Iloilo Business Park: A Glance of Developments and Opportunities

Iloilo Convention Center resembles Iloilo's cultural heritage and economic glory as a modern convention venue.

 The present site where One Madison Place will soon rise.

An artist's perspective of The Palladium, the tallest residential tower in Western Visayas.

Artist's perspective of Lafayette Park Square.

A quick glance at Iloilo Business Park, the 72-hectare business and commercial township in Mandurriao, Iloilo City which was once an old airport is truly captivating and inspiring. Megaworld, the country’s leading real estate developer and BPO landlord visualized a bustling modern community and financial center when Iloilo Business Park was laid into a life-changing plan a few years ago. When it finally opened in 2013, the township started to promote a genteel yet vibrant lifestyle that Ilonggos and future investors can look forward to when living in Iloilo City. Iloilo Business Park opened a doorway of many possibilities in reclaiming the once affluent economy and tourism of the city. The metropolitan-inspired “condo lifestyle” was introduced by Iloilo Business Park to Ilonggos with its first residential tower - One Madison Place, an ultra-modern condominium comprised of 3 towers, stunning amenities and a lifestyle interconnected with the township’s bustling activities. Lafayette Park Square, another 16-storey residential tower came into the spotlight by introducing French and Spanish-inspired architectural design, first-class amenities and a vintage-perspective lifestyle for condo buyers. The third residential tower that further captured the interest of client and investors is The Palladium, standing tall with 22-floors, the tallest edifice in Western Visayas, and inspired by the rarest metallic element of the earth. The Palladium offers high-life with its serene four sky gardens, infinity pool, exciting unique amenities and by offering the first of its kind “Loft Units” located in the Penthouse level.

Richmonde Hotel Iloilo is the first high-end luxury hotel that opened in Iloilo Business Park this year.

A view of the Megaworld Boulevard where the Festive Walk Mall (left) is being constructed and the biggest McDonald's in Panay Island can be seen.

The long-stretching Megaworld Boulevard where 30% of the old Iloilo Airport runway was retained, Iloilo Convention Center and Richmonde Hotel can be seen on the left while One Techno Place is being constructed in the right.

The Street of Festive Walk (current construction photo update) excites many Ilonggos to enjoy this vast shop-and-dine strip in the near future.

BPO Building One Global Center is the current office and operation site of call center company Transcom Asia.

Iloilo Business Park's Showroom will be the biggest in the region soon to be completed next month.

A glance of Megaworld Boulevard over-viewing McDonald's, Festive Walk Mall and Richmonde Hotel Iloilo.

The Courtyard by Marriot, another high-end international hotel set to open in IBP next year.

Going back to the “site-seeing” passion, these days, Iloilo Business Park is swiftly taking shape as a prominent business center and future commercial destination for locals, visitors and investors. The infrastructure projects being done in the township creates an exciting “sneak peek” of the great things and happenings to come.  The first two BPO Buildings – One Global Center and Two Global Center where BPO companies Transcom Asia and StarTek currently holds their Iloilo office and operation sites, respectively. Two more BPO Buildings are under construction such as One Techno Place and Two Techno Place. The IT-BPO sector would greatly benefit with Iloilo Business Park by providing an estimated 30,000 local employment opportunities for Ilonggos in the next 10 years. Richmonde Hotel Iloilo, a first-class luxury hotel opened a few months ago offering gracious accommodation and exciting destination for visitors with their classy bistros such as The Granary and Bizbar. On the other side of the hotel is Richmonde Tower where BPO company Reed Elsevier, Iloilo Business Park Marketing and Operation Divisions hold their offices on the third and fourth floors, respectively. Courtyard by Marriot, another international hotel is set to open in 2016 at Iloilo Business Park will be sharing its world-class accommodation and amenities to locals and tourists visiting the township. The Iloilo Convention Center is located right across Richmonde Tower. Considered as an iconic landmark and boasts with world-class convention facilities, the 3,700-seater Iloilo Convention Center inspired by the Paraw Regatta sail fins and having a Dinagyang Festival warriors’ emblem, is the recent venue of APEC ministerial meetings this year. Iloilo Convention Center will prove to become Iloilo’s exciting venue for international and prominent events as well as conventions in the future. In fact, it is fully booked with events until next year. The next shopping center in the city is Festive Walk Mall, inspired by Megaworld’s classy lifestyle malls in Manila set to open in 2016. This shopping haven will have a prestigious line-up of international clothing brands, boutiques, retail stores, 8 world-class cinemas, events center and bistros. Right across the mall is the Mall Annex and the Street of Festive Walk, considered as the longest shopping-and-dining strip in the country. This is the one-stop destination for well-known bistros, restaurants and the biggest names in the culinary scene schedule for completion next year. The Street of Festive Walk will emphasize Iloilo as a “mecca of gastronomy and food lovers” where lifestyle, leisure and entertainment converges in one place of interest.

