Pioneering townships help boost Cavite transformation
Property giant Megaworld Corporation, the pioneer of “live-work-play” township developments in the Philippines, is pulling out all the stops to support Cavite as it unlocks its full potential, delivering sustainable and world-class addresses that accelerate the transformation of the province south of Metro Manila.
Shaped by the outward growth of Metro Manila, Cavite has evolved from a tranquil province into an economic mecca. Today, it is propelled by a capable workforce in key industries such as manufacturing, information technology and agriculture. Equally entrepreneurial, its residents are unafraid to seize opportunities for business and other investments. A rich array of experiences now meet their increasingly discerning tastes: premier educational institutions, leading healthcare facilities, upscale retail destinations, and vibrant lifestyle hubs.
But, Megaworld believes Cavite has more in store. Confident in that promise, the company has made its largest investment in a single province yet: a sweeping portfolio of five integrated townships encompassing nearly 1,500 hectares of land – an impressive 30 percent of its current total landbank. With visionary master-planning, it is cultivating communities that drive economic growth and guarantee meaningful living.
Bridging the gap
Among the company’s township developments is Maple Grove, which sprawls across 140 hectares of prime land in General Trias. It serves as Cavite’s first-ever modern central business district (CBD). Straddling Trece Martires City and the municipality of Tanza is 251-hectare Arden Botanical Estate, the Philippines’ first botanical-themed township.
Southwoods City, in the boundaries of Biñan, Laguna, and Carmona, Cavite, is a 561-hectare “tourism estate,” developed and managed by Megaworld subsidiary Global-Estate Resorts, Inc. (GERI). It is home to the Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club, designed by golf legend Jack Nicklaus; the picturesque Southwoods Mall; residential villages Pahara and Upland Estates, and condominiums like Holland Park and Tulip Gardens; as well as a dynamic business district.
Located in Trece Martires is Sherwood Hills, a 340-hectare property boasting the Sherwood Hills Golf Club – another golf course designed by Nicklaus – alongside Prana Garden Villas.
Another Megaworld subsidiary, Suntrust Properties Inc., established the nearly 200-hectare Suntrust Ecotown in Tanza, a Philippine Economic Zone Authority-accredited eco-friendly industrial township.
Cavite is infamous for its duality. Many historical events took place within its borders, earning it the moniker as the country’s “historical capital.” Today, pockets of rural charm and deep-rooted heritage stand in stark contrast to the rapid urban conveniences emerging as Metro Manila’s borders expand outward. There, two seemingly opposite worlds coexist.
Megaworld bridges the gap between the two with its strategic township developments. The company envisions a Cavite that thrives as an economic powerhouse without sacrificing its unique character and rural soul. All five projects, thus, create long-term value by harmonizing Cavite’s heritage with its future.
Distinct character
The company pioneered the “live-work-play-learn” township model in the Philippines, providing early examples of the “15-minute city.” Megaworld has evolved the concept by integrating sustainable development practices, advanced technologies and future-ready infrastructure. With Arden Botanical Estate and Maple Grove, it fulfills all those while capturing the essence of Cavite, and upping the ante for property developments.
Arden Botanical Estate, jointly developed with GERI, takes inspiration from the world’s “blue zones,” regions known for their exceptionally high concentrations of people living long and healthy lives.
Megaworld commissioned renowned landscape architect and environmental planner Paulo Alcazaren to design key components of the township. These include Arden Botanical Village, as well as the Centrera Park and the Arden Botanical Estate Town Center, which features a Flower Farm, The Little Botanist playground, and soon the country’s first-ever Breathing Chapel.
Residents and visitors alike will find themselves surrounded by nature and a built environment celebrating it — elements encouraging habits and cultures that foster long, full lives.
Maple Grove, meanwhile, reimagines the CBD to prove that businesses, communities and nature can flourish side by side. Premium workplaces, retail hubs, and dining establishments are minutes away on foot from distinctive residences and community spaces. People can move seamlessly between the fast and slow facets of life — from One Corporate Place and Maple Grove Parade to the estate’s rainwater park, community chapel and residential neighborhoods — at their own pace.
Envied addresses
Residential offerings at Maple Grove and Arden Botanical Estate were curated to evoke post-code envy.
Maple Grove delivers a first-of-its-kind luxury spa resort-inspired residential community in 22-hectare Maple Grove Park Village, a development that balances exclusivity with accessibility. Situated in a more secluded section of the township, it dedicates 40 percent of its land area to lush, open spaces. Despite an emphasis on privacy, residents remain minutes away from the township’s commercial and lifestyle destinations.
For Maple Grove Park Village, Megaworld partnered with architectural firm Wimberly, Allison, Tong & Goo (WATG), whose portfolio includes globally renowned resort destinations such as Shangri-La Maldives, Sofitel Bali in Indonesia, and Atlantis, The Palm in Dubai.
Following the success of condominiums The Verdin and La Cassia Residences also in Maple Grove, Megaworld introduced the 14-story Maple Park Residences to bring to Cavite the “parkside living” concept popular in Scandinavian countries.
Maple Park Residences features smart-home units, ranging from studio to two-bedroom layouts. It also has a dedicated electric-vehicle charging facility in the parking area.
Over at Arden Botanical Estate, residential villages take up about half of the entire township. The 18.1-hectare Arden Botanical Village and the 15.2-hectare Arden Westpark Village both feature fewer than 20 lots per hectare. Both neighborhoods also allot up to 40 percent of their area to open spaces.
GERI also launched its very own village in the township, the 18.3-hectare The Lindgren. The enclave offers 123 lots and 11 Scandinavian-inspired home design options that enshrine simplicity, functionality and wellness. These homes are situated within an eco-conscious community.
Unmatched connectivity
While these addresses promise exclusivity, they do not compromise on accessibility, especially to lifestyle experiences and opportunities for upward mobility.
Maple Grove is less than an hour from the Makati CBD and Bonifacio Global City, and can be accessed via the Coastal Road and the Manila-Cavite Expressway (CAVITEx). Arden Botanical Estate shares a similar distance to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) via CAVITEx.
Looking ahead, connectivity will only improve with the completion of major infrastructure projects like the LRT-1 Cavite extension, the Sangley Point International Airport, the CAVITEx-CALAX link, and the Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge. These will lead to reduced travel times and enhanced property values.
Through master-planned townships that generate palpable excitement, Megaworld has proven itself a staunch advocate for Cavite. By honoring the province’s rich heritage while boldly embracing the great possibilities ahead, Megaworld townships drive growth and redefine life.
