All within 15 Minutes: Urban Planning Concept City to Rise in Pasay

An artist’s render of a 15-minute city, where work, food, housing, education and cultural activities are easily within reach.

For the modern urban dweller, 15 minutes is a lot of time.

A lot of productive things can be done – a high-intensity, interval training (HITT) workout or run a 1.5-kilometer route, clearing your emails, meditating, catching up on the news, or preparing a quick smoothie – all within 15 minutes. 

But for the Metro Manila commuter, 15 minutes is barely enough to get from point A to point B. During rush hour, it is most likely that within this time, you still haven’t moved an inch.

 

Ever heard of the 15-minute city? It’s a modern urban planning concept that puts people and the planet first. The term was coined by Paris-based urbanist and Sorbonne University professor Carlos Moreno wherein he said that the ideal neighborhood or city is built in such a way where work, food, housing, education and cultural activities can be easily accessed within 15 minutes, whether by foot or by using a bike.

Pasay City, in its forward-looking 360-hectare smart city development, aims to create an innovative tropical 15-minute city for over 300,000 residents. 

Situated at the edge of a densely-packed and overpopulated metropolis perpetually in a traffic gridlock, this city will provide respite to its residents and visitors with sustainable, inclusive, safe, and healthy living where all their needs can be accessed within reach. 

Among its intended features, the project is envisioned to have low carbon and safe mobility networks with multimodal public transport services and enhanced infrastructure that prioritizes active mobility like walking and biking. There will be parking lots equipped with electric vehicle charging stations, dedicated bike lanes, easily accessible public transport hubs, and unimpeded pedestrian walkways.

An artist’s rendition of a soon-to-rise 15-minute city in Pasay

This assures lower transportation costs, less carbon emissions, and most importantly, healthier and happier people. No more long and tiring queues at the EDSA bus carousel or sitting hours on end in the middle of EDSA traffic. 

The project has been thoughtfully planned and designed for many years, and finally it has received the green light by government to proceed. In fact, no less than Albay 2nd district Rep. Joey Salceda highlighted how the Pasay-led project is expected to earn billions in real estate assets for the government. 

Revenues from the project will generate a massive multiplier effect on our gross domestic product (GDP) and an estimated 300,000 new jobs from 2027 to 2040. By 2035, it is projected to employ 4% of the National Capital Region’s (NCR) total work force.

The Pasay 360 Project will be a city that nurtures lives and livelihood, is expected to revitalize the economy, and hone the next generation of Filipino leaders. It can be a source of pride for Filipinos as we push towards the 22nd century.

Quantum Residences: Everything that matters is here

The demand for residential spaces in major cities in Metro Manila continues to increase. This is as the real estate sector is seen to benefit from the continued reopening of the economy, including the return to office mandates and rising foreign investments.

Horizon Land, the smart-value brand of premier real estate developer Federal Land, Inc., is addressing the increasing demand for investment-worthy properties within Metro Manila with the launch of Quantum Residences, a three-tower property strategically located along Taft Avenue in Pasay City.

“Taft Avenue has seen a lot of development in the past decade and has been home to many students, young professionals, and growing families who are drawn by its proximity to top-notch schools, thriving business districts, and complete services and amenities that are essential for everyday life,” said John Frederick Cabato, General Manager of Horizon Land. “It is precisely this harmony of completeness, convenience, and vibrance that inspired the vision for Quantum Residences, now on its’ third and final tower. With this strategically located three-tower condo, Horizon Land empowers residents to pursue their aspirations and live a balanced and meaningful life.”

Located near the intersection of Taft Avenue and Sen. Gil Puyat (Buendia) Avenue, Quantum Residences’ big draws are accessibility and convenience. It is nestled near some of the top-performing universities in Metro Manila like De La Salle University, De La Salle – College of Saint Benilde, Arellano University, St. Scholastica’s College, and University of the Philippines Manila, as well as premier business centers like Makati Central Business District and Manila Bay Area.

Another draw of Quantum Residences is its transit-oriented location. Commuting residents can enjoy the pleasure of getting to places conveniently as city buses and jeepneys regularly ply the area. LRT-1 and PNR stations are also a stone’s throw away, while going to Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Paranaque Integrated Terminal Exchange, and Metro Manila Skyway would only take a short trip from the condominium.

Worthwhile investment

Quantum Residences has been proven to be a popular choice among homebuyers and investors since its launch. Its first two towers, the Aqua and Amethyst Towers, have enjoyed brisk and consistent sales take-up as more buyers see high investment potential in modern and affordable developments located in prime areas.

Prospective homebuyers and investors can expect Quantum Residences to become a lucrative investment. Investors are provided with well-built units for rent, which can benefit from rising prices and improving rental yields because of its central location to Makati CBD, Bay Area business park, university belt, various dining options, and retail hubs. While homeowners can enjoy comfortable living spaces that nurture a balanced and dynamic lifestyle as they face the ‘next normal.’

