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.