All The Small Things: 6 Cool Spots in Makati That Prove Size Doesn’t Always Matter

Do you often have a hard time deciding where to stay or eat in Makati? Where to shop or grab coffee? Don’t worry because you’re not alone. Faced with a ton of options, most people suffer analysis paralysis. Conventional wisdom taught us to always ‘go big or go home’, but in this busy and crowded city, choosing small is often time the right thing to do. Here are 6 shops in Makati City that show good things can come from small packages:

1. Poison Coffee & Doughnuts

Pretty shocking right? Wait till you try their ‘dangerous’ brews and ‘deadly’ confections. This up-and-coming cafe is so cute and cozy you’ll want to put in your pocket and on your Instagram. Address: GF Bldg C Karrivin Plaza, Chino Roces Ave., Ext Makati | Tel: 752-0327 | www.facebook.com/pg/dangerouscoffee.deadlydoughnuts

2. Plaka Planet

Vinyl records and vintage turntables are back. Plaka Planet, the best and most budget-friendly place to get your audio fix, is hidden inside an archery range. Bobby, the owner, is very cool and will even let you test any pressing even if you’re not planning to buy anything. Address: Kodanda Archery Range, Upper Basement, Makati Cinema Square Hours: 10:30am – 7:30pm Web: facebook.com/PlakaPlanetMakati

3. Cop Garden

Looking for rare Nikes and Air Jordans? Vintage Supreme and Stussy apparel? Or do you just want to hang with cool dudes and a cute pug who doubles as a store mascot? Cop Garden is a streetwear store that looks like your cooler older brother’s bedroom. Address: 3F ChemPhil Bldg, Antonio Arnaiz Ave, Legazpi Village, Makati Web: facebook.com/copgardenph

4. Slick Barbers Co.

From its humble beginnings of just a couple of monobloc chairs and mirrors on the first level of co-founder Christian “Indio” Bendañas house, SBCo is now a full pledged barber shop and lifestyle brand with a cult following. Their specialty? Clean fades and buzzes a.k.a ‘gentleman’s cut,” which not many barbers in the country can pull off. Address: 3919 Yague St. cor South Ave. Makati Tel.: 0935-715-2488 Web: facebook.com/slickbarbersco

5. Ta Tan Men Ramen

If you love ramen, check out this cheap and delicious spot along Dela Rosa St. This shop is so small, they can only accommodate up to 10 customers at a time. You have to wait outside for the other patrons to finish up. Address: GF Rada Regency, Castro Street corner, Dela Rosa Street Legaspi Village Makati City Tel.: 0(02) 750 2069 Web: facebook.com/TAN-TAN-MEN-HOUSE-1473922149322716

6. The Mini Suites Eton Tower Makati

The Mini Suites puts you in the center of all the sights and sounds of the city as you enjoy first-class accommodations all with full amenities and indulgent beds & pillows, you are sure to find that perfect mix of modern practicality, convenience, and touches of luxury to suit your needs. One of the best hotels in Makati, these suites will end your search for where to stay in Makati. Address: 128 Dela Rosa Street, Ayala South, Makati City 1229 Tel.: (632) 868 6868 Website: www.theminisuites.com.

Tips When Throwing Parties At City Hotels

There’s no other place to hold a festive celebration than in one of the most popular districts in the city. If you’re searching for a place to plan a memorable event with your family or friends, a Makati hotel would be a good idea and an ideal place to book a stay would be The A.Venue Hotel. Not only does this city hotel holds a variety of function rooms to choose from, but it has accessible locations including trendy bars, restaurants, and so much more.

Sometimes an intimate celebration with your favorite group can also be fun and easy to plan out, especially when you’re at The A.Venue Hotel. If you and your friends don’t feel like going out, you can celebrate it in their stylish and homey accommodation instead. If you need a little help with the theme or a party itinerary, the hotel provides a special service for it (applicable fees may apply). With that, we also need to be mindful on a few things when celebrating a milestone occasion in hotel rooms.

Volume Control - Keep in mind that you and your friends are not the only ones checking-in to the hotel. As much as we want the party to be fun and unforgettable, try to control the volume of our voices because no one wants to receive a complaint due to noisy neighbors. .

Avoid Messy - We have been taught to not always rely on others and clean up our own mess. Try not to go wild because it’s a city hotel and it’s not like it’s our own place. So if you involve confetti or rose petals, make sure to take care of it afterwards. The hotel provides room cleaning service but let’s be mindful that there’s a certain limit on what part of the room they can clean up.

Room Amenities - Add more value to your stay by making use of what you paid for. Most of the rooms are equipped with a complete kitchenette and there you can cook your own meals. If you plan to make something special for a birthday or anniversary, go ahead and make use of it. It’s as if you’re preparing a dish from the comforts of your own home.

