Top and Up-and-Coming Central Business Districts CBDs in the Philippines

Central business districts, also called CBDs, are prime locations that are strategically located near places of convenience such as major office buildings, retail and entertainment centers, often with excellent access to major modes of transportation. As a highly urbanized development cluster, a business district can also be referred to as a "financial district."

Choosing to live near or within a central business district such as those in Metro Manila gives a resident the luxury of being a stone's throw away from major work places, schools, government agencies, topnotch hospitals and popular places of leisure such as malls, bars, clubs, restaurants, and gyms. Living at the center and front of modern urban development instantly makes work life balance a big possibility.

The Philippines is known for its ever expanding commerce in Asia which makes it an appealing location for investors. Within and outside the major business districts of Metro Manila, urban developments and township projects keep on expanding.

Post COVID pandemic, the Philippine economy ended 2022 with the fastest growth in more than 40 years. Continued GDP growth of around 5.6% y/y is expected in 2023. The economy is projected to grow rapidly over the next decade.

Although the rural side of the country offers a reprieve from the fast-paced urban life, central business districts will continue to thrive with more convenience and business options available to residents nearby.

Today, the following central business districts in Metro Manila remain the largest and most popular.

Makati Central Business District

One of the most highly recognized and massive central business districts in the country is the thriving Makati City. Defined by the business success of the family-owned Ayala Corporation, the Makati business district hosts about 90 percent of the Philippines' top 1000 companies and about 80 percent of multinational companies operating in the country. More than a central business district, Makati City is also a prime location that houses high-end gated communities or villages, upscale shopping malls, and premier educational institutions.

Bonifacio Global City BGC

The last decade has witnessed the Bonifacio Global City, also know as "The Fort," rapidly become Taguig City's financial district. Among metropolitan manila's existing main business districts, it is distinct for its posh shopping and dining strip, the Bonifacio High Street. BGC also houses high-end condominium towers and an estimated 2 million prime and grade A office buildings. Easily accessible via EDSA and C-5, also major roads of Metro Manila, driving to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) from the Bonifacio Global City is convenient for frequent travelers.

Ortigas Center

Located within the borders of Quezon City, Pasig City, and Mandaluyong City, the Ortigas business district rivals Makati as one of top central business districts in Metropolitan Manila. It houses the second largest supply of office space at 1.4 million square meters and where the Asian Development Bank, the San Miguel Corporation, and the Jollibee Foods Corporation head office are located. As a center of urban development, Ortigas is also a retail capital as it houses the largest shopping malls like Shangri-La and Megamall.

Filinvest Corporate City

In the south of Metro Manila is Alabang which houses the Filinvest Corporate City. It is a convenient business location being near to upscale residential areas and commercial hubs. A massive 224-hectare urban hub, it is divided into four districts among which is the Convergence Hub often praised for its transport system. The Modern Metro is highly recognizable for its shopping malls and condo towers. Within Filinvest is also the Garden City which balances out the fast-paced urban center the Filinvest is with bike trails and greenery.

Quezon City (Triangle Park, Eastwood City, Araneta Center)

The Triangle Park in Quezon City is the main business district in Manila's northern major city. The others are Eastwood City in Libis and Araneta City in Cubao. The Triangle Park is a mixed-use Central Business District Development located in Diliman, Quezon City.

Up-and-coming CBDs in 2023

New business districts will shape Manila's future skyline with the ongoing development of new urban centers. Investors, both rookie or veteran, should look into the following promising CBDs.

Bridgetown

Bridging Quezon City and Pasig City is the 31-hectare estate Bridgetown. Strategically flanked beside the main roads of C-5, the Ortigas Avenue and Amang Rodriguez Avenue, it will soon see the complete development of high-end mall Opus which will feature 50,000 square meters of leasable space. It also promises more office spaces with the full construction of the GBF Center 1 and 2 buildings. Presently four operational office buildings in Bridgetown are Tera Tower, Exxa Tower, Zeta Tower, and Giga Tower. Residential projects are also underway including the 45-story Velaris Residences.

Arca South

Proposed as the gateway to the South of Metro Manila, Ayala's 74 hectare mixed-use development puts together residential, office, and commercial hubs. Soon to be accessible via a Skyway Exit, it enjoys a close proximity to Makati, BGC and NAIA. Residents of Arca's residential blocks will also have easy access to Ayala's Arca South lifestyle mall.

Greenfield

The 15-hectare business district in Mandaluyong City houses residenital condominium towers Twin Oaks Place and Zitan where condo owners have the luxury of access to offices in Makati, Ortigas and BGC. This urban center is near the Shaw stop of the MRT and also beside popular malls such as Shangri-La and Megamall.

Why choose to live near a CBD?

Ultimately, convenience is the name of the game when it comes to choosing to live near or within a CBD. While the rural areas of the Philippines offer a harmonious residential experience through nature spots, a CBD opens opportunities for work and personal business possibilities and access to transportation. A CBD also makes one near major leisure establishments that makes work-life balance possible. The convenient location of most neighborhoods in CBDs also allow access to schools, government agencies and the best healthcare options.