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Top 10 Best Spots in the Philippines for Runners
Run to your heart’s content at these open spaces in Philippine cities.
By: Arrah Camillia Quistadio-Manticajon | January 01, 2021
Due to quarantine measures in place, some of these places might be temporarily closed or might be implementing their own set of safety protocols. Please contact the place’s management before visiting.
When the New Year comes around, most people make it a resolution to be more fit and healthy. And so we asked our readers where their favorite places are to jog or run to kick off their fitness goals. To maintain an active lifestyle, our readers go to these top 10 running parks and places in the Philippines.
10. Manila Baywalk and Ateneo De Manila University
Manila Baywalk attracts not only runners and joggers, but bikers as well.
Image: Fun Ride
The Manila Baywalk is not only a place to watch the famous Manila sunset, but also where runners and joggers go to work on their fitness, especially on Sunday morning. Free aerobics and Tai Chi classes are also held at this two-kilometer seaside promenade.
In January 2016, the Department of Tourism and the Department of Public Works and Highways completed renovation of the area of Roxas Boulevard covering Rizal Park to the Manila Yacht Club. This makeover has made the place look more pleasant. Dedicated lanes for pedestrians and bikers have been added as well for the convenience of the public.
Runners can breeze past the Blue Eagle Gym while at the Ateneo campus.
Aside from UP Diliman, Quezon City residents can have a good cardio workout at the Ateneo de Manila University in Katipunan Ave. Runners can enjoy the greenery at the tree-lined paths at the Faura Back Forest and SOM Forest at the Ateneo Loyola Heights campus, which spans 83 hectares. If you’re up for a challenge, try going around the perimeter of the campus, run past the Blue Eagle Gym and the Church of Gesu, then circle round the Bellarmine Field.
9. Ayala Triangle
Ayala Triangle has spots of green in the urban jungle.
Image: Ayala Triangle Gardens Facebook Page
If you’re looking to squeeze in a quick workout before or after work, Ayala Triangle is a good place to do so. The 1.2-kilometer area is situated between Ayala Ave., Makati Ave., and Paseo de Roxas. The green gardens provide respite from the concrete jungle of buildings and skyscrapers in Makati, while being a haven for runners, joggers, or those taking their pets for a stroll.
8. Bacolod Capitol Lagoon
One can jog near a lagoon at Capitol Park and Lagoon in Bacolod.
Image: Mark Daniel Lecciones via Wikimedia Commons
Another jogging spot in Bacolod that locals and tourists go to is the Capitol Park and Lagoon. Here, one can run or jog amidst the tranquil waters of a man-made lagoon. One of the main attractions of the park is a pair of water buffalo sculptures at the north and south ends of the lagoon. The park is strategically located at Lacson St. right at the heart of the city. The place is also a popular spot to do aerobics or practice arnis, the traditional martial arts of the Philippines.
7. UP Oval and Marikina Sports Center
Voter’s Comment:
“Accessible parking; there are a lot of people running, walking, and biking (at University Oval)” – Nieves
Joggers head to UP Diliman on a Sunday morning.
Image: Jose Wendell Capili III
The University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman Academic Oval is frequented not only by UP students, but also joggers, runners, and bikers. The oval, which spans 2.2 kilometers, is lined with huge acacia trees which provide shade from the sun, as well as make the air cool and fresh. Designated lanes for running and biking help visitors have a safe and worry-free sweat session. On Sundays, the oval is closed to vehicular traffic, making the campus a haven for those who want to run, bike, and skate.
The 400-meter oval track at Marikina Sports Complex
Image: Patrickroque01 via Wikimedia Commons
To get fit, locals of Marikina go to Marikina Sports Complex, also known as Marikina Sports Park (MSP). It was first known as Rodriguez Sports Center (Complex) when it was built in 1969. Located at the corner of Shoe Ave. and Sumulong Highway, one of the main features of this three-hectare facility is its 400-meter oval track. MSP also has a swimming pool, basketball, volleyball, tennis, and table tennis courts. One can join martial arts classes at the sports building, or Zumba sessions at the east grandstand for PhP50.
6. Panaad Park & Sports Stadium and Iloilo Esplanade
Voters’ Comments:
“Jog beside the river bank (at Esplanade)” – Mark
“Safe and close to nature running path (in Panaad Park)” – Butch
The rubberized oval track at Panaad Park makes it ideal for running or jogging.
Image: Tayco Ojario Arlene
Built in time for the 1998 Centennial Palaro, Panaad Park and Stadium in Brgy. Mansilingan, Bacolod City, spans 25 hectares of land surrounded by 60,000 eucalyptus trees. The rubberized track oval makes it an ideal place for people to exercise. It also boasts of an Olympic-size swimming pool, four tennis courts, a basketball court, and soccer field. Major sports events have been held at Panaad, most notable of which was the Azkals-Mongolia match in 2011.
