Quezon City at 75: The Validation of My Hometown

Last October 11, The City of Stars came alive as Quezon City began celebrating its 75^th Diamond Jubilee. Throughout the day, events were done across the six districts of the nation’s largest city. From street parties in each district to the fireworks at midnight that lit up the city bright. However the center of attention was the very first Quezon City Food Festival held along the recently christened food hub of the city, Maginhawa Street.

As early as the festival opened at 9 in the morning, Quezon City residents as well as people from outside the city flocked along the two kilometer stretch to sample what the area’s booming food industry has to offer. The stretch which started at the intersection with Masaya Street and ended at the intersection with Makadios Street was closed to motorists with the exception of vehicles who have been issued car passes to drive along the street.

Every restaurant nestled along the street gave food aficionados a lot to offer. From offerings given by café’s, casual dining spots, steakhouses, dessert & tea places catering to different cuisines from around the world such as Filipino, Italian, American, Japanese, among others. The whole stretch caters to anyone coming along on any budget. It is indeed a food lover’s dream to come and sample what this street has to offer.

In addition to the restaurants, tents were set up for other businesses who hope to leave their imprints on to the people who went along the festival during the course of the day. Also, an evening concert and street party was held at the midpoint of the entire festival grounds. It was indeed a festive atmosphere throughout the whole of Maginhawa Street from morning until midnight. And to cap the day off, a 15 minute fireworks display that went off near simultaneous as other areas of the city with street parties lit up the skies and brought awe to the people who stayed the night out and celebrate what this city has to offer to the world.

Though there were a few hiccups that happened during the festival as some food tenants ran out of food or items to sell as the night went along as well as the lack of portable toilets along the whole stretch. The very first Quezon City Food Festival was generally a success. Indeed it left memorable moments for everyone who came in and celebrated what this city has to offer. We are certain that this will not be the very last time this festival will come along in our lifetimes. Hopefully, there will be improvements made for next year's event.

With other activities lined up for the rest of the year such as today's celebration at the Quezon Memorial Circle, the Quezon City Book Fair and the Quezon City Half-Marathon Night Run. Indeed last night, Quezon City proved itself of being one of the most progressive cities in the country.

On personal note, this event validated of how proud I am to call Quezon City my hometown. The Maginhawa area has been a part of my life for 11 years of my existence with my school days in elementary and in high school. At the time I was having my education in the area; it was known to have more internet shops than restaurants. I never thought that this area transformed into a celebrated food hub in a short span of time. This place will forever have a spot in my heart and mind for I made a lot of good memories here. I will always have a smile on my face coming back to take either my family or friends and enjoy a good meal together. So for anyone who wants to come I will be happy to show you around.