Set within the boundaries of Quezon City, Mandaluyong, and Pasig, Ortigas Center is one of the most important business districts in the country. The 100-hectare urban development is home to multinational and homegrown companies such as San Miguel Corporation, Jollibee Foods Corporation, HSBC, Banco de Oro, JG Summit Holdings, Meralco, Aventis Pharma, Teleperformance, Convergys, and Sykes Enterprises.

With prestigious schools, shopping malls, restaurants, bars, and exclusive neighborhoods dotting the area, Ortigas Center is an ideal spot to work, live, and play.  Let’s explore the ins and outs of Ortigas with this quick neighborhood guide.

 

MALLS

SM Megamall

Photo from smsupermalls.com

With over 474,225 square meters in floor area, SM Megamall is the second largest shopping complex in the country. It features a thousand retail stores, restaurants, supermarkets, movie theaters, and an ice skating rink.

Address:  Epifanio delos Santos corner Doña Julia Vargas Avenue, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City

Shangri-La Plaza

Photo from Flickr

Shangri-La Plaza is an upscale mall that is part of the five-star EDSA Shangri-La Hotel complex. It features international high-end brands such as Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Rolex, and Tiffany & Co.

Address: Epifanio de los Santos Avenue, Shaw Boulevard, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City

 

The Podium

With over 100 designer shops and gourmet dining, The Podium is a well-curated lifestyle center for the stylish. The Podium is also the home of the largest garden wall in the country with over 6500 plants.

Address: 12 ADB Avenue, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City

 

Estancia

Estancia is an upscale lifestyle center of the Capitol Commons development.  It features premier global brands, top-of-the-line merchandise, and sumptuous dining experience.

Address: 1605 Meralco Ave, Ortigas Center, Pasig

 

Greenhills Shopping Center

Photo from Wikimedia

A bargain hunter’s haven, Greenhills Shopping Center has over a thousand stores selling bags, shoes, clothes, home décor, and gadgets at low prices. Greenhills is also a world-renowned pearl hub, where both local and foreign celebrities, designers, and dignitaries come to buy pearls.

Address: Ortigas Avenue, San Juan City

 

SCHOOLS AND UNIVERSITIES

University of Asia and the Pacific

Photo from Edukasyon.ph

Established as a private think tank in 1967, the University of Asia and the Pacific transformed into a university specializing in business programs. UA&P now offers 15 undergraduate degrees, 11 graduate degrees, and two fast-track Master’s program.

Address:  Pearl Drive, Ortigas Center, Pasig City

 

Saint Pedro Poveda College

Photo from Foursuare.com

Formerly known as Poveda Learning Centre and Institucion Teresiana, Saint Pedro Poveda College is a private Catholic school exclusively for girls. It is the preferred school for the daughters and granddaughters of politicians, industrialists, and prominent figures in the Philippine society

Address: P. Poveda Street, Ortigas Center, Quezon City

 

Lourdes School of Mandaluyong

Lourdes School of Mandaluyong (LSM) was established in 1959 after the Ortigas family offered assistance to the Capuchin Fathers in gratitude for their spiritual guidance.  Today, LSM has over 2,000 students from nursery to Grade 12.

Address:  Saint Francis Street corner Shaw Boulevard Barangay, Mandaluyong City

 

Ateneo School of Medicine

Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health is the medical arm of Ateneo de Manila University and a partner school of The Medical City. Would-be doctors will be trained not only as outstanding clinicians but also as dynamic managers and social catalysts.

Address: Don Eugenio Lopez Sr. Medical Complex Ortigas Avenue, Pasig City

 

La Salle Green Hills

Photo from Wikimedia

Founded in 1959, La Salle Green Hills is a private Catholic school exclusively for boys.  Notable alumni of the school include prominent businessmen, celebrities, and politicians.  La Salle Green Hills offers preschool, elementary, and secondary education.

Address: Holy Cross, Mandaluyong City

 

CHURCHES

St. Francis of Assisi Parish Church

Photo from St. Francis of Assisi Facebook

Founded in 1958, St. Francis of Assisi Parish is a Catholic church inside the compound of the Lourdes School of Mandaluyong.  It is a large and solemn church open to anyone looking for a quiet sanctuary amidst the busy business district.

Address:  St. Francis St. corner Shaw Blvd., Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City

 

Sancta Maria Stella Orientis Oratory

Photo from Stella Orientis

The Sancta Maria Stella Orientis Oratory is dedicated to Holy Mary, Star of the Orient.  Known as a haven for confessions, the church always has a compassionate priest available to those seeking solace.

