Lipa, Batangas, has always held a special place in my heart. Growing up, I often visited because of our family farm, where I nurtured what became my business-turned-advocacy, the Ministry of Mushrooms. Over the years, I’ve watched Lipa evolve from quiet streets to bustling, crowded areas. Malls have sprung up in various locations, but despite the progress, the city retains its tight, provincial charm.

When I first drove up to LIMA Estate, I was immediately impressed. It wasn’t my first visit — I had previously come to interview executives of Japanese companies based in the area. But today, my purpose was different: to explore the place firsthand and sit down with Clifford Academia, Vice President for Operations at Aboitiz Economic Estates, to learn what makes this development stand out.

LIMA Estate is a 1,000-hectare mixed-use development located in Lipa and Malvar, Batangas. As the first master-planned central business district (CBD) of its kind in the province, LIMA is not only an industrial powerhouse but also an emerging lifestyle destination.

Driving through the estate, I could immediately see that it was different. LIMA is thoughtfully planned, with wide streets and a seamless integration of industrial, commercial, and residential spaces. What struck me most was how alive the community felt. From the moment I arrived, people were out and about — jogging, biking, and socializing. The place seemed to come to life from morning to afternoon.

Before meeting Academia, I decided to grab lunch. As I explored, I noticed that The Outlets @LIMA Estate attracts shoppers looking for great deals on brands like Nike, H&M, Adidas, and PUMA. I ended up having lunch at Ipponyari, a Japanese restaurant that’s become a favorite among locals and expats alike. I couldn’t resist trying their 8-piece Chashu Ramen — and it certainly lived up to its reputation.

After lunch and a quick walk around The Outlets, I got to experience a glimpse of the Biz Hub — LIMA Estate’s business core and home to LIMA Tower One, Batangas’ first premium office development. Recently earning both a 5-Star BERDE Certification and a WELL Core Gold v2 Certification, the tower marks the beginning of a dynamic district set to rise in the years ahead. With over 180 companies and 75,000 employees already based in LIMA Estate, it’s easy to see how this area is fast evolving into a thriving business hub in the South.

Conduent, a leading business process outsourcing solutions company from the U.S., recently expanded its operations here, set to bring another 1,500 new jobs to the region.

“Conduent’s expansion at LIMA Tower One underscores the growing appeal of Batangas as a strategic investment location, not only for its skilled workforce but also for its exceptional quality of life and infrastructure,” Academia shared.

“What sets LIMA apart is its seamless integration of industrial, commercial, residential, and leisure spaces,” he explains. “Global manufacturing facilities now share an address with a 7-tower office park, a 4-star hotel, sprawling green parks, and Batangas’ first and largest outdoor lifestyle mall, The Outlets @LIMA Estate.”

A Lifestyle Beyond Business

Biz Hub at LIMA Estate’s lively, all-encompassing atmosphere is not just a concept, but a reality. Whether it’s for work, leisure, or a weekend retreat, the community has something for everyone.

If you were to spend a day here, you might start at the Aboitiz Pitch, Southern Luzon’s largest artificial turf football field. Athletes, weekend warriors, and corporate teams regularly use the Olympic-sized facility for matches and training. The wide streets surrounding the pitch see joggers and bikers making their rounds in the early morning, taking advantage of Batangas’ cool breeze before the sun climbs higher.

A short walk from there takes you to The Outlets @LIMA Estate, the region’s largest outdoor lifestyle mall. With over 160 retail stores, outlet shops, and a variety of dining options, it’s the perfect spot for a post-jog brunch or casual shopping spree. The mall is also home to local crowd favorites. For a hearty meal, Mama Lou’s serves up crowd-pleasing pizzas and pasta, while Café Mary Grace is a go-to for all-day breakfast dishes, including their iconic ensaymada and cheese roll, paired with rich hot chocolate. Café de Lipa, a premium coffee brand, showcases the rich coffee heritage of Batangas.

A great feature of Biz Hub at LIMA Estate is its approach to work-life integration. “One of our highlights is Car-Free Sunday,” Academia shares. “Every Sunday, we open a defined path inside the industrial park where the public can walk, jog, or bike. It’s a 10-kilometer loop. It’s great because now it really tells the community: “This piece of development is not only what you see — there are so many other uses you can come here for.”

For those seeking an escape without leaving the estate, Holiday Inn & Suites Batangas LimaPark offers a premium staycation experience with well-appointed rooms, a pool with views of the greenery, and easy access to dining and shopping.

While nearby residents frequently shop at Robinson’s Supermarket and enjoy their local favorites, new establishments continue to add to the area’s charm. One much-anticipated addition is Engkanto Taps, a craft beer taproom from the award-winning Engkanto Brewery. Another exciting development is the addition of a golf driving range, set to open by the end of the year.

“We’re fortunate to be near courses like Malarayat and Summit Point, but our expats often want to practice outside weekends,” Academia says. “The driving range brings a new dimension to our ecosystem, promoting wellness, connection, lifestyle, and community,” he shares.

Green Living and Smart Development

LIMA Estate’s commitment to sustainability is another key feature that sets it apart. The recently launched Sustainability Hub consolidates the estate’s environmental initiatives. Inside, you’ll find a Greywater Recycling Facility, a plant nursery cultivating 28 species of plants, and waste management centers that turn plastic into eco-bricks and food waste into compost.

“The impact goes beyond the estate’s borders,” Academia explains. Nearby barangays receive compost, eco-bricks, and other materials for community use, fostering a circular economy that benefits both industry and the environment.

Residential options are also part of the estate’s live-work-play environment. The Villages at LIMA Estate offers thoughtfully planned communities for families and professionals who want to live close to where they work. With schools, retail centers, and green spaces nearby, LIMA Estate is an ideal setting for those who value convenience and quality of life.

A Growing Destination

Recognized by 2025 PropertyGuru Philippine Property Awards, Biz Hub at LIMA Estate has quickly become a prime destination for businesses and residents seeking a vibrant, future-forward community. As Biz Hub continues to grow, it’s setting a new standard for what a central business district in the Philippines can be.

As Academia puts it, “We’re not just building spaces for business, we’re building communities that can thrive for generations.”

Read our full interview with Clifford Academia.