Maka Forest Villas, Alfonso

The sound of solitude and the cacophony of birds and wildlife are music to my ears, so I feel right at home instantly the moment I set foot at Maka Forest Villas.

A secret gem of a place in the sleepy but cool town of Alfonso, Cavite, Maka was named after an ancient Tagalog word of the same name that describes the dwelling of good spirits. And aptly, the place is overflowing with fresh air and positive energies, truly a piece of heaven here on earth. It is actually an excellent showcase of “regenerative architecture”. This type of architecture is the new green, preserving, utilizing and co-evolving with the surrounding natural environment. It embraces, without destroying the natural habitat, and uses the millions of years of engineering and evolution as the foundation for a building or any structure.  

The man behind Maka is Arch. Ronnie Yumang, the Secretary General of the United Architects of the Philippines, an Asean Architect and environmental planner, and owner of Yumang Design Construction and Development and JOYA Properties, companies that promote regenerative and sustainable architecture, interiors, landscape and planning design. His green advocacy and professional achievements are quite impressive. He believes that “architecture should grow within the place the way kamagong grows out of mabolo. It will regenerate and strengthen the weave that links nature and man.” He teams up with his ever supportive, and highly dedicated wife Marison in developing and running the place.

It was actually Marison and their little daughter who picked me up from Tagaytay-Nasugbu highway and warmly welcomed me to their forest-like sanctuary. The family relocated from Manila to Alfonso in September 2018, most probably to avoid the stressful hustle and bustle city life.                                                  

The main gate is made from recycled woods of old houses.

An open air pavilion serves as a communal space for dining, conversing, or relaxing. Furniture and art works, including a Joya Painting, are beautiful, of high quality and well-thought of.

Connected to the pavilion is the Muni Room, my lovely accommodation with a garden view. It is good for three persons, equipped with a queen-size bed, a daybed, study area, and a stunning comfort room with hot and cold shower (and stones, plants and bamboos). The design of the room combines contemporary and native style, using hardwood and indigenous materials with eye-catching decorations such as Japanese parasol, portrait paintings, and Vakul. Huge glass doors and windows provide ample natural light to the room. There is no aircon but the ceiling fan is already enough to give good ventilation. There is no TV or wifi so I had a digital detox and wonderful stay in this room.

I was served a complimentary breakfast the next morning consisting of French-pressed coffee, fresh fruits and pancakes. The day before I was given a free pancit and ube ice cream. Marison and the staff were really thoughtful and generous.

While having my meal, I was joined by Arch. Ronnie, who told me the history and his vision for Maka. A few years ago, he was overseeing the construction of the neighboring Preziosa Botanic Park and Farm Resort, when he fell in love with the town’s almost untouched greeneries; much more one day when he saw from the elevated part of the resort, the mist and fog approaching him and slowly shrouding the surroundings. He found out later that a lot (a former poultry farm) nearby was up for sale and he grabbed the opportunity right away. He and Marison, slowly developed and enhanced the place without destroying the natural environment, planting more trees and plants. Their garden eventually became the playground of their daughter. More villas will soon rise, with half of the property to be converted into a subdivision, while the other half as hotel.

Arch Ronnie advised me to walk barefoot on the stone ground and savor the place’s serenity. I did just that – peaceful communing with nature, listening to the occasional chirping of the native birds, appreciating the elegant landscape and comforting quiet that could rarely be felt in Manila. 

The flora of Maka is diverse and impressive with its variety of plants and endemic trees. Kokedama moss balls are also practically almost everywhere. How I love it for nature has its therapeutic powers. A posthumous collection of writings of neurosurgeon Oliver Sacks says “In forty years of medical practice, I have found only two types of non-pharmaceutical therapy to be vitally important for patients with chronic neurological diseases: music and gardens. I cannot say exactly how nature exerts its calming and organizing effects on our brains, but I have seen in my patients the restorative and healing powers of nature and gardens. The effects of nature’s qualities on health are not only spiritual and emotional but physical and neurological. In many cases, gardens and nature are more powerful than any medication.”

Meditation, yoga and any activities that involve minimal noise are encouraged.

An environmental land art entitled “Habital Loss” was made by Arch. Ronnie to raise awareness on the adverse impact of environmental destruction threatening the collapse of an ecosystem – where birds no longer have nests, where they could live.  

There are resident dogs; I was smitten the most with Ludvig, a playful and charming husky.

When the heat, stress, and noise of the city become unbearable, it's perfect to unwind, recharge and take inspiration at Maka. It's okay too to just sleep throughout, practice the “art of doing nothing”, and daydream. 

You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one.

From Manila, take Nasugbu-bound bus (bus station in Buendia, Lawton or South Terminal in Pasay). Get off at Splendido in Brgy. Upli, Alfonso. From the highway, take a tricycle going to Maka. They also offer pick-up service.

Maka Forest Villas

Sulsugin, Alfonso, Cavite

Tel. No.: 0918-8078197