MANILA, Philippines?The first development of an Ayala Land company in Manila has set aside 7,000 square meters for open space and greeneries.

This was revealed by Dan Abando, Alveo Land president, during the Aug. 27 launch of Celadon Manila?s lifestyle weekend market called PICK Manila. He added that Ayala Land has long been aware of environmental concerns as a developer and has ?sacrificed? a significant portion of lots for this.

As a result, Celadon Manila is considered a low-density development with the integration of different uses.

An upscale six-hectare integrated in-city development, Celadon Manila is composed of residential developments, business process outsourcing sections with an E-services building, recreation facilities and retail venue with tenant mix by Ayala Malls group.

Environmental conservation

?We do initiatives, we make sure that relevant components have been put into our project in support of environmental conservation,? Abando said.

According to him, it has been an Ayala heritage since the 1950s, characteristic of the Dasmariñas, Bel-Air and Forbes communities, to have allotted lush greeneries. He added that Ayala properties are provided enough space so trees could be planted along the roads.

Abando said it has been an Ayala Land company practice to hire consultants to help provide information on the impact of vehicular traffic on the community, especially at intersections and merging points.

?Whenever you drive to any of our Ayala developments they are ?maaliwalas? (relaxed). Ayala masterplanners are very conscious of the (population) density levels,? he said.

Reduce energy consumption

Iris Josef, vice president for Alveo Land projects and development, said the developer has incorporated key elements of green buildings?natural lighting and natural ventilation?into Celadon Manila.

Abando said this concept aims to reduce energy consumption, which would benefit residents. He added that less energy consumption would mean less carbon dioxide emissions.

Celadon Residences (townhomes) prices range from P9.5 to P12 million, while the Celadon Park (condominiums) units start at P3.8 million. Josef said these developments cater to the underserved market in Manila.

Ninety percent of the construction, and 80 percent of the total units, have been completed.

First call center site in Manila

Celadon Manila?s BPO sector is touted to be the biggest in Manila, and will be built courtesy of Ayala Land Businesscapes. Alveo Land executives said Celadon Manila?s E-Services Building will be the first call center site in Manila with an easy access to a round-the-clock retail and leisure amenities that complement the industry?s demanding work environment.

The Shops at Celadon will offer shopping, dining and leisure options.

The PICK Manila is part of several new alternative concepts of Alveo Land. It will feature a mix of classic Filipino entrees and specialties, local desserts, pastries and confectioneries and international cuisine from Thailand, Japan and Spain.

It will have a wide range of organic products such as fresh sugarcane, virgin coconut oil, and the Agri-Aqua Network International line that will offer fresh produce such as fruits, vegetables, fish and seafood.