Just in time for the upcoming Christmas season, Villar City placed the spotlight on one of its landmarks, the 40-year-old Heritage Tree, with a ceremonial lighting. The tree not only symbolizes the holiday season but also how the property development will bring hope as it is poised to bring progress and opportunities.
Last Nov. 14, business tycoon Manny Villar led the lighting of the towering acacia tree, which has stood for four decades, representing his resilience in providing growth, opportunities, and development for the country.
The Heritage Tree of the 3,500-hectare Villar City reflects Villar’s journey in the realms of business and real estate, as well as his commitment towards providing a community that Filipinos deserve—world-class, picturesque, and accessible for everyone.
“We will be developing this area slowly but surely, stone by stone, tree by tree,” Villar said. “Magugulat kayo na, in the future, [many] years from now, malayo na ang narating ng Villar City and you will be proud that you were part of this.”
Bright lights, bright future
Employees and executives of the Villar Group joined the Villar family during the ceremonial lighting. As they enjoyed the melodic performances of the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra Quartet, they excitedly waited for the Heritage Tree to be lit up with glittering Christmas lights.
A short video was also played highlighting the hard work done in restoring and preserving the symbolic acacia tree, as well as the plans the Villar Group has in store for Villar City, which spans 15 cities across Metro Manila and Cavite.
“Revitalizing the Villar City’s Heritage Tree is more than just a symbol of our commitment to safeguard, preserve, and care for our environment. It’s also a reminder for all of us that exquisite things require time, patience, and resilience—exactly what we can also expect here in the 3,500-hectare Villar City, a promising masterpiece in progress. It’s just a vast expanse now but it’s all set to become the new center of gravity of Metro Manila,” Villar said.
The real estate magnate, along with his children, Vista Land president and CEO Manuel Paolo Villar, Senator Mark Villar, Congresswoman Camille Villar, and grandchildren Emma and Cara, led the ceremonial tree lighting. Attendees were wowed by the radiance and brightness of the tree, complemented with brilliant fireworks display in the background.
“As the splendor of this tree comes to light, we now work our way towards achieving our ambitious vision for Villar City,” Villar said.
A catalyst for progress
Set to become a groundbreaking megacity that will house various residential and commercial spaces by the Villar Group, Villar City is a legacy project of Villar that aims to become a place that combines economic, lifestyle, cultural, and leisure activities.
Currently, 900 hectares of the mixed-use development is currently utilized with existing neighborhoods and various commercial establishments. Other areas of Villar City, which will consist of 15 satellite cities, will also house a modern central business district, a tech valley, a university town, residential communities, and premier lifestyle hubs.
All these will be surrounded by lush landscapes, with Villar aiming to plant 10 million trees in the 3,500-hectare development.
Villar City will truly be an impactful legacy for many generations to come, setting the standard on what a modern, future-proof city should be.