Legazpi’s Embarcadero On the Rise

Bird's Eye view of Embarcadero

A few months ago, I wrote about Legazpi City’s newest world-class destination on the rise – the Embarcadero, an ambitious project spearheaded by Misibis Land Inc. (MLI). Now, MLI’s latest official newsletter, Misibis Today, reveals more details about this Marina-inspired development in the Legazpi Port area. Construction of Phase I (which already cost P450-500 million) is now in full swing and is expected to be completed next year.

Master-planned by BN Group Pty of Australia, the Embarcadero will have a total of nine structures within the 2.5 hectare site, including a four-level commercial and lifestyle center that will house specialty shops, restaurants, bars, a supermarket and an 800-seat call center, among others. Six other structures ranging from 1 to 2 storeys each will be spread out across the site located at the foot of the Kapuntukan or Sleeping Lion Hill.

The entire complex will be punctuated by a 30-meter, intricately-designed steel and concrete lighthouse that will undoubtedly become a new landmark for Legazpi. Since I happen to love lighthouses, I can’t wait to see how this new modernistic structure will turn out. Closer inspection of the architectural renderings reveal a possible spiral staircase within the structure that could lead to an observation deck at the top. This will undoubtedly provide a breathtaking panorama of Legazpi, Mayon Volcano and the wide expanse of the Albay Gulf.

Celebration Plaza and Lighthouse

An expansive civic space amidst the structures will be called the Celebration Plaza. Aside from the lighthouse, the plaza will be the centerpiece of the Embarcadero and will provide a venue for conventions, concerts, expos, trade fairs and other events. The wooden boardwalk furnished with benches, food stalls, and kiosks will provide Legazpeños and tourists with a place for relaxing, strolling, biking, simply enjoying the sea breeze and other activities.

Meanwhile, to address concerns about safety, with the city being on the typhoon belt, the company made sure the waterfront facility has typhoon-resistant buildings and will be elevated from the natural ground line. The bay walk will also serve as an elevated and inclined seawall. Also, Phase III of the project requires reclamation of about 500 meters of the shoreline which will surely widen the land area for the facility.

Majority of Legazpeños are not yet aware that such a project is now being built in an area that once had a bad reputation as a place for brawls and pickpockets. With the recent disasters, some are even doubtful of the safety of building a waterfront structure. Still, I think we can expect that MLI, being a genuine Bicolano company, fully understands the safety needs and will implement measures to protect their multi-million peso investment.

Shops and Restaurants within Embarcadero

I hope the success of this project will have a ‘ripple effect’ throughout the entire city and help boost its economy and rejuvenate the port district. This project may be ambitious but it certainly is not quixotic. I wish other sectors of the Legazpi community will be as audacious and forward-looking as MLI.

Photos from the Misibis Today Newsletter, July 2007 Edition (click to enlarge)
For construction photos and more updates click here.