Bel-Air Village - LOCATION

Bel-Air Village is an exclusive community located in Barangay Bel-Air in Makati City, Metro Manila. This gated community is therefore located in the barangay of the same name. Hence, these two should not be confused with each other. However, it is difficult to talk about Bel-Air Village without discussing the barangay to which it is a part of. After all, it is also crucial in crafting the identity of this exclusive subdivision and has made it what it is!

Bel-Air Village is surrounded by some of the major thoroughfares in Makati City, which makes getting around quite easy. At the northern part of the village, Estrella Street and Neptune-Anza-Orion-Mercedes-Amapola Streets. To the south of Bel-Air Village, you will find the EDSA Avenue, Jupiter Street, and Nicanor Garcia Street. Hence, it is easy to get from one point of Makati City (or Metro Manila) to another as you can get easy access to these major streets and highways. Other major streets and avenues that are located nearby are Gil Puyat Avenue Extension, Ayala Triangle, and Ayala North.

During the onset of the 20th century, the area which is now developed to the Bel-Air Village was once the site of the Nielson Airport. During this time, it was the only airport in Metro Manila that served commercial flights. The former roads of the airport are now what is known as Paseo de Roxas and Ayala Avenue. By the time of the Second World War, the US Far East Air Force took control of the airport. This has put a halt to all the commercial flights being served at the said airport. From there, the airport was transformed into headquarters for the Japanese military by the time of the Japanese occupation. When Manila regained its liberation, they managed to restore all services in the post-World War II era. 

This was when the Ayala Corporation visualized their dream for this now-empty and unused airport. It was a turning point in the corporation’s history as the Ayala Corporation developed a plan to build residential villages alongside business, commercial, and financial establishments. When the most influential business leaders and entrepreneurs built their corporate headquarters in this part of Metro Manila, it drew more people to move in and reside here. It wasn’t long until Forbes Park – the oldest residential community in Makati was established. Since then, newer residential developments have risen in Makati and that includes Bel-Air Village. 

Bel-Air Village, which is located in Barangay Bel-Air is steep in history, which has helped to carve the identity of this part of the city. It is also consistently named as one of the cleanest and greenest barangays in Metro Manila. For those who live in Bel-Air, they take great pride in that knowing that it is one of the most livable communities in Makati. There are also several colorful and festive events in the city held throughout the year, which helps to keep the historical and cultural legacy of Bel-Air alive. From festivals, concerts, and cultural events, there are plenty of them for residents to enjoy.