Within the joint boundaries of the cities of Pasig, Mandaluyong
and Quezon is a bustling central business district, much-admired for its
eclectic mix of towering behemoths and mind-boggling profusion of
offices, residences and commercial institutions. Its busy streets,
filled with vivid colors of yellow and red from taxi cabs and cars going
to and fro in numerous directions, perfectly blend with high-rise
buildings that exhibit modern elegance, class and style.
Sprawling at the northernmost tip of the Ortigas Center is the
historical Archdiocesan Shrine of Mary – more popularly known as the
EDSA Shrine – that evokes the freedom of movement and celebratory spirit
of the People Power Revolution in 1986.
The sacred shrine symbolizes various works of art including the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary on top of its roof. Crowned and clad in golden robes, the Virgin Mary is holding a dove and an olive branch that are traditionally known as symbols of peace. The holy place is accessible through cascading stairs and ramps from both EDSA and Ortigas Ave. with an open space in the center, where Eucharistic celebration is held each year to commemorate the peaceful revolt.
Located about two kilometers away from this historical site is
another prominent landmark, considered as one of the icons of the
Philippine modern architecture, the Meralco Building.
The architect of the now 50-year- old structure is said to have used
the 1960’s brise-soleil architectural medium for the building design,
where vertical shutters curve their way along the facade of the
13-storey establishment. The element works not only as an embellishment
but as well as a protection from direct sunlight.
South of the Meralco Building is the home of professional Filipino
athletes and some of the country’s sports associations, the Philippine
Institute of Sports Complex, or simply PhilSports Complex. It houses
various sports facilities, including the PhilSports Arena, formerly
known as the University of Life Theater and Recreational Arena or ULTRA,
which is considered an important destination for concerts, sporting and
religious events.
The blooming financial center of Ortigas has been known not only for
these iconic structures but also for the presence of various shopping
centers, entertainment hubs, dining strips, hospitals and academic
institutions, scattered throughout or located in close proximity to the
district.
A few years down the road, the stunning backdrop of the thriving commercial district will be painted with more skyscraping towers as property developers secure their spots on the prime land. For instance, Megaworld subsidiary Global-Estate Resorts, Inc. (GERI) is constructing a resort-inspired development, to be called The Fifth, with the aim of redefining the cosmopolitan living in the busy district.
This first condominium project of GERI in Metro Manila is the fifth
residential cluster to rise within the Renaissance complex along Meralco
Ave. It is comprised of 32- and 35-storey-high towers (Astra and Luna),
with more than 700 units of studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom and
three-bedroom units that offer cityscape views of Ortigas, Quezon City
and the Antipolo mountains.
The Fifth is envisioned to become the perfect oasis for young
professionals, millennials and start- up families that allows them to
slow down and relax at the end of each busy day. With its unique
aesthetics, the development is primed to join the prestigious list of
iconic structures in Ortigas Center, reshaping the district’s modern
skyline.
For more information, visit The Fifth’s official Facebook page (www. facebook.com/TheFifthTower) or contact (+63) 917-836-3278.
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