Living the great life. Inexplicably, an elegant home by the lake is a rare sight in the Philippines. Lakeshore in Mexico, Pampanga is one of the few neighborhoods that offer this perk. (Photo by PRANZ KAENO BILLONES)

Lancelot “Capability” Brown, the noted 18th century English landscape artist would no doubt be impressed by the Lakeshore’s environs in Mexico, Pampanga.  After all, said community is more than just the sum of its parts and may, just maybe, become the standards by which other residential developments in the country may be judged.

For starters, its length and breadth is simply stunning--with hundreds of hectares available for future development.  In fact, it is so huge that it actually consists of several communities, each conceived with a specific lifestyle in mind. 

Because of its size, Lakeshore offers another quality that only living in the said development can provide--much needed space.  Space, after all is a very valuable “commodity,” especially in congested Metro Manila and other metropolises in the country. 

Indeed, with its sizable lots allotted for homes, equally spacious roadways and sensitive planning, residents are surely spoiled by the sheer spaciousness of living at the community.

And it is a real, breathing and thriving community. One that is self-contained, with all the amenities and services that living in a first-rate residential development entails.  At present, most of Lakeshore’s facilities are in place--with only the church (currently being constructed) and educational institutions (currently in planning stages) lacking for now.

Nonetheless, despite all these worthy attributes, it is the Lakeshore’s park-like ambiance (specifically its recreation area) that creates the most impression.  With its smooth, undulating lawns, serpentine lake (complete with an island!); and clumps, belts and scattering of trees--the whole landscape is truly reminiscent of “Capability” Brown’s design philosophy and then some.

Of course, one cannot write an article about the Lakeshore without mentioning the lighthouse--an iconic structure in the middle of the development that also serves as its logo of sorts. 

Although one can easily categorize it as a “folly” (a landscaping term that refers to a structure without any particular use), it is actually fully functional and can be accessed through a vertigo-inducing series of steps.  Once at the top though, one is given a 360 degree view of the Lakeshore and its environs. 

From this vantage, one can see a panorama of trees and water that seemingly extends the landscape, making the Lakeshore’s area even larger than it is.  It’s a unique view to be sure and provides one with a heart-tugging view of a community close to perfection.

Also visible from the lighthouse are a few structures that surround the lake. There is a casual dining restaurant to the left. And on the right are two airconditioned tents by the shore. Closer to the lighhouse is a tent that currently serves as a makeshift chapel until construction of an actual concrete chapel is completed.

Further down the lake is the tent designed to be a venue for wedding receptions, concerts and other special occasions. The tent will be the place to be at when Lakeshore celebrates its anniversary this weekend.

Interestingly, the wharf  and lighthouse area features piped-in music, mostly jazz and mellow instrumental music that soothen the mind and further enhance the  serenity of the place. The wharf would be an ideal site for barbecue parties held on lazy Sunday afternoons. Imagine a small band playing the charming music of Scott Joplin, or a cultural dance group performing the Tinikling. Or clowns walking on pogo sticks or juggling balls and doing mimes. 

Lakeshore is like a theme park one can live in. Like the grounds of Disneyland, it's a fairytale-like neighborhood that is at once homey and surreal. Here's a residential area that offer s a view of a lake that for once, isn't Taal Lake. And it does also offer a view of a real albeit extinct volcano, the Arayat.

Likewise, Lakeshore is amazing for the fact that it lies just next to the NLEX.