MAKATI CIRCUIT: ON TRACK TO BE A BURGEONING CENTER FOR ARTS, CULTURE AND ENTERTAINMENT
The location of Circuit Makati at the boundaries of Makati and Manila has always been a destination— having been a racetrack in the past and now, a burgeoning center for arts, culture and entertainment.
At one time, this 21-hectare expanse was where the Santa Ana Race Park of the Philippine Racing Club Inc. (PRCI) once stood.
The race park, which began operations in 1937, housed three main structures—two grandstands and an office building. It was named after St. Anne, patron saint of the nearby town of Santa Ana, Manila, although the property itself was part of Makati.
Races were held continuously at Santa Ana Race Park over seven decades, with only a brief hiatus during the war. In 2009, PRCI shutdown the racetrack and moved its race operations to a 65-hectare property in Naic, Cavite.
P20B COMPLEX
Property giant Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) then saw an opening that would further elevate the status of Makati as the country’s leading city for business, lifestyle and entertainment.
In 2013, ALI unveiled its P20-billion, five-year development plan for Circuit Makati, a mixed-use development that would have entertainment spaces and grounds integrated with commercial, hotel and residential blocks. It would be directly connected to the Makati central business district through Ayala Avenue extension and South Avenue.
According to ALI, the name “Circuit Makati” was coined to honor Sta. Ana’s heritage, the site of a former racing circuit. The word “circuit” also connotes energy, vibrancy and excitement.
DEVELOPMENTS
The first phase of Circuit Makati’s development included a 2-ha open grounds area that can accommodate up to 20,000 people per event. Alveo Land then launched its residential projects in the area, while mall and retail developments began.
Circuit Makati first drew attention for hosting festivals. The 10,000-seater, two-hectare Globe Circuit Event Grounds has been the choice venue for various activities. It played host to signature events amid a generous view of the cityscape.
The entertainment center meanwhile features Circuit Lane, which is filled with retail and leisure shops as well as restaurants. It has been reimagined with a neutral color palette and a sculpture by artist Reg Yuson as its centerpiece.
The in-city sports facilities became a huge draw for athletes, fitness buffs and beginners. The mall has gyms and intense activities; the complex hosts Zumba sessions and has lanes open for joggers and bikers. The Mountain Dew Skate Park, the first urban concrete skate park in the country, takes in skaters of different levels of expertise. Circuit Makati also has a
650-meter karting racetrack, Urban CityKart Racing, which makes use of a Formula 1 timing system.
Football enthusiasts meanwhile have made the Blue Pitch their go-to. It is a FIFA-sized blue football field designed to meet international standards. It is also equipped with floodlights for training sessions and games, and is likewise a frequent venue for American football, flag football and ultimate frisbee tournaments.
During the pandemic, Circuit Makati launched Mercato United Kitchen, which allows customers to conveniently order various dishes from a roster of merchants for one delivery fee.
Circuit Makati was a collaborative effort among ALI, PRCI and the City of Makati.
Sources: Inquirer Archives, Ayala Land, Circuit Makati, journals.upd.edu.ph