Thinking of trading high-rise sights and city skylines for lines of trees and spacious lawns? Over the years, city-dwellers from Metro Manila have become more open to the idea of living outside the city.

The metro’s congested state, as well as the prolonged period of staying indoors since last year, has convinced people to diversify their properties, establish second homes away from NCR and in master-planned communities with houses near open spaces, lush greenery, and attractive outdoor landscapes. 

There are benefits to living in a home near parks and spaces close to nature, as the present scenario stirs interest in real estate investments. As desires for more holistic lifestyles rise, along with dealing with constantly changing quarantine schemes, the most discerning buyers are now looking into sprawling properties outside Metro Manila, and are keen on establishing a more permanent change in address. 

Economists also project a more optimistic economic outlook for the country this year, making this an opportune time to make strategic investments in real estate: ADB projects a 5.5% GDP growth for the country in 2022, as vaccination programs have been implemented and the economy gears up for a revival.

Aspiring investors and property owners are looking at locations that have vast open spaces for relaxation and a slower pace of living. These buyers want locales that grant the luxury of space and nature while creating a peaceful yet vibrant community that results in a higher quality of life for families.

That said, staying close to Metro Manila has its merits. Nearby developments are making it possible for a new set of property owners to benefit from the conveniences of the city while being able to enjoy a fulfilling home and family life, surrounded by parks and other landscapes.

Considering a move from the big city? Here are the benefits of living near parks and open spaces. 

 

Improves health and well-being

Several pieces of literature have shown a link between being surrounded by greenery and good health in various ways: a study by the Yale School of Environment shows that living in or near green areas is a must-have for physical health and cognitive function. Living within the vicinity of parks also encourages you to adopt and maintain a healthy and active lifestyle, as the wide pathways and abundance of trees create a soothing and conducive venue for working out.

Open, green spaces don’t just pose benefits for physical health; they’re also beneficial to maintaining mental well-being. Greenery is said to keep you calm and relaxed. Another study shows that those who jog in a green setting feel more restored and less anxious, angry, or depressed than those who run in urban environments.

Rockwell South at Carmelray lets you live your best and healthiest life through a luxurious, nature-filled space. With over three hectares of leisure space, you can nourish your mind and body at the Fitness Park, with 2,800 square meters of expanse for your fitness routines, while the Wellness Park has its own meditation garden and paved paths within 900 square meters. Ride your worries away through the 4,100-square meter Bike Park, with its own outdoor trail. 

 

Enhances work and productivity

When you’re surrounded by nature and open spaces, work would be the last thing on your mind. That said, in the age of work-from-home schemes and remote workplace arrangements, it is now possible for working family members to consider an environment that provides a more holistic way of life.

Living right next to your workplace certainly has its perks, yet research shows that living in the suburbs can actually help you perform better at work—and can even help your kids excel in school. One study determined that interacting with nature for just an hour can improve memory and attention spans by 20%.

As more workplaces embrace flexible working schemes, this provides individuals with the freedom to shape their days and strike a better work-life balance as they please—creating greater satisfaction in both personal and professional pursuits.

 

Provides with great community places to gather

While living in the center of action has its perks, there are also benefits to living within a secure community with a clubhouse, spacious lawns, and picnic areas. Being close to parks and open spaces gives you more opportunities to regularly bond and enjoy nature with your family, while providing a more convivial environment for you to meet other members of the community and socialize safely.

 

Creates memorable family moments

Home is where the heart is—yet being able to freely yet safely create memories with your children helps you live a more fulfilling family life. From picnics at the park to playdates, barbecue cookouts, or even just quiet strolls around, having a home near parks can help you create even more special memories that you and your family will cherish for a lifetime.

Imagine creating priceless memories as your children explore their imagination at the Treehouse Park with a cabin up in the trees looking over 1,700 square meters of greenery. Your little ones can wander and play to their hearts’ content with a 1,400-square meter Play Park.

The 2,900-square meter Barbecue Park lets you enjoy a weekend grill with your loved ones with its own outdoor grill, treehouse, and lounge. And even your own furry family members can join in on the fun, with a 700-square meter Dog Park where they can play and socialize with other dogs in the neighborhood.

With fully occupied villages in the metro, families who wish to spread their wings and live life freely may consider moving to the outskirts of the city for a more relaxed and balanced lifestyle. While condominiums are usually situated in prime areas such as CBDs and have their own set of exclusive amenities, for some households, a drive to the suburbs is worth the effort — providing you with a respite from the city and allowing you to enjoy the elegant pleasures of suburban living.

