Bayanihan Park

Greenbelt Park

Greenbelt Park, Makati City

October 5, 2010

Today, Greenbelt Park remains a pleasant oasis.

At eye level, one basks in the solace of the lagoon that winds its way here and there, with little waterfalls and fountains to break the monotony. Its sides are choked with bushes, orchids, stands of palms and other trees and a seemingly haphazard collection of brown rock.

Here and there are surprising corners of “Zen garden,” black and white gravel arranged to form the yin-yang symbol. And just to remind you where you are (as if the heat was not enough), there are touches of local whimsy like the stone buffalo that looks up from grazing, right beside the church.

The grass is not to be trampled on but a courtyard tucked near a lighted fountain has enough room to host open-air cocktails, promotional parties, concerts, Philharmonic performances and of all things, a special appearance by the “Queer Eye” cast.

Paco Park

Paco Park, Manila

December 8, 2009

Paco Park is a recreational garden area and was once Manila’s municipal cemetery for the well-off and established aristocratic Spanish families who resided in the old Manila during the Spanish colonial period, located along General Luna St. and at the east end of Padre Faura Street in Paco district in the City of Manila.

The cemetery is circular in shape, with an iner circular fort that was the original cemetery and with the niches that were placed or located within the hollow walls. As the population continued to grow, a second outer wall was built with the thick adobe walls were hollowed as niches and the top of the walls were made into pathways for promenades. A Roman Catholic chapel was built inside the walls of the Paco Park and it was dedicated to St. Pancratius.

The Park is full of plants and century old acacia and frangipani trees. In the middle of the park there is a large fountain.

Manila Orchidarium

Manila Orchidarium, Rizal Park

January 3, 2008

It was once a parking lot until developed into a one-hectare rainforest-like park. Named The Orchidarium, it is a repository of orchids, as well as a variety of blooms, scents and greens.

A park within a park, the orchidarium is located inside the Luneta park and was once a parking lot until developed into a one-hectare rainforest-like park.

Established in 1994, the Orchidarium houses orchid species (the Philippines has reputedly the richest collection of orchids in the world) and a butterfly pavilion sponsored by Nokia. The orchidarium is also a favorite wedding venue.

Rizal Park

Rizal Park, Manila

January 3, 2008

Just beside Intramuros is Rizal Park, a 60-hectare conglomerate of gardens, historical markers, plazas, an artist's sanctuary, a 1913 bronze monument of Jose Rizal, a grand stadium, an observatory, an open-air concert hall, a light-and-sound theatre, restaurants, food kiosks and playgrounds, with dozens of fountains. Fronting the northwest side of the park is Manila Hotel, whose lobby is one of the most imposing in the world. Along the park's bayside, tourists can have an unobstructed view of the fabled Manila Bay sunset.

Civic Plaza

Civic Plaza, MarQuee Mall, Angeles City
September 23, 2009

The Civic Plaza at MarQuee Mall has a landscaped drop-off and entry area from Francisco G. Nepo Ave. and a half-hectare garden at the other side facing Angeles City Hall and the future residential development.

The garden serves as a street level park that will provide a venue for get-togethers, meetings and social activities. It has a festive indoor-outdoor feel for unique and compelling events that promote bonding with families and friends.