What I notice is that the whole of Metro Manila (and in fact, also other major cities in the Philippines) is improving. In about 10-15 yrs time, the skyline and even the feels from the ground of the Metro will be different compared to today.
My family met him in Uptown 1 lobby in Nov last year, he's a very nice young fellow & accommodating, took some photos with him, hopefully he'll continue to create vids in BGC.
Air pollution in Philippines is so much lower than elsewhere in SEA (except for Singapore by a slim margin according to IQAir 2023 report). I like the way Philippines does it's business districts aswell, but of course more quality public transit is needed, luckily that is under way
@30AndAWakeUp Transportation is pretty economical in the Philippines. What you give up is a spacious Bahay with large rooms and a decent backyard. So for some people this alleged sardine can living might be acceptable. For others the lack of mountain and ocean views, or seeing Taal Lake or having fruit bearing trees and a running stream with something called "land" might be giving up way too much in return. BTW, where are the Palengkes?
minsan tigil-tigilan mo yan sa kakaproud to be filipino. sign yan ng colonial mentality. isa ka sa madaming pinoy na kailangan lagi ng validation from foreigners. jusko
There are also other ongoing future business district development projects such as the Arca South, Bridgetowne, Vertis North, Ayala Cloverleaf Estates. Hopefully, they're done within the next 10 years together with the subway system. Then after that, there will be expansions & reclamaion projects such as the SM Manila Bay Ocean City, Pasay Harbor City, Solar City, Manila Waterfront City, Manila Harbour Centre, etc.
Good topic Mergim. Just wondering why you weren’t invited at the Pusong Pinoy? I’m Fil/Am and lives in a gated private village with 24 hour security. I moved from 🇺🇸 to here. I got tired of the rat race. I had my minimalist modern style house built in 2018, 2 floors open concept with a garage. I don’t have any mortgage and bills except for utilities. I’m spending between $600-700/month for 2 including everything. I’m 30-45 minutes away to MOA, NAIA, Makati and BGC. So yeah I can go anywhere no problem driving my car without all the hassles living in Makati and BGC. I bought a used car. It doesn’t make sense to buy a new one coz Filipinos drive insane 😂 but I got used to it. Thanks Mergim for loving BGC 🇵🇭.
Low cost of living is nice, but BGC’s convenience when you can walk everywhere is better in my experience. You get more exercise and no need for a car, since taking Grab taxi is cheap. No parking, no driving in horrible traffic, no car maintenance, gas, etc. it’s like having a chauffeur at your becon call 24/7.
Actually I stayed in Makati( Pablacion) near Rockwell. The rent is very affordable and there were plenty of taxis,jeepneys available. Not to mention that I can walk to Makati centre and also shop in Rockwell. Everything is and will always be assable in Makati.
I totally agree with your observation. I think that the variety of indoor local and international restaurants in BGC make up the shortage in inexpensive street food available in bangkok
All good points, last time I was there BGC wasn’t even a conception lol. But I’m familiar with Makati, Passi and now the new BGC. We’ll be living in the city for our first few months for our plans to head there in October. Myself heading towards retirement with my Filipina wife. We’re looking for peace and quiet and I believe the outskirts ,province life is more preferable especially on cost of living, foods, and immersion into the culture. I need to be closer to beaches and palm trees, preferably in the foothills where it’s cooler. Anyway, to each his own. ✌🏻
Thanks Mergim! You are love by filipino as you so dedicated on promoting philippines to rhe world. I never missed your vlog & i even watched it twice in tv & in my mobile😁live it always.
nice one Mergim, thanks for the infos, will be staying in BGC area next week, excited to explore the area, the last time i went there was back in 2008, and so much has changed now since then, :-). Hopefully will see you on the BGC roads during our walk hehehe (Coming from Herefordshire, England).
Different business districts in Metro Manila have their own identity. Bangkok or Kungthep has just one big identity. Don’t get me wrong, Bangkok is amazing!