So hurry and get the party started. Reserve a room at The A.Venue Hotel in Makati City by booking directly through their website at http://www.avenuehotel.com.ph/

The Hidden Gems of Legaspi Village in Makati City, Philippines

When someone mentions the word Makati, several images come to mind: towering skyscrapers and office buildings, busy men and women in corporate attire rushing past, hopeful job applicants clutching several copies of their resume. Everyone is in a hurry to get to the next meeting or close the next business deal, and the city is all abuzz with frenetic capitalist activity.

However, just a couple of turns from Paseo de Roxas will land you in a place so different you’ll think you’ve left Makati. This area is called Legaspi Village, the chill, homey cousin of the Ayala CBD. The buildings are shorter, the people not as harried, and the overall vibe more relaxed. You’re more likely to find employees in casual clothes, walking leisurely in groups as they decide where to have their next meal or which café to meet in.

here are several hidden gems in Legaspi Village that you must visit if you happen to be in the area.

The Curator. Coffee shops are by-and-large a staple of the Makati working class zombie, but we have yet to see a fresher variation than the Curator. It’s easy to pass this one by but play close attention to the white walls and you’ll know you’re in the right place. The Curator serves excellent coffee staples and frequently displays other coffee brands, such as % Arabica. Further inside, guests will find a speakeasy hidden behind an unassuming door. Have a chill night drinking with friends and enjoy the various cocktails for sale.

Little Tokyo. You don’t have to book a plane ticket to Japan just to savor authentic oriental food. Venture out to Little Tokyo, a hub of small restaurants and stalls serving Japanese cuisine. Taste everything from delicious yakisoba noodles to crunchy takoyaki pieces, all at affordable prices.

Legaspi Sunday Market. Open only on Sundays (obviously), the Legaspi Sunday Market is composed of numerous stalls catering to different taste buds. Keep it healthy and shop for organic vegetables or go loco over artisanal vegan ice cream, mushroom fries, and delicious Hainanese chicken rice.

Accommodation Makati. If you’re looking for a place to stay, consider BSA Mansion Hotel. This Makati hotel is also in the Legaspi area, located near the spots mentioned above. A city hotel catering to both business and leisure travelers, BSA is a solid and affordable option whether you’re staying for the long- or short-term. Enjoy various facilities such as an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and airport transfers when you book a stay with BSA Mansion Hotel on their website: http://www.bsamansion-makati.com.

4 Reasons Why It’s Great to Stay at City Garden Hotel Makati

When looking for accommodation in Metro Manila, you have to consider if it offers you what you need. And City Garden Hotel Makati is a great place to stay at because it provides various aspects of comfort and convenience, from its practical amenities and strategic location. Need some convincing on why you should book at this Makati hotel for your next stay? Here are 4 great reasons on why it should be your accommodation of choice in the Philippine metro:

1. Accessibility to numerous places of interest

City Garden Hotel Makati stands at the corner of Makati and Kalayaan Avenues of Makati City, within the Central Business District. From here, the international and domestic airports are a 20-minute drive, and the city’s shopping malls and restaurants are just 5 minutes away. Makati Golf Club Driving Range and Manila Golf and Country Club are also a short drive away. Other attractions that are easily accessible from this hotel in Makati are the Makati Stock Exchange Center, Ayala Museum, Guadalupe Ruins, and Rockwell Center. Indeed, its strategic location makes it an ideal temporary abode for both business and leisure travelers.

2. Well-appointed and spacious rooms

The 160 rooms of this Makati hotel are the perfect places from which to start and end your day. Accommodations are categorized into 6 types: Executive Twin, Executive Superior Twin, Executive Deluxe Twin, Executive Queen, Deluxe Queen, and Executive Deluxe Queen. While having different bed configurations, all room types commonly have a cable TV, mini-bar, coffee and tea maker, refrigerator, and IDD phone. There is Wi-Fi Internet access in each accommodation. The private bath has a tub with hot and cold shower. To ensure security at all times, rooms have electronic door locks and a safe.

3. A host of facilities and services that guarantee all-around convenience

Two restaurants can be found on-site. The Le Jardin Restaurant offers a menu of delectable Asian and international dishes, while the Roof Deck Restaurant lets you feast on grilled specialties and refreshing beverages with the breathtaking views of the metropolis as your backdrop.

City Garden Makati also has an outdoor swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna, and fitness room. It also has the Jamuah Spa, where you can enjoy different body treatments. The business center provides a travel desk, tours and transportation services, airline ticket re-confirmation, and other secretarial services. For events, the hotel has 4 function rooms equipped with state-of-the-art amenities. And to ensure that you experience ease throughout your stay, City Garden Makati provides valet parking, currency exchange, 24-hour room service, and facilities for disabled guests.

4. Exclusive rewards for its loyal patrons

Make the most of your stay by signing up for Citylife Rewards, the hotel’s customer loyalty program. By checking in at City Garden Hotel Makati or its sister hotels, you earn points that can be used to redeem anything sold in City Garden Hotels. What’s more, being a member of Citylife Rewards gives you access to private sales, discounts, and freebies that are not offered to regular guests.

Convinced now? Then book your room at City Garden Hotel Makati today and discover why this is a great place to stay at when in the Philippines.

