Reflecting on Iloilo’s Historical Full Circle

History has always been set to repeat itself. Everything goes on a cycle as we traverse life. Life in Iloilo used to be simple yet beautiful, a once sleepy town turned into a bustling city in 1889 when Spain’s royal majesty Queen Ma. Cristina granted it a special title as the most loyal city during the Spanish colonization era in the Philippines. Moving forward, Iloilo became a bustling city, an international port for textile industry, an attractive destination, center of commerce and trade next to Manila. For the most part of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Iloilo dominated the trading business, commerce and reached its peak as an affluent metropolis in the Southern Philippines. They say, that a country or a city with a strong connection to its cultural past and heritage can easily attain social and economic maturity because the past bridges the present towards a future of synergistic richness and prosperity.

The stunning Iloilo River Esplanade, photo by Felipe Uygongco

Calle Real, one of the oldest business districts in the Philippines, photo by Felipe Uygongco

The Paraw Regatta Festival held every February is Southeast Asia’s oldest sailboat race, photo by Felipe Uygongco

The magnificent Molo Church and Plaza, photo by Felipe Uygongco

The world-famous Dinagyang Festival, Iloilo’s cultural spectacle performing at the Iloilo Convention Center during the APEC ministerial meetings this year, photos by Felipe Uygcongco

Angelia Ong, Miss Philippines Earth 2015 is a typical Ilongga wearing the world-famous Hablon gown designed by Totong Gellagarin, photo by Felipe Uygongco

An Ilongga exude the natural charisma and passion. Hablon gown designed by Totong Gellagarin and photo by Felipe Uygongco

Looking at the present rise of Iloilo City as an envisioned setting of a strong economic prominence in Western Visayas, investment potential is surging high that paved way for visitors and investors to consider the city as a future business destination. Iloilo remained adamant to preserve its glorious historical past visible through the city government’s several projects that rebuild, revive and promote major historical landmarks including the old Calle Real, one of the country’s oldest business districts. An Eco-centered project such as the Iloilo River Esplanade anchored in the tourism development aspect of the city is making a name as the next most-watched destinations in the Philippines. The people, the sweet-loving Ilonggos and the charming Ilonggas, women of the southern Philippines whose charisma defines passion, true hospitality and soft-spoken nature that creates a welcoming image for Iloilo as a destination of people-centered culture. Visiting the city will tempt you to sink your palate to the countless delicacies and favorite local cuisines such as Batchoy, Biscocho, Pancit Molo, Seafood dishes and a lot more, a long-history of culinary passion preserved through the Ilonggo tradition. Ilonggos are also known as the most colorful people in the Philippines, and probably in the world, visualized through its prominent Dinagyang Festival and Asia’s oldest sailboat race – the Paraw Regatta. Iloilo presents a deep-rooted devotion to the Roman Catholic and well-known as a faith-based pilgrimage city with the existence of centuries old churches in Jaro District celebrating the annual “Jaro Candelaria” and St. Anne Church in Molo District. Central Philippine University is Iloilo’s version of an old American Protestant-founded university emerging as a tourism destination. Prominent infrastructure projects are filling up the “visual imagery” of Iloilo as a city of expanding modern metropolis yet passionate to preserve its past and harmonize with its ecological aspect. Social, cultural, ecological and, yes, spiritual aspects of Iloilo pieces up a puzzle of a ONE beautiful, harmonious, prosperous and progress-driven metropolis, one of the most livable, “next wave” cities in the world.

The 3,700-seater Iloilo Convention Center, photo by Felipe Uygongco

Richmonde Hote Iloilo, the first luxury hotel that opened at Iloilo Business Park this year, photo by Felipe Uygongco

Visualizing Iloilo City on a higher ground of tangible changes, there is one “phenomenal” reason why this city magnetized a lot more investors and visitors to come in the past few years – Iloilo Business Park. Megaworld, the Philippines’ leading real estate developer and BPO office landlord realize the potential of Iloilo as a potential economic center and investment hub. The company invested P35 billion in a 72-hectare property in the old Iloilo Airport  located in Mandurriao District to developed the area into a highly-urbane township intended for business, lifestyle elevation, tourism and create a new destination for pleasure-seekers, tourists and people wanting to immerse themselves in the colorful yet passionate culture of Iloilo. Major shopping center, the longest dining strip in the country, international hotels, BPO office buildings, rising central business district, international-standard convention venue and various points of interests will emerge in this vast, all-expanding, and larger-than-life Megaworld township. Iloilo Business Park is the city’s high-life magnet and newest claim-to-fame in terms of investment credential.

