B A L E S I N I S L A N D C LU B

It’s easy to say nice thingsabout yourself,

but what matters iswhat others say

about you.

Here is what othershave said about

Balesin.

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Balesin beckons oberto Ongpin waxes lyrical when he talks about Balesin, a 500- hectare white-sand island off the coast of Quezon province on the Philippines’ Pacific coast. Alphaland, the listed company Ongpin runs with investment from UK-based Ashmore group, had acquired the property recently from the family of the late Edgardo Tordesillas, who was Ongpin’s deputy at the trade and industry ministry when both of them were in government in the 1980s. Part of Ongpin’s excitement is explained by the fact that he has never lost his passion for developing high-end luxury resorts meant for the rich and famous much like what he had envisioned for Tagaytay Highlands originally – that was before he was ousted from Belle Corporation 12 years ago.

R Balesin presents that interesting opportunity and he is determined to make it a stand-out. Ongpin reckons that if he did not enter the world of business, he would probably have been an architect. “There were 11 architects involved in the development of the initial phase of Tagaytay Highlands; one of them is unlicensed,” he chuckles. He says that some of the greatest battles he had then was often over design – the look and feel. He believes in building to cater to the high end of the market – to create the snob appeal. With Balesin, he is back to where he started 12 years ago. And he is raring to transform the idyllic island into his very own creation – his masterplan for what will be one of the country’s most exclusive resorts. The plan

involves initially the development of six themed villages based on Ongpin’s own travels – Mykonos (Greece), Sardinia (Italy), St. Tropez (France), Phuket (Thailand), Bali (Indonesia) and a still unnamed Philippine island theme. Each village will have 20 to 30 units. Work has started on a new runway. Alphaland will be acquiring small aircrafts for the 25-minute hop to ferry vacationers to the island. By the end of the year, Ongpin hopes to have the clubhouse up and running. But it will be a multi-year project andAlphaland has budgeted to spend at least 2 billion pesos. For Ongpin, of course, it will be like no other and turning what became a nightmare 12 years ago into a dream come true.

July/August 2010

Reprinted from The Asset (Vol. 12 No. 7) with permission from Asset Publishing and Research Ltd.

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Balesin: TheA lphaland’s investment in the tourism resort market is Alphaland Balesin Island Club on Balesin Island, located

about 33 kilometers off the eastern coast of Luzon and only 25 minutes by plane from Manila’s domestic airport. Alphaland Balesin Island Club covers 424 hectares. The availability of the 1.5-kilometer airfield that can accommodate regional aircraft makes Balesin Island the ideal spot for an environmentally sustainable beach haven development near the city. Alphaland Balesin Island Club offers uniquely designed accommodations and amenities in each of the major sites of the island. With the clubhouse as the island’s

ultimate in resort livingcentrepiece, Alphaland Balesin Island Club will be subdivided into six areas, each with 40 hospitality villas. The clusters take inspiration from six of the most luxurious beachside destinations around the world: St. Tropez (Cote d’azur), Phuket (Thailand), Costa Smeralda (Sardinia), Bali (Indonesia), Mykonos (Greece) and Philippine Tropical. Members and their guests can choose to spend their stay in any of the six hospitality resorts within the clusters where the themes are carefully carried out – from landscaping, structural and interior design – as well as their culinary and beverage offerings. Close to the clubhouse is the Destination Spa which will offer specialty treatment suites,

outdoor bathing, relaxation lounges, and a yoga studio that will cater to the health, body and any and all relaxation needs. Alphaland Balesin Island Club membership model appeals to weekend travelers who seek more privacy with their friends and families. Membership means free yearly flights to Balesin Island as well as multiple complimentary nights in the themed hospitality rooms and villas. Members and their guests can reach the island via land or sea, with flights from a dedicated member’s lounge in Manila’s domestic airport or the ferry service from Real Port in Quezon Province. On the island, the club electric carts, bicycles and horses will take guests around

its themed beach clusters, spa, leisure areas, sport facilities, entertainment venues and scenic viewpoints. The island development will make use of ecologically sensitive alternatives for power generation, water desalination and water harvesting and recycling. The construction of the clubhouse and its core engineering systems will have utilities management and utility saving measures as key elements of the design development. As location and ambience are keys to the success of The Alphaland Balesin Island Club, its architectural design will ensure that the entire site remains in harmony with the tropical island setting.

Weekly Business Newsmagazine

November 2010

Reprinted from BizNews Asia (Vol. 8 No. 32) with permission from BizNews Asia Philippines, Inc.

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March 2012

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There is a gravitas to Michelle Ongpin that

belies her youth, milky skin, clear, bright

eyes, and ultra-feminine demeanor. The

weight and wisdom that seemingly comes

from having lived and seen it all appears

incongruent with the youthful woman

who has recently returned to join her

father’s firm in the Philippines. A child of

the East and the West, her challenge lies

in successfully blending the two cultures she has inherited, as well as the

dualities she has found within. She is mostly Western in appearance, in a

1920s Hollywood Greta Garbo meets Mona Lisa way. However, the genes

of her father, Roberto, are plainly evident in the round curve of her jaw and

the capacious forehead that geomancers consider as extremely lucky and a

sign of great intelligence.

She has returned to the islands of her childhood to work at her father’s firm, renew ties with those she left behind, forge new bonds, and grow a new tribe. She takes it in stride, with the wisdom and long-term view of one much older. She remains, in the face of it all, thoughtful, philosophical, fiercely independent, and refreshingly humble, working hard to fit back in, yet still marching to her own tune.Though born in Cologne, Germany, Michelle lived in the Philippines un-til she was three. “I don’t remember anything of that time but I do think that I owe a lot to those three years. I was always surrounded by people and I think a lot of my staying quite calm comes from that period. From what I hear, I was a happy child, loved, and protected. I always felt safe to discover the world.”Her family is as global as her upbringing and is very closely knit, even though it might be considered unconventional by local standards. “My mother, Annelie, is German. I have a half-brother, Julian, who is half-Australian. Another brother Steven, whose mother is Chilean, is an art dealer in London. His sister, Anna, who is my half-sister, lives in the U.S.”Michelle met the two children of Monica Arellano Ongpin, her father’s wife of 50 years, at various stages in her life. She was introduced to Steven, her eldest brother, when she was 6, and Anna when she was 12. She’s been in contact with her brother Julian from the time she was 3, as they regularly spent the Christmas holidays together; he also lived with her when he was staying in Manila. “Because of my family I was always surrounded by many languages and cultures,” Michelle says.

She herself could speak “a funny mix” of German, English, and Tagalog by age 3, but when Michelle and her mother moved back to Austria, she spoke mostly German from then on.After a brief childhood in the Philippines surrounded by nannies, cooks, maids and other staff, moving to Austria was a bit of a shock to Michelle, where she grew up solely in the care of her mother. “The years in Austria brought me very close to her, as it was just the two of us. Until today she is the person that I go to for advice and whose opinion I value very much. All in all I had a very happy childhood. I grew up in this tiny, very picturesque Austrian village. I could play outside, learned how to play the piano and the flute (music lessons are free in Austria), went to ballet classes, and took up acting. I think it was a very ‘healthy’ childhood; very ‘down to earth.’”Michelle lived there with her mother until she was 18, then she moved to Italy for half a year, before entering university in Vienna, where she stayed for

six years. She went back to Perugia, Italy, for another six months to study Italian, before moving to London and then to Beijing for work. Now, she finds herself in Manila.Today, she has taken her European upbringing to Asia and reconnected with childhood friends here. “Friends would describe me as driven. I like to travel and to eat. I’m interested in art and read a lot. Work is not my entire life. Then there is my European side, where opinions are heard.” She enjoys healthy debates and discussions and was always encouraged to express her views with support from a liberal education and an open social structure.Back in the land of her childhood, she is also enjoying exploring the island home she has so recently reclaimed. “Weekends I try to get out to Baguio, Balesin, Tagaytay.” Bales-in is the island that occupies a huge amount of her time with Alphaland, whose other developments include the Bay City Club development out by Manila Bay, Makati Place, an upcoming residential and mixed

use development in the Makati central business district, and the City Club, a members-only, all-encompassing enclave in the same location.A 30-minute flight from the city and a favorite weekend destination of hers, Balesin Island is a chance for Michelle to mix business with pleasure and al-low work and down time to merge, which suits her nature. The island is an-other limited offering, for members who wish to enjoy an exclusive holiday in a stunning location, one that used to be enjoyed only by old time land-owners of the island. Lush, protected, and untouched until recently, Balesin is being developed as the ultimate private getaway for those lucky enough to gain access to an exclusive roster. Within the new island development Michelle is most passionate about the education and welfare of the island’s townsfolk and is working on setting up a Balesin foundation to help better

