This collaborative article with Ms. Sheila Viesca, Ph.D., of TalkShop, is a comprehensive series exploring the leading developers in the real estate industry. It focuses on the achievements and innovations of these developers, shedding light on their contributions to the real estate industry in the Philippines. Welcome to Part 6 of this comprehensive feature.
| Part 4 – Federal Land, Inc. | Part 5 – Filinvest Land, Inc. |
The Movers and Shakers in the World of Real Estate in the Philippines: Part 6
Megaworld Corporation
A holding company specializing in real estate development, leasing, and marketing, Megaworld Corporation shifted its focus to providing office buildings for BPO businesses in 1996 with the launch of Eastwood City Township. The company’s core services include selling residential developments, leasing office and retail spaces to various enterprises, and managing hotel operations.
Since 1989, MEG and its affiliates have launched over 741 residential buildings, 74 premier offices, 24 lifestyle malls and commercial centers, and 13 hotel brands, like condotels.
MEG’s subsidiaries and associates are Richmonde Hotel Group International Limited, Eastwood Cyber One Corporation, Empire East Land Holdings, Inc., Global-Estate Resorts, Inc., and Bonifacio West Development Corporation.
Notable projects and developments:
a. Quezon City
Eastwood City
Known as one of the commercial districts of Quezon City, Eastwood City township spans 18.5 hectares and offers a prime mix of residential, commercial, and office spaces that host multinational corporations and local businesses. The retail stores, world-class restaurants, luxurious residential condominiums, fitness centers, and entertainment facilities make it an ideal location for work and play.
But the highlight of Eastwood City for many visitors is the stunning park that provides a serene escape from city life. Accessible by public transportation and highways, Eastwood City is a dynamic business and lifestyle hub that has become a gem in the residential district of Bagumbayan, Quezon City.
b. Taguig City
Forbes Town
A luxurious 5-hectare township in the commercial district of Taguig City, Forbes Town is in proximity to elite areas such as Forbes Park and Dasmariñas Village, as well as prestigious golf and sports clubs. The township offers a unique resort-style living experience with 3,500 residential units in 12 condominium buildings. The Bellagio Tower One, Bellagio Tower Two, and Bellagio Tower Three, one of Forbes Town’s premier condominiums, boast a glass facade, providing stunning views of the Manila Golf Course. The retail strip features exclusive restaurants, bars, and shops for a truly upscale lifestyle experience.
Forbeswood Heights offers low-rise residential condominiums and amenities such as a country club and commercial establishments on the ground level. Forbes Town, close to Mckinley Hill Village, is ideal for those who enjoy an opulent lifestyle with easy access to the best entertainment, dining, and shopping options in Taguig City.
McKinley Hill
Megaworld’s McKinley Hill in Taguig City offers a lifestyle inspired by the vibrancy of Spanish and Italian cities. It’s a residential and commercial area with numerous businesses. With its premium residences and state-of-the-art offices, this location offers an ideal environment for both living and working.
McKinley Hill offers excellent dining and leisure areas, unparalleled amenities, a prime location, nearby establishments, residential villages, shopping centers, a transportation hub, a highly sought-after address in Metro Manila, and is conveniently accessible to Bonifacio Global City and major roads. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Venice Grand Canal and McKinley Hill Stadium.
McKinley West
The mixed-use development of McKinley West in Taguig City offers the ultimate prestige and exclusivity. Spread over 34.5 hectares of prime real estate, this ultra-high-end township is located in Fort Bonifacio, just a stone’s throw away from Forbes Park and the Manila Polo Club. Featuring everything from exclusive gated villages and residential condominiums to premium office buildings and mixed-use commercial centers, McKinley West has everything.
With NXTGEN McDonald’s and Asia Town calling this development home, residents are near world-class amenities and entertainment options. With its convenient access to McKinley Hill, Fort Bonifacio, the South Luzon Expressway, C5 Road, NAIA, and Makati CBD, McKinley West truly offers the best of all worlds.
