Makati City has come a long way from the masterplanned mixed-use community that was established in the 1950s.
In the 1970s, it solidified its presence as a financial and commercial center in the capital region. By the time it became a city in 1995, it had evolved into the country’s leading financial and lifestyle hub and has never looked back.
At the heart of the city is the Makati central business district (CBD), widely regarded as the country’s premier financial and lifestyle hub owing to its economic strength and enduring prestige.
‘Wall Street of PH’
Year after year, the so-called “Wall Street of the Philippines” continues to attract investment from local and multinational companies.
Today, the Makati CBD is home to upscale retail centers, prime office towers, high-end residential developments, and recreational destinations. It hosts a high concentration of conglomerates, global brands, financial institutions, as well as many of the country’s leading accounting, law and construction firms and stock brokerages.
Cosmopolitan lifestyle
Makati City offers more than its iconic skyline and bustling business district. It is also regarded as one of Metro Manila’s leading destinations for arts, culture, gastronomy and urban lifestyle.
Across the city, particularly within the CBD, residents and visitors can enjoy parks, museums, dining districts and contemporary attractions that reflect Makati’s cosmopolitan character. The city also hosts weekend markets and car-free Sundays in some of its premier areas and major thoroughfares, encouraging greater community engagement and more active use of public spaces.
Beyond offices and retail, the Makati CBD also supports many of the essentials of everyday city life. Internationally recognized healthcare institutions contribute to Metro Manila’s growing medical and wellness tourism sector, while leading local and international schools strengthen Makati’s appeal as a place to live, work and study.
Green spaces offer another welcome counterpoint to the district’s dense urban setting. Pocket parks and landscaped open spaces provide room for exercise, recreation and a quiet break from the city’s pace. Among them are Ayala Triangle Gardens, Bel-Air Village Park, Greenbelt Mall Park, Jaime Velasquez Park and Urdaneta Village Park.
Vibrant city living
Makati CBD aims to be a sustainable business capital that promotes vibrant city living. Aside from high fiscal autonomy and world-class lifestyle offerings, Makati City also promotes top-tier safety standards and receives excellent support from its local government.
The article was originally published in Inquirer.NET and written by Marielle Medina.
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