When I left Manila in 2014, the Philippines was already the social media capital of the world. So it’s no surprise that apps promising to make life easier were starting to become popular. In a megalopolis like Metro Manila, life is definitely fast-paced. So yes, we’re always looking for ways to streamline our day-to-day tasks and getting easier access to our needs. When we got back towards the end of 2020, there was practically an app for anything that comes to mind.
So if you’re moving to Manila anytime soon or if you’re already here and you’re looking to streamline your life (maybe be a good expat too and integrate better? đ), then here are some apps your phone needs. Stat.
Messaging
Viber
So you come from a country where WhatsApp and Telegram reign supreme. Here in the Philippines, you’ll need one more app and that’s Viber. It’s fairly similar to most messaging apps you already own. It also has stickers and Communities you can join.
Most buildings in the city, as well as neighborhoods, have their own Viber Community â they’re basically huge group chats founded for a specific purpose. They’re great for updates about certain topics like renovations and even upcoming weekend markets.
Facebook Messenger
The Philippines is the social media capital of the world. So, it only makes sense that we also depend on Facebook Messenger to keep us connected. I’ve noticed that people rarely ask for someone’s number now. They either just direct message you on FB Messenger or even Instagram.
Works for me, to be honest. Moving from one country to another, I find that I have to change my number quite often. Just having people on my social media makes it easier to stay connected.
Multi-use
Grab
Classified as a ‘super-app’, Grab can get so many things done for you. It started out as a ride-sharing app. Uber’s competition here in Southeast Asia which eventually took over of the service completely.
Nowadays, I still use Grab primarily for getting a ride from point A to B but it has evolved into doing so much more for its users.
You can get deliveries from restaurants (ok, as a lazy cook, I admit that I also use this app a lot for ordering off restaurants) and supermarkets, get a motorcycle rider to run some errands for you, even send some stuff from one end of the metro to the other. You can also pay for your bills, purchase load for prepaid mobile numbers and even book hotels.
Finding property
Property24
Whether you intend to rent or buy property in the Philippines for your stay here, then this is an app I can recommend. We used it ourselves when looking for condominiums before we went back to Manila.
Oh and a useful tip I love giving expat and diplomat friends: start looking for a place to live before you even leave. Research neighborhoods, look at what’s available. Make sure you have a good idea of what to expect before you even arrive at your posting.
Food Delivery
FoodPanda
Foodpanda is another food and grocery delivery app we have here in the Philippines. Sure, you can already get these done via Grab but I find that having two apps gives me more freedom of choice.
First, they have different deals for different restaurants. If like me, you like saving on your orders, then it’s best to check which one’s having a promo at the moment.
You can also order food at a restaurant for self-pickup to skip lines!
Grocery Deliveries
Personally, I love doing the groceries myself. It’s one of my rather therapeutic errands. When things get extra hectic or when there’s a pretty strict lockdown in place, it makes a lot more sense to get this done through a delivery service. I’ve used quite a few and I’ve also asked my followers on Instagram for their recommendations and here are some options.
Metromart
Popular among locals, Metromart has most Filipino haunts for groceries like S&R, Landmark Makati, Robinsons Supermarket, The Marketplace, Shopwise, All Day Supermarket, Cubao Farmers Market, and more.
They also have pet supply stores like Pet Express, pharmacies like Southstar Drug, and bakeries like Pan de Manila, Kumori, and Eric Kayser.
Pick-a-Roo
My friend Myls got me on the Pick-a-Roo train a few months after we moved back to Manila. It practically has a similar list of supermarkets to Metromart but has a couple more bakeries in their roster. Bake House, M Bakery, Bizu, and a couple more are available on their app.
Fresh markets as well as meat and seafood dealers like Pacific Bay and Rare Food Shop are also in Pick-a-Roo. If you need to send a quick gift to a friend, you can also click on Edible Box Co for some grazing boxes and charcuterie sets.
Coop Grocer
This app has a bit of a more premium choice and is what I’ll be clicking on my phone whenever I need things like cheese and oat milk. They also have some ready-made products that are perfect for people like me who hate spending way too much time in the kitchen.
You have some Filipino dishes like Kare-Kare and Binagoongan from Mama Rins and even some pasta sets from one of my favorite local restaurants â Mamou.
They also have a selection of home cleaning and office supplies. Oh you know â the essentials during this pandemic when we’re all spending more time at home.
Not apps but you may also want to consider Landers and Hi Fred for some of your online grocery shopping. I’m a big fan of the selection at Landers and Hi Fred is a great place to get fresh (and high quality) produce.
Payments
Gcash
This was an app that didn’t exist when we left and by the time we got back, it’s practically essential on anyone’s phone. It’s basically an e-wallet that’s paired with your mobile number. Plain and simple. You can add cash to it directly from your bank and pay people through their unique QR code or their mobile number.
