All The Small Things: 6 Cool Spots in Makati That Prove Size Doesn’t Always Matter

Do you often have a hard time deciding where to stay or eat in Makati? Where to shop or grab coffee? Don’t worry because you’re not alone. Faced with a ton of options, most people suffer analysis paralysis. Conventional wisdom taught us to always ‘go big or go home’, but in this busy and crowded city, choosing small is often time the right thing to do. Here are 6 shops in Makati City that show good things can come from small packages:

1. Poison Coffee & Doughnuts

Pretty shocking right? Wait till you try their ‘dangerous’ brews and ‘deadly’ confections. This up-and-coming cafe is so cute and cozy you’ll want to put in your pocket and on your Instagram. Address: GF Bldg C Karrivin Plaza, Chino Roces Ave., Ext Makati | Tel: 752-0327 | www.facebook.com/pg/dangerouscoffee.deadlydoughnuts

2. Plaka Planet

Vinyl records and vintage turntables are back. Plaka Planet, the best and most budget-friendly place to get your audio fix, is hidden inside an archery range. Bobby, the owner, is very cool and will even let you test any pressing even if you’re not planning to buy anything. Address: Kodanda Archery Range, Upper Basement, Makati Cinema Square Hours: 10:30am – 7:30pm Web: facebook.com/PlakaPlanetMakati

3. Cop Garden

Looking for rare Nikes and Air Jordans? Vintage Supreme and Stussy apparel? Or do you just want to hang with cool dudes and a cute pug who doubles as a store mascot? Cop Garden is a streetwear store that looks like your cooler older brother’s bedroom. Address: 3F ChemPhil Bldg, Antonio Arnaiz Ave, Legazpi Village, Makati Web: facebook.com/copgardenph

4. Slick Barbers Co.

From its humble beginnings of just a couple of monobloc chairs and mirrors on the first level of co-founder Christian “Indio” Bendañas house, SBCo is now a full pledged barber shop and lifestyle brand with a cult following. Their specialty? Clean fades and buzzes a.k.a ‘gentleman’s cut,” which not many barbers in the country can pull off. Address: 3919 Yague St. cor South Ave. Makati Tel.: 0935-715-2488 Web: facebook.com/slickbarbersco

5. Ta Tan Men Ramen

If you love ramen, check out this cheap and delicious spot along Dela Rosa St. This shop is so small, they can only accommodate up to 10 customers at a time. You have to wait outside for the other patrons to finish up. Address: GF Rada Regency, Castro Street corner, Dela Rosa Street Legaspi Village Makati City Tel.: 0(02) 750 2069 Web: facebook.com/TAN-TAN-MEN-HOUSE-1473922149322716

6. The Mini Suites Eton Tower Makati

The Mini Suites puts you in the center of all the sights and sounds of the city as you enjoy first-class accommodations all with full amenities and indulgent beds & pillows, you are sure to find that perfect mix of modern practicality, convenience, and touches of luxury to suit your needs. One of the best hotels in Makati, these suites will end your search for where to stay in Makati. Address: 128 Dela Rosa Street, Ayala South, Makati City 1229 Tel.: (632) 868 6868 Website: www.theminisuites.com.

The Hidden Gems of Legaspi Village in Makati City, Philippines

When someone mentions the word Makati, several images come to mind: towering skyscrapers and office buildings, busy men and women in corporate attire rushing past, hopeful job applicants clutching several copies of their resume. Everyone is in a hurry to get to the next meeting or close the next business deal, and the city is all abuzz with frenetic capitalist activity.

However, just a couple of turns from Paseo de Roxas will land you in a place so different you’ll think you’ve left Makati. This area is called Legaspi Village, the chill, homey cousin of the Ayala CBD. The buildings are shorter, the people not as harried, and the overall vibe more relaxed. You’re more likely to find employees in casual clothes, walking leisurely in groups as they decide where to have their next meal or which café to meet in.

here are several hidden gems in Legaspi Village that you must visit if you happen to be in the area.

The Curator. Coffee shops are by-and-large a staple of the Makati working class zombie, but we have yet to see a fresher variation than the Curator. It’s easy to pass this one by but play close attention to the white walls and you’ll know you’re in the right place. The Curator serves excellent coffee staples and frequently displays other coffee brands, such as % Arabica. Further inside, guests will find a speakeasy hidden behind an unassuming door. Have a chill night drinking with friends and enjoy the various cocktails for sale.

Little Tokyo. You don’t have to book a plane ticket to Japan just to savor authentic oriental food. Venture out to Little Tokyo, a hub of small restaurants and stalls serving Japanese cuisine. Taste everything from delicious yakisoba noodles to crunchy takoyaki pieces, all at affordable prices.

Legaspi Sunday Market. Open only on Sundays (obviously), the Legaspi Sunday Market is composed of numerous stalls catering to different taste buds. Keep it healthy and shop for organic vegetables or go loco over artisanal vegan ice cream, mushroom fries, and delicious Hainanese chicken rice.

Accommodation Makati. If you’re looking for a place to stay, consider BSA Mansion Hotel. This Makati hotel is also in the Legaspi area, located near the spots mentioned above. A city hotel catering to both business and leisure travelers, BSA is a solid and affordable option whether you’re staying for the long- or short-term. Enjoy various facilities such as an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and airport transfers when you book a stay with BSA Mansion Hotel on their website: http://www.bsamansion-makati.com.