Address: Escrivá Drive, Ortigas Center, Pasig City

 

Mary, Queen of Peace Shrine

Photo from Wikimedia

Popularly known as EDSA Shrine, Mary Queen of Peace Shrine is a small church built in 1989 to commemorate the People Power Revolution.

Address: EDSA corner Ortigas Avenue, Quezon City

HOSPITAL

The Medical City

Photo from Medical City

With over 1,100 expert physicians in its roster, The Medical City is one of the top health-care destinations in the country. It boasts of advanced medical facilities at par with international standards of medicine.

Address: Ortigas Avenue, Pasig City

 

RECREATIONAL

City Golf Driving Range

Instead of driving an hour or two out of the city, golf enthusiasts can have a quick putting at City Golf Driving Range along Julia Vargas Avenue. City Golf is open to both amateur and professional golfers.  It also has golf trainers for newbies learning the basics.

Address: Julia Vargas Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City

Yoga+

Photo from Yoga+ Facebook

Yoga+ is a yoga studio that offers beginner and advanced classes in Vinyasa, Ashtanga, and Yin. Yoga+ instructors offer different variations for every pose, so yogis and yoginis can practice at their own pace and level.

Address: Level 4 The Podium, ADB Avenue, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City

 

Polecats Manila

Photo from Pole Cats Manila Facebook

Polecats Manila is a premier aerial art and pole fitness studio in Ortigas Center formed in 2009.  Aside from safe and quality lessons in pole fitness, aerial hoop, and aerial silks, Polecats also aims to break the stigma and promote a positive outlook on pole dancing as a sport and performance art.

offers a safe and engaging community where men and women can defy gravity and elevate their strength and grace on and off the pole.

Address: 22F Strata 100 Bldg., F. Ortigas Jr Road, Ortigas Center, Pasig City

 

RESTAURANTS

Tim Ho Wan

 

Photo from Tim Ho Wan

Hong Kong’s most famous dim sum joint Tim Ho Wan opened its first Philippine branch in SM Megamall in 2014.  The Michelin-starred restaurant serves affordable but savory dim sum variants, most popular of which is the Pork Buns.

Address: Ground Floor, Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City

 

Ooma

Photo from Ooma PH Facebook

For the best maki in town, head over to Ooma in SM Megamall.  Ooma is a modern Japanese restaurant that serves a wide variety of maki and sushi to sate any appetite. Their bestsellers include Aburi Maki, Salmon Belly Maki, and Ebi Tempura.

Address:  3rd Floor, Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City

 

Silantro Fil-Mex Cantina

Photo from Silantro Filipino Mexican Cantina Facebook

Silantro Fil-Mex may be a small cantina in Kapitolyo, but it sure is not modest with its offerings. Widely popular for its mouthwatering food, Silantro serves Mexican comfort food in Filipino style. Three on the must-order list are their soft tacos, paella fajita, and beef burrito.

Address:  75 East Capitol Drive, Kapitolyo, Pasig City

 

Locavore

Photo from Locavore Facebook

If you’re looking for local flavors with a twist, head over to Locavore at Kapitolyo. Locavore serves Filipino favorites with a French touch.  The twist produced bestsellers such as Sizzling Sinigang, Oyster Sisig, and Boneless Lechon Belly.

Address:  Brixton Technology Center, 10 Brixton Street, Kapitolyo, Pasig City

  

Tipsy Pig Gastropub

Photo from Zomato

Known for their signature cocktails and excellent bar chow, Tipsy Pig Gastropub is a popular hangout spot at Capitol Commons. Tipsy Pig serves no-fail classics like Boneless Crispy Pata and Belly Good Sisig Tacos perfect with your favorite liquor. Open until the wee hours, count on Tipsy Pig to take care of your cravings from dusk till dawn.

Address:  Capitol Commons, Meralco Avenue Corner Shaw Boulevard, Oranbo, Pasig City

 

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Prime real estate developer Federal Land, Inc. is making its first foray into Ortigas Center with high-end condominium development, The Grand Midori Ortigas, a sequel to the award-winning The Grand Midori Makati.

The Grand Midori Ortigas is a two-tower Zen-inspired sanctuary located across the iconic Tektite Towers along Exchange Road in Ortigas Center. The upscale residential towers will feature Japanese aesthetics in architecture and design, replete with Zen-inspired amenities. The elegant yet simple concept will feature minimalist interior design and Japanese gardens that will foster relaxation and recreation amidst the busy location.

To reserve preselling condo units, visit www.midori.com.ph.

