(SPOT.ph) For the 10th edition of the Prix Versailles, a.k.a the prestigious World Architecture and Design Award of UNESCO, there is a familiar name in the list that stands out to Filipinos. To be more specific, in its 2024 “World’s Most Beautiful Emporiums” category. It is none other than the fairly new mall in Parañaque: Parqal. Yep, cue the “Uy, Pilipins!” meme here.

Here’s what we know about the Parqal Prix Versailles award:

Parqal is alongside Dior in Geneva, Switzerland; SKP in Chengdu, China; Nouvelles Galeries in Annecy, France; Sabyasachi in Mumbai, India; Bookshops at the Colosseum in Rome, Italy, and Boucheron Ginza in Tokyo, Japan—a total of seven newly opened or reopened emporiums.

According to the press release, the seven emporiums will be “competing for the 2024 World Titles: Prix Versailles, Interior and Exterior.” The laureates will be announced at the UNESCO Headquarters on December 2.

The mixed-use development in Parañaque boasts lined-up buildings—housing retail, wellness shops, restaurants, services, and even offices—connected by a 300-meter-long canopy. In the middle of the mall are open spaces like an amphitheater and a courtyard, with bouts of greens. Its architecture and design are courtesy of Aedas Architects and Visionarch.

Parqal has open spaces where they hold fitness classes and other events in.

The ampitheater.

Parqal opened around September of last year and is the flagship development of Aseana City.

“Emporiums are amongst the top identifiers and influencers of today’s changing societies. Because of their heightened sensitivity to visitor numbers, they are compelled to reinvent themselves in the most promising ways,” says Jérôme Gouadain, Secretary General of the Prix Versailles.

“This collection, this sample, of the world’s most beautiful emporiums, demonstrates the many paths that lead to business that is truly open to the aspirations, needs, well-being and environment of local inhabitants,” he added.

The Prix Versailles recognizes not only the “world’s most beautiful” emporiums but also airports, campuses, passenger stations, sports, museums, hotels, and restaurants. They highlight the “primary role of the Laureates in beautifying and improving the living environment.” ICYDK, the Clark International Airport was also included in last year’s “World’s Most Beautiful Airports.”

The next World Selections: Airports, Campuses, Passenger Stations, and Sports will be announced on September 30.

Parqal is located along President Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard., Barangay Tambo, Aseana City, Parañaque City.

Source: https://www.spot.ph/shopping/the-latest-shopping/110079/parqal-included-in-prix-versailles-world-s-most-beautiful-emporium-list-a5109-20240923?s=c145mb2leljrspnokb1k069r65

Parañaque City – Nearly a year after its grand opening, Parqal, the flagship development of Aseana City, proudly introduces the latest addition to its development: Bounce at Parqal, an outdoor sports complex designed to cater to sports enthusiasts of all levels. This new facility reinforces Parqal’s identity as Aseana City’s main street, where live, work, and play, come together.

Strategically located within Parqal’s expansive open spaces, Bounce at Parqal offers a wide range of sports amenities that complement the existing lifestyle features of the development. The complex boasts two multi-purpose courts, ideal for pickleball and volleyball, and a basketball court with dimensions matching FIBA standards. A standout
attraction is the full-sized 2,213 sqm football pitch, which accommodates both 9v9 and 5v5 matches. The football pitch is currently home to young athletes training under the Azkals
Development Academy, founded by former Bundesliga player Coach Stephan Schröck.

Aerial shot of Bounce at Parqal at night

Booking a game at Bounce at Parqal is also as easy as it is exciting. Reservations and payments can be made seamlessly through a dedicated online reservation portal (https://bounceatparqal.com/), making it convenient for players to organize matches and events.

Bounce at Parqal is a space that promotes a stronger sense of community in Aseana City through sports. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just looking for a fun way to stay active, Bounce at Parqal offers something for everyone.

Parañaque City, Philippines –  Far from the traditional enclosed office spaces of the past, D.M. Wenceslao’s latest mixed-use development, Parqal, introduces a vibrant work ecosystem designed to enhance productivity, foster community, and promote a healthy work-life balance within Aseana City’s workforce. At the core of Parqal’s philosophy is the concept of “third spaces”, coined by sociologist Ray Oldenberg in his book The Great Good Place (1989). Third spaces refer to locations for social interaction and public relaxation separate from home and office. While often subtle, third spaces have organically existed for centuries. Today, visionaries like D.M. Wenceslao prioritize creating spaces that go beyond mere functionality and provide resources and opportunities for people to connect.

One of the concepts of third spaces is the integration of indoor and outdoor areas where people can gather and make connections. Photos by Pollen Pixels captured during the RUN ASEANA community run at Parqal.

Parqal, dubbed as Aseana City’s main street, boasts a network of office spaces seamlessly integrated with retail and commercial services, along with amenities that support the community. The development comprises of nine four-story buildings with retail and commercial spaces occupying the first and second floors, and offices located on the third and fourth floors. From expansive outdoor spaces such as the courtyard and amphitheater to sports complexes, Parqal fosters a holistic approach to the well-being of office workers. Central to Parqal’s design is its focus on walkability and pedestrian mobility. To better serve the community, a “floating canopy” was built offering shade and protection from Manila’s unpredictable weather. Planning third spaces also involves evaluating how people can move within the area while being shielded from harsh weather conditions and noise pollution – challenges that Parqal has creatively addressed. The canopy serves as the flagship spine of Aseana City’s sidewalk master plan, covering about 5,000 sqm of the development’s linear greenway spine.

