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On January 21, 2026, something quite extraordinary opened along 5th Avenue in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), one of the urban hub’s busiest and most walkable areas.
At first glance, it looks like any other circular, futuristic-looking structure. But step closer, and you’ll realize that there’s something more.
This is Asia’s first Portal. It’s a live digital window that connects the Philippines to a growing network of installations in cities around the world.
Known as the BGC Portal, it’s a space for shared moments—inviting strangers to stop, look, wave, smile, and maybe even say “Hi!”.
What’s the Portal? Understanding the Global Artwork
The Portal is a large public artwork created by the Portals Organization, founded by Benediktas Gylys. Each Portal is placed in an open public space and shows a live video feed from another city somewhere in the world, 24 hours a day.
Here’s how it works: every three minutes, the screen changes to a new city. One moment, you might find yourself exchanging waves with a crowd from Europe; moments later, you’re having a quiet conversation with someone in America, sharing a nod in real time.
As Gylys shared during the opening of the Portal in BGC, “This is a bridge to a united planet. It is an invitation to rise above all disagreements, all labels, and all borders … This is your portal. It belongs to you—let’s transcend the sense of separation and be the pioneers of a united planet.”
BGC was chosen for its strong infrastructure, open public spaces, and people-first design. As a district shaped by creativity and shared experiences, it provides the ideal setting for a global installation meant to connect communities across borders while showcasing the vibrancy of Filipino culture to the world.
Bringing this experience to life requires seamless, always-on connectivity. As the main connectivity partner behind the BGC Portal, Globe powers the experience with fast and dependable network performance, enabling clear, uninterrupted live video 24/7. This is supported by recognition from Ookla®, which named Globe the Philippines’ Most Consistent Mobile Network and Fixed Network, as well as the provider of the Widest 5G Coverage.
The Global Network: Where Portals Exist Around the World
Since its launch, the Portals network has expanded across cities including Vilnius (Lithuania), Lublin (Poland), Dublin (Ireland), Philadelphia (United States), Ipswich (United Kingdom), and many more—with Bonifacio Global City (Philippines) and Piauí (Brazil) soon joining the growing global installation.
Vilnius, Lithuania
Vilnius is home to the very first Portal, where the concept of connecting cities through shared public spaces began.
Lublin, Poland
In Lublin, the Portal transforms a public square into a space for spontaneous cross-border interaction.
Dublin, Ireland
Dublin became one of the early European cities to embrace the Portal, expanding its presence across the region.
Philadelphia, United States
Philadelphia introduced the Portal experience to North America, connecting everyday city life with global audiences.
Ipswich, United Kingdom
In Ipswich, the Portal blends seamlessly into the community, offering residents a new way to engage with the world.
The BGC Portal Experience: What Visitors Can Expect
Visiting the BGC Portal is less about watching and more about being present.
- You can see and interact with people from other Portal cities in real time. Visitors often wave, smile, or exchange simple gestures in front of the Portal. Some even bring flags or small banners to share messages visually.
- Every visit feels different because the connected city keeps changing. The live video switches locations every three minutes, so each moment brings a new place, new people, and a new shared experience.
- There’s no pressure to perform. People interact naturally, whether through playful gestures, quiet curiosity, or simply standing still together.
- You can visit anytime, day or night. The Portal stays on 24 hours a day, so you can drop by during lunch, after work, or even late in the evening.
- All you need to do is show up. There’s no app to download, no account to create, and no fee to pay; the experience begins the moment you step in front of the Portal.
Make the Most of Your BGC Portal Visit
Experiencing the BGC Portal is only the beginning. What makes it even more meaningful is how easily you can bring others into that moment.
Snap a photo, record a quick video, or go live as you interact with someone across the world. With a reliable prepaid promo, you can easily upload moments on the go, while a postpaid plan gives you consistent data for longer live streams and uninterrupted sharing, so friends and family can be part of the experience in real time.
Managing your mobile account through the GlobeOne app also makes it easier to stay in control while you’re out. You can monitor your data, top up, or switch promos instantly, so you’re always ready to capture and share the moment.
At the BGC Portal, the experience goes beyond what you see on screen. It’s about staying connected and sharing it as it happens.