Make family moments more special and provide your loved ones with the best life possible in a community that allows you to live life in balance. An hour’s drive from Manila, Rockwell South at Carmelray brings the signature Rockwell lifestyle to a wide, nature-filled development in Calamba, Laguna. 

Featuring a master-planned estate within hectares of nature, Rockwell South at Carmelray offers distinct amenities such as recreational parks that allow you to live your family life to the fullest. 

Find your home in the south, and let your family experience the boundless charms of southern living with Rockwell South at Carmelray. Send us a message at inquire@rockwell.com.ph or visit rockwellsouthatcarmelray.com to learn more.

Written by: Catherine Talavera

Living outside of Metro Manila is very attractive these days. With the lush greeneries, fresh air and wider spaces, this residential setting may be the best for one’s health and wellness.

Indeed, moving out of the country’s capital has become popular since the pandemic struck, with a lot of people choosing to live in nearby cities especially in areas in the South such as Laguna.

One developer that has taken notice of this growing interest in living in the southern part of Luzon is Rockwell Land, as it continues to offer premium horizontal spaces in its Laguna development.

Lush greens and landscaped gardens bring the budding community together and give a glimpse of what’s to come

Embracing Southern Living

Rockwell South at Carmelray is a sprawling 60-hectare master planned community in Canlubang, Calamba, Laguna. It is the developer’s first premium and exclusive gated community and its biggest project to date.

The exclusive community will no doubt provide a balanced lifestyle to its residents — the convenience of city living but away from urban stress.

Artist’s render of Rockwell Carmelray entrance

New spaces for your dream home

As the first two clusters of the project have been well-received by the market,

Rockwell has expanded the property with a third cluster and added a limited number of lots to its exclusive community.

Lot sizes of the expanded offerings range from a comfortable size of 440 square meters (sqm) to 566 sqm, which are in between the first two clusters.

The nearly sold out Cluster 1 offers lots sized from 656 sqm to 1,019 sqm, while those under Cluster 2 range from 300 sqm to 473 sqm.

As its first horizontal development, Rockwell gives future residents the opportunity to design their dream home from the ground up, as each pre-selling residential lot can be modified to suit their needs and wants.

The property gives residents control of designing a home that’s perfect for their lifestyle, while still enjoying the benefits of being part of a Rockwell community.

Whether it’s a family house fit to host large gatherings or a new house for a starting family, each home in the development will experience the security, exclusivity, and sense of community that Rockwell brings to the south.

More strolls in the park

Aside from offering more lots for residential spaces, Cluster 3 of Rockwell South at Carmelray also paves the way for the Pathway Park, the newest park in the community.

Artist’s render of Carmelray Drive

This latest addition brings the number of recreational parks in the property to eight, giving residents many opportunities to enjoy leisure and outdoor activities amidst sprawling greens.

Apart from an expansive central amenity area, Rockwell Carmelray also has pocket parks spread across the development. This provides not only conducive spaces for residents to enjoy a wealth of activities, but also places where they can meet and commune.

The Tree Nursery welcomes those who wish to reside at Rockwell Carmelray

Among the recreational parks featured in the community is the 1,700-sqm Treehouse Park, which is the size of over four basketball courts. It features a cabin up in the trees as well as a pet-friendly garden where residents can bring their furry friends.

In addition, pet-loving residents can also walk their furry friends at the 700-sqm Dog Park.

Health enthusiasts will also have a place of their own with the 2,800-sqm Fitness Park, which can host a variety of group activities in its grand gazebo, as well as a 900-sqm Wellness Park perfect for yoga sessions or exercises while overlooking the sunset.

Artist’s render of the Bike Park

Families can create lasting memories outdoors at the 2,900-sqm Barbeque Park, which has a treehouse, outdoor grill, play area, and lounge.

Children will also have their own space at the 1,400-sqm Play Park, which will have a playground and a paved walking path perfect for grandparents to spend time with the kids.

The development also features a 4,100-sqm  Bike Park which will feature an outdoor trail and a grill area for al fresco dining.

With the wide range of recreational spaces, residents will never run out of adventures.

Central Amenities

On top of its many recreational parks, residents will have more areas to maximize the open spaces offered by the property through its 1.9 hectare central amenity complex, the Rockwell Country Club at Carmelray.

The great lawn creates an ideal environment for fun, outdoor activities, while gatherings can safely be organized within the impressive clubhouse.

Sports enthusiasts can spend hours playing in the covered courts and lap pool, while kids can take a dip in the kiddie pool.

