San Miguel Properties Inc., the real estate arm of diversified conglomerate San Miguel Corporation, is branching out to leisure development in Cavite, Boracay, Baguio and Palawan.

The firm will start with the conversion of its 125-hectare Magnolia Dairy and Poultry Farm in Amuyong, Alfonso, Cavite into a hub for “spiritual tourism.”

The company has already committed a 30 hectare portion of the property to the healing ministry of Companions of the Cross priest Fernando Suarez.

The religious aspect of the project, tentatively called "Monte Maria" and San Miguel Property's "New Jerusalem," will anchor the succeeding projects that will be put up in the property.

"We will talk with Fr. Suarez on his vision for the place, and what can be done to complement, and we will start from there on how to proceed with the place," said SMPI head of real estate development Allan Cruz.

Cruz said that the talks and eventual completion of the masterplan may take between six months and one year to complete.

SMPI sales manager Karen V. Ramos said they welcome potential investors who may be interested in partnering with SMPI in developing the whole property.

Given the place's vision to be a religious activity related place, among the projects that may be put in place are hotels, hospitals, as well as commercial and residential properties.

Cruz estimates that just for laying the groundwork of the project, the place may already coast P1.5 billion.

SMPI said the project is a "multi-faceted development envisioned to serve as the country's hub for 'spiritual tourism’” and is “a collaborative brainchild of Fr. Fernando Suarez and San Miguel Properties chairman Ramon S. Ang.

Monte Maria is envisioned as San Miguel Properties' initial venture into building up the country into a “spiritual mecca” in line with the Department of Tourism's objective to provide quality over quantity when it comes to tourism spots in the country, SMPI said.

"This project is also in line with a vision shared by chairman Ang, Fr. Suarez, and San Miguel Properties, which is to 'create an international pilgrimage site for healing and a center whose goal is to allow pilgrims, especially the poor, to experience the Lord's greatness through its commitment to poverty alleviation and development programs,'" SMPI added.