Triangle North of Manila

(photo via Instagram, @passionate1986)

Come to TriNoMa located along Mindanao Avenue. There’s always something happening on the ground floor’s Activity Center—from celebrity endorsement launches to trade fairs, and even food festivals. There’s also a movie house, open garden, and arcade at the top floor. The easiest way to come here is by taking an MRT ride and hopping off at the North Avenue station - which is connected to the mall proper.

Location: Triangle Park, North Triangle, Ayala Vertis North, Mindanao Avenue (View Map)

Operation hours: 10am-9pm

Highlight(s): Complete with all the shopping essentials, Trinoma is an easy one stop shop for all your needs.

Insider info: The North Edsa MRT terminal is connected to the mall for easy commuter access.

Contacts: Phone number: (02) 901 3000 Website: ayalamalls.com.ph Facebook: @TriNoma.AyalaMalls

Activity tip: You can stroll through or relax at the mall’s beautifully landscaped outdoor area.

Mall-hop to SM North EDSA

(photo via Instagram, @smnorthedsa)

SM North Edsa is just a hop or two from TriNoMa’s transport hubs, so it’s easy to switch malls. Note that SM North EDSA can get a bit overwhelming, since the mall proper is segregated into sections. A must-visit is the new building, SM The Block, which has a Food Circuit and Food Market every weekend at the ground and lower floors. If you’re coming from Cubao, take a bus headed towards Monumento.

Location: North Avenue corner EDSA, Bago Bantay, Quezon City (View Map)

Operation hours: 10am-12am

Highlight(s): Hang out in their famous Sky Garden and check out the various food establishments there.

Insider info: SM North Edsa is one of the first full scale shopping malls in Metro Manila.

Contacts: Phone numbers: (02) 929 6688 to 89 Website: sm-northedsa.com Facebook: @smnedsa

Activity tip: To avoid the usually large crowds at SM North Edsa, try squeezing in an early shopping spree.

Your local Superstore

(photo via Instagram, @alyannanunag)

If you’re in the mood for another kind of shopping experience, take a trip to Balintawak and see Landers. You can find a variety of freshly baked goods, seafood, and USA branded supplies that can’t be found anywhere else. Among its top finds are wine-flavored ice cream, bottles of Sriracha, Pillsbury dough, and “It’s Not Butter, Butter” spray. Note: You need to be a member to shop here, so either borrow a friend’s Landers card, or get your own for a small fee of P800 a year!

Location: 1240 EDSA Balintawak, Apolonio Samson (View Map)

Operation hours: 9am-9pm

Highlight(s): Because of their wide selection of products, you’ll be able to find stuff in this membership store that you won’t find in other groceries and hypermarkets.

Insider info: You can buy unique Oreo flavors and collectible Coca Cola bottles here.

Contacts: Phone numbers: (02) 819 7040, (02) 819 7041 Website: landers.ph Facebook: @LandersPH

Activity tip: Watch out for free food and drink samples.

Mall meets student scene

(photo via Facebook, @uptowncenterayalamalls)

Go to the other side of QC, near the Blue school of Ateneo and the Blue and Gold of Miriam. The UP Town Center is another AyalaLand development, with restaurants and clothing outlets that are perfect for families. There’s also a wide open space right in the middle of the complex, where you can people-watch to your heart’s content. The fastest way to get here is by taking a jeep headed towards Katipunan/UP Campus.

Location: 249, UP Town Center, 216 Katipunan Ave, Diliman (View Map)

Operation hours: 11am-9pm

Highlight(s): The mall has numerous restaurants and cafes to choose from.

Insider info: UP Town Center stands on what used to be the grounds of the UP Integrated School.

Contacts: Phone numbers: (02) 795 9595 Website: ayalamalls.com.ph Facebook: @uptowncenterayalamalls

Activity tips: Catch a concert at the town mall’s event grounds.

Take a jam-packed day trip

Food trip at QC’s

(photo via Facebook, @streatmaginhawafoodpark)

Many Facebook posts have been dedicated to this bustling gastronomic nucleus. Maginhawa traverses Sikatuna and Teacher’s Village, surrounding the University of the Philippines’ campus. Parking can be tough, depending on where you want to eat, but part of the experience is taking a journey via jeepney, discovering hidden hole-in-the-wall restaurants, and sharing the find on social media. Tip: Prepare cash, just in case the establishments don’t take card.

Location: Maginhawa, Diliman (View Map)

Highlight(s): Catch a glimpse of the highly instagrammable Gerry’s Jeepney and try out their Filipino menu.

Insider info: Maginhawa Street is actually a part of UP Village with streets being named after Tagalog adjectives.

Activity tip: Break your fast at the well known The Breakfast Table.

