Roxas Blvd: Manila’s Champs-Elysees

MANILA, Philippines - Of the billions of streets, avenues and boulevards in the world, there are a few that stand out in history. Some of these streets are remembered because of their bright lights, magnificent skyscrapers, major tourist attractions and vibrant night life. Rodeo Drive in Los Angeles, Bourbon Street in New Orleans, Khao San Road in Bangkok, and Orchard Road in Singapore are all postcard-perfect roads visited by thousands of tourists daily.

Some streets, on the other hand, owe their fame to pop culture. Abbey Road and Baker Street in London are good examples of such, with the former dubbed as the Beatles’ greatest album and the latter the famous address of fictional detective Sherlock Holmes.

But boasting of a much deeper significance are streets that have taken part in the evolution of a city and its residents – streets that have served as the backdrop for the ever changing landscapes of a nation. An elite handful, these renowned streets include Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington DC, Champs-Elysées in Paris, and joining this veritable list, is the Filipinos’ very own Roxas Boulevard in Manila.

Roxas Boulevard, the premier gateway to the country’s seat of power, has welcomed hundreds of presidents, heads of state, prime ministers, kings and queens, and other dignitaries during official visits to the Philippines. The boulevard has always been an integral part of the nation’s history, and will remain so for centuries to come.

Offering a sweeping view of scenic Manila Bay, Roxas Boulevard is also home to some of the most important landmarks in Manila, including the US Embassy compound and the Yacht Club.

There is, however, a stretch of Roxas Boulevard that is most coveted, and thus commands a hefty premium in the Philippine real estate market. It is the portion starting from Rizal Park southwards up to where the Manila Yacht Club holds fort. This is The Roxas Boulevard, the original Dewey Boulevard, without any land reclamation towards the sea.

It is on this privileged strip that Admiral Baysuites stands. On January 9, 2011, Anchor Land ushered the rebirth of the venerable landmark when it broke ground for the Admiral Baysuites. It signaled the redevelopment of the original structure into a Luxury Boutique Hotel together with an adjoining 53-Storey Luxury Residential Suites. Already with a wealth of heritage on its grounds, residents of Admiral Baysuites will have a piece of history to complement the developer’s ultra-modern infusions and six star white glove service.

“The Admiral Hotel was the hub of the Philippine elite during the pre-war era and hosted the most distinguished visitors to the country such as General Douglas MacArthur and Lord Mountbatten, among others,” explains Anchor Land president Elizabeth Ventura. “This charming heritage is what we wanted to share with our clients and at the same time coalesce it with an ultra-modern and luxurious lifestyle.”

Hailed as the perfect next acquisition after a house and lot in Forbes Park, the opulent units of Admiral Baysuites include the Premiere and Director Suites which come with their own private pools.