Living up the Northern Experience

The seasons of the year do not affect the tenacity of the North, with travelers and locals alike trooping to Central Luzon even on rainy days or under the scorching heat.

For Filipinos itching to satisfy their travel bugs, it does not matter whether it is too cold or sunny—the provinces of Pampanga, Bulacan, Tarlac, Bataan, Zambales, Aurora and Nueva Ecija, as well as Baguio City, are always teeming with travelers ticking off destinations in their bucket list.

But there is always the question of where they could spend their weekends and summer trips, as the COVID-19 pandemic has made it difficult for them to book hotels or bedand-breakfasts while worrying about their safety.

Luckily for our eager travelers and homeowners, Sta. Lucia Land Inc. has made it easier for them to come back to their favorite tourist spots and restaurants that cannot be found anywhere else.

“Whether in search of delectable cuisine, vacation spots to explore or a space to simply relax and unwind, [Central Luzon] definitely has something to offer. This is also why we have long established a steady presence in these areas,” said Exequiel Robles, president of Sta. Lucia Land Inc.

For those with a constant craving for scenic locations perfect for social media posts and relaxation after weeks of struggling at work, the breathtaking views at Minalungao National Park or Nagsasa Cove in Nueva Ecija are made easily accessible through Newport at Greenwoods North in Gapan.

Located along Maharlika Highway, the 22-ha masterplanned community is perfect for the emerging middle class and homeowners looking for a permanent home that can bring them closer to adrenaline-inducing adventures. The project is now on its Phase 2, allowing homeowners to choose between a bungalow and two-bedroom, single-detached houses, depending on their need.

Delectable Filipino food made more special by Kapampangan chefs and locals are at arm’s length for residents of Beverly Place Residential and Business Estates in Mexico— Pampanga’s manufacturing, commercial and business zone.

The 348-ha community is just 30 minutes away from the Clark Special Economic Zone and Diosdado Macapagal International Airport and only three minutes away from the San Fernando Exit of North Luzon Expressway. Beverly Place also has direct access to the Gapan-Olongapo Road, which allows seamless travel among the provinces of Central Luzon, especially for those seeking spontaneous trips.

The idyllic suburban life will no longer be just a far-off dream for homeowners at Almeria Verde in Dagupan City, with its elegant homes, spacious lots by a river and a scenic clubhouse surrounded by a basketball court, swimming pool, playground and other amenities fit for every member of the family.

For the more active, athletic and adventurous bunch, an endless summer vacation awaits at the 41-ha Acropolis North in Cabanatuan City, with its sports and country clubs and a water camp with tower slides and a lazy river.

On the off chance that they still have that travel frenzy, they can reach the city proper and the urban comforts of Manila and Pampanga, as well as the sunny beaches of Zambales and the cool, relaxing weather of Baguio within a few hours.

What further makes it attractive to live in this region is the fact that there are opportunities available here. After all, the region is “a major manufacturing location, with its industrial parks being among the key export processing sites in the country” according to Colliers Philippines. As it is, Central Luzon’s economy has been growing by about 8 percent a year from 2017 to 2018, and accounts for 10 percent of the Philippine gross domestic product.

The national government’s major infrastructure projects— such as the Skyway Stage 3, the expansion of the Clark International Airport, the Subic-Clark cargo railway and the Manila -Clark passenger railway—will further strengthen the region’s viability and potential as an investment destination.

“Our developments in the North are sure to benefit from the ongoing buzz in the area. We cannot ignore the huge potential for growth of North and Central Luzon and I believe that homebuyers and investors alike should really consider buying a home in these areas,” Robles noted.

“Sta. Lucia Land has many projects in the North that can fit the needs of the times and provide potential for capital appreciation,” he added.