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11 12Reprinted from Town & Country Philippines (March 2012) with permission from Summit Media

their lives and their prospects. “Hopefully we will help make life easier for people and they can have choices in life.”Living in Manila has also brought disquiet into her life: her father has been visible fairly recently in the media. This Michelle has taken as an opportunity to watch closely and learn. “I have spoken to my father and he’s dealing well with the controversy. He’s explained it all to me. This experience teaches you a lot about politics in this country, which is very different from Europe. I was surprised at the way things unfold here, but I’m more exposed to it now. Although everything that happens here happens as well in Europe, just not as visible.”A much tougher time, that perhaps puts all she is currently facing in perspective, occurred when she was 7 years old. “My mom was diagnosed with cervical cancer when she was 44. She had to undergo treatment in Cologne. It was hard; there was the fear of losing her and of not fully understanding. An experience like that, it changes you. I am more diligent health wise. And I realized that you have to believe in yourself. My mother believed in herself and she thought she was going to do fine.” During this difficult time, Michelle says she gained a newfound respect for the suffering of others. “Get to know people, put yourself in their shoes.” Her mother’s influence as a social worker for refugee children is evident in Michelle’s own commitment to corporate social responsibility and giving back to the community.There is also much to learn about a new culture and the sudden intricacies of a life in a social fishbowl. “Here, there’s more of a sense of entitlement which I disagree with. Just because you have a prominent last name does not entitle you to anything. You must earn that respect, not just because you’re someone’s daughter.”There are the pluses: “You can have the best of both worlds here. There’s a sense of community and family who rely on each other. It’s not just about putting yourself first. Here you also don’t take yourself too seriously,” she laughs. She also brings to work her German side–efficiency and getting things done–and at the same time, appreciates the Filipino side, including the sense of humor. “People are so easy to work with and eager to please.”And there are the minuses: “Sometimes it’s difficult because they don’t like critiquing the boss and I don’t get too much feedback. I want feedback from my team. Then there’s not telling me when there’s a problem.”Then there is commitment, in many forms, starting with her passion for her work. She returned to Manila in 2009 after working in China with the

Kerry Group Kuok Foundation. The job, while enriching and in line with her passion for community development, wasn’t quite the perfect fit, so, as fate would have it, she found herself back in Manila working for her father.Today she is able to merge her CSR and foundation background with more of the same activities, as well as multiple roles: assistant to the chairman, senior vice president for corporate communications, and president of the Philweb Foundation.She is also growing roots, with the requisite flat in the city, which she is currently renovating. “There’s lots of wood. People say it’s quite masculine; lots of whites and reds,” she says of her Asian Modern apartment. And then there’s someone to share her many blessings with, boyfriend Frank Callaghan, a photographer who recently had a successful exhibit at

Silverlens gallery. It was an auspicious first meeting. “We met at the Syquia Apartments Christmas party. He’s British-Filipino so it works well.”They recently made a trip back to her hometown where she introduced him to a few of her friends. “It was great that Frankie could meet my friends there and see my life over there. It was important for him to see me with my old group, see how we interact; see that there you stand for yourself and say what you think.”She looks forward to staying on and making a life in the Philippines. “Ten years from now I’d like to still be here, or move into the Bay City project, perhaps with two children. But really, home is what you make of it, with people you like, a job, a partner.”She shares one fear: of “being in a place and not being content with what I am doing, who I am, not being me anymore or giving up too much of myself, my values.” Her mixed heritage, innate flexibility, and personal strength are a source of pride. “I know I can move anywhere and I will be fine. Things have not always been easy but I can cope. I also know that home is within

you; it’s not necessarily a place.”Michelle is relishing her new domicile and her new life in Manila, with no plans of moving back to Europe. “I have a challenging job; it’s so varied and creative. I work with a lot of great people. My Filipina side is coming out as well.It looks as if this child of two worlds is home to stay: finding her place in a new life, working with her innate strengths, combining her passion for building better lives and communities, and like a lovely melody, she’s not going to fade away.

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What Rises in the eastWith powder white beaches, jewel-toned coral reefs, and tangled jungle, Balesin Island Club could be

any other stunning island paradise—except for its six distinct villages that take after the world’s most

beautiful seaside destinations, and its carefully planned, inherent sustainability.

The concepT of a members-only resort that brings together the beach capitals of the world on one beautiful island off the Eastern coast of Luzon is both fascinating and ambiguous at the same time. Six top seaside destinations within easy reach is fascinating, but ambiguous, because, how could an idea as big as this not look like a tropical Disneyland gone wrong?

Seeing is believing. Balesin Island Club is just a 25-minute plane ride from Manila. As the airplane circles the island prior to final approach, you see

winding roads curving through the lush, unhindered growth of the rainforest. The thick foliage hides most of the club’s minimal structures.

The six villages are scattered throughout the island, with the club set to open this July. When they are completed, floating villas from ‘Bali’ will reach out from the white, powder-soft sand onto the waters of Lamon Bay, while a Greek tavern in the ‘Mykonos’ village makes its home on Balesin’s limestone cliffs, looking out at the Pacific Ocean. Boats will bob at anchor

in ‘Saint Tropez’, and the richness of Thai culture will be evident in every beam and carving in the ‘Phuket’ village, nestled in a secret, southern cove. And while ‘Costa Smerelda’ will make you feel like you’ve been transported to an Italian village redolent with the homey aromas of olive oil and parmesan, the Philippine-inspired ‘Balesin’ village should help you remember that there’s no place like home.

As a member, the choice is yours. You get 14 nights a year, where you can stay at

Floating villas from ‘Bali’ will reach out from the white, powder-soft sand onto

the waters of Lamon Bay, while a Greek tavern in the ‘Mykonos’ village makes

its home on Balesin’s limestone cliffs.

any village you like. Alphaland’s Senior Vice President for Corporate Communications Michelle Ongpin calls it “a tackline to your own private paradise.”

Michelle’s father, the larger-than-life Roberto “Bobby” Ongpin of Alphaland, is behind this vision. His track record in exclusive development projects, like Tagaytay Highlands, demonstrated his lofty standards of quality. One of the best development planners in the world, EcoPlan of Florida, ensured that Balesin Island Club was designed

as a harmonious, integrated whole, built according to a master plan that takes into careful consideration the island’s geography and climate, top-notch amenities, and of course the all-important guest experience.

For Alphaland’s chairman, this project is strictly personal. Each of the chosen villages is a personal favorite of Mr. Ongpin, including Balesin Island. “It was my dad’s dream from the beginning,” shares Michelle Ongpin, “He used to go to Balesin every year in the ‘80’s and ‘90’s; he built a house

there, and absolutely loves the island. He’s always wanted to do something more with it.” To make sure they got it right, Mr. Ongpin sent his architects to each foreign destination, so they could immerse themselves in the local culture and architecture. He insisted on personally overseeing the design plans, sharing his memories of countless trips. It may promise six different experiences in one resort, but there is nothing hodgepodge about Balesin Island Club.

March 2012

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� RoGue’s GaLLeRy / TRAVEL

one of the best

development planners

in the world, ecoplan

of Florida, ensured that

Balesin island Club

was designed as a

harmonious, integrated

whole, built according to

a master plan.

The resort challenges other notions, too. In partnering up with EcoPlan, Balesin is an exquisite rebuttal to the idea that world-class luxury and authentic sustainability are ultimately incompatible. And the secret, once again, is in the master plan, guaranteeing that sensitivity for the island’s environment is a key feature right in the blueprints. “We’ve master-planned it from the beginning to make Balesin Island Club sustainable in the long run,” Ms. Ongpin says. “So the overdevelopment and pollution that has happened in Boracay will never happen here.” So, what does Balesin Island have instead? For one, an international airport with a 1.5km runway, complete with immigration and customs. The runway also doubles as a water collection system for the island. The rainwater falling on the runway runs off into a series of lagoons, which serve as the main supply for the island’s water filtration plants. Only 50 of Balesin’s 500 hectares will be developed, preserving the island’s natural beauty, while offering its members plush, 57-square-meter villas, swimming pools, premium sports facilities including covered tennis courts and water sports, and of course a lavish, holistic spa. The pristine coral reefs and virgin rainforests are protected by 80%

water recycling, sewage treatment, and roads that carve around trees rather than plough through the forest. The vehicles on the island will be electric shuttles, although guests can also ride horses from the equestrian center to get around. Balesin’s organic farm will grow fresh produce for the resort’s needs, while the aquaculture center will supplement the daily catch brought in by the local fishermen— the local community plays a big part in the project. The island will offer “well-executed small menus with excellent produce,” supplies Michelle Ongpin. “As with everything else, it’s not necessarily about quantity, but quality, with fresh, seasonal offerings.” Since each village has its own specialty restaurant, serving up authentic fare, there’s plenty to choose from. Of course, the fact that Balesin is a members-only island plays a big role in maintaining this subtle yet achievable balance between human development and natural environment. Its wealth of possible experiences, ambitious as it is, might also be the secret to the next level of exclusive membership resorts. Add the island’s natural and developed assets, and Balesin Island Club is definitely a paradise you’ll want to sign up for.

Reprinted from Rogue (March 2012) with permission from Rogue Media, Inc.

