DURING the last week of December, in a special part of Nasugbu, Batangas, Mount Batulao and Mount Talamitam cupped the rising sun.
The phenomenon of shafts of sunlight gradually emerging and illuminating the twin peaks was described as bato sa ilaw or ilaw sa dalawang bato (“illuminated rocks”), whence we derive the name “Batulao.”
Batulao actually boasts of 12 peaks, the highest of which rises to a height of almost 700 meters or 2,274 feet. The mountain forms the southwestern end of the Tagaytay Ridge, mostly located in the town of Nasugbu. Several rivers—the Lian-Palico, Munting Tubig, Obispo and Siomtiam—have their source at Mount Batulao and drain into Balayan Bay. The elevation, headwaters and forest cover make for lush flora and fauna. Such is the tranquility that several retreat centers and prayer houses have located in the area.
At the foothills one finds Sandari Batulao, an artisanal residential and leisure development. Sandari derives from the Sanskrit words zaanta, meaning “peaceful,” and dhari, meaning “valley.” This premier exponent of mountain living nestles within verdant and undulating hillocks. Located at Km. 77, Batulao, Nasugbu, Batangas along the Nasugbu-Tagaytay Tourism National Highway, Sandari Batulao is a mere hour-and-a-half drive from Makati, 10 minutes away from Metro Tagaytay, and 15 minutes from the beaches of Nasugbu.
Sandari Batulao is decidedly a respecter of the natural habitat that hosts its development. Nale, named after Idianale, the Tagalog goddess of good actions and cultivated lands, is the gateway to Sandari and 41 hectares of a scenic garden community with 841 lots ranging from 150 to 600 square meters. Bamboo, Fern and Palm enclaves gently punctuate this relaxation destination.
This was followed by Dima, derived from the ancient Tagalog god of good harvest. Launched in 2018, its 180 to 300 square meter lots are supported by a wellness village and, when IATF guidelines re-allow, an inhouse nutritionist and yoga and pilates classes for a consummate open air and healthy lifestyle. Dima is dedicated to the proposition that the best way to take care of others is to take care of oneself. Ergo Eat, Move and Sleep! A communal clubhouse, natural river, organic garden, and infinity and kiddie pools beckon.
Indeed, the majority of Sandari Batulao buyers are locals, who either plan to settle here with their families or invest for their future. With the temperature dipping to 16 degrees Celsius in December and January, the Tagaytay-like clime is a welcome respite from the heat and humidity of the lowlands. And during the summer, avid hikers can take to the eco trails with aplomb even when the mercury rises to a still tolerable 23 degrees Celsius.
The town of Nasugbu was providentially spared the heavy ashfall caused by Taal Volcano’s eruption in January 2020. Sandari Batulao ended the year just as it began…unscathed, and in equipoise with its natural surroundings and in gratitude for its growing, life-affirming communities.
2020 was indeed a trying year on so many fronts. But are we really living in dark times? In an essay, entitled Being with the Dark (Practice No.8, Emergence Magazine, April 17, 2020), professional photographer Bear Guerra invokes the night sky studded with stars as best appreciated against “the ceaseless illumination of artificial light” of our cities.
In the ebony canopy atop Sandari Batulao, one reengages with the firmament and plenitude of possibilities. “Without darkness, we are not just incomplete…we fail to dream,” said Guerra.
And just as in late December the first rays of dawn gingerly peer out from between the twin peaks of Batulao, and then suffuse them with the glow of fresh starts and enlivened potential, so too can we face the New Year with the settled, serene spirit of Sandari Batulao.
Live in it, live it out. Take the first step toward upscale country living at accessible price points by calling Citystate Properties and Management Corp. at (02) 8817-5876 or e-mail inquiries@cpmc.ph.
Financing is available in-house or through Citystate Savings Bank and other banks.