Work-life balance takes center stage

Quantum Residences offers studio units that are perfect for students, one-bedroom units ideal for young professionals, and two-bedroom units best for start-up families.

Each residential unit will be equipped with smart features like keycard door lock security, USB outlets, and fiber-optic internet connection provisions. Rest and relaxation comes easy with a wide range of wellness and recreational amenities such as swimming pools, fitness gym, KTV room, sky lounge, game room, gazebo, multi-purpose court, pocket garden, plaza, and jogging paths.

Residents who work or study from home can find alternate spaces for remote work and study at the business center, conference room, study lounge, and hobby room.

There will also be two levels dedicated to commercial and retail units located on the ground floor and second floor of the towers.

Horizon Land Grand Open House

To learn more about Quantum Residences, join the Horizon Land Grand Open House on August 6, 2023 Sunday from 11AM to 7PM at Le Pavillon, Metro Park, Pasay City.

Sneak a peek at Horizon Land’s dynamic and thriving residential communities across Metro Manila. On the day, guests can get as much as 20% discount or up to P2.5M worth of furniture and appliances for select units.

Bring the whole family for a day filled with vibrant and fun activities such as a family portrait session, DIY Filipino dessert bar, an arts and crafts booth, and a retro game area.
To RSVP, visit www.horizonland.ph or email invest@federalland.ph.

SM: Creating Shared Value through Tech-Voc Education

One of the flagship programs of SM Foundation, the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of the SM group, is its scholarship program. Aside from the college education offerings, the program also provides venues for students who would like to pursue a career in the skilled labor industry.

The gradual reopening of economy not just in the country, but around the world, brings hope to more job opportunities for Filipinos who lost their jobs because of the health crisis. Indeed, the support for individuals eyeing to be part of the skilled industry is needed now more than ever.

It was in this light when SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), together with SM Foundation (SMFI), Don Bosco One TVET Phils. Inc., and the city government of Pasay partnered to give educational support to 20 deserving youth coming from Pasay. To date, SMFI has already produced more than 4,500 tech-voc graduates who are now gainfully employed.

A dream to be fulfilled
One of the current SM tech-voc scholars from Pasay is Stephen Parina. His dream is to put up his own automotive shop since aside from his interest in cars and motorcycles, he intends to uplift the economic status of his family. Both of his parents are temporary employees at the Pasay City Hall.

“Nakita ko sa Facebook post ng SM Foundation na nandun ang aking gustong course kaya dali-dali akong pumunta sa city hall ng Pasay para alamin ang mga detalye nito at kinabukasan ay nagpasa na ako agad ng mga requirements,” said Stephen, who is now studying Automotive Mechanic course at the Don Bosco Makati.

“Gusto kong matuto kung paano mag ayos ng mga sasakyan at makatapos ng pag-aaral dahil hirap kami sa aming pamumuhay. Alam ko na makakatulong ang edukasyon, kagaya ng techvoc upang matupad ang aking pangarap na makapagpatayo ng sarili kong automotive shop. Magiging susi ito upang mai-angat ko ang antas ng pamumuhay ng aking pamilya” he added.

“Taos pusong pasasalamat sa SM at sa Sy family dahil nabigyan nyo ako ng pagkakataon na makabalik muli sa pag aaral. Hinding hindi ko ito malilimutan. Dadalhin ko ito hanggang sa aking pag tanda,” Stephen said.

Ticket to success
Another current tech-voc scholar is Jeorge Angelo Madrid. He is also studying Automotive Mechanic course at the Don Bosco Makati. His father works as a painter of houses and buildings while his mother works at the Department of Social Welfare and Development. Jeorge is the youngest and most of his five siblings already have their own families.

According to Jeorge, he sees this opportunity of going back to school as his ticket towards achieving his dreams: “Nag-apply ako sa SM Foundation kasi wla po akong kakayahan na makapag aral at makapagtapos. Wala po akong pagkukuhanan ng pang tuition para maipang bayad sa eskwelahan.”

Jeorge is adamant to find a gainful employment right after he finish his studies. “Salamat po sa SM Foundation. Kung hindi dahil sa inyo, hindi madaragdagan ang kaalaman ko tungkol sa automotive. Magagamit ko ito sa aking paghahanap ng trabaho at kinalaunan, masuportahan ang aking sarili, mga pamangkin at ang aking mga magulang,” Jeorge further shared.

Reaping the fruits of his efforts
Anthony Andales, an SM tech-voc scholar alumnus, also took the time to share his inspiring story. He graduated from the Dualtech Training Center in 2019 and is now employed as a staff technician in a known company which manufactures various electronic products for home and office use.