Mural via Quezon City Government

Mural via Quezon City Government

From 1948 to 1976, Quezon City was the capital of the Philippines.  Manuel L. Quezon, the second President of the Philippines, founded the city as the new national capital after World War Two. Today, Quezon City stands as a vibrant city bustling with commerce, culture, and education.

From its rich history to entertainment and nature, here are 15 cool things to see and do in Quezon City.

Bird watching at La Mesa Nature Reserve

Bird watching at La Mesa Nature Reserve

Photo via Wikimedia Commons

Bird enthusiasts will be happy to know that there is a bird hot spot in Quezon City.  Spanning 2,659 hectares, the La Mesa Nature Reserve is the last rainforest in Metro Manila.  It is home to wide variety of bird species endemic to the Philippines and migratory birds from Taiwan and Japan. Avid bird watchers can hike the forest nature trails and see Black-crowned Night Herons, Ospreys, Spotted Wood Kingfishers, Lowland White-eye, Golden-bellied Flyeaters and others.

 

Photo via Wikimedia Commons

For a more relaxed bird watching, there is the La Mesa Eco Park, a public park at the southern boundary of the reservoir. Keep your eyes peeled for Red-bellied Pitta Pitta, Emerald Dove Chacophaps and the rare Ashy Ground Thrush along the forest path and spillways near the parking areas.  You can also enjoy other activities in La Mesa Eco Park like picnic, swimming, hiking, zip-lining and more!

Zumba at Quezon Memorial Circle

Photo via Wikimedia Commons

Iconic for its triangular art-deco monument and the Elliptical Road surrounding it, the Quezon Memorial Circle is a national park at the city’s center.  The park offers a little bit of everything like a free morning exercises, free Zumba, Dance of the Water Fountain, ballroom dancing classes, picnic grounds, bikes for rent, an orchidarium, a children’s playground and a small amusement park at Circle of Fun

Did you know?

Photo via Inquirer.net

In 2014, Quezon City attempted to break the largest Zumba class world record.  The event attracted 10,000 zumba enthusiasts, however the heavy rain and inaccurate tagging of participants botched the attempt. Camarines Sur now holds the record of the largest Zumba class with 13,350 participants during the province’s Kaogma Festival in 2018.

Animal Rescue At Ninoy Aquino Parks And Wild Life Center

Photo via Wikimedia Commons

Across the Quezon Memorial Park is the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center.  The park simulates a natural forest setting to serve as a rehabilitation facility for the rescued animals before they are set free to their natural habitat.  Aside from the rescue center, the park also features a lagoon, an aquarium, a children’s playground, a botanical garden and picnic grounds among others.

Lechon at La Loma

Photo via Quezon City Government

Dubbed as the Lechon Capital of the Philippines, the La Loma district in Quezon City is the place to be for some crispy and juicy roasted suckling pig.  The district is lined up with restaurants open 24/7 to cater to all your lechon needs like birthday parties, special celebrations or just plain old lechon craving.

Food Crawl at Maginhawa St.

Photo via psst.ph

If you cannot decide where to eat, you can never go wrong with the many restaurants of Maginhawa St.  The Maginhawa St. in Diliman is a foodie’s dream come true with almost a hundred hole in the wall restaurants in one long street.  They have Italian trattorias, French pasta, Japanese ramen, Chinese dimsum, Middle Eastern grill, Mediterranean kebab, Lebanese shawarma, American steak, Tex-Mex nachos, Indonesian ayam goreng, Thai tom yum goong, Vietnamese spicy noodles, Indian curry, European bistro, Filipino street food, healthy vegetarian options, meat-lover’s comfort food, icy desserts, board game cafes, Instagram-worthy food parks, and more!

Protip: make sure to bring your food buddies and come in a group to try more restaurants for a less.

Comedy at South Triangle

Photo via Flickr

If laughter is the best medicine, then the South Triangle area in Quezon City has the best hospitals in the city.  The streets of South Triangle have the funniest comedy bars that can cure away your boredom, loneliness and monotony with just one appointment. There are five comedy bars to choose from.  Popular comedy bars Laffline, Punchline, Klownz and Zirkoh boasts of famous comedians and celebrities as part of their lineup.  While the comedy and sing along bar Music Box is famous for upholding their mission of honing the skills and talent of starting comedians.  Their most famous alumni include Pokwang, Arnel Ignacio and Ai-Ai Delas Alas.

Did you know?

Vice Ganda got his stage name from the owner of Punchline.  His original moniker, Vice, was too short for the comedy bar’s marquee so the owner added Ganda for that extra appeal.

