Before you lose yourself in the corporate jungle of tall buildings and one-way streets, here's how to get the most of your day in Makati.
1. Braving the traffic
Parking spaces are precious commodities in Makati, costing around 40-50 pesos per hour on the average. Rush hour traffic can be hellish and it may be easier to go around on foot or commute when going to a busy part of town. Cabbies are a dime a dozen and there are other alternatives such as jeepneys, buses and vans, among others. Vans, FX rides or shuttles have terminals spread around Makati CBD and go along specific routes while buses deliver their passengers from the EDSA end of Ayala to the Buendia end.
2. Walk when the distance allows it.
Many key areas in Makati can be accessed via Ayala Avenue, one of the city's main roads. A series of walkways starts from the Ayala Station of the MRT, goes through malls such as Glorietta, Landmark and Greenbelt, and leads up to office buildings along Ayala Ave. Underground passes can also be found along Ayala Avenue for pedestrians to safely cross from one side to another.
3. The Malls have it all.
a. The Glorietta Malls house a wide variety of shops that sell just about everything, with stores ranging from affordable and popular favorites like Bench and National Bookstore to expensive boutiques like A/X Armani and Lacoste Luggage - perfect for shopping for everything from trinkets, toys and books to jewelry and designer outfits. Plus, with the many choices of food establishments, there is something sure to appease your gastronomical demands. Scattered all over the Glorietta Malls are fastfood restaurants like Tokyo Tokyo, Subway and Burger King, casual dining places like Café Cibo, Super Bowl of China and Dencio's, and a load of other gastronomic venues. If you're having a hard time choosing where to eat, try visiting the Food Choices food court in Glorietta 4 for a whole array of dining options. Don't forget to check out the events unraveling at the activity center, ranging from mini concerts, expos, bargain sales or children's shows.
b. An exit from Glorietta brings you straight to the Landmark Department Store whose collection of quality merchandise makes it a popular shopping destination for clothes, accessories, kitchenware, toys and what-nots. It also houses a well-stocked supermarket in the basement.
c. Crossing the walkway from Landmark across Makati Avenue brings you to the upscale malls of Greenbelt. Here you can find boutiques of celebrated American, European and local designers like Gucci, Bvlgari and Rafe, as well as other signature brands. It also showcases popular family-style and fine-dining restaurants. Other than shopping, you can also visit the Ayala Museum at Greenbelt 4, enjoy a leisurely afternoon watching the ducks swimming across the pond in Greenbelt Park, or even attend mass at the church in the park.
d. And if you want to stay at the heart of all the action, book a suite at the Ascott Hotel in Glorietta 4 or at the Hotel Intercontinental Manila just across Greenbelt. Not only will these luxury hotels provide you with impeccable service and world-class facilities, but their location to the malls and offices also make them convenient accommodation favorites in Makati.
4. Mix business with pleasure
Why stay cooped up in the conference room when you can hold lunch meetings in one of Greenbelt 5's swanky restaurants? Finish that important presentation at a coffee shop in Greenbelt Park such as Dome Café, Figaro or Café Breton. Or sneak in a bit of shopping at the mall to de-stress a little. A quick trip inside Power Mac Center, Bang & Olufsen or Be Connected can provide you with enough gadgets for both business and entertainment. If you're craving for some deli, try Mickey's Delicatessen on Jupiter St., which serves some of the best sausages in town.
5. Work hard, party harder
Enjoy a sumptuous dinner and sample popular cuisine from all over the world in Greenbelt 2 or catch the latest Hollywood Blockbuster at the Greenbelt 3 Cinemas. If you're up for some dancing, check out Makati's club scene at Absinth and Temple (both in Greenbelt), or a bit farther away, Warehouse 135 on Yakal St., which is set up like those exclusive clubs in the U.S. - complete with the waiting line, bouncers and everything. If you're more into music, check out up and coming local bands playing at Bistro 110 (along Palanca St.), Il Ponticello Café Ristorante (2nd Floor, Antel 2000 Bldg, Valero St.) and Capone's Bistro (Valero cor. Dela Costa Sts.). Then again, nothings beats chilling and drinking so also visit Café Havana, which comes alive at night in Greenbelt Park, or People's Palace where you can put you feet up and enjoy a bottle of wine under the stars. Last but not least, play a drinking game with beer from all over the world in Beer Paradise on Polaris St.
The corporate jungle is not all that scary. Don't be intimidated with all the high-rise office buildings. Eventually, you'll find it's just one big playground where you can enjoy cosmopolitan living to the fullest.
You can experience a different kind of affluence when your lifestyle allows you to have everything at your doorstep. You can live right next to the mall in Greenbelt Residences, live in the heart of the business district in The Columns at the end of Ayala Ave., or live near where you work, learn and play at Senta in Legaspi Village.
For contact details and more information regarding all the establishments mentioned and more, visit ayalaland.com.ph and atayala.com
