Setting Out Into BGC After Dark
Fresh from our romp at Venice Grand Canal Mall, we picked you up again and settled into the Grab ride back to One Uptown Residence. Along 9th Avenue, a massive Bench store caught our eye — bright, bold, and impossible to ignore. So at a quarter to seven, after a quick breather at the studio apartment, we stepped out determined to retrace our steps and check it out.
We walked out onto 8th Avenue, turned left onto 35th Street, then right to head south along 9th Avenue, the city easing into its evening glow.
Crossing 32nd Street — And a Moment of Drama
At 32nd Street, we crossed to the opposite side of 9th Avenue. Along the way, we paused to admire Shangri La at the Fort — Manila’s ultimate vertical city.
Sixty one storeys of luxury rooms, Horizon Homes, an 8,000 sqm sports club, a kids’ Adventure Zone, a retail arcade, and seven standout dining spots, all wrapped in a striking sliding volume façade linked directly to High Street.
Then came an unexpected moment: Cat was struck in the face by the ponytail of a careless jogger, who didn’t even offer a hint of remorse. I briefly considered pursuing her for an apology, but chose to move on — the night had better things in store.
Inside Bench’s Flagship Store
We reached the massive Bench flagship store and explored all three floors. Our haul:
mini umbrella (same one from Uptown yesterday)
- two t shirts for Cat
- Hair Cream
- Handmade Soap
- Knitted Collared Shirt
- Denim Jacket with Mandarin Collar
The last two items were for Brendan, obviously. Total damage: PHP3,990 (≈ MYR260/USD64/EUR55).
Into Bonifacio High Street — BGC’s Open Air Heartbeat
Stepping out of Bench, we slipped through an alley that opened into Bonifacio High Street — BGC’s open air heartbeat. A long, lively stretch of shops, cafés, and landscaped pockets where Manila feels polished, walkable, and effortlessly modern.
After weaving past restaurants and storefronts (plus a quick potty break), we found ourselves at Manam. Not too hungry, we ordered:
- medium Asim Sarap Fried Chicken with Sinigang Gravy
- San Miguel Pale
- Ube & Sago Shake
All for PHP806.92 (≈ MYR53/USD13/EUR11) — a light, flavourful late evening treat.
Walking Off the Calories — Heading North
Determined to walk off dinner, we headed north along 9th Avenue. At 32nd Street, we crossed over again and continued north, the city humming softly as BGC settled into its nighttime rhythm.
Exploring the Uptown Mall Link
At 36th Street, instead of heading straight home, we decided to explore the Uptown Mall Link — a sleek, sheltered walkway connecting One Uptown Residence directly to Uptown Mall. Cool, quiet, and weather proof, it’s the perfect shortcut between home and convenience.
One Last Loop Before Calling It a Night
We rode the escalator into the basement walkway and made our way to The Marketplace looking for bottled water. The checkout counters were packed, so we doubled back, exited onto 36th Street, and made one final left turn into One Uptown Residence.
Steps Count & What’s Next
Total steps for the day: 12,014. A solid night walkabout.
Up next: Binondo — Manila’s Chinatown. A district bursting with centuries old shophouses, red lantern streets, gold trimmed temples, and family run eateries serving everything from old school lumpia to legendary hopia. Chaotic, historic, and irresistibly alive — a fusion of Filipino and Chinese cultures over 400 years strong.
Stay tuned as we dive into this iconic district!
(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)
📍 Location:
One Uptown Residence BGC - https://maps.app.goo.gl/8uFP2hgS9eTR3P6E9
Bench Flagship Store - https://maps.app.goo.gl/ytngzD6BRNLoL2bL9
Manam High Street - https://maps.app.goo.gl/tvZ16RNpfPdtc1jL9
Bonifacio High Street - https://maps.app.goo.gl/msSfEmngWtUB2LzA6
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