Ayala Avenue — I took this photo when I worked in Ayala Avenue — Makati from October 2023 through February 2024

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Ayala Avenue — The Financial Heart of the Philippines

Gil Van Dyke
3 min readAug 22, 2024

When people talk about the business districts of the Philippines, Ayala Avenue in Makati City inevitable comes up. Known as the “Wall Street of the Philippines,” Ayala Avenue is the country’s financial center, playing a pivotal role in the nation’s economy. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this avenue so special and why it’s considered the financial heart of the Philippines.

A Historical Perspective

Ayala Avenue’s story begins in the early 20th century. The land was originally part of the Hacienda de San Pedro de Makati, owned by the Zóbel de Ayala family, one of the most influential and affluent families in the Philippines. In the 1940s, the Ayala Corporation began developing the area, transforming it from a vast, underutilized piece of land into what is now a thriving business hub. Over the decades, Ayala Avenue has evolved a great deal, becoming home to multinational corporations, financial institutions, and luxurious hotels.

Architectural Marvels

Walking down Ayala Avenue, you’re surrounded by impressive skyscrapers and modern architectural designs. Landmark buildings like the Ayala Tower One, which houses the Philippine Stock Exchange, and the Makati Shangri-La, a luxury hotel, define the skyline. The architecture here isn’t just about height but also about design…

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Gil Van Dyke
Gil Van Dyke

Written by Gil Van Dyke

As a Dutch solo traveler, I share cultural, demographic, political, and historical insights via engaging blogs. Support me at buymeacoffee.com/gilvandyke

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