MAKATI CITY — A quiet green corner in the heart of the business district has been given new life. Security Bank and MUFG Bank, Manila Branch Ltd. have restored the Tsuruki-en Japanese Garden at Washington SyCip Park, creating a refreshed urban retreat for the Makati community.
A Hidden Oasis Reborn in Makati
Set amid office towers and busy streets, the garden offers something increasingly precious in the city. It provides a peaceful public space where office workers, residents, families, and tourists can pause, unwind, and connect with nature. Few places in Makati offer such tranquility.
First unveiled in 2017 by Security Bank, MUFG, and the late Washington SyCip, Tsuruki-en has become a distinctive green landmark. Its renewal marks the 10th year of partnership between the two banks while celebrating enduring ties between Japan and the Philippines.
Harmony Inspired by Japanese Tradition
Inspired by wa, the Japanese concept of harmony and balance, the refreshed garden combines stone, water, greenery, and carefully shaped landscapes. Sustainable materials sourced in the Philippines help create a calm, welcoming setting that reflects the friendship between the two nations.
Security Bank President and CEO Victor Lee said the garden brings a sense of calm and reflection to the middle of a busy city. He expressed pride in renewing the space and sharing it with the public, hoping more people will discover this unique corner of Makati.
A Partnership Rooted in Shared Purpose
MUFG Bank Manila Branch country head Masami Yoshitake described refreshing Tsuruki-en as a meaningful way to care for the city they share. He noted that the garden reflects the care, respect, and shared purpose that guide the partnership and commitment to the Philippines.
Representatives from Security Bank, MUFG, the Makati Central Estate Association, and other partners gathered for the rededication. They toured the renewed garden, which stands as a lasting symbol of collaboration and friendship between the two institutions.
An Open Invitation to the Community
With restoration complete, Tsuruki-en is again welcoming the public. It offers a place for quiet breaks, walks among the greenery, and visits to one of Makati's tucked-away urban retreats. The garden remains free and accessible to everyone.
For a city defined by commerce and movement, the renewed garden reminds residents and visitors that harmony and balance remain essential. It is a living testament to what partnerships can achieve when they prioritize community well-being alongside business success.
