Basking in Nature's Embrace: Experiencing Luxury Living in Brittany's Residential Communities

Who could resist the alluring opportunity to fully embrace a holistic lifestyle, surrounded by the serene beauty of a nature-inspired home?

 

Nowadays, even in the aftermath of the pandemic, many still yearn for any possible opportunity to immerse themselves in nature. After all, nature can have an immensely profound impact on your health and well-being—it can reduce stress, boost your mood, as well as improve your physical health and overall quality of life.

Crosswinds is Brittany’s 100-hectare Swiss-inspired development that lets you bask in the open skies, trails, and fresh air and revel in an exclusive sanctuary that blends nature with modern conveniences.

More than just a trend however, nature-inspired communities are undoubtedly here to stay owing to the wealth of benefits that can come from living in one.

Crosswinds also features unique restaurant concepts, with designs that blend into the natural scenery, beautifully curated and thoughtfully created. 

 

Beauty, bounty of nature

 

Offering an opportunity to live in a beautifully landscaped horizontal community immersed in nature is Brittany Corp., the luxury residential and leisure arm of Vista Land & Lifescapes Inc. Its modern, upscale themed communities, which also draw inspiration from some of the most beautiful cities abroad, ensure that residents will get to revel in the beauty and bounty of nature.

 

Even prior to the pandemic, Brittany’s portfolio of exclusive enclaves, has already been addressing that preference for a community that fosters a laidback lifestyle and promotes a connection with nature. It presents a compelling proposition that gives residents the luxury of living amid lush trees in wide, airy spaces.

 

Examples of such developments include Forresta, located in Villar City, Alabang; Pievana in Sto. Tomas, Batangas; and Crosswinds in Tagaytay. 

Set within natural terrain in the heart of Santo Tomas, Batangas is Pievana, Brittany’s 25-hectare development that offers more than just the luxury of space. 

 
‘City of a million trees’

 

Set to rise in Alabang is Forresta, Brittany’s 118-ha mixed-use estate, which will soon be home to condominiums, exclusive lots, offices, and modern hubs amid serene natural settings. This up and coming community—touted to become a luxurious “city in the forest” owing to the presence of some one million trees within the estate—will showcase a beautiful harmony of  nature, architecture, and leading-edge technology.

 

The first district to be developed will comprise 19 ha, where Brittany’s first ultra-luxury residential development in Villar Land will rise. Discerning investors and homebuyers can choose from lots ranging from 857 to 1,461 sqm, which translates to having only five lots per hectare—thus, ensuring a certain level of exclusivity and privacy in one’s nature retreat.

 

Future residents can look forward to a meaningful living experience with Forresta's thoughtfully designed eco-smart homes and residential buildings, energy-efficient lighting solutions within the community, the availability of a seamless internet fiber connection, and a 24/7 secure and fully electric perimeter fence with RFID subdivision gates.

 

Another perk is its exceptional location which will allow future residents to find the right balance between tranquil and dynamic living owing to their proximity to major road networks, including Daang Hari and Daang Reyna Road and the Manila-Cavite Expressway (MCX), educational and health institutions, golf and country clubs, and retail and lifestyle centers like Evia Lifestyle Center.

Pievana is poised to provide a sprawling haven for wellness with overlooking views of Mt. Makiling, Mt. Malarayat, and Mt. Banahaw.

‘True nature retreat’

 

This 25-ha estate in Sto. Tomas, Batangas will soon become a sprawling haven for wellness—a true nature retreat offering distinctly enriching experiences and extraordinary lifestyles.

 

Pievana is a premium leisure development featuring upscale mid-rise condominiums and grand residential lots, villas and spas, unique retail concepts, and modern lifestyle centers to be complemented by sprawling greenery, lush gardens and courtyards, as well as spectacular views of Mt. Makiling, Mt. Malarayat, and Mt. Banahaw. Approximately 70% of the estate’s total land area is dedicated to open spaces and greenscapes. 

