MAKATI CITY — Just a short drive from the soaring towers of the central business district, an old racetrack has been reborn as one of the country’s most exciting cultural and entertainment destinations. Circuit Makati, a 22-hectare riverfront development by Ayala Land, has transformed the historic Santa Ana Racetrack into a vibrant hub that draws foreign visitors with its unique fusion of upscale shopping, live theater, and local dining experiences.
From Racetrack to Lifestyle Playground
Once the site of the famed Santa Ana Racetrack, which closed around 2009, the property has been reimagined as a “lifestyle playground” that integrates urban living with leisure amenities. Located along A.P. Reyes Avenue and Hippodromo Street, the development sits approximately 1.5 kilometers from the Makati Central Business District, making it easily accessible for tourists and locals alike. What was once a venue for horse racing is now a bustling activity center offering a unique mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment experiences.
World-Class Performing Arts Venues
At the heart of Circuit Makati’s cultural appeal are its three major entertainment venues. The Samsung Performing Arts Theater, a 1,500-seat world-class venue, has become a premier destination for international performances since opening in 2022. In July 2026, it will host “After Oz,” a concert featuring Broadway stars Lissa De Guzman and Allie Trimm, the original Elphaba and Glinda from Wicked, alongside special guest Morissette. The concert sold out so quickly that a second matinee performance was added on July 10. The theater also hosts the annual International Dance Day Fest, bringing together world-class performers including the American Ballet Theatre Studio Company, and will present The Notebook: The Musical from September 3 to 20, 2026.
Complementing the main theater is the Power Mac Center Spotlight Blackbox Theater, a 300-seat intimate venue that has been hosting performances since 2018. The 2-hectare Globe Circuit Event Grounds accommodates up to 10,000 people for concerts and festivals.
A Canvas for Art and Culture
Circuit Makati has positioned itself as the city’s cultural district, playing host to major art events throughout the year. In February 2026, it welcomed Art Fair Philippines for the first time, occupying six floors of Circuit Corporate Center One with 50 exhibitors from France, Japan, Spain, and across Southeast Asia. The fair was complemented by Art Walk 2026, which transformed the entire area into an immersive cultural experience.
Public art installations are also a defining feature of the district. Visitors can admire Ronald Ventura’s “Carousel” sculpture and Leeroy New’s installation along Riverfront Drive, as well as Isaiah Cacnio’s LED works that light up the area. A massive Contemporary Art Center is expected to launch in 2027, further cementing Circuit Makati’s status as an arts and culture hub.
Shopping, Dining, and Family Fun
Beyond the arts, Circuit Makati offers a complete lifestyle experience. The Ayala Malls Circuit, a 10,000-square-meter semi‑outdoor retail space, features a mix of international brands and local favorites. The mall is pet‑friendly, and visitors often gather at the open areas to watch the sunset over the Makati skyline. Dining options range from Japanese restaurants like Ooma, Ramen Nagi, and Mitsuyado Sei-Men to Italian favorites like Italianni’s and local staples such as Mang Inasal. The Mercato Centrale food market also offers a rotating selection of food stalls.
A Growing Global Allure
For travelers seeking an authentic cultural experience outside the traditional tourist trail, Circuit Makati offers a compelling alternative. The development’s combination of world-class performing arts, international art exhibitions, upscale shopping, and diverse dining options makes it a microcosm of Makati’s broader transformation; a city that has become a premier cultural destination in Southeast Asia. Whether catching a Broadway concert, exploring contemporary art, or simply enjoying a meal with a view of the skyline, visitors to Circuit Makati experience the best of what Makati has to offer: a city that works hard, plays hard, and celebrates culture with passion.
