BGC started in 1995 by metro pacific corporation. But, since land development was not their expertise, they end up selling it to Ayala in 2002. Ayala is the same developer of makati. BGC didn’t take off until 2005.
You're 100% correct about the cost of living in the Philippines. I'm glad you're keeping it real. Because there are a lot of folks who make it seem like you can "live like a King" on very little. Which just isn't true.
I think most of those "live like a King" are very dated opinions of the Philippines. The cost of living in the Philippines in general has gone way up compared to other SEA countries.
You're better off in Thailand for making your dollar stretch further. Rent will be anybodys top expense, and the Phils is quite expensive when it comes to that. You're looking at minimum, 2x the price for the equivalent condo/apartment in the Phils, if not 3x or more. Food is the same situation, too. But the Phils is a unique place to live, so it can definitely be worth the price!
I am a Fil-Am from Las Vegas. I am "retired", i travel back and forth Makati-Vegas. "Retired" because I have a real estate biz ( I own rentals in US) and I manage my portfolio ( I trade options), plus other passive investments. So, I can "work" from anywhere. When I'm in Makati, my budget is $5,500/mo and that is waaaay more than enough -" living like a king". In Vegas, that is just middle class living, comfortable. My total investment income is >$10k-$12k/mo. and i havent started collecting Soc Sec yet. When I'm in Europe, $6k/mo is more than enough. Bottom line, invest wisely. Work hard early then make the money work hard for you. Cheers!
Thank you for your feedback! No more overpriced condos coming from the channel, that's a promise. As for affordable rental units, feel free to check out our free PDF of rental units in BGC & Makati dedicated-inventor-8723.ck.page/94d997a67a
Do you have videos focusing on life for those of us over 60 from the US and Canada? Thanks, Evan. I love your extremely focused style! Also, how would you compare BGC to areas in Cebu City that are quiet, safe, and peaceful without having to live in high rises?
Excellent video and accurate! I do prefer Makati with its diversity and edginess compared to BGC which I found to be more sanitized. Getting a Grab/taxi or motorcycle taxi can be extremely challenging leaving BGC for Makati, and I’ve ended up walking home and taking the pedestrian bridge or even running across EDSA late at night 🤦🏻
Although BGC is more my taste, I enjoy going to Makati often for its diversity in weekend markets, shops, coffee shops, and parks. Ah man, the traffic in BGC to Makati is horrendous. Especially on EDSA…
I just bought a condo - spire in Poblacion, Makati in the Century city area. It was my first time to see the building, unit, the neighborhood. I was thankful I had a good place considering buying it pre-selling back in 2019. I appreciate the diversity, walking distance to shopping area, not needing to go to edsa to go to a mall or shopping area, greenbelt is also close by. Just take a grab for 10 mins. I agree that BGC is more better it’s because it’s a newer town. Makati has much more to offer. Just like BGC is close to the airport.
My 1 bedroom condo in BGC was about 60sqm, good sized and cost 40k pesos a month. I've been looking for something cheaper in BGC or Makati, so I have more extra money to travel. I've noticed prices have really gone up. It's harder to find anything that isn't a box for under 30k. I've expanded my search to include Mandaluyong and Pasig now.
Strange enough I was the same around 2015-2017 I was in BGC one of the first Century Properties projects in South Of Market Condo, 2 bed for 40K pm (got a good deal), it was pretty good all in all, 2018 we moved to Mandaluyong in another Century new project ACQUA residences, worse decision, units are small, like a cardboard shoebox, badly built, in a area that stinks because of the Pasig river.....May 2019, moved out of PHI sadly.
Thanks for the real numbers. I felt bad about potentially being unrealistic with a 3K USD budget. I could double that but I like being safe with cash and investments so that inflation and a possible bear market disaster can be managed. I’m really excited to visit soon and maybe stay in 2025.
The culture here is better. Families are broken in US. Mother Teresa said "loneliness is the leprosy of the West." My parents kicked me out when I turned 18. I haven't seen them for decades. The culture & family life here are a relief. The weather, people, family life, and beautiful weather healed my wounds.
As a parent, I don't understand this. I mean I would want my kids to live their own life as an adult, but I would definitely want to know how they are doing and check on them every once in a while, if they need help or something. I don't understand how anyone can just forget their children.
