A Guide to Metro Manila’s Business Districts

By: Melecio Martin G. Arranz IV

Metro Manila has it all—skyscrapers, historic landmarks, green spaces, walking streets, you name it. It’s a melting pot of people from all over the Philippines, with over 13 million residents. What’s more, Metro Manila had the largest share of services in the country at 41.4%, making it the country’s primary economic driver.

These are why businesspeople come to the region, particularly areas that have developed into thriving central business districts (CBDs). CBDs are the heart of commerce, industry, and innovation in Metro Manila. As such, they’re an excellent choice if you’re looking for a place where your career or business can thrive.

Here’s a visual guide to the different Metro Manila business districts.

What is a Central Business District (CBD)?

A central business district (CBD) is an area representing a city’s commercial and financial hub. CBDs house major corporations, government offices, and financial institutions.

These places drive growth by providing a centralized location for commerce, finance, and industry to thrive. By hosting large-scale companies, they attract investment and employment opportunities, fostering the development of their surrounding areas. Take the Makati CBD, for example. It’s home to industry giants like Toyota Motors Philippines, GT Capital Holdings, and Metrobank, among many others.

Settling in or near a CBD is particularly desirable for young professionals. Proximity to these business hubs means shorter commutes and better networking opportunities in some of the most lucrative job roles in Metro Manila. It also means being at the center of lifestyle activities, with access to the city’s best restaurants, shopping centers, and cultural attractions.

The 7 Business Districts of Metro Manila

Metro Manila has several dynamic business districts, each with unique character and economic strengths. Here’s an overview of key CBDs across the metro.

1. Alabang, Muntinlupa City

Alabang is a thriving barangay in southern Metro Manila with a population of 71,000 people and a total land area of 8.06 km2. Bordering NCR and South Luzon, it was initially an open field that thrived as a farming district run by locals. Today, it has grown into a significant commercial center and a central transportation hub for lines going north and south.

The area’s economic environment is diverse. Corporations like the pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim and BPO provider Genpact have set up shop partly due to its proximity to the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and the Metro Manila Skyway. Alabang also boasts a range of amenities, including hospitals like the Asian Hospital and Medical Center, as well as numerous high-end malls.

2. Binondo, Manila

Binondo sits at the heart of Manila, with over 20,000 residents in a relatively small land area. The Spaniards established it in 1594 as a community for Chinese immigrants—making it the world’s oldest Chinatown. Binondo was a hub of entrepreneurial activity in the city capital for centuries, with businesses ranging from small family-owned shops to large trading companies.

Presently, Binondo thrives in jewelry. Shops along Ongpin Street generate revenue from entrepreneurs and companies sourcing gold and gemstones while also hosting several banks, schools, and malls. Despite the emergence of newer, more modern business districts in Metro Manila, Binondo retains its charm and importance, especially for aspiring business owners.

3. Bonifacio Global City, Taguig

BGC is one of Metro Manila’s most modern and rapidly growing business districts. Situated in Taguig, beside EDSA, this 2.4 km2 development was initially named Fort McKinley during the American occupation. After gaining independence, the Philippine Army renamed it Fort Bonifacio before it underwent redevelopment in the late 1990s to become a premier business hub.

This CBD is home to many multinational corporations, including Brother International Philippines and Unilever. You can also find the Philippine Stock Exchange on 5th Avenue and 28th Street.

BGC’s amenities, including world-class shopping centers like MITSUKOSHI Mall and a wide array of dining options, international schools, and recreational spaces, make it desirable for young professionals, small families, and companies.

Also read: Condo Living in BGC: 8 Benefits of Living in a Work and Lifestyle Hub

4. Makati CBD, Makati

The Makati CBD began development in the 1960s with the construction of Ayala Avenue, which cuts across Makati City. It only had a small airport back then. However, as more commercial and corporate buildings popped up, it gradually became a financial and cultural hub in Metro Manila.

The district’s well-established infrastructure makes it a center of activity for professionals across various industries. It’s where corporate giants like Metrobank and GT Capital have erected their headquarters. It undoubtedly helped that Makati sits between LRT-1 and MRT-3, making going to and from the CBD much easier for non-residents. In effect, the rest of Metro Manila is easily accessible.

