Manila Metropolis is a multi-centered Capital Region of the Philippines.

Did you know that there’s at least 30 central business districts in Metro Manila alone? Yup, more than its interconnected cities, CBDs have been scattered like mushrooms in the metro for years and decades.

A central business district (CBD) is the commercial and business center of a city. In larger cities, it is often synonymous with the city’s “financial district”.

Metro Manila is home to 15 Million people, as well as massive Central Business districts. In 1594, the creation of a Financial District centered in Binondo-Escolta area.

After the devastation of The Battle for the Liberation of Manila in February of 1945, the need of office space began due to reconstruction efforts.

This gave way to the first major CBD in the Philippines, the Makati Business District in 1950’s (from Binondo to Makati), which grew larger in the past 60 years.

As the metropolis expanded, more and more CBD were set up to cater the growing population and economy of the Metropolis. These CBDs include Ortigas Center and Alabang (1980’s), Bonifacio Global City (1995), and Manila Bay Area (2007).

As of now, there are 30 CBDs inside the 600 square kilometers of land within Metropolitan Manila. New CBDs such as Arca South, Bridgtowne, Eastwood City, Greenfield District, Ortigas East, Century City and many more start to shape Manila’s future skyline.

METRO MANILA CBDs

This list includes the Major Districts and secondary CBDs within Metropolitan Manila.

MAKATI CENTRAL

The Makati Central Business District, also known as the Makati CBD, is the leading financial and central business district in the Philippines located at the heart of Makati in Metro Manila. The financial district is managed by two groups—the Makati Commercial Estates Association (MaCEA) and the Ayala Property Management Corporation (APMC).

The Makati CBD is a modern urban landscape that emerged from the vision outlined in Presidential Decree 824, signed in 1975 by then-President Ferdinand Marcos. This decree officially declared Makati as the country’s financial center, paving the way for its remarkable metamorphosis.

It is politically known as “Central Cluster” in the West District of Makati. It is different from the civic center of Makati known as “Makati Poblacion” which is situated at the north-east portion of the district.

It is bounded by EDSA, Gil Puyat Avenue, Arnaiz Avenue, and Chino Roces Avenue. The whole district occupies barangays of San Antonio, San Lorenzo, Bel-Air, and Urdaneta.

At the nucleus of the Makati CBD is Ayala Avenue, an iconic thoroughfare that serves as the district’s financial spine. Lined with towering skyscrapers housing multinational corporations, financial institutions, and embassies, Ayala Avenue is the embodiment of Makati’s economic prowess.

Beyond its corporate identity, the Makati CBD caters to a diverse range of interests. High-end shopping centers like Greenbelt and Glorietta offer a retail haven, while an array of restaurants, bars, and cafes create a lively social scene. Parks and open spaces provide a breath of fresh air amid the urban hustle.

Bonifacio Global City (Taguig)

Bonifacio Global City or simply BGC, stands as a testament to urban sophistication and modernity. This burgeoning central business district has swiftly become a powerhouse in the Philippine economic landscape.

What once was a military base has evolved into a dynamic and meticulously planned urban center. Spearheaded by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and Ayala Corporation, BGC’s development began in the early 2000s, breathing life into a strategic vision.

The skyline of BGC is a mesmerizing symphony of skyscrapers, each telling a tale of corporate success and innovation. Iconic structures like The Finance Centre, Bonifacio High Street Corporate Center, and Uptown Tower contribute to the district’s distinctive profile. BGC’s skyline is a visual testament to its role as a burgeoning economic and financial hub.

What sets BGC apart is its appeal to multinational corporations, technology firms, and start-ups. The district hosts the regional headquarters of various global companies, drawn to its state-of-the-art office spaces, accessibility, and commitment to sustainable urban planning. BGC is more than a CBD; it’s a corporate ecosystem.

BGC also prides itself on pioneering sustainable and green urban living. Parks and green spaces are strategically integrated, providing residents and workers with pockets of nature amidst the bustling cityscape.

While business is at its core, BGC weaves a rich cultural tapestry. The district hosts events, art installations, and cultural festivals that add vibrancy to the urban experience. The Mind Museum offers hands-on science displays, while the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial honors WWII soldiers. Colorful street murals make the area popular for strolling. Definitely, one of my favorite cities in Metro Manila.

Ortigas Center (Mandaluyong, Pasig & San Juan)

Ortigas Center is a central business district located within the joint boundaries of Pasig, Mandaluyong and Quezon City, within the Metro Manila region in the Philippines. With an area of more than 100 hectares, it is Metro Manila’s second most important business district after the Makati CBD.