@@pinoytunes7707 It happens. For whatever reason, God has a plan for everything. My hometown is depressed now. All business is closed. Drugs and crime are very high. If I wouldn't have escaped, I would still be stuck there. Being here is a blessing. I met many friends, different organizations, and lifelong connections: I couldn't be happier anywhere else. Iloilo is my home. I feel close to God here. The people are so kind. It is the city of love. I have no regrets living here.
Baguio. But then, I don't like big cities. Baguio has a good climate. It is safe. It is much less crowded. But if you're a city mouse, Makati and BGC would be great places to look into.
@@bigradwolf5001 But Baguio has the best of both worlds. You can live where it is cool and you’re less than an hour away from the tropics when you want them.
@@CCoburn3 But all those driving...especially as one grows older, I don't know man. The best of both worlds is a beach town and then aircon inside the units. Find a place where groceries and restaurants are steps away that you just walk nothing more than 5 minutes as this will be a daily routine.
@@bigradwolf5001 Sure. To each his own. I prefer mountains to beaches. But the great thing about the Philippines is that they have something for everyone.
I wouldn't recommend either. Overpriced high rise condos in extreme hot weather. Better Tagaytay near Taal Lake or Nuvali Santa Rosa. Open space and land with a spacious single story house saids a lot compared to sardine can living.
I agree with just about everything said below, keep it up you are improving every time i watch your video's. Do you and your new ventures do any work as far as advising and or finding decent investment condo's around town? I will be looking soon and i can’t seem to find buyers agents (acting as a middle connect to the realtor) in a sense that we have here.
Your the only vlogger thats not selling the fake new 1000 a month dream. I live in Albang, I perfer it over Matkia and BGC. Matkia is old and too many ladyboys and hookers. Solid content yet again.
Always great info from you, and I think that our lifestyles are similar so "keeping it real" definitely works for me.. thanks I'll be waiting for your next words of wisdom🤓take care
thought on living in Makati with 3 kids? I have a 7, 9 & 12 year old. BGC seems more walkable family friendly. Is there a district in Makati that has lots of walkable areas like BGC?
The heart of Makati near Greenbelt Mall and Glorietta is pretty walkable however I would recommend looking into BGC as it’s much better for families in my opinion. For one you have the international schools in BGC and it’s much more pedestrian friendly w/ a large community of kids within the same age range as your children!
What are you guys up to? I live in US and even I don't spend $5,000 a month. Granted, our house and cars are paid and we have no debts. Basically, our only expenses are groceries, annual insurance, utilities and gas for cars.
$3,000 is about right (maybe a little less). But, if you're a big drinker and party all the time, you can add $1,000 to that. Here is a few more tips: 1. Learn your area and figure out quality places to eat that are more affordable. Note: In most cases, they are definitely not at the malls. 2. Split meals with your partner. In most cases, we still walk out feeling full and your cost for meals get cut in half. Eating less is better for you anyway. 3. Choose water for your beverage. Service water is free, and bottled water is much cheaper than soda or beer. Water is better for you anyway. Cheers! Excellent video, I'm subscribed!
I personally hate the layouts of larger condos. I dont have live in help so I dont want or need a drivers lounge and yaya bedroom. I learned to just live in a smaller condo.
Thank you again for yet another great informative video. I am just wondering is it possible to make a video(guide) for expats who are interested to settle in either BGC/MAKATI, but not ready to settle yet. They come to Manila to get their feet wet first. They will stay few days or a week or two at a time. So, they need something between Hotels(which can be expensive) & rental units( as you know they need 6 months contract). Which is air B & B. But finding a right & suitable unit in those 2 areas can be tricky as most landlords are not around to be seen(as I experienced it first hand) & if something goes wrong in the unit, U R on your own! We don't come to Manila to fix the TV or broken A/C! Do you have any suggestion on how to make that option( air B & B) work? Can you make a similar video for this topic?
