Skip to main content

Makati Garden Club and Pizzazz Luxury

 In a world that never seems to slow down, I find a special kind of peace in the company of old souls. The warm, welcoming atmosphere of a gathering with the members of the Makati Garden Club felt like a comforting hug, soothing my weary spirit. One lovely lady, with a twinkle in her eye, looked at me and said, “You are so pretty, why are you hanging out with us?” Her sweet words touched me deeply, especially as I heal from a broken spirit.

I smiled and replied, “You’re my kind of people.” The charm and elegance in the room were mesmerizing. The ladies, with their coiffed and stylish hair, reminded me of Jackie Onassis and Audrey Hepburn. It takes real character and style to wear your hair like that.

The room was filled with extraordinary men and women, all so humble and wise. And the outfits too! Talking with people older than me is like unlocking a treasure chest of stories and experiences. They spoke of their vast book collections, the excitement of book auctions, and the joy of restoring parks and gardens. They shared enchanting tales of weddings, beautifully crafted bridal gowns, and the art of Ikebana. Their timeless fashion and cooking tips were delightful. For a moment there I was transported to a much grander time! When people had focus and did things with immense passion.

We reminisced about love letters from their youth and the charm of old-fashioned tea parties. In return, we introduced them to some modern songs, which they enjoyed with surprising enthusiasm. Singing “Ave Maria” and holding flowers amidst the gentle drizzle of the afternoon made me feel truly alive.



As I looked around at the white walls and the delicate rose paper trinkets with cookies, a deep joy filled my heart. Moments like these make you feel the presence of the Divine. My heart overflowed with gratitude and love for the Lord Jesus Christ and Mama Mary for their roles in this divine journey.


Being in these moments, surrounded by such grace and wisdom, is a true blessing. Just being on the grounds of the Makati Garden Club has enriched my soul — so many stories waiting to be uncovered. Your lives are a testament to the enduring beauty of time.

The Makati Garden Club

Makati Garden Club (MGC) was started in 1957 by a small group of plant lovers. It started as the Forbes Park Garden Club. Among the pioneers were Dr. Mona Lisa Steiner (who catalogued Philippine ornamental plants and authored a book with the same title), Hedda Pick-up, Lucille Forster, Conching Sunico (pioneer of culture and the arts), Susie Winternitz (author of a number of Philippine plant books) and Gertrude Stewart (noted author and publisher of numerous cookbooks). © https://makatigardenclub.com/about/


https://amommabroad.com/blog/makati-garden-club
Kingsley Medalla of Pizzazz Luxury Events With the Chairman of the Makati Garden Club Mindy Perez-Rubio, and Gloria Locsin-Alcuaz at our Annual General Membership Meeting (May 2, 2024).

The Makati Garden Club (MGC) sustains itself through annual membership dues, training courses, bazaars, plant and flower sales, a flower and gift shop, a members-only café, donations, and other fund-raising activities. The Ayalas and the City Government of Makati continue to support the club, and the members are deeply grateful for this.


In 1970, when Maria Luisa Perez-Rubio was elected president, the group changed its name to the Makati Garden Club to attract more members. Initially headquartered at the Tea House in Perez-Rubio’s Forbes Park home, MGC’s membership quickly grew. Monthly meetings were held every last Thursday of the month, keeping members updated on the latest gardening trends, flower arranging, research, and community services.

In 1974, Don Enrique Zobel of Ayala Corporation invited MGC to develop a 3,705 square meter area at the main corner of Ayala Avenue. The club eagerly accepted, engaging in fund-raising activities, garden sales, Christmas bazaars, and solicitations from companies. Ayala Corporation generously donated ₱50,000 (equivalent to about ₱3 million today) to build the MGC headquarters. This new home featured landscaped gardens, nurseries, a library, a flower and garden center, and a large room for gardening, art, cooking, and craft classes, as well as monthly meetings. Notable lecturers included Dr. Henry Culpepper, gardening columnist Zac Sarian, and bonsai expert Serapion Metilla. By 1990, over 200 professionals had conducted workshops at MGC on a variety of subjects.

In 1995, MGC launched the Festival of Trees, in collaboration with the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), headed by Manuel Pangilinan. This annual fund-raising event aimed to alleviate poverty by developing environmental programs for Filipino farmers in remote regions.

Learn more:

Makati Garden Club - Greener surroundings, better place
Unlike other garden clubs in the area, Makati Garden Club (MGC) is the pioneer and leader in plant care and gardening…makatigardenclub.com

Popular posts from this blog

Know your local artist: Khervin John Gallandez : The Ilocano Artist

Khervin John Gallandez is an emerging visual artist from Ilocos. It has been a personal advocacy to share the amazing people I have met while on the road Khervin John Gallandez, is one of the many hopefuls in the local art industry— and he is definitely worth our time. He has focus and determination and young artists can learn a lot from his willingness to evolve when it comes to his craft. Q&A : At what age did you first realize that you wanted to become an artist? I started to draw at the age of 7, as far as I remember.  I draw simple houses with my cousins. My mother was a disciplinarian before, and she provides used papers for me to draw/scribble instead of me going out and playing around. When my father came back in Philippines from working abroad, he brought set of encyclopedias for me to read.  It was then the first time that I read about paintings of the old masters (e.g. Leonardo Da Vinci, Van Gogh and others) which gave me my
Read more

Why you need to visit the Bamboo Intramuros

There are very few places in Metro Manila that would make you feel relaxed and one with nature . I was fortunate enough to meet one of the legendary owners of  Bamboo Grande franchise.  Honesto Deuda aka Ka-Oni  is well loved by friends, acquaintances and people who have met him from different walks of life.  He co-owns some of the best bar and restaurants in Metro Manila. Ka Oni is known for creating inspiring and bars that have soul, spunk and spirit.  He has been conceptualizing organic looking resto bars for more than 10 years now. Ka- Oni's creations are noticeable because the resto bars that he creates are made out of love for music and the arts. His process is different, Ka Oni  creates the vision for the restaurants but does not need to put them on paper, they are directly executed from his imagination to reality.   Ka Oni was already featured in Mabuhay International Magazine for the amazing work that he has done with his surrounding commun
Read more

Origami Pilipinas: Changing the Country one paper fold at a time

MAY 22 TIU theater is an artist hub located in Makati, and I was given the chance to watch Bakata: The Battle of Street Poets, a play produced by  Toshihiko Uriu  -   The play was a huge success and is predicted to turn into a Philippine classic, but I am writing this article right now to highlight another story that occurred inside the TIU theater.  A collaboration piece that helped produce the effect of the wonder called Bakata. I noticed the glow of the lanterns and the paper cranes highlighted in the stage design, it had the flair and flamboyant but subtle effect that was needed in order to make the stage look just perfect for the story line.  Leo R Natividad is the President and Owner of Origami Pilipinas.  I was fortunate to meet members like  L. River Butay, Adonis dela Cruz as well as Jose Monzales and other volunteers who continue to strengthen Origami Pilipinas. Origami Pilipinas and their Advocacy: Origami Pilipinas, was founded out of pa
Read more