Avant BGC Studio: Your Dream Manila Condo Awaits!
Avant BGC Studio: My Dream Manila Condo… Or Is It? A Brutally Honest Review!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to lay down the REAL on Avant BGC Studio. "Your Dream Manila Condo Awaits!" they say. Well, let's see if my dreams actually match up with reality, shall we? I'm diving deep, folks, covering everything from the seemingly mundane to the downright luxurious. And trust me, after this, you'll know if this place is a potential paradise or a pricey purgatory.
Accessibility: The Good, The Meh, and The "Hmm…"
Right off the bat, the location is fantastic. Accessibility is key in Manila, and being in BGC (Bonifacio Global City) means you're practically swimming in options. Taxis are plentiful (though the traffic… shudders), and there's a decent network of public transport. Car park [free of charge] is a HUGE win, let me tell you, because parking in BGC is usually a blood sport. But, and it's a big but, I can't vouch for the Wheelchair accessible aspects personally. I'm not in a wheelchair, but I did see some elevators and ramps, which is a good sign. They claim to have facilities, but I'd advise calling ahead and checking the specifics if accessibility is a primary concern.
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: Didn't see any specifically labeled as such, but given the general BGC vibe, I'd wager there are options nearby.
Internet: The Lifeline (Hopefully!)
Let’s talk Internet. Because let's be honest, in this day and age, it's practically oxygen. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! – YES! And Internet [LAN] is also available, which is a nice touch for the tech-heads (or those who just hate buffering!). Internet access itself was generally good, but I did experience a few hiccups. This is Manila, after all. The Wi-Fi in public areas was also decent, though I preferred the speed in my room.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Day or Bust!
Alright, let's get to the fun stuff! This is where Avant BGC almost completely won me over. Swimming pool [outdoor]? Check! Pool with view? Double-check! It was stunning, seriously. Took a dip at sunset and felt like I was living in a movie. The Fitness center was well-equipped (I even managed to drag myself there once!), and they have a Sauna and Steamroom for some serious detoxing.
Now, about the Spa… This is where things got interesting. I decided to treat myself to a Body scrub and Massage. The scrub was… okay. A little rougher than I'd hoped, but hey, exfoliating is exfoliating, right? The massage, however… Let's just say my therapist, bless her heart, seemed to be having a different experience than I was. I swear, at one point I felt like I was being kneaded by a very enthusiastic octopus. Not exactly the zen experience I was hoping for. But hey, at least I can say I tried it!
Other options for relaxation? They have a Spa/sauna, which is a nice combo, and a Foot bath – perfect after pounding the pavements of Manila.
Cleanliness and Safety: Keeping it Real (and Safe!)
This is HUGE, especially these days. Avant BGC Studio seems to be taking things seriously. They proudly boast about Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and Rooms sanitized between stays. They also had Hand sanitizer everywhere, which I appreciated. Staff trained in safety protocol – good. Hygiene certification – another plus. I felt relatively safe, which is a massive relief when you're traveling.
They also have CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property, which is reassuring. Security [24-hour] – essential in a city like Manila. Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms, and Safety/security feature – all the basics are covered.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Adventure (or the Hangover!)
Food, glorious food! Avant BGC has a decent spread of options. Restaurants are on-site, offering A la carte in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, and even a Vegetarian restaurant. There’s a Coffee/tea in restaurant and a Coffee shop for your caffeine fix. They had a Bar and a Poolside bar – perfect for those sunset cocktails! Happy hour? I'm in!
Breakfast [buffet] was available, which I always appreciate. Breakfast service was efficient, but the food itself was… well, let's just say it wasn't the culinary highlight of my trip. Asian breakfast options were plentiful, but the Western breakfast fare left something to be desired.
You can also get Room service [24-hour], which is a lifesaver after a long day of exploring. They had a Snack bar and Desserts in restaurant as well.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
Okay, this is where Avant BGC really shines. Air conditioning in public area – YES! Air conditioning in the rooms – DOUBLE YES! Concierge service was helpful, and the Doorman was always friendly. Daily housekeeping kept things spotless. Dry cleaning and Laundry service are available, which is a blessing when you're traveling light.
They also offer Currency exchange, Cash withdrawal, and a Convenience store, which is super handy. Elevator – a must-have! Luggage storage – essential if you have an early flight. Facilities for disabled guests (as mentioned above, check specifics). Food delivery – because sometimes you just want to Netflix and chill. Ironing service – crucial for those business meetings (or just looking presentable!).
For the Kids: Family-Friendly? Maybe…
They have Babysitting service and Kids meal, but I didn't travel with kids, so I can't personally vouch for how family-friendly it is.