Nature in the big city

(photo via Instagram, @cecildm)

Enjoy the beauty of nature at the La Mesa Ecopark! Constituting a perfect day trip with family and friends, the Ecopark is well-maintained thanks to the constant influx of people who come on the daily. Depending on how agreeable the weather, you can go hiking, swimming, and try climbing to the top of the stairs of the La Mesa Dam. Occasionally, extra attractions will be available in the park, including trampolines and rock climbing. There is an entrance fee of P50 for non-QC residents, P40 for QC residents with a proof of residence, P20 for QC students, and free for all QC senior citizens and kids below 3 ft.

Location: Barangay Fairview (View Map)

Fee(s): P50 (Non-QC Residents), P40 (QC Residents), P20 (QC Students), Free for all QC senior citizens, and children below three feet

Insider info: Not many know that La Mesa Ecopark also has a public swimming pool with a fee of P80.

Contacts: Phone number: (02) 430 5207 Facebook: La Mesa Eco Park

Activity tips: - Go biking around the La Mesa Ecopark grounds with your friends. - You can also bring food and drinks here and have a picnic with your family.

Come closer to God

(photo via Instagram, @teddymanuel)

For those who wish to experience QC’s religious landscape, there’s a plethora of Catholic churches readily available to visit. In Greenmeadows Avenue, there’s the famous Christ the King church, iconic for its grandiose Jesus Christ statue at the heart of the altar. There’s also the Sto. Domingo Church, which is a wedding venue favorite among the locals. Not only does it have one of the longest aisles, it’s also a compound with an adoration chapel, a fountain area, and a café where you can order coffee and refreshments. Another must-see church in QC is the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, which is Spanish in detail and can put anyone, devout or wandering, into a solemn mood.

Location: 18 Greenmeadows Avenue (View Map)

Highlight(s): The beautiful church also features facilities like a function room and an adoration chapel.

Contacts: Phone numbers: (02) 633 0280 Website: christthekingparish.ph Facebook: @CTKPGreenmeadows

3D Art in real life

(photo via Instagram, @josiezhizhen)

Over at 175 15th Avenue, Cubao Expo, see the Art in Island 3D Trick Eye Museum, where cameras, selfie sticks, and wacky group poses are commonplace. Considered the largest 3D museum in Asia, Art in Island is basically a giant visual playground full of optical illusions that you can pose with. Use props and take wacky pictures! Tickets are P500 for adults and P400 for students, PWD’s, and senior citizens. Wear socks, because you can’t have shoes inside.

Location: 175 15th Avenue, Barangay Socorro, Cubao (View Map)

Fee(s): P500 for adults, P400 for students (Tip: Book with Traveloka for promo tickets!)

Operation hours: 9:30am-9:30pm (Tuesdays to Sundays)

Highlight(s): Aside from being able to interact and pose with the 3D paintings, you can also check out nearby shops and restaurants in Cubao Expo.

Contacts: Phone number: (02) 421 1356 Facebook: @artinisland

Go back in time

(photo via Creative Commons)

Relive the life of the President who the city was named after by visiting the Quezon Heritage House located in the Quezon Memorial Circle, Elliptical Road, near the Max and Serye restaurants. Although the current house is just a replica of the old vacation villa of the late President Manuel L. Quezon back in New Manila, this 2-storey residence is the closest you can get to a the full 1940’s home abode treatment. Note that the interiors are mostly originals from the first establishment. Visit here every Tuesday to Sunday from 9AM to 4PM. Admission is free.

Location: Quezon Avenue, Quezon Memorial Circle, Elliptical Road, Diliman (View Map)

Fee(s): P10 (Private school students and Non-students) FREE for Public school students

Operation hours: 9am-4pm (Mondays to Saturdays)

Insider info: The reconstructed home was originally located in Gilmore Street in New Manila.

Contact: Phone number: (02) 984 3316

Visit the former President

On that note, make sure you head to the very center of the Elliptical Road for the Quezon Memorial Shrine, iconic for its giant, triangular art-deco structure. As the name suggests, it’s dedicated to the late President Quezon. Designed by Federico Lustre back in the 50’s, the tower is 66-meters tall with an observation deck at the zenith. Wait for nightfall to witness a simple light show of varying colors, decorating the sides of the tower. Admission is free.

Location: Quezon Avenue, Quezon Memorial Circle, Elliptical Road, Diliman (View Map)

Fee(s): FREE

Operation hours: 8am-4pm (Tuesdays to Sundays)

Highlight(s): Get to know more about former president Manuel Quezon in this museum celebrating his life and presidency.

Contacts: Phone numbers: (02) 377 5494, +63 9178519548 Website: nhcp.gov.ph

Activity tip: After touring the memorial shrine, you can spend an afternoon walking around Quezon Memorial Circle’s food stalls and picnic grounds.