Uptown Bonifacio
This exceptional township in Fort Bonifacio Global City, Uptown, is an urban lifestyle experience with its 15.4-hectare area filled with luxurious high-rise residential condominiums and state-of-the-art office towers. Uptown Bonifacio also boasts several tourist destinations, like the Uptown Mall, Uptown Parade, and the Palace Pool Club. For families, the township includes both the British School Manila and the International School Manila.
Located near C5 Road and Kalayaan Avenue, Uptown Bonifacio will simplify transportation needs by providing easy access to the waiting-to-ascend Uptown Station of the Metro Manila Skytrain and Kalayaan Station of the future Mega Manila Subway, which gives even more transportation options for those who visit. Moreover, it’s just a short 10-minute drive from Makati CBD and Ortigas CBD, making it very convenient and accessible to both workers and business people alike.
c. Pasay
Newport City
This 25-hectare modern living township in Pasay, Newport City, is just across Terminal 3 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). One of its standout developments is 101 Newport Boulevard, an impressive four-cluster residency inspired by Art Deco architecture. This building boasts bold designs of repeating geometric patterns, striking relief accents, and vivid colors.
Next is 150 Newport Boulevard, a 10-story residential complex painted in comfortable neutral hues with a classical-style clock tower. It is a great place to live or work in Newport City, as it is also home to the iconic Shrine of St. Therese of the Child Jesus. The township is a must-see, offering modern living and design inspiration within Pasay City.
Awards and recognition:
a. Property Awards
Megaworld Corporation has consistently garnered multiple prestigious property awards from various esteemed real estate award-giving bodies since 2015 up to the present. These notable accolades include the Asia Pacific Property Awards, BCI Asia Awards, FIABCI-Philippines, Euromoney, Travel Hospitality Award, and World Luxury Hotel Awards. These recognitions highlight Megaworld Corporation’s unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation in the real estate industry.
b. Corporate Awards
Recognized with numerous prestigious corporate awards since 2013, Megaworld Corporation has received these accolades from various organizations, including Asia’s Best Employer Brand Awards, The Philippine Quill Awards, Anvil Awards, Asian Confederation of Business Awards, The Global Good Governance Awards, Asia’s Best CSR Practices Awards, The International CSR Excellence Awards, Asia CEO Awards Finalist, Top Ten Real Property Tax Payers for three consecutive years (2016-2018), The Stevies, International Star Award for Quality of Business Initiative Directions (BID), and Awardee at the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals (AMCP).
c. Executive Awards
Dr. Andrew L. Tan, Chairman and CEO of Megaworld, has been honored with prestigious titles and distinctions; some of these include the CEO Excel Awards, the Global Good Governance Awards, the Icon of Business Philippine Tatler, and induction into the Hall of Fame at the Asia Pacific Entrepreneurship Awards, among numerous others.
Challenges and Innovations:
a. Township Development
Megaworld has faced challenges related to land acquisition, infrastructure development, and urban planning to create well-designed townships. The company has overcome these challenges by leveraging its expertise and adopting innovative concepts that integrate residential, commercial, and leisure components into cohesive communities.
b. Inclusive and Mixed-Use Spaces
Megaworld has embraced inclusivity by creating mixed-use spaces that cater to different market segments. Their townships offer a diverse range of residential options, from affordable housing to luxury condominiums, ensuring accessibility for various lifestyles.
c. Sustainable and Smart Solutions
Megaworld Corporation has set an admirable goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030. As one of the pioneering developers in the Philippines, Megaworld is determined to lead the way towards sustainable development. The company aims to promote inclusive growth by providing accessible resources and opportunities to its stakeholders. Megaworld is keen on reducing its carbon footprint by optimizing land use and conserving natural habitats. The company’s commitment to sustainability is not only beneficial for the environment, but it also contributes to the country’s economic growth. Megaworld leads the industry to a brighter, more sustainable future through innovation, efficient infrastructure, and job creation.
Megaworld Corporation’s innovative approach to integrated township development has transformed the Philippine real estate landscape. Through its notable projects and commitment to sustainability, the company has shaped vibrant communities that offer a balanced and modern lifestyle. With a focus on creating inclusive spaces and embracing innovative concepts, Megaworld continues to contribute to the growth and progress of the country’s urban development.
| Part 7 – Robinsons Land Corporation | Part 8 – Rockwell Land Corporation |
