As Megaworld Corporation marks its 35th anniversary, the theme "A Lasting Vision" encapsulates the essence of their journey—a commitment to creating developments that foster lasting memories and provide homes where families and businesses can take root.
Over the decades, Megaworld has not only built structures but also crafted vibrant communities that are now integral to the urban landscape of the Philippines.
From the pioneering Eastwood City in Quezon City to the expansive McKinley Hill in Taguig, Megaworld’s developments have left an indelible mark on the collective consciousness of the people. These are more than just commercial and residential spaces; they are thriving hubs of activity, culture, and innovation that embody the unique identity and brand of Megaworld. Eastwood City, the Philippines' first cyberpark, seamlessly blends work, leisure, and living, setting a new standard for integrated township developments.
Similarly, McKinley Hill, with its European-inspired architecture and lush landscapes, offers a cosmopolitan lifestyle that appeals to both locals and expatriates.
The success of these projects is a testament to Megaworld’s visionary leadership and their ability to foster strong partnerships. Among these partners, Architect Carmelo Casas and his firm Casas+Architects stand out.
Their collaboration has been pivotal in shaping the iconic skylines and ensuring the architectural integrity of Megaworld’s projects. Casas+Architects’ innovative designs and commitment to excellence have complemented Megaworld’s vision, resulting in spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional and sustainable.
The journey of these two companies has been one of shared growth and collaboration. In an interview with the Manila Bulletin, Architect Casas reflected on the beginnings of their relationship, highlighting the foundation of their successful partnership.
“We literally grew up together, talking about Megaworld and also about Dr. Andrew Tan. We go a long way back—to 1992, to be exact. We met in Hong Kong when we were still living there,” Casas shared.
The architect studied in University of Santo Tomas College of Architecture and Fine Arts, and in 1978, was part of the Top 10 in the architecture board exam. After that, he was based in Hong Kong with his then business partner Jose Pedro Recio.
He continued, “Now, after all these years, I have found out that Dr. Tan is really very passionate about their projects, which tends to be very infectious among us consultants, especially for the architectural role of a master planner and architect. What we appreciate the most about working with Megaworld is that we share a common goal of creating our legacy through projects that are timeless and have a lasting impact. This has always been our mission statement when working with Megaworld.”
Our chat brought us back to their most memorable projects with Megaworld, and the architect proudly talked about Eastwood City, in which they were involved from the start.
He discussed how the project shook the industry and redefined how developments are made in the Philippines. Casas noted that Megaworld was one of the corporations involved in really jump starting and pushing for the BPO (business process outsourcing) industry in the Philippines, which invigorated the economy in the late 1990s.
This was the genesis of Eastwood City, Megaworld Corporation’s first “live-work-play” community that offers complete facilities, amenities, and establishments for living, working, playing, and shopping.
“They brought that formula to their townships all around the country. Eastwood City became the template for The Mactan Newtown and other townships like McKinley Hill, McKinley West. These projects really embodied the live-work-play concept before it became widely adopted. Megaworld started that. I must say, though, maybe other developers will get mad at me, but we give credit where credit is due,” the architect lightheartedly said.
Casas then reflected how these communities have become more than just places to live; they are where lifelong memories are created and cherished. When asked about his firm’s future with Megaworld, he answered, “The best is yet to come, I must say. We surely will not stop working with Megaworld. At this stage of my career, I'm very proud to say that they are one of our major clients and friends in the industry.”
Megaworld’s enduring legacy is seen in the thriving neighborhoods, the happy families, and the vibrant community life that have all grown from their visionary projects. In looking forward to the future, Megaworld continues to uphold its "Lasting Vision," ever dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for Filipinos. With steadfast partners like Architect Carmelo Casas and a relentless drive for innovation, Megaworld is poised to continue transforming landscapes and lives for many more years to come.
Architect Casas ended with these words, encapsulating the 35th year theme of Megaworld. “We aim to still work closely with them, with the help of our young architects and designers. We hope to continue this collaboration because we share the same vision. It's really about nation-building for the Filipinos and helping to uplift the lives of our countrymen. That's the noble vision behind our efforts.”