📖 About Makati

Makati is the undisputed financial heart of the Philippines, standing as the country's premier business district and one of the most developed commercial centers in Southeast Asia. With a resident population of 309,770 that swells to over 2.3 million during business hours, Makati represents the economic powerhouse of the Philippine archipelago. The city boasts an impressive GDP per capita of approximately 1,778,000 pesos (around $32,000), contributing 5.4% to the national GDP with an economy valued at 1.2 trillion pesos.

Home to 432 high-rises and skyscrapers, Makati holds the distinction of having the largest concentration of tall buildings in the Philippines. The Makati Central Business District serves as the headquarters for multinational corporations, major banks, and the Philippine Stock Exchange. The city seamlessly blends world-class commercial infrastructure with cultural venues, luxury shopping destinations, and vibrant nightlife, making it the definitive address for business and cosmopolitan living in the Philippines.

🏛️ Top Attractions

💼 Economy & Culture

Makati's economy is dominated by the financial services sector, with the city serving as the headquarters for the Philippine Stock Exchange, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, and virtually all major domestic and international banks. The business process outsourcing (BPO) industry has also established a significant presence, with numerous call centers and IT-BPO companies operating from the city's modern office towers.

Culturally, Makati offers a sophisticated urban lifestyle with its numerous art galleries, museums, and performance venues. The city hosts regular art exhibitions, theater productions, and cultural festivals. The dining scene ranges from Michelin-worthy restaurants to local Filipino cuisine, while the nightlife in areas like Poblacion has transformed into a vibrant hub of bars, clubs, and creative spaces.

📜 History

Originally a swampland along the Pasig River, Makati was transformed in the 1950s by the Ayala family, who developed the area into what would become the Philippines' premier business district. The name "Makati" is derived from the Tagalog word "kati" meaning low tide, reflecting its origins as tidal flatlands. Through visionary urban planning and sustained investment, Makati evolved from a residential suburb into the financial capital it is today.