Looking for a fresh spot to explore this weekend? Good news—Phase 3 of the Pasig River Esplanade is officially open! Now you can stroll along the 600-meter West Showcase Area, linking the newly improved Plaza Mexico, Maestranza Esplanade, and the beautifully restored Fort Santiago Riverwalk (a scenic 305 meters of pure charm). Plus, it’s all seamlessly connected to the earlier sections of the Esplanade—so more views, more vibes, and more reasons to take that riverside walk.
Consider this as an oasis in the middle of the busy and noisy streets of the metro—a literal cityscape, or a detour spot as soon as you realize that you don’t want to face the Manila traffic. The expansive area and pedestrian-friendly corridor offer space for anyone who wants to bike from Intramuros to Manila Central Post Office and back, or if you simply want to appreciate the beauty of the riverside, the place is safe for taking a stroll or jogging.
While affordable food options make the place more inviting to locals and tourists alike, what truly makes the visit to the Pasig River Esplanade is the newest walls next to Fort Santiago which showcases historical figures and events. Anywhere you go, when the beauty of a place is merged with historical relevance, it just simply adds up meaning to the experience.
The third phase of the Pasig River Development Project aims to put historical areas within Pasig River at the forefront by showcasing its rich heritage, beauty, and vibrancy through improvements and rehabilitation. The Pasig River used to be Manila’s lifeline and center of commerce and economic activities. Within these riversides, many historically significant events transpired. Breathing life and activity in the area once again will help bring back Pasig River’s glory days as the center of tourism, transportation connectivity, and economic activity in Metro Manila and neighboring provinces.
When Phases 1A and 1B were inaugurated last year in January, the 500-meter area behind the Manila Central Post Office building became the locals’ newest go-to public park. Come June of 2024, Phase 2 of the development project covering Phase 1C in the Plaza Mexico and Magallanes Drive in Intramuros became the spot for various shops. Perhaps, this is the most photographed area of the project since the opening of its first few phases. This year, Phase 3 of the project stretches to Binondo-Intramuros Bridge, with the walkway ending at Fort Santiago. This area is expected to have bookstores, cafes, and other businesses in the future.
As the Pasig River Development Project gets closer to its completion, we can already see the impact and significance of creating more urban spaces for people. It doesn’t only boost the area’s morale as a safe communal space—from an often tagged sketchy and dangerous place; it also creates opportunities to showcase art and history in different forms and mediums.
So, if you need to get your car checked or if you need battery replacement, head to any of the Motolite partner branches along the Pasig River Esplanade so you can take a break from your daily drive and get those feet to achieve your daily steps requirement. Let Motolite, the country’s number 1 car battery brand take care of your car needs, while you take care of your health and well-being. Go, take that walk and enjoy the riverside scenery of the Pasig River Esplanade—you deserve it; just like you deserve only the best car battery service for your car.
