Discover Manila: Five Things to Do in Makati

Nestled in the capital city of the Philippines, Makati is known to be the financial center of the country with the highest concentration of both local and multinational corporations. In this regard, it would be natural for the city to be known as the nation’s central business district seeing as almost every major business industry has stationed their headquarters in at least one office in the city.

Furthermore, Makati is also known to be Manila’s elite breeding ground, where you can rub shoulders not only with esteemed individuals but known celebrities as well. Indeed, Makati City is a place teeming with various career and entertainment opportunities.

However, amidst the perpetual hustle and bustle of the city and the eternal concrete jungle the city seems to be surrounded in, you will find that individuals do make time for play and relaxation. Dubbed as the Philippine City that never sleeps, there are a lot of activities to do whether during the day and even beyond traditional bedtime hours. Secluded restaurants, club hideouts, art galleries, rooftop parties—these are just a fraction of what you can do in the city.

In any case, here is a slew of things you can enjoy in Makati, Philippines:

1. Play board games

Indulge the kid (or nerd) in you and enjoy a round of playing board games. Established by Gaming Library, Makati Marauders and John Bull Distillery, Makati Beer and Board Games is a gaming club where board game enthusiasts can enjoy games to their heart’s content. Boasting a notable game collection, individuals with a penchant for playing board games can easily find themselves immersed in this gaming club. If you wish just to try it out, there is a drop-in charge of eighty pesos.

However, membership fees would largely depend on how long you intend to stay with them. Good news, on Wednesday nights which has officially been dubbed as the official board game night, entrance fee for walk-ins is waived.

2. Visit the Farmer’s market at Legazpi

The Farmer’s Market located in the parking lot of Legazpi Park is the perfect place to have lunch after Sunday service. The place hosts a myriad of locally made products, fresh produce and delicious home-cooked meals. One might even go as far as to argue that there is something for every palate there is—regardless of your age or nationality. Whether you are with friends, family or are dining alone, the Farmer’s Market is a fresh and welcome alternative to the sit-down restaurants you are used to.

3. Try the Jolly-Jeep

Locals who have a palate for good but affordable food would immediately tell you to try out the Jolly-Jeep. After all, this quite inventive “carenderia” alternative is no secret and is known to be somewhat of a tourist attraction as well. Serving food cheaper than any fast food outlets, Jolly Jeep is akin to a stand-up café on wheels.

Some of their best sellers are traditional Filipino food including sisig which you can get just for under eighty pesos (depending on which stall you get it from). Some of their other food staples include kakanins, sinigang, pork adobo and if you wish to have a snack, they also have the traditional Filipino street food staple of fried bananas on sticks. These novelty food stalls can be easily found along the back streets of Makati.

4. Appreciate art

Art enthusiasts and history buffs should never miss a visit to Ayala Museum whenever they are in Makati city. These permanent exhibits are incredibly awe-inspiring, and indeed they are a sight to behold. Whether you have a selective taste for art or not, you can always find something to be enjoyed in this museum.

Individuals with a proclivity for history are not left out either as the museum includes a collection of artifacts known as the Gold of Our Ancestors. This collection holds more than a thousand gold relics from centuries ago. For a paltry fee of P425 pesos, you can enjoy all this during the museum’s operating hours which is from 9 AM to 6 PM.

5. Watch Midget Boxing

While some might consider this to be quite unorthodox and otherworldly, it has been an attraction for quite some time now. Nestled within what is considered as the Red Light District of Makati, the Ringside Bar hosts regular midget boxing shows for your viewing pleasure. While enjoying the show, you can order the usual cocktails and local beers. No real boxing happens though as it is all staged and if you want to join in the fun, you can pay two thousand pesos and stand in as the referee.