Fruze Kim Serate of Ayala Property Management Corp. receives the recognition during the awards ceremony last July 14 in Bonifacio Global City. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
THE Garden Bloc at Cebu IT Park was recently chosen as one of the finalists in the mixed-use development category of the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Philippines Healthy Places Awards 2016.
ULI is a global nonprofit organization that seeks to promote the responsible use of land and to create thriving communities.
The special awards given for the first time in the Philippines recognize outstanding and innovative projects that promote healthy living through exceptional design strategies.
Ayala-led Cebu Property Ventures and Development Corporation (CPVDC) launched the Garden Bloc at IT and BPO hub, Cebu IT Park in December 2015.
With its wide open green space for fun, casual dining and outdoor activities, the Garden Bloc has become the newest outdoor lifestyle destination where Cebuanos converge.
In creating the Garden Bloc, none of the existing trees—all endemic and indigenous to the Philippines—were harmed or removed from the property.
The result was a unique breathable space in the middle of a bustling metropolis that encourages the members of the community to walk and converge outdoors.
The Garden Bloc’s proximity and accessibility to work and residential buildings make it easily walkable — promoting an active lifestyle and helping reduce carbon footprint from vehicles.
The highlight of the area is the variety of affordable outdoor dining options available. This especially benefits the growing number of IT and BPO workers in the area, providing a walkable destination for those who need a break from eight-hour shifts in front of a computer.
Aside from creating a fun dining experience, the Garden Bloc is also conducive to a range of outdoor activities. With its separation from vehicular traffic, the pathways provide a safe area for those who want to take a jog, without having to venture far from the city center.
The newly installed bike racks in strategic locations also help promote outdoor activity in the area. With wide-open spaces, the place is also ideal for light exercise, a family picnic, or even just to unwind with a book under a tree.
The 5000-square meter central events area of the Garden Bloc is also intended as an outdoor function area for exhibits, concerts, wellness and other events.
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