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April 2012

Reprinted from Turista Magazine (Issue 17) with permission from Hinge Inquirer Publications

I f you’re up for an international vacation experience minus the long lines at the airport, then look no further than Quezon Province. Somewhere east of Mauban near Polillo Island is Balesin Island Club. Named after the balete tree and asin, this 424-hectare property houses Lamon Bay, one of the richest fishing grounds in the Pacific. Aside from having a pristine beach, the island is also rich in vegetation with rainforests, trees, wild shrubs, and flowers growing all over.Once owned by the Tordesillas family, the island was recently acquired by the Ongpins, through Alphaland. “We aim to provide you with a unique,

luxurious, and exclusive island experience,” says Michelle Ongpin, Senior Vice-President for Corporate Communications of Alphaland.LAID-BACK DELUXE

Balesin is not another Boracay. You go to Balesin not to attend overcrowded parties or sing your heart out on karaoke nights, but to unwind , revel in the outdoors, and take a break from city life. Hospitable locals greet visitors with fresh buko juice while kundiman songs courtesy of kuya joey, play in the background. After checking in, you will be escorted to a luxurious villa , which has all the accoutrements of a five-star experience including a king-sized bed, whirlpool bath,

flat-screen television, and outdoor sundeck.But as comfortable as your villa is, you cannot help but be drawn to the pristine environment outside. The beach, with its clear blue waters, immaculate white sand, and unspoiled quality, is probably Balesin’s biggest lure. Swim in the waters. Lie down on the sand. Or take long walks around the 7.6-km. shore , its white sand remaining cool on your bare feet despite the scorching heat. If you’re the more active type, there are facilities for diving, surfing, kayaking, snorkeling, and kite boarding.Oh, and you can also go horseback riding along the shores. Fishing is another activity that you might want to try. Local fishermen regularly go out to the open water to catch fresh fish and seafood for the dining outlets. But if that’s a bit too much for you, then settle for a few hours of spear fishing. Speaking of dining, the meals at Balesin are served at the club restaurant, Sala. Try the Fish Binakol, lapu-lapu cooked in coconut water and served in a coconut. The idea is for you to take portions of the fish while scraping off some of the coconut meat from its husk. The Paella Negra is another must-try, its tender rice cooked in squid ink. Finish off with the Balesinner, a cocktail of Hendricks gin, soda, and gumamela syrup. Everyone can be a jetsetter, even without leaving the country; Balesin offers exclusive world-class amenities and accommodations that are just a 25-minute plane ride away.

A prequel of Balesin’s spacious andawe-inspiring dining area.

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To see the world in a grain of sand is literally impossible, but to live in six of the world’s well-loved destinations in a 500-hectare of land is every traveler’s dream come true… and it’s real. It’s here. Now.

A mere 25-minute plane ride from Manila is Balesin Island, found off the coast of Mauban, Quezon, which faces the Pacific Ocean. It’s impossible not to feel like royalty upon alighting the resort’s new Cessna Caravan that effortlessly taxies down the 1,520-meter long world-class concrete airstrip. Once you get past the fragrant lei, the welcome drink, and a serenade, you will know first-hand the wonderful things that make for a luxurious summer hideaway. Pristine emerald waters… long stretches of fine, white sand… exclusive 5-star resort amenities. Check. Check. Check!

But the best part of it all? Why, it’s experiencing the world’s best destinations in a matter of minutes and you don’t even need a passport and visa at that. Thanks to the vision of the island’s resort developers—seasoned travelers all who know exactly how to travel in stylish luxury and comfort—the island showcases deluxe “villages” that exude ‘rich and famous’ (paparazzis not included): the Greek island

BALESIN ISLAND: BEYOND LUXURYLYNETTE LEE CORPORAL samples “luxurious eco-conscious living” in beguiling Balesin Island. Photos by GEORGE TAPAN

of Mykonos; the chi-chi French Riviera’s St. Tropez; Sardinia’s affluent Costa Esmeralda; Indonesian favorite Bali; the exotic Thai destination of Phuket; and, of course, local pride Balesin. Given the developers’ classy taste, there’s no doubt they can pull this off and deliver what they promised.

According to Balesin project director Marco Diaz, the themed villages are not “mere copies” but are uniquely and “meticulously designed and constructed to resemble the selected destinations.” The best way to do this was for Balesin developer, Alphaland, to send its architects to the actual places to really get the feel of these destinations that are posh stomping grounds of the ultra-rich jet-set crowd. Thus, architects Meloy Casas and Jorge Yulo, for instance, had their immersion in St. Tropez, and Costa Esmeralda and Mykonos, respectively, all for the sake of authenticity.

Whether it’s the whitewashed structures of Mykonos atop a hill, the Mediterranean charm of St. Tropez or the wide-open spaces of Bali huts, resort members will get to fulfill their resort fantasies in this island. And hey, the food in these villas is authentic too.

The common denominator of these uniquely designed villas is its luxurious amenities. So, expect a 5-star feel to each village, Jacuzzis, indoor and outdoor opulent beds, plus modern comforts – WiFi access, direct to home TV (CIGNAL TV), and Smart 3G cell site.

Beyond the obvious, it’s the oft taken for granted details that make the Balesin island experience a memorable one. If you’re a pillow junkie, fret not for the pillows in these villas are snugly, softly divine.

PERSONAL SPACE: Designers have

thoughtfully separated wash basins for males

and females in the villas’ bathrooms, as well as

provided more clothes’ racks and pegs for the latter’s more diverse

fashion sense.

LUSH PARADISE: The waters around Balesin Island is teeming with fish species including wrasse, grouper, flame colored snapper, yellowfin tuna, squid, parrot fish, as well as blue and black marlin.

72 I Mabuhay Magazine I May 2012

May 2012

Reprinted from Mabuhay Magazine (May 2012) with permission from Eastgate Publishing Corp.

LYNETTE LEE CORPORAL samples “luxurious eco-conscious living” in beguiling Balesin Island.Photos by GEORGE TAPAN

To see the world in a grain of sand is literally impossible, but to live in six of the world’s well-loved destinations in a 500-hectare of land is every traveler’s dream come true...and it’s real. It’s here. Now.A mere 25-minute plane ride from Manila is Balesin Island, found off the coast of Mauban, Quezon, which faces the Pacific Ocean. It’s impossible not to feel like royalty upon alighting the resort’s new Cessna Caravan that effortlessly taxies down the 1,520-meter long world-class concrete airstrip. Once you get past the fragrant lei, the welcome drink, and a serenade, you will know first-hand the wonderful things that make for a luxurious summer hideaway. Pristine emerald waters...long stretches of fine, white sand...exclusive 5-star resort amenities. Check. Check. Check!But the best part of it all? Why, it’s experiencing the world’s best destinations in a matter of minutes and you don’t even need a passport and visa at that. Thanks to the vision of the island’s resortdevelopers - seasoned travelers all who know exactly how to travel in stylish luxury and

comfort - the island showcases deluxe “villages” that exude “rich and famous” (paparazzis not included): the Greek island of Mykonos; the chi-chi French Riviera’s St. Tropez; Sardinia’s affluent Costa Smeralda; Indonesian favorite Bali; the exotic Thai destination of Phuket; and, of course, local pride Balesin. Given the developer’s classy taste, there’s no doubt they can pull this off and deliver what they promised.According to Balesin project director Marco Diaz, the themed villages are not “mere copies” but are uniquely and “meticulously designed and constructed to resemble the selected destinations.” The best way to do this was for Balesin developer, Alphaland, to send its architects to the actual places to really get the feel of these destinations that are posh stomping grounds of the ultra-rich jet-set crowd. Thus, architects Meloy Casas and Jorge Yulo, for instance, had their immersion in St. Tropez, and Costa Smeralda and Mykonos, respectively, all for the sake of authenticity.Whether it’s the whitewashed structures of Mykonos atop a hill, the Mediterranean charm of

St. Tropez or the wide-open spaces of Bali huts, resort members will get to fulfill their resort fantasies in this island. And hey, the food in these villas is authentic too.The common denominator of these uniquely designed villas is its luxurious amenities. So, expect a 5-star feel to each village, Jacuzzis, indoor and outdoor opulent beds, plus modern comforts - WiFi access, direct to home TV (CIGNAL TV), and Smart 3G cell site.Beyond the obvious, it’s the oft taken for granted details that make the Balesin island experience a memorable one. If you’re a pillow junkie, fret not for the pillows in these villas are snugly, softly divine.Sunset cocktails? The beachside bar is there at yourservice. In the mood for silent moments? Sit under the lone tree in front of the Balesin village restaurant and contemplate Balesin’s “sea of tranquility” to your heart’s content. Need to pacify the restless tot? Go horseback riding with the little one on the beach. Father and son bonding has never been such a blissful activity.Apart from the villas’ spacious indoor shower areas, there are also al fresco shower rooms that offer utmost privacy. Massage treatments - either inside the room or outside on the day bed - are also available. Of course, Balesin has its own spa villa, as well as sports amenities exclusive for members.The affluent, eco-conscious traveler will be glad to

know that Balesin is an epitome of sustainability, what with water recycling capabilities, sewage treatment plants and probiotic fishponds, to name some. Cars are not allowed so you go from one village to the other via a golf cart. As part of their sustainability philosophy - the heart and soul of Balesin - Alphaland is only going to develop 10% of the island, and even that 10% will accommodate trees and lush landscapes.

