Welcome to Township Tales – this series of articles features different individuals who were able to experience the life-changing LIVE-WORK-PLAY integrated lifestyle of Megaworld Corporation’s world-class townships
Also read: Melduen’s Township Tales at McKinley Hill, Taguig City
With the worsening traffic conditions in Metro Manila, more and more Filipinos are opting to live closer to work to avoid the hassle of gridlock. For the young professional, the smarter and more logical solution is to invest in real estate. Not only does it provide a home, it also introduces a new kind of lifestyle that one might have missed before, like how Megaworld’s Eastwood City township in Quezon City offers complete facilities, amenities, and establishments for living, working, playing, and shopping in one area. More than the convenience, the township offers a sense of community and independence, allowing residents to live a balanced lifestyle without being too far removed from the bustling commercial and business districts of a big city set-up.
Also known as the Philippines’ first cyberpark, Eastwood City has 19 completed luxury condominium towers, 10 first-class corporate office buildings, 7 other ongoing residential projects, over 500 commercial and retail shops, three upscale malls, and a modern IT Park to date. Currently, the community is home to more than 22,000 residents and 55,000 workers.
With a diverse selection of restaurants, supermarkets, and shopping centers, there’s certainly something for everyone. There’s the Eastwood Richmonde Hotel that offers premium accommodation for tourists and event spaces for business conferences or milestone events alike. During times of spiritual need, especially on Sundays, the St. John Paul II Parish Church is a sanctuary for those who want to give thanks and praise.
Just ask 24-year-old, HR specialist Marc Johan Cruz, a former resident of Cainta, Rizal, who found himself at home in Eastwood City. Marc’s unit at One Orchard Road condominium is only two buildings away from his workplace, allowing him to indulge in the things he likes. Whether he wants to go out to watch movies or dine in a restaurant, Marc is never more than a stone’s throw away from any establishment.
In this edition of Township Tales, we sat down for a chat with Marc, where he happily shared how moving from the suburbs to a township changed his life.
What was your life like before you started living in Eastwood City?
“Back when I was working in Makati, I spent around 20% of my day commuting to work with no sure transportation options. Places like restaurants, churches, and malls were out of reach. Walking was not an option to get where you needed to be.”
“I have workmates who live outside the township and commute to work every day. Everyone is frustrated with the traffic around Metro Manila. The good thing is, I don’t get to experience that at all now.
(When I moved to Eastwood,) I can leave home five minutes before my schedule and get to the office right on time or even earlier.”
With commuting out of the picture, Marc gets to enjoy moving at his own pace, even before or after work. He can easily walk to the gym, grab a cup of coffee at a nearby café or drop by his favorite restaurant anytime, and it won’t take more than a couple of minutes of walking. The city’s vibrant energy from day to night provides the perfect environment for a leisurely stroll without having to worry about one’s safety given the township’s utmost security coverage.
What is your favorite place in Eastwood City?
“I love the variety of restaurants in Eastwood City. When I’m craving for something, I usually find it here. If I want Japanese food, there’s one just a couple of blocks down.”
Exciting rows of restaurants and gourmet choices can be found in the township such as the Hokkaido Ramen Santouka, Jin Joo Korean Grill, Pound by Todd English, Rue Bourbon, Livestock Restaurant and Bar, and old time crowd favorites like Gloria Maris, The Distillery, Early Bird Breakfast Club, and Choi Palace Seafood & Shark’s Fin Restaurant, among others.
Eastwood City boasts a surprising amount of retail and recreational establishments. From occasional indoor lifestyle markets and outdoor bazaars, weekend events including pet shows and trade fairs, first-of-its-kind spaces like the Bark Central (Manila’s first indoor dog park and café), mime entertainers and world-class street performers in the park, spectacular New Year Countdown celebrations, posh shopping centers of Eastwood Mall, to the laidback bars of Central Park – which sometimes hosts live performances from the country’s top bands, the township attracts a number of old and new visitors every day and has become one of the must-visit destinations of Quezon City.
Do you see yourself having a family and retiring in Eastwood City?
“Yes, of course. I can see myself settling down here. The residents are really friendly and accommodating and the church is always close by. It must be nice to raise a family with all recreational areas around.”
Eastwood City has definitely set the bar for future township developments in the country. With its ample landscaped spaces, wide array of retail options, diverse entertainment facilities, conducive working hubs, and thoughtful community, Megaworld’s LIFE-WORK-PLAY-SHOP experience is brought to life.
Would you recommend to fellow Millennials like you to invest in a Megaworld township?
“Yeah, if people have the financial capacity. Real estate never really depreciates so, basically, it’s a good investment. Financing takes like more than 10-20 years. Might as well start while you’re young for the investment to actually finish early and cheaply. Eastwood City strikes a good balance between work and play. I’d recommend it to anyone.”
Like Eastwood City, the LIVE-WORK-PLAY-SHOP lifestyle only a Megaworld township can deliver is headed North of Metro Manila. Introducing Capital Town Pampanga, the first integrated, mixed-use township development coming to the City of San Fernando, Pampanga.
Taking advantage of the growing BPO sector in the province, Capital Town will have its own cyberpark, complete with BPO offices and shopping centers. The Rainwater Park and Central Square will have jogging paths, bike racks and play areas for kids and the kids-at-heart alike, while the Shophouse District, with its beautiful display of Neoclassical architecture and Art deco details, will feature retail concepts at the ground floor and a residence above the establishment.
Rising as the next real estate hotspot in North Luzon, Capital Town Pampanga aims to expand and revitalize Pampanga’s capitol district like how Eastwood City transformed the Libis area of Quezon City.
Looking to move to the north? Check out Chelsea Parkplace, Megaworld’s first 12-storey residential development in Capital Town Pampanga. Chelsea Parkplace will offer an interesting array of amenities including a pool lounge, events space, fitness center, daycare and The Other Room – an exclusive speakeasy bar. Its own ground floor retail area will also feature delis, markets, coffee shops and more, all within reach.
For more information on Capital Town Pampanga, contact +6317-144-8696, email info@capitaltownpamanga.com or like our Facebook page.