The 10-hectare Capitol Commons in Pasig City reflects the dynamic, fast-paced lifestyle of the present as it is one of the newer districts to rise in the metro. Currently, it offers a healthy mix of upscale residences, premium-grade offices, a shopping mall, a food strip and lush pocket parks that seek to redefine one’s concept of urban living.
Yet again, Ortigas Land managed to make great strides to create the archetype of future cities. Beyond offering convenience, accessibility and a refreshing green urban space, Capitol Commons has residences primed for the new normal. For example, the 56-story Empress, touted as the first wellness real estate in the country, features contactless technology, biophilic design that helps reduce stress and improve cognitive function and a host of amenities that will allow you to be holistically healthy.
The completeness of Capitol Commons is highly prized now, amid the COVID-19 pandemic. After severe limitations to mobility, we all itch to go out. I love my rural hometown but, stuck here for four months now due to the lockdown, what I would give to get to Capitol Commons—the perfect place to complete tasks and enjoy without having to commute or keep your guard up (currently, physical distancing and wearing face masks are promoted).
I’m imagining kicking off the morning with coffee at Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf or Tim Hortons. I scan my e-mails and get some work done, then put in a few steps to get to Estancia Mall and visit Lacoste, Old Navy, Sperry, Superga, Lush, GNC and L’Occitane. I drop by the National Book Store to see the bestseller list, Miniso to hunt for quirky home items and then Digital Walker to look at new gadgets. If I’m lucky, I chance upon bazaars and special events.
For late lunch, choices abound at the mall: Motorino brick-oven pizza, xiao long bao at Shi Lin, laing at Pinoy heritage bistro XO 46, ramen at Botejyu, crabmeat salad at Florabel, etc. Step outside and you find Peri Peri Charcoal Chicken. Beside it, Sentro 1771 serves Filipino delicacies with a twist. My mouth waters at the thought of the corned beef sinigang.
I now go to Unimart for groceries, my main purpose for visiting. I get fruits and veggies, then take instant noodles and canned goods, the go-to food for crunch time. I roam the aisles and pick up random items before checking out. A friend then texts to invite me to dinner so I decide to just get my shopping bags delivered at home. I walk to the Capitol Commons Park to pass the time in silence.
At dinnertime, I choose between Black Olive Cerveceria and Tipsy Pig Gastropub because I want beer. As my friend and I catch up at the latter, it crosses my mind that Capitol Commons, while already complete with experiences, is a work in progress. I envision myself owning a unit in the area, particularly in the 56-story Empress, the first wellness lifestyle real estate, boasting biophilic designs, quiet and active zones, and topnotch tech features. Maybe I start by getting a job at the offices here?
Oh, to reside in Capitol Commons and be the envy of many. Sorry if the mind wandered.
