Makati Local

So it’s friday night. And if you’re a Filipino rocker living in the Metro, you know what that means – it’s time to party! Makati city, known as one of the country’s most modern and busiest locations, also houses some of the best rock haunts. It’s the city to be in, to get the hard-hitting jams and talented gigs that you’ve always wanted to be in. So strap on your boots, take a swig from a cold one, and read on. Let’s you and me find out on where to head out for a rockin’ night:

Saguijo
Guijo street, if you’re not familiar with Makati, may seem to be just like any other old dusty road. Nothing can be found there except for a couple of old houses. But once night falls. A certain place transforms into one of the Philippines’ premier locations of rock music. Saguijo (sa – at; Guijo – the street) is a small, two-story bar where bands of all kinds party each night. Themed nights vary – some would have up and coming college bands jamming together, still some would even feature the country’s best and top bands. It’s a bizarre place to be in – people dancing inside, crowded yet happy; others drinking booze out at the small garden. You just have to be there to experience it!

Ayala Museum (M Cafe)
Who would know that one of the country’s best and art-forward museums can also be a venue for rock music? M Cafe, the Ayala Museum’s premier restaurant/coffee-shop, is often the chosen venue for some of the Philippines’ best electrical and experimental musical acts. It’s surreal actually – you’re in a posh museum, which also happens to be in-between two major malls, and you’re dancing to the beat of pulsating synthesizers. And coupled with laser light shows, a party in here would be the closest thing you’d find yourself having synthesia!

Hard Rock Cafe
The name itself is synonymous to one having a good time. Heck, it’s a global brand! But the Hard Rock Cafe sure delivers some of the best parties in Makati. The great thing about this place is that it just isn’t limited to rock – several diverse music groups are actually regulars here. You may want to check out Sunday nights, for a steamy and carnal time with the sexy Mocha Girls!

Makati city is the place to be – whether you’re a rocker or not. It’s having a fun time. That’s what matters! By knowing these venues, you’ll be giving yourself a guide on where to go in this great city. And if you do decide to party, make sure to keep it safe! Have fun!

If you find yourself in the Philippines, make it a point to visit modern and bustling Makati City. Right smack in-between two posh malls – Glorietta and Greenbelt – is an equally striking, imposing yet “artsy” building. This is the Ayala Museum, home to the Philippines’ best contemporary and multimedia artworks.

Originally an establishment to showcase art works of businessman Fernando Zobel (who incidentally, is the owner of the museum), the Ayala Museum houses a mixed collection of past artifacts and modern art pieces and installations. The collections being displayed are mainly a good reflection of the Philippines’ colorful history.

So aside from the exhibits, why should you visit the Ayala Museum? Here are some reasons:

Learn
Just like any other museum, The Ayala Museum regularly holds a schedule of lectures. What makes these lectures different than other run-of-the-mill art establishments are the diverse themes and tackles discussed. Up and coming multimedia artists, practitioners and students get much needed interaction with leading media experts in DesignTalks, a forum discussing practical application of their chosen art. Another popular and always fully-booked lecture or event are the Dr. Ambeth Ocampo talks. Ocampo, known as the premier Jose Rizal historian in the country, combines and brings in wit and fact in his always entertaining talks. Ocampo’s lectures range from the historical (Rizal, Bonifacio, other Filipino heroes) to the mundane (money, hats, Filipino habits).

Eat and Drink
The Ayala Museum is also known for the M Cafe, its in-house restaurant/cafe. M Cafe is known for its Asian fusion dishes, uniquely presented in a very distinct, yet eye-appealing manner. Showing that art is also celebrated and expressed through their food, the M Cafe is frequently visited not only by artists, but by the common public as well.

Play
Being in an accessible location in an otherwise business centered city, it comes at no surprise that the Ayala Museum is also the chosen venue of some of the best parties in the Philippines. Rock bands jam and mosh in its lobby. Intimate gatherings can be done in the tranquil and quiet garden. Even poetry readings, impromptu performances are done in the museum’s vast and spacious vicinity.

These are just some of the major reasons on why you need to visit the Ayala Museum. For the best on Philippine art, with a dash of modern, fast and entertaining acts, experience the Philippines like you’ve never done before at the Ayala Museum.

Do you need a place to stay for the night in bustling Makati City? Or maybe want something different out of your typical hotel experience? Then you may want to consider checking these places out. Here are 3 unique Makati hotels that are worth staying at:

City Garden Hotel
City Garden Hotel is located at Makati Avenue corner Kalayaan Avenue. A modest yet beautiful place frequented by locals and foreigners alike, it features all the best amenities that any hotel has. The nice thing about it, unlike bigger Makati hotels, is its safe and accessible location, which has less stressful traffic. Its main highlight is its delicious dishes found in its Le Jardin Restaurant. A mixture of Asian and International cuisine makes sure that everyone is treated. Also, a Roof Deck Restaurant can be found in this hotel, making it the perfect venue for those special social events.

The Peninsula Manila
Found smack dab in the middle of the Makati Business District (Ayala Avenue corner Makati Avenue), The Peninsula Manila has a grand facade that will surely amaze its visitors. Its sprawling fountain located along its Ayala corner, has actually been a venue for a New Year’s Day event in the past. The interiors of this hotel are of the highest caliber, that various events have been done in it. Also, its restaurants have been the talk of the town – the Salon de Ning, with its Art Deco inspired interior design, has been proven to be a great venue for parties and other get-togethers.

Dusit Thani Manila
Apparently, it’s all in the smile. You are actually greeted and escorted professionally by beautiful ladies in Dusit Thani Manila. This hotel, found right beside the Ayala MRT station, offers a quiet ambiance seldom found in a noisy city. It’s an escape from the hustle and bustle that Makati is known for. The Dusit Thani Hotel is also nearby two big malls – SM Makati and Ayala Glorietta – making shopping a breeze. The Dusit Thani Hotel takes pride of its facilities and events halls; which are great venues for grand weddings and the like.

Makati hotels have everything for everyone’s unique tastes. The City Garden Hotel provides practical yet relaxing stays. The Shangri-La Hotel gives the most beautiful and classiest event venues and restaurants. The Dusit Thani Hotel provides hotel amenities and professional service at an accessible location. By knowing these hotels, you can be sure to have a memorable and pleasant stay in Makati.