Bacolod City, the City of Smiles, is preparing for a new chapter in its growth story. Beyond its beloved MassKara Festival and culinary fame, the city is set to become a major Bacolod tourist destination with the development of The Upper East, a 34-hectare mixed-use township by property giant Megaworld Corporation.
Located at the heart of Bacolod City, The Upper East is envisioned to be more than a central business hub. It aims to be a thriving space where commerce, lifestyle, and tourism come together to boost the city’s appeal to both locals and visitors.
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A Vision Built Around Tourism and Lifestyle
Harold Geronimo, First Vice President and Head of Public Relations and Media Affairs of Megaworld, said the company’s long-term vision for The Upper East goes hand in hand with tourism.
“We really envision The Upper East not just as a central business district, but also as a tourist destination. Our vision is always aligned with tourism,” Geronimo said during a media briefing over the weekend, announcing the completion of the 14-story One Manhattan, the township's third residential condominium development.
To date, Megaworld has launched 1,787 residential condominium units across five properties in The Upper East. Construction is also ongoing for The Kingsford, a 12-story, 300-room development under Megaworld Hotels and Resorts, marking the company’s first hotel project in Bacolod City.
Smart Homes and New Amenities
One of the township’s highlights is One Manhattan, described as the first smart home condominium development in Bacolod. It features several “first-in-Bacolod” amenities such as a private dining room that can accommodate up to 15 people, along with a modern kitchen and living area.
Jennifer Fong, Megaworld Bacolod’s Head of Sales and Marketing, said the demand for homes in The Upper East remains strong.
“We are especially excited to welcome the new residents of One Manhattan who will now enjoy the convenience of being in a township as well as the generous layouts and unique amenities of their new address,” she said.
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Building on a Proven Tourism Legacy
Megaworld’s move to position The Upper East as a Bacolod tourist destination builds upon its successful track record in creating tourism-driven townships nationwide. In cities such as Iloilo, Lapu-Lapu, and Taguig, the company has shown how mixed-use developments can evolve into vibrant urban communities that attract both residents and travelers.
Projects like Iloilo Business Park, Mactan Newtown, and McKinley Hill have become benchmarks for integrating business, leisure, and culture within one destination. Each township offers modern hotels, lifestyle malls, and open spaces that support local tourism and showcase regional character.
With The Upper East, Megaworld is bringing the same formula to Bacolod—combining the city’s friendly atmosphere and rich heritage with modern architecture, walkable streets, and world-class facilities.
A New Era for the City of Smiles
With The Upper East taking shape, Bacolod is evolving into a modern hub that blends business, lifestyle, and travel. As Megaworld’s projects continue to rise, the city’s profile as a Bacolod tourist destination will only grow stronger.
Bacolod’s bright future as the next major tourism center in Western Visayas is unfolding—one development at a time.
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