Top 7 Business Districts in Metro Manila

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Metro Manila is home to bustling cities and business districts that are home to top-performing companies in the country. Some of those world-recognized institutions are located all around the National Capital Region (NCR). The Metro also holds a lot of promise due to the recent updates in public infrastructure, making it a good asset for employers and aspiring young professionals. If you are looking for a new opportunity in the National Capital Region, here are the areas that should be on your list:

Quezon City 

The first one on the list is the richest city in the region: Quezon City. Quezon City is the biggest among the 16 cities of Metro Manila. It also holds several business districts, townships, and residential and commercial developments that are positioned close to the key landmarks of the city. If you want an overview of where to work in the city, here are the following locations to build your career: 

Quezon City Central Business District 

The Triangle Park or the Quezon City Central Business District (CBD) is at the city’s heart. The business hub is outlined by major thoroughfares such as North Avenue, East Avenue, and Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (EDSA). The business district covers many malls, townships, and tourist destinations that are perfect for young professionals looking for a work-life balance.

 

Some of those include Vertis North, Trinoma, and SM North. Vertis and SM North have companies currently headquartered in the area such as Support Ninja, Telus, Concentrix, and so much more. There are also companies within the vicinity of the business district that expand your horizon and are just a few minutes away from major roads, transportation terminals, and railway networks like the Grand Central Station which connects MRT-3, MRT-7, LRT-1, and the Metro Manila Subway. 

UP Technohub 

At the center of Diliman District just beside the University of the Philippines, where you can find UP Technohub. The business park houses several industries such as BPO, IT, and Marketing companies. Its position along Commonwealth Avenue and a stone’s throw away from Triangle Park makes it attractive for professionals to start their careers close to home. 

The companies that occupy UP TechnoHub also benefit from its infrastructure, which is designed to cater to the needs of modern enterprises. It offers state-of-the-art facilities, reliable telecommunications infrastructure, and modern office spaces. Its eco-friendly design includes wide open spaces, green parks, and a lake, making it not only conducive to work but also promoting a healthy work-life balance for employees. Cafes, restaurants, and recreational areas within the complex further enhance the convenience of working in the business park.

Eastwood City 

Eastwood City is a mixed-use development and a business district rolled into one. It stands as an exemplar of urban planning and modern architecture. Its layout is meticulously designed to create a cohesive and walkable community where residents and visitors can conveniently access a variety of amenities and services. The district is characterized by its sleek high-rise buildings, lush green spaces, and well-maintained infrastructure, offering a visually appealing and functional environment.

Photo courtesy of Nool Sherry

As a business district, Eastwood City is home to a diverse array of offices, from small enterprises to large multinational corporations. The area is particularly renowned for its thriving business process outsourcing (BPO) industry, which has earned it the title of the country’s first cyberpark. Companies operating in Eastwood City benefit from state-of-the-art facilities, robust technological infrastructure, and a strategic location that provides easy access to the rest of Metro Manila.

Mandaluyong City 

Mandaluyong is at the center of Metro Manila and the business district inside of it is no other than Ortigas Center. Ortigas Center has several companies that belong top 100 companies in the country and are even recognized by the Forbes 500. Participating in this dynamic business environment is possible you can be a part of. Apart from the business landscape, there are also lifestyle destinations and hangout spots where you can chill with your friends and colleagues after work. 

Ortigas Center

Ortigas Center spans parts of Mandaluyong, Pasig, and Quezon City. It is home to numerous multinational corporations, top Philippine companies, and business process outsourcing (BPO) firms. Many of the companies located here are recognized not only among the top 100 firms in the Philippines but also on a global scale, with some earning spots on the prestigious Forbes 500 list. These include conglomerates in industries such as finance, real estate, telecommunications, and consumer goods.

Photo courtesy of Colliers Philippines

Companies like San Miguel Corporation, one of Southeast Asia’s largest and most diversified conglomerates, maintain their headquarters in Ortigas. Similarly, multinational firms such as HSBC, Accenture, and Sykes have established offices in the area, drawn by the convenience, accessibility, and prestige of the business district. The concentration of these global and local giants has transformed Ortigas Center into a bustling economic hub, contributing significantly to the overall development of Metro Manila.

Makati City 

Makati is the Financial Capital of the Philippines. The city has been a prominent ground for world-class businesses, financial institutions, and rising companies wanting to make a mark in their respective fields. The business landscape is attractive for aspiring individuals who have just graduated from college or businesses looking to hire a talented workforce for their company. In order to give you insights here is an overview of Makati Central Business District.

