/retail, services, real estate, export/import, and manufacturing. Makati also boasts of having the highest number ofBPOoffices inMetro Manilaat 1,159 companies to date, as well as the highest number of PEZA-accredited IT Parks and Buildings. The city government of Makati has not increased its tax rates since its new Revenue Code took effect in 2006. For 26 years now, the city enjoys a deficit-free status.[19]

Ayala Avenue, dubbed as theWall Street of the PhilippinesThe city is known for its developed business district called theMakati Central Business District(CBD). It is bound byEDSA,Gil Puyat Avenue,Arnaiz AvenueandChino Roces Avenue. It mainly encompasses Legazpi Village, Salcedo Village, theAyala Center, and parts ofBel-Air Village.TheAyala Triangleis a sub-district of the Makati CBD, comprising the parcel of land betweenAyala Avenue,Makati AvenueandPaseo de Roxas, as well as the buildings on those streets. Many multinational companies, banks and other major businesses are located within the triangle. A few upscale boutiques, restaurants and a park calledAyala Triangle Gardensare also located in the area.[20]Ayala Avenue and Paseo de Roxas also house the distinction of being the runways of the former Nielson Field,Metro Manila's main airport in the 1930s.

Aerial photo of the Makati CBD along Ayala AvenueThe biggest trading floor of thePhilippine Stock Exchangeis housed in Ayala Tower One and at the old Makati Stock Exchange Building, both along Ayala Avenue.TheMakati Business Clubis composed of over 800 chief executive officers and senior executives representing almost 450 of the largest and most dynamic corporations in the Philippines.[citation needed]Most of thetallest skyscrapers in Metro Manilaand the Philippines are located in Makati such as thePBCom Tower,Gramercy ResidencesinCentury CityandG.T. International Tower. Many high-rise condominiums in the city are developed or owned by renowned real estate companies in the Philippines likeCentury PropertiesandAyala Land.PBCom Tower along Ayala Avenue is thecountry's tallest building, reaching up 259 meters. It is the headquarters of thePhilippine Bank of Communications, or PBCom. ThePBCom Toweris an office skyscraper ranked officially as the tallest building in the Philippines since 2001. It has a total ground to architectural top height of 259 meters (850ft), with 52 stories[21]including an 8-level radio tower.Shopping centers[edit]

Facade of theGreenbelt MallMakati is one of the most well-known shopping hubs ofMetro Manila. Various shopping centers, offering both international and local retail shops, high-end boutiques, dining outlets and entertainment facilities can be found around the city.[22]TheAyala Centeris a major commercial development operated byAyala Landlocated in the Makati CBD. The center is known for its wide array of shopping, entertainment and cultural offerings, making it a premier shopping and cultural district in the metropolis.[23]It is a vast walkable complex with high-end malls that houses cinemas, local and international shops, homegrown restaurants and international food chains. The shopping malls that are located at theAyala CenterincludeGreenbelt,Glorietta, Park Square, and The Link. The Ayala Center is also home to 3 department stores namely,SM Makati,Rustan's, and The Landmark.Aside from the Ayala Center, theRockwell Centeris also a popular shopping district in Makati. It is home to thePower Plant Mall. The Salcedo Saturday Market and Legazpi Sunday Market are popular open-air community markets. These markets offers organic products, specialty foods, fruits, vegetables, fish, gourmet items and antiques.Education[edit]TheUniversity of Makati, a public, non-profit university, is the city's flagship university. Other institutions of higher education include theAsian Institute of Management(AIM), the Ateneo Professional Schools,Australian Catholic University - Manila Program, theMapa Institute of Technology,Lyceum of the Philippines University-Makati,Centro Escolar University Makati,Far Eastern University- Makati,iAcademy, Asian Seminary of Christian Ministries (ASCM),Don Bosco Technical Institute, Makati,Assumption College San Lorenzo,Colegio San Agustin,Saint Paul College of Makati, Our Lady of Guadalupe Minor Seminary,Asia Pacific College,Colegio de Santa Rosa MakatiAssumption College, AMA Colleges Makati, Inc. among others.Historical sites[edit]Hagdang Bato[edit]This part ofNamayanwas sacred to earlyTagalogs. Hagdang bat (seephoto) is mentioned in chapter sixty-one ofJos Rizal's first novel,Noli Me Tngere, and chapter three of his second novel,El Filibusterismo. During theRevolutionon 10 June 1897, Gen.Emilio Aguinaldoand about five hundred soldiers crossed thePasig Riverat Hagdang bat during the march toBiac-na-batinBulacn.Museo ng Makati[edit]

