Pros & Cons of Living in Bonifacio Global City, Philippines (Pt.1)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 19 มิ.ย. 2024
- All the perks of living in the West meets all the perks of living in Southeast Asia? Yup, that's BGC for you. While Bonifacio Global City affords you urbanized infrastructure, western conveniences, unmatched cleanliness, and low crime rates, it does still have its downsides. That is why in this video we weigh out for you the pros and cons of living arguably the best city in the Philippines - Bonifacio Global City. Enjoy!
Savvy Guides - Everything You Need To Know About Bonifacio Global City
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Timestamps:
0:00 Pros & Cons of Living in Bonifacio Global City, Philippines (Pt.1)
0:31 Pro #1: Western Conveniences
3:10 Con #1: Living in a Bubble
4:59 BGC Guide Linked in The Description
5:42 Pro #2: Urbanized Infrastructure
7:34 Con #2: Relatively Expensive
8:47 Pro #3: World Class Facilities
10:00 Con #3: Social Gap
10:42 God Bless
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Retiring in Bonifacio Global City, Retiring in The Philippines, Cost of Living in The Philippines, Expenses in The Philippines, Cost of Living in Manila, Things To Do in Manila, Cost of Living in Bonifacio Global City, Philippines Vlog, BGC Philippines, Philippines,
"For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Romans 6:23
Guide To Living in Bonifacio Global City (Everything You Need To Know) - www.thesavvyexpat.com/
Thanks! I just downloaded the guide and it's incredibly detailed! A great resource.
I am also Fil-American and I spent quite some time working in Mnl. I rented a condo in McKinley Hill. I also had a short term residence in BGC. I loved the area for the conveniences you mentioned. Nice shopping, bars, restaurants, hotels, and so much more.
Really can’t go wrong with BGC and McKinley if the budget accommodates it
You are Fil-American raised in America and worked in a office in MNL? That's an interesting move...
Im excited to spend some time in BGC soon. Thanks for the great info.
great video as always no sugarcoating just facts! can't wait for part 2.
Keeping it real here! Thanks for tuning in.
BGC is a dream come true! Luxury, pleasure and keeps the riff raff out!!
Couldn't have said it any better myself John!
Don' think you should use the term 'riff raff' - we all have equal value in the eyes of our creator - there is no 'riff raff', as we are all immensely valuable being created in the 'image and likeness of God." Some of the poorest people have the greatest integrity and faithfulness - many rich are proud and superior and lack any 'fear of God' or true good character or eternal value in their lives.
@@Asia-dr4yj, agreed.
🔥 video!! Good work providing quality info with great editing!
Happy to see you back! I visited end of Feb. Stopped by Roselle, IL before heading to Manila. Visited Palawan, a couple of nights in BGC, and visited my house in Tagaytay. It was 65F ! Cant wait to go back!
Great job. Thanks for all the info, Evan. Appreciate it…
Your videos are excellent. I love the pace and the well organized format of your content.
Very well put presentation and transparent. Thank you.
Always great watching your vids
Glad to see you back. I'm glad you are well.
Glad to be back Reynolds. Thanks for stick around.
Good video 👍🏼 I agree with every point you had.
Good to see you back
🔥🔥🔥🔥the hype!!! Let go!!! Evan keep up the great content everyone let get this channel to 100k subscribers 😎
I used to like your videos, on BGC, even when you did them from your condo.
However this video, from BGC sites, was thrilling. This brought BGC to life for me. I am more sold on BGC now than ever, thank you!!
I know you’ve been watching our videos since the early days! Thanks for sticking by John, glad we can improve the videos for you.
@@TheSavvyExpat You have an amazing memory, Evan. Thank you for remembering me, that is very impressive! 🆒😃
Great video!!! Thank you.
Thanks for tuning in!
Great video thanks 😊
Great video! Informative to Filipino Americans who frequently visit the Philippines!
Nice review, very detailed.
Thanks Clyde!
