Noted for its numerous gated communities, upscale malls, world-class hotels, and bustling central business district, Makati City has a long-held reputation as the place to live and work for society’s rich and famous.
But the city is a hip and happening destination too, and the area that best captures this vibe is the North of Makati—or NOMA to its denizens. A neighborhood teeming with galleries, live music, and one-off dining options, NOMA is also home to The Rise Makati, a 55-story residential condominium that shares the fun and fresh atmosphere of its dynamic location.
Situated along Malugay Street in San Antonio Village, this thoroughly modern development spoils its residents to the hilt with amenities that promise endless hours of leisure and enjoyment: there’s a 28-meter tropical pool, 380-meter private jogging path, a well-being zone called The Nest, lounge space known as The Hangout, a business center called The Workshop, and The Kids Zone, where condo-dwelling children have room to run and play in a 280-sqm space.
For variety, residents head outdoors to the vibrant selection of eateries, art spaces, and entertainment that NOMA is known for.
Are you a foodie? Along Yakal Street, the continental fare can be had at Chesa Bianca Swiss Restaurant, I’m Angus Steakhouse, and Santi’s Delicatessen. The Pantry on La Fuerza 1 Building along Chino Roces draws the office crowd with its adobo, salpicao, and other Pinoy comfort food. And speaking of Pinoy comfort food, try the bagnet at Bagnet 8065, along St. Paul Road in San Antonio Village: the Ilocano version of lechon kawali is cooked in several iterations—kare-kare, dinuguan, spicy gata, and curry, to name a few.
If you live in The Rise, you can enjoy a careful selection of dining options right outside your doorstep. Visit Assembly Grounds at The Rise, where the roster of restos can satisfy your every food craving, from Filipino (Kuya’s, Zubuchon) to Asian (Yuki, Yi Fang, Tong Yang Shabu Shabu Express, Recipes), Western (Casa Mia, Buffalo’s Wings n’ Things), and all-time favorites (Starbucks Reserve, Bread Talk). Start your morning with a caffeine fix at Starbucks Reserve or at PICKUP Coffee, then treat your family and friends for dinner at your choice of Pinoy fare at Kuya’s, Asian food at Tong Yang Shabu-Shabu Express, or Western bites at Raging Bull Burgers. End your day with some well-deserved pampering at the salon like Sanbry Men’s Grooming House and /Nook/ Salon or have a quick spa sesh at Lomi Imua Hawaiian Relaxation Spa or get other beauty services at Nisce Skin Medispa for skin treatments and at Pink Parlour for hair removal services.
What’s for dessert? For something out of the ordinary, Patiserrie Bebe Rouge on Sacred Heart Street, San Antonio Village, indulges your taste buds with its Japanese-and-French-fusion cakes and pastries. Poison Coffee and Doughnuts in Karrivin Plaza, Chino Roces, tempts with its self-described “dangerous” array of hot and cold drinks and rich doughnuts. Order them after a savory lunch of ramen or rice bowls. Mochiko in Malugay Street has a menu of different mochi ice cream flavors. Malugay’s also where you can score desserts you can drink from Raspberry Eats and Tai ho Milk Tea and Deli.
Red or white? Toast to fine wines at Titania Wine Cellar and Cave Werdenberg Wine Bar, both on Yakal Street.
How about some entertainment? Catch live bands and solo acts (and have some drinks and bar chow while you’re at it) at famed watering hole SaGuijo Café and Bar on Guijo Street, San Antonio Village, or witness some serious Pinoy rap battles in Fliptop Battle on Malugay Street. If you and the gang are up for a challenge, sign up at Escape Plan Manila at HPGV Building, Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, or Mystery Manila at Century Mall, along Kalayaan Avenue.
Investing in art? NOMA is the place to be, with its spate of galleries and creative spaces all in La Fuerza Plaza, Chino Roces: there’s Modeka Creative Space on Warehouse 20, White Walls Gallery on Warehouse 12A, Finale Art File on Warehouse 17, and Leon Gallery on Warehouse 14. If it’s wearable art you’re after, drop by Suez & Zapote. The shop on the corners of Suez and Zapote streets in Barangay Sta. Cruz sells clothing by streetwear brand Team Manila and Daily Grind. It also hosts art exhibitions and live gigs, giving you the full-on NOMA experience.
Living in the city doesn’t have to be restricting, especially if you’re living in The Rise Makati that’s situated in the middle of the hip and happening NOMA neighborhood.