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Building lives, forging legacies
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Building lives, forging legacies

Ar. Vittoria Mawis-Aliston

Greenhills, Ortigas Center, and Valle Verde—many of us have fond memories of these places growing up.

Perhaps you went to Greenhills for weekend trips with the family, or to Valle Verde for golf sessions with your dad. Whatever the reason, if you grew up in Metro Manila, chances are you have already visited an Ortigas property at least once in your life.

With 95 years of experience under its belt, Ortigas Land has helped shape Metro Manila’s skyline. Even today, it continues to set a high standard in Philippine real estate. Let us explore how Ortigas Land has helped spearhead modern developments such as business districts and shopping malls in the country, and how it has remained consistently relevant through the years.

Set to rise in Ortigas Center, the Galleon features smart technology and premium amenities in its residential units.

A rich beginning

Established in 1931, Ortigas Land was formed by three colleagues who were notable figures in Philippine history.

The company was created through the partnership of businessman Don Francisco “Paco” Ortigas, industrialist Vicente Madrigal, and former Philippine President Manuel L. Quezon. The group bought a parcel of land from the Augustinian order called “Hacienda de Mandaloyon” which sat on three cities, as we know them today: Pasig City, Quezon City and Mandaluyong City.

The group developed the land until it became known as a thriving business district in the 1960s.

During this era of space-age architecture, iconic structures such as the Benpres Building and Meralco Building were built in the vicinity. These led to the rise of more high-rise structures here over time.

This area became eventually known as Ortigas Center, now home to offices, shopping malls and other modern developments.

Estancia at Capitol Commons is a premiere shopping destination created by Ortigas Land over a former government site.

A visionary pursuit

Having created one of the most recognizable central business districts in Metro Manila, Ortigas Land continued to pursue the creation of iconic edifices and estates.

In the 1970s, it introduced Greenhills Center, Metro Manila’s first shopping complex. A beloved destination for leisure and shopping, the estate has evolved to become a mixed-use complex site.

Today, the area features a variety of shopping districts, residences, and offices that are continuously being redeveloped and upgraded. The area continues to be a bustling tourist destination and a local hangout, offering both bargain finds and luxury experiences.

Tiendesitas is the anchor store of Ortigas East, a mixed-use estate featuring residences, offices and shops.

A foray into estates

Over the years, Ortigas Land continued to create landmark estates in Metro Manila.

To exemplify, the company built Capitol Commons in 2011 on the former site of the Rizal Provincial Capitol Complex.

Occupying 10 ha of land, it became home to Pasig City’s premium shopping district, the Estancia at Capitol Commons. Besides this commercial center, Capitol Commons also became home to several high-rise condominiums and offices.

Even with all these developments in the area, the estate remains one of the greenest parts of the city, featuring the Capitol Commons Park that occupies half of the estate’s land area.

The Ortigas East estate in Pasig City is another property worth checking out. Located along Ortigas Avenue, the property hosts popular destinations such as Tiendesitas Shopping Mall, Silver City Office District, and the Grounds public park.

These areas sit on the edge of Ortigas Center, providing city dwellers another place to relax or work productively amid a green environment.

An exciting future ahead

Even with numerous landmark creations, Ortigas Land continues to transform the Philippine landscape with its latest offerings.

See Also

Upcoming projects include the Empress, a smart home condominium located in Capitol Commons, and The Galleon, a mixed-use premier development in Ortigas Center.

Recognizing new needs in the postpandemic era, Ortigas Land has started to incorporate smart-home technology in its residential units. It continues to adjust and develop spaces suited to the times.

A pivotal role

Overall, Ortigas Land is a company that has played a pivotal role in the history of Philippine real estate.

Even as it nears a century of existence, the company continues to remain relevant by presenting fresh ideas and unique takes on mixed-use environments.

By remaining committed to its standards and goals, Ortigas Land continues its steadfast growth, enduring both the worst and best of times in service of the needs of the modern Filipino.

Source: https://www.ortigas.com.ph/

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