TOUR YOUR OWN CITY

Picture this - it’s 2015 and you are in your room dreaming of the adventures you are going to have in the next five years. Fast forward to 2021, we’re in the middle of a pandemic with limited movement because of the rising cases and quarantine restrictions. No one imagined we’ll be ending up where we are now. The question for now is, how do my plans for the adventure I had in mind from five years ago fit in today’s picture. Before we go and travel around, it’s important to know that the pandemic is no joke and should be approached with caution. Being a tourist in your own city is a great breather for people, especially with all sorts of lockdowns and community quarantines. Of course, we still need to observe health protocols, but the aim of this article is to provide and give suggestions for people who basically want to have a change of environment.

I work under a big retail corporation and my job requires me to go to the malls or on sites. So the good thing with my new work, is that it's both a mix of work from home and on-site setup. On weekends, it’s where we catch up on our hobbies and interests. Just to share my experiences, I recently bought a scooter. I bought it off from Facebook marketplace and the original price was very expensive. It was at around 7000 pesos but I got it all for around 3000 only to more than 50% off. The scooter has been very useful when I'm going around the area where I'm staying and where I'm working. Recently I've been using the scooter to go to work and it’s one of the best ways to prepare myself for a day’s work. I go to the routes that would have beautiful views and architecture. Aside from commute, it’s also for me to explore the surrounding attractions that I live nearby. I live in Pasai, so it's quite near to Mall of Asia's by the Bay and it’s also near the old Manila like Intramuros, Rizal Park, and so many other things. While riding the scooter for almost more than two weeks now, I've seen and experienced more of the city first hand. Of course, I do maintain health protocols. It's also a healthy way of getting around the city. The fresh environment can help you clear your mind and add color and spice to the corporate and work-from-home life.

If you live in NCR, allow me to share some destinations and attractions. Disclaimer: not all of these recommendations are open to the public as of the moment based on the IATF guidelines.

Quezon City

Quezon City Memorial Circle

Quezon City Memorial Circle aka QC Circle is a public park full of sights, open spaces, and activities. Unfortunately, not all of the attractions are open (i.e. amusement rides). Right now it can only cater to casual strolling, fitness and exercise, and of course the famous gardening supplies stores. (Hello plantitos and plantitas!)

Ninoy Aquino Wildlife Reserve

The Ninoy Aquino Wildlife Reserve is an underrated park in QC - a hidden gem if I may add. The entrance may look like an underfunded place but I assure you that once you go into the park, you will be amazed. There is a small lake, a hiking trail, and lots of places to sit and have a picnic. Just remember to bring mosquito repellents if you don’t want to get bitten by bugs.

La Mesa Eco Park

Similar to The Ninoy Aquino Wildlife Reserve, La Mesa Eco Park is a good destination for nature lovers. Going there literally gives you fresh air. The area is so protected, the ecosystem is so rich with bird and plant species. In there I saw one of the most beautiful birds up close: the Kingfisher. If you’re planning to visit La Mesa Eco Park, bring one valid ID especially if you’re from QC or a student for discounts.

Manila City

Intramuros

If you want to travel back to the time of Rizal or get the feels of Noli Me Tangere, visit Intramuros and check out the amazing architecture that is preserved. As a person that can relate to both millennials and GenZ, wear your best and comfortable weekend strolling clothes for the long and overdue IG shots. Bring water and sunscreen!

Rizal Park

After visiting the heart of the elites of the Spanish colonizers, it’s time to visit the place where Rizal’s memoir stands. In retrospect, I only got to appreciate Rizal Park when I was already an adult. If you haven’t visited this iconic national park, you’re missing out a lot.

*Let’s support our national parks to keep the funding and businesses alive.

Pasay - MOA By The Bay

MOA By the Bay is an outdoor space of SM Mall of Asia where it’s mainly about al fresco dining and amusement rides. As of this writing, Pasay is still under MECQ and this area is currently closed. Hopefully, soon enough cases would go down and quarantine restrictions will loosen up so people can enjoy this area once again.

Sometimes we work so much, that we forget to make time for ourselves. May this be a reminder that there is more to life than just work. I acknowledge that life is hard and we should make most of all opportunities, but let’s reach and achieve our goals without sacrificing our mental, physical, and emotional health. For people living in condominiums, most of the time it can make you feel uneasy if you just stay in your own unit, so it’s really recommended to go out. Again let’s keep our caution and don't go out with a lot of people to limit and lessen the risks of getting the virus. Our cases keep on going up so it’s best to out just by yourself. Go out and grab a cup of coffee, reflect, and clear your mind. This battle against the pandemic is far from over. Let’s all do our part and be responsible.