The resort, says Alphaland SVP for corporate communications Michelle Ongpin, employs local villagers and has already sent three college scholars to date.Whether you’re reflecting upon the beauty of Balesin Island Club’s 700-m long immaculately clean beachfront or relaxing in the villas’ outdoor Jacuzzi, it’s always a relief to know that living in the lap of luxury need not result in environmental carnage.

LUSH PARADISE: The waters around Balesin Island is teeming with fish species including wrasse, grouper, flame colored snapper, yellowfin tuna, squid, parrot fish, as well as blue and black marlin.

PERSONAL SPACE:

Designers have thoughtfully

separated wash basins for

males and females in the villas’

bathrooms, as well as provided

more clothes’ racks and pegs for

the latter’s more diverse fashion

space.

EASY RIDE: The horse-riding trail around the island is 8.6 km long , 650-700 meters of which are on the beach.

LIVING IN STYLE: Balesin, located 35 kilometers off Mauban’s coast, has 7.6 kilometers of white-sand beaches. The members-only island resort has 240 hospitality and 12 clubhouse suites available for members.

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June 2012

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IT FELT QUITE BITTERSWEET FOR ME, therefore, to head to the Club, knowing I can only have a taste and a glimpse of all the fine things it has to offer-how can such a thing of beauty be solely for a chosen few? But once I set foot on what may be a last frontier of raw beauty, saw how it was being cared for, and met some of the people to whom it has been entrusted to, the exclusivity of Balesin Island Club made perfect sense.

VILLAGES OF THE PRIVILEGEDAssuming the role of a member during my assignment, this was how I was transported to Balesin Island Club-riding one of the Club’s private Cessna Caravan turbo jet-powered private planes and reaching the island just 20 minutes from Manila. It was a hassle-free and flawless ride, and though it did not afford me of the boat ride-mythic vision of the island’s oldest banyan tree afloat in the middle of nowhere, I wouldn’t have it any other way. This is actually one of the biggest draws of the Club; members are given easy access to six* international seaside villages. Apart from a Philippine village, there are Greek, French, Italian, Thai and Indonesian villages in the Club. Why those six villages? Because they represent the best that the world offers when it comes to island or seaside living. So, if I were a member, I no longer need to go in hiatus for days. The Club has laid down the six finest places for me, in one island, just minutes from the capital. An international island-themed playground for the rich and famous? Not at all. Alphaland’s realization of its ambitious blueprint shows that the mission is more than just building high-end structures – Alphaland is after authenticity, to afford members real experiences form six unique ways of experiencing one island, through the six villages. Balesin Village, the Club’s Philippine village, stands as a proof of that commitment on authenticity, and the first to be completed from the six villages. I was billeted in one of its 40 villas – a luxurious rendering of the bahay kubo (thatch roofed stilt house), impressive for its warm and earthy vibe, exuded by being built with dark wood and native weavings, from the ceiling down. It was complete with all the requisite five-star amenities: Jacuzzi, wide flat screen television, a liquor and coffee bar, and a feather pillowed grand bed. But its grandest feature is the view – all villas in Balesin Village are front and center to the island’s longest stretch of white beach at 7.3 kilometers. This strip of beach, called Long Beach in the island, surpasses the length of some of the Philippines’ longest white sand beaches, and is made up of fine creamy white sands, with smooth little white shells generously washed to the shore by the blue waters of Lamon Bay everyday. I was told that during planning, the designers, landscapists and architects saw to it that all six villages

in the Club will have a view of the island’s many beaches and coves, and the sea. They knew this was imperative to ensuring the authentic island getaway feel of every village. By that standard, Bali Village (the Indonesian village) will not only have villages sharing the northern part of Long Beach, it will also have villas standing on stilts on the water. Phuket Village (the Thai village) is taking form on its own private white-sand cove facing the Pacific Ocean. Mykonos (the Greek village) will have its blazing white villas crowned by round blue domes on the hillside part of the island, overlooking the sea. St. Tropez (the French Riviera village) is being set up seaside as well after the fashion of South-of-France and boutique-inspired hotel destinations, and near a fishing lake. In between Mykonos and St. Tropez will be Costa Smeralda (the Italian village) which will have a centerpiece neo Sardinia-style hotel. All six villages are a few minutes walk (or drive via electric powered golf carts) to a spa, the aquatic sports center. The spa has started offering full massage and body treatments. Members can avail of snorkeling and surfing gear from the sports center and enjoy the rich swells of the waters surrounding the island. Should they be not the beach fan types, members can borrow horses from the stables and ride through the jungle at the center of the island. Each of the villages is set to have its own restaurant serving authentic regional cuisine, so that those in mykonos can have their fill of souvlaki, while those in St. Tropez can indulge on crepes at the café. Members, regardless of what village they are staying, can crisscross the island to sample everything from any of the six villages’ specialty restaurants. Should they still not be content, they can proceed to the Clubhouse, which in itself has a restaurant, apart from suites with lofts, private function rooms, and a Japanese restaurant – the Sakura. Bubbly half-Japanese, half-Filipino chef Edwin “Edu-San” Ogarte firmly believes “the Sakura completes the one-stop concept of Balesin”, and that because Japanese food is international, members will definitely crave it, no matter how good the Italian pasta and Thai chili are in their own villages. With Balesin Village already complete and open along with the Clubhouse, and by the speed at which the five villages are comping to completion, I could imagine a population of totally satisfied members, whose only inconvenience in the Club might be the difficulty in choosing what village to stay in or what adventure to embark on.

THE ISLAND’S TRUSTEESIn order to enjoy Balesin Island Club, you need to be a member. The club employs a strict screening process for one to qualify. This is why I did not hear about it - there

Reprinted from asianTraveler (June 2012) with permission from Pilsigns, Inc.

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are no advertisements announcing it, since most of the shareholders earned their membership through referrals and invitations. The only way a non member can experience Balesin is if he or she is invited as a guest by a member. Even these guest invitations are strict. Say I am a member, I cannot just sign an endorsement for my guests, serving as their ticket to the island – I have to accompany them throughout the duration of their stay. Of course, this holds me accountable for the actions of my guests, and any irresponsibility on their part can revoke my membership. The Club’s strictness is justified. It possesses a gem that has gone rare in this age of reckless property developments. Beyond the man-made luxuries of Balesin Village and the promise of the five others, the island’s real treasure is its wealth of coral white beaches and coves, crystal clear waters teeming with shells and eye-catching rock formations, and a lush and mysterious jungle-forest of giant banyan trees. Alphaland is aware of this, which is why it has committed to develop only 10 percent of the island and leave everything else as is-raw and ruggedly beautiful. Alphaland is also bent on applying green strategies-water is collected from the runway and deslinated, driftwood is gathered from the shores constantly and crafted as furniture and décor, organic farming will grow the island’s produce, and renewable energy will soon power the island as the Club explores the installation of solar panels.

The Club will also not allow more than 1000 members and guests occupying the island at a time. This is the Club’s measure for ensuring sustainability in the 424*-hectare island. What’s more, the locals, the original Balesin community, was not displaced - they are partners of the Club in preserving its pristine state, employed by Alphaland as construction workers and operations staff, with their children sent to schools. I asked general manager Wilhelm Bolton what has been the best thing that the creation of Balesin Island Club has done for the island and its people. Quickly, with conviction, he replied, “It is a 100 percent turnaround for the local people. They have livelihood, they have much more than what they had before, [and] they are passionate. They are enjoying something they built from scratch. It (the island) is as much theirs as it is the members.’” From worrying about the locals being out-of-place in the now-luxurious-island, I had to laugh-they are in a way better off than me, I realized, they live in Balesin. Not being a shareholder nor a native, I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to come back. It comforts me to know, though, that there exists this beautiful white sand island of enchanting giant trees out there, within the waters of my country, taken care of by an elite Club who know how to live the good life, with the help of the islands’ own daughters and sons-all of them people worthy of admiration and trust.

*Editor’s Note1) As of July 2012, Balesin Island Club will be adding a seventh village for the enjoyment of its members. Named for Spain’s world-famous coastal region, Costa del Sol will be located on the Pacific side of Balesin Island, not far from the Phuket Village. 2) Balesin Island Club is 500 hectares, not 424 hectares.

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August - October 2012

Now owned by Alphaland, whose major stockholders are Ashmore Group of London and Roberto V. Ongpin, Balesin Island Club is just off the Quezon coast—a skip and jump after hoping on a plane; in this case, a nine-seater Cessna 208B Grand Caravan. Alphaland owns two; each one piloted by two not one. The model has the best safety

Why does Balesin Island stand out among island resorts? Aside from its former fame as the resort of a lucky few, now it is open to general membership and is just 25 minutes away by air. The airport has a 1500 meter runway, longer than most provincial airports, the tarmac smooth like a bald man’s top, so passengers don’t dig their heels in the frayed carpet to make the plane stop. The plan is to extend it further to international standards, making Balesin a direct international stop without the hassle of transfers from the big city airports where they can lose your luggage.

