Rizal Park Manila Philippines

by Deepa Thomas
(London)

19-Philippines-Manila-Rizal Park. Named after Philippines' national hero Dr. Jose P Rizal, Rizal Park could be considered as the symbolic seat of the nation's heart and soul.It is one of the largest parks in Southeast Asia, holds an area of 58 hectares which runs from Taft Avenue up to the walls of the famous Manila Bay. This is also called Luneta Park which means "little moon" . When you walk from Taft Avenue down the park you will on your left hand side find a freespace for scultpural art and and at the Roxas end you will find the Rizal Monument,the Site of Rizal's Execution, the central pool and fountains, and a huge relief map showing the whole Philippine archipelago. Also dont miss the Chinese Garden next to the execution site - it's an incredible change to get calmness and relax in the middle of a very busy metropolis.


The other places next to this is National Library and National Museum both are a must view. Best time to visit Luneta is at about 5AM (wake up, Sunshine!), just before sunrise, when you will see these people practicing the art of Tai Chi (that slow-moving style of Chinese exercise). It’s nice to jog in the park with the honking of the jeepneys on the road, and everybody is just starting their day. There is also less smog during the early morning and you still smell the wetness of the grass.


On Sunday afternoons, there can be Filipino martial arts exhibitions, and sometimes free concerts at the Park Auditorium.Evenings are for young couples dating in the park, and if you are hungry, there are several nearby restaurants However, if you visit after sundown -- especially on the weekend -- you'll find most spaces occupied by locals relaxing and picnicking among friends. Manila residents love to just hangout and this is the great downtown hangout spot. The primary reason most people come here is just to sit in the grass and socialize. The dancing fountains are a sight to behold at night.