As a fellow british expat in manila i can definitely say that first BGC condo location is epic, i sit outside the auro chocolate cafe every morning at 5 AM (on the ground floor) drinking my pickup coffee while its still dark before heading to the jogging path in BGC (back of burgos circle), at about 5.30am... if you ever fancy a run in the morning would be fun to chat about business opportunities here.
Unless you are in BGC or IT Park you had better have a sturdy pair of shoes! Even Makati has some sketchy spots where the sidewalk are super steep and uneven. My filipina girlfriend almost sprained an ankle! I wear Merrell hiking sandals with the Vibram soles and Brooks wide running shoes (better balance if your toes aren't squished)
I’m a balikbayan from California and I rented an AirBnb in Bellagio tower for two weeks last May. I regretted renting this condo because it did not provide free parking. I have to pay 1,000 pesos every day for parking in a car park which is two blocks away from my Bellagio unit.
I would highly recommend to anyone the first condo(Verve). It is the most expensive but their staff, service and maintenance is absolutely amazing. Their air conditioning units are much better as well. There are new restaurants downstairs and it’s close to the jogging trail plus I think they are going to open a grocery close by.
Lived in manila on and off for a couple of years! I'm always surprised how pricey (in relative terms) accommodation is there! When you compare what Bangkok offers in terms of quality of life/food etc etc against what Manila does, it's a bit of a head scratcher! Makes you wonder what all these middle/upper middle class people who rent there are earning!
I've found that too. Buying a condo in Bangkok is half the price of condos in Manila, and better quality too with better infrastructure. Never understand why
People may not understand that is a large balcony in the Philippines. Often balconies won’t even fit a deck chair or BBQ…at my condo it was largely taken up by the AC as well…
@@1375chelsea Correct, roof decks and balconies can be spacious in houses in the Philippines. The issue is in the Philippines when compared to the US, some will try to include the balcony as living space when it is basically not usable. It's a huge thing Americans need to look for and ask direct questions. These practices would not allowed in the US.
I own a condo in the Uptown tower 2 bu I live in LA, is been rent it, great spot we got it for when we retire, 3 month on the Philip and 3 month in Italy where I'm from the rest in LA to spend time with our grown kids
Bellagio is an old building. Their ac are dated and can eat up electricity. 😅. But the view is priceless. Most celebrities have units there because of the golf course view.
Guys studios start around 18 sqm. One bedroom 24-30 Sqm The size is actually bigger than most. If you are thinking about moving, cut the space you think you need in about half and that will likely be available…unless you have the budget. 300 sqf - 600 sqf is aboard right.
Size 13 shoe? For decades, the largest shoe size was 12. It's about time their now catering to shoe sizes for foreigners. Before, in Asia, only China, Japan, and Seoul had shoe sizes over 12. I'm Filipino, and not all Filipino men wear a size six shoe and are five feet tall.
Better value is not the same as build quality. I'm tired of going to condo and hearing the unit next to me or above me constantly. Same for "luxury condos". I've even stayed in some that was poorly insulated. People above me be having brick feet.
This aircon issue is a vlog on its own. Will you kindly do one and discuss only a out aircon and how it affects electricity and other appliances too that may cause electricity to shoot up! Also, the question is…. Where is your BGC partner Justin? 😂
Finally youre wintessing and realising that Central BGC is more premium than North BGC (Uptown Bonifacio. Apparently, you need to go further up to BGCs higher elevation...Essensa, Aurelia, Arya and Singapore embassy area for ultra premium condos
That apt for 65K is expensive - I live oceanfront in Rio de Janeiro, Large 2 bedroom 2 bath, maid service 3xs a week included, swimming pool, 24 hour doormen, gated entrance with 2 parking spaces for less than this. The Thailand apartments are more luxurious and modern and a lot more affordable than this from what Ive seen.
Why does everyone say these condos are so big? My condo in the States is 3500 sq ft. Now that's large compared to these square boxes in the Philippines.
You will not find skyscraper for 200usd a month. In philippine neighborhood that has never seen a white person you can find apts for 200. Most westerners would never live there. I did see a one bedroom in Caruncho Compound for 130.00 usd per month pre covid. It was redone and nice. In Pasig near wet market. I may have been the only white person in that area in last 50 or 60 years.
