Green retreats at the City of Firsts

Araneta City’s green spaces allow for relaxation and respite amid today’s fast-paced life

Living in the metro offers countless opportunities for professional growth and recreational activities, making it easier to balance all aspects of modern living. However, city living in the city can also be stressful and tiring. Pollution, traffic, and the hustle and bustle of city life can sometimes affect our emotional, physical, and mental well-being. 

This is why accessible green spaces are crucial within the metro. They offer vital respites from the relentless pace of city life—sanctuaries where residents can reconnect with nature and appreciate the natural beauty that often gets overshadowed by urban spaces.

Recognizing the value of green spaces, Araneta City has made it a priority to create pockets of greenery within the concrete jungle. Throughout the years, the City of Firsts has integrated into its continuous property development places for relaxation and solitude. 

“We at the City of Firsts put emphasis on the significance of green spaces within urban environments," Juliana Castro, Araneta City management consultant, said. "These areas are vital in providing customers with a sense of relaxation and tranquility amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Araneta City remains dedicated to ensuring that green spaces are easily accessible to all visitors, offering a sanctuary for them to unwind and rejuvenate."

Gateway Mall 1

Situated right at the heart of Gateway Mall 1 is The Oasis, the metro's first and only air-conditioned open-air floating garden dedicated to providing a unique al fresco dining experience. It is a one–of–a–kind interior green pocket that opens up to the sky, and is a perfect option for a romantic dinner. Beyond its cozy ambiance, The Oasis is home to rare and majestic King Ferns, a large species typically found in the rainforests of Southeast Asia and Oceania.

Just a few escalator rides away from The Oasis is the Topiary Garden, a relaxing spot at the very top of Gateway Mall. It boasts a wide selection of plants and has provisions for sitting that allow you to temporarily disconnect from all the hubbub of the outside world. 

Gateway Mall 2

Araneta City's newest mall takes the concept of relaxation a step further with its meticulously designed Sensory Garden. Situated outside the Sagrada Familia Church and tucked away from the bustling shopping floors, this green sanctuary invites visitors to escape the urban jungle and immerse themselves in nature's embrace. It is a delight for all the senses – with the gentle rustling of leaves, the scent of blooming flowers, and the soothing sound of trickling water create a calming ambiance. 

Inside the New Gateway Mall 2 is The Lagoon, a tranquil escape accentuated by green on every side. A marvelous man-made water feature, it differentiates the mall by providing a place of serenity and relaxation. Surrounding the Lagoon is the Restaurant Collection, a curated culinary hub hosting some of the city's most sought-after dining establishments.

Other green spaces

Greeting customers entering Araneta City from EDSA is the Farmers Garden, a beautiful expanse of various plants and flowers on sale. This green flowery lane is ready to welcome plant lovers to explore, discover, and buy plants and gardening supplies so that they can create their very own green paradise in the comfort of their home. 

Part of Araneta City’s Redevelopment Master Plan is the development of a Civic Plaza, which set to redefine urban living by 2030. Envisioned as the beating heart of this bustling city, the Plaza will span over 2 hectares of green oasis with luxury residential towers, a four-star hotel, and premium-grade offices. It will offer a breath of fresh air as it serves as the “green lung” of Araneta City. 

Araneta City envisions these thoughtfully curated green spaces to be a tranquil retreat from the city’s relentless pace, fostering not just a sense of community and well-being, but also promoting long-term sustainability at the very heart of Metro Manila.

“We offer these green spaces in recognition of the need to provide places to relax, find peace, and discover stillness in a modern urban setting. Green spaces not only create a positive impact on the environment, but also have a beneficial effect on our overall mental wellness and promote social interaction. Our commitment to introducing innovative green spaces in Araneta City remains unwavering as we strive to enhance the quality of life in our community,” Castro said.