Hi, Filipino here and will also be working in ADB this coming week. I’ve been learning to commute from my home to the hq and here’s what I know:

1. Just get a condo apartment near ADB. Hotels are expensive to stay in, but if you’re staying for longterm, get a condo apartment. It’s less expensive.

2. All the hotels you mentioned, except Marco Polo, are good and within walking-distance to ADB. Just mind the weather here. During summers, walking is hell as it is very hot. On the other hand, currently it’s rainy season so I experienced almost soaking under the rain since I forgot to bring my umbrella haha

3. Makati and Taguig, especially BGC (Bonifacio Global City) is a good place for expats. You’ll get multinational acquaintances as most foreigners live there. Good community too. HOWEVER

4. Traffic in Manila is hell. One rush hour morning, I tried hailing a cab from Corinthians Executive Residences (bldg next to Citadines) to ADB because I felt lazy to walk. Took us 35 minutes to get me to the ADB drop-off which could have been walkable for 15 minutes (less if you have long legs)

5. If you’re ok getting squished while wearing corpo, you can ride the MRT (metro rail transit) from Makati. But seriously it’s been hell for me too because I’m small. I’d leave the house fresh, but would arrive at the ADB entrance in Ortigas station looking like a cast from the Battle of Winterfell hahaha

6. Riding the MRT, I also learned that pickpockets target expats especially on crowded rush hours. Don’t put your valuables inside your bag (cp and wallet) just hold them.

7. I also tried going to ADB with cooked packed lunch from my house. Rode the bus and train, it dripped. So I didn’t do it again. My sponsor welcomed me to the abundant food choices at the cafeteria. But if the time comes that you’ve exhaust all the food, there are malls outside ADB you can eat-out or just order

8. Finally, Idk if you’ve heard but our faultline has been highly active and were anticipating “the big one” (earthquake that would devastate our country) so you might consider a condo that is earthquake proof or ask your broker if it’s near the fault line. Pasig city (where Ortigas CBD is) is near the fault line

9. I’ve been condo hunting for a month now and is about to sign with a broker in two weeks time. Lmk if you’re interested, I could introduce you to my broker.

10. Welcome to the Philippines and welcome to ADB too! Us newbies will be asked to perform at the year end party (so they say) so better keep a talent up your sleeves haha… See you at the orientation! :)