MEXICO, Pampanga, Philippines — A Filipino architect who hails from this town took center stage in a recent global meeting of more than 500 international real estate and land development visionaries in Los Angeles, California, USA, showing how great urban development ideas can become reality even in remote areas in the Philippines.

Architect Nestor S. Mangio, former Cabinet secretary and head of the Subic-Clark Alliance (SCAD), addressed the worldwide general meeting of the Urban Land Institute (ULI) in Los Angeles Convention Center as the guest of honor and speaker on the occasion of its 75th anniversary last October 27.

Mangio, CEO-chairman of the Central Country Estate, Inc., achieved a position of great importance in the international community of urban developers because of his “Vision to Reality” motto which saw the rise of The Lakeshore property in this once sleepy town.

The vision was to build a world-class subdivision with lake and resort community in the Philippines with the unique amenities and introduce an innovation of lifestyle.

“About ten years ago, we can show to the stakeholders our vision via animated video. Today, it has become a reality,” Mangio said.

“The Lakeshore offers countryside living with the amenities of urban living with the presence of shopping centers, entertainment facilities, like golf courses, hotels, casinos, and the Clark International Airport nearby. With the accessibility of the workplaces of Clark-Subic free ports zone, this makes The Lakeshore an ideal place to live,” he said.

Mangio’s vision, to make a “world-class Lakeshore subdivision” dubbed as the country’s first man-made lake and resorts community with a total 700 hectares of property designed with the principle of new urbanism.

Its location is accessible through the North Luzon Expressway (NLEx) and the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx), with a 5-minute drive from Lakeshore going to Clark and almost 30 to 45 minutes going to Metro Manila and at the same going to Subic Freeport.

The iconic lighthouse serves as the main identity of The Lakeshore. The pier is a favorite venue for events like weddings and other celebrations. Informal gatherings are held at the resort island with its swimming pool, jacuzzi and pavilions while the more formal occasions are held in the two air-conditioned tents.