Quezon City Memorial Circle is a 64-hectare national park and popular landmark in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines. Built in memory of the first President of the Philippines, Manuel L. Quezon, this park offers a wide range of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy. In this guide, we’ll explore the top things to do at Quezon City Memorial Circle, including visiting the iconic Quezon Memorial Shrine, enjoying the rides at the Circle of Joy amusement park, trying out different sports and fitness activities, and visiting the National Botanical Garden. We’ll also take a look at the adjacent University of the Philippines Diliman campus, which offers a glimpse into Philippine academia and culture. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, the Quezon City Memorial Circle is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a fun and educational day out.
1. Visit the Quezon Memorial Shrine
The Quezon Memorial Shrine is one of the most important features of the Quezon City Memorial Circle. It is a towering monument that stands 66 meters high and is located at the center of the park. The shrine is dedicated to the memory of the late President Manuel L. Quezon, who is considered one of the most important figures in Philippine history.
The shrine consists of three levels, with each level featuring various exhibits and displays related to the life and legacy of President Quezon. The first level houses a museum that showcases personal memorabilia of the late President, including his clothing, books, and other personal items. Visitors can learn about his life, achievements, and the historical context of his presidency through interactive exhibits and displays.
The second level of the shrine is an observation deck that provides a panoramic view of the entire Quezon City Memorial Circle. It is a great spot to take pictures of the park and the surrounding areas.
The third level of the shrine is the Quezon Family Tomb, where the remains of President Quezon and his wife, Aurora Quezon, are interred. Visitors can pay their respects and learn more about the family’s history and contributions to Philippine society.
Overall, the Quezon Memorial Shrine is a must-visit attraction in the Quezon City Memorial Circle. It is a great place to learn about Philippine history, culture, and politics, and to appreciate the legacy of one of the country’s most important figures.
2. Explore the Circle of Joy at Quezon City Memorial Circle
This is a 6,000-square meter amusement park located inside the Quezon Memorial Circle. It features various rides, attractions, and food stalls that cater to both kids and adults.
The amusement park features a variety of rides and attractions that cater to different age groups. For kids, there are several rides such as the carousel, bumper cars, and a small roller coaster. There are also arcade games, play areas, and a mini-golf course that kids can enjoy.
For older visitors, the Circle of Joy offers more thrilling rides such as the Viking, a pendulum ride that swings back and forth, and the Tagada, a spinning ride that rotates and bounces. There is also a Ferris wheel that provides a great view of the park and the surrounding areas.
Aside from the rides, the Circle of Joy also has food stalls and kiosks that offer snacks and refreshments. There are also souvenir shops where visitors can buy mementos of their visit to the park.
The amusement park has a colorful and festive atmosphere, and is a great place to spend a few hours with family and friends. The rides and attractions are reasonably priced, and the park is open daily from 10am to 8pm.
Overall, the Circle of Joy is a great addition to the Quezon City Memorial Circle. It offers a fun and exciting experience that complements the more historical and cultural attractions of the park.
3. Enjoy a picnic or a bike ride
The Quezon City Memorial Circle offers vast open spaces, playgrounds, and bike lanes that make it an ideal location for a leisurely afternoon with family and friends. Visitors can bring a picnic blanket and some food, and enjoy a relaxing meal in the shade of the trees. There are several designated picnic areas in the park, but visitors are also welcome to set up their own picnic spots in other areas.
For those who want to explore the park on two wheels, there are bike rental shops located around the Quezon City Memorial Circle. Visitors can rent a bike for a reasonable price and go on a bike tour around the park. The bike lanes are well-maintained and offer a smooth ride, and there are also several bike-friendly paths that are separate from the main roads.
In addition to picnics and bike rides, the Quezon City Memorial Circle also has several other activities that visitors can enjoy. There are playgrounds for kids, a skating rink, and a fitness zone for exercise enthusiasts. Visitors can also play sports such as basketball, tennis, and volleyball in the various sports facilities located around the park.
4. Try out different activities at Quezon City Memorial Circle
The Quezon City Memorial Circle has several sports facilities that cater to different interests. Here are some of the activities you can try out:
- Basketball – The park has several basketball courts that are available for public use. Visitors can play pick-up games with other players or rent a court for a more private game.
- Tennis – The park has several tennis courts that are available for rent. Visitors can play singles or doubles and enjoy a game on the well-maintained courts.
- Skating – The park has a skating rink that is open to the public. Visitors can rent skates and enjoy a few hours of gliding around the rink.
- Fitness zone – The park has a fitness zone that offers several outdoor gym equipment such as weights, pull-up bars, and resistance machines. Visitors can work out in the fresh air and enjoy the park’s green spaces.
- Zipline – The park also has a zipline that offers visitors a thrilling ride from one end of the park to another. The ride offers a great view of the park and its surroundings.
In addition to these activities, visitors can also go on a nature walk or a birdwatching tour around the park. The park is home to several species of birds and offers a peaceful retreat from the city’s busy streets.
5. Visit the National Botanical Garden
The National Botanical Garden is one of the highlights of the Quezon City Memorial Circle. It is a 16-hectare garden that features a diverse collection of plants and trees that are native to the Philippines. The garden is home to over 1,000 plant species, including several rare and endangered ones.
Visitors can take a leisurely stroll around the garden and appreciate the beauty of the different flora and fauna. The garden is divided into several sections, each showcasing a different type of plant or tree. There is a bamboo garden, a palm garden, an orchidarium, a herbal garden, and many more.
The National Botanical Garden also has several attractions that visitors can enjoy. One of the most popular attractions is the “Pook Rizal” or Rizal Corner, which features a statue of national hero Jose Rizal and a replica of his famous poem “Mi Ultimo Adios”. There is also a water garden, a butterfly garden, and a rock garden that offer unique experiences for visitors.
6. Watch a show at the Amphitheater
The Quezon City Memorial Circle Amphitheater is a popular venue for concerts, plays, and other performances. It is an outdoor theater that can accommodate up to 5,000 people, and it has been the site of many major events and shows over the years.
The amphitheater features a semi-circular stage with a large screen behind it for visual effects and projections. The seating area is arranged in a stepped formation, providing good visibility for all spectators. There are also several concession stands located around the theater, offering snacks and refreshments for visitors.
The amphitheater has hosted a variety of events and shows over the years, ranging from major concerts featuring international artists to cultural events showcasing the diverse traditions and talents of the Philippines. The annual “Pasko sa Quezon City” or Christmas in Quezon City event is held at the amphitheater every December, featuring a grand Christmas tree lighting ceremony, a fireworks display, and various performances.
7. Visit the UP Diliman campus
The University of the Philippines Diliman (UP Diliman) is one of the top universities in the Philippines and is located just beside the Quezon City Memorial Circle. The campus is known for its sprawling green spaces and unique architecture, and it is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
These are just some of the many things you can do in Quezon City Memorial Circle. It is a great place to visit for both tourists and locals alike, and it offers a lot of activities and attractions that cater to different interests.
Also read: La Mesa Ecopark – A relaxing lush park in Quezon City
Does anyone know if the Wild Wind roller coaster is still operating?