Rediscovering fun and surprises in Ortigas Center

Mention Ortigas Center and one would right away think of towering, gleaming office buildings with men and women in corporate attire hurriedly walking about.

This bustling central business district located within the boundaries of Pasig, Mandaluyong and Quezon City, however, has so much more to offer, whether one is in the mood for a gastronomic adventure, retail therapy, or a boost of endorphins.

Strategic location

That it is nestled along a major thoroughfare as Edsa, has its own MRT station and numerous public transport terminals make Ortigas Center one of the more accessible CBDs.

Serious research

Those who need to do some serious research whether it’s on industry and trade, rural development, economics, climate change and so forth can head to the Asian Development Bank’s headquarters in Ortigas Center. (Though we are well aware that “doing research” here might just be the perfect covert excuse to get your hands on ADB’s famed chocolate crinkles.)

International franchises

A stone’s throw from ADB is The Podium and its vast offerings that include several international franchises. Coffee lovers would love Kyoto cafe % Arabica. Taiwan favorite Xing Fu Tang has set up shop here to satiate your milk tea thirst. Hong Kong’s Elephant Grounds is here as well along with Japan’s Bake Cheese Tart, Chibo Okonomiyaki, and Tokyo Milk Cheese Factory.

Hole-in-the-wall finds

Along Ortigas Center’s streets are hole-in-the-wall restos well worth the visit. Happy Beans serves rainbow lattes and promises to be a cozy hangout where you can play old school boardgames with friends and family. Get your tacos, quesadillas and burritos from Mexican restaurant Lo de Alberto along Doña Julia Vargas Ave. which claims to be the “only authentic taqueria in the Philippines.”

Music and theater

Catch your favorite bands at 12 Monkeys Music Hall and Pub at El Pueblo or Metrowalk Commercial Complex’s The Music Hall. Music and theater lovers alike can troop to Music Museum in Greenhills, a long-time favorite venue of local artists.

Boost of endorphins

Burn all those calories from feasting on good, sumptuous food and, at the same time, release those endorphins through exercise. Give indoor cycling a spin at Electric Studio, located at The Podium, or Cyclehouse MNL near Emerald Ave. Those into mixed martial arts should check out UFC Gym Galleria which offers classes on boxing, kickboxing, muay thai, Brazilian jiu jitsu and taekwondo.

Strengthen your core and work on your body’s balance and flexibility at YogaPlus Ortigas, also at The Podium. Further down Ortigas Ave. is Jump Yard Indoor Trampoline Park. A short drive from this CBD, Jump Yard is, by leaps and bounds, a fun way for both kids and kids-at-heart to work up a sweat.

Quality schools

Ortigas Center is not found wanting when it comes to high quality schools. There’s University of Asia and the Pacific on Pearl Drive, Saint Pedro Poveda College on P. Poveda Street and La Salle Greenhills on Ortigas Avenue.

Retail therapy

Head over to the nearby Greenhills Shopping Center for great deals. It’s a toy collector’s paradise with shops such as Wasabi Toys, Big Boys Toys Store, Greattoys Online, Toyzone Express, Toyzone Express and Kramer: Toy Warden. Don’t blame us if you end up with an empty wallet after reading this.

DIY projects

Homeowners always love a good DIY project, never mind if you can actually finish it or if it does not even come close to the one on your Pinterest board. CW Home Depot and MC Home Depot are right off Ortigas Avenue for your home improvement and construction needs.

Premium project

A further addition to Ortigas Center is Ortigas Land’s The Galleon, a mixed-use premium development about to set sail right along ADB Avenue. The two-tower project will have premium grade A office spaces with sustainable features and amenities, a retail center and a high-end residential space.

The Galleon is poised to strengthen Ortigas Land’s position as a developer that brings to the table great places that enhance the lives of people. The seasoned real estate developer is now in the process of securing a LEED Silver accreditation from the US Green Building Council for The Galleon, with its modern design, which comes with energy efficient and environment-friendly features.

Indeed, Ortigas Center is teeming with a myriad of options. And we can only wait with excitement on what else will unfurl in this CDB in the core of the metro.