It’s quick. The transfers happen instantly â something I missed when we were living in Germany where money transfers took about three business days. The app is also super easy to navigate.
Even people selling in bazaars and markets are starting to allow Gcash payments so download this once you have a local sim card.
Paymaya
Paymaya is another cashless payment app that’s starting to become popular in the Philippines. You can use it to pay in select merchants â usually chain stores and malls. You can also use it for online shopping.
Banking Apps
If you decide on getting a local bank, it will also be much more convenient for you to have their mobile banking app on your phone. You can schedule your bill payments so you don’t have to deal with them every month. Most of them also allow automatic monthly deductions to go to your savings or investments. Pretty convenient.
Getting Around
For ride-sharing and hailing a taxi, you can use Grab which I already mentioned earlier. For other ways of getting around, here are two of my recommendations.
Waze
If you intend to drive around Manila then you need Waze. You just input your destination and it will give you the best route based on the traffic situation in the Metro. We also use Google Maps to counter check routes because that’s just the type of people we are. However, I find that Waze’s traffic updates are pretty reliable here in Manila.
Sakay
I grew up in Metro Manila and I’ve used our public transport system for most of my life. See, I grew up in Makati and as a university student, I would commute to the University of Santo Tomas in Manila almost every day for four years. I wear that like a badge of honor since figuring out our public transport options from point A to B can be quite the herculean task. There’s always so many options and several ways to get to your destination. I know one diplomat’s wife who told me she has taken the MRT from Makati to Ortigas and I swear, this lady has earned my respect.
So if you’re someone who really wants to go local, then there’s an app that will teach you which jeep, bus, train, or UV Express you should take. Sakay.ph will also tell you where to change ‘stations’ and how much fare you’ll need.
Delivery Services
No time to send flowers to a friend? How about some clothes you’ve been decluttering from your closet to someone who wants to buy it? What if they live on the other side of the metro? There are apps for that. You can book a rider, a van (in case you plan on sending a sofa or something equally hefty), or even a truck to pick up and deliver stuff for you.
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- Transportify
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- Mr. Speedy
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- Lalamove
Shopping
Lazada
Plain and simple, it’s Southeast Asia’s version of Amazon. You can find practically anything in here and even some big brands have their own stores within this app.
From electronics to makeup (MAC Cosmetics’ flagship store is here!) and even down to furniture and pet food, it practically has everything in there. It’s easy to get overwhelmed so I often go in with an item in mind.
Delivery is convenient and affordable. They also have big monthly sales.
Shopee
Similar to Lazada but I find myself drawn to Shopee for things that might be a bit more niche. Photo props, art materials, decor, etc.
It also has a wide selection of clothing and decor. Like its competitor, they also have big monthly sales and even free delivery coupons. I love a good deal which is why I have both apps on my phone. Sue me.
Zalora
Is it a matter of coincidence that Europe has Zalando and we have Zalora? Those names are pretty close. I should Google that later. I’ve been a Zalora girl in Kuala Lumpur and I’ve gotten a lot of dresses at affordable price points for diplomatic events from this app.
They carry clothes, shoes, bags, and I think even beauty products now. You also get access to local, regional, and western brands via this app.
Shopback
Who doesn’t love a good deal? I know for sure that diplomatic and expat spouses do so I’m also sharing Shopback with you. It’s another app that I discovered in KL and has made its way to Manila. It gives you cash back from purchases on shopping apps and websites that they work with. Lazada, Shopee, Zalora, Uniqlo, Foodpanda, Agoda, Vestiaire Collective, and so many more stores.
Carousell
I don’t really use this for shopping but rather, for selling stuff I don’t need anymore. As someone who moves around every few years can tell you, decluttering (and doing it well) is a skill we can all pick up. I started using Carousell in KL as we were moving to Berlin and I sold a lot of our stuff that I didn’t want to bring at our next posting through this app.
It was only natural that I downloaded it again when we moved back to the region. I’ve been using it to sell some of the extra clothes I ended up bringing here. Really love the interface and how easy it is to post what you need to sell. There are lots of users too so there’s always someone who might be interested in the things you want to let go of.
Services
AIDE
AIDE is a health app where you can book online consultations with doctors and even ask for home visits. You can also book home service Covid-19 tests, laboratory tests, vaccinations, and even physical therapy sessions.
It can also get your medicine delivered to you. It’s pretty convenient, especially during a pandemic.
Goodwork
More home services that can be booked via an app! From cleaning, laundry that will be picked up and delivered to you, and even servicing your air conditioners.
Goodwork also has nail technicians, hair stylists, massage therapists, and even waxers who can come to your home in case you’re not comfortable stepping into a spa or salon just yet.
So there you have it. My essential app list for you if you’re moving to the Philippines anytime soon. Will try to update this as much as I can whenever I find something new. If you’re currently in the Philippines and have apps that you think should be on the list, please comment down below!
