check out the park

one of my favorite things to do is to hang out in legazpi park, especially during the weekends. it's located in the corner of legazpi and rada streets in legazpi village, makati. the commute is pretty easy, since it's just behind the towering buildings in ayala.

from ayala, you will need to walk a few blocks to get to the park. the stroll will be pretty serene, as most of the office buildings are empty on weekends. you'll get to see makati sans the hustle and bustle.

the sprawling grassy grounds can be found beside the meralco building. there are tiny hills and trees, with a lot of room to run around in. a stage for outdoor performances is also provided. a play area was also built for the kids to use. fitness buffs can make use of their jogging path any time.

the park is open to everyone. benches are scattered in various parts of the park, and there are sitting areas under the bigger trees. for those who would like to feel the rays of the sun, you're also free to sit on the grass.

as for me, i would usually bring some munchies and a sarong, and find a spot on the grass where i can just sit and look around. sometimes, i'd have a book with me, to enjoy under the shade of a tree.

my friends and i have had quite a few fun times there, too. i once threw a surprise picnic birthday party for a good friend. everybody brought picnic treats (homemade california maki makes for good picnic fare, i found), and ate in the grass. we passed the time away by zipping, throwing a frisbee around, and just talking while we were all sprawled on the grass.

it's not something that we always get to do. before i "discovered" the park, i'd always be in the mall, shopping for things that i didn't really need. but i found that sitting on the grass and getting some sun is actually more fun and much, much more relaxing than jumping from shop to shop.

so check out the various parks that you can visit! these places are usually free, or at most, will charge a very minimal fee, but it's such a great way to spend the day.

here's a list of some parks that you can check out:
legazpi park
legazpi cor. rada streets, legazpi village, makati
nearby landmarks: union church of manila, greenbelt 1.

salcedo park
leviste street, salcedo village, makati
nearby landmarks: makati sports club, starbucks-leviste, coffee bean and tea leaf.

greenbelt park
makati avenue, ayala center, makati

paco park
san marcelino and gen. luna streets, paco, manila
tel. no.: 302 7381

rizal park (luneta)
roxas boulevard, bounded by t.m. kalaw, taft, and p. burgos streets, manila
tel. no.: 302 7381