Makati: The Heartbeat of Manila

• HelloKamusta
  [ka-mus-ta]
• GoodbyePaalam
  [pa-a-lam]
• YesOo
  [o-o]
• NoHindi
  [hin-di]
• Please/You're welcomePaki
  [pa-ki]
• Thank youSalamat
  [sa-la-mat]
• Excuse me/SorryPasensya
  [pa-sen-sya]
• How are you?Kamusta ka?
  [ka-mus-ta ka?]
• Fine. And you?Mabuti. Ikaw?
  [ma-bu-ti. i-ka-w?]
• Do you speak English?Nagsasalita ka ba ng Ingles?
  [nag-sa-sa-li-ta ka ba ng in-gles?]
• I don't understandHindi ko maintindihan
  [hin-di ko main-tin-di-han]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseGusto ko po makita ang menu
  [gus-to ko po ma-ki-ta ang me-nu]
• I don't eat meatHindi ako kumakain ng karne
  [hin-di a-ko ku-ma-ka-in ng kar-ne]
• Cheers!Tagay!
  [ta-ga-y!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseGusto ko pong magbayad
  [gus-to ko pong mag-ba-ya-d]

• Help!Tulong!
  [tu-long!]
• Go away!Lumayo ka!
  [lu-ma-yo ka!]
• Call the Police!Tumawag ng pulis!
  [tu-ma-wag ng pu-lis!]
• Call a doctor!Tumawag ng doktor!
  [tu-ma-wag ng dok-tor!]
• I'm lostNawawala ako
  [na-wa-wa-la a-ko]
• I'm illMay sakit ako
  [may sa-kit a-ko]

• I'd like to buy...Gusto ko bumili ng...
  [gus-to ko bu-mi-li ng]
• I'm just lookingNagtitipid lang ako
  [nag-ti-ti-pid lang a-ko]
• How much is it?Magkano ito?
  [mag-ka-no i-to?]
• That's too expensiveMahal masyado
  [ma-hal ma-sya-do]
• Can you lower the price?Pwede bang babaan ang presyo?
  [pu-we-de bang ba-ba-an ang pres-yo?]

• What time is it?Anong oras na?
  [a-nong o-ras na?]
• It's one o'clockAlas-uno na
  [a-las-u-no na]
• Half past (10)Alas-diyes y media
  [a-las-di-yes y me-dya]
• MorningUmaga
  [u-ma-ga]
• AfternoonHapon
  [ha-pon]
• EveningGabi
  [ga-bi]
• YesterdayKahapon
  [ka-ha-pon]
• TodayNgayon
  [nga-yon]
• TomorrowBukas
  [bu-kas]
• 1Isa
  [i-sa]
• 2Dalawa
  [da-la-wa]
• 3Tatlo
  [tat-lo]
• 4Apat
  [a-pat]
• 5Lima
  [li-ma]
• 6Anim
  [a-nim]
• 7Pito
  [pi-to]
• 8Walo
  [wa-lo]
• 9Siyam
  [si-yam]
• 10Sampu
  [sam-pu]

• Where's a/the...?Nasaan ang...?
  [na-sa-an ang...?]
• What's the address?Anong address?
  [a-nong ad-dres?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pwede mo ba akong ipakita (sa mapa)?
  [pu-we-de mo ba a-kong i-pa-ki-ta (sa ma-pa)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Kailan ang susunod na (bus)?
  [ka-i-lan ang su-su-nod na (bus)?]
• A ticket (to ....)Isang ticket (papunta sa ....)
  [i-sang ti-ket (pa-pun-ta sa ....)]

Before the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century, the area now known as Makati was inhabited by indigenous groups, primarily the Tagalog people. The region was a thriving community engaged in trade, agriculture, and fishing, benefiting from its strategic location near the Pasig River. This period laid the foundation for Makati's future as a commercial hub.

Makati was officially established as a town in 1901, but its significance traces back to the Spanish colonial period when it was part of the larger province of Manila. The establishment of the parish of Nuestra Señora de los Remedios in 1620 helped formalize its administrative boundaries and fostered the growth of a Christian community.

Under American colonial rule in the early 20th century, Makati began to transform into an urban center. The Americans implemented significant infrastructure projects, including roads and schools, which attracted more settlers and businesses. This period marked the beginning of Makati's development into the financial district it is known for today.

After the devastation of World War II, Makati experienced rapid economic growth. The establishment of the Makati Commercial Center in the 1960s spearheaded the transformation of the area into the primary business district of the Philippines. This development attracted multinational companies and investment, solidifying Makati's reputation as the country's financial center.

Today, Makati is not only a financial hub but also a vibrant cultural center. The area boasts a mix of modern skyscrapers, shopping malls, art galleries, and restaurants that reflect both local and international influences. Cultural events, festivals, and a diverse population contribute to Makati's dynamic atmosphere, making it a significant part of Manila's identity.

Makati is conveniently located in Metro Manila and can be accessed from various neighborhoods. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a ride-sharing service like Grab directly to your destination in Makati, which takes around 30 minutes depending on traffic. If you are coming from other areas in Manila, the MRT-3 line has a station at Ayala Avenue, which is a major thoroughfare in Makati. Buses and jeepneys also connect Makati with other districts, but be prepared for traffic delays.

Makati is well-served by public transport. The MRT-3 line runs along EDSA, providing quick access to key areas. Buses and jeepneys are also available, with specific routes covering the main areas of Makati. For a more local experience, consider riding a bicycle, as some areas have bike lanes. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Grab are widely used and can be a convenient way to navigate the city, especially during peak hours.

Makati is generally considered safe for tourists, especially in commercial areas like Ayala Center and Greenbelt. However, avoid walking alone late at night in less populated areas, particularly near the outskirts. Petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur in crowded places, so always stay vigilant. Areas like Barangay Pio del Pilar have reported higher crime rates, so it's advisable to exercise caution when traveling through these neighborhoods.

In case of an emergency, dial 911 for police, medical, or fire assistance. Familiarize yourself with the location of the nearest hospital, such as Makati Medical Center. It’s advisable to have travel insurance that includes medical coverage. For minor health issues, pharmacies are available throughout Makati, and many are open 24/7.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, particularly in religious sites, and avoid overly casual attire in upscale venues. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions; when visiting churches, ensure to dress appropriately. Public Transport: Do be courteous and offer your seat to the elderly and pregnant women. Don’t consume food and drinks on public transport. Greetings: Do greet with a warm smile and a handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept invitations to share meals. Don’t refuse food offerings, as it can be seen as disrespectful.

To experience Makati like a local, visit the local markets such as Salcedo Saturday Market for fresh produce and local delicacies. Engage with locals in cafes or parks; they are often welcoming and eager to share their knowledge of the city. Explore the cultural spaces like the Ayala Museum for insights into Philippine history and art. Finally, try to use the pedestrian walkways and bridges to avoid traffic, especially around busy areas like Ayala Avenue.