Higher Learning at the Top Universities

Photo via Flickr

Manila may have many universities under the University Belt, but Quezon City is home to the country’s top two universities: University of the Philippines in Diliman and Ateneo De Manila University in Katipunan Avenue.  From famous TV personalities to savvy businessmen to national artists and presidents of the Philippines, UP and Ateneo produced some of the best minds the country has ever seen.

Quezon City is also the home of the main campus of Philippine Science High School. PSHS or “phisci” is a specialized public high school system that offers scholarships to those gifted in the math and sciences.

Social Change at PETA Theater

Theater lovers out there will be glad to know that Quezon City is the home of the outspoken and daring PETA Theater.  Known for having a heart for social change, PETA Theater stages comedies, musicals, dramas and various performances that help raise awareness of social issues.  Notable plays shown in PETA Theater are Rak of Aegis (2018, 2014), Caredivas (2017), and Batang Rizal (2007).

Tv & Film at City of Stars

Photo via ABS-CBN Star Magic

Quezon City is a hotbed of arts and creativity.  In the 50s, the city is called “Hollywood of the Philippines” for hosting the “Big Four” of film industry: Sampaguita Pictures, LVN Pictures, Premiere Productions and Lebran International.  Between the four studios, they produced 350 films a year and established the Philippines as a major filmmaking center in Asia.

Though the four studios have closed their doors, Quezon City still remains the home of media giants.  Today it is dubbed as the “City of the Stars” due to major broadcasting networks such as ABSCBN and GMA Network, RPN, INCTV, PTV, UNTV, Net 25 and IBC have their headquarters in the city.  Quezon City also has the highest concentration of celebrity residents due to the nearby broadcasting networks.

Did you know?

The Philippines has their very own Walk of Fame in Eastwood City, Libis.  Patterned after the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Walk of Fame Philippines honors media personalities that made notable achievement in these six categories: Movies, Television, News and Public Affairs, Radio, Music and Theater.

Retail Therapy at Supermalls

Quezon City is host to a number of malls and shopping places.  For the usual shopping needs, there are SM City Fairview, SM City Novaliches, SM City North EDSA, Trinoma Mall, Landmark Trinoma, Ayala Malls Vertis North, Ayala Fairview Terraces, Fisher Mall, UP Town Center, Robinsons Magnolia, SM City Sta. Mesa, Gateway Mall, Ali Mall, Robinsons Galleria and more.

For the classy signature brand stores, there is the Eastwood Mall at Eastwood City in Bagumbayan.

For the bargain-hunting experience, there is the Dapitan Arcade at Kanlaon St. corner Dapitan, and Cubao Expo Araneta Center in Cubao.

DIY Mechanics at Banawe St.

Photo via Quezon City Government

Banawe Street in Quezon City is the hub of car parts and accessories.  You can get a new headlight, a new sound system, floor mats and car paint for a fraction of your car dealer’ price.

Protip:   You can haggle the prices but be sure to be kind and friendly to the store clerks and mechanics because they can give you better price.  And if they do not carry the part you need, they can make a few calls to their other stores and have it delivered to you.

PC Build at Gilmore IT Center

Considered as an IT shopping mecca, Gilmore St. in Quezon City is dotted with an assortment of stores offering computer hardware, software and accessories in competitive prices. Most stores are located in Gilmore IT Center, a four-story IT shopping mall that serves as a one-stop shop for all office, personal and gaming needs.

Protip:

LRT remains the easiest way of going in and out of Gilmore Street.  However, security guards sometimes ask to search your purchases for security inspection.  If you are buying in bulk, you can avoid this by hailing a taxi or booking a Grab car.

Weddings at Sto. Domingo Church

Photo via Quezon City Government

The Santo Domingo Church along Quezon Avenue is one of the favorite churches of brides and brides-to-be.  It is made in Spanish modern style with Romanesque and Gothic designs that gives it large space and tall ceilings.  The church also features dome murals, stained glasses, and bas relief façade, ideal for vivid wedding photos.  The long aisle gives brides a long dramatic walk to the altar.

History at EDSA Shrine

Photo via Wikimedia Commons

 

If you think history is made in distant provinces, you will be pleasantly surprise to know that the monuments around the city are concrete manifestations of our history.   The Cry of Pugad Lawin Shrine in Project 8, Quezon City immortalizes the time when Andres Bonifacio and 1000 katipuneros tore their cedulas as a sign of rebellion against the Spaniards.  Tandang Sora, the Mother of Katipuna, is interred in her shrine along Banlat Road in Tandang Sora, Quezon City.

In recent history, The Shrine of Mary, Queen of Peace at the intersection of Ortigas Avenue and Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) saw history happen when it became the site of the People Power Revolution of 1986. For three days, people stood in front of tanks and offered flowers to soldiers in a campaign of civil resistance against the Marcos dictatorship.