Moving further at the tip of the Megaworld Boulevard, the main highway of the township with bike lanes on its side, is leading onlookers at the Boutique Hotel and Commercial District, the future Central Business District (CBD) of Western Visayas. With 10 blocks and 9.2 hectare area intended for business and commercial spaces, almost 80% of lots are already sold to financial institutions and private entrepreneurs this year, giving a strong indication of investment influx in the township. Metrobank and Unionbank are two prominent bank companies have already secured their space in Iloilo Business Park.

A strong partnership with the local government of Iloilo City and Province, agencies and business circle whose goal is to highlight the undeniable potential of Ilonggos in making global relation and passion for business, creates a strong fusion of both economic, tourism and cultural promotion for Iloilo Business Park as a magnet of developments, changes that would lasts a lifetime for many people.

Though a quick glance and site-seeing trip at Iloilo Business Park would give onlookers, locals, visitors and potential investors a preview of the great things to come in this bustling business township, more than the infrastructure aspect, this mixed-use commercial district is raising the standard of living in Iloilo City by opening a doorway of opportunities and sketching a bright future for Ilonggos.

Make things happen and let your dream fall into place at Iloilo Business Park now. For more information, call us at (033) 330-3465, check us online at www.iloilobusinesspark.ph or visit our IBP Showroom at the ground level of Richmonde Tower, Iloilo Business Park, Mandurriao, Iloilo City.

Spooky Paw-Rade invades IBP on Oct. 24

Iloilo Business Park is more than just a township for business; it is also a destination for unique leisure escapades. The 72-hectare Megaworld township takes pride not only of its stunning scenery, wide spaces for recreations and impressive buildings, it is a place where bikers, health buffs and of course, dog owners can find a perfect getaway to enjoy a day of relaxing activities.

It’s time for a very unique Halloween event with “Spooky Paw-Rade” on October 24, 2:30PM at The Palladium Showroom in front of Richmonde Tower, Iloilo Business Park in Mandurriao, Iloilo City. This special event is a dog-appreciation day organized by Megaworld – Iloilo Business Park to give credit to our fury best friends and their owners in time for the Halloween season. There will be various activities highlighted by Dog Parade wearing spooky Halloween-themed costumes, Dog Blessing, Fun Match Dog Show, Dog Games and Halloween Dog Costume Fashion Show as the main event that will mesmerize visitors and onlookers. Pre-registration for participants started last October 9 at The Palladium Showroom. Tickets sold at The Palladium Showroom, McDonald’s IBP and Joseph Jiro Gabasa – owner of Pack Leader k9 Dog Training School costs P150.00 per one dog participant. Dog owners are encouraged to bring in their pet’s latest vaccination papers upon registration.

So what are you waiting for? It’s time to dress-up your fun-loving dogs and enjoy a day full of fun, excitement and freebies this Halloween. For ticker reservation and registration, call us at (033) 330-3465, 09173524888, 09399256430, or visit us at www.iloilobusinesspark.ph.

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.

Festive Walk Mall's New Lifestyle Culture

Artist's perspective of the Festive Walk Mall

Lifestyle shopping in Iloilo will never be the same with Festive Walk Mall. Photo from www.digitalistmag.com

