Luneta Park Manila

Every Filipino I know have gotten to the infamous Luneta Park in Manila. Back in the day, it has been a dream of every child. Though more often than not, it is every mother's nightmare hoping their kids wouldn't be lost in the park. I remember though one time, my sister almost got lost in that same Park, fortunately, my father is so attentive that he is always keeping an eye for all of us. Anyways, let's go back to what we are talking about here.

There is more to see in the Luneta Park. It has been rehabilitated lately and the City government is doing a pretty good job making the place a great scenery to look at.

Rizal or The Luneta Park (Filipino: Liwasang Rizal), is a historical urban park in the Philippines. Located along Roxas Boulevard, Manila, adjacent to the old walled city of Intramuros, it is one of the largest urban parks in Asia. It has been a favorite leisure spot, and is frequented on Sundays and national holidays. Rizal Park is one of the major tourist attractions of Manila. History syas that it is the very place where the National Hero of the Philippines Jose Rizal was shot to death.

Situated by the Manila Bay, it is an important site in Philippine history. The execution of national hero José Rizal on December 30, 1896 fanned the flames of the 1896 Philippine Revolution against the Kingdom of Spain. The area was officially renamed Rizal Park in his honor, and the monument enshrining his remains serves as the park's symbolic focal point. The Declaration of Philippine Independence from the United States was held here on July 4, 1946 as were later political rallies including those of Ferdinand Marcos and Corazon Aquino in 1986 that culminated in the EDSA Revolution.

Let's name the must see places in the infamous Luneta Park ;-)

The Chinese and The Japanese Garden

For a fair entrance fee, anyone can visit both The Chinese and The Japanese Garden. You can find the place very relaxing. For people who are a fan of Green, this is the place for you. Some people says that it is just a garden but, for me and many other people who visited the place, it is a place where you can find peace and harmony.

The Children's Playground

The Children's Playground is one of my favorite place to visit in the Rizal Park. Well, that's way back before the millennium when I was so much younger. Today, I have seen the place and the City Government have renovated some of the amenities of the place. It is pretty cool for the kids ;-) Bring your kids there and bring some food then that's it, a day of bonding with the family. Having fun couldn't be expensive.

Department of Tourism Building and The National Museum of the Filipino People

The twin buildings of the Department of Tourism and the Department of Finance (now the National Museum of the Filipino People), which were built in classic Greek architecture, are favorite sites for photo opportunity. More often than not, a photographer will approach you and ask you if you want your picture to be taken and those buildings were the background. Might as well try to get a selfie instead.

Manila Ocean Park

Manila Ocean Park is an oceanarium, it is the country's first world-class marine theme park and a premiere educational facility. It is owned by China Oceanis Philippines Inc., a subsidiary of China Oceanis Inc., a Singaporean-registered firm that has operated four oceanariums in China. It is an integrated urban resort with marine life attractions and aqua-themed hotel, the park is geared towards an all-year, all-weather destination for locals and tourists. Everyday is a holiday and an ultimate fun place for all ages. In terms of floor space, the 8,000 square metres (86,000 sq ft) oceanarium is larger than the Sentosa Underwater World oceanarium in Singapore, and features a 25-metre (82 ft) underwater acrylic tunnel.

The Quirino Grandstand

The Quirino Grandstand is located near by the ocean bay. A lot of gatherings especially religious sects celebrating their praise there.

A day might not be enough to enjoy strolling at the Rizal Park. You could also visit the Light and Sound Complex, which consists of Rizal's mural; the Gomburza marker, in honor of three Filipino priests who were executed by Spanish authorities for rebellion; and the Rizal fountain.

Just a short walk from Rizal fountain are the Artists' Haven, an environmental art gallery; National Historical Institute, the repository of the country's historical artifacts; and the National Library, which includes in its shelves rare books and documents.

From here, one can proceed to the Central Lagoon, Chinese Garden , Open-Air Auditorium, Planetarium, Rizal Park Library, MassCom Library, Chess Plaza , the Flower Clock, Japanese Garden and a 27-foot cascade.

The next stop is the Orchidarium and Butterfly Pavilion, a one-hectare theme park  that showcases a rich collection of orchids, bromeliads, mums, poinsettias, roses and other colorful flowers. Originally focused on orchids, the Orchidarium now hosts a variety of blooms, scents and greens. It is said that most of the beautiful orchid hybrids around the world owe their beauty to the genes of Philippine orchids, notably the rare waling-waling from the Philippine rain forest.

Aside from its flora collection, the Orchidarium mesmerizes the visitors with its well-designed mystic lagoon, crystalline waterfalls, a climbing wall, a replica of a man-made rainforest, and a butterfly paradise.

There it is, our famous Rizal Park. Never miss the park when you visit the Philippines. It might be a normal sight for us here in the country, but surely, you'll love the place

Cheerio!