EXPERIENCE makati
Philippines Business Center
The City of makati has a population of 524,000, according to
the 2000 Census of Population conducted by the National Statistics
Office (NSO). This figure represents an increase of 39,824 or
8 per cent over the 1995 figure. Among cities and municipalities
in Metro Manila, makati ranks fifth in population, with a 5 percent
share. In a span of 97 years, makati's population grew 193 times.
The 1903 Census placed the population at 2,700. Based on the 1995
Census of Population, the 20 barangays comprising makati's First
District have a combined population of 230,726, while the 13 barangays
of the Second District have a combined population of 253,450.
Barangay Pembo has the largest population, with 62,097 while the
least populated barangay is Urdaneta with 3,575.
makati has a total land area of 27.36 square kilometers or 2,736
hectares, it constitutes 4.3 percent of NCR's total land area,
and is bigger than neighboring cities of Pasay and Mandaluyong.
The city is composed of two (2) districts further subdivided into
33 barangays, the biggest of which is Forbes Park with 2.5266
square kilometers while the smallest is Kasilawan with only 0.0922
square kilometers.
makati, located east of Manila, is a mix of L.A.'s Beverly Hills
and NY's Wall Street. Scene of high rise buildings, fancy condominiums,
five star hotels, swanky shopping center, fine dining restaurants,
and plush residential villages for the moneyed class. Ayala Complex
is a mze of shopper's malls and a restaurants which cater mainly
to the rich and middle class.
Places to visit are the following:
Ayala Museum across makati Avenue which houses archives and archeological
artifacts. The Ninoy Aquino Bronze sculpture in honor of the slain
senator at the corner of Ayala and Paseo de Roxas. Behind the
statue is Ugarte Field, site of numerous protest rallies organized
by the opposition against Marcos Regime. Across Edsa from Ayala
is Forbes Park, home to the super-rich "Manila's 300."
Take McKinley Road which cuts throught it to reach Manila Polo
Club and Fort Bonifacio, a sprawling military camp which is also
site of American Cemetery and Memorial.
Scenes you shouldn't miss: Faces (where Manila's hoity toity
party), Kalye (where rich kids called "conos" hang out
for drinks and rock & roll), Strumms (pop and jazz for yuppies),
Versomina (where new talents are discovered mixed crowd), Barbareeba
(expensive drinks and Carribean Music), Fire and Rain (rhythm
and blues).
The American Cemetery and Memorial
makati: Fort Bonifacio, makati
Description: It is one of the loveliest and serene spots that
inspire noble emotions in the Philippines and one of the most
visited places by tourists especially World War II veterans. Battles
of the World War II are engraved on the walls of the Memorial.
Military data and battles that actually happened are depicted
and recorded in the map rooms, with 25 intricately designed maps.
Ayala Museum
makati: makati Avenue, Greenbelt, makati
Description: The museum is a unique show window of Philippine
history and culture. Features 60 dioramas (tri-dimentional portrait)
of half a million years of Philippine history, scaled down reproductions
of native boats and foreign ships, and the making of a Filipino
statesman of international reknown in the Carlos P. Romulo room.
Getting Around:
Walking remains the best way to see and to move around makati.
However if the weather is touchy or you're traveling a long way
there are many transport options open to you. Metered, air-conditioned
taxis are plentiful and can be flagged down on most city streets.
A steady stream of buses rumble along Ayala Avenue and EDSA, connecting
with North and South bound traffic leaving makati. Experienced,
and adventurous, travelers will enjoy riding in one of the swarm
of jeepneys that dart through the makati traffic. Each jeepney
has it's route displayed on the side, so you simply jump on the
first one going to, or past, your destination. Rental cars, with
or without a driver, can be arranged through your hotel receptionist
or at one of the many car hire offices. We recommend renting a
car and driver until you become familiar with traffic patterns,
parking restrictions and one-way streets.
