McKinley Hill
A walkable, American-themed neighborhood at the edge of Fort Bonifacio.
Fort Bonifacio's American Corner
McKinley Hill sits on the northern edge of Fort Bonifacio, right next to the Philippine Military Academy grounds. The development was designed with an American suburban sensibility — wide, tree-lined streets, a central park called McKinley Hill Town Center, and buildings that nod to classic American architecture. It's the kind of place that feels almost unnervingly clean and orderly for Manila.
The dining scene is where McKinley Hill really shines. It has one of the highest concentrations of expat-friendly restaurants in Metro Manila, from American diners and craft breweries to Korean BBQ, Italian trattorias, and vegan cafes. The town center has an open-air layout that works well year-round, with plenty of seating and a relaxed, park-like atmosphere. On weekends, you'll find families, remote workers, and dog owners taking advantage of the pedestrian-friendly layout.
Living at the Edge of the City
McKinley Hill is unique in that it occupies a sort of no-man's-land between two worlds. To the south, you have the high-rise towers and corporate offices of BGC. To the north, the PMA grounds and the green hills of McKinley National Golf Club. It's quieter than BGC proper, which some people prefer, but it also means you're dependent on the town center for most of your daily needs.
The residential side consists mainly of condominiums and a few low-rise apartment buildings. Property values here have climbed steadily over the years, driven by proximity to BGC, the golf course, and the American Embassy. For visitors, the best approach is to spend an afternoon or evening at the town center, grab dinner, and walk off the meal around the park and streets. It's free, it's safe, and it gives you a good sense of what the American military base was like before it handed the land back to the Philippine government in 2004.