Ortigas Center

**Metro Manila's Eastern Business Hub** Ortigas Center is the second major CBD of Metro Manila, straddling the borders of Pasig, Mandaluyong, and Quezon City. Anchored by SM Megamall and Robinsons Galleria — two of the country's largest shopping centers — and ringed by office towers, hotels, and condominiums, Ortigas is a fully-functional urban center with decades of established infrastructure. It serves as the business address for numerous Philippine conglomerates, BPO companies, and regional offices. **Practical but Dense** Ortigas is a practical choice for expat professionals working in the area — rents are meaningfully lower than Makati or BGC, and the amenity base is comprehensive. The neighborhood is denser and more traffic-congested than BGC, with a grittier feel that reflects its mixed residential and commercial character. The ADB (Asian Development Bank) headquarters is located in Ortigas, adding a significant international institutional presence. **Family Considerations** Ortigas is less common as a first choice for expat families with children compared to BGC or Makati, primarily due to congestion and the lack of a walkable village environment. However, its lower cost, good healthcare options at The Medical City, and access to international schools in nearby Pasig make it viable — particularly for families on a budget or those working locally in the area.