
Plaza Miranda: Embracing the Unique Blend of Culture and Faith in Quiapo, Manila
Plaza Miranda is a public square bounded by Quezon Boulevard, Hidalgo Street and Evangelista Street in Quiapo, Manila. It is the plaza which fronts the
Let’s be real—when you think of tourist spots around Metro Manila, Navotas probably isn’t the first to pop into your head. But you know what? Maybe it should be. Tucked right along the shores of Manila Bay, Navotas Centennial Park is a quiet revelation—an urban space that locals reclaimed, transformed, and made into something worth celebrating.
First off, here’s a little backstory. This place wasn’t always what it is now. In fact, before it opened in 2006, this stretch of land was a garbage transfer station. Yep, just heaps of trash and no hint of green. But during the centennial celebration of Navotas’ founding, then-Mayor Toby Tiangco flipped the script. He even called the park “garbage turned into gold,” and honestly, it’s hard to argue with that today.
Situated in Bagumbayan North, right where the R-10 bridge meets Circumferential Road 4, the park has become the largest open space in Navotas. It’s Camanava’s version of Baywalk—lined with palm trees, lamp posts, and a breezy view of the bay that you didn’t know you needed until you were right there breathing it in.
Local residents flock here to jog, skate, stroll, or just sit on the bleachers facing the water. Weekends? They’re alive with aerobics, taebo sessions, and people just doing their thing—getting healthy, connecting with neighbors, or simply catching the sunset.
This isn’t just a park, it’s a community anchor. Every year, Navotas throws its Pangisdaan Festival to celebrate its identity as the “Fishing Capital of the Philippines”—and yes, Centennial Park is where the action is. Think parades, open-air concerts, and even the Bangkang de Sagwan race, which was launched in 2017 by the city government.
And it’s not just local events. The Metro Manila Film Festival’s Parade of Stars even kicked off here in December 2023, putting Navotas on the entertainment map in a big way.
In 2017, something really cool happened. The park went car-free on weekends—thanks to a city initiative that turned the space into a designated family zone. It became a safe and open area for kids to run around, couples to picnic, and everyone to breathe easy, literally.
There’s even a two-way ramp and support facilities like a stockroom that were added back in 2014. It might not sound glamorous, but it shows how much thought has gone into making the space truly usable for all kinds of public events.
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If you’re the kind of traveler who loves finding authentic community spaces, or if you just need a break from the hyper-urban chaos of Metro Manila, Navotas Centennial Park delivers. It’s not trying to be flashy. It’s real, it’s grassroots, and it’s proud of it.
It tells a story—not just of Navotas, but of how cities can reclaim space, create community, and spark joy in the most unexpected places.








The best time to visit Navotas Centennial Park is right before sunset. The sky over Manila Bay turns into a canvas of colors that feels almost cinematic. Be sure to wear comfy walking shoes, bring a water bottle, and maybe pack a light snack or your camera.








And if you get hungry after all that walking, head over to Navotas Market nearby—home to some of the freshest seafood you’ll find in the city. Navotas Centennial Park might not have made your bucket list yet, but it deserves a spot. Because sometimes, the places with the humblest beginnings turn out to be the most human of all.
I’m looking forward to the stories and images leaving a lasting positive impression on you, just as they have on me. Stay connected with us on social media for a weekly exploration of travel assignments and breathtaking visuals. Our focus is on championing local tourism, showcasing small businesses, and honoring the magnificence of the Philippines through the content we curate. Join us in spreading the word by clicking the ‘share’ buttons below. Your support means the world to us.
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