Normally the mention of “Instagram-worthy places” conjures images of remote beaches, mountains accessible via hours of driving, or vistas that are a plane ride away. However, the City of Makati has its own ‘hidden gems’ in terms of places that are worthy of inclusion in one’s personal gallery. Many of these are readily accessible via public transportation, making them perfect for a day-long photo trip through the city.
Green Spaces in Makati
For natural beauty in this city, one need not look further than Makati’s parks and open spaces. The most famous of these is the Ayala Triangle Gardens, located in the heart of the central business district. Benches, small restaurants and well-kept paths make this welcoming for photo trips and people watching, with the local cat population adding a dose of fun and quirkiness to the area. The old air traffic tower and the restaurant Blackbird also provide an elegant focal point for pictures. Each Christmas the park has an additional attraction in the form of a musical light show.
Another more serene area for photo trips is the Legazpi Park, also known as the Washington Sycip Park. Part of this park is patterned after traditional Chinese and Japanese gardens, with bamboo groves, bridges, and water features. Modern art installations also add variety to the otherwise serene landscape and make great spots for a photo story.
A third park worthy of your Instagram feed is the Greenbelt Park nestled within the eponymous mall. This small park has water features, winding paths under arches and over bridges, and a serene chapel that has become a popular house of worship in the area. The unexpected calm in this green space draws visitors to take a side trip from window shopping to catch a breath of fresh air.
Rooftops and Cityscapes
A city with so many towering structures and view decks will certainly have no shortage of sweeping views of the metropolitan skyline. Some places in Makati capitalize on this, such as the Top of the Citi restaurant by Chef Jessie, situated in the Citibank Tower in Salcedo Village. Other rooftop decks worth visiting include Z Hostel, Encima and Firefly of the City Garden Hotels, and the Fyre Rooftop Lounge. These rooftops are located in Poblacion, a neighbourhood known for its lively nightlife, street parties, and hole-in-the-wall culinary finds.
Another way to enjoy the Makati skyline is to book a hotel room in any of the premier accommodations in the city’s central. Top picks include Makati Shangri-la, Manila Peninsula, Discovery Primea and Hotel Fairmont. Many of these boutique hotels have renowned buffet restaurants, poolside bars, and a host of other amenities to enhance the high living experience.
Weekly Markets
Weekends are an excellent time to be in Makati City because of the bustling weekend markets and pop-up stores that provide a refreshing contrast to the high-end malls and chains of the area. The activity center of the Glorietta mall often hosts trade expos, artisan fairs, and exhibitions. More often than not, both the enthusiast and casual shopper will find something worth photographing and curating. The Agora at Greenbelt, for instance, is a popular site for mini galleries and shows that are worth a visit.
Makati is also home to one of the metropolis’ favorite organic and artisan markets: the Salcedo Market. This is set up every Saturday in the Salcedo Park (Jaime Velasquez Park) within the Makati CBD. Apart from fresh organically grown vegetables, free-range meats and other choice ingredients, the market also features a variety of cuisines from all around the world. Many of these dishes are presented artistically, making them almost a shame to eat under the tents and trees of the park!
The city landscape is often underrated in the eyes of the casual photographer. However, with a little creativity and an open perspective, even the busiest city can become chock full of visual wonders. Makati, in its quest to become a modern and healthy city, also serves its purpose by improving its aesthetic value. Hopefully, more of its sights and wonders will be captured not just in social media, but also for posterity.
Note: This is a sponsored post.
