10:02 a.m. The morning light slants through the windows of a well-loved Poblacion café known for its locally sourced coffee and signature cat latte art. She’s seated at a corner table, nursing a cafe latte. No sugar, because anything sweeter might turn her stomach after a night of, eh, Poblacion-ing. The slight ache behind her temples reminds her she’s not 25 anymore, but she’s also not quite ready to admit that middle age is just around the corner.
She watches as the usual café crowd drifts in—freelancers, creatives, and the occasional hipster with a film camera—and sets herself along the slow pace of a Saturday morning in Makati. A cup of coffee in Poblacion after a long night out is exactly what she needs before she moves on to the next chapter.
10:55 a.m. The streets of Poblacion are waking up and shaking off the remnants of last night’s chaos. The neon signs that once brightened up bars and speakeasies seem a bit odd in the daylight now, with their neon glow giving way to the cozy appeal of heritage houses that have become cafés and bistros. She strolls by a line of pre-war homes, some beautifully restored while others are just hanging on, their peeling paint and drooping balconies sharing tales from a bygone time—before Poblacion turned into Makati’s nightlife hub.
The contrast has long interested her. On one corner, there’s an old bahay na bato that has been turned into a nice restaurant, with its capiz windows letting in the morning sun beautifully. A wall covered in graffiti just a short walk away adds a rough feel to the area. Ever-changing Poblacion is never really just one thing.
She eases her pace as she approaches a charming house that’s been transformed into a hotel. She feels drawn to go inside. But instead, she hangs out on the sidewalk, brushing her hand along the iron gate. She thinks about how many others have paused right here, caught between what was and what is. At her age, she wonders if that’s what life is all about—constantly being on the brink of something new.
11:26 a.m. The humid streets slowly come alive with vendors setting up their carts, and early lunch-goers spilling into those cozy little cafés and underrated restaurants in Makati. She walks into a vegan spot right in the middle of Poblacion, and feels the nice coolness that breaks the midday heat. The space feels cozy, with soft lighting and a mix of decor that gives off a bohemian, almost magical vibe. It’s where she can imagine her past selves hanging out with friends, chatting about life and philosophy while enjoying some craft cocktails.
She orders a vegan sisig, a dish she used to scoff at but now really enjoys. It’s like she’s starting to welcome change in her life. At this stage, she welcomes every opportunity to rethink what still brings her joy. Maybe that’s why she keeps returning to the best restaurants in Poblacion—not just for the food, but for those reflective moments that go with them.
She adds a quick snap to the Reel she’s been stitching together. Even personal joys deserve their 15 seconds.
1:14 p.m. By early afternoon, she’s standing in front of the Museo ng Makati, a lovely Spanish-era building in Poblacion. The museum, which used to be the town hall, has transformed into a cultural hub that highlights Makati’s rich history. It really feels like a peaceful retreat from the bustling city and its changing skyline. She explores the exhibitions on pre-colonial Makati, looking at black-and-white photos of the town before the glass skyscrapers took over the skyline, and studying items that subtly allude to a past frequently overshadowed by modern commerce.
She sits to skim a large coffee table book whose pages are filled with depictions of the Pasig River. The imagery romanticizes the river’s flowing history, far from the reality she’ll soon face outside. The book reminds her of her fondness for places like these, where time seems to stand still and the air feels thick with stories. But today, there’s a quiet throbbing at her temples, a dull ache in her legs, remnants of a night spent under neon lights, moving to music she barely remembers, making forced conversation with someone whose name she has already forgotten.
Leaving the museum, she strolls over to the river. The water moves slowly, bearing the weight of the city’s history and its current life. It used to be the heartbeat of trade and transport in Manila, but now it shows the challenges of urban life. She leans on the fence, taking in the way the faint ripples twist the skyline. Her life recently has been like this—the murky present providing a distorted version of memories of her early adulthood. It wasn’t great, but viewed from her present life, it looks better than she thought.
She checks her watch. Time to rest in her condo and prepare for the night.
6:17 p.m. As the evening rolls in, she strolls into a laid-back retro diner right in the heart of Poblacion. Once she walks through the door, it feels like she’s entered a completely different world. The place is glowing with neon lights that create a chill atmosphere, vintage items are all around, and you can catch Elvis crooning softly from the jukebox in the back. It’s a playfully kitschy, a place that really embraces curated nostalgia, where the past gets a fresh twist, making it more enjoyable and accessible.
She sinks into a red leather booth, casually flipping through the laminated menu. Burgers, milkshakes, and all-day breakfast. It’s all about that classic diner vibe with a playful spin. After last night’s drinks and a relaxing afternoon, she’s definitely craving something cozy yet satisfying. She picks a hamburger, paired with some crispy fries and chocolate milkshake, a comforting meal to enjoy before pushing on through the night.
As she waits, she takes a look around at the crowd—friends laughing over spiked milkshakes, couples getting all snuggly, and solo diners completely in their own world. Places like this, where it feels like time kind of stretches out, have a special place in her heart. Maybe that’s why she keeps feeling drawn to them. Some nights, she’s the one snuggling up to someone. On nights like this, she’s fine alone, simply relaxing and taking it all in, pondering which moments will stay in her memory and which will disappear into the pulsating lights.