Instant Confirmation, Other Benefits for Online Bookings at City Garden Grand Hotel

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Makati City, Philippines -- City Garden Grand Hotel makes it easy for travelers visiting the Philippines' financial center to reserve rooms for their stay. All they have to do is log on to its website, http://www.grand.citygardenhotels.com, to access the online reservation system, which is powered by DirectWithHotels.

Here are some of the benefits of booking online:

1. The website and booking engine are mobile-adaptive. This means prospective visitors can make arrangements through their smartphones and gadgets in just minutes.

2. It is equipped with a bookmarking option, currency converter, and print button for easier navigation and referencing.

3. There are promos that are only available at the website.

4. All transactions made using the reservation system are safeguarded by Trustwave and VeriSign, 2 of the most trusted information security providers today.

To start making reservations, interested parties must click “Check availability and prices”. This will launch the booking engine where they can proceed to selecting travel dates, choosing rooms, and providing the required prepayment. After going through those steps, they will receive a confirmation email that details the status of their reservation. As for the remaining balance, everything must be settled upon arrival at this Makati hotel.

A new standard of luxury accommodation can be experienced at City Garden Grand Hotel. Fine pieces that include world-class furniture and a lobby chandelier made of thousands of capiz shells set a prelude to an exceptional stay. Inside the Zen-minimalist rooms and suites, a seamless combination of elegance, style, and functionality unfold. Each air-conditioned room features floor-to-ceiling windows and chic rugs, and is equipped with Wi-Fi Internet connection, LCD TV with cable channels, electronic door lock, non-allergenic pillows, hot and cold shower with bathtub, and mini-bar.

An array of superb facilities provides even more delight at this Makati accommodation. Guests can satisfy their cravings for Asian specialties at Japanese Misono Restaurant or indulge in scrumptious international dishes at Spice Cafe. When it's time to sink into deep relaxation, they can take a dip in the outdoor pool located on the roof deck, or request for a soothing massage at the spa.

For more information about the rooms and services offered at City Garden Grand Hotel, visit http://www.grand.citygardenhotels.com.

City Garden Grand Hotel

8008 Makati Avenue corner Kalayaan Avenue

Makati City, Metro Manila, 1200, Philippines

Phone Number: +63-02-8888181

About DirectWithHotels

DirectWithHotels is in the business of making selling online simple and more profitable for hotels. Since 2005, we’ve helped over 1000 Hotel Partners (and counting) in 50 countries worldwide increase their direct bookings online. We attract visitors and drive traffic direct to their hotel websites with tactical online marketing, convert these visitors into bookers with a top-performing booking engine, and manage increasing reservations with an easy-to-use web interface. All this at a fixed, performance-based fee of just 10% for every direct booking.

Activities to Enjoy When Visiting Makati, Philippines

What do you do after availing a hotel in Makati, Manila promo? You search for fun things to do the moment you step out of your room. Fortunately, there is never a shortage of entertaining and pleasurable activities around the city. As the central business district of the Philippines, Makati is brimming with establishments that give a lively beat to the area's vibrant pulse.

Truthfully, it doesn't matter whether you are coming alone or with loved ones and friends. There is definitely something for everyone to enjoy here. Are you ready to get started? Here is a shortlist of what you can do when visiting the urban center:

Catch a youthful and energetic vibe

On a sunny day, hit the streets and walk around Malugay St. in San Antonio Village and you will find a place called The Collective. Once a warehouse full of car shops, it is now a strip of shops, restaurants, and bars that are run by young and creative entrepreneurs. In this spot, hip, youth culture comes in mega doses. It is almost a mini-art district of some sort, filled with its independent stores and galleries. They are open from Monday to Saturday with restaurants starting at 11 AM while other stores and galleries welcome visitors at 2 PM onwards.

Get a tasty mouthful of fresh, organic food

It may be tough to wake up early on weekends but the Salcedo and Legazpi Weekend Community Markets make the effort well worth it. Here, the foodie in you will rise and be very happy indeed. The collection of food stalls in the Salcedo and Legazpi Village Parks are massive, varied, and highly recommended. On Saturdays, the one in Salcedo is open, while on Sundays, it is in Legazpi. They offer food from local favorites to international sensations. Great organic produce can be purchased here too, as well as homemade crafts and other knickknacks. Try coming by around 10 or 11 AM so that you can indulge in the tasty treats the markets have. They close at 2 PM and it'll be a bummer to miss their wonderful food.

Furnish your dream home in the best style possible

Makati is big on shopping and if you are around, you might want to consider visiting some lovely establishments that contain items that make anyone's dream home. One such location is the LRI building that has items made by talented up-and-coming designers, as well as the big names in the industry. For antiques and other thrifty finds however, the place to go to is Barangay Bangkal. Just head to Evangelista St. and check out the intersections of Hizon, Apolinario, and Del Pilar.

These are just three of the many things that you can do around the city. Whether you are staying in a Makati hotel for business or pleasure, taking any of these side trips will certainly give your visit more dimension and more fun.