Walking
today-morning to Ayala Triangle Garden was a refreshing start for Sunday. The weather
was in a nice way a little bit chilly yet. I was with my wife, Päivi at right
time in our jogging route. We enjoyed moving in fitting speed. Everything was
looking good.
But when
reached our destination, we saw new billboards in the Garden. The content of the boards shocked us. The
north tip of the Triangle will be closed April 11. (yesterday) for construction
work. What does development project yield to us? A high “iconic office tower”,
with luxury hotel and retail choices will be available for us. Further on an
open, vibrant and lush landscape. So we see that good things are awaiting us,
if we hold our horses.
Amidts
these fascinating views for the future there is some questions still. How is it
possible that this kind of huge development project can surprise us so totally?
There was no information prior to the billboards, that informed us construction
work resumed yesterday. There was no news in the papers on the plans. No
discussion was in the community level. But if I would have been more alert, I
had noticed that a part of the Ayala lawn is brown without hosing water. That
was silent message. If my brains had been sharp enough, I had find out that
there were no more open concerts, mass etc. for public. Of course not, because
Ayala Triangel Garden will be calmed down for the people.
Ayala
Garden is a very popular place for outdoor living. It is like a small woods in
the middle of stone desert. Makati City is breathing by the lungs of Ayala. It
is a green paradise with the palm trees and other tropical luxuriant plants. It
is very relaxing only to sit down and look around. Ayala is like a common
living room for the inhabitants of Makati, whose homes are often very small
flats or even dormitory rooms shared with several persons.
A lot of
people, in all ages are exercising in Ayala. Groups of young people are doing
gymnastics on the lawns. Crowds of people are running along the pathways. Ayala
appears to be a sanctuary for people improving their shape. It is easy as well
to take a break and have a drink or a light meal at one of the restaurants at
the south side.
The
construction of the new tower takes a third part from the Garden. Where to put
all the people crowding in Ayala? People with good livelihood, who are living
in new condos might go to the gyms. More poor have to creep into the dormitory
rooms.
I protest
Ayala development, but do I have a reason to? There is another billboard at the
gate of Ayla, which tell us: “The Ayala Triangle Gardens is private property.
The owner reserves the right to develop the same at any time and in its sole
determination.” So here it is owners` right. Nothing to do.
On the
billboard informing construction the owner assures that “the gardens will leave
public to enjoy”. We will get better gathering places and even connections to
Ayala will improve. We`ll see, but I am suspicious. Only this is sure that
there will be more traffic to offices, the hotel and retails. How the
connections will be better, since the streets around the Garden are already full
of vehicles?
At the end
of announcement the owner apologizes for the inconvenience. I am wondering why
to apologize if you are the owner.
I am
hesitating with the apology. The construction will ruin the Gardens.
