Joanna James
For a brilliant holiday atmosphere of fun, food, excitement, and cosy vibes, with a dash of cutting-edge glamour and old-world artistry, Makati checks all the boxes for a sensational seasonal getaway. Here’s what to explore in the open air.
There’s no better way to spend the festive season in a contemporary metropolis that feels like a non-stop carnival and harmonises nature, heritage, technology, and culture in a lyrical symphony. Though the Philippines is not as tropically balmy in December, the pleasantly warm days and crisp, dazzlingly lit nights make this walkable metropolis a treat for the senses. During the peak season for outdoor attractions and Insta-worthy decorations, you’ll find Manila’s jewel-toned necklace of cities a blissful wonderland, crowded but full of opportunities for sparking spontaneous connections. Whether it's getting blown away by stunning Spanish-colonial art, architecture, and antiques at Casa Manila and Fort Santiago, stepping into the interactive realms of The Mind Museum, or enjoying a nostalgic taste of childhood at Star City, winding through the richly decked streets of Makati on foot will also save you from the snarl of Christmas traffic.
Whether it's savouring seasonal beverages in festooned cafes, getting lost in futuristic mega malls featuring the deals of a lifetime, or indulging in the festive menu in one of many chef’s-kiss restaurants, there are plenty of enticing excuses to stay indoors in Makati. However, the magically lit triangle of lush greenery, rustling trees, and a colourful line-up of adjacent shops and eateries at Ayala Triangle Gardens, Manila’s take on Central Park, is an exception you won’t regret making! If you’re looking for contemporary Makati serviced apartments close to its pulsating urban hubs, venture no further than the likes of Somerset Millennium Makati.
For a hearty dose of fun family activities, phenomenal food, and rejuvenating eco-therapy, this delicious pocket park hosts the iconic Salcedo Weekend Market, an open-air fiesta of multi-ethnic flavours and artisanal finds, from decadent gelato and stuffed Japanese pancakes to masala chai blends and breakfast burritos. Legaspi Market is also a great stop for a slice-of-life taste of the local culture, with plenty of traditional delicacies, unique handicrafts, and a close-knit community that is a refreshing break from more over-the-top tourist traps.
Strung with fairy lights and enchanting emerald wreaths, head to Paseo de Roxas, Makati’s versatile CBD, for a sight that will stir all Insta-loving gastronomes! At the Makati Street Meet, you can indulge in tantalising modern twists on traditional favourites, from leche flan doughnuts and chunky cheesecake on a stick to meaty shawarmas, nori tacos, and innovative croissants that will transport you to Paris. A mobile coffee bar awaits to supply you with imaginative brews that will land you on cloud 9, or you can go for the stomach-warming Filippino horchata, a festive fusion of cinnamon, condensed milk, and ground rice.
For fancy-tickling gifts and limited-edition souvenirs, head to Circuit Makati’s Holiday Night Market, where you can splurge on the stupendous deals offered by homegrown brands offering exclusive handcrafted products and international icons that will tickle your inner shopaholic awake!
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