Few years from now BGC may have a stiff competitions from other bussiness districts like in the Bay areas with more than 4× the size of BGC are now having àn ongoing developments. Phils 🇵🇭 is really soaring high. ❤
Ran Into you at landers. Definitely agree that bgc is the place most convenient for foreigners. Especially when I was living in palazzo! I just really hated the elevator set up in that bbuilding on either side. So I opt for Mandaluyong twin oaks. It's like a mix of bgc and makati which is right up my alley
I agree that BGC almost has everything, whether as a resident living in rent or owned, or as an employee working there, and the sidewalks are pretty wide on most areas that makes it walkable, making it an organized and planned city. They should even lengthen the time to cross the pedestrian crossings since there are areas where crossing only takes 10-15 seconds. On how quiet it is, it's somewhat true if not living or working in major roads. But BGC isn't complete without its cons. One is public transport that is limited. Most PUVs are concentrated in Market Market, while the remaining is only covered by BGC Bus where the number of units are sorely lacking, the buses are always full during weekdays at rush hour, and headway/waiting time is too long because BGC Bus only use one road, McKinley Road as ingress and egress to Ayala in Makati which is another major transport hub, and it gets congested at rush hour, particularly at night where it takes 30 minutes at least to 1 hour at worst to get to BGC from Ayala. Tl;dr, BGC is car-centric. But with the additional bus routes plying C-5 like coming from SM North, Alabang, Laguna, and Cavite and the upcoming subway which will open in like 5 to 6 years, it kind of showed its improvements. I just hope the private developer allows other PUVs to enter portions of BGC so that BGC Bus won't be overburdened. Also, a monorail or a light rail would also help going in and out of BGC to Makati, Ortigas, and NAIA. The variety of food options is noticeable, like they don't even have cheap canteens similar to the ones found in Makati CBD, since BGC serves all classes and not everyone affords to eat at expensive restaurants or eateries. Anyway, good observations, Mergim.
What do you exactly mean about lack of food in BGC or in Manila? What kind of food do tourists in Bangkok are looking for? Thai cuisines? What foods do they prefer? There are a lot of restaurants outside of BGC all around Metro Manija like Filipino, Chinese, Japanese, Thai Korean, Indian, Mediterrane, Spanish or American, etc Asian or European cuisine.
Go to Eastwood city at night there are many foods and sights there.. the last time you went there I guess it was post pandemic and every stores were close so this time is better.
Yes, housing and transportation are linked. If you live walking distance where you work, study, shop, and have fun then you don't need a private vehicle. A private vehicle cost money in terms of the vehicle itself, fuel, maintenance, parking/storage, registration and fines. What is very much needed in Manila, Cebu and the rest is fast reliable high capacity transportation that links walkable areas together like BGC, Makati, Ortigas etc. Link the malls together with the universities, hospitals, business districts, and other large job centers. Then replace all the slums with high rise government subsidized public housing.
I'm currently living in Makati, looking to move to BGC later this year, would love to see more building, apt visits, reviews.. or can anyone recommend a vlogger who does these? 🙏
Nice vlog. Come one, u have lived here long enough to give up the rough riding pink scooters. By a Dualtron... I'll take you out anytime as I own 2. After 2 years I'd be happy to buy u lunch or dinner. Thanks for what you do. Your one of the best!!!
Great topic and yes, the ambience of BGC Manila is spectacular But as a rebuttal, if you lived in BGC and had to go anywhere or use more transportation, that would just add to the cost of being there instead of living somewhere close by and having some transportation, if that makes sense But the convenience of everything right there in the center of BGC is spectacular
Public transportation in Metro-Manila is below par compared to other major Southeast Asian cities. But it may improve with the subway being built, albeit with only one line. Great subways should have a "spider-web" network system, not just one line that runs north to south.
I'm hearing Eastwood is quite a nice little gem - and very affordable with what is needed right there in that area ? -- Small but very nice is the word ? -- You might try it on for size ? -- Might just be "right" for retired seniors and less expensive ? 🤔 I would really like not sweating so much - but could I afford to stay in that area (?) just to avoid sweating ???
You made a very convincing vlog (for me anyway) on the benefits of having a home in BGC vs other city-scape environments. Clearly top PH big city in a fairly tranquil city/area with a lot less of the congestion, noise, and chaotic traffic, at a very reasonable added city cost. Remember, it's the city, so if you seek total isolation and quiet (like roosters blaring at 5am in the provinces) it's not city living that you actually want. I do seek having nearby tropical beaches, and BGC would require an exit to get to the more exclusive white sand beaches, and any city will also have less appealing beaches than the more remote beach towns and off shore islands, that's just common sense. Sure, other areas are less expensive, and may have more food options, but the vibe of BGC really outshines those more remote areas despite its less food variety limitations, especially for an expat looking for a relatively safe, or safer metro-Manilla location. Point is - with no sidewalk food stalls adding to the maniac chaos they bring, and all the scooters parked on them, walking, biking, driving, and moto-scooting seems far less dangerous. Add to that the well-maintained concrete, wider sidewalks and streets, and it wins hands down for ease and peace of mind. A recon-fact finding visit is mandatory regardless of where you think best to live because being there is the only true test.
I agree with the assessment of BGC. But I must say you can find places in central Bangkok that are still quite chill , Phrom phong near the park is my favourite.
