Makati is Manila’s pièce de résistance, an inspiring gem of a city where commerce, leisure and culture converge. The Central Business District is home to renowned multinational companies, swanky shopping malls, award-winning restaurants, nostalgic neighborhoods, unique art scenes and a vibrant nightlife.
Greenbelt Malls
The 80’s-born Greenbelt Malls is an icon in itself in Makati, being built around a colossal 250,000 square meter shopping haven. Dotted with manicured Zen gardens, the five malls that surround it are pleasant hubs for some serious retail therapy. From international luxury brands, to quaint boutique shops and trusted gadget centers, the retail complex has an extensive portfolio for every kind of shopper.
At the heart of Greenbelt Malls is the Santo Niño de Paz Chapel, a Roman Catholic place of worship. Constructed as an open-air, concrete dome in the middle of a pond, the chapel conducts Mass and religious services every day for mall patrons. It celebrates its feast day every third Sunday of January.
Yuchengco Museum
The Yuchengco Museum opened its doors to the public in 2005 at the heart of RCBC Plaza, the headquarters of Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) and one of the flagship companies of the Yuchengco Group of Companies (YGC). The museum is not only a temple that showcases art, but also a forum of exchange, debate, and education.
It was created to house the art collection of Ambassador Alfonso T. Yuchengco, and highlight his distinguished career as an influential Filipino-Chinese businessman, diplomat, philanthropist, patron of the arts, and advocate for education in the Philippines and beyond. On display at the museum’s fourth floor are memorabilia to the Yuchengco family’s Chinese heritage, the history of the YGC and its flagship companies, and the business and diplomatic career of Ambassador Yuchengco.
Ayala Center
The Ayala Center is a major commercial development operated by Ayala Land, a premier shopping, entertainment and cultural district in the metropolis, with an eclectic smorgasbord of award-winning restaurants. Its location places it virtually at the heart of the country’s commercial and business center. It is bounded by Ayala Avenue on the east, Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) on the south, Arnaiz Avenue on the west, and to north by Legazpi Street and Paseo de Roxas. The Ayala MRT Station of the MRT Line 3 serves the area. The development originally started with a number of separate shopping arcades and Greenbelt Park before expanding to cover over 50 hectares of facilities.
Today the complex includes several malls, each with its own shopping and restaurant arcades and cinemas; three department stores, a number of hotels, a slew of nightlife hotspots; and the Ayala Museum, showcasing exhibits on Philippine history and art.
Salcedo Saturday Market
The charming Salcedo Park between L.P. Leviste and Todesillas streets in Makati gives a glimpse of the whimsical neighborhood life in the city. On weekends, the park transcends into a bountiful market dubbed as the Salcedo Saturday Market, replete with dishes created from heirloom recipes, comfort food, specialty drinks and gourmet selections. More than the edible treats, the market showcases an abundance of talent and creativity with its beautifully-assembled arts and crafts and bespoke flower arrangements.
