Adding value to bustling Mactan

There is more to Mactan than a sweet travel escape, with its gorgeous beaches and lush tropic scenery.

While this destination has offered an idyllic respite for countless travelers, this famed island in Cebu also proves to be a premium catch for those wanting to invest in valuable property.

“We believe that Mactan remains a property investment hotspot in the Visayas region. Several national developers have established footprint in Mactan,” Joey Roi Bondoc, research manager at Colliers International Philippines, said in an interview with Inquirer.

“Mactan also benefits from the expansion of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport. Direct flights from other Asian countries makes it a highly viable location for retirement. Japanese retirees, for instance, are drawn to Mactan. These retirees have contributed to strong residential take up in the area. Investors from Manila are also enticed to acquire properties near Mactan due to the recent expansion and modernization of the airport,” he added.

Spillover impact

According to Bondoc, the development of resort-oriented integrated communities in Mactan makes it a real estate investment hotspot. Add the fact that the area also captures the spillover impact of thriving business activities in Cebu City.

“We see tremendous room for growth as Mactan captures business expansion outside of Cebu City,” Bondoc said.

He disclosed that a number of new businesses have also started to locate in Mactan, which should prop up demand for offices, condominiums, and hotels in the area. Mactan further stands out because of its proximity to the expanded Mactan-Cebu International Airport.

Aside from office and residential developments, Colliers also sees the area becoming a hub for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) investments in Visayas.

Mactan’s luster

There are several factors that are seen to sustain property demand in Mactan which include the continued growth of outsourcing and offshore gaming sectors; returning overseas Filipino workers (OFW) which should drive residential and retail demand; industrial sector, as the brisk manufacturing activities in the region are seen to similarly boost residential demand; and tourist arrivals, which may be partly buoyed by the expanded airport in Mactan.

Also, key to sustaining Mactan’s luster as a tourist and property investment hub in the Visayas would be the continued development of leisure-centric communities in in the island, according to Bondoc.

“Developing integrated leisure attractions is a practical route for local and national developers if they want to benefit from Mactan’s attractiveness,” Bondoc said. “To capture the opportunities, Colliers encourages developers with massive landbanks in Mactan area to pursue resort-oriented projects.”

As it is, Mactan already has its fair share of upscale resorts, both local and foreign-branded, which have given tourists an idyllic island getaway, replete with the incredible sceneries, pristine coastlines, a taste of the province’s rich culture, and even scrumptious local cuisine.

Some property developers, however, are clearly stepping up the game as they seek to bring their own distinct brand to the famed Mactan Island.

Private escape

Soon to give Cebuanos an unparalleled respite and lifestyle on the lap of luxury is the 4.7-ha Aruga Resort and Residences-Mactan—Rockwell Land’s first residential-resort development located along Punta Engaño. This premium innovative residential concept mixes the perks of resort relaxation with Rockwell’s signature community living, as evident in its existing developments.

The residential component of this development will offer 200 units ranging from one-bedroom to four-bedroom, including exquisite beachfront villas, while the hotel and resort will have around 250 rooms.

Residents and hotel guests will get to enjoy an array of choice amenities that will surely complement your idyllic resort lifestyle: an all-day dining establishment, a multi-purpose pavilion, pool, and bar. 

This P6.2-billion Rockwell development is indeed a private escape turned into a high-end piece of real estate. Complementing the relaxing atmosphere by the beach, the property’s open areas are expected to adorned by manicured gardens, keeping the area cool and energizing. Within the resort itself, one can simply take in the serene surroundings, take a refreshing dip in the pool, or explore the taste of Cebu at the resort’s floating dining hall.

Aruga Resort and Residences-Mactan is Rockwell Land’s second development in Cebu. It comes four years after the upscale developer’s first foray outside of Metro Manila and in this province through the 32 Sanson by Rockwell in Lahug.