When In QC: 3 things to do below Php 50.00!

When in Q.C and in search of a sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of the city,
you really don’t have to go far. There are actually quite a lot of things you can do in just a span of one weekend.

Q.C Memorial Circle
Entrance: Free

Have you ever came across the QC Circle? You know, that roundabout that is terrifying to drive in? Well, you can actually go in and find some really interesting things to do. You can jog on the pathways or even bring your bikes (I was told you can bring your bikes in and there are underground walkways to do so)

When you think you’ve seen everything there is inside of the famous Q.C memorial circle, you might be surprised to find out that there is actually something more in store for you; a museum hidden deep inside the famous destination of Q.C goers. It has been operating for just about a year now (as of writing) and the best part is the entrance fee is for free!

This museum is actually 95% of the house of the late first commonwealth president Manuel L. Quezon and his wife Doña Aurora Quezon. Everything was placed exactly the way it was when they occupied it. The amazing fact about how this museum came to be is that the whole house was moved here from a different location.

Just like these tiles right here, all original. 

My mother’s family was from Quezon province and my mom would just tell me random facts about him but I felt so cultured after going through a tour of his house, his life and his family. Like how he and his wife, Aurora did not sleep in the same room. He had a room for his private nurse and he would smoke 60 sticks of cigarettes a day! Crazy! You will learn a lot from this tour.

 

Vargas Museum

Have you ever wondered how the national artists for paintings came to be? Have you ever dreamed of seeing their art up close? Have you ever doubted that you’ll be able to see even one national painting in your lifetime? Well there is good news for you. If you’re a fan of national art then the wonderful Vargas Museum located inside the compounds of the University of the Philippines Diliman will be your paradise. Works of National Artists such as Fernando Amorsolo and Juan Luna located in their collection would be enough for you to come rushing to see this amazing art museum.

 

It wasn’t just a tour of art but also a tour of history. The art work collection was divided into their time in history: The Japanese, The Americans, The post-war. It was also explained about the different features of art and brushstrokes. We obviously weren’t allowed to take photos inside so all I had were lobby photos. I would definitely love to go back and explore it some more.

 

Museum Hours: 
Tuesday – Saturday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Admission Fees
Php 20.00 for UP students, alumni, faculty and employees
PhP 30.00 for everyone else
Entrance is FREE every Wednesday
for UP students, alumni, faculty and employees

 

UP Oblation

This iconic symbol of the University of the Philippines
which depicts a man facing upward with arms outstretched symbolizes selfless offering of oneself to his country (Acc to Wikipedia)

If you just recently started a passion for running then this place will be your sanctuary. With a distance of 2.2 km, the UP Oval is ideal for a morning run on a Sunday. You wouldn’t feel tired because the trees and the breeze of the fresh wind will make you feel calm and give you time to contemplate. Some parts of the UP oval is also divided into two lanes, one lane specifically for joggers and bikers and the other for vehicles which means that it you can assure yourself of your own safety.

We bought taho and soy milk and chilled admiring the view.

We went around Quezon City because we were having a staycation at Microtel by Wyndman in UP Technohub

which was a few distances away from these placed that we toured around.
I highly recommend it! It’s a cheap and unconventional way of spending the weekend. 
You can read about my experience here

 

So When In Manila, no need to spend a fortune to go around and tour the city of Quezon City.
All you need is a few bucks, a little street smart and a whole lot of adventure drive! 

Special thanks to Ms. Elizabeth Villaluna