I was born and raised in Alabang(southern part of metro manila) and I'd say bgc is better than makati. Makati is more polluted and its really hard to go to point A to point B. I'd still prefer Alabang tho we have BG for our entertainment and more relaxed 😅
Better check out Thailand. They have good selections of more secure living on beach there than in Philippines. Here mostly are run by mayors and their thugs and since there are no skyscrapers with security, you are left to your own house to defend. Having bigrichdude as handle is an easy target, compared to punypoorpeasant.. In Thailand, many condos to choose with dedicated staff. It will take some more years before Philippines catches up with Thailand. Legit real estate developers need to negotiate the politics to buy the beach lands, kick out the fish peasants, and then build it. BUT once the mayors are open to negotiations, the hoteliers would want to beat these residential developers so you might see hotels instead of residential condos.
Yes, in Boracay, you can rent a condo or via AirBnb. Other options are Iloilo (small city with nearby beaches for weekend trips) or Mactan island in Cebu province. Just read the reviews in Airbnb or Agoda to give you an idea of the location and accessibility. Happy vacations 😊
Yea many places in Philippines superior to Thailand for facilities and beaches such as Siargao. It’s cheap but if you need to shop for certain things have to take a trip to the city every now and then.
Nobody is talking about the traffic, the abundance of annoying motorcycles, less parking spaces, the pollution, the smell, the suffocating heat, flood. Irritating relatives who’s always asking for money. No thank you, I’ll stay where I am.
Most retired expats can’t live in the USA on $1200.00 a month SS. I get it, but they blame their current lot on America when they couldn’t get their poo poo together before retirement. So they will live worse, in terms of comfort, in the PI.
Could you please make a lists of condos that rent below $1,000.00 per month in Makati and BGC, it will be gratefully appreciated, also please include their phone numbers.
Curious...can anyone recommend area closer to international airport and VA hospital with amenities & similar price ranges as Makati & BGC? We're an older couple and plan to travel quite a bit. She's from Cebu, but Manila offers better destinations & non-stop flights. Salamat
Hey, odd question hopefully not offensive Your face isn't as cleared up as when you first started. I saw other videos talking about skin care in the philippines due to climate. Has it changed much where you are now than when you lived in Chicago? I'm arriving in cebu this month and have never used anything on my face for acne or anything else and wondering if I should seek stuff for it. I have a generally dryish face. It was something I never thought about until I saw a different video. (I'm 30) I know you're younger than most people who move there so just curious on odd things people don't usually talk about
Non taken, honestly I don't think my recent acne breakouts has anything to do with the weather but more so my lack of water intake and hormones LOL More of a personal issue so keep doing you!
@TheSavvyExpat thanks! It's something I had never thought about until I saw someone talk about different creams and moisturizers. I've never used anything so I started wondering if I'm in for a rude awakening 😅
Well if you plan on running ac plan on it. Dries the air causing coughing spells and dry skin. I never had issues in usa as i had central air with built in humidifier. Moved to ph they only use split or window air units that are very unhealthy. You need to clean them every 3 months as well.
My wife had very bad face acne for years while living in Philippines. After I liberated her to Canada at 27 her face started gradually clearing up. The heat and skin oil build up there may be more problematic for faces
Renters insurance isn't required by law in any US state. Landlords and/or property management companies may require it if they desire. I never required it when I had tenants in the house I owned in the USA. Never had it when I was a renter in the states. Don't know of anyone else who had it, either. Ironically, after I sold my house in the states (because being a landlord while living overseas was a pain), and no longer needed homeowner's insurance, USAA talked me into getting a cheap ($125 annually) renters policy, that covers me while I am renting overseas.
@@bigradwolf5001 My house had been paid off for a few years before I started renting it out. In any case, when I did have a mortgage, there was nothing in my mortgage documents, nor my homeowners policy, stating that requirement.
@@bigradwolf5001 it covers the building but not its contents up to the amount of the mortgage. So if you are a renter you need to get your own renters insurance for your stuff.
1:30 you telling me I can do all of those things and stay at $3,000 per month? Just my rent alone for a one bedroom apartment in Bethesda Maryland was over $3000 😂
My real estate already pays me over $12,000 in post tax income and I spent hardly any time on it. However, my earning potential is still quite high as a medical doctor in my late 30s, so against my better judgement I guess I will continue to work at least part time. I just took a year off and I decided to move to the Philippines because is the only place I know where I can stay for a year without any visa issues.
