September 8 - 21 , 2018 Jan . 22-Feb . 7 , 2015 Philippine Showbiz Today 9
September 8 - 21 , 2018 Jan . 22-Feb . 7 , 2015 Philippine Showbiz Today 9
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Old Manila charm at Torre Lorenzo Malate
It ’ s easy to wax nostalgic about the old world charm and glory days of Manila , once hailed for its opulence , and once dubbed “ Paris of the East .”
Traces of that rich cultural heritage remain evident as distinct historical landmarks continue to remind Filipinos of Manila ’ s dramatic transformation from the colonial days to the pre-war era , to the modern times , with each district possessing a unique character
Ṫhe historical district of Malate alone displays a fusion of those periods from the time it was still a small fishing village during the Spanish colonial times ; when it became the trendiest exclusive residential area for American families occupying high rise apartments and bungalows ; to the time it became a bohemian enclave , where many of the country ’ s famed artists resided , and when the large houses and apartments were transformed into restaurants and boutique hotels . Premium residences
It ’ s that fusion , enduring appeal and charm of Malate that Torre Lorenzo Development Corp . ( TLDC ) plans to infuse in its latest project in Manila .
The country ’ s trusted developer of premium university residences is building the 45-storey Torre Lorenzo Malate Premium Residences , which is located along Malvar Street in Malate . It is targeted for completion by the first quarter of 2021 .
“ We are excited to be part of this movement to rediscover the old world charm that only Malate offers . It is true that it is a busy area , with easy access to commercial establishments and mass public transport , but the Malvar neighborhood itself is relatively quiet and safe , making it an ideal place to live for both students and medical professionals ,” TLDC
CEO Tomas Lorenzo explained . ‘ Regional colonial ’ TLDC design partner Ivy Almario of Atelier Almarioexplained that the target was to evoke a “ regional colonial ” feel for the overall design architecture of Torre Lorenzo Malate , but with a modern twist that will still make it relevant to the present times .
“ The design inspiration for Torre Lorenzo Malate is the old , pre-war Malate . Guests will experience a hip yet nostalgic place where the spaces are both friendly and with hints of an elegant , bygone era ,” Ivy said .
“ The name Malate alone makes us think of the glory days , pre-war days , the art deco days . We were talking about a colonial style but we had to take it to a level that will allow Torre Lorenzo Malate to remain fresh and current . This will open in 2021 so we have to make sure that once it opens , it will be the one to be copied , that it ’ s ahead of its time , and that it will still look relevant ,” Ivy explained .
Ivy and her sister Cynthia , also of Atelier Almario , cited as an example the design for the lobby of Torre Lorenzo Malate .
“ We wanted to create a lobby that is contemporary at heart but traditional at first glance , wherein you can say , yes , this could be Malate , but then , when you study it , it ’ s really a modern lobby . That ’ s the play we want , what we ’ re going after ,” they said .
Another example , according to the design duo , would be the use of panels in the building . Ivy and Cynthia explained that panels are traditional but the way these are scaled , their cadence , the proportion , and everything else had a modern approach .
They also made use of bolder colors and their own version of the wrought irons which are often seen in many buildings and residences in Manila .
Wifi-enabled study pods , study areas and collaboration spaces co-exist with living and social areas .
University life
According to Ivy , what is also great about the Torre Lorenzo Malate is the fact that it anticipates the needs of the students and medical professionals , providing spaces and amenities meant to complement the university life .
Simply put , each part of the building was developed with a specific purpose in mind .
For instance , TLDC ’ s thoughtful attention to design enables students to come home to furnished units with modern kitchens , private bathrooms and inspiring living spaces .
Wifi-enabled study pods , study areas and collaboration spaces co-exist with living and social areas . Cafés and restaurants are located on the ground floor while lounge areas can be found in the library .
Health and recreation facilities include a gym and a swimming pool . A 24 / 7 security system affords peace of mind not just for the building ’ s residents but for the parents . Residents can also expect the support of a dedicated property management team that is responsive to their property concerns .
Of course , Torre Lorenzo Malate ’ s strategic location is a huge advantage , as it is a mere 5-minute walk to the University of the Philippines School of Medicine , is just across the St . Paul ’ s University Manila Campus , and near medical centers Philippine General Hospital , Manila Doctors Hospital and Medical Center Manila . ● See Poster on Page 11
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