Rockwell is a lifestyle community the Philippines never saw coming. Self-contained, yet welcoming and complete. Urbane and rather courteous (i.e. enforcing traffic rules), yet cool and hip. Calm and well-ordered, yet vibrant. Exclusive and classy, yet accessible and relatable. Indeed, a home.
Thirty years ago, high-rises began mushrooming in Metro Manila, self-contained islands shooting upward meant for burn-out urbanites to come home to and just sleep in. Very isolating, very alienating. It was a sign of the Filipino’s upward mobility, yes, but also of an urbanite’s growing isolation amid congestion.
Then 30 years ago began the development of a 15.5 hectare sprawl along the Pasig River on one side, and a high-traffic Edsa on the other. It would be the first mixed-use development in that vicinity—to contain condominium residences, offices, commercial establishments such as banks, a mall, restaurants and other F/B outlets, convenience stores, sports club, treatment and medical centers. In short, one could live, work, work out, socialize and chill, and heal right there and then. A community of 21st century urban Philippines.
And people, particularly of the affluent and demanding sector, immediately began to invest in the development—buying on the strength of their faith in the family behind it, the pioneering clan in Philippine business and industry, the Lopezes.
Today Rockwell is a brand that is a symbol of progressive Filipino living. The game changer. A community bound by its distinct interests—shopping, dining, playing, workout, chilling, working, even healing. It has developed a community based on people’s needs, wants and passions.
Rockwell is celebrating its 30th anniversary as the Philippines’ beacon of 21st century living.
Here are the 30 Best Rockwell Moments:
The infrastructure and the man (1911-1954)
In post-war Philippines, the Manila Electric Railroad and Light Company (Meralco) built a power station on a 15.5 hectare land along the Pasig River to supply electricity to war-devastated Manila. It was named after James Rockwell, the company’s former president who settled in Manila in 1911 and became the president of Meralco.
James Rockwell marker
In the 1950s, Eugenio Lopez, Sr., bought the Meralco, including the Rockwell Power Station along the Pasig River.
Rockwell Thermal Plant of postwar Philippines
Rockwell Thermal Plant’ ready to be redefined in late 20th century Philippines
1. Rockwell redefined (1995-1999)
Rockwell Land Corporation is established, redefining the mothballed power plant into a prime residential and commercial development.
In a crucial press conference, then the Lopez patriarch Eugenio “Geny” Lopez, Jr. is asked for guarantee that the site of the old power plant would be safe to live in. His candid reply: “I and my family will live there.” No stronger power to convince was needed. Upon Geny’s death, guided by the vision of his eldest brother, Manuel “Manolo” Lopez becomes chairman of Rockwell.
The Lopezes hire an Indonesia-based estate developer, Nestor “Tong” Padilla, to make the dream and promise of a progressive and vibrant inner-city living come true. Rockwell pioneers in mixed-use property development.
The mock-up of soon-to-rise community presented at Rockwell cocktails, an invitation coveted by interested home buyers
At the launch of Lifestyles Rockwell in the late ’90s, the Lopez family led by Geny Lopez (second from right), Presy Lopez Psinakis (far left), Maritess Lopez, with then Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay
Rockwell chairman, Ambassador Manolo Lopez (center), at cocktails with guests
2. You build it. They will come.
In 1996, the Rockwell mixed-use development is launched in a series of by-invitation cocktail parties hosted by the Lopez family for longtime friends, as well as the country’s movers of business and industry and lifestyle. An invitation to one is highly coveted.
The Rockwell cocktail series becomes early proof that discriminating people invest not only in property development, but also in a community. They want to be with their neighbors of preference.
Oscar Lopez (right) laying the cornerstone of Ateneo Professional Schools
3. The first
The Ateneo Professional Schools, the first structure at Rockwell Center, breaks ground.
The Philippine flag, on the Rizal Tower under construction, a clear symbol of the celebration of the Philippine Centennial
4. The Philippine Centennial
In June 1998, Rockwell is one with the country in celebrating the Philippine Centennial, a giant flag on the Rizal Tower (still under construction) a visual proof of its commitment to the country’s past and future.
Rockwell west block composed of Hidalgo, Rizal, Amorsolo buildings, all named after Filipino masters
5. In honor of Filipino artists
The West Block Residential Towers are completed: the Rizal Tower, Luna Gardens, Amorsolo Square, and Hidalgo Place, all named after Filipino masters whose works comprise an anchor for the Lopez Museum collection. This must be among the early instances of a property developer, in its infrastructure, paying homage to Filipino heroes and icons of Philippine culture and history.
Rockwell Club with its scenic pool (Photo courtesy of the brand)
6. Healthy mind, healthy body
The Rockwell Leisure Club opens at Rockwell West Block community, now a destination for recreation and sports. It will have a tennis community that will be among the most active in the city.
The Rockwell flyover on Edsa under construction
7. Crucial flyover
The Rockwell flyover connecting Edsa and Estrella St. is completed, giving north-bound vehicles quick access to the Rockwell community. Photo
Rockwell Power Plant mall
Rockwell Power Plant mall ribbon cutting by, from left, Connie Lopez, Oscar Lopez, Nancy Padilla and Presy Psinakis
8. Power Plant, the mall
Rockwell builds The Power Plant Mall on the site of the demolished station, influenced by a shopping mall in Baltimore built from an abandoned power plant.
9. Weathering the crisis
Needing sales amid the financial crisis in the ‘90s, Nestor Padilla leads a team on a US sales blitz targeting US-based Filipinos. Rockwell becomes the country’s first property developer to mine the huge Filipino immigrant population abroad.
Lopez Drive turns into al fresco dining destination.
