Explore and Shop for Souvenirs in BGC, the Philippines’ Most Modern City
Within Metro Manila, Philippines, Bonifacio Global City (BGC) stands out as a uniquely sophisticated district. Developed from former military land, this city boasts underground power lines, lush greenery, wide roads, and the best safety record in Manila.
For travelers, BGC is the ultimate leisure destination where simply walking around allows you to feel the Philippines’ rapid economic growth and vibrant energy. This time, we introduce carefully selected spots where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll through BGC and efficiently find wonderful souvenirs.
Bonifacio High Street
📍 Address: Taguig, Metro Manila, Philippines
Bonifacio High Street, which runs through the heart of BGC, is one of the Philippines’ premier luxury shopping streets and a central hub for tourism. Reminiscent of Tokyo’s Ginza or Nagoya’s Hisaya Odori Park, a spacious pedestrian zone stretches for about 1km, flanked by brand-name boutiques and stylish open-air cafes.
The biggest highlight is the ‘spacious atmosphere’ that makes you forget the usual hustle and bustle of the Philippines. Lawns and public art installations are scattered throughout, where locals can be seen relaxing with pets and children. For travelers, the best way to enjoy it is a leisurely morning stroll with a cup of coffee.
At night, the area is beautifully lit up, transforming into a romantic ambiance distinct from the daytime. Restaurant terraces buzz with locals, expats, and tourists, offering a vibrant and exotic dining experience.
The Marketplace – Central Square
📍 Address: B1, 30th St, Taguig, Metro Manila, Philippines
Located in the basement of Central Square, a shopping mall on High Street, this is a chic and sophisticated upscale supermarket. Despite its prime location in the heart of BGC, it’s not overly massive and is easy to navigate, making it a perfect hidden gem for travelers to efficiently find souvenirs.
The store neatly displays fresh produce and imported goods from around the world, but for souvenirs, you should target ‘high-quality local products’. In addition to classic dried mangoes (popular brands like 7D), you can find premium Philippine chocolates, local coffee beans, banana chips, and other elevated souvenirs perfect for gifting.
Checkouts are relatively uncrowded, and an ATM is conveniently located nearby, contributing to its high ratings for convenience. However, be aware that many stores in the Philippines are charging for plastic bags (or not providing them at all) due to environmental concerns, so don’t forget to bring your own reusable bag.
MITSUKOSHI BGC
📍 Address: 8th Ave, Corner 36th St, Taguig, 1630 Metro Manila, Philippines
Opened in November 2022, this is the Philippines’ first Japanese-style lifestyle mall. The familiar ‘lion statue’ greets you at the entrance. Travelers might wonder why visit a Japanese department store overseas, but it’s actually a very deep and interesting leisure spot where you can observe ‘Japan from the perspective of affluent Filipinos’.
The interior boasts a more spacious and luxurious floor plan than even Japanese Mitsukoshi stores. The supermarket and depachika (department store basement food hall) areas feature Japanese food, but prices are about three times higher than in Japan due to customs duties and shipping costs, treating them as luxury items. While San Miguel almost monopolizes the Philippine beer market, Mitsukoshi BGC daringly promotes Sapporo beer, a niche selection that will surely bring a chuckle.
The restaurant floor hosts popular Japanese chains like CoCo Ichibanya and Nadai Fuji Soba, bustling with local youth and families. There are also gachapon (capsule toy) machines, crane games, and anime merchandise corners, but the character selection is strikingly conservative and classic, offering an intriguing glimpse into local preferences. It’s also the perfect place to take a break and enjoy a taste of Japan if you’re a bit tired of Filipino cuisine.
Uptown Mall
📍 Address: 9th Ave, Taguig, Metro Manila, Philippines
Located on the northern side of BGC, Uptown Mall is a particularly urban and upscale shopping destination. The interior is exquisitely beautiful, and its underground parking even features EV (electric vehicle) charging stations, still a rarity in the Philippines, allowing you to experience the cutting edge of Manila.
The mall’s biggest leisure draw is the spectacular ‘fountain show’ held right in front of the building. At night, illuminated water jets dance to music, with a surprising element of real ‘flames’ erupting – making it worth a visit just to see this show.
The mall also houses international street brands and sophisticated Filipino apparel shops, making it suitable for finding a little souvenir or gift for yourself. However, if you plan to have dinner inside the mall after enjoying the night view and fountain show, be aware that many restaurants begin closing as early as 9 PM, so it’s a good tip to plan your dinner time a bit earlier.
Traveler’s Must-Know: Local Rules and Tips for Smartly Enjoying BGC
To make your shopping and leisure experience in BGC more comfortable, there are a few local customs and tips that travelers should be aware of.
First, when entering large shopping malls or supermarkets in the Philippines, you’ll always undergo a brief security check by a guard at the entrance (e.g., opening your bag for inspection). While it might be surprising at first, this is one of the reasons behind BGC’s exceptional safety, so cooperate with a smile.
As mentioned earlier, many supermarkets within BGC have phased out plastic shopping bags, requiring you to purchase paper bags or use your own reusable bag. If you plan to buy a lot of souvenirs, it will be very helpful to bring several sturdy eco-bags from home.
Finally, regarding transportation: while BGC has wide, walkable sidewalks, the strong sun and heat during the day can be intense. For longer distances, use ride-hailing apps (like Grab) and enjoy your sightseeing at a pace that suits your energy levels and the weight of your souvenirs.
