Something big has happened since the withdrawal of the US Forces in Subic Bay, said Olongapo City Mayor James Gordon Jr. Ayala Land has anchored at the heart of this Freeport Zone.

Aptly named Harbor Point, the latest of the Ayala malls is comfortably nestled in a sprawling 6.5-hectare development that will feature a manmade riverbank and a jogging path replete with fitness equipment, akin to LA’s Muscle Beach. This is in line with the mall’s “active lifestyle” theme that also includes indoor futsal, yoga and martial arts.

Harbor Point’s casual, resort-oriented ambience blends seamlessly with the city’s fun, nature, sports and beach milieu. Carrying a tagline “Where Everyday’s A Holiday,” it has over 300 local and foreign merchants, a game zone, and dining and entertainment areas.

PBA PLAYERS with (left) Ayala Land Inc. vice president Javi Hernandez

“Harbor Point is complementary to what they already have,” said Ayala Land president Tony Aquino. Aquino also said Harbor Point supports and promotes sustainability on all levels, and partners with the government in turning its techno hub vision into a reality.

FERTUNA Holdings vice president Leonardo Dayao; Ayala Land Inc. president Tony Aquino; SBMA chair Bobby Garcia; Ayala Corp. chair Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala; Olongapo City Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr.; and Ayala Land Inc. executive vice president and group head Bobby Dy

The mall is designed to be energy-efficient. There is a natural breezeway to keep the area cool, and natural light to illuminate the entire activity center. Customers are encouraged to bring their own eco-bags, and come June, a no-plastic policy will be implemented.

Tax-free goodies

While Subic may have long been the shopping destination for many Manila residents for its tax-free goodies, Harbor Point will hold the distinction as the city’s first dining and entertainment venue.

JAIME Augusto Zobel de Ayala, chair and CEO Ayala Corp.; Mayor James “Bong” Gordon and wife Anne Marie Gordon during the opening of Harbor Point Mall

The promenade is lined with a wide selection of restaurants, said Rowena Tomeldan, Ayala Land VP and head of operations, commercial business group. A mere stone’s throw away are shopping and entertainment zones, equipped with four state-of-the-art cinemas, plus a 5,000-sq-m Puregold supermarket.

Harbor Point Mall in Subic, Zambales. PHOTOS BY ARNOLD ALMACEN

According to Ayala Land vice president Javi Hernandez, some merchants will also retail products lesser than their branches outside SBMA. Office and residential buildings will also be constructed around the area.

The P2.5-billion Ayala development marks Ayala Land’s venture toward expanding in Central Luzon. “We have identified the Pampanga-Bataan-Zambales corridor as the key growth area,” said Bernard Vincent Dy, Ayala Land executive vice president.

Harbor Point’s opening deepened further Ayala’s presence in the area, Dy continued. Other Ayala Land developments in the area include Anvaya Cove in Morong, Bataan, now an established residential and outdoor/nature destination.

There is a free shuttle service around Subic Bay on weekdays, and on weekends this extends toward their residential developments. At present, there is still no water transport.

“Subic is a haven for super yachts, a cruise-ship destination with vibrant tourism programs. Harbor Point will bring Subic to a new level,” said SBMA chair Bobby Garcia.