@@wanderingdoc5075 Not only for one year. You can stay in the Philippines for 3 years on a tourist visa before needing to make a "visa run". You just need to keep renewing your tourist visa in country until you hit that 3 year mark.
Hi I am filipino american having the same thoughts about America being worse than asia since I visited Taiwan and it was beautiful safe and modern than the u.s.
I can easily afford BGC but I prefer to live in Ortigas. It's quiet and low key but has enough upmarket malls like the Podium, Fashion Walk/Megamall, Shangri-La Plaza, Robinsons and Estancia to keep me occupied. Ortigas still has that Manila 90s charm that I like and is very walkable.
What is the ratio of foreigners to Filippos? I have lived in Ph for a while with lots of bad experiences, so I am looking for nice place, many foreigners, reasonable cost for rent?
@@JKP3344 Foreigners in Ortigas work as opposed to BGC where you'll see a lot more retirees and tourists. Most of the Foreigners I see in Ortigas are in IT, banking or manage BPO offices.
Why I stay in Ayala. 1. MRT is close by to take me far 2. Carrousel buses take me to MoA and City of dreams cheaply. 3. No need to drive 4. P2P buses take me outside areas and explore. 5. Hotels have the best food there. 6. Safe. 7. BGC/Rockwell are a short taxi/bus ride away. 8. Most beautiful areas in all the PI 9. Expensive condos, yes. But sure worth it. 10. Malls are amazing 11. Walk everyday and stay in shape. 12. 3k yes. U will live well
You might mention that the people in BGC are much younger than people who Go to makati CBD. -- and the most senior and elderly are mostly in the Rockwell power plant mall crowd.
BGC is a fave go-to place for me when younger but could see settling in Makati so you're right. The question is why is Makati more appealing than BGC as you grow older. I am starting to feel it now that I've turned 50 -- that I wanted to settle in Legazpi Village not in BGC. I think the less crowd, bigger parks and Makati Med factor in the equation.
Ah, name one channel that says you can "Live like a king for $500 a month". If you want to "Get real" about the Philippines, you would not be living in a few premium spots in the Philippines? Why live in a place that is an attempted clone of the very societies you are trying to escape? Our home is in Bohol in a small town, low costs and unpopulated white sand beaches a short walk away. On our small peaceful farm we produce rice, coconut, mango and banana. We have genuine "Food security". We have peace, quiet, clean air and great beaches. We have about as much of "The real Philippines" as you can get.
💯I moved back as a US freelancer back here in the Philippines, working remotely from my laptop, earning US💰 to spend here versus my 2nd home, San Francisco. I saved a lot and was able to buy my property here in the Philippines 😊
Thanks for the info, as for me this is not my ideal of a place to retire, too richer for me, I have family lives in Ormoc city Leyte and it’s safer and comfortable living without any luxurious. I prefer to live in the upper higher elevations away from the big cities as for retirement plans.
If the rest of the country didn’t look like such crap then I’d be happy to move outside of BGC/Makati. Philippines infrastructure SUUUUUUUUUUCKS MOST PLACES
Makati is still a place to go if you're planning to become a permanent resident as a Filipino. Free healthcare, free education, much safer (one of the safest city in south east asia), free hospitalization, and a good local government
Makati is nice during the weekend but I avoid going there during weekday. It's impossible to drive through the heavy traffic and the air quality makes walking around a hazard. I lived in Salcedo village for 5 years before moving to BGC and I have no regrets.
what is condo culture like in BGC buildings that I can get 50-70sqm for under 70k php rent regarding high end bicycling? Ie here in miami nobody thinks negatively about coming in thru the main entrance with a 15k $ bicycle and going up the elevator in your gear from riding every day. dont want to go somewhere where they think all cyclists are poor commuters and make you stick it in some sort of bicycle storage facility with the cheap garbage bikes.
That’s exactly correct. These bums says 500 and etc are delusional. I was living in Makati for 6000-7000 a month was my expenses. I could have gotten away with it for 3500 but I was staying in the Ascott 2 bedrooms for that full service. Breakfast and nightly happy hour included with all you can eat drink.