The magnitude of progress, developments, cultural pride, dreams-turning-into-reality, and opening a doorway for global opportunities for this once sleepy yet beautiful city of “many wonders” are coming together, falling into place and rising up as ONE destination we can truly OWN. In the crystal clear waters of the Iloilo River, the present facet of the city’s modern image is reflected like those in the past. It is not about reclaiming a historical title as the original “Queen[’s] City” (owning it or embodying it), it has always been there etched in the deepest recesses of our cultural identity as Ilonggos. We are part of its pieced-up puzzle, full reflection of passion and splendor waiting to make the world see this city sparkle in full brilliance.  Iloilo steps up in full circle. Its history is destined to repeat itself through Iloilo Business Park… OUR OWN STORY to TELL soon.

Dreaming to invest in Iloilo City? call us at (033) 330-3465, visit us online at http://www.iloilobusinesspark.ph  or see for yourself the lifestyle you desire at our IBP Showroom located at the ground floor of Richmonde Tower, 8 Enterprise Road, Iloilo Business Park, Mandurriao, Iloilo City.

Live-Work-Play Defines IBP Lifestyle

Destined to create a lifestyle perspective of “live-work-play,” Megaworld in its 26 years of successful integration of vibrant townships in the Philippines brought their vision to Iloilo City, the next center point of business and investments in Western Visayas. Iloilo Business Park, a mixed-used commercial township rising in the 72 hectare expanding community where first-class lifestyle, commerce, leisure, tourism and landmark destinations creates synergistic developments for Iloilo City. This is where the best and world-class establishments will rise to pave way for significant changes in the Ilonggo lifestyle. Divided into four areas such as recreation, residential, BPO and commercial, Iloilo Business Park is a fully-integrated township where bustling activities and culture converge to define a brand new vision of life in the region.

Live in Privileged Lifestyle

Planned and inspired based on the high-end lifestyle of Megaworld’s internationally-known residential and condominium towers, Iloilo Business Park presented three faces of luxury which include the ultra-sleek contemporary lifestyle offered by One Madison Place, vintage-appeal living perspective showcased by Lafayette Park Square and The Palladium, embodying the mega-luxurious “sky garden lifestyle,” the tallest tower in the region with 22 floors. Simply live in an effervescent, interconnected luxuries and ecologically-centered community, Iloilo Business Park’s future residents and condo owners will experience the “only privileged lifestyle” incomparable to any other real estate developers in the country. Live graciously and enjoy the world-class amenities of condominium towers all in one serene community – traffic-free, spacious roads, bike lanes for physical activities and far away from pollution. Shopping malls, retail shops, longest dining strip, multinational companies, first-class hotels, a convention center and commercial district are just a stone’s throw away from where you are living. These vision sums up a real definition of a “privileged lifestyle” you can share with your loved ones, a future investment worth chasing.

Work Nearby

Megaworld is the biggest and most-recognized BPO Office Landlord in the Philippines by integrating all of these opportunities with their prestigious townships. Iloilo Business Park is envisioned to establish the largest and expanding BPO center, the largest IT Park and destination for bright opportunities in Western Visayas. In the next 10 years, Megaworld aim to provide more than 30,000 jobs and employment to local workforce in Iloilo City and nearby provinces. In 2014, BPO Buildings – One Global Center and Two Global Center were completed to hold the regional offices for call center companies Transcom Asia and US-based StarTek. Two more BPO Buildings are under construction to boost more jobs such as One Techno Place and Two Techno Place. The 9.2 hectare and 10 blocks Boutique Hotel and Commercial District is the location for the rising business setting that rapidly shapes the investment potential of the township. Richmonde Hotel Iloilo and Courtyard by Marriot are two prestigious hotels located in this area will support the tourism industry of the city. The 3,700-seater Iloilo Convention Center is also the center of future international events and conventions. Commercial lots owned by banks, financial institutions and private entrepreneurs will pave way for more businesses and financial opportunities, determining  the establishment of the next Central Business District (CBD) next to Makati and other major metropolises in the country. Professionals and executives living in the township’s residential area will find it easy to look for high-paying jobs nearby, emphasizing a modern metropolitan lifestyle, fully-integrated and pleasurable living experience.

Play, Enjoy and Experience Countless Pleasures

Tourism, commerce and culture are three aspects that Iloilo Business Park will elevate in terms of lifestyle for locals and visitors in Western Visayas. Beyond its economic importance, the township will open various leisure areas and landmark destinations that everybody will surely celebrate in the coming years as a fully-integrated community. Festive Walk Mall, the township’s very own shopping mall and commercial center will feature international known brands, boutiques, retails shops and bistros.Eight world-class cinemas, events center and food court will pamper various entertainment happenings and interests. The Mall Annex is the shopping center’s extended destination for onlookers and visitors. The longest shop-and-dine strip in the country – the Street of Festive Walk will feature the most popular names in the culinary and dining business. Either internationally-known or locally-conceptualized, various restaurants, bistros, coffee shops and food havens, all of these will converge in the Street of Festive Walk to create an international appeal showcasing Iloilo City as the “Mecca” of classy culinary destination in the region. Nightlife culture will never be the same again and will surely boost once these prominent establishments will soon open to the public. These commercial centers are set to have its soft opening and first phase completion in 2016. The biggest McDonald’s in Panay Island is located near the Festive Walk Mall.  Megaworld Boulevard which retained 30% of the old airport runway is not just the main highway interconnecting all the destinations in the township, but anchors the healthy lifestyle concept of Iloilo Business Park to its future residents by having its own Bike Lane and spacious areas for jogging, walking and biking. In fact, it is the lifetime venue for the Iloilo Bike Festival, an annual sports-related national event in the Philippines.

