Makati City, Philippines
Region: Metro Manila
Geographic Coordinates: 14.556700, 121.021000
Temperature Range: 23.0°C to 34.0°C (73°F to 93°F)
Climate: Tropical climate with two distinct seasons: wet and dry.
Population: 629616
Language: Tagalog
Makati City is a bustling metropolis situated in the heart of Metro Manila, Philippines. It is recognized as the financial capital of the country, Housing some of Southeast Asia’s most prominent multinational corporations and financial institutions. With over 500, 000 residents living within its 27 square kilometers, Makati is also one of the world’s most densely populated cities. Despite its modernization and urbanization, Makati still retains a rich cultural heritage that can be observed through its architecture and landmarks.
The Ayala Triangle Gardens is a famous spot for tourists and locals to relax amidst lush greenery while admiring sculptures by Filipino artists. The Ayala Museum showcases Philippine art and history through various exhibits that highlight pre-colonial times up to modern-day art. Makati’s vibrant nightlife scene is also worth experiencing. Poblacion has become a go-to destination for foodies looking to sample local cuisine or indulge in international flavors from around the world. Bars such as Z Hostel’s rooftop bar offer stunning views overlooking Makati’s skyline while sipping on cocktails.
For those who love shopping, Makati has no shortage of malls such as Greenbelt and Glorietta which house luxury brands alongside local boutiques selling handmade goods. The Salcedo Saturday Market offers fresh produce from local farmers along with artisanal goods such as homemade pasta or freshly baked bread. Makati also boasts an impressive transportation system with various modes available including jeepneys (the iconic Philippine public transport), Buses, Taxis, Grab (Southeast Asia’s version of Uber), And MRT (Metro Rail Transit).
This makes it easy for visitors to explore other parts of Metro Manila or even venture further out into nearby provinces like Tagaytay or Batangas. Makati City offers visitors an exciting mix of culture, Entertainment options ranging from nightlife spots to museums showcasing Filipino art & history; shopping opportunities abound with malls like Greenbelt and Glorietta, While the Salcedo Saturday Market offers fresh produce from local farmers. With its efficient transportation system, Visitors can easily explore other parts of Metro Manila or even venture further out into nearby provinces.
- Ayala Triangle Gardens
- Greenbelt Mall
- Ayala Museum
- Makati Central Business District (CBD)
- Salcedo Saturday Market
- Power Plant Mall
- The Mind Museum
- Manila Golf and Country Club
- Glorietta Mall
- RCBC Plaza
- Banking and Finance: Makati is home to numerous banks’ headquarters, such as BDO, BPI, Metrobank, and Security Bank.
- Business Process Outsourcing (BPO): The city has a significant number of call centers and BPO companies that offer customer service, technical support, IT solutions, and other outsourcing services.
- Real Estate: Makati is renowned for its towering buildings that house commercial establishments like offices, residential units, hotels, shopping malls.
- Retail: Many luxury brands have their flagship stores in Makati’s upscale shopping centers such as Greenbelt Mall or Glorietta Mall.
- Hospitality: Several hotels cater to both business travelers and tourists alike such as Shangri-La Hotel Manila or Fairmont Hotel & Resort.
- Food & Beverage: The city has numerous restaurants offering various cuisines from local Filipino dishes to international flavors in different locations around the city.
- Healthcare: Many hospitals like Makati Medical Center cater to both local residents as well as medical tourists seeking specialized treatments like cosmetic surgery or dental procedures.
- Education: Several prestigious universities offer degree programs in law or management while others focus on technical skills training such as AMA Computer College-Makati Campus providing courses on computer science or programming languages.
- The Battle of Makati: During the Philippine-American War in 1899, American forces fought against Filipino revolutionaries in Makati.
- The establishment of Fort Bonifacio: In 1901, the American military established Fort McKinley (now known as Fort Bonifacio) in what is now Taguig City but was originally part of Makati.
- The creation of the Municipality of Makati: In 1901, the Philippine Commission created the municipality of San Pedro de Macati, which included parts of what is now Taguig and Pateros.
- Ayala Corporation: Founded by Filipino businessman Jaime Zobel de Ayala in 1834, Ayala Corporation has played a significant role in shaping modern-day Makati as a business district.
- Ninoy Aquino: A prominent opposition leader during President Marcos’ regime, Ninoy Aquino was assassinated at Manila International Airport upon his return from exile on August 21, 1983. His assassination sparked nationwide protests that eventually led to Marcos’ ouster from power.
- EDSA Revolution: From February 22-25, 1986, Filipinos staged a peaceful protest along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) demanding for Marcos’ resignation from power and restoration of democracy. This event is known as EDSA Revolution or People Power Revolution and it took place partly within Makati City limits.
- Glorietta Bombing: On October 19th ,2007 an explosion occurred at Glorietta mall killing eleven people and injuring over one hundred others.
