The Ayala Triangle Gardens has, over the years, transformed from being the site of the country’s first landing strip, into a beautiful haven for Makati’s Central Business District.
The park is a landscaped area of over 20,000 sqm, dotted with over a hundred trees such as acacia, rain trees, golden palms, fire trees, and kamuning, which provide ample shade for visitors. Ornamental plants and tropical foliage are also aplenty, making it a much greener and breezier place.
Public art pieces created by Filipino artists are found all over the park, adding an artsy, cool, and hip vibe.
Ayala Triangle Gardens is triangular in shape (thus its name), opened to the public in November 2009. Through the years, the park has become a central destination for social events and gatherings in the business district.
Even during general community quarantine (GCQ), the park remained open (with safety precautions in place), so individuals have somewhere to go to, a respite within the urban city.
During Christmas time, the park becomes a popular holiday destination, with its Lights and Sounds spectacle, complete with choir performances. But with the pandemic still spreading around the country, it’s unclear at this point whether the famous Christmas tradition would be held this year or in what form.
Several years ago, a row of al fresco restaurants set up shop in the park. Today, however, those restaurants are shuttered, forced to close because of the pandemic. As a frequent visitor of the park and an occasional diner, it was heartbreaking to see those restaurants boarded up. Hopefully, they will all bounce back once the pandemic has subsided.
There are many leisure activities to do in the park—from jogging or playing badminton, to walking dogs, and having picnics with friends and family. Personally, it’s always a treat to play with the cats that roam around the park. The kitties are used to people, so they would happily play with park visitors.
Part of the Ayala Triangle Gardens is undergoing a facelift, which should offer new gathering places and fresh retail concepts. The northern tip of the park is currently being developed to make way for the new 5-star Mandarin Hotel; and Tower Two, a high-grade office tower with 38 floors, at par with its neighboring skyscrapers.
Pro tip: Don’t forget to take a photo at The Make It Makati Sign in the middle of the park.
