Imagine waking up to the soothing sound of waves from the South China Sea. You rise from your bed, located in a room overlooking the pristine sea and the Zambales mountain range while your senses are slowly awakened by a refreshing sea breeze. This harmonious symphony of nature is made sweeter through the twitter of birds that fly about and nest in your garden.

These details are only some of the highlights you can enjoy when staying at Anvaya Cove. Located at the edge of Morong,Bataan, Anvaya Cove offers its residents a seaside residential community built in the Ayala Land Premier's tradition of excellence. "Anvaya" means "family" in the ancient Sanskrit language, and a return to meaningful family traditions is at the core of everything in Anvaya. Bounded by mountains as well as the sea, Anvaya Cove offers families interactive nature experiences in both land and water, all geared towards relaxation, recreation, and reflection. The resort lived up to its name thanks to warm and accommodating treatment I received from Anvaya's OIC for tours, Ms. Angie Vigo. Despite it being my first time in Morong, Bataan, she and the rest of the staff treated me as one of their own.I got a clearer picture of Anvaya's residential offerings while looking around the different neighborhoods like Cliffside, Mango Grove, Bamboo Grove, Seascape Ridge and Woodridge Hills. These names are all descriptors of what that phase is all about. First time visitors and residents just moving in will have to study the winding roads that lead to each neighborhood, with a design not meant to confuse Anvaya Cove's homeowners but to preserve the flora and fauna that has existed there prior to Ayala's development. A respect for the lay of the land was evident as we drove through. The roads are constructed around the old trees that dot the property, preventing them from being cut down, at the same time sustaining the area's balanced environment. Angie emphasized that lot owners are not allowed to cut down any trees in their lots without proper permission with each tree felled subject to be replaced by 10 more. These guidelines teach the lot owners and their children the importance of respecting Mother Nature.

It was inspiring to know that an influential corporation sets such high standards for its clients. Beyond the environmental balance maintained is an opportunity for more people to practice conservation techniques and an opportunity to help conserve the Philippines' depleting natural resources. The preservation of surroundings also allows residents to enjoy the scenery at its finest. One house in the Mango Grove neighborhood offered a spectacular elevated view of Anvaya's main beach, the Ilingin Cove and the Beach and Nature Club. Even from the home's third floor, we were able to see immaculate clarity of the ocean. Once all houses are built, residents will still have a full view of Anvaya Cove's verdant mountain ranges and forests. Only about 40 percent of the land area is reserved for human residence while the rest is left alone as a sprawling, open space for nature to flourish.

Angie took us to the Seascape Ridge model unit. One of the built-units offering of Anvaya Cove, Seascape Ridge is a neighborhood with 16 quads spread out across 4.5 hectares. Maintaining wide open spaces, the quads are approximately 20 meters away from each other and are designed with the comforts and functionality of a traditional home in Tropical Asian architecture. Each unit spans two floors and an attic. People who want to move in and immediately enjoy Bataan's majestic surroundings can purchase these residences. The unit showed a fully maximized space, enough for a family of four and their guests to enjoy the home. The first floor is able to fit a kitchen, dining area, den, and living room. Electrical charges are reduced thanks to the use of more windows for natural light. The second floor is able to fit three rooms, including one master and another smaller bedroom. In between the master bedroom and the other room is a pocket room that can be used as an activity center, lounge, or extra bedroom. The master bedroom has a bathroom that provides ample bathing and dress space, thanks to the careful use of Asian minimalist interior design. The narrow quadruplex setup is ideal for those looking for vacation homes.

The Anvaya Cove experience is not limited to waking up and living amongst nature. The Anvaya Cove Beach and Nature Club provides numerous opportunities for families to explore the ocean, as well as Bataan's vast flora and fauna. At the end of the neighborhood tours, I was able to enjoy a relaxing sunset on a wicker chaise longue in Ilingan Cove's sunbathing area. With the sea quiet at low tide and the sun descending behind the Zambales mountain range, I felt a surreal contentment for the beauty that was unfolding in front of me. There was no better place to escape the madness of Manila and reconnect with elements that
have sustained human life.

During the South China Sea's high tide moments, I opted to sit back and get some vitamin D sunbathing at Ilingin Cove. The view continued to be spectacular, almost lulling me into a relaxing coma. The beach is much cleaner than most around the Philippines, properly maintained by the Anvaya Cove Environmental Foundation Inc. (AEFI). Members also get to know the shore more by participating in the monthly beach cleanup. After overheating under the sun, I jumped into the Beach and Nature Club's various pools. They are designed similar to sea shore water, only much calmer, smoothly connected to each other through subtle dividers.