Residents can also have smaller get-togethers under the shaded tents and even have a potluck in the barbeque area.

Enjoy the convenience of urban living

While living in Metro Manila offers many conveniences, moving to the south doesn’t mean you have to move away from modern comforts and necessities, as Rockwell South at Carmelray is surrounded by schools, hospitals, churches, and retail establishments.

There are also various retail and leisure options to suit every member of the family.

Apart from its proximity to  necessities, Rockwell South at Carmelray is also very accessible to Metro Manila with five exits to the South Luzon Expressway and the Cavite-Laguna Expressway opening soon.

With its wide open spaces, breathtaking views of nature, and proximity to necessities, Rockwell South at Carmelray balances peaceful living with urban conveniences.

And that perfect balance is just what we need to thrive in this constantly changing world.

For more information, please visit rockwellsouthatcarmelray.com
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Written by: Catherine Talavera

Living outside of Metro Manila is very attractive these days. With the lush greeneries, fresh air and wider spaces, this residential setting may be the best for one’s health and wellness.

Indeed, moving out of the country’s capital has become popular since the pandemic struck, with a lot of people choosing to live in nearby cities especially in areas in the South such as Laguna.

One developer that has taken notice of this growing interest in living in the southern part of Luzon is Rockwell Land, as it continues to offer premium horizontal spaces in its Laguna development.

Lush greens and landscaped gardens bring the budding community together and give a glimpse of what’s to come

Embracing Southern Living

Rockwell South at Carmelray is a sprawling 60-hectare master planned community in Canlubang, Calamba, Laguna. It is the developer’s first premium and exclusive gated community and its biggest project to date.

The exclusive community will no doubt provide a balanced lifestyle to its residents — the convenience of city living but away from urban stress.

Artist’s render of Rockwell Carmelray entrance

New spaces for your dream home

As the first two clusters of the project have been well-received by the market,

Rockwell has expanded the property with a third cluster and added a limited number of lots to its exclusive community.

Lot sizes of the expanded offerings range from a comfortable size of 440 square meters (sqm) to 566 sqm, which are in between the first two clusters.

The nearly sold out Cluster 1 offers lots sized from 656 sqm to 1,019 sqm, while those under Cluster 2 range from 300 sqm to 473 sqm.

As its first horizontal development, Rockwell gives future residents the opportunity to design their dream home from the ground up, as each pre-selling residential lot can be modified to suit their needs and wants.

The property gives residents control of designing a home that’s perfect for their lifestyle, while still enjoying the benefits of being part of a Rockwell community.

Whether it’s a family house fit to host large gatherings or a new house for a starting family, each home in the development will experience the security, exclusivity, and sense of community that Rockwell brings to the south.

More strolls in the park

Aside from offering more lots for residential spaces, Cluster 3 of Rockwell South at Carmelray also paves the way for the Pathway Park, the newest park in the community.

Artist’s render of Carmelray Drive

This latest addition brings the number of recreational parks in the property to eight, giving residents many opportunities to enjoy leisure and outdoor activities amidst sprawling greens.

Apart from an expansive central amenity area, Rockwell Carmelray also has pocket parks spread across the development. This provides not only conducive spaces for residents to enjoy a wealth of activities, but also places where they can meet and commune.

The Tree Nursery welcomes those who wish to reside at Rockwell Carmelray

Among the recreational parks featured in the community is the 1,700-sqm Treehouse Park, which is the size of over four basketball courts. It features a cabin up in the trees as well as a pet-friendly garden where residents can bring their furry friends.

In addition, pet-loving residents can also walk their furry friends at the 700-sqm Dog Park.

Health enthusiasts will also have a place of their own with the 2,800-sqm Fitness Park, which can host a variety of group activities in its grand gazebo, as well as a 900-sqm Wellness Park perfect for yoga sessions or exercises while overlooking the sunset.

Artist’s render of the Bike Park

Families can create lasting memories outdoors at the 2,900-sqm Barbeque Park, which has a treehouse, outdoor grill, play area, and lounge.

Children will also have their own space at the 1,400-sqm Play Park, which will have a playground and a paved walking path perfect for grandparents to spend time with the kids.

The development also features a 4,100-sqm  Bike Park which will feature an outdoor trail and a grill area for al fresco dining.

With the wide range of recreational spaces, residents will never run out of adventures.

Central Amenities

On top of its many recreational parks, residents will have more areas to maximize the open spaces offered by the property through its 1.9 hectare central amenity complex, the Rockwell Country Club at Carmelray.

