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