YVR is expensive! Home prices for sale average are going for 1 million Canadian $. I remember in 1980 when my Dad bought a house in Vancouver for only $45,000. It’s ridiculously expensive when you want to buy now or even rent
I think the next BGC in 10 yrs time is in Clark . In pangpangga suburb. as majority of koreans lives in pangpangga nevetheless theres a direct flight from korea to clark
Hi Mergim, if you want to explore more like divisoria, try to visit baclaran, specially near baclaran there are many store selling clothes more on overruns stuff and more.
Maganda nman tlga s BGC and other commercial/business areas as well in different cities in NCR. Pansin ko s nppnood ko walk tours kung meron 1 or 2 lng. BKK and Vietnam din kahit s mga simpleng lugar lng nila common n lng mkikita mraming westerners.
Hey Mergim you forgot to consider trying to get a Grab around rushhour. Last year I was stranded in Cubao for about 2 hrs in the middle of rush hour. Also in my opinion Eastwood City is just as good as BGC.
BGC has much of what you need on a daily basis without all the travel. The situation outside BGC with traffic, Grab/taxis, Jeepneys, mixed with the poor/outdated/diverse zoning make travel difficult. Sidewalks outside BGC can be uneven, different widths or levels or non-existent. You can probably save 1.5 hours per day easy by not traveling around the rest of metro Manila. The BGC community prohibiting certain mass transit vehicles, loud vehicles, panhandling, etc. make BGC a much more pleasant environment in which to live or work. Hopefully all the new developments will adopt similar zoning and laws that have made BGC popular and successful. Manila should look at the way Singapore has built some of their large Piazzas (near Clarke Quay) with the very large steel/plexiglass umbrella/awnings that provide some shade and shelter from the rain for the entire piazza containing multiple restaurants/bars, outdoor stages, music etc.
The business districts of Metro Manila (Makati, Ortigas, Cubao) have been around longer than Singapore even has one. It is quite possible that it is Singapore who has taken some ideas from the Philippines back then and later came up with their own concept of urban planning. So, no thank you Singapore. Keep in mind, the Philippines' been there, done that. The Philippines can always improve upon the ones they already have and can always continue to innovate or improve on their upcoming projects. Also, Singapore being a tiny city-state no longer has the capacity to expand (limited land) but make do with what they already have as far as infrastructures.
@@83nomad5 - If we are talking about modernizing cities, improving urban sprawl, poor infrastructure and attracting new business…Manila could do very well to take a few pointers from Singapore. Singapore is safe, clean, modern and a very attractive city. You don’t see the locals walking around with handkerchiefs covering their nose and mouth in order to minimize the pollution they are breathing. You can jump in a Grab or taxi and be across the city in 30 minutes, as opposed to sitting in Manila gridlock for hours listening to hundreds of horns honking. It’s not a competition among cities. There is nothing wrong with borrowing a good idea from another city. Look at the new metro Manila is building. They have hired Japanese engineers and are modeling it after the Tokyo subway. That’s a great idea. BTW - I see the good in the Philippines and would choose to live in Manila over Singapore any day. Cheers.
@@justsmy5677 Sometimes you hear the phrase, "bigger is better." In the State of Texas, they like to brag, "everything is bigger in Texas." In the case of Singapore being a smaller nation it has the opposite effect. Compare to an island nation like the Philippines or even Indonesia it has its own advantage. Singapore being a tiny nation is much easier to govern especially with a much smaller population "TO CONTROL." It helps that the government almost have a draconian control over the governed citizenry. Compared to Singapore, the Philippine administration is more "chill" in lording over its people. For example, one doesn't get fine for chewing gum in public or get publicly lash for some violation. I don't know it they still do that over there. But the Philippines already have a mini-me version of Singapore. A district of Taguig city called BGC. Like you mentioned above, BGC is "safe, clean, modern and a very attractive district (not city)" Again, quoting what you said above, I will insert ... in BGC ... "you don’t see the locals walking around with handkerchiefs covering their nose and mouth in order to minimize the pollution they are breathing. You can jump in a grab or taxi (or leisurely walk if you prefer) and be across the city in 5 (not 30) minutes, as opposed to sitting in "OTHER parts of Metro Manila" gridlock for hours listening to hundreds of horns honking. I am sure that in their endless quest to improve and better the urban landscape not just in the metropolitan Manila but also in other parts of the country, that the Philippine urban planners have already gotten and will continue to seek and get ideas from other countries as well, including Singapore. This is in addition to the already existing brain power supply of Filipino architects, engineers and builders. When I'm done working and finally called it quits, I am with you in Philippines over Singapore.
