Why Makati still defines premium living
Throughout the years, Makati City has kept its status and reputation as a premier business hub.
Despite the rise of other central business districts (CBDs), it remains hard to rival, with its central location, premium offices, upscale retail scene, posh residential offerings, and proximity to other key business hubs and institutions.
‘Wall Street’ of the Philippines
Makati’s esteemed status today can be traced back in part to the 1960s, when Ayala Avenue was developed as the main street of its CBD.
Known as the “Wall Street of the Philippines,” Ayala Avenue runs through the heart of the Makati CBD, serving as a prime address for numerous businesses. Its presence has helped sustain the CBD’s importance as a base for large outsourcing firms, multinational corporations, Filipino-owned firms, consular offices, and other key institutions.
In the 1970s, the Makati CBD continued to attract more firms with the rise of its commercial towers including, but not limited to the Citibank Center, Pacific Star, and Lepanto Building. The emergence of high-rises such as Ayala Tower One and RCBC Plaza further reinforced Makati’s staying power as a corporate hub and its role in advancing the future of office spaces.
A cut above the rest
The passage of time, shifting business trends, the 21st-century move toward modernization and technology, the various crises, and economic uncertainties have done little to hinder Makati’s development. If anything, its ability to keep evolving has kept it a cut above the rest for so long.
In fact, over the last several years, the Makati CBD has seen the rise of new developments that further cement its status as the country’s most established prime business district.
One example is the Ayala Triangle Gardens Tower 2, a 40-story building home to premium offices, co-working spaces, high end restaurants, and event venues.
Premium residences
Makati’s residential segment has remained equally strong, with older spaces being redeveloped and repurposed into new residential projects.
Today, the CBD continues to stand as a prime address for a wide range of luxury residences, with more developments expected to rise in the years ahead.
Among the newest projects is The Estate Makati, an ultra-luxury residential development situated on the last available parcel of land along Apartment Ridge on Ayala Avenue. This area is deemed as one of the Philippines’ most renowned upscale residential enclaves and an ideal location for both investors and homebuyers.
Tailored city living
The Estate Makati, jointly developed by SM Residences and Federal Land, represents the multi-awarded Foster and Partners’ first entry in the Philippines.
Rising over 270 meters, it features a cross-shaped structure designed to enhance privacy, improve cross-ventilation, and frame expansive views of the bustling city below.
The angled facade system further improves on the experience of its residents by reducing glares from the sun.
The Estate Makati also features double-slab technology, a rare method among residential projects that supports customized layouts, specialized room configurations, and future design changes without interfering with structural or mechanical systems. By keeping wires and pipes hidden between slabs, each unit can maximize a reconfigurable, column-free space.
The tailored and optimized means of living in The Estate Makati also extend to its services.
Residents have access to lifestyle services such as concierge support and day-to-day coordination, designed to make everyday routines more seamless, private, and comfortable.
Makati, constantly evolving
Though times change and business practices and residential preferences evolve, so does Makati.
Through its constant transformation, the city has become not only a place for work, but a hub where creativity, connection, and urban living come together to support sustainable development.
Sources: Inquirer archives, guidetothephilippines.ph, alveoland-ayala.com, federalresidences.com, estatemakati.com.ph
