Bonifacio Global City (BGC), also known as Fort Bonifacio Global City, has a rich and colorful history that spans for more than a hundred years since the American colonial era.
When the Philippines was colonized by Americans in 1902, the United States Government acquired a 25.8 sq km parcel of land in Taguig. This area was eventually named Fort Mckinley, following the 25th US President William Mckinley, and stood as one of the bases used by the American and Filipino Scouts for 44 years until the Philippines regained its independence on July 4, 1946.
Formerly known as Fort Mckinley, it was renamed to Fort Bonifacio, taking the name of Andres Bonifacio, Father of Philippine Revolution, and his father Santiago Bonifacio, who were natives of Taguig. The land was later used by the Philippine Army following the proclamation of then President Carlos P. Garcia
Land Development
After the Martial Law era, the new President, Corazon Aquino, established what is to be called the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA). This department is set to transform previous military bases to be used by civilians. It was during the term of the succeeding presidency of Fidel V. Ramos that the land was successfully bid to Bonifacio Land Corporation led by Metro Pacific to develop the area. Ayala Land Inc and Evergreen Holdings of the Campos Group were able to buy a stake from BLDC to be able to control and make the master plan in 2003 to form the Fort Bonifacio Development Corporation.
Three top of the line residential buildings in BGC were Pacific Plaza (2000) by Metro Pacific, Regent Parkway (2002) by Daiichi Properties, and Essensa East Forbes (2001) by Century Properties Group. They were the first buildings to be erected after the inception of Bonifacio Global City. Pacific Plaza stands next to the infamous Manila Golf Club, while Essensa East Forbes and Regent Parkway are adjacent to the Manila American Cemetery & Memorial.
Ayala Land Inc
Ayala Land, which includes Ayala Land Premiere, Alveo Land Corp., and Avida Land Corp, developed the master plan for the entire BGC and was able to integrate several infrastructures, namely, Serendra (2004), Market Market (2003), Bonifacio High Street (2007), High Street Central (2012), and Central Square (2014).
Burgos Circle
This area is mostly known for its iconic “Metal Tree” at the center of the circle. However, this is also the reason why BGC remains to date as flood-free. Former Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson helped design the 22 million liter catchment basin, which serves as a temporary cistern and then later pumped out along creeks, beneath the circle. Adjacent to the circle is a five-hectare development of Megaworld Corp, which includes Forbeswood Heights (2007), Forbeswood Parklane (2010), The Bellagio Towers (2009), and 8 Forbestown Road (2014).
Developed in 2008 by Federal Land Inc., this area is the newest development in BGC and forms part of the 27 hectares North Bonifacio. It houses the Grand Hyatt Manila, one of the tallest buildings in the Philippines, which stands 318 meters tall. The Uptown Mall was another development of Megaworld similar to Forbes Town and is strategically located along 9th Avenue and now coins the area Uptown or North BGC. Most of the Avida Developments are also in Uptown which includes Avida 9th, Avida 34th, Avida Verte, Avida Cityflex, and both Avida Montane and Avida Turf which are under construction.
The master-planned development of the entire BGC is a testament that a community can be extravagant while providing convenience and luxury to Filipinos and ex-pats alike. It allows one to enjoy both living and working spaces at comfort and leisure, and we all owe it to the Father of Katipunan, Gat Andres Bonifacio.
Contact us to learn more about the area and the history of the place you will soon call home.
Bonifacio Global City (BGC), also known as Fort Bonifacio Global City, has a rich and colorful history that spans for more than a hundred years since the American colonial era. When the Philippines was colonized by Americans in 1902, the United States Government acquired a 25.8 sq km parcel of land in Taguig.
Bonifacio Global City was once part of a multi-hectare portion of Taguig that the United States government acquired in 1902 and operated as a military base. Christened Fort McKinley after US President William McKinley, it was the headquarters of the Philippine Scouts, the Philippine Division of the United States Army.
On February 7, 1995, Bonifacio Land Corporation (BLC) started planning a major urban development—Bonifacio Global City. BLC made a successful bid to become BCDA's partner in the development of the district. The Ayala Corporation through Ayala Land, Inc., and Evergreen Holdings, Inc.
Three years after the Philippines gained independence from the United States, Fort McKinley was turned over to the Philippine government. In 1957, it was renamed Fort Bonifacio after Andres Bonifacio—the Father of Philippine Revolution.
The BGC area, with its modern skyscrapers, exhibits of contemporary architecture, wide walkways, street art, and several mixed used developments containing cafes, restaurants and shops, can be considered as a sight by itself and possibly the most pedestrian-friendly area of Metro Manila.
But what we know as BGC today started to take shape in 1995 when Bonifacio Land Development Corporation (BLDC), a consortium led by Metro Pacific, became the partner of the Bases Conversion Development Authority to master-plan and develop BGC.
BGC is not only a central business district teeming with towering skyscrapers, but it's also a vibrant lifestyle center brimming with colorful street art, trendy restaurants, luxurious shops, and lush green spaces.
One of the cornerstones of BGC's appeal is its world-class infrastructure and facilities. Impeccably designed office spaces, modern transportation networks, and a multitude of restaurants and retail establishments make BGC a conducive environment for both work and leisure.
With a history spanning over a hundred years as the most secure and well-protected military headquarters in the capital, it is only natural that BGC is also the safest and most efficient neighborhood in all of Manila. BGC is one hundred percent private property.
The high cost of these condos is largely due to their prime location within BGC, luxurious amenities, and high-end finishes. BGC is considered one of the most prestigious and sought-after areas in Manila, with its proximity to major business centers, shopping and dining establishments, and lifestyle options.
The land BGC now occupies was once a part of the Philippine Army's military base in the area. But following the sale of nearly 1,090 acres of this expanse, the property's transformation would begin in 1995. Nearly 30 years later, it's now arguably the most popular mixed-use development in the capital region.
But did you know that aside from being one of the top CBDs in the country, BGC also has a secret underground tunnel, a Hippodamian masterplan, and a rich history that dates back to the Second World War?
Bonifacio Global City, dubbed as the “Home of Passionate Minds” radiates a sophisticated, contemporary city charm that coexists with walkable, green spaces and a vibrant, multicultural community.
Philstar.com hosts its content but has no editorial control over it. “The Supreme Court has decided with finality that jurisdiction over Fort Bonifacio Military Reservation, by superior legal rights and historic title, belongs to Taguig,” city hall said in a statement.
Introduction: My name is Chrissy Homenick, I am a tender, funny, determined, tender, glorious, fancy, enthusiastic person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
We notice you're using an ad blocker
Without advertising income, we can't keep making this site awesome for you.