The great lawn creates an ideal environment for fun, outdoor activities, while gatherings can safely be organized within the impressive clubhouse.

Sports enthusiasts can spend hours playing in the covered courts and lap pool, while kids can take a dip in the kiddie pool.

Residents can also have smaller get-togethers under the shaded tents and even have a potluck in the barbeque area.

Enjoy the convenience of urban living

While living in Metro Manila offers many conveniences, moving to the south doesn’t mean you have to move away from modern comforts and necessities, as Rockwell South at Carmelray is surrounded by schools, hospitals, churches, and retail establishments.

There are also various retail and leisure options to suit every member of the family.

Apart from its proximity to  necessities, Rockwell South at Carmelray is also very accessible to Metro Manila with five exits to the South Luzon Expressway and the Cavite-Laguna Expressway opening soon.

With its wide open spaces, breathtaking views of nature, and proximity to necessities, Rockwell South at Carmelray balances peaceful living with urban conveniences.

And that perfect balance is just what we need to thrive in this constantly changing world.

For more information, please visit rockwellsouthatcarmelray.com

Because of the restrictions brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, many get-togethers have been put on hold. Luckily, there are outdoor areas where it is safe to host small and intimate celebrations—we’ll tell you where and how!

Whether we like to admit it or not, personal connection is something that we miss amid the COVID-19 pandemic. While the series of video calls and online messaging make up for the time we spent far from the people we love, it does not beat the time we spent with them physically.

As the government slowly eases restrictions on mass gatherings, many families and friends decide to meet up one batch at a time. In a guideline released by the World Health Organisation (WHO), there are several factors to consider before attending an intimate gathering, among which are making sure local regulations are being followed and proper physical distancing is possible.

The setting of the intimate celebration must also be considered carefully. Typically, an ideal area is one that is spacious (for physical distancing) and has fresh, flowing air.

Rockwell South at Carmelray, Rockwell’s first exclusive gated community in Laguna, provides an ideal environment for families to spend time together safely outdoors. With an expanse of 63 hectares, there is more than enough room to enjoy intimate gatherings here.Below are places in the property where intimate celebrations may be held safely.

At Your Own Backyard

In Spacious Parks

Fresh, flowing air awaits your guests in spacious outdoor areas like Rockwell South at Carmelray’s Barbeque Park. Apart from the extensive central amenity, recreational parks are strategically spread out through the development to encourage residents to embrace daily adventures with their families and friends.These parks also offer a variety of activities that residents can enjoy. At 1,700 square metres, the Treehouse Park is the size of over four basketball courts and will feature a cabin up in the trees. Almost twice as large as the 2,800 square metre Fitness Park, a haven for health enthusiasts. A Wellness Park at 900 square metres has an outdoor yoga nook and paved path.

In A Safe Events Place

For more intimate parties like weddings, birthdays, or anniversaries, you would want to celebrate in a place that is sure to be safe and thoroughly sanitised. At Rockwell South, there is the Central Amenity area that covers 1.9 hectares of space for all sorts of activities, including a function hall for intimate gatherings.

In an article from The Guardian, writer Cindy Lamothe mentioned that humans are not meant to live in isolation. “Loneliness has been proven to cause serious repercussions.” With restrictions slowly easing and there are more opportunities to see friends and family, it is still important to make sure to do so as safely as possible. Rockwell South at Carmelray provides a safe and comfortable space for loved ones to do just that.

For additional information, feel free to visit Rockwell South at Carmelray’s official website www.rockwellsouthatcarmelray.com or follow them on Instagram @rockwellsouthatcarmelray and Facebook facebook.com/RockwellSouthatCarmelray.

A year spent at home can have any family eager to go on a trip. But what about planning a weekend filled with activities to do at home instead? Since the quarantine was first implemented in 2020, we have all been forced to stay indoors in compliance with social distancing measures. Family trips and vacations are now hard to come by these days, especially when we want to keep our loved ones safe and healthy.

That said, there is no reason you can’t turn your weekend at home into a vacation of sorts for the family. As they say, “It’s not about the destination; it’s about the journey.” Your home and neighborhood can be a source of joy and excitement for the little ones. All you have to do is help them find wonder in the familiar–by creating a list of fun things to do with the family. Transform a regular weekend into a vacation to remember with these family activities at home.

Ride your bikes around the neighborhood

One activity you can do together as a family is bike around the neighborhood. Your kids will thank you for taking them out of the house, and it gives you all a chance to stretch your legs. Riding your bikes also allows you to get some fresh air while keeping in with social distancing rules.

