Practical steps, real costs, and honest tips so you can plan a stress-free lakeside food + lights outing.
Mercado del Lago (a.k.a. “Mercato de Bay C6”) and TLC Village (Taguig Lakefront Community Park) sit side-by-side along Laguna Lake Highway (C6), Lower Bicutan. They make a perfect combo: eat at the floating nipa huts of Mercado del Lago, then stroll to TLC Village for lights, a playground, or an evening concert.
Below is a detailed, personalized travel guide with multiple ways to get there, estimated fares, timing, and practical tips — written to be copy-paste ready for your blog.
๐ Quick facts (at a glance)
- Where: Laguna Lake Highway (C6 Road), Lower Bicutan, Taguig City
- Nearest landmarks: Lakeshore Hall, Laguna de Bay
- Best time to visit: 5:00 PM–8:30 PM (golden hour → dinner → lights)
- Admission: Free (special events may require online booking)
- Playground: Small children’s playground in front of Mercado del Lago / TLC Village
- Ideal for: Dates, family nights, small group hangs, budget dinners
๐ Option A — By Private Car / Grab / Taxi (Most convenient)
Best if: you want door-to-door convenience, especially with kids or elders.
- How: Set drop-off to “Mercado del Lago, C6 Road, Lower Bicutan, Taguig” or to TLC Park / Lakeshore Hall.
- Estimated travel time:
- From Taguig Town Center / BGC — 15–25 minutes (light traffic)
- From Makati / Ortigas — 25–45 minutes (depends on C5 traffic)
- Estimated fare (one way):
- Grab / taxi: ₱120–₱300 (shorter from Taguig, higher from Makati/Ortigas during peak)
- Tip: Use GrabCar/Taxi — shows surge and ETA. If coming from BGC, off-peak ride may be toward the lower end.
Parking: Free parking area for cars, motorbikes, and e-bikes (limited during events). Park early on weekends.
๐ต Option B — From Taguig Town Center / Commuter (Low cost)
Best if: you’re local and want cheap options.
- Step 1: Take a tricycle or motorbike (habal-habal) toward C6 / Laguna Lake Highway.
- Estimated fare (tricycle): ₱40–₱80 per person (short ride within Taguig)
- Estimated time: 10–20 minutes
- Step 2: Walk a few minutes to Mercado del Lago / TLC Village.
Notes: Tricycles are common from Taguig Market / public transport hubs. Agree on fare before boarding.
๐ Option C — MRT / LRT + Short Ride (Commuter-friendly)
Best if: you prefer public rail + short local transfer.
- From Makati / Pasay / Quezon City area:
- Take MRT to Guadalupe or Ayala (depending on where you start).
- Transfer to a short Grab/trike ride to C6 (15–25 minutes).
- Estimated cost: MRT ₱15–₱30 + Grab/trike ₱80–₱200
- Total time: 35–60 minutes (varies with transfers & waiting)
๐ Option D — From C5 / Palar Tunnel (by bus or jeep + short walk)
Best if: you’re traveling along C5 or passing the Palar Tunnel route.
- Route idea: Take any route going via C5 service road → exit near Palar Tunnel → follow signs toward Laguna Lake Highway (C6).
- Local tip: Ask the driver to drop you near Lakeshore Hall / Laguna Lake then walk/ride 5 minutes to Mercado del Lago.
- Estimated fare: local bus/jeep ₱10–₱40 + trike/walk
๐ด Option E — E-bike / Bike (My favorite for quick jaunts)
Best if: you want fresh air, quick parking, and a short ride from nearby Taguig neighborhoods.
- Route: Bike along service road → Palar Tunnel → C6 access point → Mercado del Lago.
- Parking: Free e-bike/motorbike parking available (use designated slots).
- Estimated time: 10–25 minutes from central Taguig depending on start point.
- Tip: Bring a lock and a small light if you’ll stay after sunset.
⏱️ Estimated Timings (plan accordingly)
- Weekdays: quieter, fewer stalls may close early -> best for chill dining.
- Weekends / Holidays: lively, live music on some nights, and more stalls open; arrive by 5:00–6:00 PM to secure a nipa hut.
- Christmas / Valentine seasonal displays: capacity limits and online booking may apply — check Taguig City site / Mercado del Lago social pages.
๐ฐ Estimated Budget (for a chill evening for 2)
- Transport: ₱80–₱300 (depends on mode)
- Dinner (barbecue + rice + drinks): ₱300–₱600 total
- Incidentals / snacks: ₱100
- Total: ₱480 – ₱1,000 for two (budget to mid-range evening)
๐ How Mercado del Lago Works (quick how-to)
- Walk the food stalls, decide what to eat.
- Order and keep receipts.
- Show receipt to guard / hut attendant and take any available floating nipa hut or table.
- Food will be delivered to your hut.
- Enjoy — and tip staff if you had good service.
Reserve huts for events: Taguig City Hall handles reservations for special events (Lights of Christmas, birthdays). Ask the city FB page or the park office for booking steps and price.
Click here to know more about the Mercado del Lago >>
Also visit the nearby, TLC Village
๐ Safety & Practical Tips (from my visits)
- ✅ Bring cash. Some stalls don’t accept GCash.
- ✅ Go early on weekends to claim a hut or table.
- ✅ Bring wet wipes and small trash bags — keep the place clean.
- ✅ Kids: there’s a playground right in front; parents can dine nearby while kids play.
- ✅ Weather: bring a light jacket or umbrella — gusts from the lake can be cool after sunset.
- ✅ Seasickness? The floating huts are stable, but be mindful if you plan to boat on the lake.
- ✅ Accessibility: Walkways are generally flat, but check with staff if you need ramps.
๐ถ What to Expect (vibe & offerings)
- Floating nipa huts, open-air tables, live acoustic / band nights on weekends, local barbecue stalls, seafood, merienda treats (banana cue, turon), buko juice, and occasional weekend farmers’ market stalls.
- TLC Village next door offers seasonal light displays, scenic walkways, jogging path, and community events. Combine both in one evening!
๐ธ Photo & Social Tips
- Best photos: golden hour (5:00–6:30 PM) — capture lake reflections.
- Use a small tripod for low light; the huts have warm bulbs that make great food shots.
- Tag: @lakwatserangligaw if you go — I’ll repost my favorites!
๐ฌ Mercado del Lago + TLC Village is a lovely reminder that you don’t always need to travel far to feel the small spark of an adventure. Whether you come with family, friends, or your special someone, go with an open heart — and leave room for the unexpected little joys (like discovering a new favorite isaw stall!).
๐ฟ Lakwatserang Ligaw Tip“Sometimes, the best adventures aren’t the ones far from home — they’re the quiet nights by the lake, shared barbecue meals, and laughter under string lights. Go where your heart feels calm, even if it’s just a tricycle ride away.”
๐ข Share This Travel Guide
✨ Have you been to Mercado del Lago or TLC Village recently? Drop your favorite stall or photo in the comments below — I’d love to know what you tried! If you want, tag @lakwatserangligaw on Instagram and I’ll feature your shot in the next post.
๐ Don’t forget to follow this blog for more DIY budget trips, food finds, and local adventures — because you don’t always need to go far to travel meaningfully.
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