Visiting La Mesa Ecopark, I can’t help but imagine how stark the difference must have been before its rehabilitation. In the late 20th century, this area suffered severe deforestation, urban encroachment, and degradation. Yet today, the reforested grounds tell a story of hope and careful stewardship.
Walking along the shaded trails, I’m reminded of the Save the La Mesa Watershed Project launched in 1999 — a collaboration between Bantay Kalikasan, MWSS, and the Quezon City Government. Every tree, from narra to antipolo, feels like a living testament to those efforts, turning a once-threatened urban watershed into a thriving green escape.
ABOVE: La Mesa Eco Park has gabi leaves with dew droplets in the morning, especially around the pond area, along with many other plants.
ABOVE: La Mesa Eco Park has gabi leaves with dew droplets in the morning, especially around the pond area, along with many other plants.
The park itself is more than a pretty backdrop for photos. Standing near the lagoon, I can see how the La Mesa Watershed supports both water quality and biodiversity for Metro Manila.
Native trees shelter songbirds, kingfishers, and even small mammals, while mangroves lining certain patches act as natural buffers. Every flutter of a butterfly along the butterfly trail or glint of sunlight on a pond is a quiet reminder of the delicate ecosystems tucked within the city.
ABOVE: La Mesa Eco Park lets you see how important insects help protect the park’s nature and biodiversity.
ABOVE: La Mesa Eco Park lets you see how important insects help protect the park’s nature and biodiversity.
From the Lopez Picnic Grounds to the paddling lagoon, the park encourages playful exploration and calm observation alike. I wandered along the hiking and biking trails, camera in hand, capturing shadows of leaves on the path and reflections of the sky on the lagoon’s water. The Orchidarium and butterfly trail provided moments of wonder, particularly when native species posed for a frame or two. The saltwater swimming pool, subtle in its eco-friendly design, and the garden terraces offered quiet corners for reflection — a perfect blend of recreation and visual storytelling.
ABOVE: La Mesa Eco Park is a peaceful getaway in Quezon City, featuring large trees and a lush garden situated on a hill, offering visitors a relaxing environment to enjoy nature.
ABOVE: La Mesa Eco Park is a peaceful getaway in Quezon City, featuring large trees and a lush garden situated on a hill, offering visitors a relaxing environment to enjoy nature.
Beyond the flora and fauna, it’s the visitors who animate the park. Families laughing over picnics, students on school field trips, and nature lovers quietly watching birds all contribute to the energy of La Mesa Ecopark. I noticed how the design encourages interaction with the environment without disrupting it — a balance between human enjoyment and conservation. Every corner of the park is an invitation to slow down, observe, and appreciate.
ABOVE: La Mesa Eco Park in Quezon City, farmers promote sustainable agriculture through activities like organic farming, eco-friendly workshops, farm-to-table experiences, and educational tours, fostering environmental awareness and community engagement.
ABOVE: La Mesa Eco Park in Quezon City, farmers promote sustainable agriculture through activities like organic farming, eco-friendly workshops, farm-to-table experiences, and educational tours, fostering environmental awareness and community engagement.
RELATED STORIES
The story of Malate Church begins in 1588, when Augustinian friars established a parish in the fishing village of Maalat, named for the salty waters
Located at Agrifina Circle in Rizal Park, National Museum of Natural History is part of the larger National Museum Complex, which also includes the National
Walking along Kalaw Avenue, you can’t miss the stately presence of Luneta Hotel. Across from the sprawling Rizal Park, this heritage building exudes a quiet
Walking through Rizal Park, every step tells a story. Known locally as Liwasang Rizal and historically called “Luneta,” this 58-hectare urban oasis in Ermita, Manila
What really strikes me is how this urban oasis functions on multiple levels: as a recreational hub, a learning center, and a biodiversity haven. Even in 2012, it was drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors annually, proving that green spaces are essential to city life. Every photo I took, from the trees lining the lagoon to butterflies hovering over flowers, captures a story of restoration, conservation, and the persistent value of nature in our daily lives.
ABOVE: La Mesa Eco Park is a peaceful spot full of beautiful blooming red water lilies, perfect for nature lovers to relax.
ABOVE: La Mesa Eco Park is a peaceful spot full of beautiful blooming red water lilies, perfect for nature lovers to relax.
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.
EXPLORE MORE about
The newly restored Jones Bridge is easily recognizable by its beautifully designed black lamp posts—the same ones that were there when the bridge was first
The San Agustin Museum is located adjacent to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, San Agustin Church. It is located in Intramuros—the walled city of Manila—and
The story of Malate Church begins in 1588, when Augustinian friars established a parish in the fishing village of Maalat, named for the salty waters
The Binondo Church is a historic church in Manila, located in the District of Binondo, near the Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz. It was previously called
At the bustling heart of Quiapo, Manila, a modest church arose in 1588, only two years after the district itself was founded. Initially built of
Approaching Monumento Circle in South Caloocan, traffic thickens, jeepneys weave through buses, and overhead wires frame the skyline. At the center of it all stands
In the heart of bustling Makati, where glass towers slice the skyline and business moves at lightning speed, there’s a place that feels like a
Amid the bustling corridors of Ayala Center in Makati City, the Greenbelt Chapel quietly commands attention not through grandeur but through its sense of calm.
