New Year. New Way of Living. Nuvali.

     Sustainable living -- the new buzz word from corporate to social networks. Though it has become the mother of all Corporate Social Responsibility mantra, few companies (and individuals) really embrace it.  One company that has shown how this can be done and pay more value than lip service to the idea is Ayala.  Through its new development, Nuvali and Greenfield City, the Ayala's have shown that not only is sustainable living cool - literally and figuratively -- it can also be profitable and beautiful.

   Along with a few other bloggers, we were invited to tour Nuvali more than a month ago.  What I saw surprised me.  It's not a very politically correct expression but i'll say it nonetheless -- it is very first world.  I'm guessing that once the skyway is fixed and the numerous buses plying the south side miraculously lessens then for sure the price for lots in Nuvali would skyrocket.  Although, this is possible but, at the moment, unlikely I still wouldn't mind living in Nuvali. And working remote... :)

Some reasons why you would want to live, play and love in Nuvali.

The "function" area in Nuvali. Bikes also have parking spaces!

from the "function" area, one can walk towards the boat parkings.  Water taxis, the Nuvali version of  Gondola's, would then take you to the Business District.

The Highway -- where herons, water taxi's and kois battle for right of way.

The Hills are alive with the sound of the cow's moos....

Sustainable living after all is about living in harmony with your surroundings.  As per the latest count of Haribon Foundation, after the Nuvali development, the diversity of birds actually increased.
I love how they didn't make a pavement here and just trimmed the grass on the way to the Bird Sanctuary.

Viewing deck. I can already imagine a barbeque party with friends here or a cozy set-up for a romantic dinner for two, some violin, and a proposal under the stars. :)

The Nuvali ecohouse - worth an extra 1 million pesos from the "original" avida designs. The additions (see below) on this structure makes the additional 1M worth in electricity bills, and a more comfortable living. Stepping inside alone makes you feel the cool air.

Natural Blinders-slash-Air Conditioners
This plants are planted strategically to block out the afternoon sun.

Thermodynamics.
These vents optimizes the natural flow of air and embraces the concept that "warm air rises, cold air sinks"

The ceiling is functional as it is beautiful.

I fell in love with these floor to ceiling windows -- allowing not only air but natural light to filter through.

These wallpapers are made from dried leaves proving sustainable can be both elegant and beautiful.

These CR utilizes grey water, that is, water from collected rain, "recycled water", etc for flushing.  On the other hand, separate pipes are connected to the faucet leaving you with clean water only where you need it.

These sala set made from recycled paperstuffs are perfect for the sitting area.

The principle behind the orientation of the houses and its design.

One thing I super love about Nuvali is its provision for pedestrians and bikers.  Also, a dedicated lane for buses and eJeepneys make commuting here definitely worlds different from Edsa.

Not wanting to rely solely on coal, the Nuvali management is looking at utilizing wind energy prospectively.

On board the water taxi, again, we headed for lunch. The fountain-like structure here is actually also used to clean the man-made lake where the Koi's are as well as serve to aerate the lake.

Also near the Nuvali "business district", restaurants have started to sprout.  From the south side favorite Conti's to the established brands like Italianni's and Yellow Cab as well as new comers - Pig Out, Nature Trails, etc - you'll never be hungry here.

Like these coys are never hungry.
A trip to Nuvali wouldn't, for sure, be complete without feeding these unabashedly (un)coy Koi's.
Bon Appetit!

 Thanks to Jayce Perlas of Perlas and Luna for the invite, and of course, Nuvali.