CDO Allegria Hills

11/22/2007

I have reason to believe that part of the reason metro Manila is over crowded is because of the influx of migrants from the provinces. Whether they are in search of a better life or purely for some adventure, these top the list of reasons for their migration.

But this causes adverse effects, such as lack of jobs, proliferation of squatters and crime. But now slowly but surely things are improving, not because Manila is getting better but because the
developing cities in the provinces are becoming attractive alternatives to these migrant kababayans.

When I was young, I remember our helpers telling me about how mesmerized they were upon seeing the lights of the skyline along Roxas Blvd as their vessels enter Manila Bay. During my early visit to the US, I too was fascinated by their malls (at that time the only mall here was
Ali Mall, with only 2 theatres).  But now, you see these in most major cities in the country. And due to media and modern communication, these people are not as attracted by the life Manila any longer.

I remember that the first indicator of progress in a locality is the presence of a McDonalds or
Jollibee outlet.  The second indicator is if there is already an SM Mall. Then that city is on its way up. But the greatest indicator is when big developers like Ayala Land Premiere break ground.
That signals that that city is in full swing!

This is what has just happened to city of Cagayan de Oro, where Ayala Land with its partner, Cebu Holdings Inc., launched Alegria Hills. This first-class development is nestled along the hillside a few minutes away from the town with an excellent view of the city, mountain ranges and the sea.  I am also proud to be one of the consulting architects for the project. Alergria Hills is a high-end residential development with amenities on the same high standard as other Ayala Land developments. The theme of the development is organic architecture, as called by legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright, where the focus is geared towards the preservation of the environment by respecting the terrain and enhancing the greenery. Structures shall also be
designed based on the organic concept wherein we will look to nature as our model.

With a development of this caliber in full swing in CDO, the sun is sure to rise brightly.