An ‘arco’ to inspire
It’s metro’s newest battleground, a burgeoning corridor of power where the biggest names in the Philippine real estate industry have converged.
The whole 32.5-km stretch of the C5 Road is now a beehive of activity, home to bustling mixed-use communities and emerging townships, each offering a fresh, unique proposition to today’s homebuyers. And this early, there are clearly some that stood out, and have already made a distinct impression.
Iconic monument
Case in point is property giant Megaworld, which unveiled earlier this week the highly iconic Arco de Emperador, now regarded as the tallest monument in the Philippines at 23 meters.
A masterpiece by internationally acclaimed Spanish sculptor Gines Serran Pagan, the Arco de Emperador serves as the centerpiece in the emerging Arcovia City—a 12.3-ha township in Pasig City.
“We have created this as a tourism landmark for Metro Manila that brings out the message of how hard work, passion, and perseverance can create a self-made successful man. This is how an emperor is made,” said Kevin L. Tan, EVP and chief strategy officer of Megaworld.
“Our vision for Arcovia City is to ignite the passion of the young generation to commit themselves to work hard, nurture their passions, and succeed in whatever path they want to pursue. This thrust will be brought to life through the installations and attractions that will inspire people to cultivate passions and celebrate their milestones,” Tan further said.
Vision
It was indeed a vision brought to life through the Arco de Emperador, which is reminiscent of Madrid’s Arco de la Victoria and Paris’ Arc de Triomphe.
Pagan, who was present at the monument’s unveiling ceremony on Tuesday, explained that what is unique in his latest creation for Megaworld was that the hero is not the king. The hero is the ordinary person who is ready to face challenges, who is full of hope, works with a lot of perseverance, comes back successful and shares with everyone what he or she has achieved. This, Pagan added, is meant to serve as an inspiration for the new generation.
“The idea behind the sculpture practically celebrates the triumph of personal achievement. It’s a symbol that everyone can make it in life and this is the philosophy of Dr. Andrew Tan, founder of Megaworld. He wanted to fulfill the message of effort and hard work and achievement and that everyone can truly be an emperador,” Pagan further explained.
According to Megaworld, artistry and greatness took the spotlight in Pagan’s massive sculptures. The imposing masterpiece is composed of a victorious emperor, three horses pulling his chariot, two lions named Pride and Passion, and two trumpeting angels coated in 24k gold.
The arch monument will be highlighted by cascading waterfalls leading to the water feature at the basement area, where a museum will be built. It will also be surrounded by a landscaped plaza with benches. At night, the monument will be illuminated in colors, making it a vibrant centerpiece of Arcovia City as seen along the C5 Road.
Emerging township
The Arcovia City will be comprised of residential towers, offices, a lifestyle mall, open parks and gardens, as well as other retail and dining areas.
Landers Superstore and Starbucks have already opened in Arcovia, while construction for the 37-storey residential project 18 Avenue de Triomphe, the 17-storey One Paseo, and a lifestyle mall that has its own walk parks, viewing deck and leisure facilities, are underway.
Tan told reporters following the unveiling ceremony that they are looking to open the retail area within the third quarter, and the office tower by the end of the year. Tan further disclosed that they are also looking to launch two more residential projects apart from 18 Avenue de Triomphe, which may see completion by end 2023.
John Angelo Natividad, first vice president for marketing at Megaworld Resort Estates Inc., meanwhile noted that the 18 Avenue de Triomphe has been well received by the market, with 60 percent of the residential building already taken up.
According to Natividad, they are catering the millennials, the young achievers who comprise an emerging, dynamic force. And they believe that the entry of Arcovia into the C5 scene came at an opportune time.
“[We’re] coming in at the right time because millennials are being recognized [as an emerging, dynamic force]… We really see them owning this place and making it their own. We have all the elements and components that I think today’s young achievers are looking for,” Natividad further said.
