FORBES PARK (Makati, Philippines)

A housing and commercial development is a city, town, or settlement that includes non-
housing development typically integrated with housing. It is a multifaceted business process,
encompassing activities that range from the renovation and re-lease of existing buildings to the
purchase of raw land and the sale of developed land or parcels to others. The benefits for such a
development includes greater housing variety and density; reduced distances between housing,
workplaces, retail businesses, and other destinations; more compact development; stronger
neighborhood character; and pedestrian and bicycle-friendly environments.

Metro Manila has been the center for most businesses ever since it has been made the
capital of the country. As time progresses, local and international corporations have built empires
in the capital and continued to progress along with the economic state of the country. A lot of
times, space in Manila had become scarce to the point that people are content in occupying a tiny
condominium space for a living. For people who earns more than the average employee, they
reside in villages or subdivisions that surround the city so that theyll be able to be comfortable in
their homes as well as be connected to the metropolis.

An example of a housing and commercial development is Forbes Park, or Forbes. Its a

private subdivision and a gated community located at Makati City. It is divided into Forbes Park
North and Forbes Park South by McKinley Road and is bounded by Epifanio de los Santos Avenue
to the northwest, Bonifacio Global City to the east, the Maricaban Creek to the south and southeast,
and Acacia Avenue/Dasmarinas Village to the west.

Forbes Park is credited to Alfonso Zobel de Ayala and Joseph R. McMicking. They
provided the vision and energy behind the phenomenal growth and development of Makati. The
destruction of southern Manila during the liberation by Allied Forces in 1915 created opportunities
for developers who had land available for new housing. The original Hacienda de Makati of the
Ayalas had been reduced in size by the pre-war parceling of the Singalong-San Andres
subdivisions, the donation of South Cemetery, and sale of lots around the old poblacion in Makati.

This is where Colonel McMicking's vision came in a modern multi-zone sub city to be built
in steps over 25 years, each zone complementing and enhancing the value of the others. The skyline
that sprang from Makati and near ordering of shopping centers and residential villages within its
periphery became a revelation to everyone. It was a master stroke for McMicking and his fellow
planners to first put up that part of the Hacienda that was distant and farthermost from the center
of Manila. Forbes Park, as this segment was to be known established New Makati's first-class
character.

Colonel McMicking was inspired by the decorous Spanish Mission-style homes around
Palo-Alto, south of San Francisco. In 1948, Forbes Park was about as far from Manila as anyone
cared to live. Ayala persuaded the Manila Polo Club then in Pasay City, to sell its land and move
to Makati. The Manila Golf Club agreed to move to Forbes Park for its old Caloocan site was no
closer to Manila than Makati. The funders felt it appropriate that the first Makati village be named
after W. Cameron Forbes, the American Governor-General who helped bring polo to the
Philippines.

As the physical contours of the subdivision took shape, the first sale of Forbes lot (no. 2
Caimito Place) took place in January 1949. The buyer was John L. Manning and inscribed in his
title (as in all Forbes land titles) deed restrictions binding for 30 years from January 1, 1949. With
proximity to Makati's growing business district, shops and cinema as magnet, the other Ayala
residential villages opened to strong demand - San Lorenzo (1952), Bel-Air (1954), Urdaneta
(1957) Magallanes and Dasmarias (1962).

The Forbes Park developers also pioneered the building of supermarkets, drugstores, and
other related amenities within their enclaves. They also started the trend of forming homeowners
associations to see to the needs of the "villages." Residents must abide by certain restrictions set
by the developers and the association. A few of the restrictions are as follows: fencing and gates
have maximum height and the house could not cover the entire lot to allow for generous
landscaping; the designs for their homes must be screened by a building committee and the houses
must have a minimum cost, again to ensure the quality of the architecture.
Forbes Park Amenities

Forbes Park Pavilion.

The pavilion is made of glass all around and exclusive for the use of the residents. Non-residents
may reserve the place only if they can secure an authorization from a resident. Its located inside
the gated community and usually used for special functions and events, or simply a place where
the residents can meet and relax.

Forbes Park Playground.

Several subdivisions like Forbes Park have incorporated areas for residents kids to play in. Forbes
Parks playground have slides, swings, climbing equipment, and a sandbox for the kids to enjoy.
Its located in the park, surrounded with lavish landscapes and greeneries so that the families can
enjoy their time in the park while watching the kids play at the playground.

Manila Polo Club.

Forbes Park is home to the Manila Polo Club. The organization offers the residents and members
a venue for their love of polo, equestrian and various other sports. Its sports facilities cater to polo,
equestrian, soccer, badminton, tennis, squash, bowling, golf, archery, swimming, softball, and
fitness. Other facilities include bars, restaurants, function rooms, guesthouse, and concession shops
and services.
Manila Golf & Country Club.

Forbes Park is also home to the Manila Golf and Country Club. Its located at Harvard Road,
Forbes Park, Makati City. It has a rolling terrain and well bunkered fairway landing areas. Green
contours surround the area, making the game of golf much of a challenge for its players. Its
facilities have a driving range, a practice putting green, and tee houses on the fairways. The
clubhouse has a restaurant, a bar, lockers for male and female, as well as shower rooms. It also has
function rooms for events.
Santuario De San Antonio Parish.

Located along McKinley Road in Forbes Park stood Santuario De San Antonio Parish, a favorite
location for weddings because of its posh and affluent nature. What the parish today is strong,
vibrant, and dynamic. It can be traced to the combined efforts of all the priests and parishioners
who have put all their time and efforts to ensure that the Santuario de San Antonio Parish becomes
a model parish that effectively and efficiently serves its community for the greater glory of God.

San Antonio Plaza.

Forbes Park houses a commercial establishment in the middle of North and South Forbes Park.
The San Antonio Plaza is home to several restaurants and other commercial establishments that
adds ease and entertainment to the developments residents. Examples of its establishments are
Maple, Pastelleria La Nuova, Purple Oven, Isogi by Kai, Kashmir, Starbucks, Gourmet Corner,
and Pimbrera ng Barasoain.
Forbes Park Sample Housing

Forbes Park had been groomed to be an exclusive subdivision by Ayala and McMiking.
With that, they didnt box in a specific design for each property in the development. They only
had restrictions on the allotted space for the structure or house, and if the design would fit the
elegant standing of the subdivision. Here are some examples of the properties located inside Forbes
Park, Makati.

PS6451.

Pool Lot Area: 2,636 sqm.

Floor Area: 1,500 sqm.

Price: 800 million

Facilities: 5 bedrooms. 4 toilet and

bath, 6 car garage, and pool.
Mahogany Place 3

Lot Area: 2,700 sqm.

Price: 350 million

Facilities: 5 bedrooms, 4 toilet and

bath, swimming pool, fountain,
landscaped lawn, 1 den.

Peach House.

Lot Area: 2,244 sqm.

Floor Area: 1000 sqm.

Price: 500 million

Facilities: 5 bedrooms, 7 toilet and

bath, terraza, family room, drivers
quarters, maids room, mini theater,
swimming pool, garden with fruits

Corner Palace.

Lot Area: 2,240 sqm.

Floor Area: 551 sqm.

Price: 55 million

Facilities: 4 levels with elevator, 5

bedrooms, 6 toilet and bath, 3 lanai, 3
small balconies, maids room and
drivers quarters, genset room

RS1923482.

Lot Area: 2,430 sqm.

Floor Area: 607 sqm.

Price: 75 million

Facilities: 6 bedrooms, 5 toilet and

bath, garage, landscaped lawn, maids
room and drivers quarters.
Forbes Park (SWOT Analysis)

Strengths.