Soul of a City: A Makati City Tour

When we hear the name Makati some of the words that we have in mind definitely include the Binays, high-rise buildings, the Ayalas and their Ayala Avenue, posh shopping malls and the likes. But a few days back I was impressed by how this highly-urbanized city is still keeping some of its prized historical gems through the local government's  initiative to share the historical side of the city, the "Soul of a City: A Makati City Tour."

I was lucky to be a part of its maiden tour a few days back, and together with some media personalities, we were treated to an afternoon of amazement and appreciation of a city we thought is all about high-ends and luxury.

This “Soul of a City" is Makati Tourism Foundation, Inc.'s (MTFI) project to showcase the city’s historical and modern landmarks, heritage sites and prime shopping venues. Launched last May 17, 2013, the project is inline with the foundation’s thrust to further promote the city as one great tourist destination, rich in both character and culture. 

The city tour route includes visit to the country’s oldest churches like Church of Saints Peter and Paul and Church and Monastery of Guadalupe; Forbes Park; local “Wall Street” Ayala Avenue; shopping havens Glorietta and Greenbelt; Ayala Museum, and other noteworthy destinations. 

Church of Saints Peter and Paul

Church and Monastery of Guadalupe 

And since our trip was some sort "special", we squeezed in our 2-hour tour some of those destinations and passed by on the other landmarks that most of us are quite familiar. Normally, this tour takes about 4 hours or so, so yeah, it was really kinda "bitin" for us.

Anyway, one notable destination that we see that day was the very sacred American Cemetery and Memorial Park.

Now a part of Taguig City, this cemetery was formerly part of the old Makati City. The rules inside the cemetery is very strict and not all with cameras are allowed to go inside to shoot, so be mindful as always.

Ayala Museum

After our few minutes there, the tour then proceeded to Ayala Museum, which is a famous landmark in the Central Business District, and then followed by a quick pasalubong-buying trip at Balikbayan Handicrafts.

For those who opt a really memorable "Makati" souvenir, in line with this Soul of the City Tour, the MTFI also launched their very first kiosk, which serves as an information center as well as souvenir shop. Tourists can find brochures and other promotional materials from the foundations’ members, mostly hotels, restaurants, travel agencies and retail stores, which give very helpful information on the ins and outs of the city. It is also where tourists can purchase Makati City and Ayala Center souvenirs such as shirts, umbrellas, stuffed toys, mugs, among other merchandise.

As of now, this kiosk is located at the Activity Center of Glorietta.

Soul of a City Tour is made possible through partnerships with Ayala Land Inc., Le Clefs d’Or Philippines, Jeepney Tours and the Makati City government. Makati guests can avail the said tour at a price of Php1000.00, that's with free refreshment, of course. Soul of the City Tour is currently operating in the morning, with 4 air conditioned jeepneys taking tourists one destination at a time, but they will eventually have an afternoon shift to accommodate more guests, according to Jeepney Tours' CEO Miss Clang Garcia.

Our tiring but fun tour around the city ended in a sumptuous merienda with friends at the New World Hotel, which is located at the very heart of the Central Business District! :-)

I'll share my personal views on the sites that we visited on my next blogs, so stay tuned!  For now, happy Rammmpa!