Davao City celebrates new beginnings at Azuela Cove’s premier lifestyle hub

Davao City, Philippines — Christmas came early in Lanang as Azuela High Street officially opened with Bright Beginnings: The Ceremonial Opening & Holiday Lighting Ceremony on September 26, 2025, transforming the city’s lifestyle scene with lights, music, and community cheer.

The much-anticipated event was led by some of the country’s most prominent names in business and development. In attendance were Ayala Corporation Chairman Jaime Augusto Zóbel de Ayala, Vice Chair Fernando Zóbel de Ayala, Ayala Land, Inc. President & CEO Meean Dy, Alsons Group Chairman Nicasio Alcantara, and Vice Chair Editha Alcantara. Adding prestige to the evening were members of the Zóbel, Alcantara, and Floirendo families, who came together with merchants and guests to celebrate a landmark moment for Davao.

A Bright Beginning for Davao

The ceremonial lighting of Azuela High Street’s giant Christmas tree and holiday installations set a festive tone, symbolizing not only the start of the Christmas season but also a new era for Davao’s urban lifestyle.

“This estate is about creating vibrant community destinations in Davao,” said Jennylle S. Tupaz, Ayala Land Head for Central Luzon & VisMin Estates. “We’ve designed Azuela High Street to be inclusive, sustainable, and proudly Davao’s own—open spaces shaped by lush landscapes, art, and Mindanao-inspired plazas.”

For the Alcantara family, the milestone was deeply personal. “Eight years ago, this was only a vision. Today, we see a beautiful place that stands as a landmark of partnership and the aspirations of all Dabawenyos,” shared Editha Alcantara, Vice Chair of the Alsons Group.

Shops, Eats, and Experiences

Azuela High Street’s opening also welcomed an exciting mix of new establishments, including:

  • The Matcha Tokyo (its first branch in Mindanao)
  • Butter by MomBakes
  • Hao Tang Hot Pot
  • Dreamnest Play Café

These newcomers join an already diverse merchant lineup such as Finca Café, Café Basilico, Yoh Froz, Gringo, Spirale, Lash in the City, TUF Barber, Baker Medical Aesthetics, Swiss Perpetual, Fine Dentistry, REV + Boot Camp, Digimap, The Wild Tree, Hairs & Nails, Emerald, Open Source, and global sports brands Adidas and New Balance.

Dining, wellness, shopping, and leisure all converge at Azuela High Street, creating a one-stop hub for families, friends, and professionals looking to enjoy the city by the sea.

From Industrial Site to Lifestyle Destination

The opening of Azuela High Street marks a striking transformation of the 25-hectare Azuela Cove estate. Once the site of one of the country’s largest plywood manufacturing facilities, the property has been reimagined as a master-planned township along Davao’s coastline.

The estate is spearheaded by Aviana Development Corporation—a joint venture between Ayala Land, Inc. (ALI) and the Alcantara Group—combining world-class urban design with the richness of Davao’s local character.

At the heart of this development is the 3-hectare Azuela High Street, inspired by the spirit of Bonifacio High Street in Metro Manila but built with Davao in mind. Its open-air design, public art installations, and sustainability features—such as tree preservation and a water harvesting facility—reflect a vision of modern yet mindful living.

“This is more than just a commercial hub; it’s a place where people can gather, celebrate milestones, and enjoy everyday moments,” Tupaz added. “Azuela High Street is Davao’s very own.”

A Hub for Community and Celebrations

Beyond retail, Azuela High Street also boasts The Tent at Azuela Cove, a 2,000-sqm events venue that has already hosted national and international gatherings. The estate will also soon welcome The Residences, The Seaside Promenade, The Shops, and GCenter, further cementing its reputation as Davao’s premier lifestyle destination.

As the Christmas lights sparkled against the Davao night sky, Azuela High Street was officially inaugurated as not only a place of shopping and dining, but also a vibrant community hub where commerce, heritage, and celebration intertwine.

With its festive launch, Azuela High Street is set to shine bright this holiday season—and beyond—welcoming Dabawenyos and visitors alike to experience the best of what Davao’s evolving lifestyle landscape has to offer.