7:47 p.m. The neon lights of Poblacion shine brighter now, casting an almost hypnotic glow over the streets. The energy of the nightlife pulses through the air, calling to her like an old, familiar song. It’s almost like Poblacion after dark has its own heartbeat. As an adult, she’s expected to have a more stable routine, a quieter life. But she still feels the pull of the city, the excitement of spontaneous nights out and the thrill of discovering what comes next.
She doesn’t carry the weight of age like some people do. Yeah, you can definitely notice the physical signs, like a few extra creaks in her joints and flabs that won’t go away despite constant dieting and exercise. But that won’t hold her back. In Poblacion, she discovers a playground that doesn’t get old.
It’s not that she’s running away from something, nor is she seeking validation. She’s simply refusing to accept that reaching her age means turning off the excitement of unpredictability or the sheer joy of being alive. In a city where the night is never the same twice, there’s still so much to discover, not just about the world around her, but about herself.
8:14 p.m. As the night unfolds, she strolls into one of the popular bars in Poblacion, right at the heart of the neighborhood’s nightlife scene. When she walks in, the soft lights and gentle beats set a welcoming vibe that really changes the mood. She kicks back with a drink in hand, letting her mind drift amidst the chatter and the music that pervades the venue.
Poblacion’s vibe reflects what she’s been going through lately—partly exploring new things, partly taking a moment to think back, and mostly just feeling that calm confidence that comes from accepting every part of the journey. At a turning point in her life, with a history filled with secrets and things left unsaid, she realizes that maybe she’s right where she’s meant to be.
In the lively bars of Poblacion, she loves the swirl of emotions and the idea of permanence that nonetheless seem just beyond her grasp. In a place where indulgence seems to be the norm, she’s ready to embrace whatever the night brings her way.
10:02 a.m. It’s the morning after. She’s having a quiet brunch at another coffee shop in Poblacion, savoring a comforting cereal milk latte. The warm, sweet aroma fills the air as she takes a sip. The creamy flavor and crunchy texture provide comfort after a night that feels like a dream she can’t describe quite clearly.
She takes a casual glance at her phone and sees the Instagram Reel she filmed last night at the bar, where neon lights painted her and a man in an almost cinematic glow. She smirks, not quite sure whether she’s proud of it. She cringes at the thought that even the unguarded moments of her nightlife can leave digital footprints.
She will regret it later, when she finally completely sobers up. But for now, in the comfort of Poblacion’s morning buzz, the sun slowly rising over the city, she allows herself a moment of immunity from the embarrassment. She chuckles and puts her phone down on the table.
Modeled by Ryza Venice
Poblacion, Makati Travel Basics
Access
- To get to Poblacion by public transport, you can take any of the following options:
- Via LRT-1: Alight at Gil Puyat Station. From there, ride a jeepney going to Kalayaan and get down at Makati Avenue.
- Via MRT-3: Alight at Guadalupe Station. From there, ride a jeepney or Grab to Poblacion.
- From Ayala Avenue: Take a jeepney heading to J.P. Rizal and get down at Poblacion (Burgos Street or Kalayaan Avenue).
- By car, Waze or Google Maps will guide you to Poblacion. Parking can be tricky, but some establishments offer valet or nearby pay parking.
Food
- Poblacion’s restaurants offer a diverse range of flavors to explore. Cosmic is a top choice for vegans, serving creative and flavorful plant-based Filipino dishes.
- El Chupacabra is a Poblacion staple. This unassuming streetside restaurant is known for its street-style tacos and chill vibes.
- Royal Indian Curry House serves a diverse array of Indian flavors in an elegant setting.
- Filling Station remains a favorite. The retro-inspired diner serves classic American comfort food, great for casual meals and late-night cravings. The place itself is perfect for spontaneous photoshoots.
Cafés
- Poblacion’s café scene is just as exciting, with spots offering great coffee, unique ambiance, and even a bit of history. Commune, one of the pioneer in the area, is known for its specialty coffee and cozy ambiance, perfect for coffee lovers and remote workers.
- A relative newcomer, Good Sh*t Coffee has become a favorite, with great-tasting coffee in a cozy, laid-back setting.
- Annex House is a unique Poblacion café and cultural hub set in a post-war ancestral home, blending coffee, drinks, and design in a space where history meets modern vibes.
- Solid Ground Coffee is a quaint Poblacion café celebrating Filipino roasters with standout espressos, including their signature “Sampiro” blend.
Accommodation
- If you’re planning a staycation in Poblacion, Makati, you can try I’M Hotel, a midrange hotel with a modern, sleek design, featuring a rooftop bar, infinity pool, and a full-service spa for a relaxing stay. Approximately PHP 5,100 to 35,000, depending on room type and season.
- A budget option is Z Hostel, a social hostel with a popular rooftop bar. Around PHP 1,000 for a bed in a mixed dormitory. Private rooms at around PHP 2,100.
- La Casita Mercedes is a picture-perfect, mid-century heritage home in Poblacion, ideal for a unique stay with friends or family. From around PHP 9,800 per night.
The Tourist Gaze 