No other real estate projects and fully-integrated townships in Western Visayas that combines bustling business activities, supports the tourism industry, emphasize cultural destinations and promotes highly-anticipated leisure spots comes close to Iloilo Business Park. This is where the high-life begins and a lifestyle for the privileged few where global opportunities are shaped to bring the Ilonggo culture to the world.

Iloilo Business Park means passion to “live, work and play” in unlimited perspective, a definition of a modern, highly-elevated and global-concept of lifestyle in Western Visayas. Live, dream big and invest now!

For more information, call us at (033) 330-3465, visit us online at http://www.iloilobusinesspark.ph  or see for yourself the lifestyle you desire at our IBP Showroom located at the ground floor of Richmonde Tower, 8 Enterprise Road, Iloilo Business Park, Mandurriao, Iloilo City.

Bank Institutions Secured Lots in IBP’s CBD

Perspective Map of IBP’s Boutique Hotel and Commercial District

The present image of the Boutique Hotel and Commercial District as of October 2015 photo update. Photo by Marx de Silva

As Iloilo Business Park (IBP) continue to transform as the future Central Business District (CBD) in Western Visayas as an investment epicenter with its very own Boutique Hotel and Commercial District, multinational companies and investors keep coming in, giving interest in purchasing commercial lots in the township to secure promising business ventures in the near future.

Megaworld, IBP’s leading developer allocated nine hectares for the entire commercial district. There has been a strong demand from the financial and banking sector to secure a commercial lot in IBP due to its steadfast developments and value. In 2013, Megaworld started selling the lots at P47,000 per square meter. Presently, the commercial lots, which ranges from 611 sqm to 1,735 sqm, are now sold at P70,000 or a 49 percent increase from its old price a few years ago. This 2015, almost eighty percent of the commercial lots have already been sold to financial institutions, multinational companies and local enterprises. Financial institutions and banks are eyeing to establish regional headquarters in Iloilo Business Park to ensure their presence in the fast-growing economy of Iloilo City.

In the coming years, IBP’s Boutique Hotel and Commercial District will be the busiest and bustling area of the township due to massive investments coming in. Hotels, local enterprises, car and furniture companies are looking ahead to put up their own showrooms, regional headquarters and offices in IBP.

Presently, the two most prominent bank and financial institutions that successfully acquired lots in the Boutique Hotel and Commercial District are Union Bank and Metrobank. Here’s a close-up look on two of these two prominent companies:

Union Bank

Union Bank is a universal bank in the Philippines which provides a wide range of commercial, retail and corporate banking products and services. These products and services include loan and deposit products, cash management services, trust banking services, consumer finance, treasury activities and electronic banking. Major shareholders are Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Incorporated, Insular Life Assurance Company and the Social Security System.

It was recognized in 2002 & 2003 as among Asia’s best companies by Euromoney and Finance Asia. It is also the first to make it to the list of the world’s 25 soundest banks for four consecutive years by the Banker of London. It also won the Excellence in Credit Card Management Award in 2004.The bank is also listed in the Philippine Stock Exchange. As of December 20, 2010, Union Bank has a total market capitalization of P37.8 billion and share price is P59.00.

Union Bank initially stared out as Union Savings and Mortgage Bank. It changed its name to Union Bank of the Philippines 1981 and among its incorporators were the Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc., the Social Security System and the Insular Life Assurance Company. The bank acquired its commercial license in 1982. Ten years later, it was granted universal banking license by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. Also in 1992, Union Bank was listed in the Philippine Stock Exchange under the stock symbol UBP.

In 1994, Union Bank acquired the International Corporate Bank (Interbank). On June 5, 2006, Union Bank purchased 98.84% of The International Exchange Bank (iBank), then the 12th largest private commercial bank, through a special block sale coursed at the Philippines Stock Exchange. With the acquisition, Union Bank became the 7th largest private domestic commercial bank.

Metrobank

Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company or commonly known as Metrobank is the second largest bank in the Philippines. As of November 29, 2010, Metrobank has a total market capitalization of P140.4 billion and its share price is P73.50.

