Art+ Magazine

View Original

Counting Your Steps? Here are Your Top Spots to Explore Manila on Foot

Need to pin your next jogging location? Put your shoes on because we’ve rounded it up for you!

Words Aly Bautista
May 14, 2024

From the bustling of the 24/7 city to the beeping of car horns in the morning traffic, one cannot imagine finding an ideal place in the middle of the metro to get started on your fitness journey.

Especially in a place where even motorcycles are in bike lanes, and bikes are taking over the sidewalks; getting your steps in Manila could be such a huge (and dangerous) challenge. 

But don’t worry, here are 5 spots within the city to get you safely sticking to your workout regimen:

Ayala Triangle Gardens

If you’re loving the cityscape but still want that hint of greens, Ayala Triangle Gardens could just be the right course for you. 

You can definitely get your after-work runs here or bathe in the sunrise peeping through Makati’s towers as ATC is made perfectly accessible for those working around the major business center. 

There are also multiple parks laid within the area that you can discover, making the track enjoyable for all ages to try. You can even bring your kids and family along, or take your pet for a walk on a relaxing weekend. 

And when the stomach calls, you could always hit the malls for a quick shop and dine. You will never run out of things to explore!

See this content in the original post

UP Diliman

UP Diliman is an area open to the public and has easily become a staple for all fitness enthusiasts just looking for a relaxing run and a good unwinding at the Sunken Garden.  

Despite being located at the heart of Quezon City, the UPD course is loved by many for its rich greenery surrounding the entire campus. The shades from the trees will still let you break a sweat but never a sunburn. 

The campus also has a designated area for joggers and cyclists, with security guards around so safety is the least of your concern. What you should look out for though, are the tempting variety of street foods that could instantly make your jog day into a cheat day.

See this content in the original post

Manila Bay Seaside

The whole stretch of the MOA seaside, extending up to the CCP complex, is also one of the major jogging routes in Manila preferred by early-morning runners. 

The scenic view of the bay, the cold morning breeze, plus the smell of the sea makes it an ideal time and place for running an advanced course. And with the addition of Ayala Malls Manila Bay, maybe it’s finally time you take your jog to the next level. 

But for the beginners and moderate runners, you could still enjoy the shorter track along MOA Seaside that would still take you almost 2 kilometers long. All thanks to the mall’s walkable landscape.

See this content in the original post

Arca South

Going south,  another fairly new area is taking on the growing running culture. Moving away from the densely populated areas, Arca South in Taguig is also a combination of green spaces plus the modern urban landscape. 

Even dubbed as the “next BGC”, Arca South offers dedicated pathways lined with trees, as well as jogging paths and bike lanes. This makes the area a bustling hub for both business and leisure, perfect for those craving another metropolitan run.

See this content in the original post

Alabang Filinvest

Tucked all the way into Manila’s far south in Muntinlupa City, this urban sanctuary’s unique course serves as a haven for runners leaning a bit more towards nature.

Surrounded by the area’s most popular hotspot and shopping malls, Alabang Filinvest’s existence is atypical yet a breather for its grassy pathways, big trees and dirt walks for its trails. 

For those who prefer rocky over concrete roads, Filinvest makes it a satisfying place for both adventurous runs, competitive running and even mountain biking. 

Get your healthy living started, or continue where you have left off– there’s no shame in the game! Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned runner, strap your laces on and explore these Manila-on-foot locations for a variety of your choice. 

See this content in the original post