Strategically surrounded by key cities in the Philippines’s National Capital Region is the culture and business melting pot Pasig City. Still, this so-called green city isn’t the first to pop in mind when you mention NCR to anyone. There is often a general misconception that Pasig City isn’t yet at par with renowned cosmopolitan areas like Makati, Taguig, and Pasay.
Despite this underrated status, Pasig City never lagged in terms of development to create an optimal co-existence between residential and commercial spaces. Young professionals would prefer to kick-start their careers in the city’s highly accessible headquarters and flagship establishments of companies, both local and international. What lures these hopefuls into the city’s business center is the unlimited choices of condos near Ortigas Center for sale.
Its local government has been emphasizing environmental preservation. Pasigueñosare increasingly embracingeco-forward practices into their urban lifestyle. Electronic jeepneys, tricycles, and car-free days have been institutionalized, and locals can ever enjoy the vibrant greenery in the well-maintained nature parks of the city. It can be said that Pasig City is way past the phase of shopping and lifestyle centers popping out one after another, but is nurturing a community that, more than being endowed the access to everything they could ever need, is driven towards a sustainable and circular economy.
That said, whether you’re a local or an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) who is catching a flight at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) but have time to kill, spending it in Pasig City is always a worthwhile option. Likewise, if you plan on settling somewhere in the NCR for work or other major life decisions, you could bet that Pasig City will be the ideal long-term place to be. The following go-to spots might just convince you:
Tiendesitas
Tiendesitasis a huge shopping compound that is very accessible as it is located along the famous C5 Road. It houses hundreds of stalls that sell various merchandise like clothes, home decor, food, and digital gadget accessories, among others. There are also parlor shops and other recreational establishments here and there.
What makes the Tiendesitas experience special is its serene ambiance, which is great if you want to break away from the usual hustle and bustle of city malls. Its impressive Maranao-inspire droofing design is enough to evoke a sense of identity in Filipino culture, and shopping or even just window-shopping in it would ultimately give you touristy vibes. Its huge estate allows the holding of special events such as art and music exhibitions and trade conferences.
SMMegamall
Although SMMegamallis technically within Mandaluyong City, it is still accessible through the Ortigas Business District. As its name implies, SMMegamallcould give you a full-onair-conditionedand music-reverberating-everywhere experience as any mall could offer, except a day would likely be not enough to try all its amenities.
The mall is sectioned off into Mega A, B, and C sub complexes and a Fashion Hall, all of which are five stories tall except for Mega C, which has 11 stories. Every visit, you will not run out of new things to discover and try as it houses about a hundred food, entertainment, recreational, gadget, and shopping brands. There is no doubt: bringing any loved one of any age to SM Megamal lwill never be boring.
PasigCity Rainforest Adventure Experience
The Pasig City Rainforest Adventure Experience, more commonly known as Pasig Central Park, could be the epitome of the urban and ecological fusion the city has been poised to develop into. This lofty 20-hectare recreational space was opened in 1977 and has been subject to constant development since its re-conception as Rainforest Adventure Experience, otherwise called RAVE, in 2013.
Today, it could cater to people channeling their sporty side with its tennis court, massive swimming pool, oval, and gym, all while being in touch with nature. Still, the nature park offers more wholesome amenities, including a playground, zoo, butterfly house, hedge maze, boating lagoon, and a picnic area that residents and visitors can enjoy.
Capitol Commons
Adjacent to another major lifestyle destination Estancia Mall, Capitol Commons is also a slice of greenery in the concrete jungle that is Pasig City. This nature park is a go-to place for morning joggers, pet owners, and friends hanging out on weekends. What makes the park more inviting aside from the nearby mall are accessible restaurants that offer refreshing outdoor dining.
The list could go on, but knowing that Pasig City is actively curbing climate change as part of its development is a testimony of its promising future. With government leaders and private stakeholders maintaining collaborative ties, all the more so Pasig City realizes what could be impossible for other cities, and that is allowing nature, commerce, and quality of life to flourish all at once.