Chapter 100: Skyscraper

Five days later.The boardroom of TG Motors Philippines had a different atmosphere today. The long glass table was no longer just lined with executives and analysts, it now hosted architects, engineers, and consultants. On the main display screen, digital renderings of skyscrapers rotated slowly in 3D, reflecting on the polished surface of the table like mirages of the future.

Hana sat at her usual spot beside Timothy, tablet in hand, stylus poised for notes. Across from them sat representatives from Aidea Philippines, the firm chosen to conceptualize and design the TG Tower project. The lead architect, Engr. Ramon Velasco, a man in his early forties with sleek glasses and the calm confidence of experience, spoke first.

"Mr. Guerrero," Velasco began, "it’s an honor for our firm to take part in what will likely become one of the most significant architectural landmarks in Bonifacio Global City. We’ve reviewed your company’s scale, brand vision, and projected growth, and we’ve developed preliminary data on feasibility, cost, and design strategy."

Timothy leaned forward slightly, interested. "Go on."

Velasco nodded and turned toward the screen. A visual presentation began, showing a mock-up of BGC’s skyline with a sleek, futuristic tower rising among it — glass, steel, and subtle silver accents forming an elegant spiral motif up its sides.

"This," Velasco explained, "is the conceptual structure for TG Tower — a seventy-six-story skyscraper standing approximately 340 meters high."

Hana’s eyes widened a little. "Three hundred forty meters? That’s almost as tall as the Grand Hyatt."

"Yes," Velasco replied with a nod, "and it will be one of the tallest in the country upon completion. Structurally, the building can be divided into four major sections: corporate offices for TG Motors and your semiconductor operations, innovation labs and design studios, commercial leasing floors, and the executive penthouse level reserved for board and investor functions."

Timothy crossed his arms, taking it in silently. "How much are we talking about for construction?"

Velasco switched to the next slide — a breakdown of figures appeared.

"The projected total cost, including architectural design, construction, and mechanical-electrical systems, is estimated at ₱38 billion, or roughly $650 million USD. That includes sustainable technologies such as vertical wind turbines, rainwater reclamation systems, and your own LithiumX battery grid for self-sufficient power."

Timothy nodded slowly. "Okay, I like it when you integrate our battery. Well, thinking about that, I’m also planning to sell batteries like Tesla, their powerwall."

"That’s actually a great choice sir," Velasco agreed. "And I know you’d be doing the same which is why I integrated it."

"The structure can be completed within five years, given proper funding phases," Velasco continued. "We recommend a staggered development, breaking ground by mid-2026, completing the structural core by 2028, and final occupancy by early 2030."

"Five years?" Timothy repeated. "That’s quite long. We are building a gigafactory in just a year and it’s massive and you are saying that you can build the skyscraper for five years? Can you cut it down to two? I’m sure others could build it in that timeframe."

Velasco chuckled lightly, not out of disrespect, but with the knowing patience of a seasoned builder. "I understand your concern, Mr. Guerrero. Two years is possible, but only for smaller projects. For something of this scale and engineering complexity, even the most advanced construction firms would need at least three to four years to ensure quality and safety. We’re talking about a superstructure with deep foundations, seismic resistance, and integrated sustainability systems. Rushing it could compromise long-term stability."

Timothy leaned back, thoughtful. "I see. So, if I were to push for acceleration, say, thirty months, what would that take?"

Velasco exchanged glances with his structural engineer, who adjusted his glasses before answering. "It would require multiple construction crews working 24/7 in overlapping shifts, modular pre-cast assembly, and perhaps even importing some components from Japan or South Korea. It can be done, but the cost could rise by fifteen to twenty percent."

Hana noted the figures quickly. "That would bring the project close to forty-five billion pesos."

Timothy nodded slowly.

Hana looked up from her tablet. "Sir, if we do decide to accelerate, we could offset the extra cost through early leasing agreements. The earlier the structure opens, the sooner we start earning from the lower commercial floors."

Velasco nodded approvingly. "Exactly. Which brings me to our next point."

He tapped the remote, and the screen transitioned to a new slide showing the floor distribution plan.

"The lower twenty floors are commercial zones," he explained. "These can be leased to restaurants, flagship stores, and high-end retail brands. You can also include a small luxury mall or an innovation expo hall showcasing TG Motors’ vehicles and LithiumX products. These leases could bring an estimated ₱3 billion to ₱4 billion in annual revenue once occupancy stabilizes."

Timothy looked interested. "And the upper levels?"

"The next thirty floors would be dedicated to TG Motors’ divisions, R&D labs, and the Aurion Foundry’s administrative offices. The top twenty floors are reserved for executive, investor, and partner spaces, these can also host exclusive suites, lounges, and meeting rooms. Think of it as a vertical ecosystem where your companies coexist and collaborate in real time."

Hana added, "So, it’s not just a corporate HQ, it’s an economic hub." Fresh chapters posted on ????????????????????·????????????????·????????????

Velasco nodded. "Precisely. And by renting out the lower sections, TG Tower pays for its own maintenance. With modern efficiency systems, the operational cost could be reduced by half compared to conventional skyscrapers."

Timothy folded his arms. "Maintenance is always the killer. What are we looking at annually?"

"Approximately ₱1.1 billion, including security, HVAC, elevator systems, and energy management," the engineer replied. "However, your LithiumX systems would slash electricity costs significantly. In effect, TG Tower could be the first fully self-powered skyscraper in the region."

Hana smiled. "That would align perfectly with our brand message, Filipino innovation that powers itself."

"Exactly," Velasco said. "We’ve even planned for external advertising screens built into the lower façade, powered by the same internal system. These could host TG campaigns or digital art displays. You can lease the space to partner brands for additional revenue."

Timothy nodded, visibly impressed. "You’ve thought of everything."

Velasco inclined his head. "We try to anticipate visionaries, Mr. Guerrero."

The room filled with a quiet hum of conversation as the architects displayed cross-sections of the building, parking decks, sky gardens, vertical transport shafts, and even an observation deck on the 75th floor that overlooked the entire Metro.

"Okay, let’s do it."