The Best of Luneta Park

NOTE: This post is from last year, from my old blog. I decided to delete that blog due to lack of updates but I realized just how much of a treasure it is. So I'll transfer some important and precious post entry here! Enjoy!

Rizal Park, also known as Luneta Park, is a historical urban park located at the northern terminus of Roxas Boulevard in the heart of the city of Manila, Philippines. It was the largest park in Asia and is the place where the national hero was executed.

If you desire to walk amidst the beauty of the nature away from the hustle bustle of the city, then numerous parks and gardens in Manila are places to be in. It would also be time to get to know the culture of the place.

A tribute to the country's national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, it marks the spot where Rizal, accused by the Spanish authorities of leading the insurrection, was executed by a firing squad.

Rizal Park is also a famous venue for family picnics.

You can find the best museums in the city and bayside restaurants for the budget travelers and people looking for a fine dine experience. There is also an open air theater that features free classical music concerts. For the health conscious, you can also go jogging or join other tai chi enthusiasts.

Apart from its grassy expanse, Luneta also features a Planetarium, dozens of fountains, an amphitheatre, a children's playground, a skating rink and the Chinese and Japanese gardens.

Chinese Garden are found within Rizal Park.

It was established by the Chinese community as an additional attraction. An entrance designed with an ornate Chinese gate flanked by seemingly swirling dragons greets visitors.There are also pagodas and gazebos with red pillars and green tiled roofs decorated with mythical figures. There is a pond and an area where you can find poems written in Chinese giving visitors a sense of serenity.

The Japanese Garden are also found within Rizal Park, is authentic but in miniature. It was developed to promote friendship and mutual understanding between the Japanese and Filipino people.

The Children’s Playground at Rizal Park has been revived and renovated! It’s cleaner, more colorful and child friendly. There’s an entrance fee of PHP10.00 and children 2 years and above are to pay in full.

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.

At night, the park is transformed into a romantic rendezvous for lovers.

Strolling in THE LUNETA park on Sundays. Also watch the honor guard at the Rizal Memorial in the Park. There are often concerts and other performances. On Roxas Boulevard near the Manila Hotel. It's fun to take a horse-drawn calesa around the Park. However bargain on the price before you start. It should be about PHP250=US$5.00 for special round trip, if you are

able to bargain without flinching.

*Rizal Park

Address: Teodoro F. Valencia Circle, Rizal Park, Luneta

Phone: (63-2)5229547