Go see: Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center

I've been meaning post an entry regarding this for a while now but somehow I kept putting it off because of work and wedding preps.  Anyway, it might be bit overdue but I hope it might still help some couples who are looking for a venue for their prenuptial / engagement shoot.

So, you're looking for an outdoor venue for your shoot? There is one right in the heart of Quezon City - the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Widlife Center.  I used to pass this by on my commute home but had never entered the premises up until Myke and I had to scout prospective venues ourselves.

The area is quite large with two entrances - one at Quezon Ave. and the other (with parking) at North Ave. As you could see in the map below, there is a lagoon (the bridge is a nice setting); also a rescue center, picnic groves, play grounds etc. 

Side kwento: There is one funny bird at the Rescue Center (I can't recall the bird specie) on whose cage there's a sign saying "Bawal magsabi ng 'Pangit'". Of course being pasaway, there are some people who can't resist saying "Pangit!". So what does the bird answer? It says, "Oink! Oink!". Ha ha ha! It was just an amusing bird :D

By the way, you could take pictures of the animals at the center but remember not to use flash.

There are a lot of areas where you could shoot though I'd personally recommend the areas near the North Ave. entrance. During our visits, we always find the picnic area crowded with people who are just enjoying the park or sometimes, students on a field trip. So, if  you want a bit of privacy while posing with your partner, you probably want to check out the Fishing Village and the Tea House.

The Fishing Village are huts on stilts which were built over the lagoon. The Tea House resembles a gazebo. The lanes going to these areas are also picturesque - with trees lining both sides of the road.

All I can say is that the place has potential and if your photographer has an eye for angles, I'm sure you could score some good shots here. Remember though that it might be humid especially if you are gonna shoot on a midday. It is an outdoor venue so you are exposed to the elements - sun and rain. Restrooms are also scattered about but not all are open so you might want to check it out first so you could plan your wardrobe changes.

During our inquiry, we were advised to submit a letter of request stating purpose, date and time of shoot addressed to:

Fees are minimal, you only have to pay entrance fees and present the copy of your approved request. Though for the Fishing Village and Tea House, you have to clarify this with their admin first. The admin staff told us that you have to pay a fee if you want to shoot on those areas but when we asked around with the staff on the grounds, it is free just as long as there are no events being held there. Iba iba ang sabi nila so better check with them so you won't have problems come the day of your shoot :)

We would have shot our engagement shoot here but we later decided to hold it at the Heritage Park. Conduct an ocular first to see if you like the place. You might also want to check out past episodes of "Kaya ng Powers" (GMA 7) since I happen to see on TV that one of their episodes was shot there - specifically at the Fishing Village ;) 

By the way, Circle of Fun is just located across the Elliptical Circle so you could have a second location there.