biking in manila – Travel Up

Biking in Manila is featured in National Geographic Magazine

My photo biking in Intramuros in Manila is featured in National Geographic Magazine!

Sometime in early 2023, one of the magazine’s photo editors reached out when they were looking for an image to represent new bike lanes being built around Intramuros in Manila. They found this photo with me and a Bambike from an article I published on this travel blog in March 2019 and asked if they could publish it.

Biking to the new Pasig River Esplanade (2024)

Last Sunday (January 21, 2024), we joined a group ride to Binondo with cycling advocacy group Firefly Brigade and went around Escolta afterwards to check out the newly opened Pasig River Esplanade. This area behind the Central Manila Post Office right next to Jones Bridge is set to be the newest tourist attraction along the river.

Biking in Quezon Memorial Circle

The Quezon Memorial Circle or QMC is a national park located in Quezon City, the largest and most populous city of Metro Manila, which once served as the official capital of the Philippines from 1948 to 1976. Commonly referred to as the “Circle,” this park is located inside a large traffic roundabout bounded an Elliptical Road. Back in the ’80s, my cousins and I used to go here a lot, for bike rentals, roller skating, picnics, or to just enjoy the green surroundings. It got a bit run down during the ’90s, but in recent years, it’s gotten upgrades and improvements. I’ve revisited QMC for various events over the years, but I tend to take it for granted. It’s just something that’s always been there. But the lockdown has left me with a newfound appreciation for any accessible urban destination that has greens and open spaces.

Spyder Surge: Answering the Call of Adventure

Opting to ride a bike when you travel is a great way to see a place in a new light. There’s always this sense of adventure when you have to navigate the roads on your own. Like motorcycling, you can control your pace and stop anytime you want. Aside from all the health benefits of pedal power, the leisurely pace gives you a chance to discover new places and stumble upon interesting finds – like these unexpected ruins in the midst of a busy city.