Primarily a residential area, Novaliches is an outskirt district in the northern part of Quezon City. What was once a old-fashioned municipality has become a progressive area with several modern industries and commercial establishments. It also has well-kept historical sites and natural tourist destinations in the middle of the concrete jungle.
One of the largest districts in the metro, Novaliches has a rather interesting identity. During the Spanish colonial era, the pueblo was named after General Marquis of Novaliches, protector of Queen Isabela of Spain. Novaliches plays a special role during the revolution as the Katipuneros held secret meetings in the district.
Fast forward, Novaliches face yet another battle for independence. However, it is still in divided status annexed between Quezon City and Caloocan City. Even the hopes of turning it to a city back in 1999 through a plebiscite didn’t prosper.
If you’re arriving at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay City, you can either drive or take a cab to Novaliches, Quezon City.
The closest port to the Pier 15 in Manila City, you can drive to Quezon City from there or take the public transportation.
By bus, there are air-conditioned buses and ordinary buses (without air conditioning) bound for Novaliches.
By train, you can take the Manila Metro Rail Transit System (MRT) Line 3 that traverses EDSA from Taft Avenue in Pasay, to Cubao, Kamuning, Quezon Avenue or North Avenue stations. You can alight in any of them and ride a jeep or van to Novaliches.
Jeepney is the main mode of transportation to get around Novaliches. With several jeepney routes available, be sure you know the specifics of your destination in the city. Other main public transportation includes buses and PUVs. For the residential areas and side streets, you can ride a tricycle.
The most famous tourist destination in Novaliches is the La Mesa Eco Park. This natural hideaway is a forest within the hustle and bustle of the city. The 2,700-hectare park offers a wide array of facilities, features, and activities. From mild level activities such as guided walk tour and pictorials to adventurous ones like zip lining and bungee jumping, you’ll never run out of activities here.
The Quezon City government cited other major tourist spots in Novaliches including Tandang Sora Shrine on Upper Banlat, General Geronimo Park in Novaliches Proper, and Cry of Pugad Lawin Shrine in Barangay Bahay Toro.
Brush up on some interesting historical facts. Visit the Tandang Sora Shrine, in honor of Tandang Sora or Melchora Aquino. Located in Banlat Road, the shrine includes a 107-diameter monument of Aquino, the same age when she died. Her contribution and services to the Katipuneros during the Spanish revolution.
Another historic site to visit is the Cry of Pugad Lawin Shrine. It is believed to be the place where the revolution actually started when Andres Bonifacio and the Katipuneros tore their cedulas.
Go on park hopping. Take a breather at La Mesa Eco Park or its smaller counterpart, Amparo Nature Park. If you want some adrenaline pumping action, lock and load your airsoft or paintball arsenal at Camp Malawak in Eco Park. For sports and recreation such as biking or jogging, go to Lagro Dulo Centennial Park.
One of the things that binds people together is the love for GREAT food. TriMo Shawarma has always been a go-to place for generous sized yet affordable shawarma. Even foodies from the neighboring areas visit this diner for a sumptuous serving of this mid-eastern dish.
You don’t need to wait for Sundays for Kare-Kare. You can dine in at Hamia House of Kare Kare and choose among their variations of Baka Kare-Kare, Pork Pata Kare-Kare, and the Crispy Pata Kare-Kare. For a variety of food choices, don’t miss out this parking lot turned food park, Nova Food Park. Try the famous Angry Bacon of Bratz Grilled Burger.
For late night spots in Novaliches, there are several options to cap the night away or greet a new day, whichever you prefer. Make the nights longer with buddies at the oldies but goodies Padi’s Point.
For live music entertainment and a bucket of cold beers, you can head on to Route Km.21 Grill and Resto Bar. If you want to have nighttime casual dining but not until the wee hours, Kapitan Gimmo is highly recommended. You can choose among the Filipino, Chinese, Seafood, Steak, BBQ dishes or go unlimited at their buffet offer.
There are several accommodation options in the suburban area of Novaliches depending on your budget. Among the choices are Trees Residences, McHotel Novaliches, and Regal Residences.
Total Accommodation | 40 Properties |
Popular Area | Santa Monica, Santa Lucia |
Popular Hotel | Sotogrande Neopolitan Hotel, Butler's BnB |
Popular Landmark | The Restaurant - Coffee Spot, Metro Manila Assembly Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses |