La Mesa Eco Park @ Novaliches, Quezon City

Chesca at welcome La Mesa Eco Park

"The La Mesa Ecopark in Quezon City is a well-developed sanctuary around the La Mesa Watershed via a joint partnership between MWSS, ABS-CBN, and Quezon City. The public park spans 33 hectares aims to preserve and protect the La Mesa Watershed, not only by generating revenues, but also promoting environmental awareness in saving the environment. Primary focus of the EcoPark is for outdoor recreation and forest experience. Students, families, environmentalist, tourist, fitness buffs flock the park everyday, seeing it as an alternative to the shopping malls in the metropolis."

It was the first year where I got to spend my day as bravely and happily as I could.  The fact that I am alive and was able to spend it with a loving mother and adorable 2 year-old daughter, Chesca who both unconditionally loves me is an all-time present I would be forever grateful of.

My mom and I decided to go green and be energized with nature at LA MESA ECO PARK. It is very spacious and the landscaping was perfect for everyone. The trees, flowers, bushes and plants made it like the Garden of Eden. The air we breathed was fresh and the people were nice.

Enjoying the taxi 

The three of us with our kind house helper, Vicky left home early and took the taxi.  Upon arriving, Chesca was enjoying the scenery. We only paid P40 for the entrance.  Got a stamp on the wrist. We first checked the garden.  Mom is a garden lover and was looking for a plant to buy.

Mom spotting a plant at the garden

At the entrance

Here we were!!

So green pasture

Mom in the middle of the garden road

After walking, we got hungry so we ate hotdog sandwiches. The food, other business stalls and comfort rooms were clean. You can also bring your own food there.  Segregated garbage cans were placed and people are disciplined to throw their trashes accordingly.

Enjoying the hotdog sandwich snack

A lot of people were also enjoying the scenery.  Family, friends and lovers bonding was everywhere.  You can just sit on a mat and relax or have a picnic or enjoy activities like feeding the coi fish, horseback riding, swimming, riding bicycle, getting a tattoo and a lot more.  Mom , Chesca and I tried swinging under the tree. We also climbed the long stairs and enjoyed the overlooking view of the park.  Too tiring though. Hahaha.

Rope swinging was fun

Koi fish and horse watching

So happy trying to swing on

We rested by the benches and then it drizzled.  After a while, we ate snacks.  I had a rose henna tattoo on my left inner ankle as a token of that short park adventure.  We just enjoyed the afternoon breeze and nature.  Around past 5 in the afternoon, we headed home.

My henna rose tattoo

Seizing the moment

enjoying the afternoon ice cream

At home, before dinner, Chesca and I had a toast to life.  We blew my candle together and drank buko juice in a wine glass. Hahaha.   My daughter at two is everything for me. With her, life must go on.  She is my hope and constant reminder to keep on believing that no matter how life may get tough, there’s always a reason to smile.   I love her my life.

Cheers to life...

Blowing the candle with chesca

I am thankful to Heavenly Father for granting me another year.  It may not be exactly as how I wanted it but it turned out simply great.

When I was doing freelance events coordination of Kath and Norman’s wedding, last June 2011, this is where we had their Prenup photo shoot.  They both liked the place.  Here are some of the photos. Chesca and I got to join them...so nice couple!

Photoshoot at Ariel Javelosa studio

Chesca modelling before the camera

I so love a photographer's camera

So if you guys are looking for a place where your family, friends and loved-ones can just enjoy and relax or for your wedding Prenup Photo Shoot or Debut photo shoot, birthday celebration or any memorable date, check out LA MESA ECO PARK. The budget is affordable and the vicinity is perfect.

HOW TO GO THERE

Directions on how to travel and commute to La Mesa EcoPark:

*Key Note to remember: La Mesa EcoPark is located along Commonwealth Avenue. This is your main target road. You can access this via Quezon Avenue or North Avenue.

From the north (CaMaNaVa area):

Option 1. Ride a bus southbound via EDSA with signboards pointing to Baclaran, MIA, Alabang, FTI, or Ayala-Leveriza and get down at Quezon Avenue. From there, ride an FX or jeepney bound for SM Fairview. These are very easy to find as they are plying through Quezon Avenue. Ask the driver to the drop you off Winston St. in East Fairview Subdivision. From there, ride a tricycle going to La Mesa Ecopark.

Option 2.Ride an MRT southbound and get down at Quezon Avenue. From there, ride an FX or jeepney bound for SM Fairview. These are very easy to find as they are plying through Quezon Avenue. Ask the driver to the drop you off Winston St. in East Fairview Subdivision. From there, ride a tricycle going to La Mesa Ecopark.

From the south (i.e., south of Quezon City):

Option 1. Ride a bus northbound via EDSA to Fairview. Ask the conductor to the drop you off Winston St. in East Fairview Subdivision. From there, ride a tricycle going to La Mesa Ecopark.

Option 2. Ride a bus northbound via EDSA with signboards pointing to Monumento and get down at Quezon Avenue. From there, ride an FX or jeepney bound for SM Fairview. These are very easy to find as they are plying through Quezon Avenue. Ask the driver to the drop you off Winston St. in East Fairview Subdivision. From there, ride a tricycle going to La Mesa Ecopark.

Option 3. Ride an MRT northbound and get down at Quezon Avenue. From there, ride an FX or jeepney bound for SM Fairview. These are very easy to find as they are plying through Quezon Avenue. Ask the driver to the drop you off Winston St. in East Fairview Subdivision. From there, ride a tricycle going to La Mesa Ecopark.

Option 4. There is an FX in SM Mall of Asia terminal that is bound for Fairview, you can ride that and ask the driver to drop you off Winston Street that is going to La Mesa Ecopark. From there, ride a tricycle to the park. This route might entail a longer travel time since you are circling Manila first before going to EDSA but the upside is you don't have to transfer vehicles.

If you are coming from the Manila/Pasay area, you can also ride an LRT Line 1 to Doroteo Jose and transfer to the Purple Line via Recto Station and get down at Araneta-Cubao Station. From there, ride an MRT to Quezon Avenue and ride an FX or bus bound for Fairview and asked to be dropped at La Mesa Eco Park (Winston Street).

Around Quezon City, you can ride a jeepney going to any point in QC Circle (for example, PhilCoa) and then ride a bus or FX bound for Fairview. Ask the driver to drop you off Winston St. to get to La Mesa EcoPark.

For private vehicles, La Mesa EcoPark is along Commonwealth Avenue. You can access this road via EDSA passing through Quezon City Circle or via C-5 passing through Katipunan extension (going to Tandang Sora). Once you are in Commonwealth, the main landmarks are the following: if you are Fairview-Bound, you will see Sangkalan and City Oil gas station to your right and Honda showroom, PLDT/Skycable building on your left side. Turn right at Pearl Street, then right to Winston, and then left at Dunhill St.

Of course, you can ride a taxicab from any area in the Metro and ask the driver to bring you to "La Mesa Ecopark" along Commonwealth Avenue.