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Makati Living Tips
Makati City is the financial business district of the Philippines where most of the headquarters of the biggest financial institutions of the country are headquartered. The city is also renowned for its upscale shopping malls, business district, hotels and condominiums. It is essentially known as the place for the affluent Filipinos and young urbanized professionals. In lieu of which, the cost of living in the city is relatively higher than in any other adjacent urban areas in the Philippines but is nevertheless affordable if not cheap compared to other major cities of the world. There are numerous hotels, condominiums and other accommodation institutions in the Makati. One can check with the Internet available accommodations in the area through the Internet.
Communication will not be a problem because most Filipinos if not all, are able to communicate in English. There is practically no language barrier unless a foreigner is not able to speak English. When it comes to moving around the city, one can commute by taking Taxis, Jeeps or buses. When taking the Taxi, insist on using the taxi meter. You can also ask for a receipt of the Taxi. If the driver does not give a receipt, you can report it to the police.
One can also use the MRT (Metro Rail Transit) to traverse EDSA or the LRT (Light Rail Transit) to pass through Rizal Avenue. One can also travel through car but it would be advisable for foreigners to hire Filipino drivers because the streets of Makati are quite complex with one way streets and one might take much time driving. Moreover, driving in Manila requires some extra special skills. One should be able to maneuver skillfully and fast in traffic narrow streets.
Finally, the other alternative is that one can just hike around the Central Business District through sidewalks and underpasses. While the streets are relatively safe because of the presence of police officers everywhere, Makati is nevertheless beset with some unscrupulous individuals preying for naïve victims just like any other major city in the world. They victimize foreigners and Filipinos alike. There are many foreigners in Makati, however it would help if you conduct yourself in the streets as if you are familiar of the place or is from Makati instead of behaving like an obvious tourist. There maybe some scammers and schemers around and it is always advisable to be extra cautious and careful all the time.
Because Makati is a central business district, one should expect heavy traffic especially during rush hours 6:30 to 9:00 in the morning and 5:00 till 7:30 in the evening. One should therefore properly schedule tours to avoid the upsetting gridlock. Generally speaking, Makati is one of the most cultured and comfortable cities in the Philippines where travelers and tourists from different nations can definitely feel relaxed.
The truth is, Filipinos are one of the friendliest people in the world. They are also one of the most hospitable people in the world. You can always ask for directions and help from practically anyone except maybe from some poor or uneducated person who will try to find a way to earn money from a tourist.
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