Monday, June 27, 2011

Rizal Park's Renovation Effort

Rizal Park, more commonly known as Luneta Park to the locals is located right in the center (tagged as kilometer 0) of Manila,  the capital of the Philippines. The park is created in 18th century. It was once called Bagumbayan where Dr. Jose Rizal, Philippine National Hero was shot to death by Spanish Colonizers, hence a monument in his honor was built for him. This is also where  his remains lay (originally interred in Paco Park).  The park is a stunning 50 hectares in area that starts from Taft Ave and extends to a part of the Manila Bay where Manila Ocean Park is now erected. It houses  some other attractions like the Quirino Grandstand (where newly-elected Philippine Presidents traditionally take their oath of office, the Orchidarium and Butterfly Pavilion (that accommodates wedding in a garden setting), and the Diorama of Rizal's Martyrdom




The Park had it's glorious days in the 70's and 80's but gradually lost it's charm as malls start emerging everywhere. Nevertheless, Rizal Park served as a temporary cooling place for students and workers near the area as well as a popular dating place for lovers. :p




Recently, an effort for the park's improvement had been made by National Parks Development Committee . It included rehabilitation of the small man-made lake where a map of the Philippine Islands is laid. They added a platform at the edge nearer to the now smaller map for better viewing and installed neon lights to give life to this section at night time. Around the lake are frame displays of the whereabouts of  Dr. Jose Rizal, Philippine National Hero in the whole archipelago that are now tagged as historical attractions. My favorite part is the Musical Dancing Fountain which had been non-operational for several years. It now boasts of a dancing fountain that is made more attractive with multi-colored lights and lasers. I was told it moves in the beat of the music being played but when I passed by, there had been a religious gathering in the area and their sounds is too loud that I can't hear anything from the fountain show.




The fountain show can be viewed weekends, it usually start at six at night and lasts for two hours. This dancing fountain show definitely will make your visit to this historical place more worthwhile.

3 comments :

  1. First time I have seen this! We live nearby Luneta and I sooo wish I was able to catch this before moving to the province :(

    ReplyDelete
  2. I myself didn't know about this, luckily I passed the area going back home from roaming around Intramuros. Hope you see it as soon as you get back here. :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Luneta Park is really a nice place for everyone. :)

    ReplyDelete

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...