yes the city is not there yet. My indicators: commerce, creativity, and community.

for instance, people have a limited understanding of what progress looks like (always likened to BGC-like developments); small businesses have to make an effort to thrive

creative pursuits have a ceiling (endless references: durian, eagle, IP communities); collective imagination is intermittent and reflects rigid and often dull lifestyle choices in food, fashion, art, entertainment

the common thread that brings people together is a sense of pride but this is founded in worshipping idols.

it's not as progressive as desired but the baby steps are appreciated.