Makati City…the name of the Philippines oftenly associated with New York’s Wall Street came from the word Kati or kumakati which means tide and ebbing tide respectively. Presently, a globe trotter will associate Makati’s appearance with downtown Hongkong or Manhattan (one of the five boroughs of New York) because of its cluster of towering skyscrapers.
During the pre-Spanish era, this swampy and cogon grass covered area that overlooks the serpentine curl of the Pasig River was ruled by the native chieftain Lakan Tagkan and his wifeBouan. It was said that when Don Miguel de Legazpi, the first Governor General of the Philippines and the known founder of Manila first set foot in this area, he asked what the place is called. The natives misunderstanding the question due to the language barrier answered “makati, kumakati na” meaning the water in the Pasig River is already receding.

Makati City is considered to be the finance and economic core not only of Metro Manila but of the entire Philippines. Located in its central district are embassies of different nations and head offices of the country’s biggest banks and largest corporations. Aside from being a prime location for businesses, Makati City is also the hub of the Metropolis’ entertainment and recreation. The Ayala Center, the Glorietta, the Makati Cinema Square and the Greenbelt Square are at par with any other shopping and entertainment centers in the world. The finest department stores offers varied local and imported goods, exclusive fashion boutiques, jewelry shops, bookstores and quaint antique shops can be found in these establishments as well.
Forbes Park, Dasmarinas Village and San Lorenzo Village are the city’s most exclusive residential area, housing foreign dignitaries, politicians, people from the entertainment and fashion world and prime businessmen of the country. Heavily guarded mansions are the residence of the country’s richest and most influential families. Although considered to be the country’s economic center, Makati is a quiet and peaceful place. Schools located in the area are mostly privately managed except for public schools. International School and Don Bosco Makati are 2 examples. The Makati Medical Center houses the finest medical practitioners of the country and the Makati Art Center is also located on a prime building along Paseo de Roxas. For the tourists and local citizens, Makati City has more to offer such as The Manila American Cemetery and Memorial located in Fort Bonifacio, delights visitors with its carefully manicured green lawns and perpetually blooming flowers. Outside of the USA, this is considered to be the biggest American cemetery. Located in Fort Bonifacio too is the Libingan ng mga Bayani. Otherwise known as the Tomb of Unknown Soldiers, this serves as the burial ground of soldiers killed during World War II, just like the Arlington Cemetary in Arlington, Virginia.

For people who are fascinated with old architecture the Guadalupe Ruins or Nuestra Senora de Gracia in Bernardo Street, Guadalupe Viejo and the Saints Peter and Paul Church that was built in 1620 are both a must-see. The Guadalupe Ruins that was built in 1629 still stands today.