Rooms: My Personal Sanctuary (Mostly)
Let's talk about the actual rooms. They're Non-smoking, thankfully. Air conditioning – again, a lifesaver! Free Wi-Fi (did I mention that already? 😉). Air conditioning (yes, I'm repeating myself because it's that important!). Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Coffee/tea maker, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Linens, Mini bar, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], and a Window that opens – all the essentials are there.
The Bed was comfy, the Blackout curtains were fantastic for sleeping in, and the Shower had good water pressure. The Desk was a nice touch if you need to get some work done.
The "Dream" Factor: So, Is It Worth It?
Alright, so, is Avant BGC Studio my "Dream Manila Condo?" Well… it's complicated. It's definitely a strong contender. The location is unbeatable, the amenities are plentiful, and the safety measures are reassuring. The staff were generally friendly and helpful.
However… the spa experience was a bit underwhelming, and the breakfast wasn't exactly gourmet.
My Recommendation: Booking Offer Alert!
Based on my experience, I'd recommend Avant BGC Studio, but with a few caveats:
- Book knowing the spa might be a gamble. Manage your expectations.
- Embrace the location. Explore BGC! It's amazing!
- Don't expect Michelin-star dining. But there are plenty of great restaurants nearby.
Here's my killer booking offer:
"Escape to the Heart of BGC: Book your Avant BGC Studio stay NOW and get a FREE upgrade to a room with a city view! Plus, enjoy a complimentary welcome drink at the poolside bar to kickstart your Manila adventure! Use code "AVANTBGC" at checkout to redeem this exclusive offer! Valid for stays booked within the next 30 days."
Why this offer works:
- Highlights the best features: City views and welcome drink emphasize the luxurious aspects.
- Creates a sense of urgency: "Book within the next 30 days" encourages immediate action.
- Clear Call to Action: The code makes it easy for customers to redeem the offer.
- Exclusive: The offer makes the customer feel special.
Overall: Avant BGC Studio is a solid choice for a stay in Manila. It's not perfect, but it's definitely a good option. And with my booking offer,
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Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is going to be a messy, emotional, and probably caffeinated account of my time in a Studio Unit at Avant, BGC Manila. Let's see if I can actually stick to it, shall we? (Spoiler alert: probably not).
The Avant, BGC Blitz: A Totally Unreliable Itinerary (Because, Let's Be Real, Life Happens)
Day 1: Arrival and Existential Dread (Mostly Joking… Mostly)
- 1:00 PM: Land at NAIA. Ugh. The humidity hits you like a wet, sweaty blanket. Seriously, why is the air so thick here? Take a Grab to Avant. Pray to whatever deity is in charge of Manila traffic that I don't spend the next three hours inching forward. (Anecdote: Last time I took a Grab, the driver kept trying to sell me a "miracle" pain-relieving patch. The irony of needing pain relief while being stuck in traffic was not lost on me.)
- 2:00 PM: Arrive at Avant. Okay, it looks nice. Modern. Gleaming glass. My inner minimalist is slightly pleased. Check in, wrestle with the key card for a solid five minutes (I swear these things are designed to make you feel incompetent), and finally, finally, get into the studio unit.
- 2:15 PM: First impressions: Small. Efficient. Clean-ish. The view… is… well, it's a view of other buildings. Welcome to BGC, the land of architectural conformity.
- 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM: Unpack. Or, more accurately, attempt to unpack. My suitcase exploded a little. My socks are everywhere. The closet is laughably small. I'm starting to question my life choices. Is this what "living the dream" looks like? Because right now, it feels more like "living in a slightly cramped shoebox."
- 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Coffee break. Desperately needed. Find the nearest Starbucks. The line is ridiculous. The air conditioning is aggressively cold. Order a venti something-or-other with extra caffeine because, well, see above. Stare blankly at the BGC crowd. So many people. So many perfectly coiffed hair-dos. I feel… underdressed. And slightly overwhelmed.
- 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Wander around BGC. Explore High Street. Get lost. Find a cool street art mural. Take a selfie. Realize I look like a sweaty, slightly lost tourist. Embrace it.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. Decide on a restaurant based on whether it has air conditioning and isn't too pretentious. (BGC can be a bit much, let's be honest.) Maybe try that burger joint everyone raves about? Or maybe just grab some street food and eat it on a bench. Decisions, decisions… This is already exhausting.
- 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Attempt to watch TV in the studio unit. Realize the channel selection is limited. End up scrolling through Netflix. Get distracted by a documentary about… gasp… cleaning products. (I told you, existential dread.)
