MAKATI CITY — What started as a weekend initiative along Ayala Avenue in Makati has evolved into a nationwide movement that is reshaping how Filipino families and communities spend their Sundays. Ayala Land has officially extended its Car-Free Sundays program to Azuela Cove in Davao City and North Point in Talisay City, Negros Occidental, introducing the open-streets concept to more communities in Visayas and Mindanao. The expansion follows the continued success of Car-Free Sundays in Cebu Business Park and Cebu IT Park, where the program has now entered its third year. The initiative further strengthens the growing preference for pedestrian-friendly environments and people-centered public spaces.
More than a weekly activity, Car-Free Sundays has become a lifestyle practice that encourages people to slow down, stay active, and reconnect with their surroundings. “By opening streets to people, even temporarily, these estates create opportunities for movement, interaction, and discovery. It turns ordinary roads into vibrant shared spaces, and a simple Sunday morning into something people can look forward to each week,” the company said in a statement. With Davao and Negros joining the initiative, Car-Free Sundays continues to expand its reach and impact, helping create communities where wellness, interaction, and connection are woven into daily life.
From Ayala Avenue to Communities Nationwide
The roots of Car-Free Sundays can be traced back to Ayala Avenue in Makati, where a busy urban thoroughfare was transformed into a space designed for people rather than vehicles. Introduced through a partnership among Ayala Land, the Makati Commercial Estate Association, and the Makati City government, the program attracted large crowds during its first runs. What began as a simple weekend experiment quickly developed into a regular tradition for thousands of participants, blending fitness, recreation, and community engagement in one shared environment. Today, the initiative has expanded across multiple cities and includes community sports activities, social fitness events, and other programs while remaining focused on its original goal: creating spaces where people can move freely and build meaningful connections.
Davao Offers an Active and Lifestyle-Oriented Experience
At Azuela Cove, a waterfront estate along the Davao Gulf, Car-Free Sundays takes on a vibrant and lifestyle-focused atmosphere. The experience combines recreation and social interaction, encouraging visitors to explore the development at a slower and more enjoyable pace. Guests can ride vintage bicycles, tandem bikes, or electric scooters while taking in the estate’s parks and scenic waterfront views. Rather than emphasizing structured fitness activities, the program promotes relaxed movement, outdoor leisure, and shared experiences with family and friends.
North Point Highlights Community and Family Connections
Meanwhile, North Point in Talisay City presents a more relaxed and community-driven version of Car-Free Sundays. Situated within a sprawling residential estate, the initiative creates a safe and welcoming environment where families can walk, bike, and enjoy quality time together at their own pace. With fewer organized activities, the space naturally blends into the slower rhythm of suburban weekends. The program highlights the importance of accessible shared spaces where residents can comfortably gather, interact, and strengthen community ties, making it a natural extension of everyday neighborhood life.
Cebu Continues to Showcase the Benefits of Open Streets
The latest expansion builds upon the strong success already achieved in Cebu. In Cebu Business Park, the popularity of Car-Free Sundays has led organizers to extend operating hours until 5 p.m., creating opportunities for Sunday markets and outdoor pickleball sessions. At Cebu IT Park, the initiative continues to attract joggers, cyclists, pet owners, and families, reinforcing its reputation as one of the region’s most walkable and lifestyle-oriented districts. Together, the Cebu locations have demonstrated how temporarily opening streets to people instead of vehicles can foster healthier habits, strengthen social connections, and improve overall quality of life.
One Initiative Connecting Communities Across Three Regions
With the addition of Davao and Negros, Car-Free Sundays is now helping shape more communities where wellness and social connection are part of everyday living. Whether in Makati’s busy central business district, Cebu’s thriving mixed-use developments, Davao’s scenic waterfront community, or Negros’ peaceful residential neighborhoods, the initiative shares a common goal: transforming ordinary roads into welcoming public spaces where people can walk, run, bike, and gather together. While the streets may change for only one day each week, the healthier habits and stronger community bonds they inspire continue long after Sunday ends.
