Photo courtesy of Forresty Garcia
The One Hectare Creative Grounds founder turns her childhood fascination into a communal hub for local creatives
In her journey to establish a prominent name within Manila’s creative industry, Carel Tan has leveraged her academic and professional background in architecture and real estate, blending her passions for community, construction, and design. This intellectual synergy laid the foundation for the creation of One Hectare Creative Grounds, a pioneering space where art, business, and culture seamlessly converge.
Tan dedicated two years to meticulously restore and repurpose the abandoned estate, transforming it into a multifunctional space with distinct areas tailored to various creative endeavors. Through consultations with local creatives, Tan sought to craft a space that could accommodate a range of needs, from photoshoots and film productions to events and exhibitions.
Today, One Hectare stands as one of Metro Manila’s largest venues, offering an expansive environment where artistic visions can come to life. By aligning each section of the 10,000-square-meter property with its own aesthetic, Tan has optimized the space to support an eclectic array of creative ventures, making it the perfect backdrop for limitless imagination.
While the property’s design embraces contemporary architectural principles to meet the evolving needs of clients, Tan went to great lengths to preserve the estate’s historical charm. The main structure retains its mid-18th-century flourishes, such as grand columns, intricate moldings, and original chandeliers—features that pay homage to the original owners’ craftsmanship.
More than just a space, One Hectare was designed as a hub for creative collaboration. Although it has become a premier venue for shoots and events, its impact extends far beyond that. The property has grown into a dynamic platform for talent networking and collaboration, offering a fresh avenue for creatives to showcase their work and gain exposure. Additionally, Tan has utilized the space to host seminars and workshops aimed at empowering local creatives, particularly around business networking and financial literacy.
Tan’s overarching goal is to build a community that nurtures the social, artistic, and professional potential of each member, ultimately enriching the creative landscape in ways that go beyond mere space utilization. “I am committed to addressing the evolving needs of the creative industry,” Tan says.
Despite early financial challenges, Tan expresses deep gratitude for the unwavering dedication and trust of her team. Their collective effort has been instrumental in transforming One Hectare into a powerful force within Manila’s creative sector.
Furthermore, Tan envisions a future where women in business possess the confidence to challenge conventional norms. “A cultural shift is needed that values diverse perspectives and encourages women to pursue their entrepreneurial ambitions without bias or barriers,” she asserts.
In an industry historically dominated by men, Tan continues to advocate for greater representation of women’s perspectives, emphasizing their crucial role in driving business innovation and progress. “I aspire to push for a world where women’s contributions are appropriately acknowledged and celebrated—where their leadership approaches are recognized as essential to fostering change,” Tan states.
Learn more about One Hectare Creative Grounds through their website, or follow their Instagram and Facebook pages.
