Recent Events at a Glance

Earthquake and Storm in the Same Week

A magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck Cebu on September 30, leaving thousands displaced and causing infrastructure damage. Meanwhile, Typhoon Matmo (locally Paolo) crossed northern Luzon, bringing strong winds and heavy rains before weakening as it exited toward the South China Sea.

While Manila was not directly hit, ripple effects are being felt nationwide—delays in travel, supply chain disruption, and heightened safety protocols in condos and offices.

For foreigners planning to travel between regions, these two events are reminders of how fast things can change in the Philippines.

Impacts on Travel & Flights

Flight Delays and Logistics Issues

Airports in Cebu are undergoing inspections, leading to flight delays and cancellations. Some Luzon routes were also affected by storm conditions. Ferries and inter-island boats suspended operations temporarily due to rough seas.

This can complicate travel itineraries, especially for foreigners planning side trips from Manila to Visayas or northern Luzon. Flexibility and refundable bookings are key right now.

Even if your Manila condo feels stable, transportation disruptions could delay food, cargo, or utilities reaching the city.

Quick Travel Tips

• Book flexible flights and avoid non-refundable tickets.
• Monitor ferry cancellations if traveling to islands.
• Check your airline’s mobile app for live updates.

Safety & Infrastructure in Metro Manila

What to Expect in Condos

Manila condos generally have backup power, strict security, and fast recovery times compared to smaller towns. While flooding can hit some low-lying areas, central districts like Makati, BGC, and Ortigas usually return to normal quickly.

After a quake, building administrators often run inspections—even if the city wasn’t directly hit. It’s common for guards to tighten entry policies and condo boards to communicate reminders about emergency exits and kits.

Foreigners should prioritize accommodations that have clear disaster readiness—backup generators, 24/7 security, and reliable communication channels with tenants and guests.

• Ask your building about recent safety inspections.
• Confirm if backup power and water supply are available.
• Check if your host or landlord has an emergency plan in place.

Personal Experiences & Insights

From Joshua of ManilaNests

“Back when a typhoon hit while I was staying in Makati, the contrast really hit me. Inside the condo, it felt safe—quiet except for the wind rattling the windows—while outside you could see trees bending and traffic piling up. I’ve lived in smaller cities where storms knocked out power for days, but in central Manila business districts, things bounce back fast.”

“One thing foreigners always notice is how condos in Manila take security seriously. During bad weather, guards are extra strict, and most buildings have backup generators for WiFi and elevators. I’ve had times where the power flickered but my internet stayed stable, which is a lifesaver if you’re working remotely.”

“A lot of travelers I meet are surprised that Manila feels less chaotic during typhoons than they expect. Some expats even say they’d rather ride out a storm here than back home, because condos are built for it and Grab rides are still dirt cheap compared to Uber in the US.”

“It’s not glamorous, but it’s safe and practical—two things you want when travel plans get messy.”

Tips for Foreigners: Staying Safe

Simple but Effective Precautions

Foreigners staying in Manila don’t need to panic, but they should prepare. Stock a small emergency kit, keep updated through PAGASA and NDRRMC, and know your condo’s evacuation routes.

Embassy registration is always smart—your embassy can push alerts and help if things escalate. And remember, Manila is used to these events; the city is resilient and services usually resume quickly.

Focus on flexibility in travel and basic preparedness in daily life—it’s the combination that makes condo living in Manila a safer bet during storm season.

Quick Checklist

1. Keep an emergency kit with water, food, and power banks.
2. Ask your condo about backup systems and evacuation plans.
3. Use Grab or reliable transport options instead of risky travel during alerts.