Circuit Makati: A nexus for cosmopolitan life

Nobody can claim to know Makati without setting foot in Circuit Makati.

Of course, this wasn’t always the case for what was previously the Sta. Ana Racetrack of the Philippine Racing Club. But when Ayala Land Inc. took over, the property giant soon turned what seemed like a lifeless complex of a bygone era into a nexus for cosmopolitan life.

A decade ago, the racetrack closed after more than seven decades in operation.

Ayala Land then saw an opening that would further elevate the status of Makati as the country’s leading city for business, lifestyle and entertainment. Its solid track record of in-city development helped build confidence around the cause: the company was established in 1988 as the real estate arm of Ayala Corp., a conglomerate and builder of the country’s premier financial and commercial district now known as the Makati central business district, and the Ayala Center.

Curated offerings

As we leave this decade, the property has metamorphosed. The 22-hectare mixed-use development that is Circuit Makati is now among Ayala Land’s premium developments, offering both a stop and a home for urbane individuals going about in this financial capital.

Helping Circuit Makati achieve that duality are the spaces that make it a haven for shopping, hospitality, food and beverage and well-being, as well as the residential blocks that entice people to live within reach of every other offer.

Circuit Makati first drew attention for hosting festivals. The 10,000-seater, 2-ha Globe Circuit Event Grounds has been the choice venue for various events. It played host to signature events, what with the generous view of the cityscape.

Quickly, too, the Ayala Malls Circuit rose as a destination in the metro. Anyone from the younger set would be remiss not to visit the mall for the international gastronomy it contains. Equally attractive are the local and international fashion labels and home-making brands spread across Ayala Mall’s 10,000-sqm floor area. Many have also been anticipating the expected opening of membership shopping brand S&R in the first quarter of 2020.

Still looking to offer more entertainment, the estate also includes a world-class indoor theater in its plans. Soon enough, a truly global 1,500-seater indoor performing arts theater will host world-class Filipino talent in music and the performing arts.

The Power Mac Center Spotlight has already hosted several plays, among them “Wakas: A New Pinoy Rock Musical,” “No Filter 2.0” and “Himala: The Musical.” The project is a 388-sqm, 300-seater venue made possible by a partnership between Power Mac Center and Ayala Land. Located within the mall, it can be modified to house exhibits, concerts, seminars as well as corporate launches.

For the sports enthusiasts

The in-city sports facilities have become a sure draw for athletes, fitness buffs and, of course, beginners. The mall has gyms and intense activities; the complex hosts Zumba sessions and has lanes open for joggers and bikers. The Circuit Makati Skate Park, the first urban skate park in the country, takes in skaters of different levels of expertise. Furthermore, Circuit Makati has a 650-m karting race track, Urban CityKart Racing, which makes use of a Formula 1 timing system.

Football enthusiasts have meanwhile made the Blue Pitch their go-to. It is a FIFA-size blue football field designed to meet international standards. It is also equipped with floodlights for training sessions and games, and is likewise a frequent venue for American football, flag football and ultimate frisbee tournaments.

Preferred address

Those who’ve chosen to elevate their lifestyle—by living amid where all these brands and venues are—have already bought into the addresses right in Circuit Makati.

Alveo’s Solstice and Callisto easily stand out as their perfect homes. These residential communities place their inhabitants where the action is, with a promise of excellent compact living.

Only propelling the offer are indoor and outdoor amenities that scream urbanity: swimming pools, a fitness gym, a play area for children and pockets of outdoor gardens, among others.

The buildings here also operate with eco-friendly features to ensure sustainability. These include maximized cross ventilation and natural lighting, efficient LED lighting and water consumption—a thumbs-up for the tree-hugger in us.

Ultimately, if something amazing is always on at Circuit Makati, that fact in itself is a scintillating proposition for anyone to cease making it just a stop and begin calling it a home.