I recently had the pleasure of immersing myself in the captivating tour of The Upper East House, a testament to the seamless blend of Negrense heritage and modernity in Bacolod City. Developed by the property giant Megaworld Corporation, this iconic three-story township information center The Upper East House pays homage to the illustrious icon that once graced the Bacolod-Murcia Milling Company (BMMC) complex. I recall from my childhood we called it the Guest House. It was a privilege to be among the first to step into this architectural gem, nestled within the thriving 34-hectare Upper East community.
The Upper East House: An architectural masterpiece
Nestled amidst the meticulously curated park adjacent to McDonald’s Upper East, along the prestigious eight-lane Upper East Avenue, The Upper East House beckons visitors with its grandeur. Adorned in a resplendent white hue, its exteriors exude sophistication and charm. As I approached, the spacious veranda and outdoor lounge, accompanied by a cascading water feature, created an irresistible invitation.
The Upper East House unveiled its magnificence as I stepped onto the upper ground floor. Leading the tour of this iconic structure were Harold Geronimo, Megaworld Vice President for Public Relations and Media Affairs, Architect Hazel Ortañez, Head for Special Projects – Interior Design, and Ms. Jogie Viceo, Township Director, Megaworld Visayas.
A tour of the Elegance of The Upper East House
Welcomed by an elegant reception area, inviting lounge, and an area that would serve as a gallery showcasing the rich history of the BMMC, I was transported to a bygone era. Our grandfather worked at BMMC before and they even had a house inside the complex. My father eventually worked there, too, so we would always visit BMMC as we also lived nearby.
The structure is also friendly to different kinds of visitors. To ensure convenience, an elevator was available to access the lower and upper floors and an outdoor lift at the back to take visitors from the ground to the balcony. At the rear of the ground floor, two commercial spaces with a veranda added to the delightful experience.
Descending to the lower ground floor, we were ushered to another lounge, negotiation rooms, meeting rooms, and a bar where modern touches seamlessly blended with heritage-inspired elements. The ambiance was truly harmonious. The integration of essential facilities such as toilets, a security room, and a broker’s office showcased thoughtful planning. Ascending to the second floor revealed the marketing offices, pantry, and training rooms, providing a comprehensive experience within The Upper East House.
Stepping into the interiors of The Upper East House, I was immediately greeted by a warm color palette, featuring rich browns, whites, and beiges, evoking a vintage elegance. The walls adorned with decorative wooden panels, the graceful calados and cartouches hanging from the ceiling, all contributed to an airflow that circulated seamlessly through the rooms. The reception walls and partitions showcased the intricate solihiya (woven rattan strands), evoking a nostalgic charm. The retro allure radiated from the meticulously patterned wooden planks, tiles, and stones that adorned the entire space.
As I explored further, I admired the furniture within The Upper East House, paying homage to the charm of yesteryears with its chairs and tables reminiscent of a bygone era. The skilled incorporation of solihiya into the design ensured proper airflow and added to the authenticity of the experience. The varying wood stain colors, ranging from light to dark tones, were reminiscent of antique furniture pieces. An exquisite modern interpretation of the original dining chandelier graced the space, while jars symbolizing traditional banga or tapayan, once used for water and food storage, were proudly displayed atop wooden pedestals.
A Legacy of Accolades and Future Aspirations
Adjacent to the renowned BMMC train, now transformed into the “World’s First-Ever McDonald’s Dessert Station on a Train,” The Upper East House stands as a testament to the remarkable development at The Upper East. The visionary community was honored with the prestigious “Real Estate Project of the Year in the Philippines” at the esteemed World Business Outlook Awards 2023. Furthermore, it received a Gold Award for its master plan at the 2022 Property and Real Estate Excellence Awards by FIABCI Philippines.
As Bacolod City’s new central business district, The Upper East continues to flourish, and The Upper East House stands as a gateway to the township’s rich heritage. Its timeless architecture and captivating ambiance invite visitors to immerse themselves in Negrense history while embracing the modernity of the vibrant community. Stay tuned for the exciting developments that await this remarkable Bacolod township, including residential condominiums, a Landers Superstore, office towers, a hotel, and a lifestyle mall, all designed to enhance the live-work-play experience.
