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Raffles 1887
The butler did it
Our Raffles Butler’s Guide to Makati
Arrived in Makati with 72 hours to fill? Take the advice of our seasoned butler, who knows his way around the city of Manila
Day One
Morning
GREENBELT
Experience retail therapy Makati-style with a trip to Greenbelt, a refined shopping and dining experience six minutes’ walk from Raffles Makati. Spread over 12 hectares, Greenbelt comprises five interconnected sections, blending upscale retail spaces with beautifully landscaped gardens and open-air promenades. Renowned international brands stand alongside curated local boutiques, while an array of sophisticated dining options caters to diverse tastes. With its elegant design and tranquil ambience, Greenbelt is much more than just a mall – it’s an oasis that captures the sparkling yet serene spirit of the city.
Afternoon
Afternoon Tea at The Writers Bar
The Writers Bar is as much a part of the Raffles story as the much-loved tradition of afternoon tea. Vibrant yet cosy, open yet intimate, The Writers Bar at Raffles Makati is an inspired tribute to the famous writers and artistic souls who have stayed at – and perhaps written about – the original Raffles in Singapore. As well as serving a delicious afternoon tea, this is also the place to enjoy an array of light snacks, classic cocktails and curated experiences, accompanied by live music from our pianist and violin soloists. Have your Raffles butler make afternoon tea reservations for you; or ask about indulging your inner connoisseur with our Whisky Praline Flight and Curator’s Hour experiences.
Evening
Repertory Philippines at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium
What better way to cap off your first day in Manila than with a showcase of Filipino talent and theatrical artistry? With a history spanning 57 years and more than 480 performances, Repertory Philippines is considered the most prestigious theatre company in the country. Many of the Philippines’ most beloved actors, producers and directors continue to call the company home, and several world-renowned Filipino theatre talents have cut their teeth in Rep productions here before going on to international acclaim on stage, film and TV.
Repertory Philippines performs at the Carlos P Romulo Auditorium at the RCBC Plaza, a short drive from Raffles Makati. Each season comprises an impressive and diverse mix of contemporary and conventional shows, Filipino tales and locally produced stories, and summer acting workshop showcases featuring budding Rep trainees of all ages. Experience Sondheim, Shakespeare, Lloyd-Webber, Pinter and more all-time classics interpreted with world-class Filipino theatricality; or discover an original local play. Ask your Raffles butler to book tickets. If there are no shows scheduled during your visit, consider taking in a Filipino movie or two in cinemas at nearby Greenbelt or Glorietta malls.
DAY TWO
Morning
A WALK IN THE PARK
A stroll – or run – through one of Makati City’s verdant parks is a wonderful way to greet the day and escape the urban pulse for a little while. Paths dappled with golden sunlight invite leisurely wanderings, the soft rustle of leaves and cheerful birdsong providing a melodic backdrop. Take a moment to reconnect – to nature, to yourself, and to the spirit of Makati.
Several of the city’s greenest parks are within walking distance of Raffles Makati. The closest is Greenbelt Park; a few minutes further away are Washington SyCip Park and Legazpi Active Park, favoured for its flora, wide paths, art installations and excellent children’s playground. Cosy cafés and coffee shops across from the parks make the perfect breakfast spot, perhaps after an energising morning run.
Afternoon
EXPLORE OLD MANILA
Old Manila is a place where history comes alive amid the city’s architectural treasures. Give yourself half a day to become fully immersed in the stories that built Manila and the Philippines. Your Raffles Butler can organise a guided Intramuros tour, taking you through the imposing gates of Fort Santiago and back to an era of conquistadors and revolutionaries. Marvel at the beauty of San Agustin Church, its intricate carvings a testament to Manila’s storied past. Wandering these cobblestone streets, you will find each landmark telling its tale, from Casa Manila’s colonial elegance to the lively plazas brimming with cultural pride
Evening
DINNER & SHOW AT BARBARA’S
No visit to the Philippines is complete without sampling the local cuisine. Some of the very best can be found at Barbara’s Heritage Restaurant in Intramuros, where the concept of dinner and a show is taken to new heights.
Barbara’s is housed inside Casa Manila, a sprawling restored mansion from the Spanish colonial era. Rebuilt with historically accurate materials, furniture and interior design, Casa Manila is also home to a museum, art gallery and auction house featuring artefacts, jewellery, art pieces and other treasures of Philippine culture and history from the 18th and 19th centuries. Meanwhile, the restaurant’s much-lauded menu includes Filipino cuisine staples such as lechon (pork belly), kare-kare (rich peanut-based stew), sinigang (hearty soup) and adobo (pork cooked in soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic), alongside a selection of Spanish or fusion dishes, such as paella, tapas and sangria.
The crowning glory at Barbara’s, however, is Kultura Filipina, a showcase of traditional Filipino music, dance and fashion accompanied by a sumptuous buffet of Philippine cuisine. Each nightly performance transports guests to city life in the colonial era with a lively display of Filipino entertainment, from the romance of kundiman couples’ dances to the flair and precision of flamenco fights. Ask your Raffles butler to reserve a table for you.
DAY THREE
Morning
RAFFLES MAKATI ART TOUR
One of Raffles Makati’s most captivating treasures is its remarkable art collection – a well-curated ensemble of original and commissioned artwork by Filipino artists. Comprising over 1,600 pieces showcased throughout the hotel, the collection offers a glimpse of Philippine culture and modern life, each piece contributing to the hotel’s narrative of cultural richness. Art collections are best explored with a guided tour, and who better to serve as your guide than those who know the hotel best? Your Raffles Makati butler will take you through highlights of the collection, unveiling not just the visual splendour but also the stories woven into each piece.
Afternoon
AYALA MUSEUM
Spanning several floors of traditional and modern exhibits and even an expansive library, the Ayala Museum, a stone’s throw from Raffles Makati, stands as a beacon of art, history and culture, offering an enriching experience for all who step through its doors. This architectural gem invites visitors to explore a curated collection that chronicles Philippine history through stunning works of contemporary art and rare artefacts reflecting the nation's heritage. Whether you choose to wander at your own pace or join a guided tour for a deeper insight, the museum promises an inspiring journey through the richness of Filipino identity. Ask your Raffles butler to secure tickets for your visit; and come and immerse yourself in a world where the past and present converge.
Evening
COCKTAILS AT RAFFLES MAKATI
As the sun sets on your 72-hour adventure, there is no better way to wind down than with a cocktail or two at Raffles Makati, home to the Raffles Singapore Sling and its local counterpart, the Makati Sling. On the 10th floor you’ll find the alfresco Mistral Rooftop Bar, offering a unique view of the Makati City skyline. Opening at 5.00pm daily, it’s the perfect spot to watch the sunset bathe the city in brilliant hues as day gives way to night.
For a more relaxed atmosphere, Raffles Makati’s version of The Long Bar awaits at lobby level. Styled after the original Long Bar at Raffles Singapore, the Long Bar at Raffles Makati is a warm and lively place in which to enjoy one of our signature cocktails. Design and drinks are not the only inspirations taken from the original – even the tradition of scattering peanut shells on the floor has carried over from Long Bar in Singapore. Nightly live entertainment from talented local musicians completes the experience.
Ask your Raffles butler for recommendations on Makati’s nightlife, as many lively pubs and cafés are within walking distance of the hotel, and your butler can help you find the spots that best suit your tastes.
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