Oh wait sorry. There are so many thousands of condos for rent you can find 20 square meter apts in skyscrapers for 200-240usd a month. Check out Amaia condos. I believe that is the spelling. South of Cubao. Good luck
The agent was camera shy that's why she was a bit hesitant to step out of the balcony and appear on Mergim's vlog. It's not because the balcony was not safe, lol!
Lived in Manila for years. Looks nice in the videos but it is not for me with all the traffic. I now commute in once a week for work - live in a 3 beroom house and a pool for 35k
Curious, you have said box inverter aircons are best but I always thought split inverter units were far more efficient. Any reason you prefer old box units over a split?
Bro! Love your channel. Can you do best budget friendly hotels in BGC please..unless you already gave one, in that case I'll look...But I hope I run into you when I visit..
The first condo is nice. Nice and bright, clean designs yet with some warm brick, tall ceilings, nice views of the modern buildings outside. Looks good. $1150 USD is kind of high though. It's almost like you have to pay Western condo prices in BGC even if the local economy doesn't support salaries high enough for that kind of rent.
@@cdl6953 Yeah, even if you're in the top 1% of salaries in the Philippines, that is only like $35k USD, meaning some of the top 1% of Filipino can't even afford that first condo. You have to make at least $46k USD to afford it, which is an extremely rare salary in the Philippines. Kinda crazy.
Yeah, I am from the US, and everyone in my country can't stay in Martha's vineyard or Calabasas California that's life, everyone in a country can't afford to live in the highest end area, this moronic point at how the average local can't live in the most premium area is starting to look terribly retarded by those that keep pointing it out, this isn't exclusive to PH at all.
Depends on where you're planning to live in Metro Manila. If you want to live in BGC then yes it is expensive. But BGC doesn't represent the whole of Metro Manila.
$900-1000 apartment here in the US, will be in a not so good area; then car note, utilities, food, gas, credit card bills…then if ur a single parent with 😥😱kids🥲 even if ur earning 30$ hourly minus taxes minus insurances…so difficult now🥵
Anything more than $500 USD ~ I would not touch ~ It's not the money I'm talking about ~ When I move to Cebu/ Lapu2 by March ~ I'm going into a house for $350 a month in Lapu2 with a $10,000 passive USD a month income and a $1500 budget a month I love these condo budget VIDS that PH expats do?
@@sfrealestatedealmaker6001 Rent is really my pet peve ~ I hate paying any rent! If I can turn $1,300 in a Florida rental and turn that into a $130 a month apartment in Lapu-Lapu Cebu then that's great! But to pay $400 ~ $500 at IT Park in a waste of $$$. All that money spent in Manila: In fact, I know one guy from NYC ~ makes the money in the summers and goes to Cebu on Mantan/Lapu2 Island and gets a 3/2 villa on the water with a private beach for $850 a month near the top end bars. Now that is living the high life! I have seen the inside of the villa! It's no small one-bedroom condo in BGC Manila!
@@phoenix5054 LOL #1 I'm cheap with my $$$ #2 It's not "how much $$$ you make" " It's how much $$$ you save" #3 BGC is just a waist of time and money! #4 Manila is a Sh*t hole! #5 I'm in Cebu right now near IT Park and my rent is 15000 PhP a month with free TV/internet and water (I have a pool ~ LOL)
Philippines is over priced. 70 Square meters for 1200 dollars. I have 240 Square meters with ocean view and 2 balconies in Penang for less than 600 dollars. Philippines always sounds good for the women but nothing else is appealing.
As a fellow british expat in manila i can definitely say that first BGC condo location is epic, i sit outside the auro chocolate cafe every morning at 5 AM (on the ground floor) drinking my pickup coffee while its still dark before heading to the jogging path in BGC (back of burgos circle), at about 5.30am... if you ever fancy a run in the morning would be fun to chat about business opportunities here.
I know this area. Behind The Avant building….nice trail
I'd love to 😊
Retiring in the Philippines, great idea. Doing business, not so good
Do you see anywhere else similar to that for a lower price by any chance 🤔
Unless you are in BGC or IT Park you had better have a sturdy pair of shoes! Even Makati has some sketchy spots where the sidewalk are super steep and uneven. My filipina girlfriend almost sprained an ankle! I wear Merrell hiking sandals with the Vibram soles and Brooks wide running shoes (better balance if your toes aren't squished)
The first condo looks nice and big for a single bedroom. The second one is a bit quaint, but also nice. 👍
I’m a balikbayan from California and I rented an AirBnb in Bellagio tower for two weeks last May. I regretted renting this condo because it did not provide free parking. I have to pay 1,000 pesos every day for parking in a car park which is two blocks away from my Bellagio unit.