Recognized for its skyscrapers, commercial complexes, and vibrant lifestyle, Ortigas Center has evolved into a dynamic hub that seamlessly blends business and leisure. Ortigas Center is a testament to the Philippines’ economic prowess, housing the headquarters of prominent corporations, financial institutions, and multinational companies. The district’s skyline is adorned with towering office buildings, symbolizing the economic vitality pulsating within its boundaries.

World-class shopping malls, including SM Megamall, The Podium, and Shangri-La Plaza, provide a diverse array of retail options, from international brands to local favorites. The malls not only cater to shoppers but also serve as social hubs offering entertainment and dining experiences.

Ortigas Center isn’t just a place of work; it’s a community. The district hosts upscale residential condominiums and apartments, providing a convenient living space for those who prefer to reside close to their workplace. The residential offerings range from luxurious penthouses to stylish, modern units.

Entertainment is ingrained in Ortigas Center’s DNA. Cinemas, theaters, and concert venues host a variety of events, from international performances to local productions. The district’s nightlife is vibrant, with bars and clubs offering diverse experiences for those seeking after-hours entertainment.

Gastronomic delights await in Ortigas Center’s myriad of dining establishments. From upscale restaurants to street food stalls, the district caters to every palate. Food hubs like the Kapitolyo neighborhood have gained fame for their eclectic culinary offerings, making Ortigas a haven for food enthusiasts.

Filinvest City (Muntinlupa)

Filinvest City is a premiere garden CBD designed to provide modern conveniences in harmony with nature. It is a residential haven, business central, leisure destination, learning and education zone, and medical and wellness hub amid lush, green landscapes in a modern urban development.

The development of Filinvest City began in 1995, by Filinvest at the site of the former Alabang Stock Farm. Under the administration of President Fidel V. Ramos, the farm was opened for joint development with the private sector and the government-owned property was placed for bidding.

Filinvest City stands as a beacon of economic growth in the southern metro. With its modern skyscrapers housing corporate offices, BPO centers, and multinational companies, the district has become a catalyst for economic progress, drawing both local and international businesses seeking a strategic location.

As a forward-thinking CBD, Filinvest City is also recognized for its commitment to technology and education. The Northgate Cyberzone serves as a hub for information technology and business process outsourcing (IT-BPO) companies, contributing to the district’s economic resilience.

A testament to its dynamism, Filinvest City boasts commercial centers like Festival Mall and Westgate Center, providing a plethora of retail options, dining experiences, and entertainment venues. These destinations not only serve the daily needs of the workforce but also offer leisure activities for residents and visitors.

Accessibility is a key feature of Filinvest City’s allure. Connected to major thoroughfares such as the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and the Skyway, the district ensures seamless transportation for commuters. Moreover, the upcoming Skyway Extension further enhances connectivity to and from the central business district.

Rockwell Center (Makati)

Rockwell Center is a high-end mixed-use area in Makati. It is a project of Rockwell Land Corporation which is in turn owned by the Lopez Holdings Corporation. Named after James Rockwell, the former President of the Manila Electric Railroad and Light Company (Meralco), this upscale enclave is a testament to luxurious living and urban sophistication. The district was first developed in 1998 and is being expanded since 2012.

The architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) carried out the design under the direction of former design partner Larry Oltmanns, while Felino Palafox and his company, Palafox Associates, became responsible for the master-planning of the complex.

Its centerpiece, the Power Plant Mall, opened on December 26, 2000. The Rockwell Center includes office buildings, condominium towers, a law and business school and a shopping mall

Eastwood City (Quezon City)

Eastwood City is an 18.5 hectares mixed-use development complex located in Barangay Bagumbayan Quezon City. Launched in 1997, it is Megaworld Corporation’s first “live-work-play” community that offers complete facilities, amenities, and establishments for living, working, playing, and shopping.

Home to the largest business process outsourcing (BPO) locators, Eastwood City is the country’s first IT park and the first project to be granted special economic zone status by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA). Since its establishment as a premier Cyberpark, it has become a top employer and leading dollar-earner in the Philippines

Apart from being business community, Eastwood City is a residential community with 19 high-rise residential towers.

Eastwood City offers families, professionals and urbanites a variety of shopping, dining and recreation offerings at its three lifestyle malls Eastwood Mall, Eastwood Cyber and Fashion Mall and Eastwood Citywalk, which are managed under the Megaworld Lifestyle Malls brand.

