From masterplan to metropolis: The rise of Villar City
Most emerging cities follow growth, but Villar City writes the blueprint.
Under the pioneering leadership of tycoon Manny Villar, this 3,500-hectare megacity breaks from Metro Manila’s usual urban playbook with a vision that is both ambitious and deliberate. Its strength lies not just in scale, but in how it weaves together the economy, environment, and everyday life, shifting where and how the metro grows.
More than a development, Villar City is quietly redrawing the map of Metro Manila’s future, as it rises to become its new center of gravity.
Shaping new realities
Initial developments like Portofino Heights (2002) and Evia Lifestyle Mall (2012) paved the way, but its true scale became more evident in 2023 with the formal launch of Villar City itself.
Connecting 13 cities and towns in Metro Manila and Cavite, Villar City is poised to become a thriving nexus for economic, lifestyle, cultural, and leisure activities amid lush open spaces, 10 million trees, and some 100 cafes. Several districts within this city are already complete and thriving, replete with upscale residences, commercial hubs and offices.
The launch in 2023 was thus more ceremonial—signifying the birth of a meticulously planned urban hub designed to integrate residential serenity, commercial vitality, and cultural dynamism.
Dynamic signature districts
What distinguishes Villar City from traditional urban developments is its groundbreaking concept of “cities within cities”.
Each district—Evia (arts and culture), SOMO (commerce and trade), U-Town (knowledge and innovation), and NOMO (commercial gardens)—is uniquely themed yet interconnected with one another. Residents and guests get to experience an urban environment crafted around community, creativity, and connectivity.
The visionary scope of Villar City is further exemplified by the distinct yet complementary districts of Global South and Lakefront, which in themselves are already dynamic urban hubs that continue to evolve.
Global South, a 100-hectare entertainment district, is poised to redefine luxury and leisure through high-end casinos, cutting-edge theaters, and immersive theme parks. Lakefront, set against the serene backdrop of Laguna de Bay, offers a sophisticated blend of waterfront promenades, upscale dining, and leisure spaces, becoming Metro Manila’s newest lifestyle destination.
Building a future-ready, sustainable city
Villar City is not just expanding urban space—it is reshaping urban living through innovation and sustainability. Its commitment to “sustainnovation” includes ambitious goals such as planting 10 million trees, creating 100 gardens, and implementing advanced air-quality monitoring systems.
Infrastructure enhancements—like the Villar Avenue, which serves as the main thoroughfare connecting all districts in Villar City, the Muntinlupa-Cavite Expressway (MCX), and other future developments such as an integrated LRT system and Bus Rapid Transit network—offer a vision anchored in connectivity and convenience.
The megacity momentum continues
Even with these expansive developments unfolding simultaneously, Villar City is only beginning to tap its immense potential.
Upcoming developments—such as The Stadium at Villar City, an 18-hole championship golf course designed in partnership with Curley-Wagner Golf Design, and strategic collaborations like the University of the Philippines-Dasmariñas campus—highlight the megacity’s next chapter, one that is focused on deepening its role as a hub for sports, education, leisure and investment while accelerating its growth into a fully integrated, future-ready metropolis.
Activities like fun runs, car-free Sundays and bike trails meanwhile reflect Villar City’s push for healthier, more connected communities and a lifestyle that balances urban energy with everyday well-being.
As Villar City steps boldly into its next phase, anticipation is high.
Planned expansions promise further innovations, deeper sustainability integration, and enhanced livability. Investors, residents, and observers alike should keep an eye on this megacity: every groundbreaking, every new district opening, and every pioneering partnership propels Villar City toward becoming not just Metro Manila’s new center of gravity, but a global benchmark for urban development.
In Villar City, the future is already here—but the best is undoubtedly yet to come.
