The first thing I notice is the heat.
Stepping out of the airport, it wraps around me like a thick blanket—humid, heavy, and most importantly–familiar. But then comes everything else: the sound of honking jeepneys, the scent of grilled street food, the sight of towering high-rises against the sky. And just like that, I know I’m in Taguig.
Every visit feels like picking up where I left off. My uncle’s restaurant, where the table is always full. The endless walks through pedestrian-friendly streets, where even the stray cats seem to have their own routines. The weekend markets, where the city slows down just enough for people to come together over food, music, and handmade crafts.
One of my favorite things about visiting Taguig is spending time with family. My uncle owns a restaurant, and it’s a tradition to have at least one big meal there whenever we visit. The moment we walk in, the familiar smell of grilled meats and savory stews fills the air. The restaurant is always busy, the kind of place where regulars know the waitstaff by name and where laughter is as much a part of the experience as the food. When we gather, the table is packed with dishes—sizzling plates of beef and pork, fresh seafood, and warm bowls of sinigang with its sour, comforting broth. Conversations overlap as everyone talks at once, sharing updates, reminiscing, and planning the next outing. It’s loud but in the best way possible. Meals like these remind me of why food is such a big part of Filipino culture—it’s not just about eating; it’s about being together.
Unlike many other places where cars dominate the streets, Taguig is refreshingly walkable. Sidewalks are wide, tree-lined, and well-maintained, making it easy to get around without relying on cars. There are even elevated pedestrian walkways above major intersections, which means you can move through parts of the city without ever having to step in front of traffic. For someone who enjoys walking, it’s a dream. Because of this, my cousins and I spend a lot of time wandering. We walk to cafés, grab coffee and pastries, and sit for hours just talking. The city is full of places like this—small, cozy spots tucked between larger buildings, serving strong coffee and freshly baked bread. Some days, we don’t even have a destination. We just walk and take in what's around us.
Despite the urban density, greenery is everywhere. Parks and open spaces are integrated into the city, offering places to sit, relax, and escape the noise. It’s not uncommon to see joggers in the morning, kids playing in the afternoons, or people simply enjoying the shade of a tree with a book or a phone in hand. For me, these green spaces make the city feel livable, not just functional. Another thing I always notice when walking around is the stray cats. In some cities, stray animals are ignored, but here, they are very well cared for. Local vendors and residents leave out food and water, and many of the cats look healthy and relaxed, lounging under tables or stretching out on sun-warmed pavement. I’ll never forget one afternoon when a cat sauntered up to me while I was sitting at a café, jumped onto the ledge next to me, and curled up to sleep.
Weekends in Taguig bring a different kind of energy. Almost every Saturday or Sunday, a local market pops up somewhere in the city. Vendors set up stalls selling everything from street food to handmade crafts. There’s live music, buzzes of conversation, and the scent of tasty food in the air. Walking through these markets is one of my favorite things to do. Each stall offers something different—freshly cooked Filipino street food like isaw and kwek-kwek, handmade jewelry, locally produced coffee beans, or art prints by independent artists. It’s lively but never overwhelming—just the right mix of energy and ease.
It’s a city of movement, but also of small, meaningful moments—sharing a meal with family, wandering through a market, or just sitting in a park, watching the world go by. It’s a place where life happens on the streets just as much as in the buildings.
Comments