 

Investors and homebuyers can invest in Pievana’s residential development, where you can build your dream home amid stunning, panoramic mountain views. As a low-density residence, Pievana will only have 8 lots per hectare for exclusivity and privacy.

 

On offer are spacious lots ranging from 600 sqm to 1,200 sqm, which will come with privileges to use the central amenity area with its gym, spa, relaxation rooms, and entertainment areas. 

 

Complementing the residences are recreational spaces for active and passive pursuits; a 5-ha commercial area featuring shops and dining concepts; as well as a 3-ha leisure development for spas and villas, events places, as well as flower gardens.

Pievana's design carefully straddles a line between passive and active leisure and recreational spaces where residents can enjoy the great outdoors or indulge in mindfulness through purpose-built facilities.

In nature’s embrace

 

In upland Tagaytay is where Brittany has created a beautiful Swiss-inspired destination that puts you right into nature’s embrace.

 

Crosswinds, the 100-ha enclave in Tagaytay City gives you beautiful themed neighborhoods surrounded by some 35,000 towering pine trees comprising the lush forests in the area. It beckons to those who want to find a sanctuary in this premier Swiss oasis, which offers Filipinos exquisite communities reminiscent of the Alpine charm.

 

One can invest in the 24-ha Lausanne, which offers a limited collection of prime residential lots that boast of panoramic views of Tagaytay, Laguna de Bay, and Metro skyline or in the 2.8-ha Alpine Villas, comprising of mid-rise towers namely Bernese, Blanc, Brienz, Biel and Basel—all of which command an excellent view of the Crosswinds community.

 

Impressive ready-for-occupancy Swiss-chalet style homes and exclusive communities such as The Swiss Quadrilles and Deux Pointe, alongside The Grand Quartier also form part of this exclusive enclave.

 

What’s great is that right within your community, you can readily immerse yourself in nature, with Crosswinds’ generous open spaces, pocket gardens and trails; central amenity area that features a swimming pool, jogging path, biking trail, and picnic areas; and the upcoming strawberry farm and sunflower field.

 

Modern comforts are within reach too with Crosswinds’ selection of unique restaurant concepts including Dear Joe, Windmill at Lausanne, Café Yama, Joe's Tavern, and Andersen's Bakery, as well as Cafe Voila, Ruined Project?, Coffee Project, and Napa at Crosswinds, with designs that blend into Crosswinds’ natural scenery.

Elegance, exclusivity, and nature will undoubtedly define Forresta's residential offerings, which are envisioned to become one of the most prominent addresses reserved for the affluent few.

 Nature-inspired lifestyle destinations 

 

Besides Forresta, Pievana, and Crosswinds, Brittany offers a fine selection of homes, high-end condominiums, and lot-only properties in excellent locations, such as Bern in Baguio, Pontevedra Estate in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, and Portofino in Villar City, Alabang. 

 

Brittany is set to launch a series of luxury leisure developments poised to become top lifestyle destinations in key areas across the country. Brittany's new luxury projects will create a place to nurture, entertain, and inspire to live and invest in an ultra-comfortable environment only available for a privileged few. 

 

For more information on Brittany Corporation's collection of luxury properties, visit www.brittany.com.ph. You may also follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. 

 

Elevate Your Daily Hustle to All-Out Entertainment with narzo

Whether we’re catching up on social media, working on-the-go, or pursuing an interest or passion, our smartphone is there with us through it all. As our daily companion, it needs to be able to keep up with and cater to various parts of our lifestyle.

When affordability, function, and that something “extra” come together, consumers can win—and this is what a narzo can deliver. The narzo smartphones are part of the diverse portfolio of realme Philippines, the #1 brand in Counterpoint’s Smartphone OEM Market Share Report for Q1 2023 and the two-year champion in Canalys and IDC sell-in reports published in 2021 and 2022.