Greenfield District (Mandaluyong)

Greenfield District carries the innovative vision of Greenfield Development Corporation by being a remarkable urban development built on two primary foundations: a technologically advanced infrastructure and an eco-efficient master plan.

Bordered by the main thoroughfares EDSA and Shaw Boulevard, and stretching towards Reliance Street and Sheridan Street, the 15-hectare Greenfield District sits at the heart of the new Mandaluyong CBD, making it conveniently located near central business districts, schools, hospitals, malls and lifestyle centers.

Designed to give a truly distinctive brand of city lifestyle, the masterplanned development is known as a “smart and connected” urban center with buildings technologically interconnected with a fiber-optic framework. Along with these ultra-modern high-rise buildings, the community is further redefining the Mandaluyong landscape with sweeping, green open spaces that comprise a generous portion of the development, and further enhanced by a pedestrian-oriented neighborhood.

Urban dwellers will also find ideal, future-ready homes in the development. The Twin Oaks Place is Greenfield District’s flagship condominium project, where every unit is integrated with fiber-optic connectivity that enables features such as smartphone-controlled home automation.

Meanwhile, Zitan, another fiber-to- the-home condominium development, is particularly designed to be transitoriented as it is linked to the Shaw Boulevard station of the MRT along EDSA.

Greenfield District’s retail spaces are being redeveloped into modern, convenient and efficient lifestyle centers such as The Hub and The Portal. Its well-selected variety of restaurants, bars and cafés serve the emerging lunch and after-office crowd of employees and executives from within the vicinity of office buildings.

Mall of Asia Complex (Pasay)

Nestled along the picturesque Manila Bay, the Mall of Asia (MOA) Complex stands as a sprawling testament to modernity, entertainment, and lifestyle in Metro Manila, Philippines. This vibrant and dynamic complex is a multifaceted hub that seamlessly blends retail therapy, entertainment, business, and leisure, creating a one-stop destination for locals and tourists alike.

At the heart of the complex lies SM Mall of Asia, one of the largest shopping malls in the world. Boasting an extensive array of retail outlets, dining establishments, and entertainment options, SM Mall of Asia has become a retail haven that attracts millions of visitors annually. From international fashion brands to local delicacies, the mall offers a diverse shopping experience for every taste and preference.

Adjacent to SM Mall of Asia is the Mall of Asia Arena, a world-class events venue that has hosted international concerts, sporting events, and theatrical productions. With its state-of-the-art facilities and a seating capacity of over 15,000, MOA Arena is a key player in the Philippines’ entertainment scene, drawing both local and international talents to its stage.

For business and corporate gatherings, the SMX Convention Center within the complex serves as a premier venue. With its versatile event spaces and cutting-edge facilities, it has become a top choice for conventions, trade shows, and conferences, contributing to the Philippines’ emergence as a hub for regional and international events.

The Mall of Asia Complex doesn’t just cater to shopping and business; it also provides a range of recreational activities along Manila Bay. The MOA Eye, a giant Ferris wheel, offers breathtaking views of the bay and the cityscape. The nearby SM By the Bay Amusement Park provides family-friendly attractions and fun-filled rides for visitors of all ages.

Seaside Boulevard, stretching along Manila Bay, is an integral part of the complex. This scenic boulevard offers a tranquil escape for joggers, cyclists, or those seeking a leisurely walk by the bay. Lined with palm trees, open spaces, and occasional events, it provides a refreshing contrast to the bustling activities within the complex.

Entertainment City (Parañaque)

Entertainment City, also known as E-City (formerly  PAGCOR City and Manila Bay Tourism City), is a gaming and entertainment complex under development by PAGCOR spanning an area of 8 km2 (3.1 sq mi) in Bay City, Metro Manila, Philippines.

It was first envisioned by PAGCOR in 2002. Alongside the Aseana City business development, it lies at the western side of Roxas Boulevard and south of SM Central Business Park (SM Mall of Asia), part of Parañaque.

The project is officially named as the Bagong Nayong Pilipino-Entertainment City through an executive order by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and has been called several other names by the press. The most common name being referenced is “Entertainment City”.

e site has been declared a PEZA-approved economic zone and in 2017, President Rodrigo Duterte named Entertainment City as Expo Pilipino Entertainment City will be named after the exposition for the centennial of the independence of the Philippines in 1998 called Expo Pilipino.

Five Integrated Resort projects have been qualified to date in accordance with the Terms of Reference and are under construction by phases namely, Solaire Resort & Casino, City of Dreams Manila, Okada Manila (formerly Manila Bay Resorts), Westside City Resorts World – (formerly Resorts World Bayshore), and NayonLanding.