Makati’s lifestyle hub

By Stephanie Maureen F. Asi, Staff Writer

11/23/2008

In a night of enchantment and whimsy, of stilt walkers and show dancers Antel Group of Companies (AGC) launched its latest project — Antel Lifestyle City. Guests were welcomed with an entertaining band playing congo drums and towering stilt walkers. The venue, which was the A. Venue Hall, was adorned with large customized lamps, fire dancers and acrobats hanging through the high ceiling. It was a whimsical evening that showcased the best that the establishment has to offer: A mall, an events hall and an abode.

Antel Lifestyle City was already in the map before it was formally launched. The most talked about events and the most enjoyable parties have been held in its A. Venue Mall and A. Venue Hall well before it was launched to the public.

It was a jewel in the rough because its location wasn’t as frequented in the past years. AGC, however, is confident that these days, with Antel Lifestyle City gracing the location, Makati Avenue will once again be a favorite hang-out.

AGC president Elena Jao explains, “Makati is both the Financial Capital and Commercial Hub of Metro Manila and it is 10 to 15 kilometers away from other business district such as Ortigas, Pasig, Fort Bonifacio, Pasay City, Mandaluyong, Manila and Bay City. Makati is the most expensive address in the Metro because of its strategic location and developed commercial and business infrastructure.”

AGC was more than happy to restore this locale to its grandeur, just like how it was back in the 1980s when it was the center of activities in Makati. Being an expat- and business-friendly setting made AGC’s vision easier to transform as well. Jao shares about the challenge they took on in reviving the life of this once popular hang-out. “Developing the current 1.7 hectare site of the Antel Lifestyle City was a big challenge, because the location had a history of being one of the most popular strip in Makati back in the 1980s. To restore the site to its glory days and re-invent it to meet the current demand was truly a daunting task, but the site is ripe to be developed into one of the most integrated complex for various lifestyle activities.” She says it took three years just to lay down the plans.

Place to be

A. Venue Mall is fast becoming a favorite shopping destination among different age demographics for the wealth of stores found in the quaint establishment. Jao says that contrary to what is expected from the mall, it doesn’t cater solely to high-end brands. Though smaller compared with other malls in the metropolis, it features a host of shops and restaurants that cater to a lot of people’s preferences. This holiday season, it is bound to be a favorite hangout for shoppers. Jao promises that it the experience of coming to A. Venue Mall doesn’t necessarily have to break the bank. “Restaurants, bars and clubs are affordably priced so that the experience can be a daily fare,” she says.

Interesting as well is how it plays host to different bars and restaurants. It is quickly becoming known as the place to be in Makati these days, with its host of clubs and restaurants popular to different genres that flock Makati. This made it become one of the most popular hang-outs before it was officially opened. Now, it enjoys the reputation of being the place to be specially during after office hours and weekends. The three-storey mall is a culinary destination, an entertainment locale and a shopping haven.

Makati’s largest venue

The acrobats hanging through the ceiling during the launch of ALC showed just how magnificent A. Venue Hall is with its towering ceiling. It has 2,000 sq.m. to accommodate the biggest of crowds in a state-of-the-art entertainment facility. It is in fact Makati’s largest and only events venue. It can house about 2,000 people in one venue making it an ideal venue for large functions, concerts, bazaars, parties, big weddings and the like.

Hotel component

If you’re looking to reside in Makati, Antel Suites is also a good choice to consider. “A.Venue Suites is not just an ordinary residential building, it has a hotel component that allows residents to live in a five-star home by providing all the hotel comforts and luxuries. Hotel guest on the other hand, can enjoy privacy of a home,” explains Jao. Shopping and dining pleasures and fun events are just a few meters away that you can literally walk towards the mall or the events hall.

Antel Lifestyle City is essentially a city, within a city. Jao shares what they planned it to be and sums up what it has become today. “It is a cumulative integration of people’s wish list for a better way of life. The general rule with he design of the Antel Lifestyle City is that everything will be an elevator ride away. From wellness, to dining to entertainment and round-the-year events.”

Antel Lifestyle City is located at 7829 Makati Avenue, Makati City.

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