Rediscovering Pasig: A Sunset Walk Along the River Esplanade

In the middle of Metro Manila’s busy roads and buildings, there is now a peaceful place to enjoy a walk, relax, and spend time with friends or family; the Pasig River Esplanade. For many years, the Pasig River was known as polluted and dirty. But today, people are starting to see change. With cleanup projects and new developments, the river is slowly being brought back to life. The Esplanade is one of those projects, and it is helping people reconnect with the river in a beautiful way.

One Saturday afternoon, instead of going to the mall or staying indoors, we decided to enjoy the city in a different way. Before heading to the Esplanade, we passed by Binondo, Manila, where we saw a lively event near the Chinatown Arch. There was a parade of students in uniform, proudly marching with flags and musical instruments. The crowd was cheerful, and it felt like a celebration of culture and community. It was such a nice surprise to see something so alive and colorful right in the heart of the city.

As we walked along the pathway, we saw lots of plants, flowers, and clean benches. People were walking their dogs, jogging, riding bikes, or just enjoying the view. The lights along the walkway slowly turned on as the sun went down, giving the whole place a calm and cozy feeling.

The river, which many had forgotten, looked peaceful. We sat down on one of the benches, watched the sunset, and just enjoyed the moment. We stayed until 8 PM. It was one of those nights where you didn’t feel like rushing. Everything felt quiet and safe.

Art and Nature Together
Another nice thing about the Pasig River Esplanade is the art and stories you see along the way. There are colorful murals (wall paintings) that show the history of the river and the people who lived near it. These artworks remind us that the river was once a busy and important part of the city.

A Space for Everyone
One of the best parts about the esplanade is that everyone is welcome. We saw students doing homework, elderly people taking a slow walk, children running around, and couples sitting together. Street vendors were also nearby, selling favorite Filipino snacks like taho, fishballs, and kwek-kwek.

Even as the night came, people were still there enjoying the space. The lights were bright enough to see clearly, but soft enough to feel relaxing. It felt like the perfect place to end a busy day.

The Pasig River Esplanade is more than just a walkway. It is a sign that change is possible. Years ago, no one would think of staying near the Pasig River. But now, people go there to relax, exercise, or spend time with loved ones. This shows that with care, patience, and support from the community, places can improve.

It’s also a reminder that we need more green, open, and safe places in our cities. Places where people can walk, breathe, and feel connected to nature again.

If you’re looking for a quiet, relaxing spot in the city, I highly recommend the Pasig River Esplanade. Come in the afternoon, stay for the sunset, and enjoy the cool evening air. It’s a beautiful place to walk, think, and just slow down.

We stayed until 8 PM, and I’m glad we did. Watching the city lights reflect on the water was a perfect way to end the day.

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