Metro Manila has never been short on road drama, but in recent years, some walkways have taken absurdity to new heights (literally).
Here’s a local trail map of the most unforgettable, unnecessary, and unintentionally hilarious overpasses and ramps in the metro. No entrance fee required,just strong legs and a good sense of humor.
“Mt. Kamuning”: 30-Foot April Fools’ Hike
If you’ve ever dreamed of climbing Mt. Everest but only had your lunch break to spare, this footbridge delivers. Built to clear the MRT’s wires, it towers nearly 10 meters high—and gave birth to a meme-worthy April Fools’ stunt. A group of mountaineer-clad Filipinos treated it like a real summit, complete with a Philippine flag, signage, and celebratory photos.
Public reaction? Gold. Comments ranged from “Bakit pa mag-Pulag kung may Mt. Kamuning naman?” to “Finally someone put the flag on Mt. Kamuning!” The MMDA called it functional. The internet called it cardio cruelty. We call it a national monument to poor planning.
Mindanao Ave. Footbridge: The Impromptu Tinikling Course
This new walkway might be closed for ‘safety improvements,’ but it once famously hosted a viral video showing dangling power and communication cables strung across the path. One netizen jokingly said the only way to use it was by doing tinikling: “Crossing EDSA or dancing tinikling to avoid live wires? Nakakawindang, di ba?”
The clip went crazy on social media, amassing thousands of shares. Memes popped up showing pedestrians awkwardly ducking under cables, and commenters quipped about MMDA now offering free limbo lessons. Officials eventually shut it off limits, but not before the bridge achieved internet fame as Metro Manila’s own electrified obstacle course.
EDSA–PhilAm Station Ramp: Slip ‘n’ Slide to Laguna
The newly built ramp (meant for PWD access between elevator and footbridge) had such a steep incline, it felt more like the drop on a theme park ride.. Wheelchair users complained it was too dangerous, and once the news broke, social media exploded into parody. Memes imagined the ramp as a giant waterslide from EDSA to Laguna, or a hellish video-game level.
One viral edit even pasted Demon Slayer anime characters hurtling down it; another transformed it into a classic Heidi cartoon gag. Clever netizens turned its signage “PWD” (Persons With Disabilities) into Tagalog “pwede” (“can do”), scripting a fake text conversation between the clueless engineer and architect, complete with Taylor Swift lyrics: “Miscommunication leads to fall out,” they joked. In short, the ramp became more famous for its online memes than its steep slope. MMDA eventually closed it, promising a gentler incline – though commuters can’t help wondering if the “improvements” will ever end.
Shaw Blvd. MRT Staircase: Climbing Mount Shaw
Commuters joke that Shaw MRT station is a mountain disguised as transit. Its endless stairs (from the Shangri-La concourse to street level) are so unforgiving, it earned the nickname Mt. Shaw Boulevard, a fitting cousin to the infamous Mt. Kamuning. While the latter challenges your fear of heights, Mt. Shaw goes straight for your calves. Gym membership? Just take the Shaw stairs for your leg day.
Online forums brim with outraged quips and photos of workers panting atop the steps. One PinasPeaks hiking app listing even likened it to an incline challenge, cheekily noting: “Congratulations, you’ve climbed to the fourth floor of Shangri-La (overpass section).” Some netizens have compared the exhausting trek to an Everest basecamp acclimatization – without any oxygen. It’s a rough ascent, but hey, at least the sign still says “Smile, you’re climbing!”
Estrella–Pantaleon (“Rockwell”) Bridge: Pedestrians to…Where?
Finally, this shiny new Rockwell Bridge boasts wide sidewalks… that nobody uses. After a 3½-year closure, it reopened with four lanes for cars but drops pedestrians off into narrow, traffic-choked Barangka streets on the Mandaluyong side. Netizens immediately dubbed it “the bridge to nowhere,” poking fun at its useless footpath.
Online comments quipped that its only role is giving high-rises a cool backdrop, not easing human foot traffic. A popular joke: “At least if you take Rockwell Bridge, you’ll burn extra calories pacing to your condo.” As for the residents, many still cross via the old Guadalupe Bridge instead of braving the empty Rockwell sidewalks. It may gleam at night, but its pedestrian role is purely decorative – and the internet won’t let it live that down.
Only in Metro Manila do you get to hike, stretch, limbo, and slide just trying to get across the street. These overpasses were meant to help, but many ended up as inside jokes, memes, and modern-day cardio machines.
At the end of the day, all we can do is laugh, take a picture, and maybe bring water next time. After all, not every city lets you accidentally train for a fun run on your daily commute.
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