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7 Metro Manila green spaces providing respite from this brutal summer
The heat index is through the roof, posing real health risks to everybody. The summer heat is so brutal that a number of schools and government offices have gone back to WFH arrangements to protect employees and students from the heat.
The terrifying truth is it's bound to get even hotter in May.
According to the Resilient Cities Network, the heat feels worse in cities because of urban heat island effect — the result of all the concrete absorbing heat from the sun.
“The more concrete we have, the more heat it absorbs so with that the heat radiates out to the surroundings, that's why it’s hotter right now specially with areas with a lot of concrete,” Elijah Go Tian of the Resilient Cities Network said.
That's why parks and green spaces are so important to cities. Apart from the all-important shade, trees have a natural cooling effect, a result of what experts call the evaporative cooling process. They also boast of evapotranspiration, a process when trees spurt out water vapor through their leaves.
Below are 7 parks we can visit to cool down this summer. Consider visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon, remember to wear light to white clothing, wear sunscreen, and please keep hydrated.
1. Arroceros Forest Park, Manila
Often called the last lung of Manila, the 2.2 hectare-Arroceros Forest Park is home to more than 3,000 trees that make for to "have the highest proportion of crown canopy cover among the other parks in Manila’s fifth electoral district," Mongabay reports.
As such, fresher air and cooler temperatures await visitors — apart from various species of birds that come to visit the mini jungle, the beautiful ornamental plants, and calming views of the Pasig River.
Arroceros also has spaces for meditation and opportunities to learn. Look: QR codes have been placed on trees so you can learn more about them.
2. UP Academic Oval, Quezon City
The famed academic oval of the State university is full of trees, you will definitely get your nature fix. The canopy, the shade, and the cooler temperature might even get you resolved to jog or walk or ride your bike. There are various street food stalls scattered around it, allowing for a reward after.
3. People's Park, Valenzuela
Valenzuela has a gorgeous park where residents have been enjoying some of nature's bounty, including fresher air, shaded spaces for play, and respite from the angry sun. Located on the MacArthur highway, the People's Park is just one of many spaces in Valenzuela where residents can cool off in nature.
4. Greenway Park - BGC Taguig
BGC definitely made good use of its four kilometer embankment by turning it into a lush linear park that's now being enjoyed by residents, office workers, and pedestrians who need a shaded path get to their destinations, walk their dogs, clock in their steps, or just get their daily dose of nature.
5. Ayala Triangle Gardens
Whether it be the brutal heat on the streets or the unforgiving aircon in offices nearby that you want to escape from, Ayala Triangle Gardens is definitely a welcome respite and an invitation for relaxation and enjoyment. A row of restaurants plus the returning Book Stop Library in the premises make the garden an important fixture in the Makati Business District.
6. Estero Tripa de Gallina, Makati
A one-kilometer linear park in Makati, Tripa de Gallina features a playground, some exercise equipment and greenhouse for all to enjoy. It runs along a rehabilitated creek, making the experience a whole refreshing. An added plus point? The project is expected to help in flood reduction come rainy season. 7.
7. Filinvest City Central Park, Alabang
In 2022, Filinvest City in Alabang opened its Central Park, a green space that doubles as an to outdoor events and community center.
The first phase, a one-hectare space called "The Great Lawn," aims to accommodate al afresco events like concerts and bazaars. A botanical garden with an amphitheater is also in the plans.
Located in the Spectrum District of Filinvest City, Central Park intersects the Spectrum Linear Park, a one kilometer linear park that boasts of canopied walkways spanning the northern and southern ends of the township, as well as landscaped pathways, lighted seating areas, and outdoor art installations.
— LA, GMA Integrated News
