Makati

The history of Makati, the financial heart of the Philippines, dates back to pre-colonial times when these lands were a marshy part of a local kingdom. However, the city's modern appearance is the result of centuries of development that passed through several key stages.

Founding and First Mentions

The city owes its name to a historical anecdote. According to legend, when the Spanish conquistador Miguel López de Legazpi asked a local resident the name of the place, the man, pointing to the Pasig River, replied in Tagalog: “Makati, kumakati na,” which means "the tide is receding." Thus, the name Makati stuck to the area. In the pre-Hispanic era, these lands were part of the Kingdom of Namayan. The city was officially founded on June 1, 1670, under the name San Pedro de Makati and was under the jurisdiction of the town of Santa Ana de Sapa.

Key Factors in Its Establishment

For a long time, Makati remained a modest settlement with an agrarian economy. A key turning point in its history occurred in the 19th century when a significant portion of the land was acquired by the Ayala family. It was their vision and strategic investments in the 20th century, especially after World War II, that transformed the marshy terrain into a prosperous business district. The main growth factors were:

• Strategic Planning: The Ayala Corporation developed a master plan that provided for the creation of commercial, residential, and recreational zones.
• Economic Growth: Post-war reconstruction attracted major local and international companies to Makati.
• Infrastructure Development: The construction of modern roads, buildings, and communications made the city attractive for business and living. Interestingly, the city's main thoroughfares, Ayala Avenue and Makati Avenue, were built on the site of former airport runways.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

During the Spanish colonial period, Makati was known as a religious center. Some of the country's oldest churches were built here, including the Nuestra Señora de Gracia Church (1629) and the Saints Peter and Paul Church (1620). These temples attracted pilgrims, which contributed to the settlement's development. The economy at that time was based on agriculture, livestock, and pottery production. It was only in the 20th century, with the arrival of the Americans and subsequent development under the leadership of the Ayala family, that Makati began its transformation into the financial hub it is today.

Key Dates in Makati's History

• Before the 16th century — The territory of modern-day Makati is part of the Kingdom of Namayan, a thriving pre-Hispanic state.
• 1571 — Spanish conquistador Miguel López de Legazpi discovers the area, which, according to legend, is named "Makati" because of the receding tide of the Pasig River.
• 1670 — Makati is officially established as a separate town under the name San Pedro de Makati.
• 1851 — Don José Bonifacio Roxas, an ancestor of the Ayala family, purchases the vast "Hacienda Makati" estate, laying the foundation for future development.
• 1901 — During the American administration, San Pedro de Makati becomes part of Rizal Province.
• 1914 — The town is officially renamed from San Pedro de Makati to simply Makati.
• 1948 — Ayala Corporation creates the master plan for Makati's development, marking the beginning of its transformation into a major business district.
• 1950s — Rapid growth begins as Makati becomes the financial center of the Philippines, attracting major companies and banks.
• 1972 — The Ayala Museum opens in the city, becoming an important cultural institution preserving the history and art of the Philippines.
• January 2, 1995 — Makati is granted "Highly Urbanized City" status, officially solidifying its role as the country's leading economic center.

The transformation of Makati from a swampy area into the main financial center of the Philippines is a story of ambitious urban planning and rapid economic growth. Below are the key stages that defined the modern face of the city.

Post-War Transformation (1950s)

Following World War II, the Ayala Corporation launched a large-scale master plan for the development of Makati. The former site of Manila's first commercial airport, Nielson Field, was converted into the Central Business District. Its runways became the city's main transport arteries—Ayala Avenue and Paseo de Roxas. This move laid the foundation for the future financial hub.

Establishing the Business Capital (1960s–1970s)

During this period, Makati finally established its status as the country's financial heart. Major local and international companies moved their headquarters here. Ayala Avenue became home to the main trading floor of the Philippine Stock Exchange, symbolizing the shift of the economic center from old Manila to a new, modern district. In 1972, the Ayala Museum opened, becoming an important cultural landmark.

A Center for Political Change (1980s)

In the 1980s, Makati's business district became the primary site for peaceful protests against the regime, famously known as the "Confetti Revolution." The demonstrations, involving office workers, served as a precursor to the nationwide People Power Revolution of 1986. These events forever etched Makati into the political history of the Philippines.

Official Recognition (1995)

On January 2, 1995, Makati was granted the status of a "Highly Urbanized City." This was official recognition of its role as the leading economic, commercial, and financial center of the Philippines, solidifying its special position within the metropolitan area.