Solve a mystery

(photo via Instagram, @mystery_manila)

The clock is ticking. Pass by Mystery Manila when you’re in Quezon City, and test the bonds of your friendship with timed puzzle rooms, each with different themes and difficulty levels. Located in E. Rodriguez Avenue, Mystery Manila never runs out of creative ways to challenge your mind. You get one hour to solve the mystery of your chosen mystery room with groups of around 5 people. It’s around P550 for 2 people, and the more people join, the cheaper the rate is per head (it can go as far down as P300-400).

Location: Unit 9A JW Plaza Building, 195 Eulogio Rodriquez Jr. Avenue, Bagumbayan (View Map)

Fee(s): P300 to P550 (depending on the number of people) Check rates here.

Operation hours: 1pm-9:30pm (Mondays to Fridays), 9am-9:30pm (Holidays, Saturdays, & Sundays)

Highlight(s): This is a great bonding experience for you and your friends. Aside from that, you also get to exercise your mental capabilities.

Contacts: Phone numbers: (02) 501 2824, +63 9175820808 Website: mysterymanila.com Facebook: @Mysterymanila

Activity tip: Teamwork is essential in solving the mystery games quickly.

Practice target shooting

(photo via Facebook, @stronghandshootingrange)

Bullseye, anyone? If you’re feeling a little adventurous, try your hand at Quezon City’s Stronghand Shooting Range located in 1660 La Defense Bldg, Cubao QC. As the name suggests, it’s a target shooting indoor range with friendly prices for people who just want a taste of the action star treatment, without the membership commitment. It’s certainly not for everyone, but it’s definitely a lot of fun. You rent firearms for P500 if you’re a Guest, and P750 if you’re a Foreigner. Bring valid ID, and prepare extra cash to purchase the bullets and targets.

Location: La Défense, 1660 E. Rodriguez Sr. Avenue (View Map)

Fee(s): Check out these rates.

Insider info: Only legally registered pistols and revolvers are allowed. Also, only the shooting range’s toxic-free ammo can be used.

Contacts: Phone number: (02) 721 7174 Website: stronghandshootingrange.com Facebook: Stronghand Shooting Range

Activity tips: - Don’t forget to bring a government-issued ID showing that you are 18 years old or above. - Always listen to the range officer’s commands.

Recreate masterpiece

(photo via Instagram, @sipandgogh)

Take it slow without compromising the fun factor and drive to Sip and Gogh in Capitol Hills, Quezon City. This place promises a unique experience. You book a class with one of their resident artists, who will then teach you the techniques that go into recreating one of Van Gogh’s famous paintings, or any paintings up for demo. At the same time, you have a choice to sip red or white wines and munch on cheese and fruits—hence the name. Sessions start at around 2:30 PM in their QC branch, and each session lasts for 2 hours. You pay P1000 per head, inclusive of the materials and the drinks.

Location: Capitol Hills Dr, Matandang Balara (View Map)

Fee(s): Register here.

Highlight(s): Give yourself a unique treat by creating a painting while sipping on some wine.

Contacts: Phone number: (02) 961 1248 Website: sipandgogh.com Facebook: @SipAndGogh

Activity tip: They also have a bring your own bottle sessions with a corkage fee of P300 per 750ml bottle.

A little extra goes a long way

Meet your furry friends

(photo via Instagram, @barkinblends)

See Barkin’ Blends Dog Café to go on a fur-friendly experience! Not only will you be surrounded by cute puppies as you munch on a snack, they can snack with you thanks to the dog-approved treats on the menu! It’s P219 per head to enter the Dog Zone, inclusive of one free drink. (They’re closed on Thursdays!)

Location: 2nd Floor, J&R Concon Center, 91, Rosa Alvero Street, Loyola Heights (View Map)

Fee(s): P219 for entry into the dog zone

Operation hours: 12pm-9pm (Wednesdays to Mondays)

Highlight(s): Aside from being able to buy great food and drinks, you also get to play with tons of furry friends.

Contacts: Phone number: (02) 533 7290 Website: barkinblends.com Facebook: @barkinblends

Activity tip: Don’t wake up the doggies if they’re sleeping.

See Virtual QC"

(photo via Facebook, @QuezonCityeXperience)

How else should a Quezon City trip end than with a reminder of the rich history surrounding it? Before you embark on another journey, away from the North, visit the QCX—or the Quezon City Experience. Called by QC mayor Herbert Bautista as a “social history museum,” it has 16 interactive galleries that tell stories and facts about how QC came to be.

Location: Quezon Memorial Circle, Elliptical Road, Diliman (View Map)

Fee(s): P150 (Non-Quezon City resident), P100 (Quezon City Resident), P80 (Students with valid IDs), 20% discount (Senior citizens), FREE admission (children 6 years old and below)

Operation hours: 9am-4pm (Mondays to Saturdays)

Highlight(s): Get ready to learn more about Quezon City, from its humble beginnings to present time.

Insider info: Not only is it a museum, it also hosts events, exhibits, and seminars as well.

Source: https://www.traveloka.com/en-ph/explore/destination/15-fun-unique-things-to-do-in-quezon-city/63911