Makati & BGC — The modern Manila★★
Anyone who thinks Manila is only chaos and colonial history hasn't seen Makati and Bonifacio Global City (BGC). These two districts are the modern, affluent face of the Philippines — with skyscrapers, top-notch restaurants, international hotel chains, and infrastructure that can compete with Singapore.
Makati is the financial and business center of the Philippines. The Ayala Triangle Garden offers a green oasis between the office towers. The Greenbelt Mall and Glorietta are upscale shopping centers with international offerings. At night, the Poblacion area transforms into Makati's nightlife district: rooftop bars, craft beer pubs, cocktail bars, and live music in converted old buildings.
BGC (Taguig City) is the newest development — a planned city on the former military grounds of Fort Bonifacio. Wide sidewalks (a sensation in Manila!), street art, parks, bike paths, and dozens of international restaurants. The High Street area is lively in the evenings, the Venice Grand Canal Mall offers a curious replica of Venetian canals (including gondola rides), and the Mind Museum is Manila's best science museum.
For travelers, Makati and BGC are ideal as a base for the first and last night: good hotels, safe area, excellent food, and easy airport transfer. The contrast to the rest of Manila is striking — and provides insight into the growing Filipino middle class.
