..MANILA, Philippines --- A skyline is one of the first things that a person flying to any city in the world will see. Representing progress, loftier skyline could mean more opportunities - this has inspired many to flock in metropolitan areas in hopes of fulfilling their dreams. In Manila alone, population has doubled in two decades resulting to the increase of its population density. With it comes the rise of value and search for space and serenity.
However, one does not have to move to nearby provinces to get away. Located at the southern part of Metro Manila is Filinvest City, an urban development that allows room for growth while maintaining exclusivity and space. The name speaks for itself - Filinvest City is a city that can be reached via a short 15-minute drive from Makati.
Filinvest Alabang Inc.'s EVP Kate Ilagan talks about the convenient location that brings dwellers to a modern city outside the congested spectrum of Manila.
"Some people have this perception that Alabang is far, but one only needs to actually experience coming here to be surprised," she said.
"The city has access points via SLEX, Skyway, C5, Old National Highway and Alabang-Zapote Road . As a major transport gateway, whether you have a car or you take public transportation, getting to and around Filinvest City is now a breeze," she added, pointing at the development of freeways and accessible roads that cut travel time.
Its picturesque urban development is a combination of corporate offices, residences, condominiums, entertainment and retail establishments located in a 244-hectare territory.
One of its unique features is its landscaping, something that is overlooked in other cities in Manila.
"Landscaping is an integral part of urban planning. Lush landscape, open parks, tree-lined pathways, even the type of vegetation in road center aisles are all incorporated in the masterplan; thus assuring locators, visitors, and residents to enjoy work and play with the serenity of nature as a refreshing backdrop," Ilagan explained. To date, it has over 3,000 date palm trees and hundreds of rain trees.
One of the tallest establishments there is the Insular Life Corporate Center. The building's architecture provides top-of-the-line commercial spaces and venues such as an auditorium and seminar rooms. A pleasant surprise is a Japanese garden that provides workers with a tranquil environment.
The Filipino business district is not complete without BPO headquarters, hence the presence of Northgate Cyberzone, an enclave that houses the call center industry in Alabang.
The community is also expecting a number of buildings to be completed soon. The Entrata Urban Complex is one of the most anticipated establishments that will combine hotel facilities, SOHO units and retail boutiques - a concept that is used in modern cities such as Singapore and Hong Kong.
The Entrata will also provide a gateway from its business district to the Festival Supermall.
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