Ortigas

As a very urbanized tourism hub, Pasig is arguably one of the most promising cities in Metro Manila and has drawn thousands of visitors every year to revel in its many fascinating attractions.

Ortigas Center

The hub of business in the city, Ortigas Center is a concentration of media networks and call centers. Since the late 1980s, radio stations have been airing atop such buildings as STRATA 100, STRATA 2000 (formerly Strata 200), and, of late, the Jollibee Plaza. The most prominent call centers have also flocked to the area since the late 1990s.

Rain Forest Park

Also known as Pasig Central Park, this expanse of nature in Barangay Maybunga is an oasis from the city’s hustle and bustle. It includes a butterfly garden, a swimming pool, a pavilion, basketball and tennis courts, a fitness gym, a Senior Citizens Park and a Youth Training Center where leadership training seminars are heldThe entirety of the park can be quite a walk, but try the train for a quick trip along its main features.

Fun Ranch

This mini-theme park indulges a kid’s fancies with its hit rides such as the bumper boat and the tic-tac ride. Any little girl becoming a princess is a cinch at the first ever in the world, Pink Salon by Barbie, where she can get a makeover including a Diva Hairstyle, glimmer tattoo and nail art. Kids can also discover their inner chefs at Marta’s Cakes, where they can create their own masterpiece of a cupcake. And when energy is running low from all the fun things to do, kids can always make a brief stop at the Big Red Barn Resto, or recharge at the Little Lambs Spa.

Ark Avilon Zoo

The original zoo is farther East in Montalban, Rizal, but this 2,000-square-meter urban safari is just as delightful. Barely six months since it opened, Ark Avilon is already drawing hordes of kids and adults alike, eager to see a giant tortoise, a tiger, a lion and a jaguar up close. There are also less aggressive animals that kids can still have tons of fun watching, such as a python, an orangutan and the ever friendly and playful rabbits

Getting around

For a reluctant tourist, the optimal way of going about the city may be hopping into a cab and allowing it to take you on a perfunctory tour. On the other hand, going by any of the public transports available affords you a full experience of Pasig City, teeming with culture and heritage.

On EDSA, you can either take the bus – both northbound and southbound buses stop in front of Robinson’s Galleria, a perfect place to start – or the Metro Rail Transit. The MRT stops at the Ortigas Station from which Robinson’s Galleria is but a leisurely stroll. From Galleria, navigating the rest of Ortigas Center’s “jewel” streets on foot is best.

The quintessentially Filipino ride known as the “jeepney” goes the Pasig-Quiapo (and vice versa) route, which has existed for decades, and travels from the western side of Shaw Boulevard. The modern and cooler spin-off of the jeepney – the “FX” - is available at a terminal on the north side of Robinson’s Galleria

Here are some well-known accommodations around the city that will give you comfortable nights that will fit your budget
•   Astoria Plaza Suites Manila - 15 J. Escriva Drive, Ortigas Business District Pasig City, Ortigas-Pasig, Manila, Philippines
•    Crowne Plaza - Ortigas Ave. Corner Asian Dev Quezon City Philippines, Ortigas-Pasig, Manila, Philippines 1100
•    Discovery Suites - 25 ADB Avenue Ortigas Center, Ortigas-Pasig, Manila, Philippines 1600
•    Holiday Inn - One Asian Development Bank Avenue, Ortigas Center, Ortigas-Pasig, Manila, Philippines 1655
•    Linden Suites - 37 San Miguel Avenue, Ortigas Center, Ortigas-Pasig, Manila, Philippines 1600
•    Richmonde Hotels - 21 San Miguel Avenue Ortigas Center, Ortigas-Pasig, Manila, Philippines 1600
•    Motorist Hotels and Inns - 2149 A. Luna Street, Pasay Airport Area, Manila, Philippines