Manila Unveils Its Latest Attraction, a “Hidden Garden” in Lawton

The "Hidden Garden" in Lawton, officially known as the Lawton Hidden Garden, was a significant urban greening project for the City of Manila, inaugurated in early 2021. The park, which was formerly a neglected dumping ground and parking lot, was transformed into a serene green space adjacent to the Andres Bonifacio Shrine. Its creation was part of a larger city government initiative to develop more open-air parks and revitalize key areas of the capital.

The garden continues to be a popular spot for both locals and tourists, offering a series of pocket gardens and ample space for relaxation and leisurely strolls. The accompanying café, Hidden Garden Cafe, which was part of the original plan, also opened and features a modern aesthetic and serves homegrown Filipino brews. The park remains a free-admission space, and it reflects the city's ongoing efforts to restore its urban landscape and provide residents with more accessible and pleasant public areas.

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The Hidden Garden, which will offer free admission to guests, boasts a series of pocket gardens, and lots of space to relax and walk around. A cafe will also be opening soon — and yes, this is totally separate from Kapetolyo, the coffee shop that opened in Bonifacio Shrine! Hidden Garden Cafe will feature a modern look, and like Kapetolyo, will put the spotlight on homegrown brews.

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It is the hope that, with spaces like Lawton’s Hidden Garden, more locals and tourists alike will enjoy touring the City of Manila and its sights on foot. The next time you find yourself in the capital, don’t miss out on this beautiful green space! In the midst of the pandemic, open-air parks like this one are perfect for social distancing-appropriate outings. We look forward to seeing open-air attractions like this in Manila!

All images credited to Isko Moreno Domagoso | Official Facebook Page.