Makati facts for kids

Makati (pronounced mah-KAH-tee) is a busy and important city in the Philippines. It's known as one of the country's main financial centers. Many big international and local companies, banks, and even foreign embassies are located here. Makati is also a lively place for culture and entertainment in Metro Manila.

In 2020, Makati had a population of 629,616 people. However, after a land dispute in 2023, its population was adjusted to 292,743. This makes it the 14th most populated city in Metro Manila. Makati is also one of the most densely populated cities in the world. In 2023, Makati had the highest GDP per person in the Philippines, showing how strong its economy is.

Quick facts for kids Makati
Highly urbanized city
Skyline of Makati City Ayala Triangle Circuit Makati Poblacion Rockwell Center Makati City Hall Nuestra Señora de Gracia Church
Flag Seal Logo
Etymology: San Pedro [de] Macati
Nickname(s):  Financial Capital of the Philippines
Motto(s):  Makati, Mahalin Natin, Atin Ito. ("Makati, let us love it, it is ours.")
Anthem: Himno ng Makati English: Makati Hymn Martsa ng Makati English: Makati March
Map of Metro Manila with Makati highlighted
OpenStreetMap
Makati Location in Philippines
Country	Philippines
Region	National Capital Region
Province	none
District	[[{{#property:P7938}} | — Lua error in Module:Wd at line 1804: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).]]
Founded	June 1, 1670 (as San Pedro de Macati)
Renamed	February 28, 1914 (as Makati)
Cityhood	February 4, 1995
Recent territorial change	November 9, 2023
Barangays	23
Government
• Type	Sangguniang Panlungsod
Area
• Total	18.17 km2 (7.02 sq mi)
Elevation	32 m (105 ft)
Highest elevation	465 m (1,526 ft)
Lowest elevation	0 m (0 ft)
Population  (2024 census)
• Total	309,770
• Density	16,111/km2 (41,730/sq mi)
• Households	89,638
Demonym(s)	Makiteño; Makatizen
Economy
• Income class	1st city income class
• Poverty incidence	0.6 % (2023)
• HDI	0.903 (Very High)
• Revenue	₱ 19,259 million (2022), 21,199 million (2023)
• Assets	₱ 238,262 million (2022), 242,444 million (2023)
• Expenditure	₱ 19,651 million (2022), 20,174 million (2023)
• Liabilities	₱ 15,695 million (2022), 16,401 million (2023)
Service provider
• Electricity	Manila Electric Company (Meralco)
Time zone	UTC+8 (PST)
ZIP code	1200–1213, 1219–1235
PSGC	[https://psa.gov.ph/classification/psgc/?q=psgc/barangays/{{#pro000&regcode={{&provcode= p {{#property:P988}} ]
IDD : area code	+63 (0)02
Native languages	Tagalog
Major religions	Roman Catholic Church
Feast date	December 12
Catholic diocese	Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila
Patron saint	Saints Peter and Paul, Virgen de la Rosa
Website	www.makati.gov.ph

What's in a Name? The Story of Makati

Historical marker at the Saints Peter and Paul Parish Church bearing the city's former name, San Pedro Macati

The name Makati comes from the Tagalog word kati. This word means "low tide" or "ebb tide." It refers to how the nearby Pasig River's water level changes.

The story goes that in 1571, a Spanish Governor-General named Miguel López de Legazpi asked locals for the name of the place. They replied, “Makati na! Kumakati na!” which means "It's low tide! The tide is ebbing!" He then wrote down the name as "Macati."

Before 1914, the city was called San Pedro Macati. This name honored Saint Peter, its patron saint. It was also named after Spanish captain Pedro de Brito and a priest, Rev. Fr. Pedro de los Montes.

Makati's Journey Through Time

Early Beginnings

Map of Namayan (colored pink) in 1470, with Makati shown as a part of Namayan.

Long ago, parts of Makati were part of an old kingdom called Namayan. Its capital was in what is now the Santa Ana district of Manila.

Spanish Rule and Growth

National historical marker on Tagalog installed at the old city hall building in 1991

During the Spanish colonial era, Makati became a small settlement of Santa Ana de Sapa in 1578. In 1589, Captain Pedro de Brito bought land here and started "Hacienda Pedro." He and his wife later gave half of the land to the Jesuits to build a church. This church, now known as Saints Peter and Paul Parish Church, was finished in 1620.

Makati officially became a town on June 1, 1670, and was named San Pedro de Macati. In 1851, Don José Bonifacio Roxas bought the land. Since then, the Ayala Corporation, linked to the Roxas family, has played a big part in Makati's growth.

American Era and Name Change

California and Idaho troops at the San Pedro de Macati Cemetery (present-day Plaza Cristo Rey) during the 1899 Battle of Manila

In 1901, San Pedro Macati became part of the new Rizal province. On February 28, 1914, its name was shortened to "Makati."

