Rizal
Park or Luneta Park as it is also known is huge, It was
surprised at how big it is. Now just to clear up the name
of the park. It was initially called Lunette as it was a
cleared area, in the shape of a small moon, outside Intramuros.
This
Lunette or Luneta Park was created so the Spanish, who were
safely inside Intramuros, could see any attackers coming
and defend themselves.It was latter know as Rizal Park in
honour of the countries national hero, Dr Jose Rizal.
Rizal
Park is a place where Filipinos can do what they love most
and that is getting together as a family unit. On a Sunday
Rizal Park is full of people and mean full! Mostly just
relaxing, picnicking, playing games on the expansive lawns
and generally just enjoying each other's company. Now if
you are here early in the morning you will find joggers
enjoying the early morning and people doing tai-chi.
There
is an amazing amount of things to do and see in Rizal Park,
for starters there is all the open spaces and treed areas
for hanging out, then you have the Chinese and Japanese
Gardens, the historical statues and monuments, a light and
sound theatre, fountains and water pieces a plenty. Not
to mention the stadium, Orchidarium, Museum, restaurants
and more. Let me catch my breath!
You
can kind of divide Rizal Park up into three areas. The top
area, which borders Taft Avenue contains the Department
of Tourism Building and National Museum. Directly in front
of the Department of Tourism Building is a giant statue
of Lapu-Lapu. Lapu-Lapu was the Philippines first freedom
fighter, he killed Ferdinand Magellan in Cebu.
Lapu
Lapu's close rival in 1521, Rajah Humabon, sided with Magellan
to punish Lapu-Lapu for not recognising Spain as there ruler,
what Magellan did not allow for was the poor access he had
to attack and the ferocity of Lapu-Lapu and his warriors.
The death of Magellan sent the Spanish home for quite some
time. Needless to say Lapu Lapu deservedly became a national
hero.
The middle area or second area of Rizal
Park is the largest by far. It is in a rectangular shape
with lawns running down the centre with treed areas to the
sides. It is here that you will find the Chinese & Japanese
Gardens, numerous fountains, Orchidarium, Rizal's Execution
Spot, Open Air Stage and the Rizal Memorial.
Rizal
Memorial
This
is one of the most photographed sites in Rizal Park, it
is the monument to Dr Jose Rizal. It was his execution that
sparked revolution and the Filipino people stirred.In
respect of his execution, a 24 hour honour guard stands
to attention beside his monument. At the back of the Rizal
Monument you can find an engraving of his most famous poem,
Mi Ultimo Adios.
Prior
to Jose Rizal's execution in December 1898, he was locked
in a prison cell inside Fort Santiago, it was here that
he wrote the now famous poem.Just
to the side of the Rizal Monument is where he was executed.In
the clearing is a statue enactment of his final seconds
before his life was taken from him by firing squad.
Another interesting little fact is the flag
pole here at the Rizal Monument is the zero kilometer flag
pole. This is the starting spot where all other geographical
landmarks are taken from. So you want to know how far it
is to Batangas, this is the start marker or zero kilometer
marker. Just in case you were wondering Batangas is 110km
south of Manila.
Worth
seeing in Rizal Park is the Japanese and Chinese Gardens,
these are still in the middle section of the park. They
were built to promote friendship and tolerance between the
countries.Now
from the Rizal Monument you cross Roxas Boulevard to the
third or last section of Rizal Park.
