Our Story

Nena's Sanctuary is a homage to Rico Tantoco, Jr. & his wife Nena,
in a place that their family has called home for decades.

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Its design celebrates their personalities & passions:
Nena's creativity, and love & understanding of flowers,
together with Rico's knowledge about trees & their habitats,
and the role they playin the Earth's natural balance.

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The relationship between these passions inspires every detail of
the concept, from the inspirational sayings scattered along the
journey to the materials we've used - local, natural, meaningful -
to the way our buildings are designed to merge into the landscape.

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Nena’s Sanctuary honors the rich heritage of the Sta. Elena Golf and Country Estate, founded by Bienvenido “Rico” Rustia Tantoco Jr. in 1988. Rico envisioned a peaceful retreat just minutes from the city, where nature and community could thrive together. 

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Today, Sta. Elena is a world-renowned golf club and golf course, surrounded by five, residential neighborhoods. Certified by Audubon, it offers a sanctuary for both birds and people, featuring lush pocket forests and tranquil lagoons. 

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Beyond golf, Sta. Elena offers diverse experiences for families, including the beloved Fun Farm –an exceptional play area for children to connect with nature and enjoy screen-free time. 

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Nena’s Sanctuary continues this legacy, inviting the public to enjoy Sta. Elena’s unparalleled offerings for the first time.

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Donnie and Crickette are an entrepreneurial husband-and-wife-team, with over 25 years of experience bringing innovative retail concepts to life. From pioneering ventures such as Shopwise, the Philippines’ first hypermarket, to Joel’s Place, the country’s first grocerant, they’ve continually pushed boundaries (add) in retail, services, and customer experience.