The building that is now Museo ng Makati served as the municipal hall of Makati from 1918 to 1961.

By 1934, Makati had 14 barangays (small districts). Some areas like Fort McKinley were added from nearby towns.

World War II and Post-War Boom

Map of the City of Greater Manila, showing Makati's territory aligned with its boundaries since 2023.

During World War II, Makati was briefly merged into the "City of Greater Manila." After the war, Makati grew very quickly. New communities and office buildings were built, especially by Ayala y Compañía. By the late 1960s, Makati became the financial and business heart of the Philippines.

In 1975, Makati became a municipality within the National Capital Region (Metro Manila).

Modern Makati and City Status

Ayala Avenue (1982)

Makati became a center for protests against the government in the 1980s. These protests, known as the Confetti Revolution, helped lead to the 1986 People Power Revolution. This event changed the country's leadership.

On January 2, 1995, Makati officially became a city. This was approved by a vote one month later.

Recent Changes and Land Disputes

Makati and Taguig with disputed land

In 2023, after a long legal dispute, the Supreme Court ruled that several barangays (known as the Embo barangays) previously managed by Makati now belong to Taguig City. This decision changed Makati's size and population. Makati lost about 300,000 people and its borders with Pasig and Pateros.

The court also ordered Makati to allow Taguig access to public properties in these areas. Taguig has since reopened these facilities to continue public services for the residents.

Makati's Location and Climate

Where is Makati?

Aerial view of Makati, 2024

Makati is right in the middle of Metro Manila. The Pasig River borders it to the north, Taguig to the east, Pasay to the southwest, and Manila to the northwest. Several creeks also form parts of its boundaries. Makati covers an area of about 18.17 square kilometers.

Makati's Weather

Makati has a tropical monsoon climate. This means it's always warm, rarely going below 20°C or above 38°C. The humidity is usually high, making it feel even warmer. It has a short dry season from January to May and a longer wet season from June to December.

Dealing with Climate Change

The Philippines is one of the countries most affected by extreme weather. Makati, being a low-lying city, is vulnerable to typhoons, floods, and landslides. The city has seen an increase in rainfall over the years.

In August 2022, Makati declared a "climate emergency." This means the city is taking serious steps to address the effects of climate change. Makati has programs to help its residents prepare for climate change. These include better health services, emergency response, and environmental protection. The city plans to buy more electric vehicles, install solar panels on public buildings, and improve public transport. These actions aim to reduce harmful gases that contribute to climate change.

Makati's Cityscape

Makati Skyline, August 2020

Makati in 2011

People of Makati

As of the 2020 census, Makati's population was 629,616. After the territorial dispute in 2023, the population was adjusted to 292,743. Most people in Makati are Roman Catholic. Other religions also have many followers in the city.

During weekdays, Makati's daytime population is estimated to be 3.7 million. This is because many people come to work, do business, or shop. This large number of people helps Makati's economy. However, it also causes heavy traffic and puts pressure on the city's services.

Makati's Economy and Shopping

A Hub for Business

Ayala Triangle area

Makati has the highest GDP per person in the Philippines. Its economy is very strong and diverse. The Ayala Triangle in the Makati Central Business District (CBD) is home to many multinational companies, banks, and large businesses. You can also find fancy shops, restaurants, and a park called Ayala Triangle Gardens there.

The Philippine Stock Exchange, where stocks are traded, used to be in Makati. Makati is a major office market in Metro Manila. The city has not raised its tax rates since 2006 and has been financially stable for about 30 years.

Many of the tallest buildings in Metro Manila are in Makati. These include PBCom Tower and Trump Tower Manila. PBCom Tower was the country's tallest office building for many years.

Shopping Paradise

Glorietta (left and center) and One Ayala (right) in Ayala Center

Power Plant Mall at Rockwell Center

Facade of the Greenbelt Mall

Makati is famous for its shopping centers. You can find international and local shops, high-end boutiques, restaurants, and entertainment.

The Ayala Center is a huge shopping area in the Makati CBD. It has many malls like Greenbelt, Glorietta, and Ayala Malls One Ayala. These malls offer a wide range of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. You can also find major department stores like SM Makati and Rustan's here.

Other popular shopping centers in Makati include Power Plant Mall, Century City Mall, and Ayala Malls Circuit.

How Makati is Governed

Local Leadership

The old (front) and new (back) Makati City Hall

Makati is a "highly urbanized city." The city government is located at the Makati City Hall. The city is led by a mayor, who is the chief executive. The mayor is helped by a vice mayor and a city council. The council has 18 members who create the city's policies.

The current mayor is Nancy Binay. The vice mayor is Romulo "Kid" Peña Jr. Makati also has representatives in the House of Representatives.

City Seal

Makati's current seal was adopted in 1995. It shows an outline map of Makati with 33 rays, green buildings, a church, and a river.