In September 1962 by George Ty, together with businessmen Don Emilio Abello, Don Pio Pedroso and Placido Mapa, Sr. founded the Metrobank primarily to offer financial services to the Chinese-Filipino community. In 1963, the bank’s first branch opened in Divisoria, Manila. Four years later, the bank expanded outside Manila and opened their first provincial branch in Davao.

In 1970, Metrobank started expanding outside the Philippines. Its first international branch was in Taipei, Taiwan. In 1973, the bank established a banking office in Hong Kong and in 1975, another Metrobank branch opened in Guam, the first Philippine bank to open in American territory. Branches in Los Angeles and New York followed after. In 1977, the Central Bank authorized Metrobank Foreign Currency Deposit Unit (FCDU) operations.

On February 26, 1981, Metrobank decided to go public and list its common shares in the Makati Stock Exchange and Manila Stock Exchange under the stock symbol MBT. On August of the same year, the Philippine Central Bank granted Metrobank universal banking license. This allowed the bank to venture into non-banking related businesses.

In 1986, Metrobank established its own credit card company, Unibankard Corporation (now known as Metrobank Card Corporation. In 1988, it partnered with Japanese automotive manufacturer, Mitsui Corporation to establish the Toyota Motor Philippines.

In 1995, Metrobank achieved the milestone of being the first billion dollar bank with total capital of P22 billion. In 2001, Metrobank opened its first branch in Shanghai, China. Nine years later, Metropolitan Bank (China) was established with branches in Najing and Shanghai.

The Metrobank Group has a combined network of over 800 local and international branches/offices, remittance offices and subsidiaries worldwide. It has 557 domestic branches and 32 offices in New York, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Osaka, Seoul, Pusan, Guam, Taipei, Kaohsiung, Madrid, Barcelona, Vienna, Rome, Bologna, Milan, Singapore, Chicago, Hawaii, and Shanghai.

Fulfill your dreams at Iloilo Business Park. For more information on how to invest, call us at (033) 3303465 or visit our website at http://www.iloilobusinesspark.ph.

High-life Destination: Street of Festive Walk

September 2015 photo updates (construction) of the Street of Festive Walk set to be completed on the second quarter next year

Imagine one amazing avenue of pleasure and leisure, the longest 1.1 kilometer dining and commercial strip in the country opening in the very heart of Iloilo Business Park (IBP), Western Visayas’ biggest township. True to the vision of Megaworld Corporation, IBP’s developer, the Street of Festive Walk is one of the most anticipated destinations opening on the second quarter next year to energize the current wave of developments happening in Iloilo City. It is another addition to the world-class sights and sound of city life that swiftly elevates the modern Ilonggo lifestyle.

Beyond its concept as a specific spot of retail stores, restaurants, pubs and coffee shops combined together, the Street of Festive Walk is envisioned to leave a mark in the leisure culture of Iloilo City and its neighboring provinces. Day in or day out, this will become a vibrant destination for people whose passion is to experience ultimate dining, shopping and seeking for entertainment that is “high brow” and classy.  Megaworld ensures that everything you seek for pleasure by day and highly-elevated “nightlife” will perfectly converge in a long-stretching avenue of good times, extraordinary experiences and savor the best of exclusive lifestyle perks that IBP has to offer. High-end names in the restaurant and dining business will converge to offer luscious culinary cravings in the Street of Festive Walk. Expect fine dining bistros will blend well with local restaurants that showcase Iloilo’s excellence as a culinary haven in the country. For nightlife lovers and crowd, pubs and brewery-exclusive bistros will open to ensure great happenings. Conversations and memorable bonding among families and group of friends will enjoy the top-notch line-up of coffee shops, al fresco dining and open space walkways. Shopping for international brands will never be far away for shopaholics as chic boutiques and retail stores will provide visual deluge. The Street of Festive Walk combines visual pleasure, high-end leisure choices and countless enjoyments as it opens in 2016.

Artist’s perspective of the Street of Festive Walk by Megaworld Corporation

Lifestyle-wise, it is adjacent and a stone’s throw away from IBP’s other attractions and establishments including the region’s next sensational shopping center – the Street of Festive Walk Mall and across the IBP’s residential district where condominium towers like One Madison Place, Lafayette Park Square and The Palladium will become the home of Iloilo’s elites. The Street of Festive Walk is surrounded by BPO Buildings where multinational companies provides competitive career to professionals, and a few steps away from Richmonde Hotel Iloilo, Iloilo Convention Center and Courtyard by Marriot.

With the Street of Festive Walk set to change the dining and shopping habit of Ilonggos to another level, there is no need to imagine the impossible. Truth is, it is happening sooner than we expected as Megaworld’s Iloilo Business Park offers more than business and pleasure to Ilonggos – the township offers “life-and-style culture” like no other real estate developers has offered before in the region.