Hasn’t rained hardly at all in the last 2 weeks in Bangkok/Pattaya. Last year September was the wettest period. So it’s always hard to predict! BGC is a bubble, yes it’s nice, but living in a high rise condo isn’t for everyone imo! One big negative is the value for money, quality accommodation and restaurants are much cheaper in Bangkok and especially Pattaya!
I totally agree with everything you've just said. You have a knack of telling things so accurately, deliberately and spontaneously. Keep it up! P.S. I still prefer KL than Manila tho
i been to Bangkok and they dont have single area that looks similar to BGC or MAKATI there modern part called One Bangkok is just around 20 hectares its just 22times smaller to BGC. and 90times smaller to MAKATI CBD.
Hi thanks for the great content! Thinking of going to BGC soon but I am a little apprehensive about the Wifi. Can you attest that the wifi is fast and reliable? What is your honest take?
I think Mergim, it is time for you to get your own vehicle. Like a Pickup so you can go to lots of places. You haven't seen Region 2 and 5 yet, if im not mistaken?😊
Sounds like they're trying to put one over on you. VAT is the landlord's responsibility, not the tenant's. So the quote they give you should already have their VAT baked in. I would just skip people trying to pull a fast one, and go with someone who's honest from the start. But if you really want to negotiate with them, you'd be best advised to ask them for the "all-in rental rate".
Hi Mergim I’ve been in BGC a couple of times with my wife. But only one day visiting. Next year we are planning rent an airbnb or a hotel for about two weeks in BGC for our two young kids too. Do you have some suggestion what we can visit or do of activities in BGC for kids on almost 3 and 9 years?
When I was there I tried to get a Grab and they never showed. I finally got a cab but also got the long nose tax. Transportation is definitely a problem
bgc or makati would be a good home base,travel from there.To many vlogs about cheap places and poor expats.If i can convince my wife to go,we will be living on about 7 to 8 grand a month,not every one going there is broke,on the contrary.
What I notice is that the whole of Metro Manila (and in fact, also other major cities in the Philippines) is improving. In about 10-15 yrs time, the skyline and even the feels from the ground of the Metro will be different compared to today.
Well said. BGC is unmatched when it comes to the ambience. The vibes are immaculate
In the Philippines...absolutely!
My family met him in Uptown 1 lobby in Nov last year, he's a very nice young fellow & accommodating, took some photos with him, hopefully he'll continue to create vids in BGC.
Thanks Sir Mergim for promoting our country since you arrived here, a lot of foreign tourist now coming to the Philippines especially BGC...
Yeah right
@@mrussel2392 I agree, the content actually has a negative undertone
Let's support Mergim for he's one of the loyal vlogger who stayed trying to promote our country Philippines.
Air pollution in Philippines is so much lower than elsewhere in SEA (except for Singapore by a slim margin according to IQAir 2023 report). I like the way Philippines does it's business districts aswell, but of course more quality public transit is needed, luckily that is under way
agree 100%…..I always live in the nicest, walkable neighborhoods and the money you save in transportation almost always makes up for the extra cost
@30AndAWakeUp Transportation is pretty economical in the Philippines. What you give up is a spacious Bahay with large rooms and a decent backyard. So for some people this alleged sardine can living might be acceptable. For others the lack of mountain and ocean views, or seeing Taal Lake or having fruit bearing trees and a running stream with something called "land" might be giving up way too much in return. BTW, where are the Palengkes?
As a Filipino...I am so proud of u living in our country...Love all ur blogs,Mergim.Just continue...you will be blessed.♥️🙏
minsan tigil-tigilan mo yan sa kakaproud to be filipino. sign yan ng colonial mentality. isa ka sa madaming pinoy na kailangan lagi ng validation from foreigners. jusko
BGC is improving. Strolling around the city is therapeutic. It gives me relief from work related stress. The ambience is world class. ❤️👏👏
Hey mate where would you recommend staying for a young family of 4 in BGC ? Central to everything within walking distance etc.. cheers
BGC is the best spot in the metro to date! Thanks Mergim! Hoping to meet and get a picture together with you soon!
There are also other ongoing future business district development projects such as the Arca South, Bridgetowne, Vertis North, Ayala Cloverleaf Estates. Hopefully, they're done within the next 10 years together with the subway system. Then after that, there will be expansions & reclamaion projects such as the SM Manila Bay Ocean City, Pasay Harbor City, Solar City, Manila Waterfront City, Manila Harbour Centre, etc.
