Guide to Living, Dining, and Thriving in BGC

I grew up in the province and had never even heard of Bonifacio Global City (BGC) until November 2023. When people talk about Manila, Makati is the name that usually comes up. I’d heard about places like Xylo, Revel, and Taguig, but I had no idea they were actually part of BGC.

When I first arrived here, I was completely lost about where to stay. I ended up feeling confused and a bit let down by the hotels I’d booked. I kept thinking, “Where are all the tall buildings and the luxury everyone talks about?” It turns out, the hotels I picked were actually just outside BGC. The difference between the shiny new buildings in BGC and the run-down houses just a short walk away is pretty striking. So, for the sake of this blog, I’m going to call BGC the new divide.

If you’re an expat who’s only been to BGC, you might hear people say you haven’t really experienced the Philippines. That’s because BGC feels so different from the rest of the country. You’ve probably seen those vlogs where foreigners flaunt the luxury of BGC or contrast it with the tough conditions in places like Tondo or near the Pasig River. It’s a pretty clear example of the Philippines’ paradox.

Honestly, I have to admit, I’m one of those people who picked BGC as my escape. It feels like a different world compared to the rest of the Philippines. Even though I’m Filipino and not exactly rich, living here feels like a bit of a getaway for me.

Living in BGC

I never thought I’d end up living here, but here I am, enjoying the inclusivity of BGC. I’ve been living here for 9 months now, and I’ve never actually gone to any of the party spots. I’ve walked past them plenty of times, but partying alone just isn’t my thing.

As a resident, here's what I've found to be the pros and cons of life in BGC.

Pros

Accessibility and Convenience

One of the best things about BGC is how walkable it is. Since I work from home, traffic isn’t really a concern for me. Plus, everything is super convenient—my condo is right across from a mall, and there’s a Starbucks on the ground floor. You’ll find shops everywhere you look!

Safety

BGC is a bubble. This 'new divide' is said to be the safest place in Metro Manila. And I can somehow attest to that. Even though there’s been some recent news about pickpocketing in BGC, these incidents seem rare, occurring maybe once or twice in the last three years. Also, just today, this happened.. my Indonesian friend Tiwi arrived from Jakarta this morning and met up with me. We walked around BGC and she, unfortunately, got so busy with work on her phone that she forgot her credit card at a table in Jamba Juice. 

She mentioned it was her credit card with the highest limit, so you can imagine how worried she was. We were already in Farmacy Ice Cream when she realized what had happened. They were about 450 meters apart, or a 7-minute walk. We backtracked our ways, thinking it fell on the ground until we got back in Jamba Juice, and to our relief, the staff of Jamba Juice kept her card safely and she was able to retrieve it!

Another example I can give is that I live in a secure condo that has an access card system for the lobby and the elevators. This ensures that residents can only access their designated floors. So that's nice. :)

Modern Infrastructure and Aesthetic Appeal

Last but definitely not least, I am grateful that it never floods in BGC. It is said that before BGC came to life, the flood system had already been taken into consideration so that's another nice thing that I have to mention. It is said that there are underground water tanks supposed to take the flood water and release it to the nearby ocean or something like that.

I don't know how true it is but major cities like Cebu and Davao are trying to put up their BGCs.

Cons

High cost of living

Just a heads-up, living in BGC doesn’t come cheap. My 1-bedroom apartment costs Php 37,000 a month ($660), and then there’s the wifi at Php 1,599 ($29). My electricity bill can range from Php 2,007 to Php 4,605 ($36-$82), and my water bill is between Php 400 and Php 750 ($7-$13). This is for a 30-floor condo with a pool, gym, rooftop, and a multi-level parking lot. Using the gym costs an extra Php 1,500 a month ($28). The pool is closed for cleaning on Mondays, and the rooftop is locked unless you get permission from security. They started restricting access after some unfortunate events during the pandemic.

With all things considered, this takes almost half of my monthly salary. Which means this is the most expensive lifestyle I've ever had in my entire life.

Some people and blogs even call BGC the “worst place to live in Metro Manila.” I can’t help but ask, “Why?” It could be because many people find the cost of living here too high. But for those who can afford it, BGC does offer a certain status and lifestyle. People can call it whatever they want, but honestly, I’m happy living here.

Lack of local/traditional markets

Since BGC is mostly a business district, you won’t find many local or traditional markets around here—everything’s pretty commercialized. If you’re someone who loves shopping in palengkes for affordable, fresh produce, this might be a bit of a letdown. Most grocery options are in high-end malls like SM Aura, Central Square, and Uptown Mall. Sometimes, it’s cheaper to order from Grab Mart outside BGC. If you’re set on shopping within BGC, Landmark is a bit more affordable than the other stores. And if you have an S&R membership, buying in bulk there could be a good alternative.