What makes metropolises exciting to visit and teeming with recreation is the existence of various shopping malls. Embedded in the notion of most Filipinos is the concept of shopping malls as the oasis of relaxation and a place to enjoy. The culture of “malling” has long been etched in the mindset of a typical Filipino mentality for the past decades. Since Iloilo City is on its way to take the spotlight as the next “wave city” and economic center in the Visayas with influx of investments, “malling culture” and the lifestyle sensation its brings to Ilonggos is once again heightened with the anticipated opening of another world-class shopping center – the Festive Walk Mall. Rising in the heart of Iloilo Business Park, the 72-hectare business township developed by Megaworld in Mandurriao, Iloilo City, Festive Walk Mall has two phases of leasable areas such as Festive Walk 2B-1 with 2,666 square meters and Festive Walk 2B-2 with 1,923 square meters. Inspired by the classy concept of its popular predecessors in Manila – the Megaworld lifestyle malls, Festive Walk Mall is a unique convergence of contemporary architectural design and international line-up of world-famous clothing brands, boutiques and retail shops. For leisure lovers and movie enthusiasts, there will be 8 world-class standard cinemas set to open in the mall. A classy food court, a selection of first-class bistros and restaurants, and spacious events center will complete the lifestyle mall expected to have its soft opening in the fourth quarter of 2016. Across the center mall, a Mall Annex will open to offer extended shopping and dining escapade for mall-goers and visitors. Beside the Mall Annex, another landmark leisure destination will open with great anticipation – the Street of Festive Walk, a 1.1-kilometer shop-and-dine strip, the longest in the country so far. The name of the highly-anticipated mall, inspired by the “festive” cultural vibrancy of Iloilo’s world-class Dinagyang and Paraw Regatta Festivals, is a stunning depiction of Ilonggos’ passion for leisure, shopping and love for gastronomy rising in the middle of a sparkling business township of opportunities and commercial epicenter. The mall is a just a few steps away from the residential district which will become the home of a privileged few residents in One Madison Place, Lafayette Park Square and The Palladium, condominium towers with unique facets of lifestyle concept. The prestigious lifestyle mall is surrounded and adjacent to Richmonde Hotel Iloilo, BPO buildings One Global Center and Two Global Center, the biggest McDonald’s in Panay Island, and a few steps away from the Iloilo Convention Center and soon-to-rise Courtyard by Marriot Hotel.

October 2015 Construction Update of Festive Walk Mall

Lifestyle-wise, no other shopping malls in Iloilo City can offer this magnitude of conveniences, pleasure options and exclusive link to a complete, modern commercial township. The Festive Walk Mall is a stunning definition of Iloilo’s future “malling culture” and a level up experience that Ilonggos, visitors and investors can find only in the ‘city of love.’

Embrace the new lifestyle concept at Iloilo Business Park. For more information on how to invest, call us at (033) 3303465 or visit our website at www.iloilobusinesspark.ph.

‘Selfie’ Tips at Iloilo Business Park

Social media netizens are going crazy about the “selfie” phenomena these past years. In fact, the term itself has entered the list of modern-day dictionaries online. For most people around the world, “selfie” is the new revolutionary pop culture by photo-enthusiasts, posting it online in social networking sites using the smartphones is what makes a defining habit of this present generation. Using a “selfie stick” attached to smartphones for better proximity, “selfie 101” is far more exciting and trendy.

Iloilo Business Park, the 72-hectare business and lifestyle township developed by Megaworld in Mandurriao, Iloilo City, is the center of fast-paced infrastructure developments and economic activities. Sprawling landmarks and high-end establishments within the township arises to open a new gateway for Ilonggos to appreciate their city. With the APEC 2015 ministerial meetings happening in the Iloilo Convention Center, the 3,700 seating capacity, modern events venue inspired by Iloilo’s culture, Iloilo Business Park is at the center of international spotlight. Richmonde Hotel Iloilo, a first-class hotel recently opened along with two BPO buildings serving as operation sites for multinational BPO companies, exciting opportunities and leisure activities are propping up in Iloilo Business Park.  Shopping and dining destinations such as Festive Walk Mall and the 1.1 kilometer - Street of Festive Walk underway for completion next year, the culture of entertainment and pleasure becomes well-anticipated in Iloilo City. The biggest Boutique Hotel and Commercial District in Western Visayas is also taking shape in Iloilo Business Park, giving investors and visitors the edge to venture their businesses locally.

So if you’re on your way to Iloilo Business Park and you want to make it a habit to experience more often the high-end lifestyle, don’t limit yourself and do the “selfie” habit in this bustling business township. Here’s a list of the best locations to do your “selfie” craze:

1. Are you fond of signage and on-location “selfie” photo snaps revealing where you are without saying a word? Aside from “I am Iloilo” signage located in the Iloilo River Esplanade, head on to IBP McDonald’s where the township’s signage is located. It would surely give you an inspiring day as you share your photo online telling the world that you’re standing at the biggest Megaworld township ever.

2. Wanting to share the Ilonggo cultural pride to the world? Why don’t you try to drop by in front of the Iloilo Convention Center, the state-of-the-art events destination in the region and find your best “selfie” post. After all, you’ll truly appreciate yourself being a real Ilonggo by having this Dinagyang and Paraw Regatta-inspired structure in all its visual glory behind your photo.

3. Even on daytime or nighttime, Richmonde Hotel Iloilo is visually impressive with its blue silhouette, giving visitors and onlookers the perfect “selfie” backdrop to beat. To feel more spectacular, just wait for the lights show of this stunning edifice at night and snap more “selfies” as you can.