The golden yellow map represents wealth. The rays stand for the 33 barangays of Makati, moving towards a bright future. The green buildings symbolize new growth. The church represents the Nuestra Señora de Gracia Church, an old church used by Filipino revolutionaries. The waves represent the "ebbing tide" from the phrase "Makati na, Kumakati na."

• Former municipal seals of Makati
• 

  1901–1990

• 

  1990–1995

Culture and Fun in Makati

Blue Pitch, Circuit Makati

Saints Peter and Paul Parish Church in Poblacion is considered as the mother church of Makati.

The Ayala Museum

Makati has many art museums, old churches, and places for recreation. You can find the Manila Golf Club and the Manila Polo Club in Forbes Park. The Makati Sports Club is another popular place for sports. The Makati Coliseum hosts big sports events.

The Blue Pitch at Circuit Makati is a multi-use stadium for football games. The Ayala Museum is a private museum with exhibitions like "Gold of Ancestors," showing ancient golden artifacts. Other museums include the Yuchengco Museum and the Museo ng Makati.

Makati has several old Spanish churches, such as Saints Peter and Paul Parish and Nuestra Señora de Gracia Church. The Santuario de San Antonio is a popular church for weddings.

Getting Around Makati

Roads and Highways

The Magallanes Interchange

Major roads like EDSA and the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) pass through Makati. The Skyway, an elevated expressway, connects Makati to other parts of Luzon. The Magallanes Interchange is a complex system of elevated roads where SLEX and EDSA meet.

Jeepney terminal in Guadalupe Nuevo

Guadalupe and Ayala Center are major transport hubs. Ayala Center has a transport hub called One Ayala. The BGC Bus connects Makati to Bonifacio Global City. Buses and jeepneys travel through Makati's main roads. Tricycles are used for shorter distances.

Makati was one of the first cities to try e-jeepney and hybrid bus services. These buses use both electric and diesel motors to help reduce pollution.

Train Systems

An MRT Line 3 train at Buendia station

The MRT Line 3 has four stations in Makati: Guadalupe, Buendia, Ayala, and Magallanes. The Philippine National Railways (PNR) used to serve Makati, but its operations stopped. A new train line, the North–South Commuter Railway, will have two stations in Makati: Buendia and EDSA.

There were plans for a monorail and a subway system in Makati. However, the subway project faced delays due to the transfer of the Embo barangays to Taguig.

Water Transport

The Pasig River Ferry Service has one station in Makati, located in Valenzuela.

Learning in Makati

Palanan Elementary School

The University of Makati is the city's main public university. Other higher education institutions in Makati include the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) and Don Bosco Technical Institute of Makati.

Many universities from outside Makati also have campuses or programs here. These include Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University, and Far Eastern University.

As of 2024, Makati City oversees 23 public schools. However, in 2023, 14 public schools, including Makati Science High School, were transferred to Taguig City due to the territorial dispute.

Famous People from Makati

Makati has been home to many notable individuals:

• Pío del Pilar, a Filipino revolutionary general
• Jejomar Binay, former Vice President of the Philippines
• Nancy Binay, former senator and current mayor
• Abigail Binay, former city mayor
• Michelle Dee, actress
• Vhong Navarro, TV host, actor, and dancer
• Ciara Sotto, actress
• Jhong Hilario, actor, dancer, TV host, and former councilor
• Teodoro Locsin Jr., journalist, lawyer, and diplomat
• Monsour del Rosario, actor, athlete, and former representative
• Joker Arroyo, lawyer and former senator
• Agapito Aquino, former senator
• Rico J. Puno, singer and former councilor
• Chiquito, actor and former vice mayor
• Sandro Reyes, a player for the Philippines national football team
• Rhian Ramos, actress
• Mike Arroyo, former First Gentleman
• Bela Padilla, actress
• Heaven Peralejo, actress
• Albie Casiño, actor
• CJ Tañedo, painter

Makati's Global Connections

Diplomatic Offices

The Herco Center houses the Embassy of the People's Republic of Bangladesh in Manila.

Many foreign countries have their embassies or consulates in Makati. This shows Makati's importance in international relations.

Sister Cities

Makati has "sister city" relationships with other cities around the world and in the Philippines. This helps promote cultural exchange and cooperation.

Images for kids

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  Nuestra Señora de Gracia Church

• 

  Skyline of Makati City

• 

  Ayala Triangle

• 

  Circuit Makati

• 

  Poblacion

• 

  Rockwell Center

• 

  Makati City Hall

• 

  Makati Flag

• 

  Makati City Seal

• 

  Map of Metro Manila with Makati highlighted

• 

  Makati Logo

• 

  Aerial view of the Guadalupe ruins, 1932

• 

  The Ayala Museum

• 

  The Yuchengco Museum located within RCBC Plaza

See also

In Spanish: Macati para niños