BGC no floods, no brownout, clean streets, no homeless, no shoplifters. 24hours CCTV monitors
Good topic Mergim. Just wondering why you weren’t invited at the Pusong Pinoy? I’m Fil/Am and lives in a gated private village with 24 hour security. I moved from 🇺🇸 to here. I got tired of the rat race. I had my minimalist modern style house built in 2018, 2 floors open concept with a garage. I don’t have any mortgage and bills except for utilities. I’m spending between $600-700/month for 2 including everything. I’m 30-45 minutes away to MOA, NAIA, Makati and BGC. So yeah I can go anywhere no problem driving my car without all the hassles living in Makati and BGC. I bought a used car. It doesn’t make sense to buy a new one coz Filipinos drive insane 😂 but I got used to it. Thanks Mergim for loving BGC 🇵🇭.
Right! I was expecting The Chairman too.😊
Low cost of living is nice, but BGC’s convenience when you can walk everywhere is better in my experience. You get more exercise and no need for a car, since taking Grab taxi is cheap. No parking, no driving in horrible traffic, no car maintenance, gas, etc. it’s like having a chauffeur at your becon call 24/7.
I'm expecting him to be there next year.
Actually I stayed in Makati( Pablacion) near Rockwell. The rent is very affordable and there were plenty of taxis,jeepneys available. Not to mention that I can walk to Makati centre and also shop in Rockwell. Everything is and will always be assable in Makati.
@@yolandelyle exactly . Makati feels real
I totally agree with your observation. I think that the variety of indoor local and international restaurants in BGC make up the shortage in inexpensive street food available in bangkok
All good points, last time I was there BGC wasn’t even a conception lol. But I’m familiar with Makati, Passi and now the new BGC. We’ll be living in the city for our first few months for our plans to head there in October. Myself heading towards retirement with my Filipina wife. We’re looking for peace and quiet and I believe the outskirts ,province life is more preferable especially on cost of living, foods, and immersion into the culture. I need to be closer to beaches and palm trees, preferably in the foothills where it’s cooler. Anyway, to each his own. ✌🏻
Mergim always provide insightful commentaries
Thanks Mergim! You are love by filipino as you so dedicated on promoting philippines to rhe world. I never missed your vlog & i even watched it twice in tv & in my mobile😁live it always.
Legaspi Park is also a good option. Very near Ayala Center, Ayala Triangle, Makati CBD, Malls, Hospitals. There are also pocket parks.
Yeah BGC is where you can find everything, shops, etc. My place (Pasig) is near to that place. ❤
Watching from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
As a longtime Bangkokian, I can honestly say BGC is nicer than any area in Bangkok. Food is just as good, too.
nice one Mergim, thanks for the infos, will be staying in BGC area next week, excited to explore the area, the last time i went there was back in 2008, and so much has changed now since then, :-). Hopefully will see you on the BGC roads during our walk hehehe (Coming from Herefordshire, England).
When we went to BGC, we all fell in love with it. Fr Davao City
Great video. Can you make a video of places to have a nice drink/bars or watch a local band play in BGC?
Different business districts in Metro Manila have their own identity. Bangkok or Kungthep has just one big identity. Don’t get me wrong, Bangkok is amazing!
Agree. Wide sidewalks... Pedestrian-friendly. I lived in Pembo (just across SM Aura) for 12 years.
Few years from now BGC may have a stiff competitions from other bussiness districts like in the Bay areas with more than 4× the size of BGC are now having àn ongoing developments. Phils 🇵🇭 is really soaring high. ❤
Bay area feels unsafe relative yo Bgc maybe bec of the demographics?
Nice and honest observation chairman👍😊
You are right - BGC is a more convenient place to live in.
Thanks Mergim for explaining the whole thing in terms of renting because were planning to rent condo or may be to owning someday thanks for sharing
honestly, BGC is super nice
Ran Into you at landers. Definitely agree that bgc is the place most convenient for foreigners. Especially when I was living in palazzo! I just really hated the elevator set up in that bbuilding on either side. So I opt for Mandaluyong twin oaks. It's like a mix of bgc and makati which is right up my alley
If you're somewhere in Ortigas, anywhere along EDSA, just ride an MRT to (Telus) Makati - 5am - 10pm
I agree that BGC almost has everything, whether as a resident living in rent or owned, or as an employee working there, and the sidewalks are pretty wide on most areas that makes it walkable, making it an organized and planned city. They should even lengthen the time to cross the pedestrian crossings since there are areas where crossing only takes 10-15 seconds. On how quiet it is, it's somewhat true if not living or working in major roads.
