ngono
is home to the most influential figures in Philippine art. Among
them is National Artist Carlos "Botong" Francisco, who endeared
himself to locals as a mild-mannered hippie while the rest of
the world regarded him as one of the most gifted muralists of
his time. Francisco, a son of Angono is acknowledged as one of
the pioneers of the modern art movement in the Philippines.
After him, Angono produced other artists like
Jose "Pitok" Blanco, Nemiranda, and Perdigon Vocalan. The quiet
town was also the hometown of musician Lucio San Pedro, the
eminent Filipino composer and UP professor emeritus and
conductor of the outstanding Banda Angono, and the
politician-parliamentarian Arturo M. Tolentino.
Angono has thus been regarded as the Cradle
of Philippine art. "Like everyone else, we thought that it was
just a coincidence that all these artistic souls converged in
Angono - that is until we visited the place," says officers of
the Filinvest Legacy Group. "At first sight, we understood how
the ruggedly beautiful landscape and sleepy fishing villages of
Angono were able to inspire some of the most remarkable pieces
of Philippine art."
The group then set out to conceive a
development that can foster the same spirit of creativity and
inspiration. Angono in Rizal province is now the setting for the
eastern highland of Havila, a township of residential
communities whose art and nature inspired environment serves to
enhance the lives of its residents.
Named after the bountiful Biblical paradise
which can turn everything into gold, Havila has the same intent
of providing an enriching life for those who live inside the
development.
Surrounded by magnificent views including Laguna de Bay and
an easy driving distance from Fort Bonifacio, Makati and Ortigas,
it is complemented with leisure and recreational amenities,
educational facilities and commercial establishments that
provide lifestyle conveniences to residents as well as a variety
of activities that cultivate the thirst for knowledge and the
arts.
