With the warm, welcoming atmosphere and family spirit are prevalent throughout the rest of Metro Manila; most foreigners who have relocated to the Philippines due to temporary work assignments and those who have chosen to stay permanently gravitate toward Makati for numerous reasons.
I’ve seen more and more people with different nationalities in this vibrant city, either on their way to work in smart corporate attire or leisurely strolling along with the rest of their families.
Here are the factors that draw many of these expats to Makati.
1. Makati owns the country’s most progressive commercial and business district.
With city revenues of P12.79 billion in 2014, Makati is the country’s richest city. It’s home to more than 62,000 commercial retail establishments, 48 shopping centers, 274 business process outsourcing companies, 472 bank head offices, and 40% of the top local and multinational corporations.
Expats are drawn to Makati as several career opportunities are available. They can work in a multicultural environment, coordinate with colleagues across different time zones, and share their skills with local counterparts.
2. The city’s poised for tech prominence.
Makati is the top choice of expat IT professionals and techpreneurs, or those who own and manage IT startups because the city has ICT-ready buildings that allow them to plug in and immediately start operations.
The City of Makati website lists 41 IT buildings registered with PEZA, which allow them to enjoy incentives such as exemption from corporate income tax for up to 8 years, exemption from duties and taxes on imported capital equipment, spare parts, supplies, and raw materials, and permanent residency status for foreign investors and their immediate family members.
3. The ever-dynamic arts and culture scene.
Makati is home to Museo ng Makati, Philippine Army Museum, Yuchengco Museum, and art galleries such as Manila Contemporary, Silverlens, and The Drawing Room, all of which give expats a glimpse of Filipino history and creativity.
Institutions like Alliance Francaise de Manille and Instituto Cervantes also host week-long festivities celebrating the best of French and Spanish cinema. Plays, musicals, and other live performances are being staged in venues like the RCBC Theater and Onstage Greenbelt on a regular basis. With an eclectic mix of activities and influences, expats always have something to look forward to.
4. Makati truly has an international flavor.
With around 47 embassies and 40 consulates located in Makati, expats will find it reassuring that they can get in touch with their country’s representatives in the Philippines should they need assistance.
Also, the city gives home to 20 international organizations, including the International Committee of the Red Cross and the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF).
Even residential developments in Makati have that global vibe. Megaworld’s latest property, the highly anticipated 51-storey Three Central in Salcedo Village, is designed by architectural firm Wilson Associates, whose prestigious portfolio includes the Armani Hotel in Dubai, the Four Seasons Hotel in Shanghai, The Venetian in Las Vegas, and the Terminal 3 of Changi Airport in Singapore.
Three Central’s design takes inspiration from an iconic Hong Kong landmark, the Two International Finance Center; its look and feel are at par with the best.
Each unit at Three Central will be fitted with kitchen systems and appliances from Swiss brand Franke and Italian-made Indesit, with bath fixtures from Grohe of Germany. Amenities include a hotel-inspired dining area and culinary stations serving food from around the world: pasta, sushi, kebabs, and pastries.
5. The nightlife’s amazing.
Makati is a city that never sleeps. By nightfall, the neon lights flicker to life and expats troop to their restaurant, cafe, pub, or sports bar of choice. Cuisines and beverages from all over the world are well-represented, with thousands of establishments to choose from.
Indeed, Makati is a great place to unwind after a long day’s work and mingle with Filipinos and other expats working or living in the city.
6. Expats can live an unparalleled cosmopolitan lifestyle.
In Makati, expats can experience city living at it finest. The city’s most vibrant lifestyle hubs – Greenbelt and Ayala Center are right at their doorstep when they choose to stay at Greenbelt Hamilton Tower 2, which is right in the heart of Legaspi Village. There they can experience the biggest names in retail, dining, and leisure.
And as soon as they get home, expats can pamper themselves with amenities such as hot and cold jacuzzis, a pool lounge and deck, massage areas, and sauna rooms. Children don’t miss out on the fun as they have their own pool, playground, and daycare area. Everything’s carefully master planned so residents can do what they want their way, when they want it done.
Are you an expat, or do you know expats thinking of making the move to Makati? Check out pre-selling units here and here.
