These developments remind us that being near nature is in fact, our second nature. 

While the Philippines has much work to do in cultivating green cities, there are more nature-filled spaces in the country than you think. These green spaces are quietly thriving in and out of the metro, with more and more individuals and groups embracing eco-friendly infrastructure, working towards sustainable goals and developing communities that draw close to nature.

Nowadays, the idea of “going green” is no longer tied to extreme lifestyle changes or a disruption in your routine. Most of the time, it’s really about making small, intentional choices that draw you closer to nature—and this includes essential decisions such as choosing where to reside, or what to fill and surround your home with. After all, loving nature is instinctive to all human beings. 

Feeling that biophilia swell within you? Here are three residential developments that might point you to where the grass is greener:

Orean Residences at Ayala Vertis

Orean Residences, Facade, Artist’s Perspective

To be strategically situated alongside a major city thoroughfare while housing both residential developments and nature-rich areas is something that Ayala Vertis has managed to do. Orean Residences is another feather in its cap, a yet-to-be-sold-out condominium just a few steps away from a High Park at Vertis North, an inviting patch of green with its own running and walking trail, cinematic picnic areas, sporting grounds, as well as seating all around. Best part of it all, convenience isn’t sacrificed when Ayala Malls Vertis North is literally situated just right there. 

セレネオ・ヌバリ

Sereneo Nuvali, Pool and Social Pavillions, Artist’s Perspective

What’s in a name? If it can tell a story, then Sereneo tells you what it can offer by its name alone. The narrative comes alive in this development down South in Calamba: tree-lined streets, a rolling terrain, and—get this—a view of Mount Makiling in all her slumbering glory. Sereneo embodies what every gated subdivision ought to be: calm, refreshing and ultimately restorative. Choosing your home should not be about bringing more chaos to an already dynamic life—it should center its residents to face their everyday. Speaking of center, Serineo’s focal Central Park is the heart of the development, with 3.2 glorious hectares of open spaces meant to establish common ground among residents, amidst nature.

パーク・カスケード

Park Cascades, Building Facades, Artist’s Perspective

When it comes to choosing a home to raise children in, which prevails—nature, or nurture? Park Cascades, despite being right smack in highly commercialized Taguig, proves that condominium developments can still nurture children in nature. To turn screen time to green time, eco-loving features spell all the difference: Park Cascades’ low-density, mid-rise profile means there are less people and more spaces to breathe, while the development’s courtyard garden and nearby family parks ensure that kids grow up physically active and socially engaged. Finally, kids can be kids again.

The presence of these nature-filled spaces prove that going green is no longer an ideal—it’s already an ongoing movement that’s taking root in communities, residential areas and commercial spaces in ways big and small.