Known for its leap-forward technology and above-and-beyond experience, realme assures that whichever narzo its customers choose, they can be assured of getting value for their money and being able to power through their days:

narzo 50A Prime for the style icons. For those who prioritize style in a smartphone, this offers one of the most premium designs in the narzo 50 Series. It features a 6.6” Full HD+ LCD display, speed texture design, sleek and minimal aesthetics, and color accuracy for wallpapers that match OOTDs.

narzo 50i Prime for the thrifty users. The narzo 50i Prime may be one of the most affordable smartphones, but it gives you more than what you pay for—a 6.5” HD+ large display for ease of use and a 5000mAh battery that lasts all day!

narzo 50 Pro 5G for the gamers, binge-watchers, and photography enthusiasts. This smartphone powerhouse is fueled with 5G connectivity for reduced lag in video games, faster loading time for streamed content, and a 48MP Nightscape Camera and Dimensity 920 5G Processor to help produce superb images even at night.

Get ready to achieve more with narzo this 7.7 Mid-Year Sale

Those who are interested in availing of a narzo can do so at the much-awaited #realmeRealDeals 7.7 Mid-Year Sale, as realme announces the great discounts and perks available at their official stores on Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok.

From July 7-11, fans can save up to 28% on Lazada along with Free Shipping! This is the perfect time to grab your very own narzo 50 Pro 5G (8GB+128GB) as it will be retailing at PHP 6,000 OFF only during the Lazada 7.7 Mid-Year Sale.

Lazada 7.7 Mid-Year Sale (July 7-9)
Item	SRP	7.7 Mid-Year Sale Price
narzo 50i Prime (3GB+32GB)	PHP 4,999	PHP 3,399
narzo 50 Pro 5G (8GB+128GB)	PHP 15,999	PHP 9,999

 

Meanwhile, those purchasing on Shopee from July 7-9 can enjoy 15% OFF vouchers to be able to score up to 30% savings during the sale. Snag the narzo 50 5G (6GB+128GB) with PHP 5,000 OFF during the sale period. 

The fun doesn’t end here because everyone who is to purchase the narzo 50 Pro 5G on Shopee and Lazada will get a TechLife Power Bank 100000mAh for free!

Shopee 7.7 Mid-Year Sale (July 7-9)
Item	SRP	7.7 Mid-Year Sale Price
narzo 50i Prime (3GB+32GB)	PHP 4,999	PHP 3,399
narzo 50A Prime (4GB+128GB)	PHP 7,999	PHP 5,082
narzo 50 5G (6GB+128GB)	PHP 12,999	PHP 7,999
narzo 50 Pro 5G (8GB+128GB)	PHP 15,999	PHP 9,999

 

And for TikTok shoppers, you can get up to PHP 7,000 worth of savings when you buy until July 8. Similarly, every purchase of the narzo 50 Pro 5G will also come with a FREE TechLife Power Bank 100000mAh.

TikTok 7.7 Super Sale (until July 8)
Item	SRP	7.7 Mid-Year Sale Price
narzo 50A Prime (4GB+128GB)	PHP 7,999	PHP 5,914
narzo 50i Prime (3GB+32GB)	PHP 4,999	PHP 3,184
narzo 50 5G (6GB+128GB)	PHP 12,999	PHP 7,279
narzo 50 Pro 5G (8GB+128GB)	PHP 15,999	PHP 9,053

 

For more information and updates, visit realme Philippines’ official website at https://www.realme.com/ph/ and like the official Facebook page for narzo athttps://www.facebook.com/narzoPhilippines.

 

mWell launches mWellMD Advanced

Metro Pacific Investments Corporation’s (MPIC) mWell, the Philippines’ healthcare mega app, answers the needs of 21stcentury physicians for a more efficient, organized and less paper-driven means to manage their practice and deliver better patient care by introducing mWellMD Advanced. Created by doctors for fellow doctors, the fully integrated, fully digital platform enables comprehensive patient information and clinicmanagement, anytime, from anywhere.Administrative tasks associated with running a practice can take up a significant amount of time, leaving less time for doctors to focus on patient care. mWellMD Advanced is designed to aiddoctors by digitizing many of the administrative tasks associated with running a practice.        

