The Hidden Gems of Legaspi Village in Makati City, Philippines

When someone mentions the word Makati, several images come to mind: towering skyscrapers and office buildings, busy men and women in corporate attire rushing past, hopeful job applicants clutching several copies of their resume. Everyone is in a hurry to get to the next meeting or close the next business deal, and the city is all abuzz with frenetic capitalist activity.

However, just a couple of turns from Paseo de Roxas will land you in a place so different you’ll think you’ve left Makati. This area is called Legaspi Village, the chill, homey cousin of the Ayala CBD. The buildings are shorter, the people not as harried, and the overall vibe more relaxed. You’re more likely to find employees in casual clothes, walking leisurely in groups as they decide where to have their next meal or which café to meet in.

here are several hidden gems in Legaspi Village that you must visit if you happen to be in the area.

The Curator. Coffee shops are by-and-large a staple of the Makati working class zombie, but we have yet to see a fresher variation than the Curator. It’s easy to pass this one by but play close attention to the white walls and you’ll know you’re in the right place. The Curator serves excellent coffee staples and frequently displays other coffee brands, such as % Arabica. Further inside, guests will find a speakeasy hidden behind an unassuming door. Have a chill night drinking with friends and enjoy the various cocktails for sale.

Little Tokyo. You don’t have to book a plane ticket to Japan just to savor authentic oriental food. Venture out to Little Tokyo, a hub of small restaurants and stalls serving Japanese cuisine. Taste everything from delicious yakisoba noodles to crunchy takoyaki pieces, all at affordable prices.

Legaspi Sunday Market. Open only on Sundays (obviously), the Legaspi Sunday Market is composed of numerous stalls catering to different taste buds. Keep it healthy and shop for organic vegetables or go loco over artisanal vegan ice cream, mushroom fries, and delicious Hainanese chicken rice.

Accommodation Makati. If you’re looking for a place to stay, consider BSA Mansion Hotel. This Makati hotel is also in the Legaspi area, located near the spots mentioned above. A city hotel catering to both business and leisure travelers, BSA is a solid and affordable option whether you’re staying for the long- or short-term. Enjoy various facilities such as an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and airport transfers when you book a stay with BSA Mansion Hotel on their website: http://www.bsamansion-makati.com.

5 Makati City Festivals You Won't Want To Miss

Just like any Filipino community, Makati City is home to various annual festivities that depict the its colorful culture and tradition. Read on to know 5 of these exciting celebrations.

More often than not, travelers book a hotel accommodation in Makati only when they need to attend a corporate event. For most of us, the city is just a place of towering skyscrapers. But what we don't know is that Makati has a lot more to offer. Just like any Filipino community, Makati is home to various annual festivities that depict the city's colorful culture and tradition. Among these festivals are:

1. Caracol Festival
Through the passage of Resolution 351, this has been an official festival in Makati that pays tribute to Filipino resilience. The name of the festival was derived from the Spanish word for “snail”, a shelled creature that symbolizes the people’s efforts to combat difficulties. Caracol Festival invites the spectators in merrymaking as the participants parade with their masks and nature-inspired costumes. This takes place during the last Sunday of January and is considered as Makati City’s version of Rio de Janeiro’s Mardi Gras.

2. Xong Di Festival
The city Makati holds the Xong Di Festival to celebrate the brotherhood between the Chinese and Filipino communities. It aims to strengthen the bond of the two Asian countries by highlighting their cultural similarities. The main attraction of this event is the parade of ethnic costumes and accessories, showcasing an impressive blend of Philippine and Chinese designs. Watch out for this spectacular festival a few days after the Chinese New Year.

3. Bailes delos Arcos
Bailes Delos Arcos is one of the most exciting festivals that entices many tourists who book for Makati hotels. Barangay Poblacion holds this annual feast every 29th of June in honor of Virgen Dela Rosa, St. Peter, and St. Paul. This is a much-awaited event because the festival involves the participation of young ladies who train for a year for the so called “Dance of Virgins”. They offer this amazing performance in a kind of pledged devotion to the patron saints.

4. Likhang Kamay Festival
If you love buying Filipino products, you should visit the exhibits of Likhang Kamay in Makati City. This is a yearly trade show that has been instrumental in the discovery and development of various native handicrafts producers. It usually features regional goods that champion local culture, which include pottery, woven materials, and wood carvings. Every year, the organizers and tourism department promote this event for broader participation and exposure.

5. Belen sa Makati
As early as November, Makati radiates the vibrant Yuletide season as it commences the Belen sa Makati Festival. During this time, the city's business district is adorned with giant creches and colorful lanterns. The entire stretch of Ayala Avenue that comes very festive with effervescent Christmas lights is a sure delight to everyone. With the unparalleled grandeur of the event, these wonderful spectacles will never fail to get visitors in the holiday spirit.

Undeniably, Makati is more than just the business capital of this country. With a number of feasts that it celebrates, the city has its fair share to the Philippine customs and traditions. So the next time you reserve an accommodation in Makati, make sure to witness one these festivities.