Did you know?

Photo via Quezon City Government

The Cry of Pugad Lawin is commemorated every last Monday of August as National Heroes’ Day.

Grand Homes

Quezon City is also known for the stately mansions of the prominent families who migrated from Manila when the capital was moved to Quezon City.  They are the political leaders, the wealthy merchants, and the landed hacienderos. Noteworthy mansions that still stand today are President Manuel Quezon’s vacation house now turned Heritage House and Iglesia ni Cristo founder Felix Manalo’s house now a pilgrimage site.

Through the years, Quezon City evolved to keep up with the needs of a modern family.   As the picturesque mansions age and get replaced by new condominium communities, Quezon City retains its affluent atmosphere, now with a modern and vibrant vibe to match.

As Quezon City progresses to be the capital of entertainment, business, and art, potential residents can take advantage of moving into the long admired address with Federal Land’s newest condominium, Valencia Hills –  Tower E.   Designed with the modern and classic in mind, Valencia Hills – Tower E is a charming residential enclave in the quaint part of Quezon City.   Valencia Hills celebrates the convenience of modern living within the quiet part of the capital.  It is an ideal home for families, retirees, and professionals looking for peace and quiet in the bustling city.

Known for its sky-high towers, luxury shopping, and a large expat community, Dubai is a thriving global city rising within the Arabian Desert. It is no wonder why Dubai is a leading destination of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). With almost 450,000 Filipinos living and working in Dubai, you will surely find “kabayan” nurses and doctors in every hospital and clinic; teachers in international and Filipino schools; architects, engineers, labors in every construction site; accountants, managers, and clerks in every company; sales personnel in every shop; chefs and waiters in restaurants; singers and chambermaids in hotels; and fashion designers, artists, web designers, animators in various freelance businesses. Hence with their diligence and competence, Filipinos in Dubai and other emirates in UAE remitted a total of $1.5 billion or (DH5.5 billion) to support their families back home.

This sunny situation makes Filipinos in Dubai more optimistic with their careers and future. In a 2018 survey of 2,000 Filipino expatriates in UAE, eight out of ten said they are ready to invest in real estate. Many OFWs plans to buy a condominium, house or villa as a retirement nest egg or as a passive supplementary income for their dependents.


A Palm Beach West condo unit can be rented out to young professionals working in the Bay Area Central Business District or resold to a family that is upgrading to condominium living.

Opportune Time for Investments

With numerous infrastructure investments from the government and the private sector, the World Bank sees the Philippines continue to be the fastest-growing economy in Southeast Asia. Moreover, organizations such as US News and Asia Property HQ also named the Philippines as the best country to invest in the region.

Though the house and condominium prices in the Philippines is rising, the Philippine peso is still weak against the US dollar, boosting the Filipino expatriate’s United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED) purchasing power in the Philippine market.

Properties in central business districts such as Makati, Bonifacio Global City (BGC) and Bay Area command highest prices due to its high demands and subsequent high returns. In a recent report, global real estate organization Colliers International Philippines sees the capital value to continue increasing with an average price of a prime three-bedroom unit in the secondary market ranging between PHP131,000 and PHP329,000 per sq. meter, increasing between 5% to 6.5%.

Colliers also sees rental yield to grow as developers pop up new supply. At the same time, demand in the secondary market will be sustained by a mix of demand from foreign and local professionals. Thus buying a home to rent out or resell is very attractive.


A Quantum Residences condo unit can be converted into a dormitory to cater to students studying in the university belt or to young professionals working in Makati Central Business District.

Property Recommendations

For first time investors, it would be prudent to start with a moderate risk investment that has potential for high returns. Condominiums on the fringes of Makati, Pasay and Quezon City have a lower capital but relatively high demand from young professionals working on the central business district and mid-income families that are upgrading to condominium living.

Condominiums near leading universities are also good investment opportunities to rent to college students coming from various parts of the country. Condominiums in Marikina can be advantageous for its proximity to the University of the Philippines – Diliman, Ateneo de Manila University and Miriam College.

Properties in Cavite should entice families from Southern Luzon, especially with the completion of the road and train projects that will connect the south to the center.


A Florida Sun Estate house and lot property can be rented out or resold to a family who want to raise children away from the hustle and bustle of Metro Manila.

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For Filipinos in the Middle East who want to know more and interested invest in various Federal Land projects, visit our property page or join us in the Philippine Property and Investment Exhibition on April 26-27, 2019 at Marriott Deira, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.