- Ayala Museum
- Yuchengco Museum
- Greenbelt Chapel
- Nuestra Señora de Gracia Church
- The Mind Museum
- Filipinas Heritage Library
- Museo ng Makati
- Sanctuario de San Antonio Parish
- Salcedo Saturday Market
- RCBC Plaza and Tower
- Makati Super Crunch – a basketball team that plays in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL). The team was established in 2018 and has gained popularity over time.
- Makati Football Club – a soccer club that competes in various local tournaments and leagues. The club was founded back in 2005 and has had moderate success throughout its existence.
- Makati Skyscrapers – a volleyball team that participates in different leagues around Metro Manila. This team is relatively new, but it’s already making waves among volleyball enthusiasts.
- Makati Mavericks – an ultimate frisbee team that competes both locally and internationally. The Mavericks were founded back in 2010 and have won multiple championships since then.
Overall, while Makati City may not be known for having many well-known sports teams, there are still plenty of opportunities for athletes to compete at various levels within the city’s vibrant sporting community.
- Makati Street Meet is a monthly street festival that happens on the last Sunday of every month along Paseo de Roxas.
- Poblacion Fiesta is an annual celebration in December that honors the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. It features parades, street parties, and cultural performances.
- Makati Summer Fest is a series of events held during summer months, including concerts, food festivals, and outdoor movie screenings.
- Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival is an annual film festival that showcases independent Filipino films at the Cultural Center of the Philippines in August.
- Ayala Triangle Gardens Lights and Sounds Show offers a nightly light show featuring music and animation at Ayala Triangle Gardens during Christmas season.
- Fringe Manila Festival is an annual performing arts festival featuring local and international artists in various venues across Makati City in February or March.
- Philippine International Jazz Festival brings together local and international jazz musicians for concerts across different venues within Makati City annually held in February or March.
- Art Fair Philippines showcases contemporary Philippine art annually held every February at The Link car park building along Ayala Avenue Extension.
- MIBF (Manila International Book Fair) has more than 100 exhibitors from around the world participating annually held every September at SMX Convention Center making it Asia’s largest book fair.
- Pasinaya Open House Festival – A one-day event showcasing free performances by various artists from different fields such as dance, theater & music among others usually happening on February/March.
- Adobo Connection is a popular restaurant chain that specializes in traditional Filipino dishes, particularly adobo – a meat dish cooked in vinegar and soy sauce.
- Manam Comfort Filipino is a modern Filipino restaurant that offers classic and contemporary dishes.
- Purple Yam is a cozy restaurant that focuses on regional Philippine cuisine, particularly the food of the southern island of Mindanao.
- Milky Way Cafe is a long-standing local favorite that serves classic Filipino comfort food such as kare-kare (oxtail stew) and lechon kawali (deep-fried pork belly).
- Goto Tendon is known for its delicious goto (rice porridge with beef tripe) and crispy tendon.
- Sarsa Kitchen + Bar offers modern twists on traditional Filipino dishes, such as sisig tacos and chicken adobo flakes Benedict.
- XO 46 Heritage Bistro specializes in heirloom recipes from various regions of the Philippines, including their famous crispy pata (deep-fried pork knuckles).
- Little Tokyo isn’t exactly one single restaurant but rather an area filled with Japanese restaurants serving authentic sushi, ramen, tempura, and more.
- Locavore Kitchen & Drinks Makati – this farm-to-table concept eatery is known for its innovative take on traditional Pinoy cuisine like their sizzling sinigang na baboy sa miso or grilled liempo stuffed with Laing.
- El Chupacabra – this Mexican-inspired street food joint is perfect for those who love spicy flavors! Their signature dish is the “Chupa Rice” which features rice topped with spicy chorizo bits!
- Manila Bay – a natural harbor and popular spot for sunset viewing located along Roxas Boulevard.
- Intramuros – the historic walled city within Manila that served as the center of Spanish colonialism in the Philippines.
- Rizal Park – a large public park in Manila named after the national hero, Jose Rizal.
- Binondo – the world’s oldest Chinatown located in Manila and known for its food and cultural attractions.
- Quiapo Church – a famous Catholic church in Manila that houses the Black Nazarene, a revered religious icon.
- Divisoria – a bustling commercial district in Manila known for its bargain shopping and street food.
- Mall of Asia – one of the largest shopping malls in the world located in Pasay City, Metro Manila.
- Makati – a financial and commercial hub in Metro Manila known for its central business district.
- Ayala Museum – a museum showcasing Philippine art, history, and culture located in the Greenbelt complex.
- Yuchengco Museum – another museum featuring contemporary Filipino art and design located in the RCBC Plaza building.
- National Museum of Natural History – a modern museum with exhibits on natural history and biodiversity located in Manila near Rizal Park.
- Fort Santiago – a historic fortification within Intramuros, Manila that played an important role during the Spanish colonial period.
- San Agustin Church – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest stone churches in the Philippines also located within Intramuros, Manila.
- The Manila Ocean Park – an oceanarium with various marine animals such as sharks, penguins, and sea lions located along Roxas Boulevard.