Museo ng MakatiLocated along J.P. Rizal St., the Museo ng Makati is housed in an old building, which was built in 1918 and has been used as Makati's town hall from 1918 to 1961. The museum keeps the records of Makati's history through a collection of rare photographs, murals, and dioramas. It also contains artifacts, such as the fossils of pre-historic animals and earthenware.[24]The museum's architecture is a classic "Bahay na Bato", made of masonry at the ground floor and wood at the upper level. In 1934, during the reign of Mayor Nicanor Garcia, the structure was rebuilt using concrete materials. In 1958, while it was still used as a town hall, then Mayor Maximo Estrella had it renovated. In 1961, when the local government of Makati moved its office to its current site, the old town hall was used as the Municipal Library.[citation needed]But when the library was transferred to the new city hall compound, the old town hall was used as the Philippine Eye and Ear Infirmary. During the term of MayorJejomar Binay, the structure was converted into a museum through City Ordinance No. 186 that was enacted in March 1990.[25]Nuestra Seora de Gracia Church[edit]

TheNuestra Seora de Gracia Church.TheNuestra Seora de Gracia Churchis abaroqueRoman Catholicchurch which was established in 1601 by Augustinian fathers.[26]Its original architecture is a blend of the late Spanish Renaissance and early Baroque design. The touch of the Renaissance period is found in the main entrance with rose window and simple Doric columns. The interiors and the window details, meanwhile, have influences of Baroque architecture. The floor plan, on the other hand, is Romanesque.[26]During theSeven Years' War, this church was raided by the British, an event which marks the first time that Makati was affected by aglobal conflict. The church was damaged due to an earthquake in 1880 and in 1898 during the early skirmishes between American and Filipino troops.[27]The Nuestra Seora de Gracia Church is one of the most popular wedding venues inMetro Manila.[28][29]Saints Peter and Paul Church[edit]Tucked in D.M. Rivera St. and surrounded by skyscrapers and residential areas,Sts. Peter and Paul Churchis the oldest church in Makati, which was constructed in 1620.[30]It was built by Jesuit priest Rev. Pedro de los Montes at a site named Buenavista through the generous donation of Capt. Pedro de Britto in 1607.[31]The church's architectural design is a rectangular nave with apse and sacristy, which is a usual design for colonial mission churches.[32]The faade is composed of three-tiered papal and keys, symbols of thePapacy, which was first occupied by St. Peter, one of the patron saints of the parish.[33]Culture and sports[edit]

TheAyala MuseumMakati is home to a number of fine art museums, colonial-era churches and recreation areas.Along the south-eastern border of Makati beyondForbes Parkare theManila Golf Cluband the Manila Polo Club.[34]TheManila Golf Clubfeatures an 18-holegolfcourse. The Manila Polo Club counts among itspoloenthusiasts some of the country's wealthiest people. The Makati Sports Club in Salcedo Village is another popular place for sports. TheMakati Coliseumis another famous sports landmark in the city, where some of the biggest sports gatherings are held.TheAyala Museumis a private fine arts and historymuseumhousing various exhibitions such as the "Gold of Ancestors," an exhibition of more than one thousand golden pre-Hispanic artifacts.[35]Other popular museums also in Makati also include the Yuchengco Museum and the Museo ng Makati.Makati has several Spanish-era churches, such as theOur Lady of Guadalupeand theNuestra Seora de Gracia Church(Our Lady of Grace) in the old town. At the Greenbelt Park stands the modern domed chapel of the Sto. Nio de la Paz. BetweenForbes ParkandDasmarias Villageis the Santuario de San Antonio, a popular church for weddings in the Makati area. The National Shrine of the Sacred Heart is located in San Antonio Village. Makati also houses the country's only Jewish synagogue, Beth Yaacov.[citation needed]According to Time.com, Makati is not only the financial center of the Philippines, but also the world's center ofselfies.[36]Future development[edit]Ayala Landand the Makati Tourism Foundation launched a year-long campaign titled "Make It Happen, Make it Makati" to increase Makati's visibility as an arts and culture destination. The campaign is part of Ayalas ongoing US$1.5 billion redevelopment masterplan for Makati, which began in 2011 and divides the city into six distinct hubs for business, lifestyle, entertainment and transport.[37]In 2013, Ayala Land unveiled its plans for a P20-billion project that will transform the old Sta. Ana race track into a mixed-use development, featuring entertainment and sports facilities. It will sit on a 21-hectare property - the last available sprawling landbank in Makati and will be dubbed as "Circuit Makati" in honor of the Sta. Ana race track, which is part of Makati's heritage as a former racing circuit. There will be a FIFA-sized football turf which will be used for games and for football workshops. It will feature a 2-hectare open-air events ground, which can accommodate up to 20,000 people. It will have links to the Makati central business district (CBD) through Ayala Avenue Extension and South Avenue, other future road linkages or potentially even a revived Pasig River ferry service.[38]Transportation[edit]