Another great video Evan, thanks for giving us your firsthand insight. Hope to visit once I get back to the Philippine. Let's have lunch, I'm buying - :)
Great video Evan. Glad to see you, and hope you continue. Btw can you do a video about Dumaguete?
Got lots more coming for you Phil. And sure thing, will right that down in notes ✅
Nice to see your face again, it’s been a while.
Well made video and very true.
BGC has all the conveniences and I enjoyed the little time I spent there. TBH it feels a little insipid for me, reminds me of Canberra in Australia, no character.
All your points were accurate and I agree with them all.
My monthly income is only around P150k which is good in Cebu and I managed in Makati but in BGC it was tight 🤔😩
The other negative from a foreigner POV is that you become that insignificant person (60+) that you were in your home country. In Cebu I still get the “hey Joe” which even though I’m not American (UK) it is an ice breaker and a friendly gesture. In BGC …. nothing 😳😩
Nice to have you back! And it’s amazing production quality. What software are you using for ayour nimations?
Lived in Makati November to May this year, Loved visiting SM Aura Mall in BGC, wide streets, restaurants. Top notch.
Love you work Dude. Been married to a Beautiful Filipina for 18 years. That’s her as my icon. She said that if I didn’t use her picture it would be proof I didn’t love her. I’m only telling you this to verify that I am actually married to a Filipina.
I can appreciate the information you provide as it is clear, concise, to the point and on topic. That’s the good ole Midwestern influence on you.
Which brings me to another point. Not only is the information you provide useful but I haven’t seen a Philippine presenter on TH-cam that understands the cultural differences between the Philippines and the U.S. as well as you do.
However you overlooked a very serious Con about BGC. The population Density. My Filipina bride and I both have rural upbringings. We currently live in the Columbus area and enjoy suburban life here but the population density here is nothing like Chicago let alone Manila!
I agree with everything you said but that to me is the biggest Con of BGC. I can’t deal with the crowded population density. My nephew from Vegas has a small condo in BGC that he does the Air-BNB thing and we use it once a year to recharge our batteries after the flight and enjoy Manila for two to three days then it’s like we have to get out of there. The beehive activity is just seriously over stimulating if you’re not used to it. This is why I couldn’t live there. To visit absolutely. It should be on everyone’s list of things to do in the Philippines.
I think we might be a better fit for someplace like Tagaytay. Like a day trip away from Manila.
Hey Evan, three things. Another nice video. Thanks for that. Did your voice get deeper or was your voice modulator working too hard lol. Last, why are you wearing that Columbia Sportswear pullover? As I recall, it's grotesquely hot and humid there in the PI. Just asking. :)
The city is Taguig. BGC is just an area in Taguig City.
Welcome back!
Thank you! Good to be back
Where have you been my friend. So happy to see you. I was worried about you. Hope you are back now
😎👍🇺🇲
I just returned from my visit. Only the second time I've been able to travel in about 10 years.
I was able to meet my long time friend in person for the first time.
We traveled from Manila to Tagaytay and then on to Duet.
I enjoyed taking a long walk in Tagaytay to see the real Philippines.
I walked for about 8 miles round trip.
I can see staying in a westernized city to get your feet wet and moving on.
The provinces life can be a bit shocking for some.
There's plenty of cities that would suit a wide range of people and life styles.
I'm planning on returning within the next 6 months.
This time we'll try a few other cities just for fun.
Cheers from the PNW Seattle WA.🤙
Always great watching your vlogs Evan. Will be in BGC in September, can’t wait.
Thanks for tuning in again Mark. Let’s link up once you’re in BGC!
@@TheSavvyExpat I’d love that my friend.
Awesome video! I don't see too many people mention Ortigas Center and its proximity to Medical City Center and a lot of malls as well.
Ortigas Center is also a great place.
Philippines is a happier place to live in as compared to US.... truth be told. I have experienced both. And kids are more disciplined in the Philippines.
100% agree
Excellent description of The Fort. Many people think Makati is also a great place, but Makati has many squatters living in the city. Also, Makati has traffic, traffic, traffic, and not as walkable as The Fort.
