Pasig River Esplanade draws crowds with food bazaar, riverside views, Christmas attractions

The Pasig River Esplanade in Manila has become a popular stop for holiday food trips and evening strolls, drawing visitors with its wide food bazaar and festive attractions.

According to Vonne Aquino’s report on “24 Oras,” Friday, the long stretch of the esplanade is lined with stalls offering a variety of dishes.

Filipino favorites such as ihaw-ihaw, kwekwek, and samalamig remain crowd-pleasers, while visitors can also try Korean and Indian street food.

Seasonal treats like bibingka and puto bumbong are also available.

Some visitors traveled from as far as Mindanao to enjoy the space.

“’Yung solemn po tsaka ’yung access ng food po, tsaka the view also po. And ’yung amoy po, hindi po siya masangsang. Maganda po ’yung lugar po talaga. 10 out of 10 na po,” Meldy Alingasa said.

Beyond food, the esplanade offers go-kart rentals, trampolines for children and families, mascots, and gift stalls.

Visitors can also enjoy the riverside view after dining.

The site also hosted the formal turnover of the Jones Bridge Light Show Project from the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industries Incorporated (FFCCCII) to the Manila City local government.

“As we turn over this project to the steward of the city government, we do show the confidence that it will continue to shine brightly for years to come, uplifting the spirit of our fellow Manila,” FFCCCII President Victor Lim said.

The Pasig River Esplanade is open daily from 3 p.m. to 12 midnight.

—Carby Rose Basina/CDC, GMA Integrated News