The Rolling Shutter Saga: Lakbayin #1: Ayala Ave., Makati City

Lakbayin #1: Ayala Avenue

Well, this isn't really the farthest place from my neighborhood... but it does have it's share of quirks.

First off, it's the most highly-urbanized city in the whole of the Philippines, as far as I know. Nothing really special to see here, or at least as far as my feet have taken me, except for one very obvious thing standing out of the glitz and glamor the shiny windows and undying street lights of the Makati Central Business District:

6780 Ayala. Awoooo.

At night, this eerie sight is a humongous hunk of horror to behold. It looks like a tower pulled straight from Silent Hill, teleported into the midst of an unknowing city. Metal rebars jut out of its unfinished concrete structure like bones out of rotting flesh, its insides gaping.

I couldn't even look at the freakin' RAW file of this photo for any longer than 10 seconds...

Its cavernous interior is filled with void and darkness that not even the mighty sun can fill during daytime. OK, I might just be scaring myself here, lol.

As far as my meager research efforts can go, here is some info from Multiply (going to grab this before the Wipe happens! Author, thank you very much!).

Prime Properties For Sale or Joint Venture Sep 20, '08 4:52 PM
for everyone

Ayala Avenue, Makati

Unfinished building along Ayala Avenue, Makati. Upon completion, Tower will be the tallest building in the country at 59 storeys high. Destined to become the most prestigious business address, its design and construction are handled by a world class project team to meet the needs of tomorrow. It is equipped with the most technologically-advanced systems, and with elegant and highly-efficient architectural features defining the 21st century work environment and embodying the true concept of a 'destination' building. The project commenced in July 1996. As of today, the concreting works have already reached the 23rd floor. Architectural works and rough-in works for the utility system are at pace with the construction. On the overall, the project is about 25% complete. Lot Area: 2,400 square meters. Selling Price: 1 Billion.

source: "Philippine Real Estate"

Other sources indicate that it was to be named "JAKA" building, and that construction failed to progress due to the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis. Address 6780 Ayala was an abortion of a civil project. Left for decay.

As of today, some may say it's an eyesore to the shimmering sea of urban success that is Ayala Avenue, but to me it serves as a reminder to all financial powers-that-be: that no matter how strong a corporation is, it is not immortal.

...and also of course, as a fright lantern whenever I pass by it. Sometimes, I wish I could trespass my way in, but then in a split-second realize that doing so is just living out (and most probably, dying in) the terrifying script to a cinematic flop "based on a true story".

Where do those ramps lead to...? O_O

Even thinking about what's inside the decades-abandoned structure chills my spine...

SOOOOOO walking away from the accursed doom-place, is the quiet Dela Rosa street. Nothing special, just the backwater boulevard of the grand highway that is Ayala.