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Jan Milo Severo - Philstar.com
June 10, 2026 | 1:05pm
MANILA, Philippines — Kaway’an EcoPark, the bamboo eco-tourism destination nestled in Barangay Panungyanan, General Trias City, Cavite, has been honored as one of TIME Magazine’s World’s Greatest Places of 2026 — making it the sole representative from the Philippines on this year’s global list.
The recognition places the EcoPark alongside the world’s most notable destinations and affirms the Philippines’ growing presence in the international eco-tourism sector.
Kaway’an EcoPark is a project by Citihomes Builder & Development Inc., conceived as a response to the Philippines’ need for spaces that nurture both people and the land.
More than a leisure destination, it is a master-planned ecological landmark where water, foliage and open space form the foundation upon which its structures rest.
Pathways flow through gardens, lagoons, and bamboo groves, offering visitors an immersive journey rather than a series of attractions — a place designed to encourage pause, reflection, and connection with nature.
At the heart of Kaway’an EcoPark stands the Marilag Grand Pavilion, its architectural centerpiece. Engineered through a collaboration between Filipino architects and international bamboo specialists — including IBUKU Studio of Indonesia and structural engineers Atelier One of London — the Pavilion explores the structural potential of bamboo.
Wide spans are achieved through geometry rather than mass, with bamboo working in compression and flexibility, resulting in a structure that is resilient to tropical conditions while remaining open, airy and visually striking.
Complementing the Pavilion is the Marahuyo Bridge, which follows the same wide-span bamboo design philosophy, calibrated to meet modern performance standards while retaining visual lightness.
Together, these structures respond to climate, airflow, and movement — designed to flex, breathe and endure in harmony with their surroundings.
The EcoPark offers a varied array of experiences, each designed to foster connection rather than spectacle.
Guests may explore the man-made lagoon by boat, ride through the grounds on horseback, visit open farms and greenhouses offering fresh produce, or wander through bamboo groves.
Additional structures — including the Marikit Gazebo and the Guest Lounge — extend the architectural language of the Pavilion into more intimate spaces for rest and reflection.
As a venue, Kaway’an EcoPark accommodates weddings, cultural celebrations, corporate events, photo shoots, and community gatherings at scale, while its open-air design preserves an atmosphere of intimacy rarely found in large event spaces in the region.
Central to the EcoPark’s identity is its commitment to collaboration with local artisans, farmers, and craftsmen, whose knowledge shapes construction techniques, landscape practices and daily operations.
Through workshops, seasonal activities, and educational initiatives, Kaway’an serves as a platform for cultural continuity and environmental awareness — highlighting Filipino tradition while advancing sustainable architecture and eco-tourism.
“Kaway’an EcoPark stands as a testament to what becomes possible when a remarkable team of experts dares to come together to share one vision and goal — to bring a sustainable sanctuary to life,” said Rosie Tsai, President of Citihomes Builder & Development Inc.
The TIME citation was further highlighted by the presence of Department of Tourism Region IV-A (Calabarzon) Director Marites T. Castro, who joined the official press tour of Kaway’an EcoPark.
Her participation underscores the government’s recognition of the EcoPark as a key eco-tourism asset for the Calabarzon region and the country. Director Castro was welcomed by Rosie Tsai, President of Citihomes Builder & Development Inc. (CBDI) and Elizabeth Wang, General Manager of Kaway’an Eco Development Inc., who guided members of the media through the park’s structures and grounds.
Being the only destination from the Philippines recognized in TIME’s World’s Greatest Places 2026 is a distinction that reflects not only the EcoPark itself, but also the work of Filipino architects, craftsmen, landscape designers and community members behind it.
The recognition places Cavite — and the Philippines — in the global spotlight for creativity, craftsmanship and environmental design.
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