Travellers in search of luxury living space in Manila should look no further than the Ascott Makati. Offering visitors a short stay apartment Manila counts among its finest this elegant rest provides plush accommodation for both corporate and leisure travellers.
As the heart of Metropolitan Manila Makati is a cosmopolitan space littered with some of the city’s most engaging retail and entertainment attractions. Dubbed the commercial epicenter of Manila the financial hub which is home to the Philippine Stock Exchange and other large economic institutions is also home to a plethora of attractions suited to every variety of traveller.
One of Makati’s most visited landmarks is of course the Ninoy Aquino Monument which is dedicated to the country’s leader and national icon Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino. Credited with bringing democracy to the Philippines after the dictatorship of the Marcos era the locale is a site that inspired national pride and gratitude. The Nuestra Señora de Gracia Church is another revered landmark in Makati that is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As an exquisite example of European style Baroque architecture the venue is best known for the stunning image of the Holy Mother or Virgin Mary contained within its confines. Greenbelt Chapel on the other hand is a breathtaking edifice surrounded by sprawling parkland complete with a lily pond and towering trees. A popular stopover among locals the venue is also home to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
The rich cultural heritage and history of the Philippines is explored in detail at Makati’s most popular museum space, the Ayala Museum. Documenting the evolution of the country from the Mactan Battle era the venue also showcases artwork by renowned local artists the likes of Fernando Zobel and Juan Luna. Art enthusiasts must also drop in at Makati’s Yuchengco Museum. Housing the extensive art collection of Secretary Alfonso T. Yuchengco the locale is a visual art lover’s dream come true with notable works by Carlos “Botong” Francisco and Fernando Amorsolo on display.
The Ayala Triangle Park is the best place to enjoy lush, rolling lawns and Makati’s finest cuisine as the verdant space is encircled by some of the city’s finest cafes and eateries. Organic food lovers and souvenir hunters should head down to Legaspi Pak on Sundays as the parkland transforms in to a country market with local sweets and fresh produce. The Salcedo Park is another must-experience highlight in Makati as it also hosts its own market on Saturday mornings.
Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.