But BGC isn't complete without its cons. One is public transport that is limited. Most PUVs are concentrated in Market Market, while the remaining is only covered by BGC Bus where the number of units are sorely lacking, the buses are always full during weekdays at rush hour, and headway/waiting time is too long because BGC Bus only use one road, McKinley Road as ingress and egress to Ayala in Makati which is another major transport hub, and it gets congested at rush hour, particularly at night where it takes 30 minutes at least to 1 hour at worst to get to BGC from Ayala. Tl;dr, BGC is car-centric. But with the additional bus routes plying C-5 like coming from SM North, Alabang, Laguna, and Cavite and the upcoming subway which will open in like 5 to 6 years, it kind of showed its improvements. I just hope the private developer allows other PUVs to enter portions of BGC so that BGC Bus won't be overburdened. Also, a monorail or a light rail would also help going in and out of BGC to Makati, Ortigas, and NAIA.
The variety of food options is noticeable, like they don't even have cheap canteens similar to the ones found in Makati CBD, since BGC serves all classes and not everyone affords to eat at expensive restaurants or eateries.
Anyway, good observations, Mergim.
What do you exactly mean about lack of food in BGC or in Manila? What kind of food do tourists in Bangkok are looking for? Thai cuisines? What foods do they prefer? There are a lot of restaurants outside of BGC all around Metro Manija like Filipino, Chinese, Japanese, Thai Korean, Indian, Mediterrane, Spanish or American, etc Asian or European cuisine.
Grab Hack: Choose 6 seater car, immediately like magic!
Your observations are spot on.
🇬🇧🇵🇭❤🙏🏻
Cheers, Chairman Mergim!
Thank you for sharing your experience about BGC it’s very helpful
very good observation chairman 👍
Keepsafe mergim❤
why don't you do a vlog on your hometown in UK? Pls tour us there where you grow, your school, places you've been to, the foods, views, etc... :)
Thanks for your honest opinion.
Yes! BGC is the place to be😊
Love this vlog mergim! Keep safe always!♥️♥️♥️
I like your points made. 👍🏼
Go to Eastwood city at night there are many foods and sights there.. the last time you went there I guess it was post pandemic and every stores were close so this time is better.
Yes, housing and transportation are linked. If you live walking distance where you work, study, shop, and have fun then you don't need a private vehicle. A private vehicle cost money in terms of the vehicle itself, fuel, maintenance, parking/storage, registration and fines.
What is very much needed in Manila, Cebu and the rest is fast reliable high capacity transportation that links walkable areas together like BGC, Makati, Ortigas etc. Link the malls together with the universities, hospitals, business districts, and other large job centers. Then replace all the slums with high rise government subsidized public housing.
I'm currently living in Makati, looking to move to BGC later this year, would love to see more building, apt visits, reviews.. or can anyone recommend a vlogger who does these? 🙏
Check out Live the Philippines, they have a couple of videos. American family living in BGC.
Good video; thanks for sharing.
Love this content..thanks dude.Have a great day.God bless.
Enjoying your vlogs about the Philippines!
"Audition the building" and airbnb, great advice!"🎉
Mergim after 5 years will be easy for everybody to travel from Quezon City. Ortigas. BGC to Terminal 3 airport once Manila Subway completed.
Nice vlog. Come one, u have lived here long enough to give up the rough riding pink scooters. By a Dualtron... I'll take you out anytime as I own 2.
After 2 years I'd be happy to buy u lunch or dinner.
Thanks for what you do. Your one of the best!!!
Great topic and yes, the ambience of BGC Manila is spectacular
But as a rebuttal, if you lived in BGC and had to go anywhere or use more transportation, that would just add to the cost of being there instead of living somewhere close by and having some transportation, if that makes sense
But the convenience of everything right there in the center of BGC is spectacular
Thumbs up 😊😊😊
Public transportation in Metro-Manila is below par compared to other major Southeast Asian cities. But it may improve with the subway being built, albeit with only one line. Great subways should have a "spider-web" network system, not just one line that runs north to south.
Atleast what is being built wont be tofu dreg construction like other southeast asian cities
I love BGC, my second home! I miss it ❤
Great perspective! 👍😊
My husband and I are very lucky that’s where my personal best place very convenient and happy there
Perfect calculation❤❤❤
I'm hearing Eastwood is quite a nice little gem - and very affordable with what is needed right there in that area ? -- Small but very nice is the word ? -- You might try it on for size ? -- Might just be "right" for retired seniors and less expensive ? 🤔 I would really like not sweating so much - but could I afford to stay in that area (?) just to avoid sweating ???
