THE Ayalas started it all. The Makati-based conglomerate, through its property development arm, the Ayala Land Inc., entered into a partnership with homegrown conglomerate, the Floirendo-owned Anflo Group, to develop a property in Bajada, Davao City, to what is now known as Abreeza Ayala Business Park.
The sprawling Abreeza complex, which rises in a 10-hectare property, owned by the Floirendos, has turned out to be a modern mix-used development with high-rise and mid-rise condominiums, a hotel and a posh mall that provides Dabawenyos a shopping experience at par with top shopping destinations in the country, like Metro Manila and Cebu.
The Abreeza Mall, which is now in its 6th year, has, in fact, continued to set the pace and trend that Dabawenyo shoppers, and those from neighboring areas, are enjoying.
As the first Ayala mall to have been established in Mindanao, Abreeza has indeed leveled up the lifestyle of the people here.
It is not merely a place to shop as it becomes a lifestyle and cultural center that celebrates the best in Filipino architecture, artistry, and design.
It brings a good life to Dabawenyos, addressing not only their basic needs but also creating a vibrant community hub. Its entry in the local market has once again proven Ayala's mission to provide a destination that is distinct, where creativity, innovation, and originality are considered crucial.
The mall's more than 300 stores make it a lifestyle landmark in Mindanao as these offers a wide array of retail choices with popular local and foreign fashion concepts and brands that opened their first stores on the island. Dining options, including homegrown favorites, were carefully handpicked.
"There's no need to go to Manila to shop. Everything we need is here, from fashionable RTW items, accessories, shoes to beauty products are here," Grace delos Santos, a self-confessed "shopaholic" said, adding that almost all top-of=the-line brands are made available at the mall.
At present, mall management has vowed to continue to provide the Davao community with a truly unique and rewarding experience in shopping, dining, and entertainment.
While other developments at Abreeza complex are still on-going, Ayala once again partnered with another homegrown developer, this time with the Alcantara Group of Companies -- to develop a prime 25-hectare property into a new destination that promises the comforts and convenience of city living.
This development only proves investors' confidence on the potential of Davao City's property sector -- pouring in huge investments to address growing demand of the market.
Soon to attract Davao's growing market and retail investors is the so-called Azuela Cove, seen to become the city's prime waterside business and residential district.
"Over the years, Ayala Land has been committed to enriching the way we live and enhancing land nationwide," Jun Bisnar, vice president and chief operations officer of ALI Vismin Group, said in a statement. "We focus on inclusive growth, sharing our expertise as a full line property developer to communities around the country as we remain a reliable partner in nation building."
The P20 billion Azuela Cove is a brainchild of Aviana Development Corp, a joint venture company between The Alcantara Group and Ayala Land.
The mix-used development project promotes healthy lifestyle as its masterplan includes The Shops at Azuela Cove, a retail play with a total gross leasable area (GLA) of 4,000 sqm, which will be home to local food favorites as well as classic national and international dining establishments. At 1,700 sqm GLA, The Shops first phase offering will be launched in the last quarter of 2017.
The project also comprises of sports facilities, including a soccer field, basketball and multi-purpose courts and a jogging track, and a hospital, the modern St. Luke's Hospital.
Another initial locator is Ayala Land Premier (ALP), which will spearhead the development of its first condominium towers in the district, all providing a pristine view of Samal Island and the Davao Gulf.
"We continue to build mixed-use estates around the country not only because of the country's economic growth, but also because of the continued trust and confidence of Ayala Land's customers," Bisnar said. "Our focus on sustainability and our genuine partnership with communities, local governments, and other stakeholders sets us apart and helps us fulfill our mission."
Also, not to be outdone is SM Lanang Premier, the first premier mall established by Henry Sy-controlled SM Supermalls.
The mall now offers top local and international retail brands that only the mall can offer, like the Japan-based Uniqlo and Forever 21.