Hamilo Coast and WWF: partners in eco-tourism and sustainability

Hamilo Coast, the premier beach resort town in Nasugbu, Batangas, may be the weekend haven of the country’s affluent set, yet it is on track as a thriving model of sustainable eco-tourism practices.

Touting 5,800 hectares of prime seaside development, Hamilo Coast is a project of SM Prime’s Costa Del Hamilo, Inc. (CDHI), which carefully integrates residential, resort, leisure, commercial, and institutional land uses in the sprawling estate. But beyond its vast scope and stunning vistas, Hamilo Coast embraces sustainable tourism at the core of its philosophy and shows how beautiful beachfront homes can harmonize with nature and the environment.

 

Hamilo Coast and WWF further push for environmental awareness by celebrating occasions that show respect for biodiversity such as the Coastal Clean Up.

2022 marks Hamilo Coast’s 15th year of productive partnership with the conservation group World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines (WWF). Hamilo Coast and WWF have been working together on key areas for sustainability—coastal resource management, ridge-to-reef management, solid waste management, mangrove reforestation, the use of renewable energy sources, and environmental awareness.

This long-standing collaboration with WWF signifies Hamilo Coast’s determination to pursue eco-tourism and sustainability while upholding international standards for leisure property development.

Ms. Imee G. Francisco, Vice President and Head of CDHI Projects and Operations, takes pride in the partnership’s objectives. “More than building and maintaining a beautiful community, we seek to create and sustain a world that future generations can enjoy. To help serve this end, CDHI continues to develop Hamilo Coast without compromising the quality of wildlife living around it.”

This year, Hamilo Coast and WWF will focus on addressing the major components on waste management, which include assessment of solid waste, water and wastewater management practices, formulation of environmental management plan, and the promotion of food shed farming systems. Apart from these, Hamilo Coast and WWF will continuously work on programs that will help conserve, protect, and nurture the environment.

For one, Hamilo Coast and WWF’s Ridge to Reef program declared three of Hamilo Coast’s 13 coves–Pico de Loro, Etayo, and Santelmo–as Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). These are coastal zones where human activities are strictly regulated to ensure their long-term conservation. Declaring more MPAs would also mean expanding Hamilo Coast’s scope in safeguarding more marine ecosystem and resources.

Hamilo Coast also continues to implement a mangrove reforestation program in its 24-hectare mangrove belt—one of the largest in Nasugbu. Here, Hamilo has planted 50,000 propagules hand-in-hand with World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines.

Mangroves are the first line of defense for coastal communities, stabilizing shorelines by averting erosion and providing natural barriers to storm surges, flooding, and hurricanes. As an effective carbon storage, mangroves absorb six times more carbon than mature tropical forests, making it all the more vital in slowing down the effects of climate change.

 

Finally, Hamilo Coast and WWF will further push for environmental awareness by celebrating occasions that show respect for biodiversity. One is the annually held Earth Hour, during which time people are urged to shut down electricity to make a substantial difference in energy consumption. Individuals, organizations, and establishments also come together on Coral Triangle Day to shed light on ocean conservation and the ways we can protect and preserve the world’s epicenter of marine biodiversity.

Likewise, the development boasts the largest volunteer effort for the ocean’s health, made possible with the International Coastal Cleanup, where people gather on the Pico and Santelmo beaches to collect trash and record information on the collected debris.

For all these sustained efforts, WWF has awarded Hamilo Coast with the Longest Sustainability Partner Award, recognizing the development’s commitment to sustainable tourism and its positive impact on the Philippine tourism industry.

Francisco affirms, “CDHI is proud of how far we have come at Hamilo Coast with the help of WWF. This inspires us to do even more, in the hopes that our efforts will make it possible for future generations to witness the beauty of nature as we see it today.”

Sola, developed by Costa Del Hamilo Inc. (CDHI), is redefining primary living in the new normal

What's one silver lining thats come out of this pandemic? I think its the opportunity for the world to reset, begin again, rejuvenate, and people realizing that there is more to life than what was previously dreamt of in their work-life philosophy — intruded upon by nightmare phrases such as “cramped cubicles,” “daily commute,” and “corporate rat race.”

 

When most of us had to adjust to working remotely, attending on-line classes, and managing day-to-day activities at home during a strict lockdown, it made us aware how spending more time with family and taking care of our health are crucial in overcoming the current situation. The need to reassess our lifestyle and admit the urgency of stepping back, taking stock, and taking a breather arose.

Came the knowledge also that you can work or learn from home in a much safer, healthier, more harmonious home environment. It has become apparent for us how valuable it is to have ample living space as well as access to outdoors. What about somewhere closer to nature? At a safe distance from congested cities and the madding crowd. With a constellation of trees around us or near a serene beach. A place that is the opposite of the oppressively compact surroundings that we had to bear with for so long.  

 

What used to be a pipe dream has now become reality with Sola at Pico De Loro Cove.  

 

Sola was recently launched as an exclusive residential project and the first horizontal development of Hamilo Coast, one of the country’s premium beach resorts. It is also considered as the first premiere sustainable lot development in Pico De Loro Cove, with access to a 1.5 kilometer of powder-smooth, white-sand beach and a four-hectare man-made lagoon centerpiece — and is only approximately a 90-minute drive from SM Mall of Asia.

