The city that is Filinvest

MANILA, Philippines - What makes a city? Roads and streetlights, buildings and trees, and people do.

A city is where people work and play and dine and shop. In short, it is where people live.

South of the metropolis is one such city. It is called Filinvest City. Sprawling over 244 hectares in Alabang, Muntinlupa, Filinvest City is “a fully integrated and self-contained community, divided into districts to provide a balanced mix of developments,” says Filinvest marketing manager Jen Santos.

On a busy Friday morning, it took only 20 minutes to reach Filinvest City coming from Makati via the Skyway of the South Luzon Expressway. Other access roads are the Alabang-Zapote Road, the Old National Highway, and Daanghari.

“Filinvest City is the preferred central business district in south Manila,” Santos says. “It’s highly accessible and is at the gateway of the CALABARZON (Calamba, Laguna, Batangas, Quezon) growth corridor. It is host to a number of BPOs located in Northgate Cyberzone, the premier BPO-IT park and a PEZA zone, which forms part of the office developments in Filinvest City.”  Its comprehensive infrastructure system includes a fiber  optic telecommunication system, power and communication lines that are laid underground, as well as a centralized water system. 

There are a number of high-end residential houses and condominium buildings, and an exclusive country club as well. “Filinvest City is experiencing vibrant growth while maintaining a relaxed environment, with lots of greens and open spaces,” says Hans Rudolf Neukom,  general manager of The Palms Country Club, the exclusive recreation hub, for members only. Part of Filinvest City’s master plan is “to provide ample breathing space for those who live and work there, while creating a dynamic nerve center for business, community and industry.”

Tall Royal Palms line the islands along the main road, while seedlings are raised at the Filinvest plant nursery. The “garden city” is also a bird haven where different species of birds have been spotted. At least 25 species have been photographed and recorded. There are biking trails and jogging paths as well.

There is a natural creek where a River Park is part of an expansion program that will make the Festival Supermall the biggest regional shopping destination in the south. “Festival Supermall is currently undergoing a makeover, which will add more greens, outdoor promenades and more leasable space,” Santos explains. “This expansion will add 110,000 sqm. floor area to its total expanse and 58,000 sqm. to its gross leasable area.”

Also in Filinvest City is Westgate Center, a 9.3 hectare open-air retail concept for leisurely dining and lifestyle shopping as well as fitness and wellness center. A new venue for fairs and special events is the Filinvest Tent, which has 2,000 sqm. area of unobstructed floor space beneath a huge tent. Just recently concluded was the famous Noel Bazaar. Others lined up for the remainder of the year include the Christmas Luxury Bazaar (Nov. 16 to 17) of the Philippine Italian Association together with Citibank and Rustan’s as well as the Zonta Club’s Christmas Carnivale (Nov. 22 to 23.)

Rising tall in the Filinvest City skyline is Crimson Hotel, the newest de luxe hotel in south Manila. “Our iconic architecture in the heart of Alabang, Muntinlupa makes us a landmark hotel in southern Metro Manila,” Carmela Bocanegra, VP for sales and marketing, noted. “Our five-star property boasts 345 guest rooms, including 20 suites and 34 executive rooms. Our contemporary restaurant, Cafe Eight, elegant lobby lounge and the Deck Bar by the pool offer exceptional dining complemented with upscale shopping and entertainment within the city.”

Some people simply have a life in the city. At Filinvest City, what you have is a lifestyle.