I've started joining my husband with his weekend morning run and just last Saturday, while running…read moreat the trail in Vista City, we saw a big gathering of cyclists at the side of the street near Fernbrook Gardens. I thought there was a big biker's competition happening there, but there was no sign or any event marshall to indicate such a thing. I got really curious so I decided to check it out. It turns out that the tented venue was a mini Divisoria for bikers and cycling enthusiasts. Inside were little stalls that sell all kinds of biking paraphernalia such as shirts and cycling shorts, helmets and shades (don't expect too much, most of the Oakleys are only replicas), bicycle parts and accessories. I'm no bike enthusiast but I suddenly wanted to be one because of the cute outfits and accessories. I asked one of the vendors what this place was called, and he said everybody calls it Evia Bikers' Station and it happens every Saturday at that same spot. I later on found out that it's sponsored by Evia, the community of Vista Land. Outside the tent, there's a corner selling food (Batangas Goto for breakfast, anyone?) and drinks, and cyclists can have their breakfast or brunch there on the plastic chairs and tables set up nearby. Evia also sponsors free water refill, coffee and bike tune-up. Cool, right? A few steps away, there is a wide vacant lot where bikers can practice their exhibitions or just a place for beginners to practice biking.

La Mesa Eco Park has been on my activity list for quite awhile and I've finally decided to go with…read moreMr. V for a Sunday outing. We were really excited to go there (although the drive is a little far from Makati) after reading quite a few reviews. We were looking forward to doing some outdoor activities on a beautiful summer day. The Park is smaller than expected but I must say the flora is beautiful. But what a disappointment for the activities. I agree it was a Sunday, but boy the place was crowded and noisy! It was packed with people gathering over food, loud music and screams at the picnic area. And there was only one food stall in the whole park. We were looking forward to rent a bike so we could ride around but you are actually not allowed and the track is basically a circle around a tree. How many rounds can one do for an hour around a tree! The zipline, boating in a lagoon, wall climbing were nowhere to be found (I assume they closed those activities). And the pool was so crowded it would be impossible to swim in it. As for fishing... Well it's in a small pond full of garbage and I doubt anything can be caught. It's definitely not a park where one can enjoy walking around and relax. There is a small trail in the forest but it's really small and takes not more than 10 minutes to walk around. We were really disappointed because we expected a park with nice activities and it really wasn't so. And definitely not a place to have a relaxing and peaceful day.

What elements are essential to make a paradise?…read more Different people would have different lists, but surely a constant feature would be flowers and trees, available food or meals, and fun activities. La Mesa Ecopark has all those three things together. First, flowers and trees. The Ecopark is a forest garden, meaning it's not a garden planted and arranged by a hired gardener but a garden growing out of a natural forest. The land area is quite vast, accommodating various species of plants and flowers such as Ipil-Ipil, Narra, Waling-Waling, Dancing Lady, Dendrobium, Birds of Paradise, and many other indigenous flowers. Second, you wouldn't go hungry walking around the vast space that is La Mesa Ecopark. No, you don't have to eat the flowers. There are many concessionaires stationed in strategic spots, offering to the hungry visitor foods that are close to the Filipino's heart such as inihaw, halo-halo and ice cream. Lastly, since every person is a child at heart, there must be fun activities. The Ecopark features zip lining, target shooting, paintball, bungee jumping, and trampoline. These activities would surely leave you breathless or shrieking from mixed excitement and fear. So come to Ecopark if you wish to recapture the wonderland of youth!

Ayala Alabang is really a good housing option for you if you're one who likes open spaces and fresh…read moreair. I love this village because the roads are wide, the houses are large, and there is less congestion. Although it isn't what it used to be (it has gotten quite crowded as well) it is still a good place to live. The village is somewhat like Forbes, but at a cheaper price. If you're working in the city, commutes will normally take one hour by car. Which isn't so bad if you think that it takes just as long (if not longer) to get to Makati form Quezon City. Only thing is, you've got to pay tolls. Nature lovers will enjoy the parks in this village and the easy access to Nuvali and Tagaytay.

If you're from the south, one of the best villages to bike in is Ayala Alabang Village. The nice…read morething about this village is that there are wide roads with bike lanes. Aside from the bike lanes on the main roads, this village has much more to offer. It can be a challenge to some, and a pleasant leisurely bike ride to others. Ayala Alabang Village has an area with lots of slopes and hills for those that want to train and lots of parks and empty streets for beginners that would like to learn and practice their biking. The village is huge so most tri-athletes bike around here to train for their next event. For those that are more into mountain biking, there are trails as well. Some of the empty lots in the village have beginner trails and you can also cross bridges that cross canals. There is this one trail where you can go through a park that leads to a bridge to go to the other side of the canal which then leads you to a trail that passes along that canal and reaches the other side of the village. Since you'll be passing along a trail beside the canal, make sure you don't fall into it. Ayala Alabang Village is a place for every kind of biker and is a generally great place to bike. Make sure you know someone from the village or are a resident if you're going to go biking here. If in case you can't bike around Ayala Alabang, there's always Daang Hari road and the Filinvest area to bike around. Don't forget to wear your helmets and bike responsibly. It's a great place to bike, but that doesn't mean you can be reckless.

Biking has become an exercise de rigueur in Metro Manila. The countryside is just 2 hrs (plus…read moretraffic) away, and finding a nice slice of road and rural views is a great way to relax the body and the mind. Over the past couple of years, San Mateo in Rizal has become the biking capital of the region. Due to its proximity to mountains and rivers, there is a great variety in landscapes on offer, and it is close enough to the Metro to be convenient. Although the city is being developed more and more--a SM mall is opening here soon--there are areas that remains largely pastoral. The area near Timberland is one of the most popular areas, and as I pass by there every day on the way to work, I have to wonder why recreational bikers have the time to pedal up the steep hills on a weekday.