Things To Do
in Makati City

The Philippines' unofficial national dish—meat (usually chicken or pork) braised in soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and bay leaves. Widely available from carinderias (local eateries) to upscale restaurants.

Must-Try!

A tangy tamarind-based sour soup, often made with pork, shrimp, or fish and local vegetables—comfort food after a hot day, found in many family-style restaurants.

Crispy roast pork (lechon) or deep-fried pork belly (lechon kawali). Best at specialty restaurants or Filipino celebrations; smaller portions and versions are common in Makati eateries.

A cold dessert of shaved ice, evaporated milk, sweet beans, fruits, jellies, and leche flan—perfect for cooling down on hot afternoons and served at cafés and dessert shops.

Use polite language and gestures when interacting with older people; the traditional 'mano po' gesture (taking an elder's hand to forehead) is appreciated in family settings but not commonly expected from tourists.

Filipinos are generally warm and conversational—smiling and small talk are common. Be polite, avoid raising your voice, and accept offers of hospitality with gratitude.

Dress modestly when visiting churches or religious events; remove hats and speak quietly inside places of worship.

Filipinos are more tactile and may stand close in conversation; public displays of affection are tolerated but best kept moderate in conservative settings.

Small tips are appreciated but not always required; many restaurants add a 10% service charge—if service charge is absent, a 5–10% tip is customary in sit-down restaurants; small change for porters and drivers is polite.

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in malls and restaurants; cash (Philippine peso) is preferred for markets, street food, and small vendors. Mobile wallets (GCash, PayMaya) are common locally—set up an account if you plan extended stays. Ride-hailing apps (Grab) accept cards and cash.

A conservation area with guided trail hikes, rope courses, and dramatic limestone formations—about 1.5–2 hours from Makati depending on traffic; booking in advance is required.

A popular day-hike mountain with volcanic slopes, biodiversity, and multiple trails; approximately 1.5–2 hours from Makati, suitable for guided hikes and nature trips.

Known for its river pools, rock formations, and scenic views; typically a 2–3 hour drive from Makati and often done as a day trip with a moderate hike and river activities.

A rolling ridge hike popular for sunrise and ridge-line views; roughly 2–3 hours from Makati and commonly visited by weekend hikers.

Primary international gateway for Metro Manila with multiple terminals (Terminals 1–4). Located about 15–20 minutes from Makati by car without heavy traffic; allow extra time during rush hour. Accessible via taxi, ride-hailing apps, and some airport bus services.

Secondary international airport in Pampanga (north of Manila), often used for budget carriers and some international flights. Approximately 1.5–2.5 hours from Makati depending on traffic; a viable alternative for certain routes or if connecting to northern destinations.

Vegetarian options are increasingly available in Makati cafés and restaurants, but traditional Filipino cuisine is meat- and fish-forward; ask for vegetable or tofu versions of dishes and check menus in advance at finer establishments.

Vegan choices exist but are less ubiquitous; look for specialty cafes, health-food eateries, or international restaurants and communicate restrictions clearly (Filipino dishes often include fish sauce).

Halal-certified restaurants are limited but available; many mainstream restaurants serve seafood and vegetarian options. For strict observance, seek out halal-certified spots or check certification before ordering.

Gluten-free options are available in many modern cafés and higher-end restaurants, but cross-contamination is possible in local kitchens—ask staff about ingredients and preparation methods.