Wonders by local executives

Wonders by local executives | Daily Tribune

The completion of the Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge, along with the iconic Manhattan of Pasay on Manila Bay, will certainly catch the attention of tourists from around the world who may be seeking a taste of what the coastal cities have to offer — the luxurious integrated Solaire Resort in Parañaque City and Bay City, Pasay’s answer to those seeking a leisurely escape.

The Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge (BCIB) is envisioned to be one of the world’s longest marine bridges. It will be 32.15 kilometers long of which 25.8 kilometers will span Manila Bay. The four-lane bridge will connect the towns of Mariveles, Bataan and Naic, Cavite. The BCIB will cut travel time between Bataan and Cavite from five hours to 40 minutes.

The pleasurable time to travel from Bataan to Cavite and back would be at night when tourists will be treated to the wonderful lights along the coasts of Pasay, Parañaque and Las Piñas cities and Corregidor on Manila Bay.

But it would be best if the builders could provide stopovers and exits at Manhattan of Pasay, where tourists could rest in the comfort of their hotel rooms or proceed to the Mall of Asia to dine and shop or take a car to Bonifacio Global City.

Behind this backdrop of local initiatives, creative planning, and responsible leadership are amazing changes in the economy and infrastructure of the two surging cities complementing wonderfully the overwhelming optimism of the national government to transform the Republic of the Philippines into the richest and most beautiful country in the world.

Change may not be initiated by foreign-trained leaders alone.

Former Mayor Antonino “Tony” Calixto, now the representative of the lone district of Pasay, is an authentic model of a truly homegrown leader whose skills, ability to win friends, and lead people to accomplish tasks were learned locally.

One balikbayan who just arrived from San Francisco, California, after a decade as a teacher in a county high school, was amazed by the improvements in vast areas of Pasay.

Calixto’s sister, Mayor Emi Calixto Rubiano, relentless in her drive for the first “eco-city” in the country, continues to strive for excellence and growth while taking utmost consideration of the environment.

In Parañaque City, it’s “nurse na, teacher pa” Dr. Eric Olivarez forever, recently considered by the RP Mission and Development Foundation as one of the top performing mayors in the whole Philippines. His brother, representative of the first district Edwin Olivarez, is a master of the multifaceted ways of conducting the affairs of state who is able to accomplish many tasks at the first try.

Joan Villafuerte has been responsible for crafting ordinances for the promotion of health, education and sports. Representative Gus Tambunting has been honored for his work as a public official, as Asia’s luminary leader for unwavering public service in this year’s Asia’s modern hero award.

Altogether, Mayor Eric Olivarez, Representatives Edwin Olivarez and Gus Tambunting, and Joan Villafuerte will always be associated with the rise of Parañaque City as the 10th richest city of the Philippines, and likewise Solaire Resort which most recently earned its ninth consecutive five-star rating in the Forbes 2025 Awards.

This remarkable achievement does not only underscore the resort’s commitment to serving world-class guests.