Buendia

Have you ever heard of a street named after a senator, only to be temporarily renamed after a publicity stunt? Right here in Manila, along the bustling Gil Puyat Avenue, just such a story unfolded. Gil Puyat Avenue, formerly known as Buendia Avenue, cuts through the heart of Makati and Pasay. This major thoroughfare connects the Makati Central Business District with the rest of the metropolis. It’s a vital artery, pulsing with the lifeblood of Manila’s commerce and culture. Gil Puyat Avenue is named after a senator who served from 1951 to 1972. But in a bizarre turn of events, in July 2024, some street signs along Gil Puyat Avenue in Makati were changed to “Gil Tulog Ave.” This was a publicity stunt by a melatonin brand. “Tulog” means “sleep” in Tagalog, a playful jab at the word “puyat,” meaning sleepless. The stunt, however, quickly drew criticism, especially from the Puyat family and Makati Mayor Abby Binay. The signs were promptly removed, but the incident briefly etched itself into the story of Gil Puyat Avenue. This avenue is more than just a road; it’s a landmark. It’s home to some of Manila’s tallest buildings, like the Petron Megaplaza, which briefly held the title of the country’s tallest. You’ll also find key government offices here, such as the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Tourism. The avenue also plays a crucial role in Manila’s public transportation network. It’s a major stop for the LRT-1 and MRT-3, making it a central hub for commuters. Interestingly, the avenue even had a railway station, the Buendia railway station, along Osmeña Highway, although it was later closed and replaced by the Dela Rosa station. So, the next time you find yourself on Gil Puyat Avenue, remember its layered history. From its original name, Buendia Avenue, honoring a Katipunero, to its current name, commemorating a senator, and even its brief, comical stint as “Gil Tulog Ave,” this avenue has seen it all. This bustling road continues to serve as a vital artery and a testament to the ever-evolving story of Manila.