“With the increasing demand for office spaces in the Metro, Parqal aims to offer not just a place to work, but a chance to feel home away from home, said Buds Wenceslao, CEO of DMWAI. “Parqal is radically changing the work experience of the Philippine office population by providing them easy access to world-class public spaces and amenities that promote relaxation and social connections. At the end of the day, it’s really about building a happy community.”

Since opening its doors in September 2023, Parqal has quickly become a vibrant hub for a variety of exciting events. From hosting the Big Bad Wolf Booksale, Toycon Launch, Nikon Day 2024 to the upcoming Aurora MLBB event, this development promises much more in store. Parqal also proudly hosts the weekly community run of Aseana City, known as Run Aseana, in partnership with R.O.X (Recreational Outdoor Exchange) and Run With Pat.

Parqal not only redefines the workplace with its best-in-class public spaces and facilities but also serves as a benchmark of how collaborative and forward-thinking work environments should be.

Follow Parqal’s social media accounts to learn more about the development’s latest news and events.

Parañaque City, Philippines – Parqal, the latest and most dynamic addition to Aseana City’s landscape celebrates nearly six months of successful operation proving to be a thriving space where Aseana City’s residents and visitors alike come together. Since its grand opening in September 2023, Parqal has emerged as the go-to destination for community events, recreational activities, and exciting retail experiences. Parqal has served as the backdrop for a variety of festivities, including Aseana City’s Christmas lighting ceremony, weekend fitness activities, and Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day celebrations. Moreover, the iconic lighted canopy of Parqal continues to captivate visitors with its innovative designs tailored to each occasion, adding an extra layer of charm and excitement to every event.

Parqal’s canopy during Valentine’s Day as seen from MidPark Towers’ balcony.

As Parqal gears up for its next phase, exciting developments are on the horizon. Several esteemed brands are poised to join the Parqal family including The Aivee Clinic, Crocs, The Matcha Tokyo, Kazuwa, Umi Matsu, Agave Mexican Cantina, Gianetto Pizzeria, The Perfect Pint, MC Home Depot, Shoegame Manila, and 361, among others. Additionally, sports enthusiasts will soon have even more reason to rejoice with the upcoming launch of indoor sports centers such as Global City Boxing, Golf Avenue, and Metro Golf Zone, promising state-of-the-art facilities catering to both beginners and seasoned athletes. And for fitness buffs who prioritize morning workouts, Parqal will soon unveil its shower facilities, offering a convenient amenity for employees whose workplaces are in close proximity. Details will be announced on Parqal’s Facebook page.

But the expansion doesn’t stop there. Parqal will also have its own outdoor football pitch and basketball court. Whether it’s families seeking a fun day out, professional athletes looking to train, or individuals aiming to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle, Parqal’s outdoor sports offerings are set to become the premier sports destination in Aseana City. These amenities are designed to accommodate various activities and skill levels, ensuring that there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Weekend yoga session at Parqal Amphitheater

“We are thrilled with the overwhelming response we’ve received from the Aseana City community since the opening of Parqal. Our vision has always been to create a space where people can come together to celebrate and create lasting memories. We invite everyone to visit Aseana City and experience everything Parqal has to offer,” said Buds Wenceslao, CEO of D.M. Wenceslao and Associates, Inc.

For the latest updates on Parqal, follow their Facebook and Instagram pages @parqalaseana

ASEANA CITY, PARAÑAQUE CITY— Aseana City, the premier business and lifestyle district in the Manila Bay area, held its first Christmas Lighting Ceremony at Parqal on November 29, 2023. The grand celebration illuminated the entire Aseana City estate with charming Filipino-themed Christmas decorations, ushering in the season of joy and camaraderie.

As the sun sets on Aseana City, the Christmas Lighting Ceremony unfolded with a serenade from the students and teachers at Nord Anglia International School, one of Aseana City’s esteemed international schools. These budding talents symbolized the hope and promise inherent in the dawning of a brighter tomorrow. The enchanting melodies were not confined to the students alone; the event was further elevated by the captivating voices of Himig Rizalia, an esteemed chorale group hailing from the Rizal Technological University.

The unveiling of the estate’s Christmas lights began with the ceremonial lighting of the majestic Christmas tree, a towering centerpiece installed at the Parqal Amphitheater. The entire city was bathed in the welcoming glow of vibrant lights, creating a magical atmosphere that enveloped both residents and visitors in the spirit of the season. Enhancing the festive ambiance is the breathtaking light show of the Parqal Canopy, painting the night sky with a symphony of music and colors.

“We are thrilled to inaugurate Aseana City’s first Christmas Lighting Ceremony, a magical event that brings our community together in the spirit of joy and camaraderie. This marks the beginning of a new tradition, and we invite everyone to visit Aseana City and join us in creating lasting memories and embracing the festive spirit that defines this special season”, said Buds Wenceslao, CEO and President of D.M. Wenceslao and Associates, Inc.

D.M. Wenceslao welcomes everyone to embrace the holiday season at Aseana City and revel in the delightful Christmas decorations adorning its estate. Experience the nighttime spectacle of the Parqal Canopy light show from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM.