LEGAZPI CITY --- From being an eyesore and a notorious haven for drug peddlers and users, pickpockets and meeting place for illegal log dealers, this city’s port district will soon be transformed into Bicol’s newest tourist destination.

        The transformation of the once dreaded spot in the city is expected to come to fore with the rising soon of the P1-billion Embarcadero mega structure development project, a world class waterfront commercial complex and recreation hub facing Albay Gulf whose design has been patterned after the picturesque waterfront in Sydney, Australia.

        Legazpi City Mayor Noel Rosal told Bicol Mail that the project, a private sector initiative, could outstrip the famous Roxas Boulevard along Manila Bay in Manila.

        “With P1 billion Embarcadero mega project of Elizaldy Co, Legazpi City could become the premier city in South Luzon that cuold beat the allure of Tagaytay City, San Fernando, Pampanga, La Union and Cagayan De Oro,” Rosal beamed proudly.

        The project will feature a total of nine structures within the 2.5-hectare site, including a four-level commercial and lifestyle center that will house specialty shops, restaurants, bars, mall, a supermarket and an 800-seat call center operating 24 hours a day.

        Another six other structures ranging from one to two storeys high will be spread out across the site located at the foot of the Kapuntukan or Sleeping Lion Hill.

        The entire complex will be punctuated by a 30-meter, intricately-designed steel and concrete lighthouse,a new landmark for Legazpi City that will guide seafarers, especially at night.

        “Once the mega structure project is completely done, Legazpi City will be in the map as the best city and new tourism hub in the country,” the mayor said adding that aside from government initiated projects, the city has a dynamic businessman like Zaldy who fearlessly put in his money for the development of Bicol, particularly Legazpi City.

        Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co, is the chief executive officer of Sunwest Group of Companies, a local investment conglomerate. He said the project’s master plan maximizes the uniqueness of the location --- a harbour framed by the majestic Mayon Volcano and the blue waters of Albay Gulf.

        He said the Embarcadero will serve as a waterfront promenade, with theatrical lighting and spaces for entertainment and cultural performances creating a lively, family friendly environment during the day and night time.

        He said the project was designed by BN Group Pty Ltd, an Australian-based architectural and urban design firm which is also involved with the Suria KLCC Retail Podium in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and the East Darling Harbour in Sydney, Australia.

        Tourists could also commune with nature atop the Sleeping Lion Hill while looking over the breathtaking panoramic view of Mayon Volcano and the wide expanse of Albay Gulf.

        The Sleeping Lion is the choice place for photographers and watchers especially when Mayon Volcano is on its restless mood spewing lava and ashfalls.

        Embarcadero will also serve as a jump-off point to other Bicol destinations such as Vera Falls in Malinao, Sula Channel, the underground river of Pototan Cave in Batan Island, the giant Manta rays of Ticao Pass in Masbate, the whalesharks of Donsol, Sorsogon, the Nag-aso Boiling Lake of Manito, Albay, the Water Sports Complex in Camarines Sur and Misibis Discovery Bay in Bgy. Misibis, Cagraray Island, Bacacay, Albay.

        Rollerblades around the waterfront promenade and water sports, diving, sailing and snorkeling services will be made available at proposed Celebration Plaza and the market hall of Embarcadero.

        Meanwhile, Albay Gov. Joey Salceda announced plans to develop the highland plateau of Legazpi City, Daraga, Camalig and Guinobatan as a new business territory of the province following the effect of climatic change. He said the project will generate employment for residents made homeless by Typhoon Reming who are now presently settled in different relocation sites.

        The Embarcadero project according to Tourism Regional Director Maria “Nini” Ong-Ravanilla will not bring in more tourists but will also provide thousands of employment.

        “This project will help the government to generate more income and jobs for the Bicolanos. With these developments after suffering from series of natural disasters Legazpi and Albay might be on top again among the six provinces in Bicol,” she said.

        Co said Embarcadero is expected to generate 3,000 jobs for 800-seat call center that will operate 24 hours a day while malls, shops and bistros can bring in 8,000 jobs, equivalent to about P500 million job wage per annum.

        A soft launch of Embarcadero has been set for August 8, simultaneously with the opening of its sister prime destinations, the Misibis Discovery Bay located in Cagraray Island, Bacacay, Albay and Venezia Discovery Bay Hotel in Legazpi City.

        The Misibis Discovery Bay has been awarded a Triple Class A resort category by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority and the Department of Tourism.