6 Parks and Open Spaces to Visit in Metro Manila

Need Some Fresh Air? These Open Spaces in Metro Manila Might Do You Some Good

Going out for a morning stroll can improve your mood.
by Kyzia Maramara | October 01, 2020

Being cooped up at home for a long period of time isn’t doing us any good. We need to spend time connecting with nature one way or another. And since we can’t exactly pack our bags and book a plane ticket to our favorite destinations right now, we can spend some time strolling through parks and open spaces in Metro Manila instead. This time in nature can help you take a break the daily grind and give your mind a chance to destress. But of course, you should keep proper social distancing and health and safety measures in mind.

Check out these parks in Metro Manila where you can drop by for a jog or a quick visit.

La Mesa Ecopark

La Mesa Dam Compound, Greater Lagro. (along Commonwealth Avenue, take Pearl Street, East Fairview Subdivision) Quezon City

Perhaps one of the most beautiful spots in Quezon City is the hidden forest gem that is the La Mesa Ecopark. The 33-hectare forest park has resumed partial operation since Sept. 18. They are open to the public from 6 AM to 12 NN daily. They will be a limit of 100 guests (P40/head) inside the park at any given time. Concessionaires and amenities will be closed and advised activities only include jogging, walking, and meditation.

Before you visit, make sure to read through the General Health and Safety Protocols below.

Ayala Triangle Gardens

Paseo De Roxas St. cor. Makati Ave., cor. Ayala Ave.

Ayala Triangle Gardens is a huge open space in the heart of Makati’s Central Business District. It’s surrounded by offices and restaurants with one side running along the ever-busy Ayala Avenue. A quick visit and stroll around the area is a welcome way to spend some quiet time alone.

Luneta Park

Ermita, Manila

Luneta/Rizal Park’s central area has been opened to the public since Aug. 24 but strictly for physical fitness purposes only. According to the National Parks and Development Committee, the park is open from 9 AM to 5 PM. Visitors are required to show QR codes, wear face masks, undergo thermal scanning, and fill out a health declaration form upon entry.

If you don’t have your QR code, follow the simple steps below:

Washington Sycip Park and Legazpi Active Park

Legaspi St., Legaspi Village, Makati

Makati’s Washington Sycip Park and Legazpi Active Park is a welcome surprise hidden between the tall buildings and huge shopping malls. Every day you can catch joggers running laps or people playing badminton around Legazpi Active Park. Some even take their pets out for a quick run. Across the street, Washington Sycip Park is more peaceful and has scattered benches for when you want to be alone with your thoughts.

UP Diliman Sunken Garden

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Roxas Ave, Diliman, Quezon City

UP Sunken Garden’s vast green field and the tree-lined oval road is the perfect place to take your bicycle out for a Saturday spin or your running shoes for a jog. But take note that with the developments in community quarantine, visiting rules might change without prior notice, so check with the official social media pages of UP Diliman before your visit.

Quezon Memorial Circle

Elliptical Rd, Diliman, Quezon City

It’s high time we left the sedentary lifestyle behind and start focusing on our fitness amid the quarantine. QC Circle announced last Jun 1 that they are open for joggers, strollers, and those who wish to exercise. You can enter through the Commonwealth entrance and have your fill of the open space from 5 AM to 10 AM.