Surrounded by sleek, modern buildings that gleam under the tropical sun, IT Park is a hub of activity both day and night. Skyscrapers tower around you, housing a mix of tech offices, coworking spaces, coffee shops, and lifestyle spots. Lush green patches, wide walkways, and the ever-present hum of conversations and footsteps create a unique blend of nature and urban life. It’s a place where progress and play collide and for us, it was the perfect spot for a much-needed hangout.
My friends and I decided to meet up at Ayala Malls Central Bloc, right in the center of all the action. The mall itself is modern and welcoming, filled with a mix of local and international stores, trendy cafés, and casual hangout spots. The air inside is cool, the lighting soft, and everything about it just makes you want to take your time. We roamed around for a bit, window-shopped, and laughed at random things, like trying on silly sunglasses at a fashion stall or rating each other’s taste in shoes. It was the kind of slow, easygoing day that didn’t need a big plan to be fun.
For lunch, we went for something classic and comforting, Jollibee. There’s something timeless about the joy of sharing Chickenjoy, Jolly Spaghetti, and fries with your barkada. We didn’t even have to think twice, it was the perfect choice. Sitting around the table, catching up on each other’s lives while digging into our meals, felt warm and familiar. The food may have been simple, but the laughter and conversation made it feel like a feast.
After eating, we explored a bit more inside the mall. Some of us dropped by a bookstore while others checked out a gadget shop. It didn’t matter what we were doing we were just happy to be in each other’s company. Eventually, as the afternoon wore on and the sun began to set, we all agreed on one thing, milk tea time.
We made our way to Grabe Milktea, a cozy little shop just a few steps outside the mall. The vibe was chill, with friendly staff and a laid-back atmosphere that matched our mood. Each of us ordered our usual favorites, some went for the classic wintermelon, others got taro, and I stuck with brown sugar milk tea, my forever go-to. With our drinks in hand, we found a spot outside to sit, relax, and enjoy the cool evening breeze. We talked about everything and nothing at the same time—future plans, random memories, inside jokes that never get old.
What truly made the night feel special was our short walk to the famous “Padayon” installation nearby. It’s a large, glowing word that has become a quiet but powerful symbol in the heart of IT Park. Padayon, a beautiful Bisaya word, means to continue or to move forward. It’s a simple reminder, yet one that holds so much weight especially when you’re surrounded by friends who’ve seen you at your best and worst. We took photos beside the sign, smiled at how good the day had been, and just paused for a moment to appreciate where we were and who we were with.
As the night grew darker and the city lights sparkled around us, I felt a quiet sense of contentment. We didn’t need expensive meals or elaborate plans to enjoy each other’s company. All we needed was a place like IT Park, a comfort meal at Jollibee, a cold cup of milk tea, and time shared with the people who matter most. Days like this remind me how beautiful the simple things in life can be. And no matter where life takes us next, one thing is sure we’ll always find our way back to each other, to places like this, and to the spirit of padayon .