Explore more at Iloilo Business Park. Call us at (033) 330-34-62 to 65. Our online website is http://www.iloilobusinesspark.ph or check out IBP showroom at the ground level of Richmonde Hotel Iloilo, 8 Enterprise Road, Iloilo Business Park, Mandurriao, Iloilo City.

The Palladium: Defining Luxury and Beauty

A vivid definition of lifestyle luxury and sheer beauty, The Palladium is Iloilo Business Park’s “crown jewel” in its highly-sensational residential district. It is perfectly envisioned as the tallest residential tower in Western Visayas with 22 floors – all embracing and captivating for its ultra-classy condominium units and spectacular amenities – welcoming condo buyers and residents whose passion for living exude adventurous character, ambitious perspective and close-to-nature desires. The Palladium sums up only the most exciting lifestyle, ready for you to explore when you decide to build a bright future in Iloilo Business Park, Megaworld’s largest and classiest business township in VisMin.

Infinite Luxury

Drench yourself in the replenishing crystal clear waters of‪ The Palladium’s luxurious Infinity Pool where imaginations and pleasure goes beyond vision. A breathtaking view of the booming Iloilo City will elevate your senses as you experience an extraordinary pampering and leisure like no other. Pocket mini-garden with a touch of nature, open-air spaces for spa and elegant benches ready to provide comfort and pleasurable moments. The infinity pool located in the very heart of the tower will be the region’s biggest and most classy condominium amenity destined to redefine your lifestyle concept of class.

Loft Penthouse Luxury

The finest experience of luxury redefines the concept of condominium living with‪ ‎The Palladium’s Penthouse Loft Unit. Visually mesmerizing at the topmost floor of the tower, each of these posh condominium unit exudes spacious vision suited for interior design flair with a second floor for extended space and comfort. The unit provides a breathtaking view of the spectacular sights of metropolis Iloilo that ultimately gives you the power to be on-top and in control of your passion for a great life. Iloilo Business Park is township of vibrant lifestyle for the chosen few.

 

Sky Garden Living

A glimpse of serenity, a pocket space with nature’s beauty and tranquility, The Palladium takes pride of its very own four multi-level sky gardens that resembles real rainforest complete with pleasurable elements and design where residents can commune with the environment. It also provides an unobtrusive view of the Iloilo City on the top, experiencing an elevating lifestyle for those with adventurous and ambitious heart. The Palladium is the first and only residential tower to offer such distinct amenity in the region, cementing its reputation as the most luxurious and most-admired condominium tower inspired by Megaworld’s ultra-classy vision.

Luxurious Design

The luxury of space and impressive aesthetics of interior design is mesmerizing at‪ The Palladium. Explore color palettes, hues and tasteful shades that catch the eye for beauty. Maximize spaces, mix and match pieces of furniture, decors and weave a harmonious perspective of premium living experience. Express your tasteful personal art in decorating, innovating and painting your own condominium abode of serenity, style and senses. It’s more than style and art itself; it is a lifestyle you truly deserve. Every condominium unit at The Palladium from executive studio, one-bedroom unit, two-bedroom unit and the most classy of all – the Loft Unit with balcony at the Penthouse topmost floor is a work of art, a space solely designed for your lifestyle comfort and style.
Would you love to explore lifestyle possibilities and get the best that your heart can experience? Head on to our new office at the 4th Floor or check out The Palladium showroom at the ground level of Richmonde Tower, Iloilo Business Park, Mandurriao, Iloilo City for an exciting business meeting with our property consultants and site tripping. For details, call us at (033) 330-3462. Visit us online at www.iloilobusinesspark.ph.

IBP in Celestial Colors: New Mark, New History

Iloilo Business Park in celestial colors – Photo by Marx de Silva

Iloilo Business Park, Megaworld’s stunning mixed-use integrated urban township rising at the old Iloilo Airport in Mandurriao district epitomizes a relentless elevation for Iloilo City as the newest center point of business, commerce, lifestyle, investment and tourism within a 72-hectare property. Iloilo Business Park is now the home of the biggest IT-BPO Park in Western Visayas with an expected 10 BPO Buildings rising in the next few years, giving bright opportunities for local workforce to attain competitive employment offered by multinational BPO companies. BPO companies Transcom and StarTek now operates in the township’s newly-completed BPO Buildings One Global Center and Two Global Center.

It’s an all-time high for upscale, high-end living as IBP captivates the imagination and lifestyle preference of Ilonggos and investors with their three multi-faceted residential towers such as the 3-tower One Madison Place, classic-themed Lafayette Park Square and the tallest tower in the region with 22 floors and 4 sky gardens – The Palladium. Iloilo’s title as the “city of love” is further emphasized with the opening of Richmonde Hotel Iloilo and next year’s Courtyard by Marriot. These two international hotels provides the highest standard of accommodation, distinct comfort and heartfelt service that replicates the Ilonggo’s “warmth and welcoming nature.”