- 9:00 PM: Bed. Collapse. Mentally prepare for the next day's adventures (or, more accurately, the next day's inevitable chaos).
Day 2: Culture Shock and Karaoke (Possibly a Dangerous Combination)
- 8:00 AM: Alarm blares. Groan. Hit snooze. Repeat.
- 8:30 AM: Actually get out of bed. Shower. Realize the water pressure is… iffy. (Note to self: complain to management… later.)
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. Raid the mini-fridge. Discover I bought a carton of yogurt and a bag of chips. A balanced breakfast, indeed.
- 10:00 AM: Decide to embrace the culture. Head to Intramuros. Find a tricycle. Bargain. Get ripped off slightly. Meh, it's the experience, right?
- 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Explore Intramuros. Gawp at the Spanish architecture. Take a million photos. Sweat profusely. Feel a connection to the past, mixed with a deep, primal urge for a cold drink. (Anecdote: Almost got run over by a horse-drawn carriage. Apparently, the horses of Intramuros have zero respect for pedestrians. Who knew?)
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch in Intramuros. Try to find a restaurant that isn't swarming with tourists. Fail. End up eating something vaguely Filipino. It's… interesting.
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Back to BGC. Recharge. Maybe take a nap. (Highly likely.)
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Explore a different part of BGC. Find a park. Attempt to relax. Fail. People-watching is too distracting.
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner. This time, I'm determined to eat something truly delicious. Maybe try that place with the amazing adobo everyone's been talking about? Or maybe… (a devilish idea forms)… karaoke.
- 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM: Karaoke. (This is where things could get really messy.) Find a karaoke bar. Gather courage (and maybe a few liquid courage shots). Belt out some questionable renditions of power ballads. Embarrass myself thoroughly. Possibly make some new friends. Absolutely no regrets. (Okay, maybe a few regrets.)
- 10:00 PM: Stumble back to the studio unit. Collapse. Vow to never sing karaoke again (until tomorrow, probably).
Day 3: Shopping, Souvenirs, and Goodbye (Maybe?)
- 9:00 AM: Wake up. Head throbbing slightly. Remember karaoke. Cringe. Drink a gallon of water.
- 10:00 AM: Shopping. Hit the malls. Buy souvenirs. Panic buy gifts for everyone back home. Realize I'm overspending. Try to justify it by telling myself that "experiences are more important than things." (Deep down, I know that's a lie.)
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch in the mall. Eat something quick and easy. Still slightly hungover.
- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Pack. Attempt to fit everything back into my suitcase. Fail. Resign myself to the fact that I'll be paying extra for overweight baggage.
- 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Final walk around BGC. Say goodbye to the gleaming towers. Maybe find a quiet spot to reflect on my trip. Or maybe just grab a coffee and people-watch one last time.
- 4:00 PM: Check out of Avant. Say goodbye to the slightly cramped, but ultimately functional, studio unit.
- 4:30 PM: Head to the airport. Traffic is, of course, horrendous.
- 6:00 PM: Airport. Wait. Board. Fly.
- 8:00 PM: Land back home.
- 8:30 PM: Unpack. Realize I've forgotten something (probably a charger).
- 9:00 PM: Reflect on the trip. Realize it was a whirlwind of emotions, experiences, and questionable life choices. Would I do it again? Absolutely. (Eventually.)
Final Thoughts:
This "itinerary" is a testament to the fact that travel is rarely perfect. It's messy. It's unpredictable. It's often hilarious. It's also incredibly rewarding. And while I may have complained a lot (and probably will continue to do so), I wouldn't trade this experience for anything. (Except maybe a larger closet.) Now, where's that coffee?
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Avant BGC Studio: Your Dream Manila Condo Awaits? (Let's Get Real!)
Okay, spill the tea! What's the *actual* deal with these Avant BGC studios? Are they *really* as glamorous as the brochure makes them out to be?
Alright, buckle up buttercup, because the brochure is, shall we say, aspirational. Think of it like Instagram versus reality. Yes, the renders are gorgeous. Yes, the location is primo – right in the heart of BGC, practically tripping over upscale restaurants and designer boutiques. But "glamorous"? That depends on your definition of glamorous.
I visited a friend who *actually* bought one. (Bless her heart, she was so excited!). The studio itself? Well, it’s… compact. Let's just say you'll get very, VERY intimate with your furniture. My friend, bless her, had this tiny little loveseat and a coffee table that doubled as a dining table. Honestly? It looked like she was living in a meticulously arranged shoebox. She *loved* it though. Said the convenience was worth it. She's a workaholic though, so maybe she just *didn't notice* the lack of space because she was always glued to her laptop. Me? I'd go stir-crazy in a week. I need room to, you know, *breathe*.
