Despite being not a formal local government unit, Ortigas Center can be regarded as a city on its own right. It has got the complete amenities that every homebuyer needs (residential condos, supermarkets, schools, public parks, hotels, shopping malls, and churches) and it’s conveniently located at the crossroads of three of Metro Manila’s most vibrant cities (Mandaluyong, Pasig, and Quezon City).

The center is located within the a 100-hectare area enclosed by the following thoroughfares: Ortigas Avenue to the north, Meralco Avenue to the east, Shaw Boulevard to the south, and EDSA to the west.

In 1966, the 31 members of the Asian Development Bank (above left) voted to have the headquarters of the regional development bank in Ortigas Center, which is located along ADB Avenue. Standing 215 meters, the BSA Twin Towers in St. Francis Square, completed in 2000, are the Philippines’ 4th and 5th tallest buildings.

Along Exchange Road stands the PSE Center (formerly the Tektite Towers) where the second trading floor of the Philippine Stock Exchange is located.

Ortigas Center is also home to many top-notch education institutions, the most notable of which is the University of Asia & and the Pacific, whose five schools focus on instruction on political economy, development, and international relations.

Across from the University of Asia and the Pacific, as well as various office buildings in the center, are a number of food shops catering mostly to hungry students and workers. These range from well-known casual dining shops to smaller cafés and restaurants specializing in food from all corners of the world.

Every Sunday, Ortigas Center’s main road F. Ortigas Jr. Avenue (formerly Emerald Avenue) is closed to vehicular traffic, making it a popular weekend hangout for families with children and pets.