Representing a new culture of shopping, pleasure and leisure experience, the township’s two high-end entertainment centers – Megaworld Lifestyle-inspired Festive Walk Mall and longest shop-and-dine strip – Street of Festive Walk, emulates Iloilo’s flair for unique flavors, good food, nightlife affinity and discriminating taste for pleasure. Expect a colorful convergence of classy bistros, restaurants, international-branded boutiques, retail shops and 8 world-class entertainment cinemas at these two significant establishments. Proving as the newest epicenter of finance and business in VisMin, IBP will open the largest commercial district in Western Visayas where business and investment potential will surge high, enough to attract investors and visitors to share a slide of success happening in Iloilo City. The Iloilo Convention Center (ICC) will be opening on September 14 with both cultural pride and vibrant possibilities of claiming as the most modern convention venue in the country boasting with 3,700 seating capacity and function rooms. ICC is the venue of APEC 2015 Ministerial Meetings on September 21- October 6 with expected arrival of foreign dignitaries, guests and visitors taking a glimpse of the city’s rich cultural heritage and sustainable developments. Philippine President Benigno Simeon Aquino III will lead the official inauguration of ICC on September 14, highlighting a memorable day for Iloilo City as it open its economic doorway to the world.

By far, IBP is Megaworld’s biggest single investment worth P35 billion, ready to transform this once sleepy city into one of the most livable metropolis in the world. IBP upholds the vision as Megaworld’s true fulfillment of its successful “live-work-play” extraordinary township slogan that will re-write and bring Iloilo to a prestigious level of progress, it’s truest “claim-to-fame” edge as the original “Queen City of the South.”

This 2015, IBP will open the gateway as more than just a tangible picture of progress and lifestyle elevation for Ilonggos and investors. More than a BIG reason to invest and live beautifully, it is destined to make a new MARK and a new HISTORY for Iloilo City… the countdown begins right now!

Excited to find out about it? It’s happening very soon. Yes, IBP is Iloilo’s BIGGEST STORY ever!

Astonishing Iloilo

Iloilo Business Park (Marx de Silva)

Iloilo is an astonishing city. The beauty of its glorious past replicates the vision of the future – sustainable, progressive and culturally-passionate. Since its destined elevation from a simple town into a royal city under the royal decree of Spain’s Queen Maria Cristina in 1889, Iloilo started to chase the tides of time and made a remarkable mark as the most important city right next to Manila with its economic and cultural supremacy.

Iloilo Dinagyang Festival (osmiva.com)

La Paz Batchoy (kusinamaster.asia)

Sinamay weaving in Villa de Arevalo (Ronelo Ladiao)

Calle Real, Iloilo City (Bert Andone)

Astonishing Mark

Iloilo is a city with multi-facetted legacy that transcends inspiration and pride to its people. It is known as the “weaving capital of the Philippines” during the 18^th and 19^th centuries with the boom of local fabrics and hand-woven works of weavers like hablon, sinamay and piňa cloth. Fashion and tailoring heightened the dynamic business along the famous Calle Real, one of the oldest business districts in the country. If the Province of Iloilo is known as the “food basket of Western Visayas,” Iloilo City tickled the taste buds of visitors with its world-famous La Paz Batchoy, Biscocho, Roberto’s Queen Siopao, Barquillos, mouth-watering seafood from Villa and many other must-have, must-taste luscious keepsakes or “pasalubongs.” Iloilo City redefined and properly-elevated the standard of Philippine festivals with the innovations introduced by its world-famous Dinagyang Festival, a fusion of spectacular choreography, intricate multi-colored costumes embedded with deep Catholic devotion to the Child Jesus celebrated every third week of January. The Paraw Regatta Festival relieves the oldest boat sailing competition in the Southeast Asia and attract crowds with its “Samba de Regatta” spectacle every February. Jaro District Fiesta and “Nuestra Senora dela Candelaria” feast are the most grandiose religious and traditional fiestas in the Philippines every first week of February.

Iloilo Business Park (Iloilo Travel Guide)

Iloilo River Esplanade (Felipe Uygongco)

Iloilo City at night (Litratistang Agustino Studio)

