During weekends when I don’t do races I usually have a preferred northward route from our home to SM Fairview, a 6K course via Commonwealth Ave. and Regalado Ave.  Last Sunday though, I decided to change course and head southwards, still originating from home but this time towards SM North EDSA (also via Commonwealth Ave., then via North Ave.), a slightly longer course at 9K.  Living in Quezon City it’s quite inevitable that you’d end up in a mall. 🙂

It was quite an uneventful run except for the ridiculously numerous pedestrian on the road (it’s a Sunday!) so I realized that I may have made a mistake when a chose to run against traffic (left side of the road).  The other side not only has less people, it also is a bit shorter and had less intersections!  And so I decided to change sides upon reaching UP-Ayala Land Technohub.

Since I was in a mood for things new, I decided to revisit Quezon Memorial Circle.  There were so many changes as seen from afar and I knew there were more inside.  It starts with the pedestrian underpass that replaced the overpass.  It was one of the nicest underpasses in the Metro as it’s very clean, modern, secured, and informative as its sides features the history of the city (not ads as in other cities).  Coming out on the other side (within the circle itself) you’re greeted by fountains on both sides.

Then the main wide path that leads straight to the monument unfolds in front of you.  It was starting to get dark that time so you can see the monument change color with the use of powerful omni-color LED lights.  Just before arriving at the monument another fountain greets you—a “dancing” fountain!  There were music playing in the background and the fountain changes colors and “dances” with it.  And it really is in tune with the music!

Just behind it is the center of the circle, another circle, painted with patterns like those seen in sections of the map where north is shown, and around it is a pedestrian-only path.  At that time I realized that I was taking so much time admiring the new sights so I had to snap out of it, and I noticed that many runners already discovered QMC’s “jogging” paths.  I actually felt a little sorry that QMC wasn’t my ending point but one of these days I’ll return to discover these paths.  Henceforth, to the mall I go!