Since the pandemic, our family has always sought refuge in the University of the Philippines Diliman (UP Diliman) campus. We would always find ourselves here on days we needed to unmask and breathe. This sprawling university in the heart of Quezon City offers some of the best green spaces and is completely free for everyone.
Even after the pandemic, we've kept the weekend tradition alive with a well-loved itinerary: a walk around the Academic Oval, a short tambay on the grounds, a food trip, and mass at the Parish of the Holy Sacrifice. Seeing so many families and fitness enthusiasts doing the same makes me happy.
Every weekend, the iconic Academic Oval transforms into a bustling recreational space. Families set up picnic blankets under towering Acacia trees while kids run freely on car-free roads. Cyclists, skaters, and runners loop around the oval, soaking in the fresh air and lush surroundings. Joggers especially appreciate the Acacia trees, which provide canopied shade, making it an ideal spot for morning or afternoon runs. Hobby enthusiasts congregate and attract like-minded people. UP Diliman's inviting atmosphere offers a refreshing escape from the city and a spacious place for leisure and fitness.
