Sundays in the streets around Makati’s Ayala Triangle feel different. The usual rush of cars and buses is nowhere in sight. It’s replaced with something rare — calm. Ayala Avenue, Makati Avenue, Paseo de Roxas, three of the busiest streets in the city, switch into a car-free haven, and for a few hours, people reclaim the roads.

Cyclists, skaters, joggers, skateboarders and walkers start to fill the streets as early as dawn. The streets feel open and alive without the noise and congestion of vehicles. At the corner of Paseo de Roxas and Makati Avenue, dancers and skaters perform choreographies. Others are practicing tricks on their own. It’s a mix of energy and creativity.

Families walk with their kids. Others ride scooters or bikes. Furbabies stroll along the pavement, tails wagging with joy. The atmosphere is relaxed yet vibrant, with people of all ages and backgrounds coming together in this shared space.

When I get the chance to ride a bike, this becomes one of the best parts of my week. There’s a unique joy in pedaling down Ayala Avenue without worrying about traffic or a grumpy driver blowing his modified horn designed for big ships.

The open roads give a sense of community. Bikers exchange quick nods. Joggers and walkers wave to familiar faces. Families laugh as they stroll. It feels like the city’s heartbeat slows down, allowing everyone to connect and enjoy.