Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Rizal Park: Manila


Sunday afternoon and my feet were itching to go somewhere else. I couldn't think anywhere to go, then suddenly I asked myself, "Why not visit Rizal Park?". After a few minutes of contemplating I then decided to get dressed and hit the road. After all, I have strolled around this place but I never had a chance to take a picture with our national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal. 

I left home around 16:00. Weather is not not too hot and it's gloomy outside, feels like rain will pour down anytime soon so I brought with me my umbrella. I arrived at the park after an hour ride. I was so delighted to see many local and foreign tourists in the park. I took some few moments to think how great our national hero. I remembered him a lot through his book "Noli Me Tangere" and "El Filibusterismo" way back college days.  


"tallest flagpole and largest Philippines flag I have ever seen"

Rizal Park is also known as the Luneta Park. It is adjacent to the old walled city of Intramuros. It is a very important historical site in the Philippine history. It is where our national hero executed on December 30, 1986, which fanned the flames of the 1896 Philippine Revolution against the Kingdom of Spain. 


I started to stroll around the park to check what other things can it offer to the public aside from the rich Philippine history and I noted some. Taking picture/s with our national hero, that's the foremost reason why I went here, so simple but memorable for me. How about you? Do you have a picture taken with our national hero? If yes then show me. You can also take pictures with our first hero "Lapu-Lapu" on the other side part of the park.    


You can also visit the Relief Map of the Philippines! Yes, you read it right, there is a relief map of our country situated in Rizal Park. How cool is that?! You can even walk on top of our country using a footbridge, I enjoyed that moment wherein you can also see the topography of our country. 


You can also see head sculptures around the park (I think they are also Philippine Heroes). Take pictures with them as long as you want. I was not able to look at them on by one. That is definitely time consuming! Haha! 


"dove houses"
Security on strolling the park is not a problem. Policemen is visible around the area. They have a quarter in the park. Just be cautious on your belongings and you will be safe. There are also tourism officers on the area which can assist you if you have problems. 

the police quarters
You can enjoy watching the fountain while having picnic with your family. It is a great place for family bonding. Well, I also noticed that most teenagers spend quality time with their friends here. Some were even doing projects and some were practicing dance moves. Lovers who are in a romantic dates are also visible on the park. (Haha, di ako nainggit, seryoso!)


You can also try riding on a "calesa". Still a good thing that these rides are still existing in the place. I couldn't remember my last ride on this. Well maybe next time I will try once again. You can also play on the ground. I was not able to noticed if there were picnic goers who played kite. I doubt, it was not a windy day.  



Rizal Park has gardens, orchidarium, a grand stadium, an observatory, an open-air concert hall, an artist's sanctuary, a light-and-sound theater, restaurants, food kiosks, playgrounds to satisfy your needs and wants. 

When I am almost done with my tour, the rain started pouring. Good thing I brought my umbrella. The rain did not stop me from strolling the place (haha wais to!). Took pictures all over the place. 








The park has also historical markers and plazas and  a dozen of fountains. The park also features a fountain show for the delight of the tourists.  




After more than an hour, the rain stopped and with that I had the chance to capture a special moment with our national hero (finally, nakapagpa-picture ako kay idol Jose, hehe). Lucky enough, there were only few tourist on the place so I grabbed the opportunity to ask one of the tourists to take a picture of me (lakasan lang ng loob yan). 

"first ever picture with Dr. Jose P. Rizal"
It was a great city tour. Enough to kill my boredom at home. It's always great to visit some historical landmark once in a while rather than just staying at home doing nothing. I even witnessed how beautiful the park at night! I also have a glimpsed on the fountain show which was witnessed by many tourists who waited for the event. 

Having this king of memorable trip, I planned to visit Rizal's House in Calamba City, Laguna anytime soon. Want to travel with me?! Let me know! 



"the fountain show"
Commentary: With the hot issue happening in Rizal Park and after visiting the place, I've got simple questions on my mind. Who approved the permit issued to the contractor of the building? Does the Manila Government received any amount of money from the builders for them to issue the permit? Do the city government, knew the rules being implemented on the park? If yes, why does the government allowed the construction? Ignorance of the law excuses no one. And lastly, how long it will take for the government to issue a formal decision about this? 

Got comments?! Feel free to write down below.  




Monday, September 29, 2014

Tramway Bayview Buffet: Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City


When my mom, my uncle and his wife, visited me here in Manila, I asked their youngest sister to have dinner one Saturday in their home in Cavite. That plan was pushed through and we have a good time. After dinner, I suggested that we should as well try buffet meals in the Metro for a change (well, we usually have dinner during weekends at home). They agreed and we decided to try Tramway Bayview Buffet in Pasay City. Lucky enough, my cousin's wife, has a friend who is working in the restaurant and we were able to reserve seats for the next day for lunch. How cool is that, we just finished dinner yet we are again planning for a food trip for tomorrow?! Haha! 



While having a good time after dinner, we even joked that no one is allowed to take breakfast the next day so that we can consume what we are going to pay. After all, it's buffet, eat all you can! Haha! Well, I still took breakfast the next day, I do not escape breakfast, after all.

We got all excited the next day because it has been a couple of months that we did not go out on an event like this. We arrived there on time. It's Sunday, as expected, long line awaits us. While waiting for our turn, we spend time sharing jokes. 

When we had our turn, we grab some plates and started filling up our tummy's. I am a fan of California Maki and siomai, I even took a vegetable salad and have a plate for my desserts! Seriously, I was the last one munching on our table (sarap na sarap akong kumain, as in). 

my main course

chicken and eggs

soup and vegetables

fruits and delicacies

now that's a weird combination haha
I do not know why I hardly got my stomach full. Maybe because, I served as our family's waiter at that time. Well, just being strategic so I can try all the foods being served. How cool is that?! We enjoyed the food for what we availed. It was a nice family bonding and just right for the price we paid. Off course, we took pictures while bonding, that's priceless, I tell you. How would you describe the feeling of having this kind of event with your mom together your with your relatives (tita, tito, pinsan at pamangkins)? Definitely priceless, right?

my aunt, me and my mom

with the three siblings and my aunt (left most)

cool crazy family, haha
We had a great time, the buffet meals was good. You got what you paid for. And by the way, soft drinks were not included on the buffet price. Also, they have this "clean plate policy" wherein you will be charge Php 6.00 per 10 grams of left over food on your plate so better get what you can finish. 

the challenge
Tramway Bayview Buffet
1600 Roxas Blvd cor Layug St.
Pasay City
Tel Nos. 536-0401 or 536-0402

Store Hours: 
11:00 to 15:00
18:00 to 22:00