The new Megaworld township, which is being offered to millennials who want to invest their newly earned money, brings us back to a time when we ourselves looked forward to a job and a new lifestyle.

Back in college, one of the newest “cool” places for us to hang out in was this development beyond Katipunan Avenue in Quezon City. Eastwood City was pretty new then, and we remember our “excursions” there with friends and schoolmates.

We would marvel at the new buildings and gorge ourselves on the ice cream at Dairy Queen. We went around its mall, and wondered if we would soon work in the office buildings that were popping up fast in the area.

After the visit, one jeep ride was all it took, and then we were back in Katipunan for classes.

At the center of it all

Now rising is a new township by Megaworld—Arcovia City, located a little beyond Eastwood City, close to Greenmeadows and Ortigas Avenue, Pasig.

The company has allocated P35 billion to develop this township for 10 years, which began in 2015.

Megaworld is simultaneously constructing its first office tower, the 17-story One Paseo, with 23,000 square meters of leasable office spaces; and a lifestyle mall that has its own walk parks, viewing deck and leisure facilities.

“It’s literally right at the center of it all,” said John Natividad, first vice president for marketing of Arcovia City, during a tour for media. “It’s near Ortigas, close enough to Quezon City in the north, and has access to the south through the C5 road. So, it’s fairly close to Makati, Bonifacio Global City, and the airport as well.”

The development also has access to Pasig, from the back road of the township. The road is bordered by the Marikina River.

The 12.3-hectare property will have the winning and enviable lifestyle of a Megaworld township—there’ll be condos, offices, and a mall, the design and facilities meant to enhance the tastes and character of the millennial generation.

Arco de Emperador

It boasts a pièce de résistance that appeals strongly to the youth, and echoes their life’s status. The landmark of the township is the massive arc at the center of the development.

The arc is modeled after the Arco de la Victoria in Madrid, Spain, said Natividad. “The entire development is modeled after a European city. The arc is a bronze sculpture called Arco de Emperador.”

Arcovia means “the arc and the road.” Upon entering the property from C5, you’ll see the road leading to the arc.

Designed by Spanish sculptor Gines Serran Pagan, the components of the arc will be bronze figures of horses, the emperor, and lions.

The arc itself is a symbolic installation, meant to convey the message of self-made success.

“The kings, they inherit the throne, but the Emperor, he fights the battle, and gets or claims the throne,” said Natividad. “So, the message of Arcovia is that we are really targeting the young ones—the millennials (Generation Y) and Generation Z—because it’s time for their own self-made success.”

The ground level of the monument will house a museum.

“We want the development to project success and power,” Natividad added. “It’s for the successful millennials who want to make a good investment. Aside from the upcoming office buildings and residential development, we also want Arcovia City to become a tourist destination.”

Kevin L. Tan, Megaworld senior vice president, said: “Our vision for this new township is to inspire the young generation to persevere and work harder to attain their own successes and victories in life, There is a deeper story embedded into this development, and we will tell that story through the installations and attractions around the township.”

Megaworld won’t have difficulty having guests to flock to the township, since, as early as now, it has Landers Superstore to draw shoppers and a broad consumer base.

At lunch during the media tour, Landers was brimming with shoppers and diners.

A big Starbucks has opened as well, and is drawing office employees around the area.

Arcovia City is sprawling, the sleek modern buildings surrounded by greenery— a refreshing sight.

The first buildings will be two offices and a residential development, along with a mall, of course.

“It will be a live, work, play development,” said Natividad.

Megaworld will plant 1,000 trees all over the development as part of its support of the green movement.

The township’s first residential development is the 37-story 18 Avenue de Triomphe, which will have 576 residential units.

All units will have their own balconies, overlooking Eastwood, Ortigas and Fort Bonifacio cityscapes as well as the Antipolo mountains.

It is set to be completed in 2023.

“Arcovia’s message is ‘Your turn to be great.’ We want the millennials, the young professionals to feel empowered, and feel that it’s their turn to reap the success they have worked for.”