No more hour-long drives along crowded avenues when the Skyway Stage 3, through the efforts of Mark Villar, can bring you closer to these must-visit locations for every MEGA woman
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If there’s one thing the pandemic hasn’t changed in the usual occurrences in the daily Manila life, it’s traffic. According to TomTom’s annual traffic index, Metro Manila traffic ranked second among cities with the worst traffic congestion in 2020 with drivers expecting to spend an average of 53% extra travel time being stuck in traffic. That means a 30-minute drive passing through EDSA, arguably Manila’s busiest avenue, could turn into a one-hour wait. So if you want to go on a shopping day out, or want to have a change of scenery in our capital’s many cultural hotspots, travelling may be a nuisance. But now, under the EDSA Decongestion Program of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) headed by Mark Villar, Skyway Stage 3 is open to bring you closer to your favorite destinations.
The 18.83 kilometer stretch of highway had its soft opening last December 2020, giving motorists an alternative route from Buendia to Balintawak and vice versa. So, if you find yourself on the road again once quarantine measures ease up, head on over to our top destinations for every MEGA woman, now just minutes away via Skyway Stage 3
From the South
Hearing “I’m from the south” is often accompanied by groans or murmurs of plans changing. But with the accessibility provided by this latest traffic decongestion initiative, these distance gaps are now bridged. Entering the Buendia interchange, just drive a mere 12 to 15 minutes to reach the Quezon Avenue exit ramp, taking you to the Quezon City Triangle Park, the center of everything business, entertainment, and recreation in NCR’s biggest city. By the south triangle along Timog Avenue, take a turn to Tomas Morato and the surrounding Scout area. This gastronomic hotspot is lined with unique pubs and restaurants for you to taste flavors that bring a sense of comfort, or explore entirely new concepts. Heading a few minutes north back at Quezon Avenue and you will arrive at Quezon Memorial Circle, a popular space where most people reconnect with nature or train their strength and endurance through jogging exercises and calisthenics.
A couple of minutes further down the Skyway and you’ll reach the Sgt. Rivera exit ramp, which will be a true time saver during holidays or solemn occasions at the Manila North and Manila Chinese Cemetery. No more crawling through EDSA, Rizal Avenue, España Boulevard, or the streets of Manila with thousands of others. And finally, the NLEX interchange will give you direct access to northern provinces in one smooth drive, such as taking a day trip to grab a plate of authentic sisig from Pampanga, get a healthy dose of vitamin sea at Pangasinan, or spend a weekend at the peaks of Baguio.
From the North
If you’re coming from the eastern end of Quezon City, by the northern tip of Manila, or from the northern provinces, then taking the NLEX interchange by Balintawak will give you access to a couple of key areas that are often characterized by congested roads. Taking the southbound route of the Skyway and exiting at the Quirino ramp will bring you closer to Manila’s historical and cultural block–a must-visit for every Filipino. Take an afternoon off at Rizal Park, or spend a day at the National Museum. If you haven’t been to the National Museum of Natural History, then you’re missing out on the visual awe and splendor of our country’s rich ecosystems. And if you want to relive those childhood memories softly tucked in your memory basket, then book a seat at the Planetarium and rekindle your interest for the sciences.
If you want a more modern take on spending your weekends or free days elsewhere, then Makati’s bustling city life is just 20 minutes away from Balintawak. Taking the Buendia exit will bring you by the eastern block of the district, just a few minutes away from Ayala Museum. To extend your artistic journey, jump a few streets westward and visit the Yuchengco Museum, or head a few blocks north to discover homegrown creatives in Poblacion. Do note that these spaces may be closed during quarantine, so check on their socials before making the trip to confirm.
The Skyway Stage 3 project has been officially opened since January 15, 2021, and still operates toll-free. At the time of this writing, Mark Villar announced that the EDSA alternative has 12 ramps that are officially open, with 11 nearing completion, and 4 more under planning.