There is also the 7.3 kilometers of white

all around, affording a privacy that few of resorts can offer. One side of the island

waters of Lamon Bay.

For lovers of cultural diversity, Balesin Island Club is perfect. Six villages are planned, all going up as you read this, each one patterned after a known international playground.

There is St. Tropez, the haunt in the French Riviera of the rich and glamorous set; Costa Smeralda, a Sardinian hideaway; Mykonos, Greece’s popular cruise destination, its rocky promontory speckled with dazzling whitewashed houses with blue roofs and

(main) Glittering white sand from end to end. (inset) The clear blue water of

30Reprinted from Expat Travel & Lifestyle (Vol.6 No. 3) with permission from Expat Communications Inc. 29

Southeast Asian paradise known for its magical mix of art, nature, religion and romance; Phuket, Thailand’s bustling beach resort with a more select clientele and minus the carmine places for the carnal crowd; and lastly, a Philippine village, home away from home.

Each village will have 40 villas large enough, at 60 square meters, for four people to sleep in and throw a party. Each has its own sundeck with a jacuzzi, an outdoor garden shower, barbecue facilities

channels. The bathrooms are spacious and expensively appointed, e.g., wide rain showerheads, indoor and outdoor shower

bed sheets and towels.

Three of the villages will have hotel facilities; all six will have a restaurant offering the best cuisine of the place it represents. The Clubhouse has family rooms

all the villages have their own specially designed pool, the Club’s pool is the largest I have seen, possibly double the size of other resorts, offering a choice of dipping in freshwater or saltwater.

For those whose vacation vocabulary does not include doing nothing, Balesin Island Club has a sports center with tennis, badminton and basketball courts. Aquatic

22-seater speedboat to take guests around. Jet skiing is not offered because of the racket and the pollution it makes. The Equestrian Center offers horseback riding and trekking. And for senior citizens and lovers of the peace and quiet, bird watching is an option. Hectares of virgin forests were left untouched by the developers. You can actually catch a yellowtail or a bluebird whizz by.

This is a getaway from the things you need to do, not from the things you wish were done to you—like a good rub. The Balesin Island Club Spa in a white building with white lounge chairs and white umbrellas beckons. Aside from the usual spa

steam and whirlpool facilities are on hand.

For me, the best time of the day is early morning when the beach has just been combed and cleaned by a mini tractor. The rhythmic splash of waves as laps the beach is like a mantra, clearing the mind of yesterday and elsewhere. With hardly anyone awake to spoil the view, the beach looks to go on forever.

Sipping a cocktail at sunset at the Relic Bar, you are audience to the changing colors of the sky as the sun descends slowly behind rifts of clouds before slipping below the horizon. But sunsets, however grand, are repetitive diurnal events; it is the skilled bartender who can make them a sight to behold. Sunsets are seen to their best

advantage through the frosted glass of a proper martini…or through Leica lens.

Construction at Balesin Island Club is in full gear. Though not all the six villages have been completed, work is going on simultaneously and at super speed. All of the original residents in the island, along with experts from the mainland are trying to meet the deadline set by the owner who will

polished, enduring and the best. There are no ifs or buts for him.

But what there is—the Clubhouse, the Philippine Village and its restaurant Sala, the Equestrian Center, and the Spa—is already worth a trip. Balesin Island Club lays you a serene world at your feet.

HOW TO GET THERE

The Alphaland Hangar is in the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) and has a red gate with a guardhouse beside it. Parking is complementary.

From EDSAIf you are coming from Makati, take the flyover to Tramo and if you are coming from Pasay, take a right turn to Tramo. When you reach the intersection, turn right and go straight until you see a rotonda/loop. Take a U-turn and head back towards the Tramo intersection to reach the hangar.

From the Manila Domestic Airport/ParanaqueGo to the Domestic Road and go straight towards Airport Road. Turn right when you see a rotonda/loop. Just go straight until you see the hangar on the right side of the road, right along the Tramo

and Airport Road intersection.

From SLEX/Newport CityJust go straight Airport Road towards Tramo. When you reach a loop along NAIA 3, just go straight ahead. When you reach the Tramo

intersection, just go straight and you will see another rotonda/loop. Take a U-turn and head back towards the Tramo intersection to reach the hangar.

By LandThe road to Balesin Island starts with a drive down the Real-Infanta highway to Real Port, a scenic 2.5

hour drive from Antipolo.

A brand new highway directly over the Sierra Madre mountains is being completed that

promises to cut down the journey to about 2

Weather permitting, an hour via speedboat

service can be made available.

But this is neither cheaper and definitely not faster than the subsidized plane ride (Php4,000/round

trip) to their international flights-capable runway

on the island, E.L. Tordesillas Airport.

Membership Privileges• 14 complimentary villa nights per year.• 180 hospitality suites (villas) in six themed villages.

private planes.• Subsidized 22-seat speedboat with maximum speed of 30 knots for those who prefer to go via Quezon and cross the Lamon Bay.• Reasonable installment plans ranging from 2 years to 5 years for those interested in getting a membership.

Project Timetable

• Jun - completion of Mykonos Village• Sep - completion of Phuket Village• Dec - completion of St. Tropez Village

• Feb - completion of Costa Smeralda Village• Jun - completion of Bali Village

For Inquiries contact:VJ Esguerra (Sales Director)+63917 8818840/(+632) 302-5742sales@alphaland.com.ph Corporate Address: 9th Floor, Alphaland Southgate Tower, 2258 Chino Roces Ave (Pasong Tamo) corner EDSAwww.balesin.com

32Reprinted from Lifestyle Asia (October 2012) with permission from One Mega Group, Inc.31

October 2012

Balesin Island is a mere 25 minutes away

by plane from the Philippine capital,

and little more than 20 kilometers

from the shoreline of Polilio, Quezon.

However, the verdant isle, flanked by

clear blue waters of Lamon Bay and the

Pacific Ocean, might as well be a world

away.

Named for the massive

banyan trees – locally known as the

balete – which dot the 500 hectares that

make up the island resort, Balesin has

long been an exclusive, almost secret

destination for many of the country’s

most intrepid travelers and holiday

makers. Today, however, with the

purchase of a vast majority of the island

by Alphaland Corporation, Balesin

has been transformed into a luxurious

holiday destination of international

standards. Gone is the packed dirt

runway of the airstrip that welcomed

guests as they landed in private planes

By GABY IGNACIO Photography MARK JACOB

for a weekend of rest and relaxation.

Now, visitors, who arrive on the

island from a direct flight which

departs from Alphaland’s private

hangar in Manila, are greeted by the

sight of the E.L. Tordesillas Airport

named in honor of the island’s

former owner, who hosted friends

and guests in the tropical haven.

Creating Communities

One of the guests so

taken by the beautiful, unspoiled

island was Alphaland founder

and owner Roberto Ongpin. He

purchased the land in 2010, broke

ground, and began creating what

would become the Balesin Island

Club. Ever the innovator, Ongpin

turns the traditional concept of the

luxury resort on its head: in lieu of

a single, sprawling complex of villas

and facilities that have become

the norm for such developments,

Balesin’s designers opted for smaller yet

equally self-sustaining and luxurious

communities throughout the island,

creating a unique resort concept as yet

unheard of in the country.

With each community, or

“village” themed around one of seven

popular resort destinations around the

world – France’s St. Tropez, Italy’s Costa

Smeralda, Greece’s Mykonos, Indonesia’s

Bali, Thailand’s Phuket, Spain’s Costa del

Sol, and the Philippines’ own Balesin –

members of the exclusive island resort

can immerse themselves in the towns’

spirit without the taxing long-haul flights

and other aspects of international travel.

From the stylized, luxurious take on

the traditionally Filipino bahay kubo

for Balesin Village, to the stark white

and blue, narrow street-lined Mykonos

Village, the essence of these world-

renowned destinations have been

distilled into the coastal pockets that

make up each community designed

by architects Jorge Yulo and Conrad

Onglao.

Forty well-appointed

villas make up the beachfront village.

Conceptualized to easily accommodate

up to four guests, each of the villas

features a super king sized bed decked

in sumptuous linen, satellite television,

Balesin Island Club is an innovative resort concept that brings seven of the world’s great coastal towns in a single destination

to continental, all-day dining at The

Veranda.

The Zen Spa, a separate,

facility with sleek lines and a

clean, all-white color scheme

reminiscent of a 60s spy movie,

is another alluring option for

relaxation. Whether it is one of the

signature massages of body wraps,

or a leisurely dip in the black-tiled,

chlorine-free, sun-warmed lap pool,

a visit all but guarantees stepping

out of the spa in a more serene state

of mind.

A Return to Nature

Beyond providing

an array of leisure activities in a

beautifully designed environment,

Balesin Island’s developers blur the

line between resort and sanctuary by

making a commitment to preserve as

much of the stunning natural beauty

indigenous to the environ. With

the help of American design firm

EcoPlan, Alphaland has maintained

not only a 190-hectare forest

sanctuary which guests can explore,

but also the creation of a system of

water harvesting and processing,

implementation of a ban on gas-powered

vehicles, organic farming activities, and

production of energy through alternative

sources, a self-sustainable community

that brings together luxury and forward-

thinking innovation in a single, beautiful

destination.

