For more than two decades now, Ronald Manalad has called the United States his home.

Having built what is now a thriving home care business, this successful Filipino entrepreneur and real estate investor often finds himself occupied, managing and maintaining 10 facilities under his US-based venture. Whenever he does find some free time, he spends it mostly on exploring new cuisines and traveling to his favorite destinations, including the Philippines.

Although he has very much settled in the US, Manalad said he still makes it a point to visit his home country at least once a year.

"Generally I travel three times a year, around three weeks at a time. Some places I've enjoyed visiting are Dubai and Paris. This year, I have European cruises lined up. But no matter what, I always make time to come to the Philippines," Manalad shared.

"At least once a year, I would come back here to the Philippines. Apart from seeing family and friends, I also check on the investments I've made, especially in real estate. I have properties in Metro Manila that I keep tabs on, but still primarily stay in Angeles City, Pampanga, where I grew up," he added.

Deep ties

Manalad's ties with his hometown clearly run deep as Pampanga has always been a natural choice for him whenever he returns to the country for a short visit—so much so, that he even bought two residential units within the 4.5-ha Rockwell Center Nepo in Angeles, Pampanga.

The Rockwell Center Nepo marks Rockwell Land's first foray in Central Luzon, where it seeks to bring its signature touch in creating refined lifestyles, and expertise in building self- sustaining spaces that exude sophistication, elegance and vibrancy. Rockwell has partnered with the Nepomuceno family for this Pampanga masterpiece, which will soon have residences, offices, and the first Power Plant Mall outside Makati City.

Manalad purchased one unit at The Manansala at Rockwell Center Nepo, a 15-story enclave that pays homage to Pampanga's Vicente Manansala, a Philippine National Artist. For his second unit, Manalad chose to buy from The BenCab, the second building in Rockwell's masterplanned development in Pampanga, named after another acclaimed Kapampangan National Artist Benedicto "BenCab" Cabrera.

Trust on Rockwell

It was fairly easy for Manalad to trust and bet big on these upcoming Rockwell projects.

His experience with Rockwell goes back to the early 2000s, when he then owned a unit at The Manansala in Rockwell Center Makati. He was among the discerning few who witnessed first-hand how the purveyor of distinct lifestyles was able to raise the benchmark in refined living.

"I got this as an investment, and was happy with how easy it was for me to have it leased out. I've since then sold it, but I still have relatives who own units in Makati like at Proscenium and they continue to be happy with their experience," Manalad shared.

According to Manalad, it was in 2021 that he started seeing ads about Rockwell in Pampanga, in Angeles City in particular.

"Since I was really happy with my experience with my Rockwell property in Makati, it only made sense for me to get one now that they're here in Pampanga. Initially, I got the unit at The Manansala to stay in during my trips here. Currently, I have a house nearby that I stay at, but having a condo with easier access to my needs—even basement access to the mall—will be more convenient," Manalad said.

"When The BenCab launched, I realized that this tower had a different view that I liked—the view of Power Plant Mall. The one I got at The Manansala has views of the amenities and the mall too, but this one at The BenCab is right in front of it. Since these units come with balconies, I look forward to spending time resting here or entertaining friends and family."

"While I primarily got a unit as my halfway home here, I now also have the option to lease one out. Which of the two I intend to keep for myself, I'm still deciding," he further explained.

The Manansala at Rockwell Center Nepo, Angeles offers sophisticated spaces well suited to the Kapampangans' discerning tastes, while The BenCab presents well-appointed units that ensure residents' exclusivity and privacy.

Units from The Manansala and The BenCab come with high ceilings, an open kitchen layout, as well as premium grade finishes. Glass sliding doors lead out to a balcony that gives you picturesque views—whether it's of the Zambales Mountain Ranges, Mt. Arayat, the future Power Plant Mall Angeles, or even the Clark Freeport Area. Lush open spaces, pocket gardens, and indulgent amenities are all set to add to that much coveted Rockwell lifestyle.

Prestigious addresses

It's unsurprising that Manalad was quick to snap up units from these prestigious addresses, which are fast shaping up to be an exclusive enclave befitting a discerning market, and a promising community offering bright prospects for investors and businesses.

After all, Rockwell Center Nepo is located in a rising economic center that has since become an attractive investment hub owing to the aggressive infrastructure development near and within Pampanga. At the same time, the province presents diverse offerings that will allow anyone to find that ideal middle ground between the hustle of a city and rusticity of the countryside.

"While I'm already settled in the States, I like having a place to call home here too in my hometown. As an investor, I know the value of my properties will only continue to appreciate with the community surrounding it and the developments that are making Angeles City more accessible, like the airport, highways and trains," he explained.

"When I eventually retire, I think I'll have longer stays here in the Philippines, maybe months at a time. So as a resident, I look forward to a comfortable and spacious home at Rockwell right here in Angeles City, my hometown," Manalad said.

For more information, visit the Rockwell Center Nepo sales lounge at the ground floor of eNtec 1 Building, Angeles City or its website, rockwellcenternepoangeles.com