10. Dine and just chill
Al fresco dining along Lopez Drive opens at Power Plant Mall, giving residents and other city rat racers a place to dine, chill and unwind in after a hard day, or to meet up during the day. It will become an F&B destination.
Rockwell cinema enhances community living.
11. Cocooning with popcorn
The Power Plant Cinema becomes a comfort zone not only for movie lovers, but also for people who want to cocoon before the wide screen—with a bag of popcorn. The Cinema will soon have its own regular senior denizens who meet up almost every week.
The rise of Rockwell Manansala signals the turnaround.
12. Turnaround
In 2002, the US roadshow pre-selling the new Manansala Tower is a huge success. It signals the turnaround for the company finances, the start of undeterred growth.
The Rockwell that defines the Metro Manila skyline at sundown
13. The lit horizon—you’re home
The Metro Manila skyline gains what will become its iconic image—Rockwell buildings outlined in sharp, thin lights, initially meant to convey the brightness of Philippine Christmas but eventually, they will stay permanently to define the metro’s vast horizon, and intimately to assure the motorists that they’re nearing their destination. Getting closer to home.
14. Golf carts—ease and service
If there is proof that Rockwell prioritizes the convenience of its residents and visitors, it is the special golf carts that bring people from the residences to the mall and other destinations at Rockwell—a city within the city, a communal experience.
15. Prepared for the storm
In 2006, Typhoon Milenyo puts to the test Rockwell Center’s emergency systems and resources. Working round the clock, its team of technicians and emergency crews keep the lights on and the roads safe within Rockwell.
The old Sacred Heart Chapel
16. Keeping the faith
In June 2006, the Sacred Heart Chapel opens as an extension of Saint Peter and Paul Parish in Makati. In 2014, an even bigger chapel is built in the mall’s new wing. It completes the community bound not only by lifestyle but also by religious faith.
An artist’s rendition of Power Plant mall is now a vibrant reality.
17. Fashion-forward
2007-2011. The Power Plant proves that it is not restricted to a retail mall formula. In an innovative move, It is among the first to showcase the merchandise of Filipino artisans and design creatives, antedating the trend that will sweep Filipino design retail a decade or so later.
The Rockwell team celebrates the addition to the game-changing brand.
18. The Grove
The Grove by Rockwell opens in Pasig, the company’s first residential development outside of the flagship Makati community.
Chairman Manolo Lopez (center) and president Nestor Padilla (far left) at the concrete-pouring rites of Rockwell Business Center Tower
19. Business Center
The Rockwell Business Center is launched in Ortigas Avenue, Pasig City, consisting of top-tier office towers, the first business center developed by Rockwell outside of the original Makati community.
20. Rockwell rocks
Rockwell Land Corporation debuts at Philippine Stock Exchange, with employees doing a flash mob dance.
Rockwell has become a Christmas destination.
21. Christmas is Rockwell
Christmas trees as high as 25 to 50 feet become the towering introduction to the Christmas season. The Power Plant Mall, with its now iconic red poinsettias and giant Christmas trees, is the holiday season destination for more and more mallers, including balikbayans, who want to feel the joy and warmth of a Filipino Christmas.
Rockwell Proscenium
22. The Proscenium
Redefining yet again the Metro Manila skyline, the Proscenium at Rockwell is born, on a 3.6 hectare land, with five luxury residential towers with distinct palisades. An architect of international renown, Carlos Ott, designs the cluster of towers with high-end amenities, retail rows, and a performing arts theater with state-of-the-art facilities.
Rockwell Primaries
23. New market
Rockwell addresses a new market category, as it launches Rockwell Primaries to provide affordable premium homes. Its first project is 53 Benitez in New Manila, Quezon City.
Aruga marks Rockwell’s entry into the hospitality industry.
The homey Aruga
24. Aruga
Rockwell enters the hotel and leisure industry with its first project, Aruga by Rockwell. Los Angeles-based architect and interior designer Guillermo “Butch” Valdez flies to Mexico looking for design inspiration for the hotel lobby and halls of Aruga by Rockwell.
Rockwell Stonewell
25. Affordable housing
Rockwell launches Stonewell Homes in Sto. Tomas, Batangas, its first affordable housing project meant to help address the growing housing demand in the country.
Oscar Lopez and Nestor Padilla at 8 Rockwell construction
26. 8 Rockwell
2016, 8 Rockwell Tower, a 19-story world-class office building with a LEED gold certification, opens at Rockwell Center. The office setting is enhanced with ground-floor retail space for specialty fashion-forward brands.
Artefino as movement based at Rockwell: from left, Mel Francisco, Cedie Vargas, Mita Rufino, Anna Lagon, Patty Eustaquio, Maritess Pineda, Susan Quiros
27. Artefino
Artefino, the movement to promote and develop Filipino artisanship and craftsmanship, succeeds in building a market for it. And Rockwell becomes its home, the destination for purposeful shopping every year.
28. Baker’s Dozen started it all
Established in 2006, this weekend baker’s merchant fair starts a home-grown industry, unintentionally perhaps, for the many home bakers and dessert makers in the country. Bucky’s, Costa Brava, Cru Kitchen, Iya’s Pastillas, Joyce’s Homemade Food, Kitchen Ala Ching—are only among the few that have become food brands.
Rockwell Proscenium Retail Row
29. Proscenium Retail Row
The Proscenium Retail Row, a hop away from the Power Plant, is gaining denizens day and night, with its diverse mix of food, beverage, and retail outlets.
Rockwell Nara
Rockwell Nara
30. The Pavilions at Nara
Out-of-the-box approach to retail produces The Pavilions at Nara, where pavilions showcase the fare in a unique open layout. This setting invites a communal exploration of such offerings as tsukemen, curry dishes, artisanal bread.
