As my curiosity about AI continues to grow, a friend recently shared a link to a BGC Digital Nomad Meetup. This event was aimed at digital nomads in Manila, expats, travelers, and those who work remotely from BGC (Bonifacio Global City), Makati, and surrounding areas. Hosted on Meetup.com, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow remote workers like mine. Though I hesitated at first because of another commitment — a media event for a major telecommunications company — the timings aligned just enough to attend both. The BGC Digital Nomad Meetup ran from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., while my other event was at 6 p.m.
In the end, I opted for the BGC Digital Nomad Meetup because, after working remotely for the past eight years, it felt like the perfect time to engage with others who share the same lifestyle. These types of digital nomad events in Manila offer a unique chance to network, learn, and exchange stories about balancing remote work with travel. I decided to attend as a walk-in participant and arrived at Dr. Wine (the event venue) right at 4 p.m. sharp.
Digital Nomads in Manila: A Pet-Friendly Vibe at Dr. Wine
Before heading to the meetup, I did my homework on the venue. Dr. Wine, located in BGC, is known as one of the most pet-friendly restaurants in BGC. Since I wasn’t sure whether the event allowed pets, I decided to leave my dog at home. After all, I had already been exploring BGC's pet-friendly spots with him earlier in the week, so it felt like a well-deserved break for him.
When I arrived at Dr. Wine, I spotted a sign for the BGC Digital Nomad Meetup leading upstairs. A small crowd had already gathered, casually chatting with drinks in hand. One of the co-hosts, Kieran, greeted me as I walked in. I paid the Php 800 door charge, which included two drinks from the menu, and received a ticket for those beverages. I asked Kieran about the snacks that were mentioned in the event description, though I wasn’t too focused on his answer. Instead, I took a moment to absorb the ambiance — the beautiful view from the second floor, the streets of BGC, and the impressive wine displays along the walls.
Networking at BGC Digital Nomad Events
As an introvert, I wasn’t immediately ready to dive into conversations, so I found a seat while most others stood. I also had a client task to finish — a social media post with an impending deadline — so I glued myself to my phone to knock that out first. It wasn’t long before I heard someone call my name. To my surprise, a woman I didn’t recognize told me we were Facebook friends. After checking my friends list, I realized she was right.
She joined me at the table, and although I was grateful for the company, the distraction meant I fell behind on my work. Eventually, we both ordered pasta, and Kieran reappeared to ask if I considered myself a digital nomad. I explained that while I work remotely and love to travel, my adventures have been scaled back ever since becoming a furmom. My travels are now mostly to nearby pet-friendly destinations close to Manila. My travel rule nowadays is if I can’t bring my dog, I either don’t go or keep the trip short.
The Introvert’s Experience at Digital Nomad Meetups in BGC
As the night went on, Matt, the other co-host, invited me to mingle with the rest of the group. But I was still focused on my deadline, so I remained seated, completing my work before engaging with the crowd. The first woman who had joined me went off to chat with others, and soon after, another woman approached, introducing herself as a Facebook friend too. She mentioned we had met at a hostel, though I struggled to recall the encounter.
By the time I finished my task, I expected a more structured program to start, perhaps an introduction to Kevin, a guest speaker at the BGC Digital Nomad Meetup. However, the event remained a casual gathering — a reminder that meetups like these are meant for informal connections, not lectures or formal discussions.
Final Thoughts on Attending Digital Nomad Events in Manila
Despite my initial hesitations, I spent the last hour casually mingling with the group, slowly warming up to the digital nomad community in BGC. In retrospect, I realized that digital nomad events like this are less about formalities and more about human connections. There’s no pressure to attend talks or presentations — it's all about networking and meeting fellow digital nomads in Manila. Somehow I regret remained seated all along.
Would I return to a BGC Digital Nomad Meetup? Definitely. While I won’t be able to attend the upcoming World of Search Conference or the Wine and Cheese Night at Dr. Wine BGC due to scheduling conflicts, I’ll make it a point to engage with the community at future events. After all, the journey of balancing remote work with travel is best shared with others walking the same path.
No comments