Get an inside scoop on what it's really like to live in the biggest subdivision in the Philippines

by Kat Patino-Marquez

Photography:courtesy of the Author

In more recent years, BF Homes has built quite a reputation as a go-to food hub, a laid-back hangout spot, and a bustling late-night dive. But for the actual residents of the subdivision, everyday life here isn’t just what outsiders have come to know about it. Metro Manila surely isn’t short of new restaurants, bars, and other establishments. Despite this, the residents of this exclusive community still choose to hang back which often makes people north side of the Metro wonder why they are more keen to stay within its boundaries than to step foot in the likes of Makati, Taguig, and Quezon City.

Sure, it may be the tall toll price you have to pay when traversing SLEX (South Luzon Expressway) but that’s just a small factor. Truth be told, there’s a charm and ease about BF Homes that’s unequal to anywhere else. Even when you leave your front door, it never feels like you’ve left home. Here are just some of the reasons why we love BF Homes and what makes it a great place to live in:

IMAGE courtesy of the Author

1. Everything you need is literally minutes away.

In BF Homes, you really don’t need to tread far to find grocery stores, banks, gyms, spas, drug stores, schools, clinics, restaurants, bars, and the like. If you need it, it’s here, so there’s hardly any need to leave the vicinity. The convenience of having everything within reach is one of the great things about living in BF Homes. Although we don’t have malls and hospitals inside the subdivision (the association doesn’t allow developments that big), there are four major malls and three hospitals right outside its three main gates.

2. You get to enjoy access to three neighboring cities.

The entire BF Homes subdivision encompasses three cities; Parañaque, Las Piñas, and Muntinlupa, with main gates leading to each of them. This is really convenient if you need to go from one city to the next. If you need to get from Las Pinas to Parañaque in a hurry, just pass through BF Homes and you’re there in a jiff. This is especially great when main roads such as Alabang-Zapote Road or Dr. A Santos Avenue (formerly Sucat Road) is experiencing heavy traffic. You can easily cut through the jam by slipping into BF Homes. That’s if, of course, you have a vehicle pass or sticker.

3. Transporation options aren't lacking.

Despite the known fact that almost every person who lives in BF either owns a car or has access to one, there’s no limit to the amount of public transportation available to anyone who needs to get around and out of the subdivision. Not only are there jeepneys and tricycles that can take you anywhere in BF Homes, there’s actually shuttle services for those needing a ride to Makati in the mornings and back into BF from Makati at night.

IMAGE courtesy of the Author

4. It's a quiet respite from busy Metro Manila.

Most of the working population living in BF Homes still have to report to work in areas like Makati and Taguig. But at the end of the day, residents can rest in the fact that they get to return to the quiet sanctuary of BF Homes—away from noise and traffic jams of busier Metro Manila. Although it also gets busy during rush hours, you only really experience it near the main roads. Once you’re in your respective housing communities, the quiet is irreplaceable.

5.The neighborhood boasts of unique dining options.

BF Homes may be best known for its local food hub Aguirre Avenue—the longest main road within the subdivision that houses dining and drinking establishments so plentiful it gets hard to keep track. But despite the quantity, we are more proud of the quality of food options you can find inside BF Homes (not just along Aguirre Ave alone). Southerners are notorious for being nit-picky about restaurants. If we don’t like it, it won’t survive. If you’ll find an establishment still standing months after opening, then it must be good. This can be attested by the very popular restaurants that has had their humble beginnings in BF Homes—Chef Bruce Rickett’s cult favorite La Chinesca first opened along Aguirre Avenue and Italian favourite, Mama Lou’s, also started as a home restaurant inside BF Homes.

6. The culture is very laid-back.

BF Homes residents treat the subdivision like an extension of their homes. We’re comfortable to the point where we wear flip flops and shorts when we go out to restaurants and bars along Aguirre (although in recent years, this has been banned in some drinking establishments). Outsiders might deem it inappropriate, but it’s already a common understanding. Even during the busiest of days, the vibe is never erratic and hostile. After all, this is our home so we treat it with care.

Source: https://www.realliving.com.ph/real-estate/neighborhoods/bf-homes-paranaque-neighborhood-a27-20181212