Academician and author of several comparative literature works, Henry W. Wells, once attempted to cite English words that would translate the Japanese word yugen: “understatement, elegance, aristocratic grace, equilibrium, serenity.” But none of these would still be able to fully match how Zeami Motokiyo (Japanese aesthetician, actor, and playwright in the 14th Century) poetically described it: “To watch the sun sink behind a flower clad hill. To wander on in a huge forest without thought of return. To stand upon the shores and gaze after a boat that disappears behind distant islands. To contemplate the flight of wild geese seen and lost among the clouds. And, subtle shadows of bamboo on bamboo.” And these words that are suggestive of a bespoke experience are what have driven Katsumasa Aikawa and Andrew Sparrow to develop the unadulterated island paradise Calintaan in Matnog, Sorsogon aptly called as ŪGEN. 

Facing the San Bernardino Straight in the east, Calintaan Island is about 30-minutes away from the Matnog pier in Sorsogon, Luzon’s far south eastern end. Surprisingly, what lies behind the ocean-cut cliffs is a serene and pristine island with rich marine sanctuaries, verdant hillsides, and chalky rosy pink shores.

Indeed, the ongoing real-estate development is a one-of-a-kind retreat and sets itself to be the first of its kind in the country and in Asia—a world-class master planned residential enclave that is a sustainable luxury haven for environmentally responsible residents. 

“ŪGEN takes tourism to a level that has never been seen before in the region. Bicol & the Sibuyan Sea have an ideal climate and the region has a hidden charm that is different from other destinations in the world. ŪGEN provides us an opportunity to share the wonders of nature and create something that has never been done before,” said Aikawa, ŪGEN director and chief executive officer.. 

Leisure Living Experience

The said environmentally sustainable first-class property features 67 villas across the ten-hectare island getaway with sizes ranging from 815 sqm up to 2700 sqm. Homeowners may choose from two types of villas: Made-to-Measure, which will be designed from a basic structural framework, or Bespoke, which allows owners to design every detail from scratch.ŪGEN villas are designed to provide residents an intimate and personalised living, with a full turnkey experience—possess one’s dream vacation home, without the hassle of designing and constructing it. In this aspect, Budji+Royal Architecture+Design spearheads the project together with BLUE Development Inc. 

“Come home to your bespoke villa, specially curated to your needs: featuring a spacious and airy great room that opens to an expansive infinity pool, a master suite with wall-to-wall glass windows, and custom spaces built to match your lifestyle. Each unique expanse is connected by quaint walkways; some, accessible via a theatrical glass elevator,” said Sparrow, ŪGEN Director of Development. “Each sprawling villa affords you a true island experience, offering panoramic views from anywhere in your home—whether your villa is on the hill’s edge overlooking the sea or perched on the serene, coraline coast. 

An intimate hideaway for appreciating nature’s untapped beauty, ŪGEN is a world apart from everyday worries. Indeed, it imbibes the yugen philosophy of “subtle expression of a profound beauty.”