Damn! 1000 php/day? That’s too damn much!
what we do before is we get out of the parking lot circle one block then go back so it will be 50 per 3hr. too much work though.
What?
@@EugeneRizCrispoIt’s true 😢
@@matthewboiser2509It’s true 😢
I would highly recommend to anyone the first condo(Verve). It is the most expensive but their staff, service and maintenance is absolutely amazing. Their air conditioning units are much better as well. There are new restaurants downstairs and it’s close to the jogging trail plus I think they are going to open a grocery close by.
Lived in manila on and off for a couple of years! I'm always surprised how pricey (in relative terms) accommodation is there! When you compare what Bangkok offers in terms of quality of life/food etc etc against what Manila does, it's a bit of a head scratcher! Makes you wonder what all these middle/upper middle class people who rent there are earning!
I've found that too. Buying a condo in Bangkok is half the price of condos in Manila, and better quality too with better infrastructure. Never understand why
@@ScoreGuru123 English languge premium.
Quality of condo for the price is is so so compared to that in Thailand. These prices are very high.
More favorable terms for long term residence visa in PI.
Parking is scarce or very expensive there in Forbestown area. Make sure free slot for parking is included in your next condo.
People may not understand that is a large balcony in the Philippines. Often balconies won’t even fit a deck chair or BBQ…at my condo it was largely taken up by the AC as well…
Only for condos. Not houses.
@@1375chelsea Correct, roof decks and balconies can be spacious in houses in the Philippines. The issue is in the Philippines when compared to the US, some will try to include the balcony as living space when it is basically not usable. It's a huge thing Americans need to look for and ask direct questions. These practices would not allowed in the US.
I own a condo in the Uptown tower 2 bu I live in LA, is been rent it, great spot we got it for when we retire, 3 month on the Philip and 3 month in Italy where I'm from the rest in LA to spend time with our grown kids
Greenery is lush during this season. Those will shrink after rainy season. 2:29
The first condo is nice.. I wish I live there
Bellagio is an old building. Their ac are dated and can eat up electricity. 😅. But the view is priceless. Most celebrities have units there because of the golf course view.
Guys studios start around 18 sqm. One bedroom 24-30 Sqm The size is actually bigger than most. If you are thinking about moving, cut the space you think you need in about half and that will likely be available…unless you have the budget. 300 sqf - 600 sqf is aboard right.
thats quiet a nice area . looks very modern .
That's the view of manila golf and polo club in Forbes park.
I hope to see in BACOLOD MASSKARA FESTIVAL next week. Hope you too expirience this awesome Festival. ❤❤❤
me & my friends are goinggg! Let's goooo
That building in front of the balcony is where my office is
And down that building, there are tons of good restaurants. The view is really good too. 6:02
Size 13 shoe? For decades, the largest shoe size was 12. It's about time their now catering to shoe sizes for foreigners. Before, in Asia, only China, Japan, and Seoul had shoe sizes over 12.
I'm Filipino, and not all Filipino men wear a size six shoe and are five feet tall.
So many nice big condos in BGC. Pickings seem slim in Cebu
Better value is not the same as build quality. I'm tired of going to condo and hearing the unit next to me or above me constantly. Same for "luxury condos". I've even stayed in some that was poorly insulated. People above me be having brick feet.
For Seniors its safe to lived on second or with Balcony
Mate 65 k is more than I pay for my flat in a major western city
This aircon issue is a vlog on its own. Will you kindly do one and discuss only a out aircon and how it affects electricity and other appliances too that may cause electricity to shoot up!
Also, the question is…. Where is your BGC partner Justin? 😂
Mergim -- Any of the four will do.
Finally youre wintessing and realising that Central BGC is more premium than North BGC (Uptown Bonifacio.
Apparently, you need to go further up to BGCs higher elevation...Essensa, Aurelia, Arya and Singapore embassy area for ultra premium condos
Why is that since uptown is newer?
@@sfrealestatedealmaker6001 the closer to Forbes Park the higher the land value. Logical. Uptown is beside squatters area.
That apt for 65K is expensive - I live oceanfront in Rio de Janeiro, Large 2 bedroom 2 bath, maid service 3xs a week included, swimming pool, 24 hour doormen, gated entrance with 2 parking spaces for less than this. The Thailand apartments are more luxurious and modern and a lot more affordable than this from what Ive seen.
