RIZAL PARK

The 58-hectare Rizal Park is a must-see place: both a favorite place of relaxation for Filipino walkers and families and a place steeped in history. Considered one of the largest parks in Asia, it stretches from Taft Avenue to Manila Bay. It was called Bagumbayan Field or Luneta during the colonial period, which means "little moon" and was used by the Spaniards as a place of execution for revolutionary Filipinos. The park is now called Rizal National Park in honor of the national hero, Jose Rizal, who was executed here in 1896. His death led to the Philippine revolution. Among the historical events that took place in the park, we should mention the declaration of independence from the United States in 1946, the demonstrations against President Marcos in the 1970s and 1980s, or the impressive World Youth Day in 1995 when a tide of 5 million faithful (!) poured in to attend the mass of Pope John Paul II. Finally, every year, festivities take place on June 12 for Independence and on December 31.

Every day, from the first light of the day, on its lawns, one can meet tai chi lovers or joggers who enjoy the morning freshness. It is also a favorite place for all kinds of oddballs: preachers, smooth talkers and chess players. They are installed near Central Lagoon and give the park a special atmosphere. You can walk around the park from Manila Bay in a clockwise direction and see the following sights

The Delfonso Marcello sculpture. The most beautiful view of the park. The sunset over Manila Bay is magnificent.

The Manila Hotel. The most traditional and most luxurious hotel in Manila. Built in 1912, it is the first 5-star hotel in the Philippines. It was notably the residence of General MacArthur. A visit (or a night) not to be missed.

The Rizal monument. It is certainly the most significant of the monuments in the park and is inspired by the death of Rizal. His farewell poem is inscribed on a plaque in different languages.

The Philippine flag. Next to the Rizal monument, the flagpole of the Philippines flies at a height of 31 meters. It symbolizes the independence of the country, freed from the American yoke on July 4, 1946. It also represents the kilometer 0, which is the reference point to calculate distances in the Philippines.

The Rizal Fountain. Given as a sign of friendship by the Protestant Church of Heidelberg in Germany.

The auditorium. In the open air, it hosts events and concerts.

Chinese and Japanesegardens. The Chinese garden is quite nice, the Japanese garden next to it is a bit more basic but still pleasant.

The orchidarium. Located at the corner of Maria Orosa and P. Burgos Street, it features local orchids and other plant species.

Map. In relief, the 7,000 islands of the Philippines.

National Museum of the Philippines. Located at the eastern end of Rizal Park, one of the most interesting museums to discover the history of Philippine art.

In summary, Rizal Park is a real oasis of calm in the urban jungle that is Manila. It is not particularly beautiful but it is a very important place for all Filipinos so it is worth a visit if you spend a day in the capital. It combines very well with the visit of Intramuros just next door.