“Can you imagine Manila’s VIPs alighting here back in 1977?” That’s when Marbella 1 was inaugurated. It stood proud as the most elegant residential building along President Roxas Boulevard. It was formerly known as Dewey Boulevard.
Marbella 1 offered its occupants salutary benefits. The edifice faces Manila Bay. The sound of sea waves alters brain wave patterns. It lulls anyone into a deep relaxed state. Sea air is charged with healthy negative ions. These accelerate one’s ability to absorb oxygen. Negative ions balance levels of serotonin. Serotonin is a body chemical linked with mood and stress.
Now, about 500 residents call Marbella 1 home. Some employees call Marbella 1 their office. But still, Marbella 1 remains a second home to them.
The name Marbella brings us to the city of Marbella. It is within the province of Malaga in Spain. The city is situated on the southern coast of Spain. It is popularly known as the Costa del Sol region. Years ago Marbella was a world-renowned international tourist destination. It had popular beaches.
In 1954, the Marbella Club opened. It was an international resort aimed at movie stars. Business executives and the nobility frequented it. Members of European aristocratic families visited. Names like Bismarck and Rothschild were common. Marbella became a destination for international jet setters.
King Fahd of Saudi Arabia would frequently visit Marbella. His entourage would spend millions of Euros a day. James Bond actor Sean Connery was a resident. Antonio Banderas was a regular visitor. Dolph Lundgren still calls Marbella home. The city was called a pretty little town. It enjoyed a heyday of economic prosperity.
Marbella in Spain faced political intrigues. Dissension and corruption plagued the city. The prestige and glory of the city crashed. Political leaders exchanged criminal charges. They faced counter-charges of corruption. A succession of Marbella’s leaders were convicted. The city stood in near bankruptcy.
Marbella 1 in Pasay City shares a parallelism with Marbella in Spain. More than two years ago, Marbella 1 almost went bankrupt. It had only a few pesos in its coffers. Now, FMCAI has accumulated funds. It implemented the first major renovation of the Marbella 1 edifice. The current administration vowed to make the Marbella community elegant once more. Elegance is characterized by refined beauty.
During the term of the current governing board of FMCAI, the lobby was renovated. It went from a dark ambience to a bright one. The antiquated elevator units were replaced. New lifts were installed. A new generator set was procured. The halls were splashed with off-white paint. Illumination was replaced by LED lights.
Leandro Valencia Locsin designed this condominium building. He was a renowned national artist. Locsin was known for his use of concrete. He also used floating volume and simplistic design. Locsin was an avid collector. He was fond of modern painting and Chinese ceramics. Locsin was proclaimed a National Artist in 1990.
Locsin designed the Church of the Holy Sacrifice. It is the first round chapel in the Philippines. It has an altar in the middle. The church is recognized as a National Historical Landmark. It is a Cultural Treasure by the National Museum. Another prominent work is the Cultural Center of the Philippines. It opened in 1969.
Should you buy a condominium in Roxas Boulevard you can get more value from your investment. In Roxas Boulevard, Manila you’ll find mixed-use developments. These developments let you embrace convenient living. Essential establishments are easily accessible. These establishments may be co-working spaces or retail shops. They might even be dining places or fitness centers.
Marbella 1 stands as a testament to resilience. From its glamorous past to its present-day elegance, it embodies the spirit of Manila. It mirrors the story of its Spanish namesake. A story of transformation and enduring beauty.