Manila or Makati? Baranggay Poblacion in Makati is the coolest place in the city!

Ok you accidentally thought that manila, the capital of the philippines would be very cosmopolitan. Well you have to remember that metro manila is one big sprawling metropolis with subtowns and cities and the old capital Manila maybe a bit raunchy or challenging for some travellers. Yes old Manila has fast deteriorated in recent decades compared to more upscale cities near it,  due to lack of urban planning and inconsistent policys by suceeding city mayors. Though the old capital Manila has retained some of its old charms and attractions, travellers now prefer other places to stay in the country's premiere capital.

There is one particular place in makati city that is fast becoming the biggest attraction for travellers who are looking for both reasonably cheap  accomodations and a more secured and clean urban playground for rest and recreation. Baranggay Poblacion Makati is the most happening place in this crazy capital of more than 15million people. Though it may not yet rival Bonifcacio Global City and the Makati business district in terms of five star accomodations and as a prime location for billion dollar financial investments, this old spot of makati is the perfect balancing act to the more expensive areas near it if the traveller is looking for something more affordable place to stay for some rest and fun.

Looking for some action? P burgos might just be your street playground. Dont compare this one with the seedy streets of ermita and malate or the one at fields in angeles city pampanga. Establishments here are more dscreet with their activities though walking at the street at night its pretty obvious that with the flashy neon sights of bars all around, and uniformed women offereing massages, yes its not a good place for families to take a stroll. Though during day time P burgos looks like a regular touristy street with nice hotels and restaurants. Its a relatively safe place with good police visibility but people are caution to accept offers from street merchants and sex workers.

Baranggay Poblacion is also home to many medium range hotels and cool hostels. Trip advisory has a long list of the popular ones. But i would suggest hotel durban, city garden hotel, city garden grand hotel, clipper hotel, residence Y, st Giles to name a few. Both city garden and grand have swimming pools with a majestic view of the city. St Giles is a favorite of local companies hosting their conventions, seminars etc and it also has its own rooftop swimming pool.

What makes Poblacion, Makati a mecca for backpackers and budget travellers are the multitudes of hotel accomodations available that would suit every visitor's budget. Im extremely fond of Ritz Astoria's value for your money amenities and comforts. Yes the hotel doesnt have a pool, nor a gym nor parking they dont even have a big restaurant its more like a bar. But for P2000/night you get a spacious room a queensize bed four fluffy pillows and comforters and it feels like staying in one of the more expensive hotels in the area for LESS. You can even checkin an hour or two early and even get an hour extention on your checkout for free! What it lacks in character in the more funky hostels and the more glitzy pricier hotels in town it compensates with its modern spacious rooms and the comforts and amenities 

Are you looking for something modest but comfortable place to stay? Baranggay Poblacion Makati is home to many of the country's best run hostels. Lokal Hostel is one hostel in the A list of many travellers, known for its big beds, large communal areas, and private rooms with bath. It also has a fantastic rooftop common area where travelers can chill and enjoy makati's skyline and the nearby bonifacio global city. Its location is just walking distance to many restaurants, sports bars, convenient stores, and the newly built century mall is like a ten minutes walk.

Around the hostel are many convenient stores, the popular mexican resto el chupacabra and sports bar like handle bar which is frequented by many foreign tourists. Filling station on P. Burgos with its American style diner interiors has been around for 30 years serving milkshakes, breakfasts, pizzas, tacos etc. 

Theres a night food market nearby and places like greenbelt, and the ayala center plus the makati's financial district  is a mere jeepney and taxi ride away. The glitzy Rockwell Center mall is like a fifteen minute walk. The Ayala triangle park is a great place to people watch, dine, jog and during the month of novermber to december the place brightens up with thousands of christmas lights, entertaining park goers with the annual light sound show for the holidays.

Definitley makati is a very attractive alternative to stay in metro manila if you dont have to be in the city of Manila. Its cleaner, safer, its closer to the airport and you have manila's wallstreet in makati. Most people find the shopping and entertainment factor here can  rival those cosmopolitan cities in nearby countries like KL or singapore.