MANILA, Philippines - For anyone who experienced or witnessed from a distance the devastating effects of Mt. Pinatubo’s eruption in Pampanga, Tarlac and Bataan, and saw how for many years after the 1991 eruption towns were still being completely wiped out due to the lahar, news of a large-scale development in Porac, Pampanga, is certainly a good one.
Porac is being groomed to be Central’s Luzon’s hub for business, leisure, residential, and recreational activities as Ayala Land is building Alviera, a master-planned community that spans 1,100 hectares of what has been barren land for the past 23 years.
And it’s about time. After cities and towns south of Metro Manila have progressed at a rapid pace in the past decades — with techno parks, business and residential districts built by Ayala Land and other developers — it’s the north’s turn for fast progress.
Why is Ayala Land setting its sights on the north only now? Ayala Land vice president and head of Strategic Landbank Management Group Mee-Ann Dy says, “We go where the road networks take us. With the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), the SCTEX and TPLEX in place, it’s the right time to undertake development on this scale. Besides, it’s not out first foray into the north. Several years ago we built Marquee with its mall and residential subdivision in Angeles City.”
Ayala Land and its partner Leonio Land recently launched Alviera and shared with media their plans. Alviera will have residential neighborhoods, commercial districts, business and industrial parks, university zones — Holy Angel University and Miriam College will have campuses there — retail centers, a country club, and recreational areas.
This project will surely transform not only Porac or Pampanga, but its neighboring provinces as well because it is highly accessible, being located just off the Porac Interchange along SCTEX.
“We see it as urban living embraced by nature as we are building around the area’s scenic natural terrain. Nature plays a strong part of the Alviera experience. Alviera is envisioned to be the growth center of Central Luzon,” said Mee-Ann. “ALI has built a reputation of keeping its promises. From the high-rises of the Makati Central Business District to Bonifacio Global City’s continuing development and to Nuvali’s sustainability commitments, ALI is the pioneer of master-planned development in the country.”
To put things in context, Alviera’s 1,100 hectares is about five and half times larger than the Makati CBD and four times the size of Bonifacio Global City.
The first phase of Alviera comprises residential communities, university zones, business and industrial park, outdoor recreational attractions, and a country club, which was recently launched. Three of Ayala Land’s residential brands will have their own enclaves on Porac’s rolling hills: Ayala Land Premier, Alveo Land and Avida Land.
Alviera Country Club, designed by Andy Locsin and Partners, will be based on proprietary shares. The country club will occupy six hectares and will feature facilities for sports and leisure including an aquatic center. “Alviera Country Club will have breathtaking mountain views and three restaurants, including a specialty resto,” says Andy, and adds that his design conforms to the natural terrain and beauty of the surroundings. The country club will be operational in 2016.
“We have an incredible aquatic center composed of a lap pool, leisure pools, reflecting pools and a children’s pool. We have indoor courts, sports bar and game center, a bowling center, children’s playground and indoor play area, mini theater and KTV rooms, gym and dance studio, plus massage rooms for signature spa treatments. There will be three dining outlets serving different cuisines, including a specialty restaurant. A multi-purpose hall, a ballroom and function rooms will serve members’ meetings and special events. Members will get privileged access to the lounges and library.”
For the university zone, campuses will feature a more conducive learning environment by being built on a natural setting of trees and open spaces. Angeles-based Holy Angel University and Miriam College will be its first locators.
“Alviera will seamlessly blend urban development with nature, which is the main value proposition of the project. Alviera comes from a combination of ‘vie’ for life and ‘terra’ for land. The name perfectly captures our concept of building with nature, not just on it,” says Mee-Ann. “The mountain range and other verdant natural terrain of Alviera allow it to offer modern living complemented by a refreshing natural environment. As a place, Alviera will be strategically tied together by The Convergence and Country Club, as well as pocket parks and open spaces. The university zone will have an open campus structure, the better to build around nature, and allow students to learn in a secure, serene and more conducive environment.”
At full development, Alviera is projected to have 62,000 residents.
Also in Alviera is the outdoor adventure park called SandBox. Now operational, it features a wide selection of casual dining restaurants, and retail and specialty stores. “SandBox is set to have new attractions by next year and will have a lot more to offer and such as archery, weekend markets, camping sites, and urban karting.”