It helps optimize efficiency, enhance patient safety, improve communications with patientsand streamline patient billing. Recognizing that paper-based patient charting is a major pain point, mWellMD Advancedreduces the effort spent on paperwork and file keeping. By simply using their mobile phone, doctors get unlimited access to patients and storage, as well as digitized patient medical recordsand history. With the tap of a button, they can conveniently monitor daily schedules and manage appointment bookings for office clinics. They may use the digital tool for clinical documentation, advanced clinical forms, electronic prescriptions, orders, and referrals.

mWell Chairman and MPIC Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan says, “The doctors enrolled in the system are growing. We are proud of our partner- doctors who are an important part in providing healthcare services to a greater number of Filipinos, making healthcare services accessible, available, and affordable to our people. mWellMD Advancedwill empower them to help more people through an innovative, future-proof platform.”

mWell CEO and President and MPIC Chief Finance, Risk, and Sustainability Officer Chaye Cabal-Revilla underscores the importance of responding to the needs of doctors and enablingthem to grow their practice using the most advanced tools. “We care for our partner-doctors as much as we care for our app users. As we bring global healthcare to Filipinos, equipping our doctors with a fully integrated and fully digital Electronic Medical Records (EMR) and clinic management system willallow them to serve more patients in the most convenient and efficient way possible. Created by doctors for doctors,mWellMD Advanced is at par with the best doctor platforms in the world,” Cabal-Revilla said. 

The biggest benefit of mWell Advanced is that it is built within the context of an ecosystem of other Health IT products for patients, hospitals, and other health organizations. It is not just a stand-alone software. It is designed to integrate with patient portals, hospital information systems and other clinical IT applications.

Free 60-day trial available

Doctors may try the features of mWellMD Advanced EMR and Clinic Management System for free for 60-days bysigning up viahttps://platform.mwell.com.ph/onboard/signup . They only need to submit their PRC license, profile photo and signature. Subscription fee of P1900 per month is waived.

Round-the-clock operations and tech support

 

mWell is committed to providing partner-doctors the assistance they need to grow their practice. Tech experts are on-call 24/7 to assist doctors and respond to their questions at the soonest possible time. Doctors can also depend on a reliable operations team for regular training sessions and updates to ensure that they will always have a smooth experience on the mWellMDplatform.

 

With its holistic cybersecurity strategy and end to end cybersecurity operational framework to Predict, Prevent, Detect and Respond to all cyber threats, backed by sophisticated technologies and highly skilled cybersecurity professionals, mWellMD is following global security standards to ensure the security and protection of all Personal Information that are stored, processed, and transmitted in its system belonging to both the doctors and patients.  Angel Redoble, mWell Chief Cybersecurity Officer and PLDT Group and Smart Communications FVP and Group CISO said “mWellMD went through rigorous vulnerability tests and security audits. It completed and passed all requirements to bring down all cyber related risks to the lowest level.”

Easy sign-up

 

Family doctors, specialists and mind health experts can reach more patients by signing up as an mWell partner-doctor via mwell.com.ph. 

 

Doctors may register in as fast as 30 minutes via mwell.com.ph. No joining fees. Only PRC ID is required. They get 100% of their professional fee without any commission from mWell—no deductions.  

 

To ensure smooth virtual practice, mWell is also offering partner doctors with an exclusive high-speed internet plan from PLDT Home Fibr: 100mbps for only P1499.