Astonishing Developments

Iloilo is swiftly becoming the face of progress, steadfast developments and expansion that turned this once shy and reserved royal city into a bustling economic melting pot in the Philippines, claiming good governance recognitions, infrastructures projects and investment potentials. Iloilo is creating a synergy of balance between uprising modernization, manageable ecology and inspiring slogan as one of the most livable cities in the world. To preserve not only the bio-diversity of Iloilo River, a multi-billion peso, long-stretching Iloilo River Esplanade was made possible through the cooperation of national and local government. The site is giving an inspiring face to Iloilo River as its cultural and ecological treasure. Another advocacy of preserving the past is the preservation and rebuilding of heritage buildings in Calle Real. Along the Diversion Road, the city’s promising district where businesses are propping up, shopping centers are expanding and nightlife spots elevate, wide roads with walkable red-brick bike lanes and green stripes create a promising perspective for Iloilo’s future. In Mandurriao district where the old Iloilo Airport property was once located, is the very site where one of the country’s leading real estate visionary, Megaworld Corporation established their P35-billion investment master-planned commercial and lifestyle complex called Iloilo Business Park. It is a 72 hectare modern township conceptualized through the company’s “live-work-play” success-driven vision that’s creates a massive buzz and fame for Iloilo, claiming a new title as the next epicenter of virtually almost all kinds of investments. Megaworld integrates an economic-uplifting township where the most exclusive and high-end destinations can be found such as Festive Walk Mall, 1 kilometer shopping-and-dining avenue Street of Festive Walk, the most modern convention venue – Iloilo Convention Center, the biggest McDonald’s branch in Panay, several BPO Buildings used as office-operation site of multinational call center companies, and first-class international hotels with recognizable names such as Richmonde Hotel and Courtyard by Marriot. A foretaste of high-life living can be experienced with the township’s elegant residential towers sporting names such as the 3-tower One Madison Place, 16-level Lafayette Park Square and 22-storey The Palladium. It is expected that the township’s BPO buildings will provide more than 30,000 quality jobs in the next 10 years. Almost 30% of the old airport highway was retained by Iloilo Business Park to become its major vein of transportation. And of course, the green-inspired walkable lane for those looking for a perfect destination as venue of healthy lifestyle activities is open to its residents and passersby. The township presents more than just a stunning addition to the modern and expansive physical-facelift for Iloilo City, it is a sustainable community that opens wider and bigger doorway for global investments, tourism and job opportunities.

From the promising progress that swiftly re-writing Iloilo City’s modern history and legacy, the country’s real estate industry is truly destined to find a “pot of gold” in the shores of this pulsating metropolis called by many people as the “city of love.” But for its people, the Ilonggos whose tireless resilient voice, hardworking nature and passionate sentiments for their cultural heritage, somehow believes that their city, their home is an astonishing destination for all the world to see.

For visitors and strangers who happen to laid eyes in Iloilo, what’s truly astonishing in this city does not entirely depend on its newfound face of progress or its well-preserved past, but the warmth of its people that starts with heartfelt “welcome” greetings. Such passion makes Ilonggos capable of showing it effortlessly to the world. Wouldn’t you like to call Iloilo your new home, too? (Ronelo Sanchez Ladiao)

Shop, Dine, Live, Work in Limitless Passion at Iloilo Business Park

There’s a brand new lifestyle that gives you the rush, the feeling to be at the top and the sight of luxury that goes beyond your expectations. Just shop, dine, work, make business and live a relaxing life in this upscale urban township – the Iloilo Business Park located in the 72 hectare old airport property in Mandurriao, Iloilo City.

Find a highly-competitive corporate job in the township’s multinational Business Processing Outsourcing (BPO) companies that operates in the township’s modern BPO buildings. Secure a rewarding employment opportunity that harnesses your world-class potential in communication and other professional skills, elevates your confidence and gives your the visionary perspective of a real corporate life. Finding a great job is easy as visiting the township, looking around and finding out what fits your personal skills to be in touch with the world, and reward yourself with a great career. BPO buildings One Global Center and Two Global Center are the new homes of call center companies Transcom and StarTek. Reed Elsevier operates at the third floor of Richmonde Tower. One Techno Place and Two Techno Place are being constructed and will soon open with more job opportunities for highly-competitive Ilonggo professionals.

Live exclusively and experience pure condominium luxury with high-end residential towers offered by One Madison Place, an upcoming 3-tower condo with a more upscale-chic lifestyle perspective; Lafayette Park Square is classic-vintage-style tower that gives you a glimpse of French and Spanish architectural design and equally offers elegant amenities, and The Palladium envisaged as the tallest tower in the region attractive for its 4 multi-level sky gardens, penthouse-level ultra-classy loft units, infinity pool and amenities that expresses incomparable luxury. Dreaming to own a condo unit in a high-end township that gives you access to an excellent lifestyle? Now’s your chance to choose and invest something great.

On a lazy day or after work, shop in limitless pleasure with Megaworld’s very own lifestyle leisure center – the Festive Walk Mall. This first-class landmark shopping center is just a few steps away from the township’s residential towers and BPO buildings where residents can spend their day relaxing. Fulfill your shopaholic-craving, your eye for fashion, entertainment and cuisine trek in the mall’s high-end boutiques, retails shops, international brands and bistros. Are you a movie lover? the mall has 8 high-tech cinemas to entertain you and your loved one with passionate cinematic experience.

