What are the benefits and disadvantages of living in a gated community, especially in metro manila?

The benefits would be safety and having some room for your kids to play. The shared amenities like parks and pools are great for afternoon or weekend family activities. Depending on the village though, there's usually a problem with parking and still some petty crimes within the community. Lots of gated communities also have schools in them so there are rush hours in the morning and when the students are dismissed.

The primary benefit of living in a gated community is security. Because all outsiders need to log and deposit their IDs at the guard house before they can enter. The disadvantage that I can see here is being distant to public markets and convenient stores. You have to buy all things that you need everytime you go out.

Safety is the #1 benefit of gated communities. Aside from outsiders have to log before they can enter, most subdivisions have roving guards especially at night. But please note though that it doesn't mean it is 100% crime free. Gated subdivisions also cost higher whether here in Metro Manila or in the province.