Retail center attracts motorists

Once merely just places to get some basic items with your gasoline, convenience retail centers geared for motorists are no longer what they used to be. They now also offer branded coffee, fastfood meals, and even banking facilities.

At the one-hectare Bonifacio Stopover at Bonifacio Global City, the list of conveniences available is even longer. In this retail hub, one can choose from close to 20 food outlets that include Pancake House, Brother’s Burgers, Pho-Bac, Tsim Sha Tsui, Starbucks, Gloria Jeans and many others. There is also a 7-11 as well as a Shell gas station with a Select retail outlet, and even Bruno’s Barbers and Ralph’s Wines.

One of the most strategically located convenience centers within Metro Manila, the Bonifacio Stopover has proven to be a real advantage for employees and their children seeking a quick bite while on their way to work and to school; for Makati workers seeking affordable meals as well as quick access to parking at lunchtime; yuppies on their way home from after-work sports events. Its closeness to Makati has also made it a convenient meeting place for executives and entrepreneurs.

Shell officials attest to the Stopover’s high volume of clients and disclose that it hit its fuel volume target within the first four months of operation. The station, which has won a number of Shell awards, is now seeling 800,000 liters per month, way above its original goal. Jollibee, Chowking and Pizza Hut have also built sizable stores in the area in recognition of the brisk traffic of this growing business center.

According to Jun Bisnal, head for commercial operations of Fort Bonifacio Development Corp., Bonifacio Stopover has proven to be one of the more innovative retail concepts of Bonifacio Global City, the emerging business district which was formerly a military camp. "Bonifacio Stopover capitalizes on the very convient location of Bonifacio Global City," h e says. "It is highly visible to all the motorists going to and from C5 to the Makati Business District through the Kalayaan Flyover and Buendia."

In February 2005, ground-breaking ceremonies were held for the new St. Luke’s Medical Center, which will rise on a 1.6-hectare lot just a few meters away from Bonifacio Stopover. This 600-bed hospital is expected to significantly increase activity in the area, especially when it is completed by 2008. Similar to its existing hospital in Quezon City, this new St. Luke’s branch is expected to uphold the highest standards in the country.

Bonifacio Global City has been drawing more visitors and buyers of commercial, office and residential properties ever since Ayala Land, Inc. and the Campos Group acquired controlling interest in FBDC in April 2003.

"What we are seeing is a keen interest in Bonifacio Global City," observes Bisnal."And we will continue to embark on projects that will sustain the build up of the district into a full-blown business capital."

Bisnal also disclosed that the masterplan for the emerging city was currently under review. Ayala Land planners and foreign consultants are studying how to improve the traffic, transport, dedestrian and parking systems of Bonifacio Global City, as well as its parks, open areas, and othe amenities. The goal is to ensure that Bonifacio Global City will meet all the needs of businesses and resients in the future.