River Green Residences: A community with a sense of history

MANILA, Philippines - In Santa Ana, Manila, a new development seeks to introduce change while renewing interest in the town’s rich heritage. Dubbed the River Green Residences, the community is set along the historic Pasig River, allowing its homeowners to connect with nature through its lush surroundings and serene waterway, while experiencing the location’s vast history. 

CDC Holdings Inc. hopes to establish that not all new developments are made at the expense of heritage. “We see the River Green Residences as the middle ground between old and new — we want to make it more desirable especially for the new generation to learn about the past, and the wealth of history that Santa Ana holds,” shares Elsie Chua, president and CEO, CDC Holdings Inc.

Located at the southeast banks of the iconic Pasig River, Santa Ana is one of the first settlements in the country outside Intramuros, according to Vitaliano Nanagas II, a property manager of the Society of Jesuits known as the La Ignaciana.

“I think the Society of Jesuits used to own the Montessori, Xavier House and the property sold to CDC. Of all the structures there, the oldest one, where Fr. James Reuter once lived, is in the Xavier House complex,” says Nanagas.

Despite not being as old as the other properties surrounding it, CDC recognizes that the Santa Ana district has been declared a histo-cultural zone and heritage site. As one of Manila’s culturally rich areas, it has played a significant role in the Philippine history as a refuge for civilians during World War II. “This piece of history should not only be preserved, but taught to the young generation. We believe that in our line of business, we can contribute to this advocacy by building a community that can appreciate what Santa Ana represents,” Chua says. 

Today, efforts are heightened more than ever to revitalize the iconic waterway and bring it back to its glory. Through its River Green Residences project, CDC hopes to take part in the renewed endeavor to breathe life back to the idyllic river.

As recommended by the National Museum, CDC will be setting up a permanent exhibit in the site, which will include the history of the place, the excavation and the results of the excavation in the context of other archeological finds in Santa Ana. Included in these findings is the statue of St. Ignatius, which will now be donated to the National Museum for proper restoration and for their own exhibit to allow others to enjoy its relevance, as well.  A replica copy will then be given and displayed at the River Green Residences. 

While there were no pre-Hispanic materials collected from the location, CDC understands that the site is deemed important in understanding the history of the Jesuits in the Philippines since it was the first property they owned after returning to the Philippines. “We are making it our personal commitment to preserve the location’s history and ensure that the legacy of the Jesuits continues,” Chua shares.

Going the extra mile, CDC will not just preserve some items collected from the site, it will also restore and incorporate them in the property’s design. This includes the clay brick interior, which already collapsed prior to construction, as well as Machuca tiles, which are colorful and Mediterranean-inspired cement tiles that have been part of Filipino architecture. Popularly known as baldoza, the tiles will be used in the exhibit and in the outdoor garden, where residents can revel in their beauty and craftsmanship. Meanwhile, the existing volcanic tuff wall that serves as the east boundary marker of the site will be part of the building’s design.

In addition, an archeologist commissioned by the National Museum will continue to monitor the site during the construction to ensure that such and other elements will be preserved, as well as to safeguard any archeological materials that will be encountered.

Today, CDC’s River Green Residences is on track to deliver its commitment. Similar to its other developments, the project aims to make owning a home more realistic and affordable to more Filipinos.

Nestled 30 minutes away from business economic centers of Makati, San Juan, Mandaluyong, and Manila, the property is also accessible to schools, universities, as well as private and public transportation. With amenities like a multipurpose hall and pavilion, landscaped central park, fishpond and butterfly garden, resort-type pool, children’s playground, barbecue pits, fitness gym, and wifi-ready function rooms with residences lounge, the River Green Residences development encourages community bonding activities among the residents.

For information, call 894-0808 or visit www.cdcresidences.com.