The Philippines ranks third in the world's most biodiversity. I've heard it quite often, but living in the metro doesn't allow this reality to sink in - until I've been to La Mesa Ecopark.
What is La Mesa Ecopark
A joint project by ABS-CBN, Quezon City and MWSS, this huge piece of land used to be a squatters area. If you go there now, you may still see a row of shanties near the perimeter fence along the entrance. Sitting on a watershed, this ecological haven has been rehabilitated and is now open to the public for outdoor fun for everyone.
To do there:
- Have a picnic Small tables and cottages are available. However, chairs and bigger covered areas are for rent per hour. There really isn't a working system as regards renting these, so be very patient or prepared. There are food stalls available. There's even a Mang Inasal outlet there.
- Walk or jog amidst a nature trail. There's a path for this. Since it's a rainforest, fallen leaves and plants continuously grow so it's not that clear. Make sure you come into proper fitness attire with energy drink.
- Ride a horse or kalesa. For P100 per ride, kids would have a blast to ride a real horse or kalesa. The route is around the trail, which I think isn't more than 50 meters.
- View the La Mesa Dam Take a peek or a snapshot of the dam from the park via the covered area. It's quite a bit of stairs to get there, though.
- Ride down the slide in the playground. There are playgrounds pocketed among the picnic grounds. Choose a table nearest one if you have kids who love slides and monkey bars.
- Get a massage. A group of blind masseurs has set up a relaxing tent inside the park. They offer full body massage as well as hand, foot or face massage.
- Try the zip line. For P100/person, experience riding a zip line. No age limit. My 3-year old boy tried it, and enjoyed.
- Climb a wall. It rained when we went there, so the wall was not available for climbing. I would have tried it because there aren't so many people watching? Unlike in a mall or inside a gym where such activities are offered. The space where zip line and wall climbing is located is at the entrance. It's not inside the park where lots of people are.
- Play paintball. Maximize the feel of trees and greens all around as you play paintball with your friends.
- Ride a boat. If water level allows it, there's a lake suitable for boating.
- Go biking. Rent a bike or a sidecar and tour the whole park.
QC residents get P10 discount on the entrance of P50 for adults. Bring your IDs to claim the discount.
There were lots of people when we went there. Parking along was a bit tough, therefore looking for the cottage or picnic table. Foreigners go hiking too.
It only goes to show that Filipinos want alternatives to going to malls. And La Mesa Ecopark provides a unique adventure and family bonding at a very reasonable price. What I hope to see are educational campaigns the same way Manila Ocean Park has introduced the bleak state of Manila Bay vis-a-vis the beautiful marine life of the Philippines.
Labels on trees and plants as well as guided walking tours or via electronic jeeps would be a good idea too. Pavillions with meditation spots would work there.
What's best about it
Located some minutes away from the Elliptical Road - Quezon City Hall, it's a rainforest as good at it gets. This reminds us that our country is gifted with rich natural resources and we just have to find ways to tap that sustainably.
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