You don’t have to wait 10, 20, or even 50 years (or imagine infinitely) to see what a next-generation city could look like. You just have to visit the shorelines of the southern part of the Manila Bay and walk in its public spaces to experience what may be a “template” of an ideal city of the future – a mini urban enclave where everywhere you need to be is just a walk away, where open spaces are not only green but also intended for community interactions, and where sustainability is the de rigueur of a daily lifestyle.
This is the Aseana City, a vibrant mixed-used development beside the bay that spans over a hundred hectares. Located in Parañaque City, it is dubbed as a “next-generation city” where residential, commercial, and leisure developments thrive in an interconnected layout, ultimately benefiting individuals who live, work, or relax within its area.
Aerial view of Aseana City, showcasing its developments along Pres. D. Macapagal Boulevard.
A flagship project of D.M. Wenceslao and Associates (DMWAI), one of the country's leading integrated real estate developers and a pioneer in land reclamation, Aseana City was “meticulously crafted” to elevate urban living with innovative public spaces.
During a media event, Delfin Angelo "Buds" C. Wenceslao, CEO of D.M. Wenceslao Group, emphasized the company's commitment to sustainable development and toured guests around the developments within Aseana City.
“In today's dynamic and fast-paced world, there is a desire to find retreat in an urban setting that caters to all our needs – a secure community that is accessible, offering a wide range of recreational facilities that enable us to relish life to the fullest,” said Wenceslao. “Aseana City was designed in a way that it embodies top-notch living standards, while providing seamless access to all modern amenities and world-class public spaces.”
Delfin Angelo ‘Buds’ C. Wenceslao, CEO of D.M. Wenceslao Group
Prioritizing pedestrian mobility
To claim that it is a “next-gen” city, Aseana City has to be a well-designed city, too. This is showcased in its spacious and safe sidewalks, strategic green spaces, and pedestrian-friendly environs. All these encourage people to walk instead of using vehicles to move from one place to another.
“We adopted a holistic approach to developing Aseana City. Horizontal pedestrian infrastructure is just as important as vertical real estate. As master developers of Aseana City, we see the last mile of pedestrian mobility as our responsibility,” said Wenceslao. “As the movie quote goes, 'If you build it, they will come' – so in line with our commitment to sustainability, we are currently striving to establish the largest network of climate-protected sidewalks in the country."
Aseana City takes pride in having wider sidewalks, which are shielded from inclement weather through a well-designed network of arcades, corridors, alleyways, and canopies. The creation of a climate-protected solution for pedestrians was made possible through the collaborative effort between DMWAI and its locators, with Aseana City's design guidelines mandating the installation and construction of canopies and sky bridges.
“These structures are seamlessly interconnected, providing the walking public with an unparalleled walkability experience. With a pedestrian-centric philosophy in place, the vision is that one day, one can walk from the LRT 1 Station at Redemptorist-Aseana City, stroll through Aseana City’s landmarks and attractions, and walk all the way to the Manila Bay waterfront without being exposed to heat or rain.”
Presenting Parqal
DMWAI is proud to present its new five-hectare mixed-use development called Parqal (from the words “park” and “kalye”). Located between Macapagal Boulevard and Diokno Road, it has a gross floor area of 70,000 sq.m. and highlights the “effective accessibility and efficient mobility” in Aseana City.
Parqal is a mixed-use development set to open in Q3 2023.
“With its design focusing on walkability, Parqal serves as an excellent example of how urban planning can promote health and wellness and enhance the overall livability of a city,” according to a statement from DMWAI.
The entire expanse of the development is enveloped by a "floating canopy" made of ETFE (ethylene tetrafluoroethylene), a sustainable material that is known for its natural light permeability, lightweight nature, and exceptional durability. This canopy serves as the flagship spine of Aseana City's sidewalk masterplan, covering about 5,000 sq.m. of the development's linear greenway spine.
Parqal’s floating canopy serves as the flagship spine of Aseana City's sidewalk masterplan, covering about 5,000 sq.m. of the development's linear greenway spine.
With multiple entrance and exit points, Parqal is designed to be porous, promoting an active lifestyle for both visitors and residents. Set to open by Q3 this year, it will offer an array of leisure activities, with lifestyle and retail shops.
Thriving developments
In 58 years, DMWAI has established itself as one of the country’s leading integrated real estate developers. Aseana City's transformation – from water into land – is just the “beginning of its ambitious journey toward creating a more aesthetically compelling and beneficial urban landscape.”
Aseana City's commitment to delivering world-class infrastructure, products, and services has established it as one of the most competitive central business districts in the metro. Add to that, its strategic location and connection to key transport linkages, is enhanced by its focus on public security, open spaces, and walkway systems.
“These features combine to make Aseana City a valuable urban destination. The city's progressive approach to urban planning and development sets a high standard for other urban areas to follow,” said Wenceslao.
At present, Aseana City is a thriving district with developments such as Aseana One, Aseana Two, Aseana Three, 8912 Asean Ave., and Aseana Square. Aside from commercial buildings, Aseana City also provides residential spaces, such as Pixel Residences (completed in 2019) and the MidPark Towers (set to be completed in 2025).
Living here allows one to be near key transport linkages such as the NAIAx, LRT1 extension, and the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITx).
There is more to anticipate in Aseana City as we move toward a future that is more challenging. But with developments that are future-proof and geniuinely sustainable, Aseana City will be a proof that when you build something really good, they (people, businesses, weekenders, etc.) will come.