What can you tell us about McKinley Hill ?
I do not know much about McKinley Hill; it's adjacent to BGC, but you can access many great restaurants and entertainment in BGC. McKinley Hill has many upper-class condos, which are less expensive than BGC. Lots of greenery, a mall that resembles Venice, Italy, safe, and most of all, the friendly Filipino people. All this should give you an additional 20 years to your new stress-free life.
Is Eastwood City another alternative to BGC
BGC is in Taguig City, and for sure the latter is neither free from informal settlers.
@@limelife7457mega world own
great points. I moved to Coron from L.A. and its been a hell of an adjustment. But I am getting acclimated.I do the opposite. I got to Manila about every 2 months.
Long time no see! Would you consider the Venice Grand Canal Mall to be in the BGC Bubble? You look a little older and nice Columbia fleece jacket. Just seen the link to "Everything You Need To Know About Bonifacio Global City Guide". Thanks for taking the time to put it together and a good deal for detailed chapters and videos.
My $0.02, no….
Stayed at an AirBnB in the Venice “complex” for 3 weeks before moving to Uptown (BGC)
Venice is nice! Though secluded and about 2KM from High Street
Excited for part 2
Coming soon!
Shout out from GUAM 🇬🇺🇬🇺🇬🇺
Good video. What about living in the villages of Makati ? It's also very nice in Makati.
THAT CON/social gap tha you mentioned was not there before when BGC was still a military camp. Originally, that was a village provided for the soldiers/military servicemen who served in WW2 and conrinued on serving in the Fort Bonifacio which you now know as BGC until it was opened to the majority of the working class public (white and blue collared). There are still military men who lives in those villages who are serving either as intelligence officers of civillian servicemen. Some of them actually walks around in BGC in plain sight. Becuase its close to Mckinley were you will find the gated subdivison for high ranking officer. The names of these villages or what we call in filipino "Barrio" are PEMBO-Panther Enlisted Men Barrio, CEMBO-Central Enlisted Men Barrio, REMBO-Riverside Enlisted Men Barrio, COMEMBO-Combat Enlisted Men Barrio. As you may find that social divide as a con, for us, it's there for a reason. So stay in that bgc bubble, but stay humble.
Damn bro. I missed you (no homo)
It’s good to be back. Thanks bro!
One of the top Philippine bloggers , this guy is accurate and to the point 👍🏼
This video motivated me to fly into BGC on the 13th.. I’m literally bringing my wife and two kids to explore what you’ve shown in previous videos 🫡🤙🏼
Thank you po for the video. My issue is with air quality in Manila, heat and humidity. Manila, including BGC, does not have good air quality. I have a place in Pasay, in front of the Bay, hoping for a better air quality and breeze. I am going to sell the Pasay place and move to the mountains, probably Lipa City. What do you think? Thanks po.
Nice to see you back here! I’d totally go for it. Not only is the cost of living better but most especially the air quality and weather.
I used to go to Lipa every week and evenings there is brisk and cool. Fresh air too.
Try Subic or Baguio
@@MrPackers1981 Baguio is crowded and polluted - not much better air than Manila. I will try Subic. Thanks
Im here in Baguio. I have most of the western conviniences + fresh air + low living costs.
Fair enough I live in irisan, 15 minutes with jeepny to Burnham Park
Kerry Sports might be the best gym BGC has to offer, but it sucks compared to what you will get for half the price in the US. And this is coming from a member of Kerry for over a year.
I think more than anything, Kerry sports charges for the exclusivity factor being in Shangri-La within the heart of the city. Other than that, I totally agree. I used to have a Lifetimes Fitness membership in Chicago and for more than half the price, it offers world class facilities.
I said this and am saying this again, we in PH welcomes all Westerners either as expats, or refugee, or as tourists, however, we asked you not to bring to our country your culture of killing each other’s family for the sake of money, insurance, or anything for that matter. We have a strong family ties and we do not want to lost that culture.
