Ninoy Aquino Park and Wildlife Center

It's the peak of the summer season in the Philippines and everyone here is getting cranky with the punishing temperature especially in the metropolis, it's severely hot! As the final week of April approaches, the environment is even sultrier and escaping somewhere to cool down seems on everybody's mind.

Philippines is home to several gorgeous beaches and beautiful countryside resorts so choosing where to escape is not so much of a worry, however for people in Metro Manila who prefer a destination closer to home and just within the metro for a quicker getaway, visiting a public park is the most obvious option. 

A week ago, my sister suggested two parks within Quezon city: Ninoy Aquino Park and Quezon city memorial circle, aside from closer to our home location, these destinations are relatively cheaper and very relaxing than wasting our time in big malls. We packed food for this getaway and had a dry picnic at Ninoy Aquino Park.

First destination: Ninoy Aquino Park and Wildlife Center along the Elliptical road, Diliman, Quezon city. The park, named after the Filipino slain hero, former Senator, Ninoy Aquino, the father of the incumbent Philippine President, Noynoy Aquino, is open to the public from Monday to Sunday, 7am to 5pm. Entrance fee for adult is Php8.00 and for children: Php6.00. Car parking starts at Php15.00 for private light vehicles.

Entrance gate at Quezon avenue

Spreading across 65 hectares of land and situated in one of the busiest avenues in Quezon city, Philippines, the Ninoy Aquino Park and Wildlife Center is an ideal retreat for folks who want to escape the blistering summer heat in the metro. Its sprawling ground provides visitors with a cool venue of dry picnic, sports and fun activities, it's a good place to relax with friends and love ones under tropical trees.

Entrance area of Ninoy Aquino Park in the Quezon avenue gate

The park has a lake in the far corner area which adds to the soothing scenery of nature. The lakeside is where most visitors prefer to stay due to its relaxing ambiance. This is also a cozy area to spend lunch. The lakeside is also a favorite spot of photography enthusiasts because of its scenic view. 

Ninoy Aquino Park has a wildlife rescue center that serves as a temporary shelter to abandoned, donated and rescued animals. This rescue center area is a mini-zoo that houses several exotic animals and varieties of birds. Some of these animals and birds are Sea Eagle, Monkeys, Tiger, Turtle, Bearcat, African love birds,  Lizards, Owl, Python. Parents should not worry on the safety of their children from these species because these are properly caged and safety measures are being exercise.

This area leads to the wildlife rescue center

where animals and varieties of birds are being housed

The lakeside area is one of the most scenic part of the park,

an ideal spot for photographers

The downside of this park is the absence of amusement perks, a playground with amenities, food stalls and park benches to rest on. But it's a good destination to loosen up especially during the intense summer heat in the metropolis. After two hours of spending at this park, we moved to Quezon City Memorial circle where fun activities, amenities of leisure, food stalls and a spacious ground await. The circle is just across Elliptical road, fronting the city hall, a walking distance from Ninoy Aquino Park.

Big trees and other tropical and botanical plants filled the sprawling ground

of Ninoy Aquino Park and Wildlife Center

Although it lacks leisure amenities, the Ninoy Aquino Park and Wildlife Center is a good pick to cool down in the metro, its location along the road is very accessible to commuters, large tropical trees and natural scenery provide sanctuary and invigorate one's soul. It is also an ideal destination for photographers who love to snap the elements of the mother earth.

Getting There:

This park is located within the Elliptical road in Diliman, Quezon city and has two gates that served two avenues, Quezon and North. If you are coming from EDSA, you may take a bus going to SM Fairview and tell the driver to drop you off at Ninoy Aquino Park. You may also take an MRT ride and disembark at Quezon avenue station, from there, you will ride a jeepney going to Quezon City hall. Start your walk through East avenue then cross to Quezon avenue, look for the foot bridge, the park is just across the street.

Entrance Fee: Adult: Php8.00, Children: Php6.00
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM


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