In celebration of Car-Free Sundays’ first year, over 21,000 participants turned out and transformed Ayala Avenue into a hub of activity, wellness, and engagement on September 15. Launched in September 2023, the car-free Sundays initiative sought to reclaim the busy thoroughfare from vehicles and promote active movement, sustainability, and a sense of community.

“The Car-Free Sundays is for everyone. It represents different groups, and diverse sets of people, so it's not just for the hardcore athletes, it's for everyone. Whatever stage of fitness or wellness you are in, you're all welcome here,” Ayala Land's Corporate and Estates Marketing and Communications Group Head Chrissy Roa said in her opening remarks.

To kick off the day’s event Olympic Pole Vaulter EJ Obiena and Ayala Land Brand Experience and Brand Strategy for Corporate, Estates, and Residential Head Hans Lopez-Vito led the gun start of the anniversary run.

In appreciation for Ayala Land’s initiative and advocacy, Obiena said "Have space, enjoy life, really be active, and stay healthy because that way, you can be the best version of yourself. I'm happy that Ayala Land is doing this, and I'm honored to be part of it."

Aside from physical activities such as brisk walking, running, and cycling, Car-Free Sundays is also filled with a variety of pocket activities throughout the gardens and driveway at Ayala Triangle Gardens such as the Jump Rope Workouts by Jump Manila, Yoga at the Park by Movement in Play, EKIN Sessions and Shoe Trials by Nike Run Club, Threshold Workouts by Samsung Galaxy Run Club, Pet Obstacle Course hosted by the Puppy Playcare Center, and Push Bike Race hosted by the National Bicycle Organization.

These activities have attracted the Sunday crowd composed of hardcore triathletes training for marathons, family members out for strolls, friends with similar fitness goals, and pet owners walking their beloved furry companions.

With this type of community gathering in the urban environment of Makati, Car-Free Sundays have become a model for similar activities across the country and inspired similar endeavors in the cities of Manila and Quezon, as well as Ayala land’s estate in Cebu.

The idea behind Car-Free Sundays at Ayala Avenue was born out of a collaborative effort between Ayala Land, the Makati Commercial Estate Association (MACEA), and the local government of Makati.

As the leading and largest real estate developer in the Philippines, Ayala Land has long been committed to creating communities that prioritize environmental sustainability and the well-being of its residents. The Car-Free Sundays initiative at Ayala Avenue was a natural extension of this vision, as the company sought to create a space that would encourage active movement and healthier lifestyles, foster social interaction, and enhance the overall lives of the communities in a more sustainable future.