Life of a Single Happy Woman in Makati | Landmark, Glorietta, Heyday & Luk Yuen| Life of a Local

If you’re visiting Makati, Philippines and want to understand how everyday city life works—not the luxury fantasy, not the backpacker version—this is what a normal day can look like. I live and work here. I walk the city without rushing. I’m single, happy, fulfilled, and rooted in my faith in Jesus Christ. Makati makes space for days like this—errands mixed with food, memory, and movement. I started at Landmark. Landmark sits right between Glorietta and Greenbelt, both literally and in price range. This is where locals shop when they need something practical. You’ll see a lot of outdated brands, but that’s the tradeoff—items are cheaper. The quality isn’t always the most sturdy, but for quick trips, short travels, emergency outfits, or basics, it works. You’ll even find surprisingly affordable gowns—some priced like Divisoria. It’s not polished, but it’s useful. Foreigner tip: If you want to understand how Filipinos shop day-to-day, start here. From Landmark, you can walk straight into Glorietta—everything in Ayala Center is connected. If you’re commuting, take the MRT to Ayala Station, walk through SM Makati, and you’ll end up inside Glorietta without stepping outside. The Lunar New Year has just passed—it’s the Year of the Horse. You’ll still spot traces of holiday décor. Some Christmas decorations are still around, though most have been taken down. Makati during Christmas feels fuller, warmer. When the trees disappear, you really notice the change. I explored the rooftop area and cinema level, where you’ll find Japan Town and Korea Town–inspired food spots. It’s lively, especially during lunch and dinner hours. Foreigner tip: This area is great for casual food hopping, but wear comfortable shoes—you’ll walk more than you think. For lunch, I went to Luk Yuen. Luk Yuen is hit or miss, but it stays popular because it’s affordable and familiar. The beef noodle soup is cheap and filling. The braised vegetables are consistently good. The chicken can be dry on some days. Foreigner tip: Stick to noodles and vegetable dishes—they’re the safest orders and closest to what locals usually get. I passed by Popeyes, then tried a Chinese tikoy coconut dessert—a seasonal treat that only shows up during Chinese New Year. Sweet, chewy, and very tied to the time of year. These are the small things you only notice if you’re around long enough. Before heading home, I stopped at Eric Kayser. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch their éclairs before they sell out. That doesn’t happen often. I had coffee and sat for a while. This stop mattered to me—éclairs were the favorite of my dearly departed friend Charles Adranida. Foreigner tip: Go earlier in the day if you want pastries. By afternoon, many items are gone. This is Makati when you live here. Errands, food, walking, remembering. Not flashy. Not rushed. And very easy to love. 📍 Exact Addresses (For Easy Navigation) Landmark Makati Ayala Center, Makati Avenue corner Esperanza Street, Makati City, Metro Manila Glorietta Mall Ayala Center, Makati Avenue corner Palm Drive, Makati City, Metro Manila (Accessible via MRT Ayala Station; walk through SM Makati) Luk Yuen Chinese Restaurant – Glorietta 2nd Floor, Glorietta 2, Ayala Center, Makati City, Metro Manila Eric Kayser – Glorietta Branch Glorietta Mall, Ayala Center, Makati City, Metro Manila