So, glamorous? Depends. Convenient and modern? Absolutely. Spacious enough to throw a party? Unless you define a party as you and your cat, probably not. Prepare for the reality check, folks. It's *not* all champagne and caviar, though the champagne and caviar are certainly within stumbling distance.
Location, location, location! BGC sounds amazing. Is the location *really* worth the hype (and the price tag)?
OMG, BGC. Okay, so, the *location*? Yeah, it's pretty damn amazing. Think: walkability heaven. Seriously. You can stroll to everything. Restaurants? Check. Shopping? Double check. Parks? Yep. Nightlife? Oh, HELL YES. I mean, you're practically *living* in a vibrant, buzzing city center. It’s like a permanent, slightly more upscale, fiesta!
The *price tag*, though… that’s where the fun starts. Prepare to cough up some serious dough. And let me tell you, the cost of living in BGC… it’s not for the faint of wallet. Everything is premium. Even a simple cup of coffee can set you back the price of a decent meal somewhere else. So, weigh your priorities. Do you crave the convenience and the lifestyle? Then BGC is your jam. Are you on a tight budget? Maybe… just maybe… look elsewhere. My friend, she was constantly moaning about how much everything cost, but then she’d be out at some fancy rooftop bar, and you know… she’d forget all about it. It's a trade-off. A very, very expensive trade-off.
What about the amenities? Do they actually live up to the glossy brochures?
Ah, the amenities. The promised land of swimming pools, gyms, and rooftop gardens. Let's be honest, a good amenity package can *make* or *break* a condo deal, right? The Avant brochure promises a LOT. A *lot* a lot. I've seen the pool, and it's… nice. Not Olympic-sized, mind you, but perfectly adequate for a few laps or some lazy lounging. The gym looked decent too – shiny equipment, probably air-conditioned (a lifesaver in Manila!).
The rooftop garden? Now *that* I was excited about. I'm a sucker for a good view. And the view from the Avant building is supposed to be killer. But here's the thing: I didn't actually get to *use* the amenities. I was visiting, not a resident. And let's just say, based on my friend’s experience, access can be… a little complicated. There's often a waiting list for the gym, the pool can get crowded, and the rooftop garden? Well, sometimes it's closed for private events. So, factor that into your expectations. You're paying for the amenities, but you might not always get to *enjoy* them. It's like having a fancy car you can't drive because you're always stuck in traffic.
Okay, I'm seriously considering it. What are the *biggest* downsides you've heard about or personally experienced?
Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty, the things they conveniently gloss over in the sales pitch. First off, the size. We've covered this, but it bears repeating. Studio living is… cozy. Think minimalist. Think Marie Kondo. Think, "Where do I put my *stuff*?!" If you're a hoarder (like me, ahem), prepare to downsize drastically. Or rent a storage unit. Or both. It's an ongoing struggle, I tell you.
Then there's the noise. BGC is a *city*. A bustling, vibrant, *loud* city. Even if your unit is well-insulated, you'll still hear the traffic, the construction, the occasional late-night revelers. My friend, she said the construction noise was brutal when she first moved in. And the walls? Well, they aren't *paper* thin, but you can hear your neighbors. Let's just say you'll become intimately acquainted with their taste in music and their… *ahem*… relationship status. Prepare for a bit of a sensory overload. Earplugs are your friend.
And finally, the *cost*. We've talked about the initial price tag, but don't forget the monthly dues, the utilities, the parking (if you have a car – and good luck finding a space!). It all adds up. And it adds up *fast*. Make sure you can comfortably afford it *before* you commit. Seriously. Don't end up eating instant noodles for the next decade because you're house-poor. It's a real possibility, people! Think long and hard about this one. Seriously. Think about it *now*.
What about the *good* stuff? Seriously, is there *anything* you genuinely liked?
Okay, okay, I'm not *completely* cynical. There *are* definitely some seriously awesome things about the Avant BGC studios. The location, as I've said a million times, is phenomenal. The convenience is unparalleled. You literally step out of your building and you're in the heart of everything. That's a massive win. If you're a foodie, a shopaholic, or a social butterfly, you'll be in heaven. You can walk to the best restaurants, the trendiest bars, the coolest shops. No more battling Manila traffic! That alone is worth a small fortune (seriously, traffic is a nightmare!).
The security is also top-notch. You feel safe and secure, which is a huge plus, especially if you're living alone. The building is well-maintained, and theSleep Stop Guide