Go classy and pamper your palate, rediscover the township’s Street of Festive Walk, a one kilometer dining and culinary strip, the longest in the country to showcase high-end restaurants, bistros and pubs covered in flickering lights. It is a pleasurable destination where food lovers fill their hearts with some of the world’s most expensive cuisines and classy dining experience all in one unforgetable visit.

Pleasure, leisure and business converge perfectly with two of the most-anticipated international hotels in the township – Richmonde Hotel Iloilo and Courtyard by Marriot. Meet up with your clients and guests while being pampered in a classy ambiance where first-class hospitality, comfort and gracious service gives you the best time of your life.

Whatever you aspire and look forward to experience, Iloilo Business Park is more than just a lifestyle business township, it is where the best of life mixed with the passion of Iloilo’s cultural past, a vibrant perspective of leisure and tourism that creates a new story to tell – the heartfelt experience for classy, grandeur and memorable often starts to define the Ilonggo lifestyle most of us are dreaming to see and explore. Iloilo City have what it takes to bring leisure and pleasure to a higher level with Iloilo Business Park.

Explore the brightest and most promising township in Western Visayas now. For exciting information, call us at (033) 330-3462, check us onlinehttp://www.iloilobusinesspark.ph or visit our Showroom at the upper ground floor of Richmonde Tower, 8 Enterprise Road, Iloilo Business Park, Mandurriao, Iloilo City.

Factors to Consider When Purchasing a Property

For some, financing a property may be challenging and you have to be ready to make a financial commitment. If done right, purchasing a property for end-use or investment can be a smart expense. In order not to miss the finer details, it is essential to know the factors to consider when purchasing a property:

1.THE DEVELOPER
Look for a developer who has experience and a portfolio of quality, successful projects.

Having been in the industry for 25 years, Megaworld Corporation is a trusted name in the real estate market with outstanding township projects in the Philippines. It is the leading real estate developer and No. 1 BPO office developer and landlord.

2.THE PROJECT
Determine that the project offered by the developer is unique and worth the investment. See the value of the project versus competition.

Built upon a township concept, Iloilo Business Park is the first of its kind in the region to offer the LIVE-WORK-PLAY-LEARN concept that Megaworld Corporation is known for. Being the biggest and most exciting venture in Western Visayas, the 72-hectare master planned development will house first-class condominium towers, the grandest convention center, international brand hotels, largest BPO and IT Park, longest shop-and-dine street, lifestyle mall, and biggest commercial district- all in the one premier location.

3.GROWING CLIENTELE
Before choosing the best developer, get to know who is buying the project and why.

Megaworld Corporation continues to build upon a track record for excellence centered on customer satisfaction. This is the main reason why clients have built their trust in the Company and in the projects it represent. Since 2013, Iloilo Business Park’s clientele continue to grow with a shared vision of a complete community that will change the landscape of Iloilo.

4. THE SALES AGENT
Talk to someone who is credible; the right person who will help you make the right decision before plunging in.

Our property consultants are driven to match your needs and preferences to single out the perfect option for you. They will guide you in making your real estate purchasing experience superb and exciting!

Know what’s in it for you! Get in touch with us today and let us guide you to the property of your choice. Contact us at (033) 330-3462-65 or 0917-3524888 or visit our showroom at the Ground Floor of Richmonde Tower. Visit us online at http://www.iloilobusinesspark.ph.

Richmonde Hotel Iloilo: Classy Hospitality

An extraordinary fusion of heartfelt hospitality and modern business trend will come together in a classy 12-storey building with RICHMONDE HOTEL ILOILO located within Megaworld’s Iloilo Business Park, the future business district and lifestyle destination in Western Visayas. This four-star international brand of hotel chain highlights incomparable luxury, high-end pampering and top-notch amenities with 151 posh hotel rooms. Visitors and guests will experience high-end lifestyle, exclusive hospitality and something to look forward to when visiting Iloilo. It will house a first-class restaurant and deli, function rooms, business center, fitness gym as well as a lap pool with its own pool bar. Likewise, Richmonde Tower features great spaces for company firms in variety of industries. 

Megaworld has commissioned world-renowned architectural firm Gettys to design the hotel’s façade, grand lobby, restaurant and guest rooms. Gettys took inspiration from the city’s rich cultural roots for the hotel’s design concept. 
The same firm has designed some of the world’s prestigious hotels such as The Peninsula Hong Kong; Hyatt Regency in Cancun, Mexico; Jumeirah Beach Hotel in Dubai; The Ritz-Carlton in Miami, Florida; Four Seasons Hotel in Chicago; Westin Golf & Spa Resort in Abu Dhabi; Shangri-La Hotel in Beihai, China; and Hard Rock Hotel in Macau, among others.

Richmonde Hotel Iloilo is now open at Iloilo Business Park.

Be a part of the rising first-class business and residential center of Iloilo City. For more info, call us at (033) 330-3462 or visit us online at http://www.iloilobusinesspark.ph for something that would change your life.