Riala: Oasis in the city

Tranquil urban living awaits at Riala.

Living inside the city can often feel like a necessary evil—the smog, density, and the incessant hubbub of the metropolis often being the tradeoff for a greater slice of the economic pie.

But Avida Land is shattering that notion with an ambitious, almost radical call for “tranquil urban living” through its Avida Towers Riala in Cebu City.

The five-tower residential development promises to be an “oasis in the city,” despite being nestled within Cebu IT Park, the booming nerve center of Cebu’s flourishing tech scene, and mere minutes away from hospitals, universities and premier lifestyle destinations.

Avida Towers Riala thus offers all the benefits of big city living sans all the perils. Nearing completion—it recently unveiled 712 new residences—the development of the urban haven is coinciding with the economic upheaval of one of the country’s fastest growing cities, second only to Manila.

But as Manila becomes further congested, Cebu’s status as a world-class gateway for tourists and businessmen alike gives it an especially irresistible, and distinct, magnetic pull.

“Tourist hotspots are evenly located all over the city, which makes everyday a new city adventure,” according to a company statement.

“The City of Cebu is experiencing a continuous economic boom, thanks to its many beautiful islands, white sand beaches, luxury hotels and resorts, diving locations and heritage sites,” it added.

The boom is not limited to tourism, however, as several multinational businesses have decided to plant roots in the city. Cebu IT Park, where Avida Towers Riala is located, is itself home to 70 percent of the region’s burgeoning business process outsourcing industry.

Cebu is also surfacing as an investment hotspot because of the strength of its universities, thought to be the undisputed best in Central Visayas and nearly identical in quality to many Manila universities. This includes the University of San Carlos, University of Cebu, Cebu Institute of Technology and University of the Philippines-Cebu, which is a stone’s throw away from Avida Towers Riala.

Avida Towers Riala offers all the benefits of big city living sans all the perils.

About 5,000 sqm of the 21,246-sqm property are dedicated to a sprawling garden called the “Grand Lawn,” in addition to meditation spaces and private gardens, cementing Avida Towers Riala as Cebu’s top-tier urban sanctuary.

Many of its towers also have the added benefit of dreamy backdrops, like the city’s surrounding mountain ranges, or views of the ocean.

Other amenities in Avida Towers Riala include an adult, kiddie, and wading pool, shooting court, fitness area and five levels of exclusive podium parking. Residents have the choice of studio, one- and two-bedroom units, ranging from 23 sqm to 57 sqm.

Reflecting Avida’s intricately thoughtful approach to residents’ experiences, units are limited to 23 per floor, to maintain the calming quiet and uncluttered areas the developer has staked its reputation on.

This soothing calm emerges further as Avida Towers Riala pledges to cut commuting time for Cebu residents, which averages close to an hour, given its proximity to a vast array of work opportunities.

“Don’t think that living here will be all about working hard. Making your home at Avida Towers Riala means you can easily take a break,” said a company release, touting Avida Towers Riala’s proximity to Ayala Center Cebu, Waterfront Hotel and Marriott Hotel.

Perfect for families, the complex also houses retail shops and restaurants, nearly eliminating the need to leave the vicinity of Avida Towers Riala at all.