Pinay Traveller’s Guide to Quezon City
I’ve lived in Quezon City (QC) almost all my life. To be honest, I can’t imagine living somewhere else in Metro Manila. To me, this city is perfect. Here are 7 reasons to love QC.
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Accessibility
You can get in and out of QC with ease. Cubao, in fact, is the quintessential crossroads as the 2 train lines MRT and LRT 1, most city and provincial buses, and now the Point to Point buses pass through it everyday. It’s also important to note that if you’re coming here for a holiday, the city is not lacking in accommodations. 5-star, boutique, and budget hotels abound in Quezon City. Just make sure to book ahead of time especially during the holiday season.
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Proximity to NLEX
QC is the gateway to the wonderful provinces in the north. Bulacan is just a 30-minute ride from Balintawak via the recently improved North Luzon Expressway (NLEX). And beyond that, the possibilities are endless.
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University Town and Cultural Hub
QC has been dubbed “University Town” because of the three major learning institutions that have found their homes here, namely, Ateneo de Manila University, University of the Philippines and Miriam College. Within the Diliman area, one can find historical landmarks and a couple of museums as well (more on that in another post).
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Food Strips Galore
I can’t even begin to tell you about the food. Suffice it to say that you will never go hungry in QC because there’s always something yummy you can eat no matter your budget. For classic student budget meals, try Rodic’s Tapsilog in UP, Manang’s liempo in Ateneo, and Snack Shack’s quarter pounder with cheese in Teachers Village. But if you feel like eating somewhere fancy, there are wonderful restaurants in UP Town Center along Katipunan, Eastwood Mall, Ayala Techno Hub, UP Teachers Village, and of course, Tomas Morato.
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Clean and Green
Quezon City is where you will find the La Mesa Watershed and Eco-Park, the last rainforest of its size in the metropolis. I live in Fairview which is very near the forest so my family is able to explore the park when time permits. It’s a great place to bring the little ones on weekends, and great, too, for treehuggers of all ages.
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Watering holes are plenty
The perfect watering holes are all in QC, methinks. But I always gravitate towards the Diliman area. Dencio’s at Capitol GreenStreet affords guests with a fantastic view of Marikina valley at night. If you like the laidback vibe of Cubao, choose any of the nice joints in Cubao X (formerly Marikina Shoe Expo), but make sure you go to Fred’s Revolucion and order their Grilled Pork Strips. Acclaimed photojournalist Derek Soriano is co-owner and resident chef. While there, check out his and other photographers’ works exhibited at the Imprenta Manila gallery (just behind Fred’s bar).
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Peaceful Weekends
Despite being the most populous city in Metro Manila, QC still has that ‘out of town’ feel. On weekends, one can stroll around the UP Diliman oval or just have some peace and quiet at the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center. You can also take advantage of the Sunday market in SIDCOR along EDSA corner Quezon Avenue or shop for some unnecessary household items in the gargantuan Japan Home Centre along Panay Avenue (my favorite thing to do!).
If you’re thinking of exploring QC, you’re making the best decision. 😉
When and if you’ve decided to do so, let me know. I know of this secret place in Lagro Hubby and I can take you to. 😉
