WITH the mercury dropping in the metropolis in the next few weeks, there might be no need yet to escape to the traditional mountain resorts for a lazy bed weather. Down in Alabang, which boasts of lush greeneries and open spaces, you can bask in the cool breeze and get a feel of countryside living within the big city.
The posh district is the southern capital region’s hub for outdoor recreation, golf swings, tropical and specialty dining, hotels with a relaxing out-of-town-feel, and a panoramic view of the placid Laguna Lake.
A master-planned modern township which harmonizes with nature, the business-cum-residential enclave of Filinvest City takes pride in being a haven for jogging and biking as expansive bike lanes are integrated into the sidewalks.
At its core are tree-canopied walkways, landscaped pathways, seating areas, and outdoor art installations for the visual comfort of promenaders taking a walk in the park.
It also boasts of a 9-km mountain bike trail, which lures extreme and endurance events, as well as elite and beginner cyclists. With its challenging terrain and greens, fitness buffs need not go far to pedal to their heart’s content.
Golf aficionados, meanwhile, can slow down a bit and master their swing at Southpoint Driving Range, a 285-yard facility on Filinvest’s far end. It has 28 covered bases with turf mats, an equipment shop, and a mesmerizing view of the cityscape which can bring out your championship form.
Come chow time, options are plentiful in the area, but for more focused choices, you can swing by Commercenter Alabang, a boutique lifestyle mall which houses specialty restaurants and stores, and services. Most food outlets have breezy al fresco dining area if one feels uneasy about enclosed spaces due to the pandemic.
Relive the glory that was Greece at Akrotiri Real Greek Restobar which serves typical cuisine from the empire’s fabled city states and Mediterranean Sea region in a modern setting. Regarded as among the world’s most ancient and healthiest cuisines, dishes revolve around vegetables, nuts, seeds, olive oils and fish which are rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals.
Sink your teeth on a wide variety of contemporary renditions of all-time favorites such as gemista, gyros, kalamakia, souvlaki, and steaks, among others, which have satisfied the taste buds of generations of Greeks who have shaped the world’s civilization.
And when it’s time to hit the sack, Parque España Residence Hotel is an alternative accommodation worth exploring. Literally meaning “Spanish park,” it’s got 123 all-suite rooms and has the most spacious lodging among its peers within the area as it was originally designed to be a condotel. Its studio-type business executive room has a veranda which opens to an unhampered view of southern Metro greeneries.
Old world interiors composed of painted tiles, wood, arches and curves are all highlighted with tropical colors that make each room bright and airy, much like the typical Castillan abode.
The suites, the biggest of which is a 120-sq-m unit, are styled with earth-toned interiors, rustic vibe, and tasteful décor, and guests can pick from the Classic Spanish or Fiesta España themes.
On top of the usual room amenities, it boasts of fully-equipped kitchens, coffee or tea making equipment, living and dining space which providing that irreplaceable element of home. These unique elements evoke the hotel’s philosophy expressed in the Spanish adage “Mi Casa es Tu Casa” or “my house is your house.”
The tower hotel exudes a Spanish-Mediterranean vibe with its modern design of machuca tiles and lavish furnishings, which are unmistakably Iberian in character. The flagship of Hospitality Innovators Inc., which manages 20 assorted properties in Metro Manila and other key tourist destinations, Parque España welcomes guests with its intimate Lobby Lounge reminiscent of the opulent interiors of ilustrado century-old ancestral stone houses which have survived the ravages of time.
The Spanish-inspired journey continues with its Hispanic dishes at its Bistro Del Cielo, and roofdeck pool with a mesmerizing panorama of Laguna De Bay and the Sierra Madre Mountain Ranges in the horizon.
Professionals who have transitioned into the work-from-home scheme can upgrade their setup with a reasonably priced work-from-hotel arrangement which can be more productive, comfortable, and flexible. As it is a residence hotel, guests can book long stays at special rates, or seek assistance for transfers to its sister establishments.
And being at the center of all the recreational activities mentioned above, a staycation at Parque España offers the proverbial walk in the park, or more appropriately—the parque, and beyond.