As an expat living in Makati for nearly 4 years, I get many questions from friends abroad asking what there is to do in the Philippines. With such a broad question, and with hours of work keeping me in the city, my typical response to them is what there is to do in Makati. Living and renting an apartment in Makati is the most convenient way to enjoy all the city has to offer. And now the list, in no particular order:
Salcedo Market: Every Saturday, Salcedo Park (located in Salcedo Village) plays host to the weekly Saturday market. The market is similar to a farmers market, but with a twist. Many local farmers and vendors sell their fresh fruit, vegetables, and handicrafts, with a twist that many expats are joining in on the fun and cooking and selling various food from their part of the world. The market is located on Leviste street, in the park, and is open from morning to about 2pm. High rise apartments surround the market and is walking distance most anywhere in Makati.
Legaspi Market: After the Saturday Salcedo market, Legaspi village hosts the Sunday organic market. Located on Legaspi drive across from C. Palanca street, the Legaspi market is similar to the Salcedo market except that it prides itself on the organic produce it sells. Just like the Salcedo market, don’t be surprised to find French, Germans, Belgians and others cooking and selling their country’s favorite food. Apartment buildings are across the street from this market, and is also less than a 5 minute walk from Greenbelt.
Makati Sports Club: Located in Salcedo Village, the Makati Sports Club is an exclusive club acting more like a resort getaway in the middle of the city. While there is a membership fee and sometimes a wait list, you can always enter the club with a friend who is a member. The club is host to a wide array of activities, including: swimming, tennis, squash, racquetball, aikido, badminton, basketball, and others, including function rooms for special events. Apartments in Salcedo Village benefit most from the location.
M Cafe: Museum Cafe is located in Greenbelt on the corners of Makati Avenue and De la Rosa street. M cafe is the restaurant attached to Ayala Museum. During the day M cafe offers great food and a very casually relaxed atmosphere. At night it is transformed into a hot music and dance venue. DJs from around the world mix their beats, as an equally world-diverse crowd dance and talk the night away. It is not uncommon to see celebrities here. This is located in Legaspi village, where many apartments are located.
Greenbelt: There are many malls in the Philippines, but none are as prominent as Greenbelt Makati. Greenbelt is comprised of 5 separate malls under one name. Each mall is at least 3 stories (except Greenbelt 4) and is home to numerous restaurants, clubs, a very nice movie theater complete with THX sound and support for 3d glasses, and a calm, relaxing atmosphere. Greenbelt is a great place to spend an afternoon or night, and then walk home to an apartment in legaspi village, or a quick taxi ride to salcedo village.
The People: The Philippines and Makati are home to some of the most compassionate and caring people in the world – Filipinos! What is even better for those coming to do business in Makati is that English is spoken fluently and rarely does any English-speaker have a problem communicating. Everyone I have met is open to a good, friendly conversation, and it is uncommon to not see a smile or a laugh on someone’s face. It is said that the people is what makes a country, not the land or the buildings. Filipinos make their country a great, friendly nation to live in.
Horse Racing: Each Saturday the Santa Ana Park opens up for the weekly horse races. Located near San Miguel village, watching horses race is yet another great way to enjoy a Saturday.
Jeepney Tours: For those looking to sight see without walking, and save money, a Jeepney ride is an excellent way to see the city and experience the culture. A jeepney is a combination of a Jeep-looking front end, with a bus looking backend. This frankenstein of an automobile is a common form of public transportation that follows set routes/loops. Wherever you get on a Jeepney, you should loop around to where you began. Jeepneys can be found most everywhere near Apartments in Makati, but not typically in the house villages in Makati.
Events: Keeping your ears open and friends plentiful will lead you to learning about the hidden diamonds in Makati. Events happen year round, but a common problem for new arrivals is not knowing about them. Events can range from great live music, local and foreign culture shows, comedy shows, art shows, reggae fests, jazz fests, wine tasting, salsa dance-offs, and crazy Makati apartment rooftop pool parties. Events can happen anywhere, but usually originate near malls and parks.
Whether you are looking to buy or rent an apartment or house in Makati, you are never far away from an event or place to relax and escape the city. RentInMakati.com has several years of Makati knowledge to find you the perfect place that suits your needs.
