By Carla Calleja, MBA, REB
Guess the year
Today Ortigas Center is one of Metro Manila’s busiest business districts, spread across Pasig, Mandaluyong and Quezon City. But in the early 1900s, the land was described as a “wasteland.” So here is the quiz: in what year did the friars sell the estate that later became Ortigas Center? A) 1898, B) 1920, or C) 1946?
The answer: 1920
The land was part of the Hacienda de Mandaloyon (also spelled Mandaloya or Mandaluyon in old records), owned by the Augustinian friars. Philstar and the Inquirer both put the size of the whole hacienda at about 4,033 hectares, covering parts of today’s Pasig, Mandaluyong, Quezon City and San Juan.
In 1920, the friars sold the hacienda. Philstar’s account names the buyers as Dr. Frank W. Dudley and Don Francisco Ortigas. The Inquirer says the estate was split into parcels among buyers, and Ortigas’s own history page describes the group acquiring part of it. So the safe way to say it: the Ortigas group bought part of the 4,033-hectare Hacienda de Mandaloyon, not the whole estate.
Bonus fact: a future President as partner
In 1931, the partnership Ortigas, Madrigal y Cia. was formed. Its partners included Francisco Ortigas, Vicente Madrigal and Manuel L. Quezon, who later became President of the Commonwealth. (Philstar dates the partnership to July 10, 1931; the Inquirer confirms the year and the partners.)
Then vs. now
- Early 1900s: described as a “wasteland” or a “desolate parcel.”
- 1920: the friars sell the hacienda.
- 1931: Ortigas, Madrigal y Cia. is formed.
- 1960s: the first office buildings rise and the area starts becoming a business district.
- 1987: the Supreme Court rules for Ortigas in a long title dispute with settlers.
- Today: a major CBD with offices, malls, condos and transport links.
The 1987 Supreme Court case
In Ortigas & Co., Ltd. Partnership v. Ruiz, G.R. No. L-33952, March 9, 1987, settlers filed a class suit in 1971 challenging Ortigas’s title to land in Ugong, Pasig, part of the old Mandaloyon estate. The Supreme Court ruled for Ortigas, dismissed the suit and made its injunction permanent. The case is a reminder of a lesson I repeat often: a registered Torrens title is strong protection, but long-running disputes can still cloud a property for decades.
Why this matters to you today
- Old estates leave long title histories. Many titles in former friar or hacienda lands trace back through several transfers. Ask for a title trace-back before buying.
- Check for annotations such as lis pendens or adverse claims on the title.
- Look beyond the building. In mature districts like Ortigas, land value often drives long-term appreciation.
FAQ
Who owned Ortigas Center land before the Ortigas family?
The Augustinian friars, as part of the Hacienda de Mandaloyon.
How big was the hacienda?
About 4,033 hectares, according to Philstar and the Inquirer. Ortigas acquired part of it.
Was Manuel L. Quezon really a partner?
Yes. Both Philstar and the Inquirer name him among the partners of Ortigas, Madrigal y Cia. in 1931.
Ask Broker Carla
Did you guess right? Comment ORTIGAS on my Facebook page facebook.com/carlacallejabrokerphilippines, or email your “Broker Carla, …” question to buyrentph@gmail.com.