 

Once they have signed-up, doctors may access the features of the basic mWellMD app to conveniently do online consultation with patients who are using the mWell app. Recognizing their fast-paced lifestyle, mWellMD allows doctors to attend to patients on their mobile phone, 24/7. The mWellMDapp for doctors is now available on Google Play Store and Apple App store.

mWell was recently named the winner of two Gold Stevie® Awards in the Innovation in Health & Wellness and Most Innovative Startup of the Year- Business Service Industriescategories in the 10th annual Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards. It is the only Philippine entry to bring home the Gold Award in these two categories. Bronze winners include Vietnam, Taiwan, and Australia. 

The two Gold Stevie® Awards come at the heels of being chosen as the Best Mobile Innovation for Digital Life in the 2023 Global Mobile (GLOMO) Awards, held during the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain. 

As part of the MPIC Group, mWell is committed to working towards the achievement of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being. It also supports the MVP Group’s Gabay Kalusugan advocacy focusing on quality and affordable healthcare.

NCT 127: The Lost Boys, coming August 30 exclusively on Disney+

In 2016, K-Pop idols NCT 127 left their childhoods behind, stepping into the limelight before being whisked off to stardom in a whirlwind of camera flashes, interviews and screaming fans. This summer, they finally take time to pause and reflect on their success in NCT 127: The Lost Boys, coming August 30 exclusively on Disney+.

In this upcoming four-part series, NCT 127 members TAEIL, JOHNNY, TAEYONG, YUTA, DOYOUNG, JAEHYUN, JUNGWOO, MARK, and HAECHAN sit down to talk about their childhood experiences growing up in various cities around the world, as well as their feelings about their international success and the unexpected difficulties they have faced along the way. Each episode will focus on two-to-three members of the group as they talk about their past and reveal exclusive footage for audiences to enjoy.

Directed by Jayil Pak (Georgia), created by Cho Youngchul (Persona, So Not Worth It) and Yim Pilsung (Presona, Doomsday Book, Scarlet Innocence), NCT 127: The Lost Boys is a four-part series that will release two episodes per week from August 30 through September 6. 

Stream NCT 127: The Lost Boys from August 30 exclusively on Disney+.

Happy and Healthy Pets: Essential Tips for New and Seasoned Pet Owners

Filipinos adore having pets. With 79% of Filipinos being pet owners, it’s no surprise that they find joy in taking care of animals, whether they're of the feathered, furred, or even scaled kind. But beyond the joy of companionship and protection, pets offer a multitude of health benefits, including increasing opportunities to exercise and socialize and even alleviating feelings of loneliness, allowing pet owners to live healthier, happier lives.

 

Pets offer unconditional love to their families, and as such, it is every pet parent’s responsibility to ensure that their pets are also living their best and healthiest lives. So if you’re planning to be a first-time pet parent or a pet parent looking for tips on how to care for your pets better, here are some tips to take into consideration.

 

Ensure that your pet can thrive in the environment you’re in

Yes, pets are cute and are a joy to have around but the first step for any prospective pet owner is to gauge if the pet you want to take care of can thrive in the environment you’re living in. In the Philippines, that means looking for pets that can live in tropical climates.

 

For furry animals like cats and dogs, this means looking for breeds that have the right kind of coats and body structures. Otherwise, pet parents should invest in creating the right environment for their pets, including proper temperature regulation and ventilation.

 

Feed your pets food that’s proper and healthy for them

A responsible pet parent should always do research on what to feed their pets. Like humans, pets can have intolerances, allergies, and even food that are poisonous for them. It’s important to learn about what a proper, balanced diet is like for your pet and this can be done through research and through consultations with your veterinarian.

 

Exercise your pets

Pets need exercise, as this not only helps them burn their energy but also keeps them limber and mentally and physically healthy, as in the case of dogs. Just make sure that the type of exercise you give your pets is appropriate for them, as different pets and breeds require different kinds of exercise.