“Bago ako mag-training sa Dualtech, nagtrabaho muna ako bilang isang helper sa isang refilling station. Ang aking arawang sweldo ay P220 lamang. Akala ko dati, wala na akong mararating sa buhay at hindi na makapagtatapos ng pag-aaral,” Anthony recalled.

“But God gave me the privilege to be chosen as one of the SM Foundation scholars para makapag-aral ako nang walang binayaran kahit piso. Ang tanging puhunan ko lang ay ang aking lakas ng loob at ang aking mga pangarap sa buhay na balang araw, makatutulong ako sa aking pamilya upang kahit papano ay makaahon sa buhay,” he further added.

Right after his on-the-job training, he was absorbed by the program’s OJT- partner company and was given a job as a staff technician because of his skills and work ethics.

“Napagawa na namin ang bahay kahit papaano, hindi man bato pero at least maayos at safe kapag may bagyo. Hindi po kagaya dati na pag umuulan ay may pa-shower kami kasi butas-butas na ang bubong at tagpi-tagpi ang dingding ng aming tahanan. Walang imposible kapag ikaw ay may pangarap at determinasyon upang maabot ito sapagkat maraming tao at institusyon na handang tumulong. Kaya sobrang thankful po talaga ako sa mga taong tumulong sa akin para magkaroon ng maliwanag na kinabukasan.” Anthony concluded.

SM Foundation, through its Scholarship program, provides deserving and qualified students with access to college education and technical-vocational studies since 1993.

SM by the BAY to Steer Environmental Consciousness through the International Coastal Cleanup

SM by the BAY and SM Mall of Asia, in partnership with DENR-NCR, International Coastal Cleanup Philippines, Pasay City CENRO, Philippine Coast Guard, the local government of Pasay City, and SM Cares, the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of SM Prime Holdings, Inc., are set to hold the global celebration of the 34th International Coastal Cleanup Day on September 21 to spread awareness in keeping the coastline clean for generations to come.

To be held at the Central Park of the bay area, inside the Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City, the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) is one of the biggest events of SM by the BAY, to support its advocacy in caring for the environment.

This year’s coastal cleanup is expected to encourage thousands of volunteers to participate and show their concern for the environment in cleaning the coastal stretch of the SM by the BAY. Through the years, participantshave come from different sectors of the society including students, firemen, policemen, teachers, athletes, SM employees and many more.

Paired volunteers will be assigned to different stations wherein one will serve as the collector and other, the tabulator. Data collected will then be forwarded to Ocean Conservancy for final tabulation.

The coastal cleanup supports UN Sustainable Development Goal #14: Life Below Water, which aims to sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems from pollution, and safeguard them from all kinds of harmful land-based activities.

In fact, the 2019 ICC Philippines poster includes a turtle entangled in fishing net, which was inspired from an event last August 10, 2019, where a Green Sea Turtle was rescued near the coast of Manila Bay. That image serves as a reminder on the damaging effects if our activities are left unchecked and coasts are remain unkempt.

“Each year, tons of garbage wind up in the oceans, with 60% being composed of plastic material. These are very hazardous to marine life. Now more than ever, the effects of climate change are seen and felt everywhere. We only have one earth; let’s get involved in putting an end to marine pollution for future generations,” said Perkin So, Senior Assistant Vice President of SM Mall of Asia, who will lead the hundreds of SM volunteers for the cleanup.

Since 2015, SM By the BAY’s regular coastal cleanup initiative has already collected 682,000 kilograms of garbage, in more than 5,000 trash bags, and supported by close to 9,000 volunteers.

SM Cares is the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm of SM Prime Holdings, Inc. Other environment and sustainability programs of SM include SM by the BAY’s quarterly cleanup drive; Solar panel rooftop installations which promote the use of clean energy; Water recycling treatment for all malls wherein all recycled water is used back for non-potable and industrial needs; the Automated Weather Stations; the monthly Trash-to-Cash Recycling Market; and the Green Film Festival, to name a few.

As a responsible member of the community, SM ensures that its CSR programs serve as a catalyst for positive change in the communities that it supports. To know more about SM Cares, you may visit www.smcares.com.ph, www.facebook.com/OfficialSMCares,  or send an e-mail to smcares@smsupermalls.com.

Interested volunteers may register at https://bit.ly/2YxuWyT. To know more about the International Coastal Cleanup, you may visit www.facebook.com/SMbytheBAY, send an email to thesmbythebay@gmail.com, or contact (02) 556-0364.

Seascape Village Independence Day Flash Sale: 1 KG of crabs for P21

Seascape Village is giving freedom-loving Filipinos the best reasons to celebrate Independence Day! From June 12 to 14, the dining complex which offers an authentic seafood market experience, will have a food flash sale where a kilo of local crabs will be sold for only P21!

