Your Ortigas survival guide to slowing down
Ortigas is one of those cities in the Metro where everyone always seems to be rushing somewhere. Sandwiched between Pasig, Mandaluyong, and Quezon City, the district is packed with offices, malls, and people speedwalking to beat the lunch crowd and rush hour.
Stepping away from the noise even for an hour can make a difference. Here are a few ways to slow down in Ortigas with Pluxee Gifts:
Touch grass, Ortigas edition
Right along F. Ortigas Jr. Road sits Ortigas Park, a tiny green space hidden between office buildings and busy streets. It’s one of the smallest parks in the country but for many nearby workers, it’s a quick escape from the usual city chaos.
Grab coffee from Paper Moon Café, Toby’s Estate, or Cotti Coffee (Ecomax) before finding a shady spot to sit. Sometimes, a quick breather outdoors is enough to reset your mood.
💡 Fun fact: parts of Emerald Avenue go car-free every Sunday from 6 AM to 10 AM, for people to jog, bike, walk their dogs, or just hang out without traffic for a few hours.
Source: Ortigas Foundation Library
Enjoy a quieter side of Ortigas
When the crowds become overwhelming, the Ortigas Foundation Library offers a quieter alternative to the usual mall tambay spots. The space feels calm and unhurried, which is rare in a district as busy as Ortigas.
You can read, journal, or just enjoy the quiet, then head to nearby spots like Krispy Kreme or Café France if you feel like winding down further.
Recharge after a long workday
After sitting through meetings all day, even a quick workout can make a difference. It doesn’t have to be intense. Sometimes, just getting yourself moving helps clear your head.
For instance, you can squeeze in a Pilates session at 8 Studio or head to Anytime Fitness before going home. It definitely beats staying stuck in traffic while scrolling on your phone.
Retail therapy is always a good idea
Shopping in Ortigas feels better when you stop treating it like an errand and more like me-time. Wander around nearby places like SM Megamall, The Podium, EDSA Shangri-La Plaza, or Estancia Capitol Commons.
With Pluxee Gifts, you can shop at participating merchants. Whether you’re restocking basics at Uniqlo and Bench, browsing finds at Miniso, or exploring options from Levi’s, Kultura, La Senza, Tumi, Sport B, Apple & Eve, Hechter Paris, Sports Central, and FitFlop, the experience is more exciting when you avail awesome finds with digital vouchers (girl math, we know). You can also update your skincare routine at The Body Shop or The Face Shop while you’re at it.
💡 Pro-tip: When the lower floors get too crowded, head up instead. For instance, Estancia’s cinema area tends to be quieter, especially during weekday evenings.
Romanticize your lunch break
You’ll be surprised how a proper sit-down meal can do more for your mental health. Instead of rushing through lunch between meetings, take your time and actually enjoy it.
Around Ortigas, there are plenty of spots worth lingering in, whether you’re craving comfort food from Manam, Japanese favorites from Botejyu, Italian classics at Rossopomodoro and Salvatore Cuomo Café, or delectable Asian-inspired meals from Greyhound Café and Du Hsiao Yueh.
Your next go-to reset spot
Ortigas will always move fast, and that’s part of its energy. But taking a step back now and then doesn’t mean you’re falling behind. Sometimes, a short break is exactly what helps you come back clearer, lighter, and ready for what’s next.
Check out other participating merchants at Merchant Locator to see other spots accepting Pluxee Gifts within or outside Ortigas City.
