AmiSa: upscale residential resort in Mactan
By Raquel P. Gomez
Philippine Daily Inquirer
November 24, 2007
MANILA, Philippines - The lure of Mactan
Island in Cebu as a choice destination in the South by tourists, balikbayans,
expatriates and businessmen has enticed major real estate developer
Robinsons Land Corp. in a grand fashion.
The real estate arm of JG Summit Holdings Inc. that pioneered mix-use
developments in the country has set its eyes on a prime spot on the
tail-shaped portion of the famous island and will develop it into an upscale
resort-residential-leisure zone that will cater to the discriminating taste
of a market needing an upgrade to real lifestyle and luxurious living in an
island setting.
AmiSa is a five-hectare beach-front property development in Punta Engaño
district in Mactan. It boasts of six residential condominiums that offer
breathtaking views of the beach, sea and Cebu’s coastline, a five-star hotel
with amenities, a gaming center that includes a casino, two big and
beautiful pools, tree-lined walks and nooks, pocket parks, and open spaces
that lead to a pristine white sand beach, and of course, sports activity
areas.
RLC president and chief operating officer Frederick Go says AmiSa, which is
the company’s first high-end real estate venture in Cebu, aims to raise the
standard of community living of residents by incorporating beach resort
amenities and facilities within the development. He says RLC, with its
expertise in mix-use community development and hotel operations, can provide
the perfect home and ideal beach getaway for folks needing respite from the
bustle of the city or those who wish reward or pampering after years of work
and living abroad.
“AmiSa in Sanskrit means something beautiful,” Go says. “AmiSa is a
beautiful place which can serve as the perfect and ideal getaway from the
city, a second home for accomplished Filipinos from Manila and the
provinces, a vacation haven for foreigners, and a deserved and welcoming
retirement home for Filipino balikbayans.”
Private paradise
For a change, the leisure community project moves away from the usual beach
shacks and traditional low-rise island development. Architect Albert Yu of
Asya Design Partner took inspiration from Australia’s vibrant Gold Coast
architectural landscape and created a private paradise which addresses the
demands of an island living that spells of modernity, leisure and lifestyle.
Architectural elements, such as the balconied mid-rise residential
condominiums, are in harmony with the natural picturesque island
environment. The avant-garde residential resort also features a nice
juxtaposition of graceful towering buildings―two 18 story, two 14-story, and
two 8-story residential condominiums, the hotel and entertainment
center―that create a beautiful contrast to the soft natural seascape.
“The resort development was conceived to allow its inhabitants enjoyment and
interaction with nature, while preserving and enhancing the environment,” Yu
says. “Every unit is also provided with a spacious balcony that cantilevers
beyond the main structure of the building. The union of the balconies to the
commanding structure mimics the smooth waves and the ocean.”
Design perspective
AmiSa is an exclusive enclave that opens with a rustic lane off the main
road framed by a coral stone gateway. Three-tiered cascade of water with
lush foliage marks the entrance garden. A majestic rotunda framed by Royal
palm trees connects entrances to different areas of the property. Located at
the left of the entrance is the gaming complex and to the right are ample
and wide parking areas and tree-lined pathways leading to the residential
condominiums.
Another grand rotunda is located within serving as the main entry to the
resort hotel and condominium gardens. The inviting swimming pools amid
tropical palms complete the scenic haven that opens grandly to the beach and
sea beyond. And sprinkled across the resort are dining destinations and
functions areas fit for parties, weddings and other occasions.
John Reyna, RLC assistant vice president for leisure and retirement, says
AmiSa is a timely development in Cebu that will help boost more the appeal
of Mactan Island not only as popular destination for resorts and recreation
but also as a luxury residential place.
“Real estate clients want a different level of product, something that will
fit their lifestyle. We’re not selling just a real estate product, but we’re
offering a lifestyle, a lifestyle to these clients who are exposed already
to resorts with condominiums abroad,” Reyna informs.