With highly dense districts and millions of people calling it home, Manila is an Asian megacity that definitely harbors endless possibilities and opportunities just as its residents are required to deal with seemingly endless challenges, too.
The Philippine capital of Manila is the center of politics, economy, culture, and education in the country. It is where Malacanang, the seat of the presidency, is located. The capital region's GDP constitutes a huge part of the national GDP. It is home to the biggest museums as well as the top-ranked universities in the country.
No wonder, many Filipinos from all walks of life visit Manila -- some for leisure, some for business, and some for employment, education, and processing of papers, among others.
In this week's edition of Q&A Tuesdays, we reply to a question sent in by a reader from Bacolod wondering where to look for short-term accommodation in Manila.
I am a graduating college student taking up business administration and accountancy. Although I won't be getting my diploma until March next year, I am already making preparations for my upcoming review in Manila for next year's CPA board exam. I am looking to enroll at a review center in Manila where I will be taking the exam. I will be staying in Manila for maybe six months at most. What's the best way to look for accommodations in Manila?
- Beth (Bacolod)
The beauty of today's wired world is that practically everything you need is found online. This is true even when it comes to looking for apartments, condos, or dorms where you intend to stay for a little while.
To make your search for your accommodation easier, it is necessary to identify your needs and resources first. Here are some things you should keep in mind:
- How much are you willing to spend each month for your accomodation? In other words, what is your working budget? Is it flexible or fixed?
- Are you looking to stay at a dorm, a condominium unit, or an apartment?
- Will you be needing provisions for cooking or doing laundry?
- Will you be bringing a pet animal?
- Consider the location. Where are you going to work or study or take the exam? Is your planned accomodation anywhere near public commuting stations, grocery stores, ATM terminals, or restaurants? Is the place safe?
- Decide if you want to live on your own or if you are willing to share a residential unit with other people.
- What are the amenities that you are looking for? Do you require the availability of a gym, a pool, or a study area?
- How much stuff will you be bringing with you?
Once you've figured out the answers to these questions, it is time to begin your hunt. Here are some pointers to get you started on your search:
Begin by looking on social media networks.
This is where most people are, so more likely than not you will find some helpful information here.
On Facebook, for example, there are a lot of groups that cater to both landlords or lessors and those hunting for accommodations. Here you will find units being rented or leased in cities like Manila, Pasay, Makati, or Paranaque. There are also groups classified according to the preferences of their members, such as those looking for condo units only, apartments only, or rooms only.
Search property-rentals websites.
Looking for properties is made easier these days by the proliferation of different websites with a listing of properties available for rent or for lease. In fact, even some e-commerce sites like OLX.com have become sources of information on available properties.
Contact a property broker.
For a minimal fee, property brokers can look for properties that match your needs and requirements. This in turn saves you time and the trouble of having to look at different properties in different locations.
Always request for photos of the unit.
To avoid having to suffer from false ads, demand for photos of the unit. This is of course not a fool-proof way to weed out scammers, but it's a good method to see which ads are more or less credible from those that are outright bogus.
Read reviews, if there are any.
Many people these days express their opinions online whenever they experience something good or awful. This is true in accommodations, too. Read these reviews to guide your expectations.
List down the documentary requirements.
Many landlords or lessors protect themselves by requiring that a contract be signed. They may also request for valid government-issued IDs, police or NBI clearances, and certificate of employment, among others.
If it's too good to be true, it must be fake.
When an ad looks too perfect and way too enticing than usual, proceed with caution. If the offer's that good, somebody should have snapped it by now and it shouldn't even appear in a property listing in the first place.
Understand the payment arrangement.
Some landlords require one month advance and one month deposit. Some require two months of deposit. Some require a security deposit. Still some require the issuance of postdated checks.
Most importantly, visit the unit before saying yes.
This is pretty common sense. Have at least one look of the place to see if it really is what it purports to be in the ad, or if it is in a desirable location.
It must be noted that decent and affordably priced accommodation in Metro Manila are few and far between. Most are overpriced and rundown or situated in sketchy districts.
Like most places in the world, prepare to shell big bucks if you intend to live in a quiet, safe, and posh unit. Otherwise, all you have working for you is hard work and a stroke of luck.
That being said, happy house hunting!
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Got a question yourself? Post it in the comments section below or on any of our social media channels. Watch out for the next edition of Q&A Tuesdays next week!