 

Sola, developed by Costa Del Hamilo Inc. (CDHI), is redefining primary living in the new normal: its gated 2.7-hectare enclave offers the prospect of living with nature while within arm’s reach of modern conveniences. The development integrates multiple locators, including a hotel, beach and country club, mid-rise residential buildings, and the St. Therese of the Child Jesus Chapel. Thus, everyday living is an adventure and, at the same time, a step into the proper realm of wellness. 

 

Studies show that exposure to green spaces, fresh air, natural sunlight and coastal life offers immense physical and mental health benefits such as lowering stress, mental fatigue, depression and anxiety, as well as improving over-all mood. 

 

In terms of the aesthetics of harmony, Sola’s architectural design also conforms with nature as it follows amodern tropical theme, which integrates the use of organic materials such as wood, stone, and complemented with lush vegetation.   

 

The beach-resort community opens to a panoramic view of the Pico mountainside forest and — with lot owners acquiring a Pico de Loro Beach and Country Club individual membership share — they also enjoy the most extensive land and sea-based recreational facilities in Nasugbu, Batangas.

Alexis Ortiga, CDHI senior assistant vice president for Projects & Sales, reiterates Sola’s pursuit in boosting one’s health and total well-being with the New Open Living concept. 

 

“Approximately 40 percent of the community is dedicated to lush greens, pedestrian pathways, bike lanes,and roads. The Central Parks also provide a nuclear amenity which include serene and functional spaces where you can take a stroll or jog along tree-lined trails, play your heart out at the nature-inspired playground, or just lounge and relax for some well-deserved ‘me’ time. Its proximity to Pico Beach’s white sands also makes it a well-integrated natural environment. Because of Sola at Pico De Loro Cove’s open and nature-centric community, families are investing in a seaside lifestyle. That said, Sola is now more than50 percent sold – barely two months after its launch.”

 

Who would have thought that during these challenging times, the only way of finding a silver lining is in embracing open living and going green.

ABOUT HAMILO COAST

Hamilo Coast is a master-planned seaside residential community in Nasugbu, Batangas. Developed and managed by Costa del Hamilo, Inc., a subsidiary of SM Prime. It is approximately 90 minutes from Manila via Cavitex and the Ternate-Nasugbu Road. For inquiries, call (632) 7-945-8000 or visit www.hamilocoast.com. Follow the Hamilo Coast hamilocoastph on Facebook and Instagram. 

SM Prime & Hamilo Coast: Defining Beach Resort Living in the Philippines

Recognized as one of the largest integrated property developers in Southeast Asia, SM Prime offers innovative and sustainable lifestyle communities. Under its portfolio of leisure developments is Hamilo Coast, a master-planned seaside community located along Nasugbu, Batangas. 

Hamilo Coast is a sprawling coastline residential resort town that encompasses three major mountain peaks and 13 coves, three of which are Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Its unique location at the head of the Nasugbu coastline makes it the gateway to the so-called “Philippine Riviera”.

Bounded by the vast West Philippine Sea and misty cloud-covered Pico mountain ranges in the east, Hamilo Coast carefully integrates residential, resort, leisure, commercial, and institutional land uses into its communities, wherein beach resort living will eventually be spun into an everyday lifestyle choice. 

Pico de Loro Cove, Hamilo Coast’s maiden development, is a vibrant community where environmental sustainability thrives. It boasts of a 1.5 km. stretch of fine white sand beach, a 4-hectare man-made lagoon centerpiece with pocket gardens, and a Beach and Country Club that features the most extensive land- and sea-based recreational facilities in Nasugbu. In 2007, Hamilo Coast teamed up with the World Wide Fund for Nature-Philippines, a partnership that continues to thrive up to this day. One of its environmental programs included declaring Pico de Loro Cove as one of its Marine Protected Areas. Conservation efforts under this partnership include ridge-to-reef management, the use of renewable energy, and guidance on the responsible and eco-handling of solid waste.

A membership at the Pico de Loro Beach and Country Club is a pass to a whole new world of exciting recreational adventures. A member has access to aquatic sports like sailing, kayaking, windsurfing and scuba diving and outdoor activities such as hiking, trekking, and birdwatching. Members can also enjoy indoor activities such as billiards, bowling, basketball, tennis, badminton, and swimming.

To enhance, Hamilo Coast continues to elevate beach resort living through its latest residential offering, Freia. Rising a few steps away from Pico de Loro Cove’s beachfront, Freia gives its future residents a breathtaking vista of the serene blue waters of the West Philippine Sea and verdant Pico mountains. 

Upon entering Freia, residents are welcomed by a grand, high-ceiling lobby designed by acclaimed consultant Budji+Royal. The beach condominium will offer 214 superior two-bedroom units and nine bi-level three-bedroom penthouses, each designed with living spaces, large picturesque windows, and spacious balconies, that open up to the owner’s chosen view. 

Only a 90-minute drive from the SM Mall of Asia, Hamilo Coast is the premier sustainable beach resort town of the Philippines. 

Hamilo Coast is the SM Group’s premier beach resort town in Nasugbu, Batangas. It is now approximately 90 minutes from Manila via Cavitex and the new Ternate-Nasugbu Road. For inquiries, call (632) 945-8000 or visit www.hamilocoast.com.

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