You made a very convincing vlog (for me anyway) on the benefits of having a home in BGC vs other city-scape environments. Clearly top PH big city in a fairly tranquil city/area with a lot less of the congestion, noise, and chaotic traffic, at a very reasonable added city cost. Remember, it's the city, so if you seek total isolation and quiet (like roosters blaring at 5am in the provinces) it's not city living that you actually want. I do seek having nearby tropical beaches, and BGC would require an exit to get to the more exclusive white sand beaches, and any city will also have less appealing beaches than the more remote beach towns and off shore islands, that's just common sense. Sure, other areas are less expensive, and may have more food options, but the vibe of BGC really outshines those more remote areas despite its less food variety limitations, especially for an expat looking for a relatively safe, or safer metro-Manilla location. Point is - with no sidewalk food stalls adding to the maniac chaos they bring, and all the scooters parked on them, walking, biking, driving, and moto-scooting seems far less dangerous. Add to that the well-maintained concrete, wider sidewalks and streets, and it wins hands down for ease and peace of mind. A recon-fact finding visit is mandatory regardless of where you think best to live because being there is the only true test.
Well said chairman! I love living in BGC too! We’re actually neighbours! 😊
I agree with the assessment of BGC. But I must say you can find places in central Bangkok that are still quite chill , Phrom phong near the park is my favourite.
Where i live in canada,it will cost u about 2 grand or more for a average place plus most utilities.Nice place,upwards of 3 grand or more.
YVR is expensive! Home prices for sale average are going for 1 million Canadian $. I remember in 1980 when my Dad bought a house in Vancouver for only $45,000. It’s ridiculously expensive when you want to buy now or even rent
thats a good take mate!
Living first class in a developing country > living impoverished in a first world country
Hey Mergim, where could I search for condos? Facebook? Rentpad? Where would you find those needle-in-a-haystack you mentioned?
By 2029 that problim may be solved when subway operates and also elivated PNR from Clark Metro Manila to calamba train.
I like BGC for a short stay but found myself getting bored after a couple of weeks. Maybe I need to explore it more.
I think the next BGC in 10 yrs time is in Clark . In pangpangga suburb. as majority of koreans lives in pangpangga nevetheless theres a direct flight from korea to clark
Hi Mergim, if you want to explore more like divisoria, try to visit baclaran, specially near baclaran there are many store selling clothes more on overruns stuff and more.
Maganda nman tlga s BGC and other commercial/business areas as well in different cities in NCR. Pansin ko s nppnood ko walk tours kung meron 1 or 2 lng. BKK and Vietnam din kahit s mga simpleng lugar lng nila common n lng mkikita mraming westerners.
From a cost per square meter perspective is most higher end condominiums in Cebu i'm looking at are more expensive than condos in BGC.
❤ BGC my favorite area in Manila, with Cebu being my close second area.
damnit Mergim, missed my chance to say hi when we passed you at the Mitsukoshi escalators the other day lol next time!
Hey Mergim you forgot to consider trying to get a Grab around rushhour. Last year I was stranded in Cubao for about 2 hrs in the middle of rush hour. Also in my opinion Eastwood City is just as good as BGC.
Visit also in Alabang town center and other areas there. It's also nice
BGC has much of what you need on a daily basis without all the travel. The situation outside BGC with traffic, Grab/taxis, Jeepneys, mixed with the poor/outdated/diverse zoning make travel difficult. Sidewalks outside BGC can be uneven, different widths or levels or non-existent. You can probably save 1.5 hours per day easy by not traveling around the rest of metro Manila.
The BGC community prohibiting certain mass transit vehicles, loud vehicles, panhandling, etc. make BGC a much more pleasant environment in which to live or work.
Hopefully all the new developments will adopt similar zoning and laws that have made BGC popular and successful.
Manila should look at the way Singapore has built some of their large Piazzas (near Clarke Quay) with the very large steel/plexiglass umbrella/awnings that provide some shade and shelter from the rain for the entire piazza containing multiple restaurants/bars, outdoor stages, music etc.
The business districts of Metro Manila (Makati, Ortigas, Cubao) have been around longer than Singapore even has one. It is quite possible that it is Singapore who has taken some ideas from the Philippines back then and later came up with their own concept of urban planning. So, no thank you Singapore. Keep in mind, the Philippines' been there, done that. The Philippines can always improve upon the ones they already have and can always continue to innovate or improve on their upcoming projects. Also, Singapore being a tiny city-state no longer has the capacity to expand (limited land) but make do with what they already have as far as infrastructures.
@@83nomad5 - If we are talking about modernizing cities, improving urban sprawl, poor infrastructure and attracting new business…Manila could do very well to take a few pointers from Singapore.
Singapore is safe, clean, modern and a very attractive city.
You don’t see the locals walking around with handkerchiefs covering their nose and mouth in order to minimize the pollution they are breathing.
