8 Places to Visit While You’re Waiting for the EDSA Carmageddon to be Over

Today, we commemorate the 29th anniversary of the People Power Revolution. Because of it, EDSA–the historic ground zero of the revolution, also the main thoroughfare that connects most of Metro Manila–is closed. Thus, today’s going to be an ugly day for motorists. Why not hang out elsewhere while you let the gridlock unravel, right? Here are 8 places you can go to.

8. H&M to get your shopping done

Distance from EDSA: Magnolia Branch, approximately 8.6 km (16 minutes without traffic); Makati Branch, Approximately 4.7 km (8 minutes without traffic)

If your girlfriend has been bugging you to go shopping with her at H&M and you’ve been dreading it like it’s going to suck the rest of your life out of you–well, now’s the time. There aren’t a lot of things better for you to do while waiting to get from point A (work or wherever else you got stuck in) to point B (home).

One of two things can happen: first, you go shopping, too; second, you hang out and probably make friends with other guys like you.

7. Kapitolyo for a walking food tour

Distance from EDSA: Approximately 3.4 km (7 minutes without traffic)

Eat! Reward yourself with great food! Choose from these handpicked restaurants and try to go to as many as you can. You won’t regret it.

6. Makati for the obscure bars

Distance from EDSA (if you start from the one that’s closest to it): Approximately 4.7 km (9 minutes without traffic)

Who says you can’t have a bit of alcohol on a weekday? Aside from the fact that it’s hump day, you definitely won’t be mixing alcohol with driving with what’s latest at EDSA. Here’s where you can go.

5. Intramuros to catch the 2015 Singkuwento International Film Festival

Distance from EDSA: Approximately 14.9 km (22 minutes without traffic)

What better way to pass the time than watch a movie (or a series of), right? The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) is holding the first Singkuwento International Film Festival until Saturday, February 28.

The week-long event will be held at the Leandro Locsin Theater of the NCCA. For tickets, you may contact Ticketworld at (+632) 891-9999. You may check out NCCAofficial for more details.

4. CCP for the ongoing ‘Drawings’ exhibit

Distance from EDSA: Approximately 11.7 km (18 minutes without traffic)

Check out the ongoing ‘Drawings’ exhibit at the Cultural Center of the Philippines featuring selected drawings by artists the likes of National Artists Napoleon Abueva and Cesar Legaspi.

The exhibit is at the Pasilyo Victorio Edades (4F Hallway Gallery) until March 8, 2015. Viewing hours are from 10am-6pm from Tuesday to Sunday. It’s free!

3. UP Lagoon to feel young again

Distance from EDSA: Approximately 13.4 km (21 minutes without traffic)

Take a quick reprieve from the corporate life and take a walk around UP Diliman’s main spots like the lagoon. Make sure you get cheap street food!

2. Marikina Riverbanks for that much-needed R&R

Distance from EDSA: Approximately 10.3 km (17 minutes without traffic)

Marikina’s does not just have a booming shoe industry, it’s now competing with QC’s Eastwood City as the next destination for leisure and recreation. The Riverbanks offers attractions off thebeaten path–they have a zipline, ATVs for rent, andan ice skating rink!

1. Anywhere Away from Manila so you really won’t have to deal with the Carmageddon

How far from EDSA: Nowhere near EDSA! Approximately 36.7 km to the nearest identified spot (29 minutes without traffic)

Yes, run away. You don’t have to go too far. Here are some suggestions.