Angeles inspires Moldex's Metrogate community design
MANILA, Philippines - One thing that can be said about the development of Angeles City is that it has taken off really strong and fast in the past five to 10 years that it now feels like it’s just right here in Metro Manila. Two mall developers, the Ayala Group and SM Group, have built their signature malls in the city: Marquee Mall on NLEX and SM City Clark in the former US Air Force Base.
With the well-maintained North Luzon Express Way and SCTEX, getting to Angeles City from either Manila or farther up north from Baguio is quick and easy.
It is this accessibility that makes Metrogate Angeles by Moldex a viable investment — whether as a primary home or a second home outside Metro Manila. For those looking for a vacation home — city slickers who want to establish a “provincial” rest house or those who grew up in the north but would like a house of their own near their ancestral property — Metrogate Angeles offers a community that is designed around a modern Filipino-Hispanic aesthetic, reflecting the dynamism and at the same time the laidback atmosphere of a typical Spanish town.
Angeles City is bounded by views of Mt. Arayat and Mt. Pinatubo; the cuisine is a bragging right; the people are lively and welcoming; and a deep sense of history hangs in the air.
Metrogate Angeles reflects this culture of comfort, warmth and joy. It is a city — or at least many parts of it — that doesn’t sleep. The subdivision also reflects the Kapampangan tendency to gather around family at every occasion and celebrate togetherness.
“I was aspiring to evoke a classic, contemporary lifestyle, something that the dwellers can relate to and is familiar to the experience of the locals in a modern and clean design,” says Serena model house interior designer Wilmer Lopez. “The design also attempts to reflect the values of the region while creating a relaxed atmosphere. The open layout and design treatment creates an airy feel and still embodies a soothing rural environment.”
Metrogate Angeles’s home designs feature warm colors reminiscent of typical Spanish townships such as Toledo or cities such as Salamanca. Moldex recently launched the Serena model house, which Lopez describes as a mix of clean lines and having a free-flow form. The furniture pieces are a combination of contemporary and traditional style, which delivers an interesting contrast. The materials are in their simplest forms: wood for warmth, linen and silk on furniture pieces for comfort, elegance and drama. Sheer window treatments are used in the common areas to let the natural light through. Also, the color and lighting play a great role in the design. Colors are used as accents to add character to every room while the lighting highlights specific areas.
“We wanted the design to be a combination of Spanish influences and Filipino tradition evident in middle- to upper-class Filipino houses during the past century. The style is a mixture of architectural western elements and details like moldings and ornaments, which Filipinos adapted to wall paneling and furniture.”
The Serena model house is a 145-square-meter, two-story house. The master’s bedroom has a walk-in closet, toilet and bath, and balcony. There are three other bedrooms, two toilets and baths, a maid’s room, kitchen with built-in cabinets and homogenous-tile countertop, separate dining and living areas, a den or entertainment room, lanai, service area, and a two-car garage.
“The common areas such as the living and dining rooms, and hallways are basically cohesive in their form, color and style. Neutral tones and forms were used, giving careful attention to the functionality of the space for family activities and gatherings. The design of the spaces practically allows a dialogue between the different spaces — one can move from one room to another and feel the connection. The bedrooms are basically set up with a story in mind for each of the occupants, bringing to life the relationships that will be nurtured in the home. Colors, comfort and form are also given much importance to make the spaces real and relaxing.”
For amenities, Metrogate Angeles provides all that residents are looking for to live a comfortable and leisurely life. There is a clubhouse that can accommodate parties and events, covered and open basketball courts, a golf driving range, tennis court, swimming pool, a children’s playground with a gazebo and jungle gym. You can bet that exercise and recreation options will not be lacking.
The location is ideal since the subdivision is accessible to all major establishments in Pampanga. It is near schools and hospitals, such as Angeles University Foundation and its medical center; government offices and the Angeles City Hall; and shopping centers such as SM Clark and Marquee Place. Also not to be missed are the old-style shops in Balibago and Dau, and the hole-in-the-wall restaurants that surround the areas.
In such a bustling environment, Moldex made sure to locate the subdivision in a place where thoroughfares and prime spots are readily accessible via public transportation.
No surprise then that when he’s asked of the source of his inspiration in designing the Serena model house, Lopez said he didn’t have to look far. “I was inspired by Angeles City, which is well known for its furniture and food delicacies. We took advantage of the famous craftsmanship to showcase the city’s creativity, while the colors and flavors of the food were reflected in the color scheme of the interiors.”
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For more information on Moldex’s Metrogate Angeles City, log on to www.moldex.com.ph/realty.
