Ortigas Center was once where Manila went to unwind.
From the pulsating energy of El Pueblo’s after-hours crowd to the gritty charm of Metrowalk’s eclectic mix, it wasn’t just a business district—it was a lifestyle hub.
But somewhere along the way, Ortigas lost a bit of its spark.
Now, property consultant Colliers Philippines says it’s time to bring back that vibe.
In a recent property insight, Colliers urges Ortigas to look to its past—not to dwell in nostalgia, but to rediscover the formula that made it a magnet for people, energy, and ideas.
It is not about copying BGC or Makati, said Guinivere Rafanan, Assistant Manager for Office Services – Landlord Representation at Colliers, but building on Ortigas’ own DNA—spontaneity, diversity, and community.
The recommendation is timely. While BGC and Makati continue to roll out mixed-use, pedestrian-friendly spaces with late-night retail and lifestyle concepts, Ortigas still feels like it is in between acts. With El Pueblo shuttered and Metrowalk under redevelopment, it is at a crossroads: fade into a purely commercial zone—or evolve into a vibrant, modern urban core.
Colliers points to Makati’s zoning reforms—retail open till 10 p.m., higher floor-to-area ratios, and flexible use lots—as examples Ortigas could learn from. But the real magic, Rafanan said, lies in curating human experiences: more street-level activation, more social spots, and a genuine blend of work, play, and community.
Colliers’ Q1 2025 report shows younger consumers are fueling a shift toward experiential retail, with food and beverage making up 45 percent of upcoming tenants—up from 39 percent in Q3 2024.
Fashion, beauty, and health follow at 31 percent, while tech trails at 6 percent. Ortigas Center, though quieter than before, is evolving. But with a 10.9 percent vacancy rate—higher than Makati’s 9.5 percent and BGC’s 5.2 percent—it must adapt quickly or risk losing its urban edge.
Because when people say, “Tara, chill. Ortigas?”—it shouldn’t feel like a throwback. It should feel like the best idea you’ve had all week.
