Makati is a bustling cosmopolitan city, a few kilometers from Manila, stretching comfortably over almost 3,000 hectares and housing nearly 500,000 people.

Continued rapid growth over the past 25 years has made Makati the commercial, communication and financial center of the Philippines where trendy boutiques, fashionable restaurants and department stores mingle with banks, corporate head offices and embassies in a dynamic spirit of work and play.

The Church of Saints Peter and Paul dating from the early 17^th Century and the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe with it's intricately carved interior columns are noteworthy and each provide a restful haven from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Statues of Filipino patriots Ninoy Aquino, Gabriela Silang and Pio del Pilar are silent sentinels on the intersections of three major thoroughfares, Paseo de Roxas, Ayala Avenue and Makati Avenue.

The Ayala Museum houses a collection of 60 dioramas showing significant events in Philippine history. Displays of ethnological and archaeological artefacts and exhibits of contemporary art are grouped within the museums halls and galleries.

The Luz Gallery has collected modern masterpieces which contrast wonderfully with the gallery's exhibits of cultural and ethnic works.

The Philippine Army Museum and Library reveals a graphic pageant of major battles combined with an eclectic assortment of Filipino firearms and artillery.

The American Cemetery and Memorial is a testimony to members of the US Armed Forces who lost their lives in the Pacific Theater during World War II.

Makati's restaurants set the trend in fine dining and nouvelle cuisine. Makati Avenue and Pasay Road are lined with establishments which cater to the most discriminating palates. There is fresh seafood cooked to specification, hearty Filipino fare served on banana leaves and eaten with hands, full bodies American steaks and stews, spicy Asian selections, delicately-tempting Japanese tidbits, lusty Italian and German flavours, delicately prepared and exquisitely-presented continental dishes, luscious French pastries and native sweet cakes. Hotel outlets offer ambience, music and excellent wine with an international array of cuisines. Others specialize in candle light dinners and mood music that set the stage for romance. On the other hand, there are the hale and hearty fast-food chains, hamburger stands, take home counters, and 24-hour diners which cater to the eat-and-run crowd.

No sooner has the last office door closed than happy hour begins in the many music bars, video and karaoke lounges, jazz clubs, discos and other night spots scattered throughout the wide-awake streets. Makati avenue, Jupiter Street and Pasay Road dazzle with neon signs announcing the latest show bands or lounge acts. Hotel outlets entice diners with romantic repertoire from sultry crooners of piano pirtousos, or perhaps an evening of traditional Filipino songs and dances. And of course, there are the discos which vie for patronage of their well-heeled clientele with the latest high-tech sound system, laser lights and dance tunes. Special theme nights accommodate those who would like to dance to the beat of Latin or some other different drum.

Makati is set to become the shoppers showcase of South East Asia.

The Ayaia Center is a vast shopping emporium grouping well over 100 specialty shops, restaurants, cinemas, super markets and department stores where you really can "shop until you drop".

Consisting of two comprehensive shopping areas, Glorietta and Greenbelt, the Ayala Center is bordered by EDSA, Ayala Avenue, Pasay Road and Paseo de Roxas and is a leisurely walk from the most luxurious hotels in Makati.

From designer brand name casual and formal clothing, sporting goods, cameras, textiles, computers and video games - to priceless jewels, original artworks and antiques Makati has it all!

© COPYRIGHT 2000-2001 - ASIATRAVELLING.NET