NUVALI, a 1,750 hectare mixed-use development and Ayala Land's first and largest master planned eco-community gets on track as the most exciting biking destination south of the Makati Central Business District, as it recently concluded Dirt Weekend.

An advocate of healthy living, NUVALI encourages its residents to get on their bikes and cycle their way through fitness. This, they promote, through suitable facilities for sports and outdoor recreation.

The Dirt Weekend saw action from off road bikers all over the country. Former Asian mountain bike king Frederick Feliciano topped the 40-kilometer cross-country elite crown, which went around a portion of NUVALI's 1,750 hectare mixed-use eco-community. Former motocross star Glenn Aguilar won the Elite Open four cross competition.

Race organizer and former national mountain bike coach Arjuna Saulo said that over 500 bikers took part in the cross-country, four-cross and dirt jump events. "In the cross country races alone, we had about 250 entries" Saulo said.

Even kids were in full throttle as they traversed the cross-country tracks, proving NUVALI as the place for bikers of all ages.

Ruling the 9 years old and below category were Elias Romualdez and Ryckiel Hernandez for the 10 - 14 years old category. In the four cross event, Muchi Alon-alon was declared champ in the 9 years old and below category and Patrick Bergonio in the 10 - 14 years old category.

Bong Pedralvez, Journal group deskman and sports columnist who is also Philippine Sports Writers Association forum moderator, affirmed the impressive participant line-up and attendance at the Dirt Weekend.

He was also enthralled with the total offering of NUVALI as adventure sports and healthful destination. To find a nature hideaway just at the outskirts of Metro Manila such as the NUVALI eco community was totally unexpected. "Now I and my family won't have to venture too far from the metropolis to a spot where we can have a fun and enjoyable time for outdoor bonding. The fish-feeding and riding the water taxis around NUVALI was a memorable experience for us."

"The entire NUVALI area offers an ideal venue for rugged adventure sports such as mountain bike riding and other events such as four cross and dirt jump competitions. Obviously, the surroundings are a health buffs' delight! "Pedralvez said.

NUVALI General Manager Jun Bisnar said that NUVALI is being developed as a haven for healthy and balanced family living. We want the people in our fully integrated community to become sports-conscious and enjoy the outdoors and nature attractions in NUVALI. Thus, NUVALI attracts a lot of people who prefers a fit and active lifestyle.

The Dirt Weekend was a perfect event to feature the NUVALI experience of fresh air, wide-open spaces and green surroundings which are best seen while riding a bike.

Organizers were overwhelmed by the success of the event, which also featured other bike activities like a bike expo and exhibit, film showing, photo exhibit and bike stunt show, capped by a rasta party led by Reggae Mistress to celebrate the successful staging of NUVALI's Dirt Weekend.

More sports and lifestyle events are being lined up, among them wakeboarding. NUVALI is poised to become a regional center and a top sports and recreation attraction south of Makati. Plans are afoot for the hosting of more outdoor events such as marathons and, of course, next year's Dirt Weekend.

NUVALI's extensive road networks features dedicated bike and pedestrian lanes shaded by trees. Bikers can also visit NUVALI's other outdoor recreational features and amenities like its 4-hectare multi-functional lake, natural ravines, open fields, bike tracks, hiking and biking trails and the Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary, which is home to a total of 76 faunal species composed of more than 62 bird species, 7 mammal species, 7 herpetofaunas and 55 species of flora.

Bird watching is among the nature-based sports and recreation that can already be enjoyed in NUVALI.

Formally launched last April, NUVALI presents to the public its "Evoliving" concept for this master-planned eco-community that exemplifies living in harmony with nature. The entire place mandates a dual-piping system to manage water resource, the first of its kind for a large township, which allows residents and visitors to use recycled water where potable water is not a necessity such as landscaping, toilet flushing among others. The lake acts as rainwater catchment and at full build-out will function also as reservoir to feed the dual-piping system. Pavements are designed to allow water to seep back to the soil.

Home buyers of the first phases of eco-conscious residential developments of Ayala Land Premier, Alveo Land which recently launched the opening of the Treveia clubhouse and Avida Land with its Avida Settings-NUVALI properties, are excited to benefit from the Evoliving lifestyle. Commercial lots at the NUVALI Lakeside Evozone, a PEZA zone area, are selling fast with 74% sales take up rate and with more than P1 billion commercial lots sold.

Meanwhile, Solenad, the lakeside retail center with shops now open such as Conti's Pastry Shop and Restaurant, Yellow Cab Pizza Co., Italianni's Restaurant, Starbucks Coffee and National Bookstore, already provides exciting choices for visitors who are looking for a unique and relaxing dining experience. The excitement at NUVALI escalates as Ayala Land continues with its vision of a well-balanced lifestyle.

For more details, visit the NUVALI Evoliving Center from Mondays to Sundays, 8am 5pm or log on to www.NUVALIevoliving.com. For inquires about NUVALI, commercial lots and other projects, pls call 0917.5.ASK.NUV (275.688) or e-mail ask@NUVALIevoliving.com