Carrier is the best AC in the United States although not a lot of split types but they are getting more popular
I need to bookmark this. These apartments and nice. Definitely need a few pieces of nicer furniture though.
Excellent video. Very thorough and you asked the right questions.
I love the first condo but very expensive.
the first one s BEAUTIFUL 💜 But how much monthly
Why does everyone say these condos are so big? My condo in the States is 3500 sq ft. Now that's large compared to these square boxes in the Philippines.
I learned something from your blog as you talked in the condo.
What do furnished condos 200usd per month or less like in the Philippines? Better or worst value than Thailand or Vietnam?
You will not find skyscraper for 200usd a month. In philippine neighborhood that has never seen a white person you can find apts for 200. Most westerners would never live there. I did see a one bedroom in Caruncho Compound for 130.00 usd per month pre covid. It was redone and nice. In Pasig near wet market. I may have been the only white person in that area in last 50 or 60 years.
Oh wait sorry. There are so many thousands of condos for rent you can find 20 square meter apts in skyscrapers for 200-240usd a month. Check out Amaia condos. I believe that is the spelling. South of Cubao. Good luck
The balcony must not be safe. The agent did not want to step out on the balcony. I would not want to also.
Lol, that is what you gathered from that? You are a smart person 😂
The agent was camera shy that's why she was a bit hesitant to step out of the balcony and appear on Mergim's vlog. It's not because the balcony was not safe, lol!
If you're drunk... maybe.
She put on a parachute before willing to go out on balcony. 😂 But insisted it's safe!!
Condos in Manila are over priced for the size and architecture. To bad Thailand has horrible visa requirements.
If you get a furnished apartment do you have to purchase your own bed sheets?
Lived in Manila for years. Looks nice in the videos but it is not for me with all the traffic. I now commute in once a week for work - live in a 3 beroom house and a pool for 35k
Love the Balcony chairs
Thanks for your video, but please include the price.
Curious, you have said box inverter aircons are best but I always thought split inverter units were far more efficient. Any reason you prefer old box units over a split?
@@QuicknStraight they have box type inverter units now. Less maintenance and cleaning than split type
What’s the price on the running shoes? we are most interested in prices why do you guys never tell us the prices on things?
Goodmorning Mergim😘
The black color of the shoes suits you better Mergim🤩😍🥰👍👌💯❤️🇵🇭💐
It's 1/3 of the rent of my apartment outside LA.
I love it and i need one ❤
10:24 looks like that place where momo bought it
The big question is: Did you return to buy the shoes?
😆
Actually put the compressor inside. Total craziness.
Sir hope you could visit Bacolod...it's masskara festival next week...
Stop selling masskara festival! It is only a revelry festival with no intention or purpose.
👀@@eli.capinbxu
@@eli.capinbxu Dude
Nice videods! Can you also feature condos near Venice Grand Canal Mall? Thanks!
Bro! Love your channel. Can you do best budget friendly hotels in BGC please..unless you already gave one, in that case I'll look...But I hope I run into you when I visit..
Hotels are expensive in BGC I’d go with Airbnb
Far less than my LA $3,200. Unfortunately, my retirement price point in the Philippines is $500-650.
Awesome 👍👍👍
Hey Megrim can we rent it for 2 weeks
Name of condo he first check with an agent?
2:25 lol is that Eric the vlogger walking past you?
Hi Mergim
2nd unit...
AC compressor inside the bedroom?
Surely, the heat at the back of the compressor will still stay inside the room..
And the noise too..
😅
The first condo is nice. Nice and bright, clean designs yet with some warm brick, tall ceilings, nice views of the modern buildings outside. Looks good. $1150 USD is kind of high though. It's almost like you have to pay Western condo prices in BGC even if the local economy doesn't support salaries high enough for that kind of rent.
💯
One would wonder how people do it and maintain a lifestyle and so many people living in BGC
@@cdl6953 Yeah, even if you're in the top 1% of salaries in the Philippines, that is only like $35k USD, meaning some of the top 1% of Filipino can't even afford that first condo. You have to make at least $46k USD to afford it, which is an extremely rare salary in the Philippines. Kinda crazy.
Only for expats affordability
Yeah, I am from the US, and everyone in my country can't stay in Martha's vineyard or Calabasas California that's life, everyone in a country can't afford to live in the highest end area, this moronic point at how the average local can't live in the most premium area is starting to look terribly retarded by those that keep pointing it out, this isn't exclusive to PH at all.
