Ideal city

CEBU, Philippines - As early as the ancient civilization, the concept of a town-state integrating the temples, markets, baths, amphitheatres, schools, and other facilities for business and recreation already flourished. In the Greco-Roman era this was the "ideal city."

At the turn of the 21st century, such idea of a live-work-play-learn zone is upheld by the Philippines’ pioneer in integrated urban townships, Megaworld. In fact, when it developed The Mactan Newtown, it envisioned a settlement where man and nature come together to create a seat of "innovative living."

The Mactan Newtown "offers not only the township... [but] an entire community with the scenarios and bodies of water," says Megaworld Cebu Properties, Inc. president Noli Hernandez, taking pride of the first beachfront township in the country.

Recently, Megaworld gave the Cebu media a sneak peek of the recent developments inside The Mactan Newtown, particularly with its 8 Newtown Boulevard, which is the first residential condominium within the 30-hectare township.

This high-rise residential property consists of four 18-storey luxury towers, housing 14 units of executive studio and one-bedroom living quarters per floor, each unit with its own balcony that offers a good view of the ocean. To date, the units are 94 percent sold, and the developers are currently in the process of turning them over to the buyers.

With glassy buildings set along the Hilutungan and Mactan channels, the 8 Newtown Boulevard is a paradise overlooking the sea, with a characteristic East Asian vibe. The wall and ceiling art decals in the building lobbies speak of Japanese motifs and cultural references in sophisticated simplicity.

The outdoor amenities make for an active leisure space with horizon-edge swimming pool, in-pool lounge, sun deck, outdoor dining area, spa, Niwa (traditional Japanese landscaped garden), bonsai and rock gardens, and a Koi pond. Indoor facilities include a gym, multi-purpose tea rooms, Onsen (Japanese ritual of bathing in hot springs) rooms, origami rooms and Ikebana room.

In addition, Megaworld is also set to start the renovation of its neighboring areas like the Mactan Shrine and the old Portofino Beach. And it is about to announce the opening of The Newtown School of Excellence.

The Mactan Newtown masterplan includes 10 luxury condominium towers, seven office towers, five business and leisure hotels, a commercial hub called "Plaza Magellan," and a cyberpark, among others.  (FREEMAN)