Makati, Philippines: The Financial Centre of Manila
Makati is part of Metro Manila in the Philippines and is considered the financial centre with many national and international corporations located there. Makati is also home to major banking institutions, foreign embassies, and the Philippine Stock Exchange and houses the tallest skyscrapers in the Philippines. In Makati, there are many shopping centres and malls, as well as dining, entertainment, and cultural opportunities. This area has a warm and pleasant tropical climate, ensuring consistent year-round temperatures that appeals to visitors from around the world. Public transportation services make the entire city accessible and there are more than 75 hotel accommodation choices in and around the city.
An Urban Landscape
Makati is a major commercial and economic centre, as well as one of the most populous metropolitan cities in the world. Some one million people either live or travel daily to the Makati Central Business District. One can’t help but be awed by the buildings located along Ayala Avenue, known as the Wall Street of the Philippines. The tallest skyscraper in the country is located here, the PBCom Tower at over 52 stories tall. Photo opportunities are around every corner and Makati also has the distinction of being called the “selfie capital” of the world. Other notable skyscrapers are G.T. International Tower and Gramercy Residences. Ayala Center, located along Ayala Avenue, has eight shopping centres along its length. The city is also undergoing a redevelopment plan to incorporate even more business, entertainment and transportation options. For those staying in the city, hotel accommodations range from luxurious apartments and villas to rental condos and even small inns and hostels. Many hotels and motels are located within the shopping centres or are within easy walking distance.
Spending That Money
Makati has many high-end and luxury shopping centres and malls, including Greenbelt Mall and Glorietta, a huge shopping complex spread over several multi-storied buildings with an atrium, garden, and bazaar. The Landmark Department Store provides more affordable choices and the Salcedo Saturday Market caters to those seeking local bargains for food, drink, and handmade goods. There’s also a food court here with samplings of local coffee and food, as well as a huge selection of fresh fruits and vegetables. For those wanting something other than retail therapy, Makati offers a huge selection of spa and wellness centres. Massages in Persian therapies and themed environments are typical, with many offering exotic beauty treatments, such as hot banana leaf treatments. Makati if well known for the nightlife with dance clubs, discos, and bars in abundance. Entertainment venues include room escape games, restaurants with live music, and regularly scheduled cultural, sporting, and music events.
The Riches of Culture
Makati isn’t only about spending money while shopping. The city also has many cultural attractions and museums, such as Ayala Museum. Located in the heart of the Makati business centre, Ayala has a collection of archaeological artefacts that celebrate the rich ancestry and craftsmanship of the Filipino culture. Exhibits feature textiles and crafts, as well as a series of 60 handcrafted dioramas depicting Philippine history. The Yuchengco Museum has a focus on national and international cultural and historic exhibitions and programs. The Museo Ng Makati is a museum focused specifically on Makati’s history, heritage, and culture and it houses artefacts, dioramas, and murals. Or you can visit the Filipinas Heritage Library which has a collection dating back to the Spanish period. Outside spaces are also open for tourism, including Ayala Triangle Gardens. This landscaped public urban park has over a hundred trees tastefully arranged around an open courtyard with restaurants and shops surrounding this oasis in the city.
A Priceless History
While Makati can be considered a city on the cutting edge of technology, there is still a focus on the priceless history of this unique cultural area. Scattered throughout the city are several religious sites and temples, such as Greenbelt Chapel and the Saints Peter and Paul Parish Church. Visitors can also view Guadalupe Ruins, the Nuestra Señora de Gracia church. This monastery was founded over 400 years ago and is open to the public. It’s also a popular site for weddings. Those interested in military history will be able to visit Libingan ng mga Bayani, the final resting place of Filipino soldiers killed during World War II and see the Tomb of the Unknown Solider, a tomb containing the remains of unknown soldiers who died in the war. The Manila American Cemetery and Memorial focuses on the sacrifices of American soldiers during World War II with map rooms and a battle museum.