Makati Central Business District

The Makati Central Business District or Makati CBD is situated at the heart of Makati and interconnected by linking avenues and soon an inter-city rail system for commuters, workers, and tourists alike. Left and right you can see foreigners who invested in the Financial Center due to its long-lasting appeal and even just a few drives away from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). Public transportation is also a priority, apart from the inter-city subway, Makati is also connected to the MRT-3 through Bunedia and Ayala Station both connected to the major roads and transportation terminal one of which is the One Ayala just below Ayala Station. 

Photo courtesy of Jon Manosca

Makati CBD holds a lot of promise for aspiring applicants to join the lively city and the possibilities it holds. Foreign investors are a common sight in Makati CBD, reflecting the district’s global appeal. Many foreigners have chosen to invest in the area, both in the financial sector and in real estate. The consistent demand for office spaces, residential condominiums, and commercial properties makes Makati a prime location for real estate investment. International companies continue to expand their presence in the district, setting up regional offices and investing in new developments, driven by the robust economy and business-friendly policies of the local government. Some of the famous companies in the city that you can be a part of are the following: BDO Unibank, Metrobank, Smart Communications, and so many more. 

Taguig City 

Taguig City is one of the highly urbanized cities in Metro Manila and holds its fair share of business hubs and mixed-use developments. Known for its strategic location and rapid development, the city has a bustling lifestyle to be a part of and soon the Metro Manila Subway will have its station in Bonifacio Global City and Barangay Western Bicutan which will result to ease of transportation all around the Metro. This kind of mobility will be an asset once you join a company in the following business districts: 

Bonifacio Global City 

Bonifacio Global City or BGC is one of the iconic business districts in the country alongside Makati CBD and Ortigas Center. The companies inside BGC are world-class with dozens of attractions, museums, and landscape gardens to unwind after spending a long day at work. There are several companies that currently choose Taguig as their base of operations. If you are eyeing to apply in Taguig some of those are Google Philippines, Food Panda, Aboitiz, Globe Telecom, and Coca-Cola. 

Photo courtesy Enil Oan

The landscape of BGC is also alive with art installations and murals anywhere you walk in the area. They also have pedestrian-friendly infrastructures and a railway network that spans from Valenzuela to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. 

Muntinlupa City 

Muntinlupa is situated in the southernmost part of Metro Manila. Even though that is the case it is still as interconnected as its neighboring cities because of roads that connect the city as well as expressways like the Metro Manila Skyway and the South Luzon Expressways (SLEX) which shortens the travel time, city-to-city or traveling to provinces in Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, and Rizal (CALABARZON). The companies in the city are primarily located in Alabang Business District, more specifically Filinvest City and Madrigal Park. 

Alabang Business District 

As mentioned before Barangay Alabang has 2 business districts under its belt. But for this case, we will talk about Filinvest City. It is a mixed-use development where residential and commercial development comes into play close to each other for the benefit of everyone living close to landmarks and establishments in the city. 

One of the defining features of Filinvest City is its focus on accessibility and mobility. Public transportation options, such as buses, jeepneys, and shuttle services, are readily available, while private vehicles benefit from well-maintained roads and numerous parking facilities. Furthermore, the Skyway System offers quick access to the rest of Metro Manila, reducing travel time significantly for both commuters and residents. The whole development is filled with tree-lined streets, parks, and fresh air around the neighborhood. A calming ambiance if you choose to reside and work in the area. Alabang Business District has various companies few of which are BPO, IT, and others. The district is also home to a number of shopping malls, restaurants, and open green spaces where anyone can have a picnic or just embrace nature during their free time. 

The job opportunities in Metro Manila are limitless. There are so many to choose from just make sure you stick to your dreams in achieve them with all your might. The landscape of the Metro is continuously changing and the public transportation that is currently under construction includes the Grand Central Station, MRT-7, MRT-4, LRT-1 Cavite Extension, and the Metro Manila Subway which will be a huge advantage for job seekers and professionals in reaching their destination. Commercial investments will also boost due to the demand and access that will in turn attract more investors both domestic and international. 

Author Bio

Emman Bernardino is a Content Writer for HousingInteractive. He currently focuses on SEO and blog writing. Emman also studied at the University of Santo Tomas with a degree in Literature. He has a great passion for writing and continues to strive to be a better version of himself. During his free time, he enjoys driving on the open road or even watching documentaries and historical films.