Joggers start their day right at the Iloilo River Esplanade.
Image: Image:Iloilo Esplanade Facebook Page
At the Iloilo River Esplanade, one can burn some calories while taking in the view of the Iloilo River, one of the cleanest rivers in the country. The Esplanade stretches for 1.2 kilometers starting from Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr. Ave. to Carpenter’s Bridge in Mandurriao District. Since the Esplanade is closed to vehicular traffic, joggers and runners can enjoy their workout without the danger of cars passing by. With roads that are 10 to 15 meters wide, there’s plenty of space to move about, that’s why many people come here to exercise early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
5. Bonifacio Global City
Terra 28th at 28th Street, Bonifacio Global City
Image: BGC Website
Bonifacio Global City (BGC) lies at the heart of the financial district of Manila. Also called Global City or The Fort, BGC is located between EDSA and C-5. High-rise condominiums and skyscrapers dot its skyline, while upscale shops and restaurants can be found in its landscaped areas.
Despite being mainly a business hub, BGC has green spaces to accommodate all kinds of fitness enthusiasts. One can jog, do yoga, or meditate at Track 30th, play with kids at Terra 28th or play football at Turf BGC.
4. Capitol Commons and Filinvest City
One can go for a jog at Capitol Commons in Pasig.
Image: Capitol Commons Facebook Page
Capitol Commons is the newest mixed-use development by Ortigas & Company along Meralco Ave., Shaw Blvd., Ortigas Center, Pasig City. The 10-hectare property includes Capitol Commons Park, a space where people can run, jog, do yoga , or even walk their pets.
Filinvest City
Father and son on the bike trail at Filinvest City
On the other hand, Filinvest City is a massive urban development covering 244 hectares of land in Alabang, Muntinlupa. Biking enthusiasts can ride on a bike trail, while the health-conscious can run or jog on the tree-lined streets. In the past, Filinvest has also launched a Carless Sunday campaign to encourage people to walk, run, play, or jog in the streets.
3. New Government Center
The New Government Center has become Bacoleños favorite place to jog.
Image: Bacolod PIO Facebook Page
Located at the Circumferential Road, Brgy. Villamonte, Bacolod City, the New Government Center (NGC) replaced the government offices which used to be in Araneta – Luzurriaga Streets. Locals call it the White House owing to its neoclassical architecture.
The five-hectare lot where NGC stands features a square park fronted by a fountain. Its wide, open space has made it a favorite place where Bacoleños walk or jog in the morning. Others also bike, skate, play Frisbee, or just spend time with their families in one of the new and most photographed landmarks of Bacolod City.
2. Quezon City Memorial Circle
Voter’s Comment:
“Near my place and my heart” – Andelle
Quezon Memorial Circle
Aside from being one of the most recognizable landmarks in Quezon City, Quezon Memorial Circle (QMC) is a go-to spot for fitness enthusiasts from northern Metro Manila. This national park is surrounded by the Elliptical Road and is a place where people can jog or run against a backdrop of lush greenery spanning 15 hectares of land. International marathons and biking events have also been staged in QMC, including the Philippine Grand Prix and Tour of the Fireflies.
After breaking a sweat, visitors can go to the Quezon City Experience, an interactive social museum. Those with kids can drop by the amusement park or the children’s playground.
1. Philsports Complex
Voter’s Comment:
“You can do serious running!” – Randy J.
Professional athletes and enthusiasts alike come to the arena.
Image: Patrickroque01 via Wikimedia Commons
Ultra Sports Center got its name from the University of Life Track and Field Arena, which formed part of the grounds of a now-defunct vocational school. Also known as the Philippine Institute of Sports Complex or PhilSports Complex, it houses the offices of the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee.
Although the center is meant as a training ground for Filipino athletes, one would most likely see runners and sports enthusiasts from the Ortigas and San Juan area come here as well. Facilities include a 500-meter track and field oval, basketball and volleyball court, gym, and swimming pool . There are also plans to put up a beach volleyball sand court at the oval.
This article was originally published in Yoorekka on January 22, 2017. The places featured in the article are based on the Top 10 Running Parks and Places Poll posted at the home page of ShoppersGuide.com.ph from January 8 to 14, 2017.
About Arrah Camillia Quistadio-Manticajon
Arrah Camillia Quistadio-Manticajon is the current content supervisor for the Visayas region of ShoppersGuide Marketing, Inc. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication degree from UP Cebu. She has previously worked for a business process outsourcing company, a community newspaper, and a global technology company. When not writing, she putters about in the kitchen, baking or testing new recipes.
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