My reconnection with the earth got deeper during the Nature Camp leg of the tour. Anvaya Cove's Nature Camp offers all kinds of physical activities for the family, from an Adventure Trail that reaches to the mountain top to a Fitness Trail that works the entire body. We began the Adventure Trail at 7 am. It was my first time to hike a mountain so I had no clue what to expect and what to feel before getting up from bed. The lack of biases allowed me to fully absorb and appreciate the lush plant life we saw throughout the trail. The summer heat was only a minor inconvenience. We were surrounded by all kinds of plant life, from waist-high grass and bamboo to large Narra trees that provided ample shade. Instead of feeling like I had to conquer nature, I felt one with its endless features. But what made the hike absolutely worth it was the breathtaking view over the sea. During the middle of the hike, we were brought to the mountain's edge, where we saw a bird's eye view of the Beach and Nature Club, Ilingin Cove, and the completed houses along the Cliffside neighborhood. Who would have thought I'd climb up 50 feet and fall in love with the Philippines all over again? Even from 50 feet, the sea clearly reflected the sky's blue hue and remained pure as it sparkled. The incredible height did not scare me at all. I finally understood why mountaineers go through great lengths just to see the world from above.

Towards the end of the trail, I was able to spot two wild ducks and some colorful birds perched on the trees. Angie mentioned that Anvaya Cove's bird watcher members have spotted 37 species so far. The rest of the adventure was not as hot thanks to the rainforest effect the countless and soaring trees provided, giving us more than enough shade to bask under. The Nature Camp's trail activities not only offer an opportunity to exercise but also to detoxify and finally breathe non-toxic air.

From climbing up land, it was time to fly through the air. Adrenaline addicts can view the world zipping down the ziplines (kids can try out the Kiddie Ziplines). Daring adults can zip through the 250 meter zipline while the hesitant but willing can try the 85 meter zipline. The 250m zipline is the second longest in the Philippines. Despite the knots in my stomach, I ignored my inhibitions and pushed through the air. Safety is assured with trained Zipline personnel on standby. Clear instructions were given on how to position my body before they pushed me into the zipline. I was terrified for the first few seconds, but as I dashed onwards, I felt more relaxed and at peace. There was no need to scream. The speed was just right, not as scary as a rollercoaster but enough to enjoy the ride.

After a tiring day in the mountains, I was treated to a combination massage at the Veda Spa. The massage employs the stretching and relaxation techniques of Swedish and Shiatsu. For my treatment, I was brought to an indoor massage room located closely in front of the beach. I could pick among eucalyptus, orange, or lavender as my massage oil. The lavender was a suitable choice, allowing the therapist to slowly work her way through my legs, back, arms, and shoulders. The Swedish side of the massage allowed for my legs and arms to be stretched thoroughly. Anyone who has been through a hike will find this massage useful. The relaxation does not end with a massage; I was offered some soothing, hot tea to enjoy after the service.

In between each tour and leisure activity, we refueled our bodies with food served at the Beach and Nature Club's Bamboo Café. Their menu covers a wide range of cuisines, covering everything from popular Asian dishes such as Pad Thai and Sushi, American favorites like Buffalo wings and burgers to Filipino classics like Kare-Kare and Bicol Express. Whether it's an exotic viand or a personal dish comprised of rice and ulam, the café delivers more than enough to satisfy hungry stomachs. The amount served encourages the Filipino tradition of sharing food with family and friends during meals.

Among the café's specialties, the Mediterranean Prawns stood out in presentation and flavor. The appetizer was impressively presented by having each grilled shrimp stacked upon each other. Underneath was lettuce that complemented the seafood's orange color. The entire dish is drizzled with lime juice and feta cheese, giving an added punch of flavor that doesn't overwhelm the familiar shrimp flavor one would be after. Being an avid cheese consumer, I appreciated the tasty play between the grilled shrimp and the feta cheese sauce. Whether you are after a family vacation home or a permanent retirement residence, Anvaya Cove would be more than enough to provide these leisurely needs. Beyond the wondrous location is an opportunity for residents to bond with their families and Mother Nature herself. Life cannot get any more meaningful than that.

For inquiries on Anvaya Cove, you may call 841-5769, visit www.ayalalandpremier.com or email ask@ayalalandpremier.com.