Ayala Triangle

The Ayala Center MRT stationMajor roads inMetro Manilasurrounds Makati, such as Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA), located in the southeast part of the city, theSouth Luzon Expressway(SLEX), which intersectEDSAat the Magallanes Interchange, and theSkywaywhich is built on top of the SLEX.Land[edit]Two of Metro Manila's main arteries pass through Makati. TheEpifanio de los Santos Avenue(EDSA) pass along the city's southeast part and connects it with the cities ofMandaluyongandPasay. TheSouth Luzon Expressway(SLEX) runs through the city's western part and connects it with the city ofManilato the north and with southern Metro Manila. TheManila Skyway, an elevated highway built on top of SLEX, provides residents coming from southern Metro Manila a fast way to reach Makati. SLEX and EDSA intersect at theMagallanes Interchange, which is the most complex system of elevated roadways in Metro Manila.Buses plying the Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA/C-4) route fromBaclaraninParaaquetoQuezon CityandCaloocanpass through the central business/financial district daily.Jeepneysply Makati's inner roads and connect the city to its surrounding towns and cities.The countrys first-ever e-jeepney and hybrid bus services were piloted in Makati. The buses are parallel electric hybrids, powered by an electric motor and a Euro 3 diesel motor. The hybrid buses ply the route fromGil Puyat Avenue(Tramo/LRT-1 Taft) toKalayaan Avenue(C-5), which are considered among the busiest in the citys central business district, cutting through other major roads like South Superhighway; Chino Roces, Ayala and Makati Avenues;Paseo de Roxasand EDSA.[39]Other major roads in the city includeGil Puyat Avenue, which connects EDSA and SLEX in the north;Ayala Avenue, an important street that runs through theMakati CBD; andMakati Avenue, which connects Ayala Avenue with Gil Puyat Avenue, also extending north to cross the Pasig River to Mandaluyong. At the center of Makati is the Ayala Triangle, a park built on the former Nielsen Air Base.

Train[edit]TheMetro Rail Transit(MRT-3) on EDSA has four stations located in Makati:Guadalupe,Buendia,AyalaandMagallanes.ThePhilippine National Railwayshas three stations:Buendia,Pasay RoadandEDSA.In 2013, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) worked on a feasibility study for a $1.75 billion monorail project. The proposed 12.56-kilometer elevated monorail is envisioned to connect Makati,Bonifacio Global Cityand Pasay through the MRT Line 3 as well as the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. The present alignment being considered starts from the MRT-3 (Guadalupe Station), enters Bonifacio Global City through the north gate and ends at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3. If approved, the monorail project can be completed by 2016.[40]In 2015, the NEDA (National Economic Development Authority) approved the Public-Private Partnership project for the Philippine's first subway which will have stations at key points in Makati namely MRT3-Buendia, Ayala-EDSA, Ayala Triangle, Makati Post Office and PNR-Buendia.[41]Airport[edit]The city is 20 minutes away from theNinoy Aquino International Airport.Water[edit]ThePasig Riveris located north of Makati. ThePasig River Ferry Servicehas two stations: Guadalupe and Valenzuela.Local government[edit]

Makati City HallThe current mayor for the 20102013 term isJejomar Erwin S. Binay, the only son of former mayor and nowVice PresidentJejomar Binay. Romulo Kid Pea is the city's incumbent vice-mayor. The vice-mayor heads a legislative council consisting of 18 members: 8 Councilors from the First District, 8 Councilors from the Second District, the President of the Sangguniang Kabataan (Youth Council) Federation, representing the youth sector, and the President of the Association of Barangay Chairmen (ABC) as barangay sectoral representative. The council is in charge of creating the city's policies in the form of Ordinances and Resolutions. Current district representatives of the city are Monique Yazmin Q. Lagdameo, representing the1st districtand Mar-len Abigail S. Binay, daughter of Jejomar Binay, for the2nd district.

