Luxurious and modern living – this is perhaps the best way to describe the high-end condos for rent in Poblacion, Makati. The average rent for a one-bedroom unit is pegged at Php64,000 per month. Expect generous cuts, well-designed space and curated furniture in these posh condominiums. Don’t be intimidated by the price tag, the monthly rent already includes association dues and a parking slot. |
Condos here exude elegance and taste. Milano Residences, a private luxury residence that stands in Century City, is the very first of its kind in the whole of Asia to be interior designed by Versace Homes. The sophisticated elements of the fashion brand is translated to everyday home living. |
Poblacion is the second most important commercial hub next to the Makati Central Business District. It houses the upscale Rockwell Center and Century City. Poblacion belongs to the city’s West District and has a land area of over 1,000,000 square meters or almost four percent of Makati’s total land area. It has an estimated population of 17,000 as of 2010. |
Poblacion is one of the most coveted areas in Makati City. It is the city’s center of government, culture, history and entertainment. As such, land value here is expensive and is expected to rise further. Renting is a viable option for those who want to live in glamour and style but want to stay within budget. |
Aside from the lavish condos, Poblacion has also gained traction in recent years as more bars and restaurants set up shop here. With the advent of social media, these establishments were designed to be “Instagram-worthy” –something that is a sure-fire hit to millennials. One of the well-known destinations here is El Chupacabra, a Tex-Mex restaurant along Felipe Street serving mouth-watering tacos, burritos and cheap beer. It used to be just an open street diner in its early days, until it developed into a full-pledged restaurant to cater the growing number of patrons. Other favorite eats here are LOBO Filipino Tavern which serves classic Filipino favorites; Tambai, a chill drinking spot that serves delicious pika pika and yakitori; and Bucky’s, a desert café, for days when feeling like indulging in a brownie…or two.
A favorite watering hole among yuppies, Poblacion gets packed on Friday nights and weekends as people drink to their heart’s content after a long workweek. Some of the well-known pubs here are Backwell by BBZ, a witty play on words as it is located behind Rockwell; Alchemy Bistro Bar, Filling Station, Dulo, Buddha Bar, Pura Vida and Filling Station.
The art scene in Poblacion has also been revived by art groups recently. In April last year, artists staged a one-night even called “Throwback Thursday: A Night at the Museo” at the Museo ng Makati. The event showcased performances, new exhibits and colorful installations as a way of announcing the city’s commitment to the local art scene and preservation of its rich heritage and culture. Another exhibit was staged early this year at The Ruins which showcased prominent and budding artists in the modern Philippine art scene.
But one doesn’t have to wait for exhibits like these to witness beautiful pieces of artwork in Poblacion. One can check out PineappleLab, an underrated gallery that features upcoming talents that fit their theme for the month. Locals and visitors can also check out the stunning murals by young local artists all over their walls, inside and out.
Within Poblacion, one can find the iconic Rockwell Center, a 15.5-hectare lot previously occupied by a thermal power plant. It houses high-rise office buildings, condominium towers, a law and business school and a shopping mall called Power Plant, which paid homage to the previous occupant of the land.
Over at Kalayaan Avenue, on the other hand, is Century City, a mixed-use development by Century Properties. Here you can find Gramercy Residences, Trump Tower Manila, the second tallest skyscraper in the country at 280 meters; Knightsbridge Residences, Centuria Medical Makati and Century City Mall.
West of Century City is Picar Place, Makati’s newest high-end lifestyle hub. Construction is underway for the Stratford Residences, another upscale condominium which is projected to one the city’s tallest buildings at 312 meters. Also in the pipeline is the construction of Movenpick Hotel Makati, ano international five-star hotel.