[Area Guide] Manila (Philippines)

Manila Basic Information 

Manila, the capital city of the Philippines, is located in the centre of Luzon Island and is on the east coast of Manila Bay facing the South China Sea. It has the largest port in the Philippines and has developed as an industrial city. It functioned as a capital since the colonization by the Spanish at the end of the 16th century and continues to be the capital after its independence. Merging with neighbouring cities in 1975, Manila and its surrounding 16 cities and 1 town is called Metro Manila or Manila Metropolitan Area.

The area of metro Manila is 638 km² which are slightly larger than the 23 wards of Tokyo in Japan and has a population of about 12 million people. Manila is a city where Western and Oriental cultures intersect with the old town from the Spanish colonial era and the modern office buildings.

Manila overview

Metro Manila is the economic centre of the production of Metro Manila accounts for 37% of the gross domestic product in the Philippines. Manila has a port that functions as a gateway to other countries. Its main productions are chemical products, textiles, electronic devices, tobacco, and food processing and outsourcing sectors are one of the most developed industries.

LRT and MRT are the two elevated railroads that were first to be built in Asia. However, being a mega city with the population exceeding 10 million, Manila is facing the deterioration of urban railway and traffic congestion, and these issues are hindering economic growth. According to the JICA survey report of 2014, total expenses spent on traffic congestion on a day will amount to about 6 billion yen. It became clear that there is economic loss due to traffic congestion. Therefore, infrastructure improvement is urgent in Metro Manila.

Manila Popular Property  Investment Area

• Makati City

Makati City belongs to Metro Manila and is called “Wall Street of the Philippines” because of the high-rise office buildings. Among them is Ayala Avenue, which is a huge shopping mall with brand shops around the world. The popular residential areas are "Salcedo Village" and "Legaspi Village" because they are located near the business district of Makati. Since they are relatively safe areas, they are suitable for both investment and residing.

• Bonifacio · Global City

Bonifacio Global City, which is in Taguig City, is located 11 km southeast of Manila city. It is known as Fort Bonifacio, originated from the fact that it was once used as an air force base.

Bonifacio Global City is a city targeting European and American expatriates and wealthy people to reside. It was developed under the former president Ramos as part of a state-owned land transformation plan that was advanced in 1995. Also, in the case of flood, electric wires were buried underground. Therefore, there won’t be great damage from floods.

There are high-rise condominiums, office buildings, modern shopping malls, and "High Street" where cafes and restaurants line up around a park. And in 2015, a vocation experience park for children, "Kidzania" has also opened. Living environments are great for foreigners.

• Ortigas

Located in Pasig city, it is a city where local companies and big corporate headquarters gather. It is said to be the second economic city in the  Philippines, and it is also the centre for BPO related business such as call centres.  It is an area that is expected to have more offices, shopping malls and sightseeing spots and will have an increasing number of people and demand for housing.