4. Feeling like a true “seflie” health buff, just have a morning jog, walk or biking in the long-stretching Megaworld Boulevard to capture the impressive sights. There are strips of greens and impressive lampposts along the boulevard to make your photo-snapping exciting to the eyes. In the evening, it is even more impressive with the lights on at the township. You can choose which angle would suit your “seflie” mood.

5. BPO Buildings - One Global Center and Two Global Center are impressive landmarks where you can position your “selfie” snaps to look more visually appealing with your friends or acquaintances working in call centers located in these buildings.

These are just a few suggestions how to make your “seflie” guide thrilling in Iloilo Business Park. Try to be more creative and innovative by looking around to find the perfect “selfie” spots for you. In the future, more establishments will be completed to excite your “selfie” trip. Just come around, enjoy the scenery and have fun.

10 Best Reasons to Move Out of the Metro for a Stress-Free Lifestyle

  

Photo from Skyscrapercity.com

There’s more to lifestyle perspective in “megacities” than meets the eye. What makes bigger cities in the Philippines like Manila a notch higher than any other highly-urbane metropolises in the country is its economic dominance and “investment magnet” image. Megacities have established a reputation as melting pots of opportunities from business, finance, tourism and leisure that shine brighter than its stunning city-lights at night. But behind this fast-paced lifestyle, uprising cities in the provinces offer more than a promise of opportunities: the priceless advantage of a stress-free and pleasurable living.      

Pleasurable, pollution-free and healthy lifestyle in Iloilo City, photo from iloilo.net.ph

1. Pollution

Everyone hates pollution in big cities. It’s absolutely suffocating, health hazzard and down-right deadly. But, don’t worry because you can always run away from this never-ending metropolitan syndrome. There is a huge difference in the air quality and pollution levels from big metro cities to out-of-town provinces. Just like Iloilo, this city has more air quality control than common metropolitan areas, signifying a more liveable atmosphere for people. Vehicular emissions are more controlled and minimal often emphasize by its environmental-centered community and a city government that promotes healthy lifestyle.

Photo from thenewstoday.info

Less traffic roads and streets in Iloilo City

2. Traffic

And while everybody hates a deadly pollution problem, people are also whining about megacities’ traffic. If you search www.google.com with the terms, “traffic in the Philippines”, nine (9) out of (10) of the search results will show unsatisfactory descriptions of the traffic in major metropolitan areas. Thinking of moving out from a big city? Well, Iloilo is the place for you with wide main roads and fast-moving highways.

Photo by Felipe Uycongco

Photo from pinasmuna.com

3. Overcrowding

Metro Manila is one major example of an over-crowding megacity where limited spaces are available for recreation and promote healthy lifestyle. Dense urban cities have a hard time managing their space, compared to the ratio of the people residing in such areas. If one million people are living within one small street side, that’s a lot of heads to turn to if you want to say “hi.” If you want to live in a place with enough people to get by, fly to Iloilo and leave your claustrophobic fears behind. In this city, more relaxing areas are open for public like the Iloilo River Esplanade, bike lanes along Diversion road and Iloilo Business Park.

Iloilo City Police Officers are always on the road to do their public service, photo from ilongo.weebly.com

4. Crime rate

It would be traumatic for someone to get robbed in the sidewalk or get mulled by a violent gang over a dark street. But in big metropolitan areas, it’s part of the normal day-to-day scene. Another data from Numbeo suggests that the safety one feels walking alone during night time drops to 23.71%. Try coming to Iloilo and see all the bright lamp posts from one street to the next, ensuring your safety even after the daylight hours. Iloilo City is noted for being one of the world’s safest place to live with less number of crimes recorded every year.

Stress-free city streets and typical public transportation vehicles in Iloilo City, photo from projectiloilo.com

5. Public transportation and driving

Megacities in the Philippines tend to get confusing and crowded with the existence of public utility and private vehicles filling up the roads. Traffic system in these major cities is constantly innovating to maintain smooth flow such as color coding and number coding of vehicles.  Streets are full of so-called “public utility vehicles” for any distances and people moving to their destinations in these huge cities are always in a hurry that often resulted to a congested atmosphere. Though megacities have wide roads and highways, these are not spared from the non-stop influx of vehicles of both public and private. Iloilo is still a rising megacity, its roads and highways are still sparred from traffic congestion. To create consistency, road widening projects are ongoing and well-managed traffic controls are being implemented by the city givernment to maintain a stress-free ambiance for motorists and vehicles.

