‘Geng geng’ and third places in Metro Manila

2026-03-19 - 00:11

MANILA, Philippines – You can spot them from afar: walking with swag, wearing caps or bandanas, and dressed in baggy shirts and pants. Some carry skateboards, while others dance to the latest hip-hop trends on TikTok. They are called “geng geng” or “young stunna.” Recent brawls at Bonifacio Global City have prompted management to tighten security. While some approve of the move, saying it ensures safety for working professionals, residents, and others in the area, others have criticized it as discriminatory and elitist. What’s clear is that this has become a polarizing issue online, showing people’s biases about who gets to access spaces for leisure and relaxation. Rappler’s Iya Gozum breaks down the issue in this video. Writing and editing by Iya Gozum Photos by Leone Requilman – Rappler.com