Nearby amenities include hospitals like the Makati Medical Center, a vibrant nightlife in Poblacion, luxury hotels, and top-notch schools.

Also read: 8 Cool Spots to Experience the Nightlife in Metro Manila

5. Bay Area, Pasay City

Pasay City’s Bay Area is a rapidly emerging business district sitting along the world-famous Manila Bay—hence its name. The CBD’s rise to prominence is primarily thanks to the demand for high-class real estate developments and the establishment of mall complexes like MET Live, which spurred further growth in the locale.

While the Bay Area is a critical player in retail and entertainment, it primarily focuses on tourism-driven businesses. It’s home to major casino resorts, including Okada Manila, Solaire Resort, and City of Dreams Manila. Its closeness to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), main transportation lines, and major thoroughfares like EDSA make it a strategic location for businesses and professionals.

Also read: Neighborhood Guide to Bay Area Pasay City

6. Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong

Ortigas Center is the oldest and most prominent business district in Metro Manila, comprising parts of Mandaluyong, Pasig, and Quezon City and spanning an area of 1 square kilometer. Ortigas Center was part of the Hacienda de Mandaloyon during the Spanish colonial era. Then, it became a financial center in the 60s. The Chronicle Building was the first to stand, and the rest was history.

When visiting Ortigas Center, you’ll find several major local companies within its boundaries—among them are San Miguel Corporation and Meralco. This so-called “mini-city” also features a mix of commercial buildings, shopping centers, and condos, providing a perfect balance of work and leisure.

7. Quezon City CBD, Quezon City

The Quezon City CBD is one of the newest business districts in Metro Manila. Its development began in 2002 and currently spans 2.5 km2 to create a modern and dynamic business hub rivaling the longer-established districts within the metro.

Despite being new, the Quezon City CBD quickly became a center for government offices, corporate headquarters, and educational institutions. It houses some of the most prominent media and telecommunications companies, with ABS-CBN and GMA Network having their HQs there.

The district is close to the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), Metro Manila Skyway, and major transit lines, making it attractive to people and businesses seeking easy access to Metro Manila’s northern and central areas.

Why You Should Settle Inside Central Business Districts

Living in a CBD in Metro Manila offers countless benefits catering to your professional and personal needs while enhancing your urban lifestyle.

Proximity to major employers

Living within a CBD means you’re only minutes away from some of the biggest corporations in the Philippines, improving your career prospects. It’s easier for you to network, attend meetings, or explore new job opportunities. Being close to your workplace also makes your schedule more flexible since you won’t have to spend hours commuting to and from work—a common experience for most Filipinos.

Ease of commute

Metro Manila business districts are usually near major transportation hubs. So, residents enjoy easy access to public transport, such as MRT and LRT lines, buses, jeepneys, and even shuttle services. Many CBDs also have well-maintained and pedestrian-friendly roads, making walking or biking a viable option.

Abundance of amenities and facilities

CBDs have endless amenities and facilities, from shopping malls and dining establishments to parks and entertainment venues. They also host medical facilities, schools, and other essential services, giving you access to top-tier resources without traveling far since everything you need is just a stone’s throw away.

Access to established and upcoming infrastructure

CBD infrastructures often develop faster than most parts of Metro Manila. They’re the first to receive upgraded road networks and bridges, new transportation lines, and other improvements that ease mobility and improve urban living. Additionally, many CBDs have reliable utilities and smart city features, making them ideal for professionals who rely heavily on tech for work and daily life.

High property values

Real estate within Metro Manila’s CBDs is often in high demand. In other words, property values appreciate rapidly over time. Whether you’re looking to rent or buy, investing in a CBD property offers the potential for robust returns over time. High property values are primarily due to the desirability of living in these bustling areas, on top of ongoing infrastructure projects further boosting the district’s appeal.

Enjoy Convenient Living with Federal Land

Are you a young professional looking to advance your career? Or perhaps someone seeking a convenient urban lifestyle? Living in a CBD places you at the heart of it all. So, don’t wait too long—take advantage of the opportunities that living in a business district provides and secure your place in one of Metro Manila’s most sought-after locations.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Federal Land, a premier real estate company in the Philippines. We offer well-built and thoughtfully designed pre-selling and RFO condominium properties in prime, high-value spots in the Philippines.

Interested? Contact us to learn more!