Circuit Makati
A prominent destination in the Areas scene.
Circuit Makati is a dynamic master-planned entertainment and lifestyle district in Barangay Carmona, Makati City, located near the Pasig River and along J.P. Rizal Avenue. Developed by Ayala Land on the former site of the historic Santa Ana Park horse racetrack, this 21-hectare hub has brought a massive surge of commercial and recreational energy to the northern bounds of Makati.
- Exact Barangay/City: Barangay Carmona, Makati City
- Best For: Concerts at the Globe Circuit Event Grounds, football games, pet-friendly malls, theater shows
- Average Spend: ₱250 - ₱800 per person
- Power Outlets & Wi-Fi: Outlets are available in Starbucks and Coffee Bean inside Circuit Mall; free mall Wi-Fi for 1 hour.
From Historic Racetrack to Makati's Entertainment Playground
For the longest time, this area was known as the Santa Ana Racetrack, where generations of Manila's horse-racing fans gathered. Honestly, the transformation is pretty wild; instead of horses, you now have people jogging, families walking their dogs, and football players training on the blue turf of the Gatorade Blue Pitch. The centerpiece of the district is Ayala Malls Circuit, which features a solid mix of retail shops, dining spaces, and rooftop activities. Anyway, if you're into performing arts, the Samsung Performing Arts Theater is a world-class facility located right in the complex, hosting Broadway musicals, local theater productions, and classical concerts. It's a huge addition to Makati's cultural scene.
Because the mall is pet-friendly, it's a very popular weekend spot for residents from the surrounding condominiums and neighboring barangays. You'll see people dining alfresco with their pets along the canal-themed walkways. Just a heads up: the outdoor event grounds host major music festivals and concerts, which means the entire district can get extremely loud and crowded on weekend nights. If you prefer a quieter experience, stick to weekday afternoons when the malls are relatively empty.
PRC Jeepneys and J.P. Rizal Commuting
Commuting to Circuit Makati requires getting familiar with the PRC (Philippine Racing Club) jeepney routes. If you are taking the MRT-3, you can get off at Guadalupe or Magallanes station, then take a jeepney bound for PRC. The PRC terminal is located just a short walk from the entrance of Circuit Makati. If you're coming from Manila, there are jeepneys along J.P. Rizal Avenue that pass directly in front of the development. J.P. Rizal is notorious for its tight roads and heavy traffic, so traveling during off-peak hours will save you a lot of time. If you're driving, parking is available inside the mall and the corporate office towers, though the egress roads can get congested after a major concert.
For a more scenic route, the Estrella-Pantaleon Bridge is very close by, providing a quick connection to Mandaluyong. It makes Circuit Makati a popular dining destination not just for Makati locals, but also for people living across the river.
Updated on Jun 19, 2026 by George Gemson