For more information on

memberships and the Balesin

Island Club, phone (2) 846 6205,

or visit

iPod docks, and personal espresso

makers. In addition to the luxurious

en suite bathroom, each villa also

offers the option of a fully-enclosed,

adjoining outdoor shower, as well

as Jacuzzis on each villa’s porch, an

amenity best enjoyed with views of the

coastline literally steps away from the

door.

In keeping with the theme,

cuisine from all seven countries is

available in dining outlets within each

compound. Every restaurant follows the

idea of a casual, low-key, neighborhood

bistro, offering dishes inspired by the

tastes and flavors of each resort town.

Beyond Sand and Surf

In such enjoyable, peaceful

surroundings, days on the island

can be spent whiling away the hours

contemplating the tranquility of

nature. Those inclined to take part in

more physically demanding activities,

however, have no shortage of options.

There are facilities for water sports

like surfing, sailing, scuba diving,

snorkeling, kayaking, or wakeboarding.

With at least a dozen beaches and coves,

including a pristine stretch of beach

over seven kilometers long, these tend

to be the island’s biggest draws. A

unique archery and horseback riding

facility is also worth trying. The soon-

to-be-completed Sports Center will

also expand the resort’s repertoire

with such offerings as both indoor and

outdoor tennis and basketball courts

and a driving range.

When weather becomes

uncooperative, guests can spend time

at the centrally-located Clubhouse. An

entire lower floor has been dedicated

to leisure activities such as billiards,

mahjong, cards, and the inescapable

karaoke. Salons for men and women,

as well as a dedicated cigar room

may also be found at the Clubhouse’s

lower level. Save for housing resort

offices and indoor activity rooms, the

Clubhouse also offers suites available

for guests’ use. Ideal for families, these

have the same luxurious appointments

as the villas in a more accessible

location. There are also several dining

outlets at the Clubhouse which

serve a selection of cuisines; from

Sakura restaurant’s delicious take on

Japanese, care of chef Edwin Ogarte,

34Reprinted from SCMP Post Magazine (October 2012) with permission from South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd.33

October 2012 Another Philippine beach resort-what’s the big deal?The Balesin Island Club, off the east coast of Luzon, is not one resort, but seven, each designed to embody an iconic seaside escape. Jet-setters yearning for the Mediterranean will feel right at home in Mykonos “village”, modelled after the Greek island; St Tropez (inspired by the Riviera town in southeastern France); Costa Smeralda (Sardinia); or Costa del Sol (Spain). A couple wanting to recreate an Indonesian honeymoon can unwind in a villa perched on stilts over the water in the Bali village. Then there is Phuket (for a taste of Thailand) and Balesin, naturally enough.Each village goes beyond architectural imitation and includes a bar and restaurant serving authentic fare from the mother country. A leisurely lunch of grilled lamb and humus can be enjoyed in Mykonos before an afternoon of sailing off St Tropez and an opulent Thai dinner in Phuket. Imagine your carbon footprint if you could manage to do all that for real! The place is a bit surreal , especially so because nature intrudes everywhere. Dirt roads connecting the villages wind through dense jungle; appropriate for Phuket, perhaps, but it feels a tad bizarre emerging from the tropical forest into St Tropez.

The pictures look lovely; can we go any time? Not unless you buy a share, no. Balesin is a members-only resort in the final stages of construction, and each share entitles the holder and his or her family to a 14-day stay. Guests are given freedom of the entire 500-hectare private island, which possesses flawless white sand beaches between the villages and views of a strikingly blue sea from everywhere. Exclusivity is one of the club’s biggest selling points: the island is off-limits to non-members.

Oh, it’s a timeshare! This is not what your parents thought of as timeshare. There is no comparing schedules, no mad rush for holiday weekends and no getting stuck with a beach property in the dead of winter. Guests can stay for up to 14 days whenever they want, guaranteed. Club employees shudder at the mere mention of “timeshare” and guests are encouraged to think of Balesin as their own private island.Is guest accommodation in Bali the same as that in St Tropez? More or less, yes. Villas, each of which is 100 square metres in size, have an understated luxury and are more akin to cosy holiday homes than to high-end resort accommodation. The star of each room is undoubtedly the bed: superfine linen covers a thick pillow top mattress. Outdoor jacuzzi tubs and indoor/outdoor shower stalls in some of the villages help remind you you’re on holiday.

Would you say the place is “green”? Radically, fanatically green. Plenty of places preach conservation but how many will actually re-position roads in order to avoid knocking down trees? Only 50 hectares of the island’s 500 have been developed and a no-fishing zone extends more than a kilometre out from the shoreline. Seas are teeming with marine life. Sewage is recycled on-site using state-of-the-art technology, the water used for irrigation. Drinking water comes from the sky; rain is gathered using a drainage system centred on the 1.5 kilometre-long airstrip and stored in a reservoir. The fruit and vegetables

Balesin Island Club, the Philippines

served on the island come from Balesin’s own organic farm and the seafood from local fishing communities.Is it hard to get to? Balesin feels like it’s in the middle of nowhere, but it’s actually just a 25-minute flight from Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport. The club leases and owns its own aeroplanes to ferry guests back and forth but, from the look of prospective members, many are likely to arrive using their own transport. Balesin has full customs, immigration and quarantine facilities, so direct international flights should be a possibility soon.

Being stuck on an island grows boring, no? Hardly. In fact the island offers many activities, leaving beach bums and those who prefer to pass their holidays dozing with a good book feeling like they’re missing out. The club

offers full equestrian facilities, an archery range under the guidance of an Olympic archer, an outdoor paintball arena, an Airsoft gun range, tennis courts, a full gym, indoor basketball courts, full water sports facilities and even a zip line.If that leaves you feeling aching and exhausted, there is also a fully equipped beachfront spa.What’s the bottom line? Here is the catch. One share, which is good for an annual 14 days on the island, runs to US$75,000, or buyers can settle for a seven-day share for US$45,000. Exclusive indeed.

See www.balesin.com for an online brochure andmembership details.

36Reprinted from TRAVEL (Vol. 5 2012) with permission from One Mega Group, Inc.35

November 2012

DDespite having countless beaches in the philippines, finDing that ultimate beach experience can be Difficult. Most popular beaches have been invaded by hordes of tourists and commercial establishments, removing any chance of peace and privacy. On the other hand, beaches that still have their pristine shores are underdeveloped; they’re usually difficult to get to and don’t have all the modern conveniences that you want for a comfortable stay. I could hardly believe it when I visited Balesin and found that it was the perfect beach—beautiful and secluded, yet with all the modern and lavish comforts I wanted. Located about 21 kilometers southeast of Polillo Island, Quezon, Balesin is a 500-hectare island known for its virgin white beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush greenery. Local legends reveal that its name is a combination of the words balete (fig trees that proliferate in the island) and asin (salt). When the late Trade Undersecretary Ed Tordesillas discovered and bought the island in the 60s, he developed it into a small private resort where lot owners brought family and friends over via private planes. Some owners opened up their lots for rent, and guests drove to Quezon and took the boat to the island. Those who frequented Balesin have fond memories of gallivanting around the island and taking in its unspoilt beauty, and businessman Roberto Ongpin was one of those who had fallen in love with it—so much so that in 2010, he bought the island and, under the management of Alphaland Corp., developed it into an exclusive luxury world-class resort. The luxurious experience started at Alphaland’s private hangar, where we munched on doughnuts and sipped coffee while waiting for our chartered flight. Upon receiving our boarding passes, we got on a brand new Cessna Grand Caravan, and a quick 25 minutes later, we were landing in paradise (faster than a drive to my office in Ortigas from my home). As soon as we hopped off, we were welcomed by the General Manager Wilhelm Bolton. As we happily sipped our welcome

buko juices, Sports Manager Aly Yulo immediately filled us in on the basic facts about the island. Beyond the island’s natural offerings,Balesin Island Club promises a uniqueresort experience to its members andtheir guests. The resort is divided intoseven themed villages, inspired by some of the world’s best destinations (and Mr. Ongpin’s favorite vacation spots)—Balesin, Bali, Mykonos, Phuket, St. Tropez, Costa Smeralda, and Costa del Sol. Each village will have 40 villas or suites (all thoughtfully and tastefully designed to fit the theme), a beachfront, and a specialty restaurant. Members can choose to stay in any villa when they use the 14 nights they’re entitled to each year, but they’re free to explore the

whole island whenever they visit. Upon arrival, we hopped on an electric powered golf cart (no cars are allowed on the island) and went over to the Clubhouse to check in at Reception. We were handed mobile phones as our Intercom—useful numbers (likeHousekeeping, Reception, and Spa) were programmed in for convenience. The Clubhouse is home to several function rooms, like the tabacalera, karaoke rooms, Wii and Playstation rooms, and salons. The three swimming pools—kiddie pool, regular pool, and lounge pool—are all here as well.

