Hotel Sogo is not only for ‘bembangan,’ apparently

Viral rates made users point out perks like housekeeping, parking, and convenient locations

Mention the words “check in” and “hotel,” and Filipinos almost always think of “bembang.”

It’s a familiar association, especially with one popular hotel chain that has become synonymous with lovemaking.

So when BecomingFilipino came across a Hotel Sogo billboard advertising weekly and monthly rates, he understandably had a different question: Apparently, you can also stay there for an entire month.

“Curious… Who is spending 37 thousand peso a month for SOGO? Is that really a thing?” the Canadian vlogger, who became a naturalized Filipino after years of making Philippine-focused content, wrote in an Oct. 3 Threads post.

The post came with a photo of the hotel’s billboard advertising rates of ₱8,540 weekly and ₱37,815 monthly.

It’s unclear which branch the billboard belongs to, but commenters were quick to point out that not everyone checks into Sogo for the reason many Filipinos have come to associate it with.

For some, in almost surreal fashion, staying there for a month can actually make financial or practical sense.

For starters, commenters said the monthly rate looks different when you consider what comes with a hotel room. Unlike a typical rental, the payment can already cover utilities, internet, furniture, parking, and housekeeping.

“38k a month malinis na. Walang meralco, water at association dues. Ung iba naka condo 40k + bills?” one commenter wrote.

Others said the setup can make sense for people who need a temporary place to stay—such as those renovating their homes—or those who value being close to work, restaurants, airports, or other places they regularly visit.

And apparently, long-term hotel stays aren’t exactly unusual. One commenter recalled working at The Manila Peninsula and said a Filipino guest had lived there for 12 years, paying ₱24,000 a day.

That’s roughly ₱720,000 for a 30-day month, making Sogo’s ₱37,815 monthly rate look considerably less wild by comparison.

Most of all, it’s not exactly unheard of for hotels or even motels in general to offer longer stays. The arrangement can work for travelers, workers between accommodations, or anyone who wants a furnished room without committing to a conventional lease.

“Hindi lang naman for bembangan ang SOGO,” a commenter wrote.

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