What’s not to love about Bonifacio Global City? I’ve been living here for nearly four years already and I’ve truly fallen in love with this place. I love it so much that the moment I leave the BGC area, I feel homesick in an instant.



Among the highly urbanized areas in Metro Manila, I think The Fort is really the best among the rest. This is as first world as it can get here in the Philippines!



When I was scouring the metro for the perfect place to spend my yuppie years in, I narrowed my picks down to Rockwell, Eastwood, Greenbelt, and The Fort. I’m a huge fan of having everything I need within walking distance, which was why I was drawn to those areas. But then I realized Rockwell was too small, Eastwood was too polluted, and Greenbelt was too congested… so The Fort it was.



And it turns out to be the best decision I’ve ever made.



Here are some of the reasons why I love BGC:



1. FRESH AIR AND GREENERY EVERYWHERE



Thanks to proper urban planning, there’s an allotment for open spaces and fields in Global City. If I’m not mistaken, I think their target is to maintain at least 1/3 of the greenery around here.





Jogging Path





That’s why, despite buildings sprouting from almost everywhere, BGC still doesn’t seem as congested as other parts of Metro Manila. And that is also why there’s a healthy supply of oxygen for everyone here! Plus, BGC isn’t located as close to major highways (unlike Eastwood or Rockwell), which means less pollution.





Pinoy games at Terra 28th





There’s even space for parks, such as Terra 28th, which showcases Filipino childhood games like patintero and piko.



2. 24/7 SECURITY & EMERGENCY SERVICES



Where else can you walk around at 3AM and not fear for your life? Only in BGC, I tell ya. Most office buildings in the area have call centers which are open 24 hours, hence the need for round-the-clock security. Policemen and security guards are always roving and they’re easily visible on just about any street. The police precinct is also very accessible since it’s situated near The Fort Strip and not in some obscure location.



Security personnel are also quick to respond to accidents in the area. I’ve witnessed this during the opening weekend of Mercato Centrale when an SUV flipped over after getting hit by a taxi in an intersection. An ambulance and a police car reached the scene before I could even digest what had happened! Maybe it was because I was trying to digest a red velvet cupcake at the same time, but still.



3. EVERYTHING IS WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE.



Restaurants, supermarket, drugstore, hospital, banks… You name it, it’s one or two tumblings away. I really like having everything I need within walking distance because I’m lazy like that. I’m a real homebody so if it’s too far, it’s probably not worth it. Unless it involves waves. Or my passport.



Besides, when I get bored, I usually walk to reflect pass time so it’s nice to do/buy the stuff I need while I’m at it. St. Lukes is just around the corner too, which gives me an added sense of security knowing that if anything happens, I can rush or get rushed to the hospital in 5 minutes tops.



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