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Moving to Manila

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Mariposa24
  5/30/2015 02:47 EST

Hi all, we are moving to Manila for work and I need some advice on where to look for accommodation. We have two small children so security and a safe outside area to play is very important. I will be working in Makati and I am hoping my eldest child will go to the British school. Not sure if it is better to live in Makati close to work or Bonifacio close to school. Can anyone recommend any gated communities close to the British school? Not sure if it would be possible to walk to school from any of these communities? What is the commute like between Makati and Bonifacio? Which area is better for preschool age kids in terms of parks, open spaces and things to do? Ideally we would like to be somewhere where we don't have to drive everywhere, not sure if this is realistic? Thanks

ABCDiamond
  5/30/2015 10:53 EST

Are you looking for a House or a Condo, and about what size floor area.

That may influence other peoples answers, and maybe your budget too.

The Greenbelt part of Makati may be about 20-40 minutes depending on traffic.

Rockwell location is probably faster, and might be somewhere to consider, if you are OK with not being in walking distance.

The Ayala Alabang village (a gated village of around 4000 detached houses) has school buses to schools such as:
Brent International School - 20 mins
British School Manila - 30-40 mins
International School Manila - 30-40 mins
Source: https://manila.globaloutpostservices.com/about/living-in.dot

If you are wanting a house, I have seen these prices for good quality homes, quoted in 2013.

Bel Air Makati.
A three-bedroom house in Bel-Air costs between 140,000 to 200,000 pesos a month

Forbes Park Makati
A five-bedroom house in Forbes Park is between 300,000 to 450,000 pesos a month

Bonaficio Global City
Bonaficio Global City, in Taiguig City has rents between 180,000 to 250,000 a month

Ayala Alabang village
A four-bedroom house in Ayala Alabang Village cost between 130,000 to 180,00 pesos a month

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mcdonald55
  5/30/2015 12:43 EST

If you have to live in manila live ONLY in a gated community.
If you are business minded and there in an executive capacity at all times have private security.
You are moving into a hell hole as bad as mexico. Do your own due diligence, most murders are not reported or published.
Philippines is a gorgeous country but Manila is the worst city in the world to raise a family.

Mariposa24
  5/30/2015 17:57 EST

Thanks for the info. I think we prefer a condo. Will be in Manila for 2-3 years. Have looked at Rockwell and also two serendra in bonifacio not sure which would be best in terms of commute and life style for the kids.

mcdonald55
  5/30/2015 18:25 EST

Don't rule out Eastwood. Very much like Manhattan.
It's very safe.. Or was when I lived there and has everything you need but not sure about schooling.

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