Of course, I completely agree with that. If there’s one thing I respect about the country it’s the family loyalist (in most cases)
unfortunately, western individualism is going to permeate the culture as long as it becomes a hub for western expats and tourists.
Then don't let women ruin it and you will be ok
Hey Evan have you thought about interviewing your parents? What they miss living in Chicago?
Hey! Where do you recommend to browse places for rent
You blend in a lot better than most Foreigners.
Cuz he's Filipino lol
So good to see you back! Please, could you explain in detail what the wet season is like in the Philippines to us tourists and possible expats. Are you likely to be forced inside for days at a time, etc?
Since the Philippines don't have the 4 seasons ( Spring, Summer, Autumn and Fall ) they have wet & dry seasons. Dry season is hot and the wet is cooler but it rains a lot and typhoon season.
Ranges from inconvenient to stay home. With recent trends, it seems typhoons are becoming commonplace - they often knock out power, slow down internet, and can be dangerous with falling debris, slipping, dirty water flooding, etc. Outside of that, it can be very muggy/swampy. Damp but still warm like jumping out of a pool after swimming with your shirt on. I assume it might be harder to find ride services with taxi/motorcycles. Lots of mosquitos
Well it kinda just suddenly rains out of nowhere then sun sun. Only time you would really stay if there is a typhoon
Any specific tips for reliable Internet in BGC? Most of my Airbnbs and most cafes had unreliable wifi when I came last year, and the phone Internet signal was unreliable as well. Thanks
I use my 5G phone with a Globe SIM while in BGC, condo is near Uptown, and when in the Condo have a great signal.
Fancy for sure.
Sure is
Does your family hold dual citizenship? Does your guide cover holding money in the US while living in the PH? I understand most PH bank are insured only up to $2000 USD. Being a dual citizen or married to one would help with any visa requirements or problems. Lastly, I would like to hear if your family would ever consider going back to the US to another state such as Florida? If you are dual citizen this could be done quickly in case of a crisis coming from an invasion of Taiwan by China. We will be vacationing for several months in BGC after retiring next year so will buy your guide.
Hi Evan, how do I get an international account that you mention in another vid. I heard I was not allowed to have a bank account when I arrive there. I have no idea how I am to get money from Canada. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I am moving there within the next month or two. Thanks
What about Makati
Makati would be my second choice to live in within Manila. Will make a pros & cons video on that next :)
@@TheSavvyExpat Looking forward to that one!
That's hilarious. You literally went through puberty making these videos. I haven't see one of your videos in about a year but you look like your all grown up. Congrats buddy!
Would Iloilo be comparable in terms of safety and quality of infrastructure?
Ha ha that's Jonathan @TravelEscapes
Condos super small is like upper 4-7 million pesos u can get a nice huge house somewhere.
BGC is great!
I also recommend IT Park in Cebu as well as living near the Ayala Mall in Cebu!
These are not real communities as we in the West know it. Where’s the community notice board , program of activities like cultural events , music , exhibitions, art galleries ?
Just a big dormitory
HELP !!!! Where is the most convenient area in BGC to rent an Airbnb for a month? I will be spending the month of August there.
Which Burb in Chi did You live?
Not what I’m looking for. I want chill. Dumaguete is to slow, Manila is too fast. I want to be able to get to places like BGC for a couple of day outing but I want to be in a little more rural area. Next trip will be Cebu to see if it fits the bill. I’ll visit BGC just to confirm for myself. Thanks for your video
Try Subic, Pampanga or Laguna..
@@MrPackers1981 thanks I’ll check them out
Try Subic(SBMA) and Clark zone areas. Both former US military bases, well planned and utilities are highly reliable.
You might enjoy Negros,( Iloilo and Bacalod). Cebu is turning to be slowly becoming Manila.
@@paengguin9381 Do you know if VA services are available there? I currently use the VA for most of my prescriptions and eye care.
Bgc is a fun city... Turned on location feature on Wechat and had very interesting and enjoyable encounters of the sloppy kind. 😅
Lol. 👍 That worked in BGC?
