MAKATI CITY — Makati’s central business district is becoming known for more than corporate meetings and office life. On weekends, Ayala Avenue often turns into a gathering place for runners, while employees from various companies exchange business attire for sportswear and take part in friendly competition. Throughout the city, corporate sports and wellness programs are gaining momentum as organizations invest in activities that promote employee health, teamwork, and community engagement through running clubs, bowling competitions, and inter-company sporting events.
Corporate Wellness Takes the Spotlight
Employee wellness has emerged as a key focus among many businesses in Makati. In June 2026, the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) gathered more than 10,000 runners representing over 200 companies and 50 running clubs during its #BestLifeRun Corporate Race along Ayala Avenue. Organized in celebration of BPI’s 175th anniversary, the event featured 3KM, 5KM, 10KM, and 21KM race categories that welcomed participants of varying ages and fitness levels.
Manulife Philippines has also strengthened its wellness efforts through its “Run and Recover” initiative in partnership with Makati-based running collective Just Show Up. The program forms part of the company’s broader “Time to MOVE” campaign. Its first event brought together approximately 150 participants for a 5KM run around Makati, followed by a recovery breakfast, DJ performances, and a relaxed social gathering. The initiative highlights a growing trend in which fitness activities are becoming social experiences rather than purely individual pursuits.
Industry-Based Sports Communities
Running is only one part of Makati’s expanding corporate sports culture. The MART-ACI Run Club, organized by the Money Market Association of the Philippines and ACI Philippines, staged a community run on March 15, 2026, transforming Ayala Avenue into a venue for professionals from the financial markets sector. “The markets never stop moving, and neither should we. The MART-ACI Run Club is our way of ensuring our community stays as resilient as the industries we serve,” the organizers noted.
Other industries have also embraced sports-based engagement. The Philippine Ship Agents Association (PSAA) conducted its 2026 Bowling Tournament on May 16 at AMF-Puyat Superbowl in Makati Cinema Square. Representatives from TMS Ship Agencies, Ben Line Agencies, Eastgate Maritime, and several other companies competed in the event. Meanwhile, Telus International’s football club continues to promote the sport through participation in the Corporate Football League and its “Play It Forward” football clinic.
Basketball and Badminton Gain Popularity
Basketball and badminton remain among the most popular sports for corporate employees. The Makati Sports Club Inc. (MSCI) in Salcedo Village recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, underscoring the long-standing role of sports clubs within the city. Inter-company basketball tournaments and badminton competitions have become increasingly common, with businesses forming teams and participating in matches that encourage teamwork, friendship, and employee engagement. Open Access BPO also contributed to the wellness movement by organizing a Fun Run along Ayala Avenue in 2026. The event attracted more than 200 employees, relatives, friends, and even pets, serving as part of the company’s broader employee engagement and wellness initiatives.
Looking Ahead
As more organizations embrace wellness-focused activities, Makati continues to strengthen its position as a center for active and health-conscious professionals. Upcoming events such as Sun Life’s Sun Day Collective on June 28 at Ayala Triangle Gardens suggest that interest in corporate wellness remains strong. From community runs and bowling tournaments to football clinics, badminton competitions, and basketball leagues, Makati’s growing corporate sports culture demonstrates how companies are increasingly recognizing that investing in employee health and well-being benefits both individuals and organizations.
