Top Central Business Districts in Metro Manila

For those looking for leasable office spaces, Central Business Districts or CBDs are key locations to consider. CBDs are locations with high-concentration of business and economic activity. It is often cited as the “jump starters” of economic growth of a city and its surrounding areas. The most-valued real estate transactions, both local and international, often take place in CBDs.

What are CBDs?

CBDs are highly-urbanized development clusters, typically consisting of office buildings, residential enclaves, retail centers, and sometimes an industrial zone. CBDs are usually centers of investment as they can attract high-value local and multinational companies offering high-paying jobs.

These prime locations are strategically accessible to a wide range of efficient transportation network. Including different transportation options as people navigate through the district. CBDs are also more than a place for work. As they show a good mix of work-life balance. It consist of many places for leisure available such as shopping malls, restaurants, and parks.

Makati Central Business District 

What had started as the first master-planned development of the Ayala Corporation, was the beginning of Makati as one of the most-recognized business districts of the Philippines. Makati CBD houses most of the top local and multinational firms in the country. It is mostly in the financial and property industry. The business district is also the home to more than a million sqm of Prime and Grade A towering skyscrapers and state-of-the-art office buildings, true to its name of being the most premier corporate district in the country. Beyond its work district, Makati boasts its metropolitan atmosphere.  Home to various posh high-end villages, upscale retail centers, and premier educational institutions.

Ortigas Center 

Ortigas is a business district shared by three major cities in Metro Manila. Namely Quezon City, Mandaluyong, and Pasig. Major businesses have also rooted themselves in Ortigas due to its prime location that once rivaled Makati. The district boasts the second largest supply of premiere office spaces, close to 1.4 million sqm. Aside from being one of the pioneer business districts in the metro, it is also considered as Metro Manila’s retail capital as it houses the largest shopping malls in the country to date. 

Bonifacio Global City (BGC)

Bonifacio Global City is the prime business center of Taguig and is one of the fast-evolving business districts in the country. Developed by the country’s leading developer, Ayala Land. Bonifacio Global City is located between the two major highways EDSA and C5 road.  In close proximity to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), Manila’s main gateway. Having been once a military base of the Philippine Army. BGC has since evolved into a hub from commercial developments, prime residential properties. To entertainment establishments, museums, and parks.

The bustling and fast-moving district consist the largest office supply in Metro Manila, home to more than 2 million sqm of Prime and Grade A office buildings. Housing its unique blend of cosmopolitan and pop culture hub which appeals to the youth, BGC hones an environment of innovation, collaboration, and creativity. 

Manila Bay Area

The Bay Area is one of the country’s first major reclamation project in Metro Manila. The business district traverses through the nation’s capital – Manila, Pasay, and Paranaque, facing the historical Manila Bay. The Bay Area is considered as one of the fast-growing business districts. Stimulated by the growth of the IT-BPO sector and gaming industry. Leading to a rise in prices for prime office space and residential condominium units.  

Bay Area is located along the shores of Manila Bay. It also considered as the up and coming “Entertainment City”.  As it is the home of the country’s top resorts and casinos. The area also boasts several notable developments. Such as SM Prime Holdings’ Mall of Asia Complex and Aseana City by D.M. Wenceslao.

 Alabang

Alabang is the primary business district in the south of Metro Manila, home to Filinvest Corporate City. The vast farmlands in Muntinlupa were developed by Filinvest. It led into the birth of a progressive urban district. It is with a combination of nature and urban spaces. Filinvest Corporate City has become a center for modern urban development with business, residential, educational, and leisure establishments marking the area. 

Finding the right office space

Businesses looking for leasable office spaces, can benefit from knowing the different CBDs in Metro Manila to decide which location suits them the most. When looking for premier office spaces, it is best to turn to a trusted real estate agency. Santos Knight Frank is a renowned real estate agency, offering an array of real estate services from brokerage, advisory, consultancy, and property management. Learn more about Santos Knight Frank by visiting https://santosknightfrank.com/.

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About Santos Knight Frank

The world of real estate can be a difficult place to navigate. Whether property is your investment or a tool that drives your business success, you need a partner who can guide you in every step of the way.

Since 1994, Santos Knight Frank has been guiding Fortune 1000 companies, BPOs, private clients, and institutions in all facets of real estate. We advise companies on their best office, retail, and industrial location, oversee commercial fit-out projects, and manage facilities. We have facilitated over 4 million sqm of office transactions on behalf of clients and managed over 40 million sqm of real estate under our property & facilities management arm.

Our residential brokerage platform and wide collection of bespoke homes allow our private clients to buy, lease, and sell properties within their budget, timeline, and lifestyle.

For landlords and investors, we provide valuations and appraisal, consultancy and research, sales and leasing, and property management services across the Philippines.

Santos Knight Frank is part of the global Knight Frank network of over 384 offices in 51 markets, including the strategically important U.S. partnerships with Cresa (commercial real estate) and Douglas Elliman (residential real estate).

We are locally expert and globally connected, end-to-end and best-in-class – as any great partner in property should be.