OLD STA. MESA, MANILA – a rich and colorful history is plotted for the Old Sta. Mesa, Manila. What was once a sleepy town filled with simple activities has bloomed into one of the busiest and most strategic addresses in the metro. But how does Sta. Mesa fare in terms of a skyline renaissance among other developing, neighboring cities? With the rise of a new London-inspired residential community named the Covent Garden, Sta. Mesa may be well on its way to a well-deserved upgrade.

Back into the 1950s, Sta. Mesa was perhaps one of the most happening vicinities in the Metro. The area was hailed as the home of the old-rich Spanish-Filipinos who flocked in for community activities like horse racing at the popular Hippodrome; or shopping at the Sta. Mesa Market (now SM Sta. Mesa). These families once built summer houses that produced a vibe of a cool and relaxing community. Economy was great especially with the market stalls that opened a huge business for trade; and a domination of ilang-ilang trees, which also made way to an industry of quality perfumes.

Life then was simple, entertaining and growing. Walking through the streets of the area, one would notice the wide and open architecture of the old houses that lined its vicinity. The first talks to revamp Sta. Mesa was made years ago with a plan to build the very first skyscraper — an office space right at the end of the Sta. Mesa Market. However, for some reason, it never pushed through.

Today, Sta. Mesa is filled with sure signs of ascent with residential households, schools and markets actively promoting community growth. However, its skyline reveals that the area could do more in revamping its infrastructure such as hosting themed residential communities like its neighboring cities, Makati and Quezon City.

Just recently, real estate developer Empire East entered with a master plan of building its newest residential development, Covent Garden, right smack the corner of Santol Extension and Magsaysay Ave, Sta. Mesa Manila. Its name is reminiscent of the international charm Covent Garden in London, which is a popular destination for tourists who enjoy shopping, dining, bar-hopping and learning history, culture and art. Metro Manila’s Covent Garden however, is dubbed as one’s sanctuary within the busy streets of Manila. It consists of two strikingly beautiful high-rise developments that are conveniently close to schools and transportation hubs such as V. Mapa station of the LRT 2 and Sta. Mesa station of the PNR.

The towers are made with earth tone hues that complement its plan of offering a serene sanctuary that people can happily come home to after a busy day or week. Its relaxing amenities like a lap pool, a kiddie pool, outdoor bar and lounge, a playground, a jogging trail and a fitness gym are what makes this home unique and convenient to Sta. Mesa residents.

The rise of Covent Garden definitely signals the renaissance of the area’s skyline and landscape. It has made a huge part into Sta. Mesa’s colorful history of development and has marked indeed the transformation of the city into one of the most sought after tourist and residential choices in Metro Manila. For more information on the Covent Garden, call 02-8103333 or 0917-8-EMPIRE (367473). You may also email [email protected]. Follow us and join the discussion at facebook.com/empireeastofficial, instagram.com/lifeisatempireeast, twitter.com/empireeast. ADVT