3837

Balesin, the first village to be completed, is inspired by the beauty of the Philippine islands. A deep, dark wood bed frame, ikat wall hangings, a beautifully-woven nipa ceiling—there were thoughtful Filipino accents everywhere in the villa, but everything looked modern, stylish, and absolutely luxurious. The room had a king-sizedbed with a 10-inch thick, downfeather mattress, 600-thread count cotton sheets, a coffee machine with coffee and tea pods, a fully-stocked bathroom with indoor and outdoor showers, an iPod docking station, and a flat screen TV with cable. The villa has its own expansive patio with a large day bed and a small Jacuzzi. The beautiful beach is too close to resist. Before long, I was walking barefoot on the fine sand of Balesin. It’s unbelievably immaculate—no throng of rowdy beach-goers, no vendors of island hopping packages or banana boat rides, no rows of sari-sari stores. Just pure shores, majestic blue waters, and a seemingly endless sky. Balesin’s white shore is 7.3 kilometer long, even longer than Boracay’s 4 kilometer-long White Beach, and aside from a few trees and loungers, there was nothing to see but sand. Instead of bulldozing through the island, Alphaland has made a very conscious decision to develop only a small part—just 10%. Balesin Island Club was designed to be in perfect harmony with the environment. For example, structures are built around the balete and banyan trees that have been there for years. Roads are not made with concrete; instead, the dirt paths are neatly paved, looking more natural and rustic. It goes through great lengths to keep the island pristine through sustainable means as well. Their 1.5-kilometer runway is used to collect rainwater to be used on the island. After touring the developmentsaround the island, we headed back to the

Clubhouse for lunch. While the resort doesn’t have a Japanese village, it does have a quaint Japanese restaurant named Sakura where resident chef Edu-San personally prepares unbelievably tasty meals. We started with fresh sashimi— big, fat, juicy slices of the morning’s catch—and dragon maki. He then ushered us to the teppanyaki table, where he made a funny and flamboyant show out of preparing fried rice, sea bass (in foil), scallops, and angus beef. After a scoop of green tea ice cream for dessert, I practically had to be rolled out of the room. Wilhelm assured me that all the restaurants in Balesin will have chefs as talented as Chef Edu-San and will create delicious menus for their respectivecuisines. You know that saying that Filipinos

eat six times a day? Well, we can literally have six different cuisines in a single day! Aside from delectable meals, Balesin also offers a range of excellent activities. Their massive sports center is near completion, and it will have tennis courts, basketball courts, badminton courts, a gym, and yoga facilities. Currently, guests can engage in their choice of water sports, from kayaking to wakeboarding to surfing. If you prefer to stay on land, you can ride horses in their equestrian center, shoot arrows at their archery range, and play paintball. For something more leisurely, go to the Balesin Spa, an all-white sanctuary where you can get relaxing massages and treatments in one of the 10 individual spa suites. At the end of the day, the deserted beach fronting the Balesin Village beckoned me, still the most

enchanting part of the island. This was where I spent the rest of the vacation, sprawled languidly on a lounger and reading contentedly. My eyes kept drifting back to the sea and the beach around me, taking in the incredible view. It was like I had stumbled upon a secret island paradise, and every time I looked around I felt the thrill and exhilaration, as well as grateful happiness, of knowing about it. Imagine how much more incredible the experience will be when all the villages are finished! More than being the perfect island hideaway, Balesin Island Club will also allow people to travel to different countries in a single day, on a single island. Bali will be a tropical hideaway with natural elements tastefully weaved in; a number of

villas will be built over water, and landscapes around the village will be shaped like the rice paddies of Ubud. Phuket has a unique position of having the Pacific Ocean on one side and Lamon Bay on the other, and is touted to be the most private of all the villages. It will even have its own private cove, where guests can surf and boogie board. Mykonos will be a vision of blue and white, with villas separated by narrow alleys and winding passages, just like villages in Greece. The two final villages have suites in a hotel-type structure for members who don’t want to walk far distances. St. Tropez recreates the sunny and beautiful atmosphere found in the South of France while Costa Smeralda

is inspired by the hotel Cala di Volpe in the coastal village of Sardinia in Italy. The resort is scheduled to complete construction by the end of this year, and by that time, it will be hard tokeep this island a secret any longer.

For more information on Balesin Island

Club, visit or

email

4039

November 2012

43Photo credits: Bubuy Balangue

41 42

a brand new cessna grand caravan lands on schedule at the new airstrip in Balesin Island, southeast of Polillio, Quezon Province. I disembark the private jet and gaze at the 1500m runway of this exotic island destination. The area is green and peaceful; I can’t wait to be whisked off to the six famed hospitality villages that will take me to the most famous and exclusive international vacation spots, namely Mykonos, Costa Smeralda, St. Tropez, Phuket, Bali and of course Balesin - the Philippines. My adventure begins in the middle of the forest, with a balete tree in front of me, and I immediately realize that the main attraction of this island is this - the thick foliage barely touched by master planner EcoPlan. It is quite apparent that EcoPlan understands the importance of bringing out the best possible solutions for both Alphaland and the environment. In short, they pursue the highest level of ecological sensitivity possible in the Balesin Island to preserve its natural wonder. On board a buggy, I am en route to the different villages, humming in “In the Jungle, The Mighty Jungle” in my off-road journey deeper in the forest. I arrive at my first stop where the staff is quick to greet you in Bahasa, Indonesia’s native tongue, and this enhances the experience: I am indeed in Bali Village, which is nearing completion. Floating villas reach out from the powdery white sand onto the waters of Lamon Bay, where it is facing. This village is able to capture the look of Bali with its open space layout, water features, courtyard, and wooden decks. I am in my element as I leave and mouth terima kasih (thank you) to the hospitable staff. The look of the Greek Islands and all its blue and white splendor has to be my favorite in the whole island. I am now in Mykonos, as if right on cue for the movie Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2. The Mykonos Village has a Cycladic cubic architecture with 40 villas built around the area. I enjoy staying and dining at the Greek taverna restaurant with its white washed walls, blue doors and windows. This area has a glorious view of the sunrise aglow in the winding alleys, the grotto and rock bar. You have to give it to the Balesin Village for being so convenient, with a location near the clubhouse, spa and aquatic sports center. Modern Philippine design is best

4443

shown in this village with crafts and indigenous accents mixed with a sophisticated room layout. I stay in a villa measuring 100sqm and inside there is a spacious bedroom completely furnished with a king size bed, standard single size daybed, writing desk behind the bed with an iPod dock, an espresso and tea maker with coffee and tea pods, a mini-bar, and some books you can enjoy in-room. I enjoy taking my time in the bathroom, which has a spacious wardrobe and an outdoor shower (one of my best showers ever), twin lavatory sinks complete with male and female vanity kits, a hairdryer, a vanity and full length mirror. The sun is playing on hide and seek with me; so whenever I catch a glimpse of it, I take advantage of my villa’s private deck overlooking the ocean. It also has an outdoor bamboo shower, a whirlpool tub and a king size lounger and dining area. There is definitely something for everyone here in Balesin. Outdoor activities and facilities are made available, such as The Stables (for calesa and island trail rides), Aquatic Sports Center (waterskiing, snorkeling, kayaking, windsurfing) and a Fully Covered Sports Center (three indoor badminton courts, tennis and basketball courts, archery range, zipline, golf driving range). The Spa is a landmark altogether; it contrasts the organic feel of the island. Still natural-looking, spa villas are enclosed in all-white box type rooms that dot the area. A saying goes, “a massage a day keeps the stress fairies away.” Even its lobby echoes the serenity of the place, and I am told it has the best view of the sunset. For food enthusiasts like me, dining options are endless; a personal recommendation would have to be the Japanese Sakura restaurant in the clubhouse. Dishes are personalized and authentic. Please do not forget to try their appetizers. Both the Greek and Indonesian restaurants are tied to a close second. The food at the Taverna is so refreshing, and portions are for sharing. It is a place to enjoy the company of friends, good food and music, and a spectacular view. Meanwhile, the Indonesian dining place is best for dinners - cozy, romantic, dimly lit. The view of the sparkling water even if it’s raining is so gorgeous and it goes well with every slurp of laksa.

Reprinted from SPACE Design+Travel (Vol. 3 2012) with permission from PEPGroup, Inc. 46Photo credits: Bubuy Balangue45

Speaking of food, it’s nice to know that the fresh catch of the day is served to you. Balesin Island Club even grows its own organic produce. The island is very conscious about keeping everything in its natural state that even rainwater from the concrete airstrip is harvested and purified to provide potable water. On the grounds, eco-friendly transportation gets you around via electric golf carts (I suggest to perhaps convert to solar powered ones in the future), mountain bikes and horses. The island has sewage treatment plants to provide filtration, so it does not go to the open sea. Unlike other developed islands, it is also interesting to know that there is a 30m development setback from the shoreline that allows trees to grow and act as a protective barrier. This makes perfect sense to observe the zero-waste program to prevent build-up of non-biodegradable waste. Moreover, community development programs enhance long-time Balesin residents. It would have been a different story if Alphaland’s Balesin Island Club did not rely on its world-class luxury and authentic sustainability formula. Perhaps, this is the reason why Balesin is a members-only island. This way, it strikes a balance in maintaining natural development. Learning that the villages are named after favorite destinations of its owner Bobby Ongpin, it somehow brings out the jetsetter in you. You find homes away from home, and who wouldn’t want to make sure their homes are taken care of? Jorge Yulo Architects, Casas+Architects and Enrico M. Sison are entrusted by Alphaland to build a sustainable island; and from what I’m witnessing, they are doing a very good job at marrying responsible and world-class design. Balesin Island Club is perfect that way, and I know I will not think of a beach club in the same way again. Would you? space

48

www.philippineairlines.com I 67

DOPPELGÄNGERS: (BELOW) The Mykonos Village calls to mind the picturesque island of Mykonos, one of the world’s best-known islands. (RIGHT) The Bali Warung captures the flavors of Bali with Indonesian food and decorative pieces sourced from the island.