You can jump in a Grab or taxi and be across the city in 30 minutes, as opposed to sitting in Manila gridlock for hours listening to hundreds of horns honking.
It’s not a competition among cities. There is nothing wrong with borrowing a good idea from another city.
Look at the new metro Manila is building. They have hired Japanese engineers and are modeling it after the Tokyo subway. That’s a great idea.
BTW - I see the good in the Philippines and would choose to live in Manila over Singapore any day.
Cheers.
@@justsmy5677 Sometimes you hear the phrase, "bigger is better." In the State of Texas, they like to brag, "everything is bigger in Texas." In the case of Singapore being a smaller nation it has the opposite effect. Compare to an island nation like the Philippines or even Indonesia it has its own advantage. Singapore being a tiny nation is much easier to govern especially with a much smaller population "TO CONTROL." It helps that the government almost have a draconian control over the governed citizenry. Compared to Singapore, the Philippine administration is more "chill" in lording over its people. For example, one doesn't get fine for chewing gum in public or get publicly lash for some violation. I don't know it they still do that over there.
But the Philippines already have a mini-me version of Singapore. A district of Taguig city called BGC. Like you mentioned above, BGC is "safe, clean, modern and a very attractive district (not city)" Again, quoting what you said above, I will insert ... in BGC ... "you don’t see the locals walking around with handkerchiefs covering their nose and mouth in order to minimize the pollution they are breathing. You can jump in a grab or taxi (or leisurely walk if you prefer) and be across the city in 5 (not 30) minutes, as opposed to sitting in "OTHER parts of Metro Manila" gridlock for hours listening to hundreds of horns honking.
I am sure that in their endless quest to improve and better the urban landscape not just in the metropolitan Manila but also in other parts of the country, that the Philippine urban planners have already gotten and will continue to seek and get ideas from other countries as well, including Singapore. This is in addition to the already existing brain power supply of Filipino architects, engineers and builders. When I'm done working and finally called it quits, I am with you in Philippines over Singapore.
Hasn’t rained hardly at all in the last 2 weeks in Bangkok/Pattaya. Last year September was the wettest period. So it’s always hard to predict! BGC is a bubble, yes it’s nice, but living in a high rise condo isn’t for everyone imo! One big negative is the value for money, quality accommodation and restaurants are much cheaper in Bangkok and especially Pattaya!
Hi mergim ❤
I totally agree with everything you've just said. You have a knack of telling things so accurately, deliberately and spontaneously. Keep it up!
P.S. I still prefer KL than Manila tho
i been to Bangkok and they dont have single area that looks similar to BGC or MAKATI there modern part called One Bangkok is just around 20 hectares its just 22times smaller to BGC. and 90times smaller to MAKATI CBD.
Condo tour of your place
Q&A video
I agree and BGC is cleaner compared to other cities in Metro ManilA
Hi thanks for the great content! Thinking of going to BGC soon but I am a little apprehensive about the Wifi. Can you attest that the wifi is fast and reliable? What is your honest take?
Well said Chairman Mergim...
I think Mergim, it is time for you to get your own vehicle. Like a Pickup so you can go to lots of places. You haven't seen Region 2 and 5 yet, if im not mistaken?😊
Philippines vs Thailand?
Have you heard about a 12% VAT on apartment rentals? I found that some buildings are asking for it.
Sounds like they're trying to put one over on you. VAT is the landlord's responsibility, not the tenant's. So the quote they give you should already have their VAT baked in. I would just skip people trying to pull a fast one, and go with someone who's honest from the start. But if you really want to negotiate with them, you'd be best advised to ask them for the "all-in rental rate".
Hi Mergim
I’ve been in BGC a couple of times with my wife. But only one day visiting. Next year we are planning rent an airbnb or a hotel for about two weeks in BGC for our two young kids too. Do you have some suggestion what we can visit or do of activities in BGC for kids on almost 3 and 9 years?
Ill Go for The Philippines… English is a must.. The beauty may be Tie ?..and balance to other SEA. Countries even to Da Nang may be included .. k..
Damn, i knew it was you I saw walking right outside my office building, I should've said hi HAHAHAHA
how would you compare it with the Greenbelt area around Legazpi area?
Hi Mergim, always your vlog i Philipppines but your Thailand background temples, why you change that mix background, viewers composed,
Good day.
When I was there I tried to get a Grab and they never showed. I finally got a cab but also got the long nose tax. Transportation is definitely a problem
bgc or makati would be a good home base,travel from there.To many vlogs about cheap places and poor expats.If i can convince my wife to go,we will be living on about 7 to 8 grand a month,not every one going there is broke,on the contrary.
❤❤❤