Philippines: New hub rising in Manila, 'bigger than Makati, BGC' combined, know the tycoon behind it

Manila: A new mega-township, dubbed as "bigger than Makati and BGC combined" is rising south of here.

BGC is short for Bonifacio Global City, formerly Fort McKinley (a US military camp) converted to the Philippine Army camp known as Fort Bonifacio. 

Now, a new township known as "Villar City" promises to be the new centre of commerce and innovation.

The location: a sprawling 35-km² district that straddles the cities of Muntinlupa (Alabang), Bacoor (Cavite) and Las Pinas (Metro Manila).

The new township, Developed by Golden MV Holdings, actually connects 15 towns and cities through various access points and toll roads.

It won't be just a concrete jungle: it boasts 10 million trees on its green corridors and "pocket parks" that promote wellness and relaxation. It has not one, but two 18-hole golf courses, doubling as lush breathing spaces.

It's a total makeover.

One part of the development was once known as "Paliparan", notorious as an ertwhile dumping grown for "salvage" (summary execution) victims.

How times have changed.

Under the new brand marked by green spaces and a holistic, modern life, the enclave already has high-end residential blocks and shopping strips. It also has a campus earmarked for the country's premier institution of higher education, the University of the Philippines.

Villar City is one of the most ambitious projects today of Filipino business tycoon Manny Villar Jr, currently the richest Filipino with an estimated net worth of $18.37 billion.

The development south of Metro Manila spans approximately 3,500 hectares (35 km2) — bigger than Makati’s 21.67 km², and BGC’s 2.4 km².

Envisioned as a modern metropolis, Villar City aims to integrate residential, commercial, and recreational spaces, promoting sustainable living and economic growth. The development includes:

Banyan Tree Estates: A luxury residential enclave featuring world-class amenities and green spaces.

Villar Avenue: A major thoroughfare designed to improve connectivity within the city and to neighboring areas.

Banyan Tree Cyberpark: A business district equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to attract local and international companies.

The project's phased development has already seen the inauguration of key infrastructure projects, with ongoing construction of residential and commercial establishments.

Villar City is poised to become a significant economic hub, reflecting Villar's commitment to nation-building and urban innovation. 

Manuel "Manny" Villar, the tycoon behind this new township, is Philippines' wealthiest man, with an estimated net worth of $18.37 billion (as of February 2025, as per Forbes).

His journey from humble beginnings to becoming a business magnate is both inspiring and emblematic of resilience and vision.

Humble beginnings

Born on December 13, 1949, in Moriones, Tondo, Manila, Manny Villar was the second of nine children. His father, Manuel Montalban Villar Sr., was a government employee from Iloilo, while his mother, Curita Bamba, hailed from Pampanga and Bataan and worked as a seafood dealer.

From a young age, Villar assisted his mother in selling shrimp and fish in Manila's Divisoria Market, an experience that instilled in him a strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit.

Villar pursued higher education at the University of the Philippines Diliman, earning a degree in Business Administration and later a Master's in Business Administration.

He briefly worked as an accountant before venturing into business. Identifying a gap in the market, he started a gravel and sand business, supplying materials to construction companies.

This endeavour marked the beginning of his foray into the construction and real estate industry.

In 1975, Villar founded Camella Homes, focusing on affordable housing for middle-class Filipinos.

The company's success led to the establishment of Vista Land & Lifescapes, Inc., which became the country's largest homebuilder, offering various housing brands catering to different market segments.

Villar's companies have since developed numerous residential communities, shopping malls, and commercial spaces across the Philippines.

Beyond his business and political endeavours, Villar is known for his philanthropic efforts.

Through the Villar Social Institute for Poverty Alleviation and Governance (Villar SIPAG), he has initiated programmes focusing on education, environmental conservation, and livelihood opportunities for marginalized communities.

Villar's journey from a fish-monger, assisting his mother in the markets of Tondo, to leading vast business enterprises and envisioning urban landscapes like Villar City is a testament to his resilience, vision, and unwavering commitment to development.

His story continues to inspire many, highlighting the profound impact of hard work, innovation, and dedication to community welfare.

And his visionary approach ensures that Villar City isn’t just another development — it’s the future of urban living that will redefine the Philippine capital.

Area: 3,500 hectares

Developer: Golden MV Holdings

Uses: Master-planned development blending business, lifestyle, and nature.

Location: South of Manila, connecting 15 towns and cities

Facilities: 2 golf courses (both 18 holes), green spaces, green corridors and "pocket parks", jogging trails, fitness centres

Green credentials: 10 million trees

Retail and facilities: 100 cafes, interconnected, educational institutions, and cultural centers, access roads