At the heart of La Naval de Manila is the revered image of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, a 1593 ivory and hardwood
Stepping into Padre Blanco Gardens, you immediately notice a contrast from the busy streets of Intramuros. Stone paths, benches under shade, and small fountains encourage
UST, also known as the University of Santo Tomas, is a private Roman Catholic university located in Sampaloc, Manila. It was founded on 28 April
Situated in the heart of Manila, Tutuban Center is more than just a shopping destination—it’s a vibrant mix of history, commerce, and culture that draws
Stepping into Club Intramuros Golf Course feels like entering a curious intersection of eras. You pass through the stone gateways of Intramuros, and instead of
Located at Agrifina Circle in Rizal Park, National Museum of Natural History is part of the larger National Museum Complex, which also includes the National
Tucked away in the heart of Taguig City, Metro Manila, lies an intriguing historical site that continues to captivate both locals and travelers alike—the Simborio.
Stepping onto the grounds of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, you immediately sense the ambition behind its design. Conceived under the leadership of then‑First
The Guadalupe Chapel Intramuros sits quietly within the Reducto de San Francisco Javier, once a defensive bastion of Fort Santiago. Walking toward it, you pass
Zapote Bridge connects Las Piñas City and Bacoor City, serving as both a physical and symbolic link between communities. The bridge’s stone arch design has
In the midst of Kaunlaran Village, Dagat‑dagatan in Navotas City, the San Lorenzo Ruiz and Companion Martyrs Parish stands as more than a place of
Walking through UP Diliman, you immediately sense the blend of history, artistry, and open space. Established after the original University of the Philippines in Manila
Walking into Guadalupe Viejo, the shift is immediate. The hum of traffic from EDSA fades into the background, replaced by stillness and the rough texture
Nestled in the heart of Pasay City within the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex, Star City stands as one of the premier amusement parks
Standing in Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz, what strikes me first is its shape. Unlike the usual rectangular plazas scattered across the Philippines, this one curves
In the southern stretch of Metro Manila, within Barangay Daniel Fajardo, stands Las Piñas Church, formally known as the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Saint
Located within Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City, the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial rises as a serene testament to courage, sacrifice, and shared history. Spanning
The first time I approached Padre Pio Chapel, it was impossible to ignore the contrast. Just meters away, vehicles streamed endlessly along Eulogio Rodriguez Jr.
Standing prominently where Ermita meets Manila’s civic center, Manila City Hall anchors one of the most historically dense stretches of the capital. From this vantage
Walking into Victoneta Chapel feels like stepping into another pace of life, one where the clamor of Metro Manila recedes and quiet reflection takes center
The Manila Abbey San Beda, or formally known as Abbey of Our Lady of Montserrat, is a Benedictine men’s monastery located along the streets of
Standing at Liwasang Bonifacio, you immediately feel how many directions the city pulls at once. Jeepneys pass in steady rhythm, pedestrians cross toward the bridges,
It is also known as the Walled City, and during the Spanish Colonial Period it was synonymous with the city of Manila. Intramuros was also
The Nazareno Festival, or the Feast of the Black Nazarene, is one of the most spectacular and deeply moving religious events in the Philippines. Held
If you’re exploring the heart of Manila, you won’t want to miss Seng Guan Temple, a cultural and spiritual gem nestled in the bustling district
If you’re ever wandering through the lively streets of Manila, one of the city’s must-see spots is the iconic Carriedo Fountain. Nestled in the heart
Polo Church traces its roots back to the early 1600s, when the settlement of Polo — once part of the larger Catangalan parish — gained
As the nation’s first ever world-class marine theme park, Manila Ocean Park is located in Ermita Manila, within the Philippines’ largest urban resort/aqua-themed hotel complex
San Juan, a city tucked in the heart of Metro Manila, is often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors, yet it holds within its borders
Tucked within the heart of Intramuros, Casa Manila serves as a tangible window into 19th-century urban Filipino life. Unlike typical museums, the building was reconstructed
Paths, Lagoon, and Everyday Flow Entering the park, you notice the soft curve of pathways that guide you around the man-made lagoon. The water stretches
Standing by the serene Taguig River in Barangay Santa Ana, Taguig Church — formally known as the Parish of St. Anne — is more than
At the heart of Manila Bay’s charm is the Baywalk along Roxas Boulevard, where golden-hour sunsets transform the coastline into a photographer’s dream. By 2009,
The Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) stands as a monument to the Philippines’ ambition to be a key player on the global stage. With its
Standing prominently along Broadway Avenue in New Manila, Quezon City, the National Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel — widely referred to as Mt.
