HEAVY rains affected Metro Manila last week, forcing many people to stay indoors. Thankfully, the sun finally showed up these days, which is why people have more reasons to ditch their gadgets and enjoy their weekend outdoors.

Perhaps one of the best ways to unwind is to connect with your surroundings by camping, glamping, hiking, or trekking, but these are usually done outside the Metro.

If you feel that these options don’t work for you, why not try visiting Ayala Avenue in Makati?

In case you missed it, the local government of Makati announced in August that it would bring back car-free Sundays on Ayala Avenue. This means that the 2.3-kilometer thoroughfare in Makati will be closed to cars on all Sundays of September, starting at 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. 

This initiative was supposed to be launched last week but was postponed due to the inclement weather.

The grand launch of car-free Sunday mornings took place on September 10 with a couple of fun and healthy activities for the public.

Join fitness run

Everyone is invited to join the 5K fitness fun run for free, regardless of whether they are runners or not.

The fitness run will kick off with a warm-up to be led by Adidas Runners Manila at 6:05 a.m. and run to the beat with a live performance from the Hernandez Brothers.

The run will begin at 6:30 a.m., with Tower One being the starting and finish lines.

Minors can join the fun run, but they must get consent from at least one of their legal guardians.

Be part of a free yoga class

If you don’t feel like running and you want to do a low-impact aerobic exercise, then you can sign up for a yoga class for free.

Yoga studio Movement in Play will lead the yoga class at Ayala Triangle Gardens, from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

This program will feature mixed-level vinyasa yoga, which will encourage people to “practice with mindfulness while being surrounded by the refreshing, lush greenery at the park.”

Interested individuals are required to bring their own mat and prop.

Ride a bike

Have you been wanting to ride a bicycle? If the answer is yes, then car-free Sunday mornings are your chance to bike around and explore Ayala Avenue.

People may opt to bring their own bicycle, or they can rent one from bike and e-scooter sharing service Moovr PH.

Bike rentals will be accessed at 11 locations in Makati: Ayala Triangle Gardens, H.V. Dela Costa corner Tordesillas, Washington Sycip Park, Legazpi Active Park, Palm Promenade Park, Café Mentore at Palm Drive, 6750 Steel Car Park, 6750 building, Glorietta 4 Park, and Ayala Center MRT Station.

Bike rental services may be accessed through the Moovr app.

For those who would like to bring their bikes and stroll for a while, there are newly-installed bike racks at the Ayala Triangle Gardens where they can park their two-wheelers.

Walk your pets

This initiative can also be your chance to spend quality outdoor time with your furpals.

If you are planning to take your fur babies with you on Ayala Avenue, here are a few pet guidelines that you should follow:

• Bring waste bags and make sure to clean up after your dog
• Bring treats and water for your pets in case you find yourselves in a distracting environment
• Pets must be on a non-retractable leash and be well-behaved at all times
• Pet owners should assume full responsibility for their furpals

Organizers of the car-free Sunday mornings have the right to ask the owner to leave the venue if their pets become aggressive.

Bond with your family and friends

You can also bring your family and friends with you and bond with them as you discover Ayala Avenue. 

You may choose to have brunch with them in a restaurant around the area or hang out with them at Ayala Triangle Gardens as you soak up the beauty of nature.

Perhaps you will also meet new people at the event.