A similar condo in Thailand is a third of the price
Very nice view Mergin I like it 🆒👍
16,584 views as of now.
What was the point of showing apartments if you're not gonna tell us prices
65,000 peso pcm good value! Dude where are you looking for these condos, they are well over priced! Think you are getting skin taxed
All are so nice but the next 3 are more beautiful
65000 peso so 1200 use dollar bro 😉
Manila is just so overpriced. I'm living in a two bedroom from Alveo in Cebu City for 48k. Much better value imo
Depends on where you're planning to live in Metro Manila. If you want to live in BGC then yes it is expensive. But BGC doesn't represent the whole of Metro Manila.
@@paumercado19 what are the best value for money areas that still look nice in your opinion?
@@vespucciph5975come on bro 😂 it’s like you’re comparing Ferrari to Toyota
If there's anyone looking for a Condo for sale. I have near Legaspi Park Makati. Below market value.
BGC is the place for retirement its peaceful, safe to walk daily a real value for your hard earned money and pension.
your camera is too fast i get dizzy watching your vlog hahaha.. new subscriber here. nice vlogs anyway.
I like the last one Mergim. However the appliances are all ancients 😂
$900-1000 apartment here in the US, will be in a not so good area; then car note, utilities, food, gas, credit card bills…then if ur a single parent with 😥😱kids🥲 even if ur earning 30$ hourly minus taxes minus insurances…so difficult now🥵
expensive to live there.
To a broke mf
The round couch near the pool is a dry spar
I've got a 2 bedroom furnished house for 7000 P a month to go too
The agent needs more practice in promoting the unit. Lol.
That's not uncommon there (in general) trust me on that!
Did he ever get those Nike Running Shoes?...I guess we will Never Know😂
So... did you come back for the Nikes? XD
Anything more than $500 USD ~ I would not touch ~ It's not the money I'm talking about ~ When I move to Cebu/ Lapu2 by March ~ I'm going into a house for $350 a month in Lapu2 with a $10,000 passive USD a month income and a $1500 budget a month
I love these condo budget VIDS that PH expats do?
Bye then
Depends on the amenities you want when you step outside your place. Lol
You want high end retail/restaurants or drunks singing karaoke til 3 am?
@@sfrealestatedealmaker6001 Rent is really my pet peve ~ I hate paying any rent! If I can turn $1,300 in a Florida rental and turn that into a $130 a month apartment in Lapu-Lapu Cebu then that's great! But to pay $400 ~ $500 at IT Park in a waste of $$$. All that money spent in Manila:
In fact, I know one guy from NYC ~ makes the money in the summers and goes to Cebu on Mantan/Lapu2 Island and gets a 3/2 villa on the water with a private beach for $850 a month near the top end bars. Now that is living the high life! I have seen the inside of the villa! It's no small one-bedroom condo in BGC Manila!
Lol why? It's less than 10% of your income.
@@phoenix5054 LOL #1 I'm cheap with my $$$
#2 It's not "how much $$$ you make" " It's how much $$$ you save"
#3 BGC is just a waist of time and money!
#4 Manila is a Sh*t hole!
#5 I'm in Cebu right now near IT Park and my rent is 15000 PhP a month with free TV/internet and water (I have a pool ~ LOL)
I like your content but your quick pan shots make me dizzy
2nd
102 comments now. I have commented 148 times on this channel total.
@@bighand1530 Good to know. ❤.........I read ur comments with lots of interest. ♥️......u comment very nicely on each n every vid.💖
500 php. Go down to the street
❤❤❤❤
thats better value lol some content not on the 5% of Philippines would be nice
That lady was triggered by the bacteria lol
A comment
I have commented 149 times now
@@bighand1530 I have no clue how many times I have commented. Is there a way to check or do you keep count?
@@SirLavik Just tap on your profile picture in any comment section you have commented on and it shows.
@@bighand1530 I also didn't know it. Very Thnx for telling.♥️
@@bighand1530 Good to know.💛
❤
Philippines is over priced. 70 Square meters for 1200 dollars. I have 240 Square meters with ocean view and 2 balconies in Penang for less than 600 dollars. Philippines always sounds good for the women but nothing else is appealing.
You forgot your shoes
Not too impressive. furnitures looks it's from the 90's.
Simply Horrible.
Is the first one still available?
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