Noise Pollution

Despite living on the 12th floor, I still hear party music on weekends—BGC's nightlife is always buzzing. If that isn't for you then this could also be information that you have to know. 

Now let's get to the fun part.

Dining in BGC

BGC may be known as the business district, but I think it could also be known as the place where you won't be able to eat all of the new dishes and cuisines even if you eat out every day. Lol. But in no particular order, I'm going to share with you some of the places I've personally tried in BGC.

Harlan and Holden Coffee (Because Coffee)

Address: 5th Ave, Taguig, Metro Manila 

It's kind of pricy but it's located in the heart of BGC. I think they have the best coffee in BGC. And once you try it, you will surely come back. 

El Born

Address: 2F Mitsukoshi BGC 8th Ave, Corner 36th, North, Taguig, 1630 Metro Manila

A Spanish restaurant in a Japanese mall? Count me in! Their cheesecake is truly exceptional—light, fluffy, and decadently rich, making it the best I’ve ever had. It’s both heavenly and satisfying. The rest of the menu is equally impressive, offering a delightful culinary experience. To avoid the long queues during dinner, I highly recommend making a reservation in advance.

The Peak

Address: 60th Floor, Grand Hyatt Manila, 8th Avenue corner 35th St., 1634 Metro Manila

Dining at the tallest venue in BGC is truly an experience not to be missed! The Peak offers spectacular views and an unforgettable ambiance. Given its popularity, especially during holidays, it’s wise to book your reservations well in advance. My visit during Leap Year 2024 was nothing short of extraordinary, making it a night to remember!

Raging Bull Chophouse and Bar

Address: Shangri-La Corner, 3F, 30th Street, 5th Avenue, Manila, Taguig, 1634 Metro Manila 

I absolutely adore this place! The service was impeccable, with the staff being exceptionally attentive. The food was outstanding—quite possibly the best ribeye I've ever had. The ambiance is elegant, and they even offer a selection of high-end knives for your steak, adding a special touch to the dining experience. Be sure to make a reservation in advance. My boyfriend and I celebrated his 32nd birthday here, and it was a truly memorable evening!

Wildflour Cafe + Bakery

Address: Ground Floor Six/Neo 4th Avenue, Corner 26th St., Taguig, Metro Manila

I’ve had the pleasure of visiting this place at different times of the day—morning, afternoon, and dinner. While dinner can get quite bustling and vibrant, which may make conversations a bit noisy, the mornings offer a more serene atmosphere. The afternoon does see an increase in activity, but it’s still enjoyable. Additionally, the Farmacy Ice Cream, which I believe is affiliated with the Wildflour Group, is conveniently located on-site, providing a delightful treat to complete your visit.

Figaro Coffee - Bonifacio High Street

Address: B5, Bonifacio High Street, Taguig, Metro Manila

This coffee shop is truly my favorite in the entire country. I adore not only their coffee but also their delicious food. It’s an ideal spot for working—cozy and inviting, with comfortable tables. It’s also a great place to connect with other digital nomads who share the same workspace vibe!

Thriving in BGC

Suffice it to say, that BGC is more than just a business district. It is a community where your access to work, leisure, and lifestyle come together seamlessly. It is more than just living in a random city. It's about embracing the possible opportunities, connections, and experiences one could have. Sometimes, I document my thriving life in BGC. And even writing this blog is aligned with that. I don't have to socialize as much as I did before to feel that I am thriving in BGC. Life is still enjoyable and fulfilling. 

Career and Business Opportunities

Being a business district, major businesses and multinational companies are found here. Coworking spaces such as KMC and Zone Offices are also here. If you are someone who needs to network, this is one of the best places to base yourself. 

Work-Life Balance

I know I already said that I work from home. So how I define work-life balance could differ from yours. Nevertheless, for me this means, having access to coffee shops where I can work. There are also a lot of nearby parks where I can do my morning walks and get some sun. Isn't that sweet? I guess so. A healthy balance between my work from home and my personal life.

Culinary Experiences

I’ve already shared some of my favorite dining spots in BGC. But seriously, finding great food is a big part of thriving in this neighborhood.

Cultural and Artistic Growth

I’m a big fan of graffiti, and BGC is full of it! The street art here really shows how much BGC embraces creativity. Every time I take a walk, I discover something new that amazes me and takes my breath away. :)

In conclusion, I would say that just like me, BGC is still a work in progress. We have this saying, "Malayo pa, pero malayo na." In English, that means there is still a long way to go, but have already gone a long way. This city despite of it being a 'new divide' resonates with me in more ways than one. 

Whether you're just considering visiting BGC, or you're just here for work, or just like me, you are living, dining, and thriving in BGC, I hope we bump into each other. :) And let's explore the dynamic yet hmm.. relaxed (?) atmosphere of this 'new divide' called BGC.