Twenty-two years ago, I boarded a plane to California with a single suitcase, an old pair of sneakers, and dreams big enough to cross oceans. America became my home—sun-drenched days, hard-earned dollars, and years of navigating everything from DMV lines to Black Friday chaos.
I built a good life. But deep inside, the Philippines never stopped calling.
Then came 2025. The political climate in the U.S. shifted once again—immigration laws under President Trump tightened. Talk of green card re-validations, birthright limits, and uncertainty buzzed louder than ever. It was the final nudge I didn’t know I needed.
So I made the boldest decision of my adult life: I moved back to the Philippines.
Not for a sabbatical. Not for a long vacation.
But to start over—and settle in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), where modern living meets Filipino soul.
Why I Chose BGC: The Urban Oasis I Didn’t Know I Needed
If you’ve been away a while, let me say it: Manila has changed—and BGC is the star of that transformation.
It’s walkable. It’s clean. It’s safe.
You can jog in the morning, drink single-origin coffee at noon, and meet fellow creatives, expats, and entrepreneurs by evening. It’s like LA’s downtown if it actually worked.
And right in the heart of it is Trion Towers, where I now call home. Three sleek high-rises with 24/7 security, lush green pockets, and amenities that rival most California condos (without the HOA drama or outrageous dues). The moment I stepped into the lobby, I knew—I wasn’t visiting anymore. I was home.
Paperwork and Preparation: Don’t Just Fly, Plan
Before the mangoes and morning walks, I had to deal with the practical stuff. Here’s what I learned (so you don’t have to learn the hard way):
Reacquire Your Philippine Citizenship (RA 9225)
If you’re a naturalized U.S. citizen, you’ll need to file for dual citizenship through the Philippine Consulate:
- Bring your PSA birth certificate and U.S. naturalization certificate.
- Fill out the form and pay a modest fee (around $50).
- Take a quick oath and you’re back in the family.
Pro tip: If you haven’t done it yet, you can fly in on your U.S. passport and request a Balikbayan Stamp for a free one-year stay.
Ship Smart with Balikbayan Box Privileges
- Up to ₱150,000 worth of personal items duty-free.
- Declare honestly. No, three iPhones labeled as “old books” won’t cut it.
- If you’re bringing furniture or appliances, you can ship household goods tax-free within 60 days of arrival, provided you’ve owned them for at least 6 months.
Moving into Trion Towers: Costs, Comfort & Community
Here’s the real deal on monthly costs to live comfortably in Trion:
| Expense | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Condo dues (₱120/sqm) | ₱4,560 |
| Electricity & Water | ₱3,500 |
| Fiber Internet + Mobile Data | ₱2,200 |
| Groceries & Essentials | ₱15,000 |
| Dining, Coffee & Grab | ₱6,000 |
| Health (PhilHealth + HMO) | ₱2,600 – ₱7,000 |
| SSS, Pag-IBIG (Voluntary) | ₱3,000 – ₱5,000 |
| Insurance + Property Tax (Escrowed) | ₱5,300 |
| Misc. (Gym, Netflix, Salon) | ₱2,000 |
| Total | ₱45,000 – ₱60,000 (USD $800–1,050) |
Not bad, right? Especially compared to California, where rent alone can break you.
BGC Life: High Speed, High Value
Living in BGC is like living in the future… with a Filipino twist.
- BGC Bus is clean, reliable, and only ₱16.
- Groceries? Take your pick: Market! Market!, SM Aura, S&R.
- Want to relax? Walk to a spa, watch a sunset from your balcony, or hit the gym downstairs.
- Internet speeds are fast (I’m on 300 Mbps), perfect for remote work or late-night YouTube marathons.
The walkability alone has changed how I live. I get steps in daily, smile more often, and even rediscovered my love for taho.
Health & Adulting Back Home
Don’t worry, we’ve got healthcare here too—and it’s not $500 a month.
- PhilHealth offers universal access and starts at ₱500–₱5,000/month depending on income.
- I also got a private HMO plan (around ₱2,100/month) for extra coverage.
- And yes, I enrolled in SSS and Pag-IBIG voluntarily to secure pension and emergency loan benefits later on.
You’ll also want to get a TIN for taxes and open a local bank account (I chose BDO). For dual citizens, you still file U.S. taxes and report bank accounts above $10K—but that’s a small price for global mobility.
The Real Win: A Simpler, Richer Life
Do I miss LA? Sometimes. Mostly the people—and Trader Joe’s frozen orange chicken.
But in exchange, I’ve gained:
- A home I own, not rent.
- Mornings with fresh air, instead of freeway noise.
- A lifestyle that lets me breathe, belong, and bloom.
Being back has made me more connected to my roots—and to a future I get to design, not just survive.
Need Help Settling In? I’ve Got You
If you’re considering the move back—and especially if you’re eyeing Trion Towers or BGC living—I’d be happy to point you in the right direction.
Whether it’s finding the right unit, connecting utilities, hiring movers, or just grabbing coffee to talk about the transition—I’ve been through it, and you don’t have to do it alone.
Final Thought: Coming Home Isn’t a Step Back—It’s a Leap Forward
Coming home was never a fallback plan.
It was a return to something deeper. A new chapter written in my own handwriting.
So, to all the balikbayans reading this: Come home when you’re ready—but know that the Philippines is ready for you too.
Got questions or need someone to talk to?
If you’re a fellow balikbayan planning your return—or even just thinking about it—and you need help figuring things out, I’m here for you. Whether it’s about settling in BGC, living at Trion Towers, paperwork, costs, or just what to expect day to day, feel free to message me. Sometimes all you need is a real conversation to enlighten your next step. I’d be happy to help you make your move back home smoother, smarter, and full of peace.
