The retail commercial zone of Makati was put up in 1960,
with the inauguration of the spanking new Rizal Theater. The theater was used
as a venue mainly for film showing and live performances, and featured a
popular restaurant and coffee shop. Rizal Theater was eventually demolished to
give way to Makati Shangri-La Hotel. The MAKATI COMMERCIAL CENTER was rapidly
filled up with business, commercial, and lifestyle shops in the 1970s.
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| MCC - EXCITEMENT, print ad 1970 |
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| MCC- CONTENTMENT, print ad 1970 |
Some iconic establishments include the Quad Theater
(designed by Arch. Carlos Arguelles), which had four cinemas, and an amusement
center with arcade and video games, a first in the country. An outdoor
Glorietta, set amidst a landscaped park designed by National Artist for
Architecture, Ildefonso Santos, featured a center stage for all kinds of
activities and performances.
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| MCC-FUN, print ad 1971 |
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| MCC-SURPRISE, print ad 1971 |
Also notable was the Rustan’s building with its trademark
blue triangle mosaic façade. Landmarks that have now gone include Bricktown,
Sulo Retaurant, Alemar’s, Erehwon, the Philippine Education Company, Automat
Restaurant, and the Love Bus station at the back of Anson’s Arcade.
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| MCC-DISCOVERY, print ad 1970 |
Between
1998-1991, a number of separate shopping arcades and Greenbelt Park were built
in an area that would be developed further to cover over 50 hectares of
facilities. Today the shopping complex is known as Ayala Center.
SOURCES:
Makati Commercial Center photo: courtesy of Arch Edward delos Santo, pinoykollektor
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