FAMILY FUN: Activities range from archery lessons at the state-of-the-art Sports Center, to wellness in Zen-inspired spa suites, to horseback riding on the beach.

aren’t allowed on the island, so explore by horseback, mountain bike, or even calesa—a small Spanish-style horse carriage. Electric golf carts zip down jungle paths that weave around trees rather than cutting through them. Here, design flows with nature. To preserve Balesin, only 50 out of 500 hectares will be developed while 80% of coral reefs and rainforests are protected. Organic gardens and aquaculture farms (which raise marine life such as lobsters, mussels, and groupers) provide seasonal produce.

So what sets Balesin apart from other island resorts? Roque explains: “Very few island resorts have their own private airport and can match Balesin’s class and standard. Imagine, soon a member shall be able to board a flight in Hong Kong, land in Balesin, and literally walk off the plane to Balesin’s pristine beach.” This, together with natural and developed beauty and spectacular villages, come together for what Roque calls the “Balesin Experience.” “There is nothing like it in the world,” he says.

Balesin has something for everyone. Roque’s favorite activities include afternoon sailing on a Hobie Cat followed by sunset cocktails at Bali Village’s “floating” Nusa Dua Bar. Phuket Village, which was called “Tordi (Tordesillas) Point” for many years, is also a favorite. His wife Maritoni, a former

Photo by Bubuy Balangue

4766 I Mabuhay Magazine I December 2012

An island paradise off the coast of Quezon Province gets a makeover—from private family getaway to exclusive high-end retreat. LORI BLACKBURN writes.

BALESIN ISLAND’S PARADISE: THE FAMILY SECRET IS OUT

FILIPINOSHOWCASE

The Balesin Village showcases Filipino culture

with its native cottages and furniture, local flavors

at Sala restaurant, and tribal artwork by resident carvers from the Ifugao

Province.

ONE ISLAND, SEVEN DESTINATIONS: Dinner in Italy then breakfast in Phuket? You bet. Seven hospitality villages at the Balesin Island Club offer amenities ranging from rooftop whirlpools in Mykonos Village to garden cabanas in Phuket Village. Here, stilt villas at the Bali Village above the tranquil Lamon Bay. Photo by Matthew Acred.

F ancy a private island shared with only a select few? Just a 25-minute plane ride from Manila takes you to the Balesin Island Club. Accessing this exclusive destination means you must either be a member or score an invite from one, but the perks are worth it.

Aside from 7.3 kilometers of powdery, white-sand beaches, seven international beach destinations are represented throughout the island. Think villas set amid the rice terraces of a Balinese village, sipping sangria at a Spanish-style café in Costa del Sol, or a speedboat ride to Balesin’s own French Riviera for crêpes.

Balesin was originally owned by the Tordesillas family, who has been coming here since Edgardo “Ed” Tordesillas bought it in the 1960s. Back then, the runway was still a grassy airstrip and the accommodation comprised basic beach huts. Ed dreamed of creating a high-end island retreat that works with Balesin’s natural resources. Years ago, he

even planted mahogany trees to create wind barriers.These days, Ed’s son, Roque (who climbed the

island’s banyan trees as a kid), returns with his own family, and after years as a rustic retreat, Balesin has gotten a first-class makeover. When Ed passed away a few years ago, the Tordesillases sold Balesin to luxury property developer Alphaland, owned by Ed’s friend and fellow Balesin islander, Roberto “Bobby” Ongpin, who shared his vision for the island. Alphaland brought in Eco Plan of Florida, topnotch ecological designers, to balance luxury and sustainability.

Now, Ed’s mahogany trees still stand majestically, and aside from a Club House (complete with four oceanfront swimming pools), there are seven hospitality villages with complete facilities, chic and intimate lounges, and restaurants. The final three villages—St. Tropez, Costa de Sol, and Toscana—will be completed by the first quarter of 2013.

Except for onsite ecofriendly transportation, cars

December 2012

ONE ISLAND, SEVEN DESTINATIONS: amenities ranging from rooftop whirlpools in Mykonos Village to garden cabanas in Phuket Village. Here, stilt villas at the Bali Village above the tranquil Lamon Bay. Photo by Matthew Acred.

makeover—from private family getaway to exclusive high-end retreat. LORI BLACKBURN writes.

The Balesin Village showcases Filipino culture

with its native cottages and furniture, local flavors

at Sala restaurant, and tribal artwork by resident carvers from the Ifugao

Province.

DOPPELGÄNGERS: (BELOW) The Mykonos Village calls to mind the picturesque island of Mykonos, one of the world’s best-known islands. (RIGHT) The Bali Warung captures the flavors of Bali with Indonesian food and decorative pieces sourced from the island.

FAMILY FUN: Activities range from archery lessons at the state-of-the-art Sports Center, to wellness in Zen-inspired spa suites, to horseback riding on the beach.

Fancy a private island shared with only a select few? Just a 25-minute plane ride from Manila takes you to the Balesin Island Club. Accessing this exclusive destination means you must either be a member or score an invite from one, but the perks are worth it. Aside from 7.3 kilometers of powdery, white-sand beaches, seven international beach destinations are represented throughout the island. Think villas set amid the rice terraces of a Balinese village, sipping sangria at a Spanish-style café in Costa del Sol, or a speedboat ride to Balesin’s own French Riviera for crêpes. Balesin was originally owned by the Tordesillas family, who has been coming here since Edgardo “Ed” Tordesillas bought it back in the 1960s. Back then, the runway was still a grassy airstrip and the accommodation comprised basic beach huts. Ed dreamed of creating a high-end island retreat that works with Balesin’s natural resources. Years ago, he even planted mahogany trees to create wind barriers.

These days, Ed’s son, Roque (who climbed the island’s banyan trees as a kid), returns with this own family, and after years as a rustic retreat, Balesin has gotten a first-class makeover. When Ed passed away a few years ago, the Tordesillases sold Balesin to luxury property developer Alphaland, owned by Ed’s friend and fellow Balesin islander, Roberto “Bobby” Ongpin, who shared his vision for the island. Alphaland brought in Eco Plan of Florida, topnotch ecological designers, to balance luxury and sustainability. Now, Ed’s mahogany trees still stand majestically, and aside from a Club House (complete with four oceanfront swimming pools), there are seven hospitality villages with complete facilities, chic and intimate lounges, and restaurants. The final three villages – St. Tropez, Costa del Sol and Toscana – will be completed by the first quarter of 2013.

Except for onsite ecofriendly transportation, cars aren’t allowed on the island, so explore by horseback, mountain bike, or even calesa—a small Spanish-style horse carriage. Electric golf carts zip down jungle paths that weave around trees rather than cutting through them. Here, design flows with nature. To preserve Balesin, only 50 out of 500 hectares will be developed while 80% of coral reefs and rainforests are protected. Organic gardens and aquaculture farms (which raise marine life such as lobsters, mussels, and groupers) provide seasonal produce.So what sets Balesin apart from other island resorts? Roque explains: “Very few island resorts have their own private airport and can match Balesin’s class and standard. Imagine, soon a member shall be able to board a flight in Hong Kong, land in Balesin, and literally walk off the plane to Balesin’s pristine beach.” This, together with natural and developed beauty and spectacular villages, come together for what Roque calls the “Balesin Experience.” “There is nothing like it in the world,” he says.Balesin has something for everyone. Roque’s favorite activities include afternoon sailing on a Hobie Cat followed by sunset cocktails at Bali Village’s “floating” Nusa Dua Bar. Phuket Village, which was called “Tordi (Tordesillas) Point” for

4968 I Mabuhay Magazine I December 2012

LOCO OVER COCO: Quezon Province is also known for its lambanog, potent liquor made from the fermented sap of coconut flowers.

Illustration by Ruth Rivera

professional ballerina, loves staying at the Balinese water villas which hover above the sea.

“This is where special memories are shared,” Maritoni says. “Seeing our kids enjoy the island today as much as they did back when it was not developed only shows that Alphaland is on the right track.” Their son, 14-year-old Emilio, likes eating at the Club House restaurant. He’d be most excited to show his friends the equestrian and paintball centers. His 8-year-old sister Tessa enjoys the swimming pools at the Phuket Village where white-sand beaches stretch into a cerulean sea.

Member