80 coupons per day will be given away during the promo. The first 40 coupons will be distributed from 12NN to 4PM, and the second batch from 5PM to 8PM.

To qualify, like the SEASCAPE VILLAGE official Facebook page and share the Philippine Independence Day Promo post at least a day before claiming the coupon.

Coupons will only be given to dine-in customers who will pay the P21 fee and show proof that the promo post was shared in their Facebook account. Cooking and service charges are exclusive of the discounted rate, and only 1 voucher can be used for every group of 5 diners.

After claiming the coupon, dine-in customers will only pay 21 pesos for a kilo of live crabs! They can then have it cooked by any of the 8 participating restaurants at Seascape Village.

A more upscale yet readily accessible seafood market with a wide array of restaurants, Seascape Village also offers the most diverse and freshest seafood—from shellfish and tuna, to groupers and imported crabs and lobsters—at prices that will surely fit everyone’s taste and budget!

So, what are you waiting for? Head over to Seascape Village and celebrate Independence Day with your family and friends over a sumptuous seafood dining experience. Seascape Village is located between Sofitel Philippine Plaza and the Manila Film Center at the CCP Complex in Pasay City. Per DTI-FTEB permit number 9711, series of 2019. Visit https://web.facebook.com/seascapevillage/ for more details.

EXPERIENCE THE BIGGEST AND BRIGHTEST LIGHTS PARADE LIKE NO OTHER – THE MOA GRAND FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

SM Mall of Asia brings once again the most awaited festival of lights parade of the year – The MOA Grand Festival of Lights Parade, now on its 10th year.

Holidays are more magical and memorable at the SM Mall of Asia as Santa’s magical friends, Leo the Lion, Hailey the Hippo, Gerry the Giraffe, Macky the Monkey, Cyril the Squirrel, Benny the Bunny, Elly the Elephant and Hanna the Panda are back and to join the parade for a Winter Wonderland Christmas adventure as they ride the six magical floats set to music and dance the night away. Together with Oppo, Lady’s Choice, Toy Kingdom, SM Store, PLDT, SMART and Coca-Cola, this year’s festivity is set to be the most memorable parade ever.

The most anticipated holiday tradition at MOA will be a feast for the eyes and bring awe to all kids and kids-at-heart as they experience a multi-sensory parade like no other. Everything is made biggest and brightest with six over the top winter Christmas floats come to life together with over a hundred characters
dancing and spreading happiness to all capped with the spectacular fireworks display at Seaside Boulevard.

Every Saturday starting November 24, 2018 until Christmas Day, 5:30PM at North and South arcades, our customers will be in for a special treat and will experience more magical moments with family and friends.

Staying true to our promise of being the best destination this Holiday season, SM Mall of Asia has a lot of activities in store for everyone such as the meet-and-greet sessions with Santa and his MOA magical friends.

Kids can whisper their Christmas wishes as they sit on Santa’s lap or they can also write down and send their list at the Santa Mail. Mall goers will also be in for a special surprise as they take seflies and insta-stories with the huge MOA magical snow globe at the atrium or the 30ft gigantic MOA Santa at the MOA Complex.

The magic of giving continues with SM Bears of Joy. For only 200 pesos, customers can have a cute cuddly bear to keep, while another one will be donated to make a child happy at the chosen beneficiary, Kanlungan ni Erma.

This is only the beginning of magical celebrations at the SM Mall of Asia, a world-class Winter Christmas
destination for everyone.

When Boy Raket Went to Selah Garden Hotel

Featuring an outdoor pool and a spa centre, The Selah Garden Hotel offers accommodation in Pasay, within 2.9 km from Newport Mall. Guests can enjoy meals at the on-site restaurant. Free WiFi access is provided throughout the property.

Certain units have a flat-screen TV and seating area. Guests have access to a private or shared bathroom with shower facility.

The friendly staff at the 24-hour front desk can assist guests with laundry services and airport transfer arrangements. Karaoke facilities are also available.

courtesy of the filipino rambler

The nearest airport is Manila International Airport, about 4 km from the property.

Pasay is a great choice for travellers interested in food, restaurants and shopping. Is is in the heart of Pasay tucked inside the small roads but not far from the main road, definitely near Mall of Asia and the sorrounding establishments.

I was able to have a chance to stay at their dorm type rooms which is cozy in my perspective, airconditioned, have 32" flat screen TV and the design of the beds are nice and it is comfy. I also like the fact that each bed has their own power outlets, so you can charge your gadgets from your own space.

I would definitely recommend for the guests to try out their outdoor activities because there's a bunch of them. They were able to maximize the garden area so guests can enjoy their stay a little better, specially for an active person like me. Extreme activities include scuba diving and treetop adventure (zipline rides, monkey rope crossing, freefalling, wall climbing, etc.). Both has an additional charge, but the experience can definitely be one of the most memorable whether you do it as a team or individually.