 

Keep up with their checkups and vaccinations

Taking care of pets is very much like taking care of ourselves–they need proper nutrition, exercise, and regular medical checkups. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, all pets should receive a physical medical examination at least once a year. These visits include regular vaccinations and treatments to ensure that they are healthy, as unlike humans, pets may not be able to communicate or show outward signs of disease or injury–things a trained veterinarian can spot and provide treatment and guidance on.

 

Invest in pet insurance

Routine vet visits and even unexpected medical emergencies can put strain on a pet owner’s finances, which is why it’s important to consider getting a pet insurance product like Pet Insure,

 

Pet Insure is a customized non-life product specifically designed to protect the health of dogs no matter their breed, allowing dog parents to fully address the needs of their fur babies, including emergencies and accidents.

 

Regional insurtech Igloo, together with Malayan Insurance and GCash, created Pet Insure to afford owners convenience and security as it offers three-in-one coverage that includes medical reimbursement for veterinary care up to a maximum of P100,000; owner's liability coverage of up to a maximum of P250,000; and a personal accident cover for dog owners worth P50,000 for as low as P650 for a one-month coverage on the GCash GInsure marketplace.

 

Having pets is a huge responsibility, and every pet owner must recognize the importance of ensuring that their pets are healthy, thriving, and happy. Learn more about how Pet Insure can protect your pet here.

 

Proudly Pinoy: Spotify July Beats - feel the essence of Manila

Step into the vibrant Pinoy street life through the tracks of  Ez Mil and Shanti Dope. Ez Mil’s Panalo (Trap Cariñosa) celebrates being Filipino, regardless of skin color or dialect. On the other hand, Shanti Dope’s Shantidope will let you dive into the vivid narrative of a Pinoy kid’s journey growing up in local neighborhoods.

 

To truly feel the essence of Manila, let the melodic tunes of Lola Amour’s Raining in Manila and Young Cocoa’s Manila transport you – whether you’re walking down the streets or just vibin’ on the sidewalks. You can also listen to the classics through the Best of Manila Sound playlist such as Hotdog’s Manila and APO Hiking Society’s Pumapatak Ang Ulan.

 

OPM nostalgia mania: Classics that represent what it is to be a Filipino 

 These are the tracks that evoke an overwhelming sense of Pinoy pride whenever one hears them. Bamboo’s Noypi and Orange and Lemons’ PINOY AKOare the anthems that resonate deep within, making you proudly proclaim “Pinoy ako!”. FrancisM, Filipino’s King of Rap, also crafted the vintage rap masterpiece Mga Kababayan, promoting Filipino bond and unity. For more nostalgic OPM hits to hype up your Pinoy pride, check out OPM Rock Hits.

 

Pinoycasting: Podcasts on Filipino history

 If you need more than tracks, it’s time you listen to some Pinoy podcasts that dive deep into Filipino history. Listen to The Howie Severino Podcast as he explores more about the different issues, history facts, and other Pinoy topics with several relevant personalities, such as his Malakas na malakas ang patriotism ng Pilipino” episode where he discusses the history of Independence Day and what “patriotism” truly means with Manuel L. Quezon III, the grandson of the country’s second president. 

     For a lighter take, join The KoolPals in their “#520: Kalayaan Magpatawa” episode as they share lighthearted anecdotes celebrating the essence of being a proud Pinoy and the phenomena that united all Filipinos around the world.

 

World-class fans: Pinoy ARMYs share their top 5 BTS songs

 Filipinos are self-proclaimed “best fans” and they recently shined as some of the most devoted ARMYs worldwide – Spotify’s 2022 data revealed that the Philippines ranked 2nd in streaming BTS tracks. 

 

As part of BTS’s 10th anniversary, Spotify launched an interactive app feature earlier this month that lets fans curate and rank their top 5 BTS songs. And Pinoy ARMYs have spoken - here are the top 5 BTS tracks that have emerged as the Philippines’ favorites (listed in order): Spring Day, Magic Shop, Life Goes On, Mikrokosmos, and Run BTS.