FROM big finishing kicks for horses to free kicks; from homestretch to half pipes.
The 21-hectare property that used to host horse races and known as the Santa Ana Race Park has undergone a major transformation and is now Circuit Makati, touted as Metro Manila's “newest active lifestyle destination."
The 'active lifestyle' component - made up of the Gatorade-Chelsea Blue Pitch, Citykart Racing, and Mountain Dew Skate Park - was officially opened last Wednesday by developer Ayala Land.
Azkal players Phil and James Younghusband and Gatorade Brand Ambassador Chieffy Caligdong led the ceremonial kick off at the Gatorade-Chelsea Football pitch along with Ayala Land and city officials.
The blue pitch, in partnership with Chelsea Football Club Soccer School Philippines (CFCSSPH) and Pepsi, occupies 10,000 square meters of Circuit Makati, and is the first Fifa-sized blue football field in the country.
The football turf is poised to be a training venue for both amateur clubs and national teams. Upcoming tournaments include the Clear Dream Match, Youth Leagues, and a United Football League. There will also be football programs and clinics to be conducted by none other than the Younghusband Football Academy to hone the skills of aspiring Filipino footballers.
Another facility is Citykart Racing operated by Urban Karting Manila. The 5,000 sqm urban karting area has a 650-m karting race track that utilizes a Formula One timing system. It offers fun karts and pro karts for teens and adults as well as powerful karts for professional drivers.
There will also be a prop shop where racers could conveniently purchase gears and accessories as well as a lounge to relax and have some refreshments. It will host race events that will include The Crazy Race, Hari ng Kalsada: Champion sa Karera, and Inter-school Competitions.
For the skateboarding and extreme games set, there is the Mountain Dew Skate Park, another first in the country and operated by WeLegendary. It is a 1,000 sqm skate area designed by Flux Design Labs and ACEA where enthusiasts can execute their flips and grinds.
The urban skating facility has three levels: beginner, intermediate, and professional. Skate afficionados can show off their skills and join the Game of S.K.A.T.E., Best Trick Skate, and the Summer Skate Event.
Tony Aquino, Ayala Land president and CEO, said Circuit Makati “will be one of the very important nodes we have developed for Makati. We know that Ayala started development in Makati. Now we can see the Central Business District, the commercial areas like Glorietta, Greenbelt, Ayala Triangle so this will be something that effectively completes the Makati story.”
Aside from the sports lifestyle facilities, the P40 billion project will include 1,589 residential units from Ayala Land Premiere and Alveo, a 70,000 sqm retail area, 122,000 sqm office space, a 250 room capacity Seda Hotel, a 1,200-seater performing arts theater, and a two-hectare open grounds with a 2,000sqm Globe Circuit Events Ground.
Ayala Land partnered with the Philippine Racing Club Inc. (PRCI), which transferred its Santa Ana Park racetrack to Carmona, Cavite.
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