MANILA, Philippines -- This is just the kind of house you'd see in glamorous destinations like Acapulco, Monte Carlo, or the Greek isles. It's could blend very well in any upscale neighborhood in Greece, since after all, its architecture is unmistakably Greek. This house stands on a cliff that overlooks the South China Sea. It's not Greece but according to its builders, it could make a good substitute. Its address: The Thunderbird Resorts in Poro Point in San Fernando, La Union.
Credit ought to be given to the builders for turning this scenic spot into something that resembles a jet setting playground for the rich and famous. Thunderbird Resorts at Poro Point has a casino, a luxurious hotel, and a nine-hole golf course, among others. Its developers are also selling residential lots in a neighborhood dubbed The Point Residences. As with most real estate developments, this resort has adopted an architectural theme, which is Greek.
The mansion is one of the first residences to be built at The Point. It occupies four lots ensconced on the edge of the cliff, near the hotel. It's owned by a businessman who asked the resident architects of Thunderbird to build and design the house and the interiors. This is the same team that developed Thunderbird and built the hotel and the casino. The builders belong to a construction company called Impact Asia, which also built the various Thunderbird resorts in South America. "Lot owners can also hire their own architect but we have to approve the design to make sure it adheres to the theme and requirements of Thunderbird," says David Chong, Thunderbird's real estate manager.
The houses in Santorini are shaped like cubes and are made of local stone. The homes are whitewashed or washed in lime. The mansion at Thunderbird follows the basic shape and color of the Santorini house, but this has been fused with modern minimalist themes. Of course, white is the dominant color, inside and outside. Interiors feature modern classic accessories, with blue serving as the main accent (blue is the color of Thunderbird). This blending is tastefully executed as there is no Greek overkill in the house or in any of the other structures at Thunderbird. You won't see any statues of Zeus or Helen on the grounds or in the pool area.
The Greek theme was chosen by one of the architects of Impact Asia. As it happened, when he married he honeymooned on the island of Santorini in Greece. He fell in love with the place which has such dramatic cliffs that overlook the beautiful Aegean Sea. These cliffs and hillsides are filled with clean, immaculate white houses and buildings. "When it was time to develop the Thunderbird resort here at Poro Point, he inspected the site," says Chong. "Poro Point reminded him of Santorini. The only difference is there where no Greek-style houses and buildings. Well, it was decided that this is the perfect place to build his version of Santorini."
Both the house and the hotel set the tone of the entire property. All other future construction projects will adopt the same theme. Last week, Thunderbird launched its latest real estate project which will see 51 luxury condotels rise in the 15 hectare land area of Thunderbird Residences.
"These condotel units are ideal for members and guests who like to visit Thunderbird regularly," says Poro Point's general manager Damien Ball. "The hotel is almost always fully booked so this gives guests another option. But we're also expanding the hotel to accommodate more guests."
All purchased units will automatically be enrolled in Thunderbird Resorts' condotel program operated by Thunderbird Pilipinas Hotels and Resorts, Inc. Ball says the owners will benefit from having their units under the direct supervision of hotel management. The unit then becomes a "self-liquidating" investment with hassle-free property management as the hotel will be leasing it out with all the services provided. Also, owners are entitled to exclusive use of their unit for 30 days annually, while enjoying huge investment returns on the lease out of their units for the remainder of the year.
"As an added privilege, owners will have access to the hotel's first class facilities - the beach club, the Cliffs golf course, the pool, and casino.
Once these condotels are finished, The Point Residences will look more complete, and more like the island of Santorini. The difference is this destination is just a six-hour drive away
