Where artistry and greatness thrive

MANILA, Philippines — There’s a new landmark in the metro that’s fast becoming one of the most popular places to take a selfie. It’s not only Instagrammable especially at night, but also offers netizens the ultimate opportunity to feel like they’re vacationing somewhere in Europe.

Just Google #arcovia and #arcodeemperador and you’ll get what I mean.

It’s called the “Arco de Emperor” monument, the 19-meter-tall iconic arch that’s the centerpiece of Arcovia City, Megaworld Corporation’s 12.3-hectare township along C-5 Road in Pasig City.

Popeye’s opens its first branch in the country at Arcovia City. Popeye’s Philippines is the first to unveil the restaurant’s new global image.

Award-winning Spanish sculptor Gines Serran Pagan was commissioned by the property giant to craft the nine massive bronze sculptures standing proudly side-by-side atop the arch. This imposing masterpiece, which heralds that “Everyone can be an emperador (emperor),” is composed of a victorious Emperador, three horses pulling his chariot, two lions named Pride and Passion, and two trumpeting angels coated in 24K gold.

At night, the monument catches the attention of motorists and passersby as it is illuminated in different colors, making it a vibrant centerpiece of Arcovia City.

We were at Arcovia City recently to see for ourselves what the buzz was all about.

The Starbucks at Arco Parade is huge, has nice wood accents and provides ample parking space.

Well, the many photos circulating online of “tourists” standing with the “Arco de Emperador” as the backdrop don’t lie. The monument, indeed, resembles the the “Arco de la Victoria” of Madrid. The whole stretch leading to the arch looks very dramatic, especially at night.

In an instant, I was transported to Calle Ponzano in Madrid, a street lined with tapas bars in the Chamberi neighborhood. Well, that’s how I imagined the dining scene at Arcovia City to be, once completed.

In lieu of tapas and wine though, I contented myself with a piece of Southern-style fried chicken, biscuits and a glass of ice-cold Coke at Popeye’s, which opened recently in Arcovia City. Beside it is Starbucks, which is huge and has very nice wood accents, plus offers ample parking space. So far, Popeye’s and Starbucks are the only establishments that are operational as of the moment, besides Landers in the entire 12.3-hectare property.

Popeye’s signature Southern-style fried chicken

A McDonald’s will also be built in the Arcovia Parade, the dining strip that houses Starbucks and Popeye’s.

A quick tour around the township feels like walking in a park.   The “Arco de Emperador,” is surrounded by a landscaped plaza with benches. The arch also features a cascading waterfalls leading to the water feature at the basement area where the museum is. 

Even at its infancy, it seems like Arcovia is shaping up to be a green city. While strolling around the township, we spotted endemic trees such as narra and mahogany lining the streets. In fact, Megaworld is planting 1,000 trees around the township, which will serve as natural shade to the surroundings.

Designed by award-winning Spanish sculptor Gines Serran Pagan, the 19-meter-tall iconic arch “Arco de Emperador” is the centerpiece of Arcovia City.

The time for greatness is now

Arcovia City, which is designed with young achievers in mind, is aimed at nurturing their passions or whatever they set their minds and hearts to.

“Our vision for this township is to inspire the young generation to persevere and work harder to attain their own successes and victories in life,” enthused Kevin L. Tan, chief strategy officer Megaworld.

Filipino diners line up for Popeye’s best-selling chicken and biscuit.

This thrust will be brought to life through the installations and attractions that will inspire people to cultivate their passions and celebrate their milestones.

Get your money’s worth and shop with ease at Landers Superstore in Arcovia City.

“We have created this landmark to spread the message of how hard work, passion and perseverance can create a self-made successful man,” explained Tan added. “This is how an emperor is made.”