Polluted air, I read somewhere, has negative effects on the workings of the brain. People who regularly breathe pollutants are moody and pessimistic, not to mention prone to all kinds of pulmonary diseases. This is why it’s important for government units and urban planners to come together to plant green patches around the concrete jungles.
While vertical gardens are becoming a fad in some cities, nothing can beat a real garden of sprawling trees, ponds, and ornamental plants.
In Quezon City, former capital of the Philippines or the Commonwealth government, green spaces are found in La Mesa Eco Park, Wild Life, and the QC Circle (near the University of the Philippines Diliman campus, which is another home to a metropolitan version of forest).
Inside the circle one can find gardens, fountains, museum, restaurants, eateries, vendors of all kinds, bicycle rental, parks, gardens, zipline, and even a small amusement park with roller coaster and other kiddie rides. Connecting the Circle to outer roads such as Philcoa is a polished underpass that displays Quezon City’s history and features.
All sorts of people hang around, while some zip around, biking, jogging, or skateboarding.
Hope more cities in Manila be greener to save us from the insanity of congestion, air pollution, impossible MRT lines, traffic, overpopulation, mall culture, and the general mental stress of everyday struggles.