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FEATUREVOLUME II • NO. 68 • SEPTEMBER 13-15, 2013 • FRIDAY - SUNDAYA spectacular view ofdawn break taken on theside of the infinity pool.The Alluring Views ofsinagtalaText by Michael Cigaral • Photos courtesy of UP Astronomical Society and Felicito PayumoSinagtala is located high up on the slopes of Mt. Natibin Orani, Bataan that showcases the harmony ofeconomic development and environmental grandeur.The place that covers 50 hectares offers thebreathtaking views of the plains of Central Luzon,but only half of it is allotted for structures.It has an elevation of 500 meters above sealevel and it is located on top of one of the “fivefingers” of a ravine.Before its development, the land here was oncemostly covered with cogon for many years untilthe “Big 3” here, namely, Kapampangan wellknownarchitect Nestor David, former presidentof Government Service Insurance System Atty.Federico Pascual and former Bataan CongressmanFelicito Payumo, plus a dozen of shareholderstransformed it into a prime tourist destinationthat can rival retreat facilities in Baguio, Tagaytayand Batangas cities.It features an infinity pool overlooking themountains, a multipurpose hall, a chapel, awellness facility and prime house structures fortourists and guests.When you stand at the edge of the property,along the cliff, you can see a great view of itssurroundings. The area is also a farm wherethousands of coffee trees, vegetables, fruit treesand various plants grow.Former BCDA Chairman Tong Payumo said atnight here you can see the stars brightly shining,that’s why they call the place Sinagtala.Sinagtala is a place to relax and enjoy nature;an ecotourism area for adventure seekers whereyou can engage in various activities, like camping,rappelling and hiking, among others.A zipline, which will become the country’slongest, will be built here before the year ends.Its chief designer, Architect Nes David said theresort accommodates mixed-use development butwith a theme of environmental protection.Environment-friendly materialsare being used in their buildingtechnology here like bamboo forwalls and roofs, cement bondedboard, bamboo shavings andrecycled agricultural wastes.The water they use herecomes miles away from themountains and, in their firehydrants, they use gravity flow.“Until now some peoplehere in this province still can’tbelieve there is something likethis in Bataan,” David added.“It’s very beautiful here. It’sa place where you can restyour mind and soul,” a foreigntourist said. ●From the infinity pooldeck, at night whenyou look at the sky, youcan see theThe U.P. AstronomicalSociety picked Sinagtalaas the best spot for nightstar gazing.