MANILA, Philippines – After almost a decade of Metro Manila office constructions designed primarily to be efficient work spaces for the highly cost-conscious BPO industry, prestigious office towers intended to stand out in the skyline are once again making a comeback.
Clear statements about the resurgent Philippine economy, these towers are most prominent in emerging business districts like Filinvest City in southern Metro Manila. Among the first of these buildings to redefine the Alabang landscape will be the Parkway Corporate Center, a slim and sleek 32-story tower which marked its first concrete pouring in January this year.
Less than a kilometer from the Filinvest exit of the South Luzon Expressway, Parkway Corporate Center will set the tone at least for the next decade for this rapidly expanding business district, according to Catherine Ilagan, Filinvest executive vice president.
The 244-hectare business district is currently experiencing a growth spurt following an enhancement of its masterplan and a market relaunch in 2012 and the construction of a number of projects such as a hotel, activities tent, residential and office developments intended to prime activity in the district. The latter includes the expansion of Festival Mall with the addition of foreign brands, retail and dining outlets in a new area.
Ilagan said the multidimensional Parkway Corporate Center would not only reflect the new dynamism of Filinvest City, but would also serve as corporate offices for the entrepreneurs and professionals fuelling the growth of the area alongside BPOs and multinationals.
It has been established as a purely office condominium investment for these end-users following the quick take up of Filinvest’s office stock in the last two years.
Juan Serina, principal architect of the project for H1 architecture who also designed projects in Melbourne, Singapore and Dubai, said the Parkway Corporate Center’s silhouette would easily fit into the skyline of these global capitals. Serina said that during the day the glass and metal structure would be clearly distinguished by its pointed top or crown.
Five podium floors of parking will serve as a base for the strong vertical lines of the building leading to its unusual apex.