Want to make your bike ride even more memorable? Plan a treasure hunt, and let your children hunt for clues on their bicycles. Hide these hints behind trees or bushes, as well as in spots that are not too crowded. If you have enough family members, you can even group them in pairs or in teams!

Rockwell South at Carmelray offers a secure and exclusive neighborhood that allows you and your family to explore the outdoors at ease. Aside from wide lawns and pavements, there is also a dedicated Bike Park where your children can make memories and stay active within the comforts of a vibrant community.

Parent’s choice, kids’ choice

Plan for an even more successful weekend vacation by letting your children have a say in your activities. For example, this works when you’re planning events such as family board game night where parents and children take turns in choosing which games to play. You can even challenge them to a rock-paper-scissors game or spin the bottle in order to decide who gets to choose first. Giving them a more active role in planning these family activities makes them feel more valued and allows them to become more invested in the idea.

This also works even for movie night or an arts and crafts afternoon. Here’s an idea for a major weekend project: Work on a family mural together where parents and kids take turns in choosing the colors to paint parts of. See how their imaginations run wild and get to know them on an even deeper level.

Backyard camping

Does your family love the outdoors? Channel this into a fun and safe family activity: camping in the backyard. Allow your children to take a more active role by letting them help set up the tent and bring their favorite pillows and blankets.

Take camping night to the next level by setting up a bonfire, so you and your kids can roast marshmallows and make s’mores. You can even sing campfire songs while gathered around, or share stories. This allows the family to experience the home in a new way and lets them feel they’re on a family trip in the woods instead of the garden.

Celebrate the weekend with a feast

If you can’t take the kids to their favorite restaurant, bring the restaurant to them by ending your weekend with a sumptuous feast filled with their most loved dishes at home. Or, take it a step further by cooking within a theme that highlights a foreign cuisine: Take them to Italy with hand-tossed pizza, pasta, and tiramisu; You can also experience Mexico together with tacos and some churros!

This family activity could also be a chance to teach them some valuable family recipes. Request their help in whipping up a family dish, or in baking goodies for dessert.

While a real family trip away from home may not be in the works for now, create wonderful family memories together by taking in the effort to plan family activities that allow you to spend precious moments at home.

Making family moments and providing your loved ones the life they deserve is possible in a community that allows you to live life in balance. Rockwell South at Carmelray brings the signature Rockwell lifestyle to a wide, nature-filled development in Canlubang, Laguna. An hour’s drive from Manila, you and your family can enjoy the elegant pleasures of suburban living while staying close to the city.

Featuring a master-planned estate within hectares of nature, Rockwell South at Carmelray offers distinct amenities such as recreational parks that allow you to live your family life to the fullest. Bask in open relaxation with three hectares of leisure space. Get fit and nourish your mind and body at the Fitness Park, with 2,800 square meters of expanse for your fitness routines, while the Wellness Park has its own meditation garden and paved paths within 900 square meters.

Create priceless memories with your family at the Treehouse Park with a cabin up in the trees looking over 1,700 square meters of greenery, while you can enjoy a weekend grill with your loved ones at the 2,900-square meter Barbecue Park with its own outdoor grill, treehouse, and lounge.

Your children can spread their wings and wander to their hearts’ content with a 1,400-square meter Play Park and a 4,100-square meter Bike Park, with its own outdoor trail. And even your own furry family members have their own place in the community, with a 700-square meter Dog Park where they can play and socialize with other dogs in the neighborhood.

Find your home in the south, and let your family experience the boundless charms of southern living with Rockwell South at Carmelray. Send us a message at inquire@rockwell.com.ph or visit rockwellsouthatcarmelray.com to learn more.

By Ryanne Co

Have a lot of room? Here are some of our top tips to maximise your home’s most spacious areas

Too much can be a good thing, especially when it comes to real estate. Recent times have emphasized the importance of spacious and well-curated homes. Having a sizable lot not only affords you much needed space and room to breathe, but also gives you plenty of freedom for creative expression and lifestyle choices. Dive into the various design ideas you can indulge in if you own a spacious home.

Create an indoor Zen garden

Indoor Zen gardens have become all the rage. Whether it’s for its stylish design or its ability to relieve stress, it’s a great idea to put together if you have the room for it. The most important things you’ll need are simple: sand and rocks, plus calming greens that are easy on the eyes. Putting one into your home will add a touch of tranquility into your safe space and can also double as a meditation corner for those who like to practice mindfulness.

Dedicate a room for a hobby or as an office