FIELD TRIP: Spend an entire day in Makati this Holiday season

Christmas is the best time to be in the Philippines. The busy airports prove balikbayans — even foreign friends — make sure they're here to experience what is said to be the longest Christmas season in the world, with family and friends. 

But heavy traffic in major routes may prevent us from taking them to the very many sights around the city. Imagine the average travel time to and from the shopping mall could take away 5-6 hours every day?

And so a suggestion: How about spending an entire day in just one city? That way our time is managed and we get to see more of what the city has to offer.

We're looking at starting with a field trip to Makati, the country’s prime business district. Behind its skyscrapers are world class museums, parks, upscale shopping malls and hotels that offer fun activities. Here are five activities you can enjoy during a day trip.

1. Visit Ayala Museum

Free entrance for kids 12 and below from December 26 to 30.

Apart from its excellent exhibits and collections — don't miss its fantastic collection of national artists Botong Francisco and Fernando Amorsolo — Ayala Museum is offering free entrance from December 26 to 30 to children 12 years old and below.

A must see: the Diorama of Philippine history and the 360 Virtual Reality that relieves the execution of Dr. Jose Rizal, where the viewer will be made to view the last hours of the national hero in three points-of-view: as a member of the audience, as a soldier, and as Dr. Rizal himself.

2. Take part in cookie decorating and sumptuous lunch at Flavors restaurant

The Holiday Inn and Suites in Makati offers fun activities for children as part of its  staycation package. The cookie decorating workshop is a fun way to bond with children and usually conducted around 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. — the best time to arrive in Makati when you're not doing a staycation because parking is easy and traffic is still manageable.

Families with balikbayan relatives and friends will enjoy buffet lunch Flavors Restaurant at the hotel with rich selection of Filipino and Asian dishes. Not to be missed are the signature desserts- Ube cheesecake and Carrot cake.

3. Enjoy go karting 

Shopping is cool but how about you try another bonding activity? Like go kart!

Shopping is cool but there are other things you can do, like go karting. Circuit Makati, a well-developed business and leisure destination in the city, has 600 meters of facilities that caters to professionals, beginners and even first-timers. It also provides helmets and racing suits that make karting safe even for small children. The kart racing is open day and night time.

4. Bask in the season with 56-foot tall outdoor Christmas tree

Also in Circuit Makati is an immersive 56-foot tall Christmas tree. The interactive lights and scheduled shows will entertain guests and will make Christmas memorable for your relatives and friends.

“Christmas is the time when we celebrate and create the most cherished memories with our loved ones. We believe that sharing new experiences with those you truly love is the best way to celebrate this joyful season,” said Shiella Aguilar, Makati Project Development Head for Ayala Land.

5. Get awe-struck at the festival of lights at Ayala Triangle Gardens

Ayala Triangle's 'Festival of Lights' was included in Conde Nast Traveller's 'Seven Spectacular Light Shows in the World' in 2014.

The best way to cap your day is delight in the Festival of Lights at Ayala Triangle Gardens, named one of the seven spectacular light shows in the world by travel magazine Conde Nast Traveller in 2014.

It starts at 6 p.m., when the entire garden turns into a world class lights and sound show to delight families, friends and even employees leaving the offices.  — LA, GMA News