Washington Sycip Park

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Washington Sycip Park is a public park near Greenbelt mall in Legaspi village, Makati city, Manila (Philippines). The park opened in 2006.[1]

It is a no-smoking, no pet zone.[2] In addition to many tropical trees and plants, the park contains gazebos, benches with quotes by Washington SyCip, sculptures and a Koi fish pond.

Location

Washington SyCip park is located between Legaspi street (to the North), Gamboa street (to the South), Rada street (to the West) and the Corinthian Plaza Parking Lot to the East. It is close to Greenbelt shopping mall.

History

Washington SyCip park, named after the Filipino accountant Washington SyCip, was created in 2006 by Ayalaland. The pocket park was presented to Mr. Sycip in June 2006 on the occasion of his 85th birthday, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the Philippine business community. The park was developed jointly by Ayala Land Incorporated, the Makati Commercial Estate Association, the City of Makati, Barangay San Lorenzo, and SGV & Co. Mr. Sycip is the founder of Sycip, Gorres, Velayo & Co., the largest accounting and consulting firm in the Philippines.[3]

Opening Hours

The park is open daily, from 6 AM to 10 PM.

Activities and Attractions

  • Birding: Many birds have been spotted in Washington Sycip park, including Pied Fantails and Yellow Vented Bulbuls[4]
  • Koi Pond: Water bodies with Orange Koi fish can be found in the park, possibly a tribute to Washington's Chinese origins
  • Gazebos: The park contains two gazebos with seating space.
  • Music: The park contains a music system with hidden wires and soothing music playing on them. People also play the flute in thr morning and evenings.

Art, Architecture Sculptures

A number of sculptures by the Filipino sculptor and artist, Impy Pilapil can be found in the park.[5] These include -

  • Wishing Stone - a Stone wishing stone, with a twig quill and water reservoir, which people can write their wishes on
  • Faith - A obelisk like white stone sculpture with a pointed edge aiming for the heavens
  • Entry - A stonehenge style gate made of white stone
  • Sungka - A board game played with shells
  • The Mangrove Nature Embrace - A colourful framework made, with blue as the dominant colour, made of steel pipes[6]
  • Wishing stone: A wishing stone can be found in the eastern part of the park.

Stone turtles: The Chinese symbol of long life, stone turtles can be found at the northern and southern entrances to the park

Giant urns: Giant stone urns adorns one of the gateways of the park, probably a throwback to Mr. Sycip’s childhood years in Shanghai. In his biographical book, the business icon shares that similar huge jars were found in his family garden and he used to peek at the fishes swimming inside them[7]

Flora

Washington SyCip Park, is home to a number of trees including Eucalyptus, Rubber and Calachuchi. 100 plants from the Sao Roque watershed were planted in the park as part of conservation efforts.

Fauna

Miscellaneous Information

  • A part of the park’s lot is home to Makati Real Estate Association.
  • Many park benches have quotes by Washington Sycip posted on them.[9] Some of the quotes found on the park benches and walls of the gazebos within the park include  :

“Our country can be criticized for so many things, but in the end, we must give back what we can.

Take it from someone who has been through a world war, 14 Philippine presidents, and countless board meetings all over the world: nothing can ever replace the loyalty of a grateful client.”

“If there is one and only one message I would like you all to remember for the rest of your lives, it is this: be a person of integrity!”

See also

References

  1. ↑ A walk in Washington Sycip park, Blog
  2. ↑ Ten Manila parks to visit|Ten Manila parks to visit, article.
  3. ↑ A walk in Washington Sycip park, (2012) Blog post, Chit's blog
  4. ↑ Blog, Birds and plants of Washington SyCip park, 2013
  5. ↑ Official website, Washington Sycip Park, Impy Pilapil, 2013
  6. ↑ Sculpture, The Mangrove Nature Embrace, 2013, Impy Pilapil
  7. ↑ Dalisay, Jose (2009). Wash : Only a book keeper - A biography. Manila: The SGV Foundation and the AIM Scientific Research Foundation. 
  8. ↑ Stuart Exchange - Encyclopedia of Philippines Trees
  9. ↑ In touch with nature, Blog, Republica Negrense, 2011

External links

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