If you’re exploring Manila, one spot you shouldn’t miss is Plaza Rajah Sulayman, a scenic and historically significant public square in the heart of Malate,
Along the right bank of the Pasig River, Santa Cruz stands as a living canvas of Manila’s past. Long before skyscrapers and shopping centers redefined
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
San Sebastian Church is a Roman Catholic Minor Basilica located in Quiapo, Manila. It’s also known as Minor Basilica of San Sebastian or San Sebastian
Originally built in 1880, the Manila Cathedral is the current version of the longstanding Church of Manila. It is a masterpiece of architecture that was
Crossing the Pasig River via Quezon Bridge feels like stepping into a living corridor of Manila’s past and present. The span links Quiapo on the
Walking along Padre Burgos Avenue in Rizal Park, the National Museum of Fine Arts immediately commands attention. Its neoclassical facade, tall Corinthian columns, and grand
Along the right bank of the Pasig River, Santa Cruz stands as a living canvas of Manila’s past. Long before skyscrapers and shopping centers redefined
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?
If you’ve ever imagined wandering alongside a winding canal, the sight of gondolas gliding gently under ornate bridges, you might picture Venice in Italy. Yet
Perched along T. M. Kalaw Street in Ermita, Luneta Hotel has long been more than a building; it is a silent witness to Manila’s evolving
San Agustin Church in Intramuros stands as one of the country’s most treasured landmarks, a symbol of resilience and faith through centuries of upheaval. Built
The approach begins along the familiar paths of Rizal Park, where movement never really stops. Families cross the lawns, vendors set up near shaded areas,
It is the home of the popular Asian elephant, Mali, as well as 90 other species. As well as being a landmark in Manila, the
The Manila Central Post Office is more than just a hub for letters and parcels—it is a Philippine landmark that embodies the nation’s colonial history
Walking along Kalaw Avenue, you can’t miss the stately presence of Luneta Hotel. Across from the sprawling Rizal Park, this heritage building exudes a quiet
Right in the middle of San Juan City, surrounded by the constant rhythm of Metro Manila, stands Pinaglabanan Shrine, a place that does not immediately
Located in the heart of Quezon City, Christ the King Seminary is not only a center of Catholic education but also a place where spirituality,
You know how sometimes, you stumble upon a place that feels like stepping straight into a history book—except the pages come alive? That’s exactly the
Every January, Manila transforms as the Feast of Santo Niño brings devotion and festivity to its streets. The festival centers on the Child Jesus, known
Imagine stepping into a green ellipse at the heart of one of the busiest cities in Metro Manila. Quezon Memorial Circle is not just a
Approaching the Gomburza National Monument along Padre Burgos Avenue, the first thing I notice is its placement. Directly across from the grand façade of the
If you find yourself wandering through the sprawling campus of the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman in Quezon City, you’ll undoubtedly encounter one of
Located along Roxas Boulevard in the heart of Manila, Museo Pambata offers a one-of-a-kind experience where children can learn, play, and connect with Filipino culture
Walking through the gates of the Manila Chinese Cemetery, visitors are immediately drawn to Chong Hock Tong Temple, a site that has been a center
Situated in the bustling city of Manila, Paco Park is a serene oasis that invites visitors to step back in time while enjoying the calm
Visiting Eastwood Mall, you immediately notice it’s more than a shopping destination — it’s a hub of urban life. The four-level retail space features a
The Kartilya ng Katipunan, also known as Bonifacio Shrine or Heroes Park, is a must-visit historical site in Ermita, Manila, celebrating the legacy of Andrés
Walking through Rizal Park, every step tells a story. Known locally as Liwasang Rizal and historically called “Luneta,” this 58-hectare urban oasis in Ermita, Manila
Right outside Tutuban Center, along the busy stretch of C.M. Recto Avenue in Tondo, Manila, stands the Bonifacio Monument Tutuban, a tribute that blends almost
Walking along España Boulevard in Manila, the rhythm of jeepneys and buses rarely slows down. But once inside the grounds of the University of Santo
Tucked in the heart of Las Piñas City, St. Joseph Parish Church houses a treasure that few instruments can rival: the Las Piñas Bamboo Organ.
Walking into Quiapo, Manila, the golden dome of the Manila Golden Mosque immediately catches the eye. Known locally as Masjid Al‑Dahab, the mosque rises as
Cemeteries have a way of holding stories without speaking them aloud. La Loma Cemetery, officially known as Campo Santo de La Loma, rises from land
Situated in the lively heart of Makati’s Legazpi Village, Washington SyCip Park provides a serene refuge away from the city’s fast pace. Established in 2006
Stepping into Binondo Chinatown feels like turning a page in Manila’s long, layered story. Officially established in 1594 as a settlement for Catholic Chinese immigrants,
BROWSE BY CATEGORIES
BROWSE BY PROVINCE
