Rizal Park - History by the Bay

Rizal Park
Roxas Boulevard Metro Manila Philippines

Every Traveller's Stop

If New York prides itself with Central Park, if Singapore says seeing Sentosa is a must, and China claims it isn't China without the Great Wall ...
then in the heart of Manila, it's Rizal Park.

Located along Roxas Boulevard, it is a landmark that has been part of the old and new Manila. The 31-metre flagpole in the middle is known as kilometre zero; or a point for reference for measuring the distance of places outside Manila.

The park includes a variety of activities that can cater to the interest of different individuals. You can choose to take one whole tour of it, which is done from 9:00 am- 5:00 pm, during Wednesday to Sunday. You can also opt to see each site individually.

If you're a cultural kind of person you can opt to sit and watch orchestras or ballets at the Open-Air Auditorium (schedules available depending on the artist volunteering).

If you're the kind of person that's fascinated with history, you can opt to view the light and sound presentation of Rizal's final hours up to his execution. The presentations are done from Wednesday to Sunday evenings both in English (7:00-7:30 pm), and in Filipino (8:00-8:30 pm) using life-size sculptures.

The National Library, the National Historical Institute, and the National Museum are other places you can visit within the park. This should be interesting as rare pieces such as the famous Spolarium by Juan Luna (world renowned painter) a can be appreciated in the National Museum for instance.

Different types of gardens are also there - the Chinese Garden, the Japanese Garden and the Orchidarium. The Orchidarium; a 1-hectare theme park, stands out as my favorite because of the palatial arrangement of the flowers as well as a restaurant featuring live performances at night.

The Rizal Fountain; a huge fountain surrounded my miniature ones, also adds aesthetic value to the park. You can and admire this as long as you want, or maybe rest a bit before proceeding with your visit because there are benches nearby.

Further into the park (also where the National Museum is located), you can also see the office of the Department of Tourism, done with Spanish architecture. This gives you a glimpse of how houses might have looked like back in the Spanish era. To see more of this though; you can also visit Intramuros which is also near the area.

At the back of the park is the Quirino Grandstand, where the opening of the South East Asian Games was held last 2005. Beyond this, you can see Manila Ocean Park, the world-class oceanarium that opened last 2008.

After a spending a day filled with activities you can now take a breather and enjoy the golden sunset on the bay walk along Roxas Boulevard facing Manila Bay.

The sun is closer than it's ever been, you'll feel like you'll be able to reach it in a boat ride. This makes up for a serene as well as an awe-inspiring view when fused with the tranquil sea flowing beneath it. Indeed it is nature's masterpiece more beautiful than any painting man can do.

Rizal Park In the midst of history

Rizal Park is a historical landmark because it is in this very place (known during the Spanish times as Bagumbayan) that the country's National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal was executed by firing squad on December 30, 1896.

His execution sparked the revolution of the Filipinos against the Spanish regime. An imposing monument of Dr. Rizal stands with Honor Guards and a row of Philippine flags. Dignitaries visiting the country are brought to this place to lay a wreath in honor of the national hero.

Another milestone that took place in Rizal Park was the World Youth Day in 1995 where then Pope John Paul II celebrated a Mass in front of a record breaking crowd of 5 million.

The famous 30.5 metre high seamless Rizal sculpture made by Swiss sculptor; Richard Kissling stands proudly and sturdily. It's old with age, but looking at it makes me proud to be Filipino all over again and again I am reminded why I should stand up proudly when the Philippine National Anthem is being sung.

To enjoy the moment even more, why not take a kalesa (carriage) for a trip around the park?

Rizal Park is a must-see for both young and old. Whether it's to appreciate history, to see a breathtaking sunset, or to simply stroll around merrily with loved ones as time stands still, this place proves that the simple treasures of life are indeed worth preserving.

References:
World Youth day

Photos: 333junction, joshbousel, acordova, Storm Crypt, kidmarmite

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