PHOTO CAPTION: PJ Tri-Gon Realty Corporation, international artist and visionary sculptor Genesis “Jinggoy” Lascano Buensuceso, and the Island Garden City of Samal unveiled on Tuesday, February 18, the entry statement installation of the island’s Samal Shores Residenza in Barangay Limao. (Photo by Ivy Tejano)
By Ivy Tejano
DAVAO CITY – The Island Garden City of Samal introduced its latest cultural and artistic landmark, “Language of Water,” on Tuesday, February 18, at the Samal Shores Residenza in Barangay Limao.
A collaboration between PJ Tri-Gon Realty Corporation, internationally renowned sculptor Genesis “Jinggoy” Lascano Buensuceso, and the Igacos local government, the installation serves as the grand entry statement for the island’s first township development.
In a message delivered by Florencio Thaddeus Valero, executive assistant for Igacos economic affairs, Mayor Al David Uy expressed deep gratitude to PJ Tri-Gon and Samal Shores Residenza for their dedication to the island’s progress.
Valero cited the Language of Water as more than just a sculpture. He said the 316 stainless steel sculpture, towering at 5 meters tall and 7.1 meters wide, symbolizes Samal’s evolution into a world-class destination.
In an interview, Buensuceso described his masterpiece as a reflection of Samal’s culture, movement, and life, capturing the island’s intrinsic connection to the sea.
“The sea is the heartbeat of Samal. It sustains livelihoods, drives production, and defines our way of life,” Buensuceso said. He added that there is no more excellent inspiration than water, which moves, transforms, and carries endless blessings.
Buensuceso said the sculpture’s fluid textures and intricate contours evoke the rhythm of waves, embodying the journey of the islanders—dynamic, ever-changing, and full of promise.
Celedonio Pile Jr., vice president for Special Projects at PJ Tri-Gon, emphasized the significance of integrating art into urban development.
“In building great communities, public art is essential. It bridges culture, identity, and shared experience. Language of Water mirrors Samal life—an ever-flowing, ever-evolving force,” Pile said.
Pile said the unveiling of the masterpiece marks a significant milestone in the ongoing development of Samal Shores Residenza.
Expanding Samal Shores Residenza
Maryanne Mendoza, assistant vice president for Business Development at PJ Tri-Gon, shared the updates on the township’s progress, highlighting the clubhouse and residential projects.
“Construction is well underway for the clubhouse, with structural work already 40 % complete. We plan to finish it within a year. It’s a vast space, covering over 700 square meters. We’ve incorporated a spacious parking area to accommodate guests,” Mendoza said.
She said the clubhouse will feature a multipurpose hall that can host over a hundred guests, a 300-square-meter infinity pool overlooking the scenic landscape, a gym, and a small meeting function area.
“The venue will also be open for events, welcoming both residents and guests of Samal Shores,” she added.
On the residential front, Mendoza said internal roadworks are progressing steadily.
“We’ve marked the internal roads for the entire back area and have started clearing and grading. This year, we’ll begin pavement works,” the AVP said.
With 35 percent of residential units already sold, Mendoza said the entire development is projected for completion by 2028—perfectly timed with the opening of the much-anticipated bridge connecting Samal to the mainland.
A Celebration of Art and Community
The sculpture, set in a 3,000-square-meter park at Samal Shores Residenza, will be surrounded by gardens, seating areas, and interactive spaces for residents and visitors to enjoy.
Discovery Samal President Beatriz Gonzalez Magallanes, esteemed real estate brokers, and other distinguished guests graced the unveiling ceremony.
Instead of a traditional ribbon-cutting, the event featured a captivating interpretative dance by Ea Torrado, accompanied by Buensuceso’s spoken poetry.
The celebration concluded with a symbolic ritual—guests released paper boats onto the water, signifying renewal and the continuous flow of life on Samal Island.
With the township’s artistic and infrastructural vision coming to life, Pile said Samal Shores Residenza is set to redefine modern island living, blending culture, nature, and community in a space designed for inspiration and progress.
PHOTO CAPTION: PJ Tri-Gon Realty Corporation, international artist and visionary sculptor Genesis “Jinggoy” Lascano Buensuceso, and the Island Garden City of Samal unveiled on Tuesday, February 18, the entry statement installation of the island’s Samal Shores Residenza in Barangay Limao. (Photo by Ivy Tejano)