Expanding IT-BPO industry in Iloilo City, photo from panaynewsphilippines.com

6. Affordable Cost of living in out-of-town provinces

Living in major metropolitan cities can be a rewarding lifestyle perspective because you have the best access to a lot of things: amenities and opportunities. But there’s always a catch living in big cities: the cost of living. According to Numbeo.com, 31.1% is spend on average monthly house or apartment rent and 28.8% is spend on food and groceries for a resident in a big city based on distribution of expenses statistical model. If this is the case, the slightly minimal low cost of living in the provinces in the Philippines could directly affect the expenses of a resident compare to those living in megacities. Since Iloilo City is experiencing a booming economy and influx of investments, multinational companies are opening jobs that offer higher salary close to other megacities like Manila or Cebu. Combined with the slightly low cost of living in Iloilo and better salary compensation from companies, this city could be an employment destination in the future.

Photo from iloilo-travel-guide.blogspot.com

Weekend cultural and special events at Calle Real, Photo from iloilo.net.ph

Zumba session and activities at Iloilo River Esplanade, Photo from Skycraperscity.com

The annual Iloilo Bike Festival in Iloilo Business Park, Photo from Iloilo.net.ph

7. Accessibility to modern amenities in Iloilo

Everything is within your reach in big cities when it comes to business opportunities, entertainment and leisure. Iloilo City is on fast-paced infrastructure developments from roads, shopping malls, business and having a new convention center which are all accessible to locals. To counter the stressful lifestyle in the metropolis, wellness centers and public parks hold wellness programs or activities. On Sundays, the city’s old business center, Calle Real where heritage buildings are being rebuilt to its original form is usually closed for public transportation and holds Zumba sessions, cultural shows and local concerts to emphasize significant weekend attraction to locals.  The city government is also establishing wellness-inspired recreation areas. One of them is the long-stretching Iloilo River Esplanade where wellness activities often attracts passersby, giving a boost both on its economy, tourism and additional modern amenities.          

Iloilo River Esplanade, Photos by Felipe Uycongco

8. Appreciation of Nature

Looking for greens and bio-diversity in major cities? Crammed and congested it may seem to be but major cities are innovating to counter stressful lifestyle and avert the effects of pollution. High-end malls and shopping centers feature pocket gardens and trees within commercial areas. Bistros and restaurants are placed in open spaces or along the seashore to appreciate nature. Wellness activities are encouraged in open parks. Moving away from megacities, Iloilo City have the Iloilo River Esplanade with a glimpse of a protected bio-diversity, wide-roads with bike lanes for health buffs, and consistent wellness activities in public parks, a convergence of a nature-centered expanding metropolis with uprising progress.     

9. Proper Sanitation

Most megacities have similar problems when it comes to their garbage accumulation and sanitation issues. Every day, tons of garbage are collected in the city to minimize pollution. The average garbage collected in most megacities is high compared to out-of-town provinces. Megacities have serious garbage problems due to lack of proper dumpsites. Proper sanitation is worse and public toilets are congested compared with those in provinces due to consistent influx and daily activities of people. Try visiting Iloilo and you’ll see minimal trash problems and public toilets are less congested. The city government of Iloilo is doing its best to counter the problems of garbage, littering and push for more clean-up drive projects in local communities.

Iloilo Floodway Project in Jaro District, photo from livefromiloilo.wordpress.com

10. Less flood levels

Probably one of the most visible dilemmas in major cities especially in the Philippines, is the unstoppable flooding during rainy season. Big metropolitan cities suffer a lot and cause delays such as suspension of work and classes in schools during typhoon. A lot of investment and business opportunities are lost for multinational companies, government services are delayed and millions of calamity funds from the city’s tax are spend to fix infrastructure damages and support victims of flooding. Flood levels in Iloilo have been minimized over the years because of a major flood control project centered in Jaro district. The local government is also pursuing an improved drainage system project within the city.

The surging investment and business opportunities in the country has long been potentially presented by megacities but less popular for their beneficial lifestyle and stress-free elements that can be seen in provinces. Iloilo City’s relentless rise as the next economic center point in the Visayas may prove as a game-changing concept of business mixed with desirable lifestyle for investors, visitors and its locals. The infrastructure and economic developments are elevating but the vision of ecological conservation is prominently emphasized. Leading real estate company, Megaworld Corporation has long seen this unique potential in Iloilo City by transforming the 72-hectare old Iloilo Airport in Mandurriao district into a mixed-used development community, a township solely dedicated for business and high-end leisure facilities known as Iloilo Business Park.

Who said megacities have everything it has to offer in determining its prominence and promising opportunities? Think about another concept of it: a city of greens and swift infrastructure expansion leaping a notch higher in defining a better quality of life.