The recipient of the Best Mixed Use Project in Visayas and Mindanao Award, indeed, holds every right to such a distinction that fetes developments which could seamlessly blend residential, office, commercial, and retail components in a secure, self contained community, thus promoting an effective integrated lifestyle. And based on a recent visit to this thriving integrated township, it was truly well worth every vote of confidence from its esteemed panel of judges and the 10,000 home seekers surveyed for this tilt.
Developed by property giant Megaworld, The Mactan Newtown is a masterplanned community with its own beachfront, reportedly the first of its kind in the country. It offers top-grade office sites, retail and commercial centers, upscale residential developments, hotels, and a reputable academic institution which is already operational. Here, one is treated to that unique live-work-play-beach lifestyle that remains unrivaled anywhere else in the country.
Today, The Mactan Newtown is already a picture of robust growth and vibrancy, seen in the happy hustle of workers going in and out of their offices, the rush of students from the Newtown School of Excellence, the influx of local and foreign tourists wanting to see a different face of Cebu, as well as the locals—families and friends—wanting to enjoy the refreshing shade of the more than 250 mango trees planted all over the township, plus the al fresco dining options and restaurants within this booming community.
As it is, The Mactan Newtown is already home to some 20,000 workers within the four office towers here namely the One World Center, Two World Center (Manulife Tower), Tower One Plaza Magellan and Pacific World Tower.
Take-up of units at the four upscale residential towers here remained brisk too, clear proof that many are seeking to be part of such a vibrant neighborhood. Two of these projects, 8 Newtown Boulevard and One Pacific Residence, have already welcomed their first batch of residents while units at the One Manchester Place are slated for turnover. Another upcoming residential enclave meanwhile is the La Victoria Global Residences.
A favorite haunt for many locals today are the Mactan Alfresco, a Singaporean hawker style of dining destination that features many of Cebu’s homegrown restaurants such as Ayer’s Lechon; and the 8 Newtown Boulevard Retail Strip that would have the likes of Starbucks, Shopwise Express, Watsons, Nuat Thai, Bubble Tea Station, LBC Express, Wash N Dry, among others.
It would be easy to assume that The Mactan Newtown has already reached, or at the very least nearing, its full potential as it already exudes such an inexplicably vibrant, exciting vibe that continues to draw many (local or foreign) to this township—whether you want to live, work, have fun, or just relax and unwind here.
But while a hefty 40 percent of the entire development is being dedicated to green and open spaces, there remains more room for new projects. Megaworld still has a lot more impressive plans in store for the residents and guests of The Mactan Newtown.
For one, this property giant is investing P1.5 billion to put up a two-level mall along the beachside cliff of this township. The Mactan Newtown Beach Walk will feature a wide array of retail, dining and entertainment options within 30,000 sqm of gross floor area; a 1.4-hectare man-made lagoon at the center, which will have floating boardwalks and a bridge that will connect both sides of the mall; a chapel to be surrounded by a garden by the cliffside, overlooking the sea; four state-of-the-art cinemas, a Food Hall, al fresco areas, Traveler’s Lounge, and a view deck, allowing visitors and mallgoers to have a panoramic view of the sea and nearby islands.
The mall complex will also have its three-storey boutique hotel, offering 48 spacious guestrooms with retail shops at its ground level. This will be operated under the Megaworld Hotels brand. Other upcoming projects include the Mactan World Museum and Belmont Hotel Mactan.
It really comes as no surprise that it was voted the Best Mixed Use Project in Visayas and Mindanao—especially since you have a dynamic township here that offers you an integrated lifestyle beyond your necessities and luxuries.