@@johnclark7973 Yep, single moms are so much fun. They're usually on birth control or is good at managing that....which means extra hot & sloppy time.
@@johnclark7973 Yep, single moms are so much fun. They're usually on birth control or is good at managing that....which means extra hot & sloppy time.
Yes. This is a good video introduction for first-time visitors coming in for a short stay while they are still trying to get their bearings and getting acclimatized.
Long time away
It is wayyyy better and less expensive to retire in Subic and Clark areas. Utilities are more reliable just like in USA inside SBMA and Clark zones.
Ayo jeme here thanks for helping me find my expat friend John we spoke I’m in the last stages of of my prepping to move there but I’ll confess that I’m still leery of China what advice can you offer me anyone?
200 for a cup of coffee, hell, lots great options of delicious instant coffees at the groceries
You can't use "clean streets, and very safe" when speaking of New York. 😂
Always good information my friend.
Very true Gary!
It makes sense to me; BGC, I mean -- and when you want to explore, you go and explore.
Makatti seems a bit better. how about there vs BGC?
I'm interested in looking into BGC but it always kinda struck me as sort of the Dubai of the philippines but not in a good way. Just a little bubble where wealthy filipinos and expats can come and throw their money around. Like a giant sterile suburb with all the excess and convenience you could want but none of the soul or culture you'd find in less wealthier places. I could be wrong though... I'd still visit and give it a chance.
Is look like Singapore.
I’ve heard the pollution in BHC is terrible; but, you didn’t mention that in your “Cons.” Isn’t breathing healthy, quality air, whiCh is vital to anyone’s overall health and longevity worthy of consideration or a mention? Or am I misinformed about the significant air pollution levels in BGC?
BGC has relatively cleaner air than its adjacent cities due to fewer cars traverse it
Yup cancer is on the high rise while cockroaches from sewers and from squatters neighborhoods creep on to your favorite food services giving the worst stomach and uti infections.
If you wear a size 12 shoe, or weigh more than 165 lbs, or 75 kg, you will not be able to find clothes or shoes in the Philippines that fit
The only place you will find shoe sizes over 12 is China, Seoul, Korea, and Japan. Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and the Philippines do NOT have any size over 12. You’ll waste your time asking if they have your size. Locals are too short. Basketball players have to order online. So yes, if you're an average-size Westerner, you must pack your attire.
That might be my biggest issue about moving to the Philippines. I'm a big guy and don't know if I would find clothes that would fit me.
can i get a decent place for 500 a month?
Must be summer? You guys are putting out more videos.😁 BGC is a little too sterile or antiseptic, I like Makati more, its a better mix.
the only con in living in BGC is its expensive
Especially compared to the rest of the country. I do believe you get what you pay for here.
you gotta pay to play!....and I guess I'm not playing cause I'm not paying 😭
@@MultiPasswordman 😂
BGC and other cities and provinces is the Philippines!
I miss the most important con, that is lack of sustainability. Beeing surrounded by downtown area, that has issues with erosion, flood and earthquakes, it is only a question of time when the day comes that BCG will be cut off and has the ressources like a tiny unhabited island in the middle of the Pacific.
The geology is similar to Jakarta, and there are also some few business districts surrounded by geological mess. For that reason the Jakarta will be moved to Borneo Island, where there are no such issues. And that is exactly what should be done with Manila, the sooner the better. Otherwise the day of the destructive earthquake will be a tremendous threath to the whole country.
You've been watching too many movies.
You’re from a fabulous city Chicago. Why settle in BGC ?
After 4 years of living here, we get the same urbanization and conveniences of Chicago, except much safer and cleaner by a mile.
I talk more about why I moved to bgc here - thesavvyexpat.com
BGC, is in Manila??
Yes in Tagig, part of NCR
It sure is Terry
Can I afford to live in BGC if my Social Security Pension is only US$1000 a month?
