Makati in a Jiffy: Guide to the City's Landmarks, Attractions, and Festivals

April 11, 2013 - PRLog -- Business and leisure travelers who choose to stay in one of the best hotels in Makati, Philippines will find great amusement by exploring the marvels of the bustling metropolis. Apart from being the country's leading economic center, this cosmopolitan city is known as a place where historic affluence, contemporary culture, and urban living converge. Read on to learn more about the things that you should look forward to during a visit at the famed "Wall Street of the Philippines”.

Illustrious Landmarks

You'll be surprised that an opulent heritage still thrives at the heart of this pulsating district. Unknown to most visitors, Makati is home to several cultural and historical landmarks. Two of the most iconic structures here are the Santuario de Guadalupe and Nuestra Señora de Gracia churches. The former houses the oldest image of the Our Lady of Guadalupe (patroness and protector of life), while the latter is a 400-year-old edifice known for its early Baroque and late Spanish Renaissance architectural designs.

Notable Museums

Makati has its fair share of history to tell. This is elaborately illustrated in the most prominent repositories in and around the city. To make the most of your trip in the city, visit these 3 museums to experience an enriching escapade.

1. The Philippine Army Museum - features exhibits that depict the story of the Armed Forces of the Philippines; situated at McArthur Drive, Fort Bonifacio

2. Ayala Museum - showcases Philippine fine arts and iconography masterpieces, and ethnographic and archeological relic displays; located at the Greenbelt malls.

3. Museo ng Makati - a community museum that houses anthropological artifacts; located at J. P. Rizal St., Poblacion, which is easily accessible to a number of premier Makati accommodations (http://www.oxfordsuitesmakati.com/).

Tranquil Parks

If you need some quiet moment after an exhausting day of meetings or sightseeing, you can unwind in a park or garden that nestles in Makati's urban jungle. Among these are:

1. Ayala Triangle Gardens - an urban oasis where you can enjoy the lush surroundings while savoring delectable dishes in any of the restaurants in the area;

2. Legaspi Active Park - a mini-park that has a small playground; and

3. Washington Sycip Park - a serene sanctuary that features a man-made pond with fish and ducks.

Hangout Spots

Those who love to party the night away will find their perfect spots at a bevy of bars and restaurants in Makati. Some of the best party places in the city that will let you relish a unique nightlife are the following:

1. Havana Cafe (Greenbelt Mall 3) - serves Spanish cocktails and delicacies; boasts in-house dance instructors that teach basic samba and salsa;

2. Howzat Sports Bar (Kalayaan Avenue) - offers exquisite European cuisines; caters mostly to sports fanatics who want to watch local and international games; and

3. Cathouse (Ayala Avenue) - a favored place for clubbing, which sits near several 5-star hotels in Makati; said to feature the best pool table in the area

Colorful Festivals

During your visit to Makati, you can also discover how the city celebrates its culture and community spirit by partaking in various festivities. These annual events include:

1. Caracol Festival - a Mardi Gras- like celebration that takes place on the last Sunday of January;
2. Xong Di Festival - pre-Chinese New Year affair for the Chinese and Filipino communities; and the
3. Belen sa Makati - a Yuletide event that highlights giant creches and colorful lanterns.
If you're staying in one of the prime hotels in Makati (http://www.oxfordsuitesmakati.com/), Philippines during the last week of June, you can also witness the Bailes delos Arcos, a feast that honors patron saints.

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