Modern Development (2000s to Present)

In the 21st century, the city continues to grow and modernize. New multi-use complexes such as Rockwell Center have emerged, combining luxury residential living, offices, and retail space. The 2009 opening of the Ayala Triangle Gardens on the site of the old airfield demonstrates a commitment to creating a comfortable urban environment and green zones in the very heart of the business district.

The architectural landscape of Makati is a visual chronicle of its transformation from marshland into the primary financial hub of the Philippines. Unlike historical centers with colonial heritage, Makati is a product of the 20th and 21st centuries, which is reflected in its modern and dynamic development. The entire city, especially its business district, was meticulously planned, defining its unique architectural character.

Post-War Modernism and the Birth of the Business Center

Makati's urban development began after World War II based on a master plan developed by the Ayala Corporation. During the 1950s–1970s, the International Style and Modernism dominated the scene. This period is characterized by the construction of functional office buildings with clean lines, glass facades, and reinforced concrete structures. The former runways of the country's first airport were converted into the main thoroughfares—Ayala Avenue and Paseo de Roxas—which became a showcase for new Philippine architecture. Many buildings of that era, designed by leading Filipino architects such as Leandro Locsin, defined the initial look of the business district.

Brutalism and the Skyscraper Era

In the 1970s and 1980s, features of Brutalism became prominent in Makati's architecture. This style, with its massive forms and use of raw concrete, reflected the confidence and power of the growing financial capital. During this time, the active construction of high-rise buildings continued, shaping the city's recognizable skyline. Neighborhoods such as Legazpi Village and Salcedo Village were developed with both residential and commercial projects, creating an organized urban environment.

Contemporary and Postmodern Architecture

From the 1990s to the present, Makati's architecture has become more eclectic and expressive, absorbing ideas of Postmodernism and modern technological solutions. Glass and steel skyscrapers with unconventional shapes have appeared, becoming new landmarks in the cityscape. Iconic projects from this period include multi-use complexes like Rockwell Center and Century City, which represent a "city within a city" featuring luxury housing, offices, shopping malls, and recreational areas. Special attention is paid to creating green spaces, a prime example being the Ayala Triangle Gardens—an oasis in the heart of the concrete jungle. Modern development also focuses on improving pedestrian accessibility, including the construction of covered elevated walkways connecting key points of the city.

Prominent Figures in Makati's History

The history of Makati, the financial heart of the Philippines, is inextricably linked with the names of people who shaped its appearance and status. From revolutionary heroes to modern politicians and architects, here are several key figures who left their mark on the city's development.

Pio del Pilar

Role: General of the Philippine Revolution

Significance: Pio del Pilar, a native of Makati (then known as San Pedro de Makati), is one of the city's most revered heroes. He was a distinguished general during the Philippine Revolution against Spanish rule at the end of the 19th century. His courage and leadership in key battles made him a symbol of the struggle for independence. Today, a district in Makati and several streets are named in his honor, immortalizing his contribution to the country's history.

Enrique J. Zobel

Role: Businessman, Philanthropist

Significance: Enrique Zobel is often called the "architect" of modern Makati. As the head of Ayala Corporation in the mid-20th century, he oversaw the implementation of the master plan that transformed marshlands into a thriving central business district. Under his leadership, key infrastructure was built and the foundations for attracting major businesses were laid, defining the city's future as the financial capital of the Philippines.

Leandro V. Locsin

Role: National Artist of the Philippines for Architecture

Significance: Leandro Locsin is one of the most influential architects in Philippine history, whose creative genius largely defined Makati's modern look. He designed many iconic buildings in the city, including the original Ayala Museum building and numerous office towers on Ayala Avenue. His style, characterized by the use of concrete and the creation of "floating volumes," became a signature of Makati's modernist architecture.

Jejomar Binay

Role: Politician, former Mayor of Makati and Vice President of the Philippines

Significance: Jejomar "Jojo" Binay is one of the most influential political figures in Makati's modern history. He served as the city's mayor for a total of over 20 years (from 1986 to 2010, with a brief interruption). During his tenure, numerous social programs were launched, particularly in healthcare, which earned him wide popularity among residents. His long stay in power coincided with a period of rapid economic growth and modernization of the city.

Abigail Binay

Role: Politician, Mayor of Makati

Significance: The daughter of Jejomar Binay, Abigail "Abby" Binay, continued the political dynasty, becoming Mayor of Makati in 2016. She focused on integrating technology into city management, transforming Makati into a "smart city." Under her leadership, projects for the digitalization of public services, infrastructure modernization, and increasing the city's resilience to climate change were implemented.