If you have small spending habits and a cheap rental unit, it’s possible. But you’re better off taking that money to the province
It looks nice but as you say it really doesn't feel like the Philippines at all. I do love that it is near the airport though, would make for a great homebase. Currently Iloilo is at the top of my list, but the airport there is the disappointing part, seems every flight to any of the beach areas requires stopping in Manila.
I definitely think Iloilo is a great place for homebase in the Philippines. Unlike BGC, it’s not too westernized to the point where it doesn’t even feel like you’re in the Philippines (and it still obtains a nice level of comfort and convenience.)
Perfect balance of Philippine charm and western comfort.
Will definitely have to do another video on that.
So what part of any place fells like that particular country? If you dont want to live an a "bubble" you may as well move to somewhere very very very tiny like a Singapore or Hong Kong, maybe Luxemburg, and even those places arent 100% like their top most up to date areas, so I guess the most high end and modern portions of Singapore are also "bubbles"
@@gangstagummybear3432 Of all the cities I have seen in the Philippines, the BGC almost feels like it is part of another country if that makes sense. The video explains it pretty well. A lot of the restaurants and stores are Western or trying to be. Nothing wrong with that, but coming from there it just seems boring.
@@MaybeLoveHate It makes sense, I guess from the perspective maybe that any time something is stepping into modern times, amongst other stuff that is awaiting being updated to modern times, sure that may seem that way, but what the heck should I expect with modernization, the stuff in bay city and aseana city as well as entertainment city look just as new or newer than BGC, so that must feel like another country too.
@@gangstagummybear3432 It isn't the modern part that makes it feel Western to me. I love that part. Love the roads, love the reliable electricity. That appeals to me greatly. The city in general appeals to me, who doesn't like a nice American City haha
Western styles
I’m tired of the pov of foreign transplants even if I know it benefits me as I am from the US. Any perspective that’s local and what they think of bgc and city living there? Why are there no perspective on locals on bgc? How many local Filipinos cannot afford bgc? What is the reality of most pinoys there? How are they coping if they cannot afford a decent middle class life?
They are adapting to gentrification survival meaning they have to commute +2hrs away from priced out Manila areas.
There are lots of cheap areas around it actually and these aren't squatters areas. I also drove from here to las pinas, it's hard with the traffic but you get used to it. It's a great place to stay and work in.
i can't wait for my retirement there in the Philippines and leave the rat race here in the Bay Area,,seesshhh
Sheesh! We can’t wait for you. Paradise awaits my brotha!
Philippines have its own rat race too but vloggers don’t want to mentioned it as local are in denial when front of cameras or light complexion foreigners.
Ah you are back, we were worried you were kidnapped or something.
Yah, but get ready for the hottest temp of ur lifetime.
BGC is the Los Angeles of the Philippines
Except without the trash and homelessness. Much better in my opinion.
@@TheSavvyExpat Yes
Hahaha, I was Born in Los Angeles, NO. It is Not LA
BGC, is a better option
I actually live in Chiang Mai Thailand, but come to Philippines once a year
And Cambodia and Vietnam and Maylasia
For another Con, I think that an older person may have a more difficult time finding a partner when living at BGC.
The woman have a higher education, they work and can afford to live in that area. Which means not
having to rely on some older person to survive like the province girls.
That sounds like a pro to me
The average (2k usd to 4k usd) Social security income level will not be able to afford BGC lifestyle.
They can only afford provincial living.
all your Pros are for Makati too, not just BGC. and you would lose one Con in Makati - living in a bubble. Makati > BGC.
Why live in BGC and be subjected to same pricing as your home country? Especially Starbucks. DMS!😊
I personally love the standard of living here plus the safety aspect that I previously didn’t have in Chicago. Not to mention I’m only an hour away from the mountains / nature of the Philippines.
BGC is not a city. It is a part of the City of Taguig, Philippines.
What about your airport? Is that still 3rd world?
Only exists in your pea brain.
Bgc in taguig, is expensive high standard living. Unless you got high bracket income thats sustainable one dont belong there
Sb in BGC is cheap over