When my family and I relocated from New York to the Philippines in 2015, it felt like a homecoming for me as a Filipino. Returning to Manila, where I spent most of my adulthood and found my husband, was both familiar and comforting. Although we tied the knot in Davao, in the southern part of the country, Manila was the city I once called home. After 15 years abroad, we returned with our two teenage children, ready to settle back into this familiar place.
Choosing Bonifacio Global City (BGC)
We chose to live in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig, mainly due to its proximity to international schools like the British School Manila (BSM) and the International School Manila (ISM). Despite the challenges in securing spots for our children, the arrangement of attending different schools worked out well. BGC, with its blend of a sizable expat community and diverse Filipino residents, provided an ideal environment for our family.
Living in BGC: Convenience and Comfort
Living in BGC is highly convenient. Everything from shopping and banking to dining options is within walking distance. For families with children at BSM or ISM, BGC offers a perfect balance of convenience and space without the need for extensive transportation. If your budget allows, consider the more spacious condominiums built in the mid-’90s, such as The Pacific Plaza Towers, Essensa, or One McKinley. These buildings, though older, feature timeless designs and offer sizable units with reliable management and safety. Alternatively, newer buildings from Shang Properties and Ayala Properties provide modern amenities, albeit with slightly smaller units.
Comparing British School Manila (BSM) and International School Manila (ISM)
Having experience with both schools, I’m often asked to compare BSM and ISM. Both offer quality education with International Baccalaureate (IB) programs, ensuring your child thrives regardless of the choice. ISM, following an American curriculum, provides a straightforward approach to evaluating academic performance, while BSM’s system is slightly different but offers both IB and IGCSE, which is beneficial if your child’s future academic direction is uncertain. BSM’s expertise is particularly strong for
those considering the UK or Europe, whereas ISM provides a smoother transition into the American education system, ideal for families planning a move to the US. Our decision to send our children to the UK for their higher education was greatly supported by the kind and knowledgeable teachers at BSM, many of whom are UK university graduates. Their insights and guidance throughout the application process were invaluable. It’s crucial to conduct thorough research and make informed decisions to ensure a smooth educational transition for your children.
Alternative Living Options in Makati
For families with larger budgets who prefer gardens and more space, renting in upscale villages in Makati, adjacent to BGC, is a viable option. Dasmariñas Village and Forbes Park are notable choices, though they come with a hefty price tag. These areas are known for their large homes, lush greenery, and exclusive communities, making them ideal for those seeking privacy and luxury.
The Makati Central Business District (CBD) also offers other desirable villages, such as San Lorenzo and Urdaneta, where house rentals are comparable in price to condominiums in BGC but offer more space. These villages are centrally located, providing easy access to the bustling CBD while maintaining a peaceful residential atmosphere.
Additionally, there are plenty of options in the heart of the Makati CBD itself, particularly in Legaspi Village and Salcedo Village. Both villages offer a wide selection of condominiums, ranging from older, more spacious units to newer, modern apartments at different price points. These neighborhoods are ideal for those who want to be in the center of the action while enjoying the conveniences of urban living.
Legaspi Village: This area is particularly appealing due to its close proximity to the famous Greenbelt shopping center, a hub for luxury retail, dining, and entertainment. Living here means being just a short walk away from world-class amenities.
Salcedo Village: While slightly farther from Greenbelt, Salcedo Village has its own unique charm, particularly with its popular weekend markets that offer local produce, gourmet foods, and artisanal products. This adds a community feel to the area, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a vibrant, yet relaxed, neighborhood atmosphere.
In another part of Makati, you’ll find the upscale township of Rockwell and the nearby Bel-Air Village. Although not within walking distance to the CBD, Rockwell is a self-sufficient neighborhood with everything you need within reach, either on foot or via a resident shuttle service. Rockwell features luxury condominiums, a high-end shopping mall, and a wide range of dining options, making it a highly sought-after area for expats.
Practical Tips for Renting in Manila
When renting in Manila, it’s important to note that landlords typically require one year’s advance rent and a two-month deposit. Consider signing a longer lease at a fixed rate to avoid frequent renegotiations. It’s also wise to engage a trusted real estate agent to represent your interests throughout the process and beyond. Connections to landlords are vital, so working with a broker with direct access to landlords or buildings can be advantageous, especially during negotiations. Despite my experience in real estate, I opted to hire a broker after being away for 15 years. Their knowledge of local trends and negotiating styles proved invaluable. If you need assistance finding a broker, feel free to reach out, and I can provide several contacts for you to choose from.
Manila’s Welcoming Culture and Expat Life
Manila’s vibrant and diverse culture makes it a welcoming city for expats. Whether navigating Makati's bustling, cosmopolitan environment or enjoying the contemporary and fresh surroundings of BGC, Manila embraces newcomers and offers remarkable opportunities.
International Schools and Sports Events
As a final tip for expat families with children in international schools in Southeast Asia, particularly those involved in sports, you’re likely familiar with the IASAS and FOBISIA sports events. When visiting Manila for these events, I highly recommend staying at Seda Hotel or the Grand Hyatt. Both are just a 7-10 minute walk from BSM and ISM. These hotels are perfectly located within a mile radius, surrounded by dining and shopping options, with plenty of walking paths, making taxis unnecessary.
Disclaimer:
The information provided on this website is for informational purposes only and should not be regarded as definitive real estate advice. Real estate markets and regulations are subject to change, and while we aim for accuracy, the content may not reflect the most current developments. The insights shared represent opinions and should not be deemed absolute. Any referrals made to our network of experts are intended for convenience and should be complemented with legal advice. By using this website, you agree that any reliance on the provided information is at your own risk.
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