Cover Among the nature parks in Manila is Paco Park (Photo: Wikipedia)
Among the nature parks in Manila is Paco Park (Photo: Wikipedia)
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Need a breather? Take a quick break and stroll in these nature parks around Metro Manila
If you need a quick getaway, the cities within Metro Manila provide a sanctuary of greenery and tranquility. For a few minutes, you can space out and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of nature, refreshingly escaping the city's hustle and bustle.
In Metro Manila, there are relatively small yet peaceful spots where you can relax and engage in activities that promote and improve your wellness. In this article, Tatler explores these hidden gems. Get to know La Mesa Ecopark, CCP Bulwagang Kalkhasan, Arroceros Park, and more.
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1. La Mesa Ecopark
Located in Greater Lagro in Quezon City, LaMesa Ecopark covers 33 hectares along the boundary of the La Mesa Watershed Reservation. Renovation of the park began in 1999 under the “Save La Mesa Watershed Project”. Through its foundation arm, media conglomerate ABS-CBN reopened its gates to the public in September 2004.
It has been temporarily closed after the media conglomerate ABS-CBN turned over its management to Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage Systems. Under the former management, the park offered activities such as hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, rappelling, zip-lining, fishing, and paddle boating. For those who wanted to stay longer, grilling facilities and cabanas could be rented for PhP500 per day on a first-come, first-served basis. A saltwater swimming pool, which uses salt granules instead of chlorine, was also available for those who wanted to take a quick dip.
2. Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center
Above Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center (Photo: Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center/Facebook)
Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center (Photo: Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center/Facebook)
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Nestled in the middle of Quezon City is the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center (NAPWC). This 22.7-hectare land is managed and administered by the Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB), one of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 's staff bureaus.
“All year round, the park becomes the venue for various educational, scientific, civil, religious, and recreational activities, as well as orchid shows, garden and science fairs, as it provides facilities conducive to such events,” DENR said.
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3. CCP Bulwagang Kalikhasan
Above CCP Kalikhasan (Photo: Cultural Center of the Philippines)
CCP Kalikhasan (Photo: Cultural Center of the Philippines)
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The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) mounts artworks, exhibits, and all sorts of cultural activities at the Liwasang Kalikhasan, which is located beside its building.
Its latest Earth Day exhibit, Tanod-Lupa (Nature Guardians), is a collection of illuminated Philippine mythical creatures by De Leon-Imao. The exhibit incorporates the elements of Filipino folklore into human-sized lanterns.
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4. Arroceros Forest Park
Somewhere around the Lawton area in Manila is a park brimming with lush greenery and a variety of bird species. Developed in 1993, the 2.2-hectare park boasts 61 different trees and over 8,000 ornamental plants. Despite its small size, this spot is considered the “Last Lung of Manila”.
In February 2020, former Manila mayor Isko Moreno approved City Ordinance no. 8697, or the Arroceros Forest Park ordinance, which designates the place as a permanent forest park. Under this ordinance, tree-cutting, waste dumping, and excavation activities around the area are strictly prohibited. The park was formally opened to the public in February 2020.
5. Paco Park
Paco Cemetery, which locals fondly call Paco Pak, was inaugurated two centuries ago. It is considered one of the oldest landmarks in Manila and was formally declared a National Park in 1966. Construction began in 1814, and in 1820, it served as a resting place for the cholera epidemic victims.
The park, which has an area of approximately 10,000 square metres, was declared by the National Museum of the Philippines as one of the National Cultural Treasures and Important Cultural Properties.
Tatler Trivia: On August 17, 1898, the remains of Dr Jose Rizal were allegedly exhumed from the cemetery and brought to Estraude Street in Binondo, Manila.
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Jove holds a degree in Journalism and is currently pursuing graduate studies in Philosophy at the University of the Philippines–Diliman. She has flair for in-depth, interview-driven stories that explore politics and culture, shaped by her background in national broadsheets.
When she’s not on assignment, Jove spends her days painting, sipping lemonade, and walking her dog, Jupiter. She can often be seen in Escolta with a film camera in hand, browsing novelty shops in search of rare memorabilia. For leads, reach her at Jove@tatlerphilippines.com.
