, 2008 Playa Azalea defines leisure living By Nelson C. Bagaforo
LANDCO, the country's leading developer of leisure communities, and landowner Anflocor, headed by business magnate Don Antonio Floirendo Sr., have partnered to develop a 33-hectare property in Limao, Island Garden City of Samal into a world-class leisure destination.
Called Playa Azalea, this mixed-use seaside commercial-residential enclave is envisioned to be the most exciting leisure tourism estate to hit Davao Region, laying claim to the fantastic view of Davao City, the Davao Gulf, and a magnificent vista of the country's highest peak, Mt. Apo.
"Playa Azalea re-introduces Landco to Davao in a big way, not just as premier residential resort development, but as the first leisure tourism destination in the region," Alfred Xerez-Burgos Jr., Landco Pacific president and chief executive officer, said during the launch of the development project on October 26.
He said Playa Azalea brings to the forefront the astounding beauty of Samal Island's seaside view and the quiet, refreshing atmosphere of a beachside community.
Playa Azalea is developing an exclusive residential community with posh amenities that include a beach club exclusive to residents, a hilltop clubhouse, a view deck, and greenbelt parks, as well as a stunning hotel complex.
It also boasts of a private 400-meter stretch of white sand beach, which Samal Island is known for. The multi-purpose pavilion was also inaugurated during the project launch.
"Landco aspires to bring world-class leisure living to Filipinos. By developing projects in different cities, we hope to deliver the message that hardworking, discerning individuals have equal opportunities to leisure, regardless of where they choose to reside," said Francis Ceballos, Landco Pacific executive vice president and COO.
He said they have opened, so far, 250 units to the market.
"Our target market is very receptive. This early, 112 of the 250 lots we opened are already sold out. We are selling quite well," Ceballos said. "And this only shows we have an active and dynamic sales force."
Gerard Marcelo, Landco vice president for hometown communities, said Playa Azalea is composed of four clusters -- the beach side and three hillside clusters.
"We have opened two hillside clusters to the market where the 250 units are located," Marcelo said.
From the beach side, he said, a four-hectare property is reserved for a world-class hotel and garden villas.
Ricardo R. Floirendo, Anflo Group senior vice president, expressed optimism that Landco's 18 years of developing high-end leisure and hometown communities is enough to make the project a success.
"Landco has built numerous prestigious communities, and that alone is an attraction," he said.
He said Playa Azalea is also very accessible, which can be reached in 10 minutes by boat from Davao City.
"If you take into consideration the exclusivity and outstanding amenities being offered plus the accessibility factor, this clearly indicates that Playa Azalea is putting more value on your investment. Thus, making this venture a very worthwhile move," Floirendo said.