Map of Makati; note that Makati controls the northernmost tip of Barangay Post Proper Northside.Makati is divided into 33 barangays (the smallest local government units) which handles governance in a much smaller area. These barangays are grouped into two congressional districts where each district is represented by a congressman in the country's House of Representatives. Congressional District I is composed of the barangays straddlingEDSA, the barangays to the north and west of them, while excluding Guadalupe Viejo and Pinagkaisahan, while District II are to the south and east of District I, including the two aforementioned baragays. The districts used to elect the members of the city council are coextensive with the congressional districts.BarangayPopulation (2004)Population (2010)[3]Area (km2)District

Bangkal22,43323,3780.741st

Bel-Air9,33018,2801.711st

Carmona3,6993,0960.341st

Cembo25,81527,9980.222nd

Comembo14,17414,4330.272nd

Dasmarias5,7575,6541.901st

East Rembo23,90226,4330.442nd

Forbes Park3,4202,5332.531st

Guadalupe Nuevo22,49318,2710.572nd

Guadalupe Viejo13,63216,4110.622nd

Kasilawan6,2245,2910.091st

La Paz8,8437,9310.321st

Magallanes7,5095,5761.201st

Olympia20,17221,2700.441st

Palanan16,61417,2830.651st

Pembo35,03544,8031.232nd

Pinagkaisahan6,1865,8040.162nd

Pio del Pilar22,49527,0351.201st

Pitogo13,36715,3320.142nd

Poblacion8,44617,1200.461st

Rizal37,02241,9593.552nd

San Antonio12,22611,4430.891st

San Isidro8,6867,5890.501st

San Lorenzo6,48710,0062.091st

Santa Cruz7,4197,4400.471st

Singkamas6,2267,4260.131st

South Cembo13,57014,6720.202nd

Tejeros16,82013,8680.291st

Urdaneta3,8173,7170.741st

Valenzuela5,9087,2610.241st

West Rembo28,88928,4060.552nd

List of mayors[edit] Marcelino Magsaysay (1901-1903) Eusebio Arpilleda (1903-1908) Hermogenes Santos (1908-1911) Urbano Navarro (1911-1913) Jos Magsaysay (1913-1916) Pedro Domingo (1917-1919) Ricardo Arpilleda (1919-1920) Igmidio Flores (1920-1922) Nicanor Garca (1922-1934) Jose Villena (1935-1941, 1948-1954) Pablo Cortez (1945-1947) Ignacio Babasa (1954) Bernardo Umali (1954) Mximo Estrella (1956-1964) Rafael Baola (1964-1969) Jos Luciano (19691971) Csar Alzona (19711972) Nemesio I. Yabut (19721986) Jejomar Binay(19861987, 1988-1998, 20012010) Sergio Santos (officer-in-charge 1987-1988) Elenita Binay(19982001) Jejomar Erwin Binay, Jr.(currently suspended2010present) Romulo Pea Jr. (acting 2015present)Seal of Makati City[edit]

Seal of Makati CityThe official seal of Makati depicts a silhouette of the territory of Makati. At the bottom is the Pasig River, located on the northern border of Makati city. The Guadalupe Church stands on the river and is the oldest church in Makati; a reference to Spanish religious influences. Behind the church rises the modern skyscrapers, for which Makati is well-known. Behind the skyscrapers are 33 rays representing thebarangaysof Makati.International relations[edit]Diplomatic missions[edit]Countries that have set up permanent missions or embassies in the city include: Argentina Australia Austria Bangladesh Belgium Brazil Brunei Cambodia Canada People's Republic of China Cuba Czech Republic Egypt Finland France Germany Indonesia Iran Israel Italy Lebanon Malaysia Malta Mexico Netherlands New Zealand Niger Norway Pakistan Palestine Papua New Guinea Peru Portugal Qatar Romania Russia Saudi Arabia Singapore South Africa Spain Sri Lanka Sweden Switzerland Thailand Turkey United Arab Emirates Venezuela

Twin towns Sister cities[edit]Makati'ssister cityisLos Angeles, California. Makati is alsotwinnedwithRamapo, New YorkandVladivostok,Russia.International cities

Budapest, Hungary Cluj-Napoca, Romania Los Angeles, United States Ramapo, New York, United States Vladivostok, Russia Taichung, Taiwan

Local cities

San Juan, Batangas, Philippines Calamba City,Laguna, Philippines Tayabas City,Quezon, Philippines Mogpog, Marinduque, Philippines Zamboanga City, Zamboanga Del Sur, Philippines Kidapawan City,North Cotabato, Philippines Santiago City, Philippines Bacolod City,Negros Occidental, Philippines

See also[edit]Philippines portal

List of renamed cities and municipalities in the Philippines Tourism in ManilaReferences[edit]1. Jump up^