Living In BGC Philippines 2026

Are you disuaded by the dirty streets, dogs and chaos in all of the major Philippines cities? Are you concerned about the lack of products available for shopping in the smaller towns. How about access to modern medical care in the provinces? If those types of things are preventing you from choosing the Philippines as your retirement home, I've found the one spot that feels like a breath of fresh air. Discover why Bonifacio Global City (BGC) is the clear winner over Makati, Cebu, and more – especially for retirees! Read on, or watch the video and see why I believe BGC is the ultimate destination for expats moving to the Philippines. If you don’t like the city life, My second choice (About a half hour south) is Santa Rosa/Nuvali.  A beautiful area with a new private hospital and a lot of open spaces.

I’ve lived in the Philippines for over three years, and I believe the most important thing to consider is whether or not you can live a normal “good life” when the honeymoon period ends. You need to be able to establish a normal routine and have a safe place to call home.  A place where you are safe from physical assault, safe from a medical availability standpoint, and a place with access to western products, and be easy to travel to and from.

If you’re not willing to give up your hi-end stereo equipment or luxury car, don’t underestimate the wealth in Manila. From the most expensive automobiles, audiophile sound equipment, tools, western groceries, you name it, you can find almost anything in Manila.  And BGC is a part of metro Manila.

Additionally, Manila is fairly well sheltered from typhoons and experiences fewer earthquakes than the rest of the country. I know I’ll get the BGC isn’t the “real” Philippines nonsense from those who don’t like it or can’t afford it, but the next time you’re complaining about all the inconveniences of living in the Philippines, remember, I don’t have those problems in BGC.

In more than 3 years, I’ve not had one brown-out. Where else in the country can you say that? I’ve travelled over 25k kilometers on my motorcycle since I’ve arrived. I love the beaches and the mountains, but I’m always happy to return home to BGC.

I’ve I checked out Makati's bustling energy and love to visit, but the everyday grind in Makati would hit  too hard for me. The narrow, dirty sidewalks, trash, exhaust fumes, and chaotic traffic give Makati a gritty, dystopian vibe that wears me down fast.

Cebu is great for access to beaches, but it's a far from BGC in terms of available resources and protection from mother nature. As a retiree, I’ve realized location matters for long-term comfort (especially for older folks) and BGC delivers on a daily basis.

The Manila airport and expressways are close. When it’s time to get away, travel is cheap. Just a few hours of driving or a quick flight to another island and your’e on vacation in the paradise of your choice. If you don't consider these things early, it could turn your retirement dream into an exercise in frustration. Picture long commutes for medical care, or even routine shopping and groceries.

Pick a home-base that supports your daily life, not your vacation fantasy,

BGC – Fort Bonifacio Global City

BGC has two massive advantages:

First, incredible proximity to the best healthcare and high-end shopping in Manila. St. Luke’s Medical Center in Global City is recognized in Newsweek’s Best Specialized Hospitals in the Asia Pacific for 2025, excelling in specialties like orthopedics, pulmonary care, cardiac surgery, and more. Perfect for retirees. Virtually everything you need or would likely want is just minutes away. You're just steps from premium furniture, appliances, tools, and global brands at places like SM Aura and Bonifacio High Street.

Second, BGC is the country's only truly large, walkable urban area. There are hundreds of restaurants, bars, shops, and gyms to satisfy your needs. BGC offers a clean, safe, pedestrian-first environment with wide sidewalks, green spaces like Track 30th Park, and a beautiful walking paths along the golf course mere steps from the Forbes Town area. Makati has more cultural flavor and many eclectic spots, but for a practical home base, BGC's orderly normalcy feels amazing.

Proof is in the pudding. I walk to St. Luke’s for check-ups or care in just a few minutes, a game-changer at age 64, and dining and shopping, the choices within walking distance are more than I can count. There is a reason that expat discussions describe BGC's modernity, cleanliness, and walkability as unmatched.

BGC has been my choice for more than three years, give it a try!

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