Anyone who has been to Bonifacio Global City (BGC) in Metro Manila will understand why it is often fondly referred to as the “Singapore of the Philippines.” The 240-hectare bustling urban center in the heart of Taguig City is an impressive amalgam of commerce and charm; of business and breathing space. What was once mostly a military facility (originally called Fort McKinley, under the US Army in the 1940s, and later on Fort Bonifacio, under the Philippine Army in the 1950s) is now a shining example of strategic, organized modern development. The massive conversion project was spearheaded in 2003 by Ayala Land Inc. and Evergreen Holdings Inc., in partnership with the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA), resulting in one of the country’s top financial and lifestyle districts.
Since its transformation, BGC has become a well-oiled machinery of industry and a highly-spirited hub of lifestyle and leisure, alike. It is also the preferred address of those looking for the conveniences of city living, melded with the creature comforts of the suburbs.
BGC has become a well-oiled machinery of industry and a highly-spirited hub of lifestyle and leisure, alike. It is also the preferred address of those looking for the conveniences of city living, melded with the creature comforts of the suburbs.
Here are five top reasons BGC is regarded as a desirable destination:
1. Standout urban design
One of the main components of excellent urban design is its attention to public spaces, designed for efficiency, safety, and accessibility. With its wide, tree-lined sidewalks, clean streets and side roads, properly-managed pedestrian crossings, and the like, BGC ticks those boxes. Not only is the area ideal for motorists, owing to its strictly-enforced traffic policies, it is also a great place for pedestrians. BGC is an extremely walkable city, and getting from Point A to Point B is an easy and pleasurable undertaking. The city likewise boasts a number of protected bicycle lanes, as well as reliable public transit, giving people the option to just leave their vehicles at home. Moreover, security is a top priority—BGC has its own marshals deputized in various aspects of public safety and order.
2. Abundance of green spaces
It is no secret: green spaces provide an array of advantages, which is why cities would be wise to include them in their overall urban planning. Improving air quality, reducing noise, lowering stress levels, boosting health, enhancing a sense of community, and beautifying the surroundings are just some of many on a long list of benefits to having green spaces in the city. Studies upon studies have proven these benefits many times over—pros which have only become weightier in the landscape of the COVID-19 pandemic. With almost 20 beautifully-designed parks and open spaces, as well as a number of pocket gardens, BGC has effectively incorporated the concept of urban green spaces into its master plan. The city’s green infrastructure reflects its core values of sustainability and future readiness; a commitment to contemporary and passion-filled living. In line with these values, the city has even started its own bee initiative, “Bee-GC”, in efforts to increase the numbers of native honey bees in the concrete jungle. Another activity worth mentioning is its regular recycling pop-up booths.
3. Art is everywhere
BGC champions the creative spirit and is beloved, most especially, for its street art by local and foreign artists. Massive murals bedeck buildings, while more diminutive paintings liven up alleys and backstreets, and prettify nooks and crannies. Even the stoplights and street signs display a flair for the creative. This penchant for the artistic extends to the city’s other community efforts—BGC is likewise known for its art fairs and sidewalk markets that serve as venues for up-and-coming local artists and artisans to showcase their works and wares. Plus, the city was among the first venues in the Metro to provide a regular platform for street performers, independent artists, and music buskers (known as BGC Impromptu Singers). BGC is also home to the Globe Auditorium, Maybank Performing Arts Theater, which hosts a roster of shows and performances throughout the year.
4. Promotes work-life balance
As earlier mentioned, one of the top hallmarks of the BGC lifestyle is its seamless marriage of business and leisure. Thousands of vigorous commercial ventures are headquartered in the area’s many modern office buildings, interspersed with upscale residential developments. The district boasts a number of leisure malls, and hundreds of restaurants, shops, bars and clubs, fitness centers, lifestyle establishments, art galleries, an interactive science museum, and so much more. Additionally, there are also a number of international private schools with impressive campuses within the district. As such, anyone looking to strike a happy harmony between profession and passion will not have to look far, at BGC.
5. A multicultural community
For all these advantages, and many more, it is no wonder that BGC has attracted a diverse cultural representation, through the years. The city boasts a thriving multicultural community, the largest nationality groups of which are listed as American, British, Australian, Japanese, Korean, Chinese (China and Taiwan), and Indian. It is likewise said that expatriates have a fondness for BGC for the ease of adjustment it offers.
From investors and business-minded individuals to leisure-lovers and people looking to call the place home, there are scores of people who give Bonifacio Global City their nod of approval.
