By MAE LORRAINE S. RAFOLS
Rizal Park, also known as Luneta (Photo by KJ ROSALES)
A stroll along Rizal Park in Manila, can also be described as a walk for patriotism – not only because of its historical significance, but because the place has the power to stir a sense of national pride.
This was the experience I encountered when Cruising visited the National Park to once more discover its well-known charm.
Better remembered as a family park, Rizal Park, more popularly known as Luneta, is often in one’s childhood memories. Most Filipinos, especially those in Luzon, have visited the place at least once – mostly to enjoy the fresh breeze of Manila Bay that gently wafts through the park’s abundant trees and garden plants. Picnic is popular around the area, with wide open spaces where visitors can simply spread a blanket and enjoy time with the family.
There are many places to rest: The quaint Japanese Garden with its serene pond; the Chinese Garden with the statue of Confuscius commemorating the friendship between the Philippines and China; the Orchidarium and butterfly sanctuary for the plant lovers; and the Bulwagan ng Sining (Artist’s Haven) for those who enjoy installation art pieces. Some of the areas such as the Japanese and Chinese gardens require a minimum entrance fee (P5). Rizal Park is under the management of the National Parks Development Committee.
But a more significant way to enjoy Rizal Park is to discover its historical significance. The 22-hectare area is colored with important pieces of history which helped shape the Philippines. Luneta was coined from the Spanish word lunette or moon, which describes the park area’s peculiar shape. The property was used during the Spanish times as buffer for invading forces trying to get in the walled city of Intramuros. The paved area made it easier to see ships and groups coming in from the Manila Bay.
Begin the walk from the side of Taft Avenue, and make your way through Roxas Boulevard, in front of the Quirino Grandstand. A diorama of the Philippine archipelago can be seen upon entering the park, a feature which lights-up at night.
Rising in the middle of the area near Taft Avenue is a large statue of Lapu-lapu – known as the first defender of the country. The area is sometimes used to stage national celebrations.
Cross Maria Orosa St. to get to the next area of Rizal Park, which offers a better option for visits. A shallow lagoon which used to showcase dazzling light show in the evening now serves as a gallery for several granite busts of various Filipino patriots. Surrounding the lagoon are the faces of Rajah Sulaiman, Hermano Pule, Juan Sumuroy, Graciano Lopez Jaena, and others.
On the right side of the lagoon is the Japanese Garden where one can find the marker for the Trese Martires or 13 Martyrs. The site honors the execution area of 13 Filipinos who died in the hands of Spanish soldiers while trying to penetrate nearby Intramuros.
Up ahead are large sculptures depicting the plight of Filipinos during the Spanish times, such as the large figure of a mother cradling her suffering children. The sculpture is titled ‘El Madre Filipinas’ (Inang Bayan). Another sculpture showcases yet another stirring image of suffering Filipinos. It is dubbed ‘Punla ng Kalayaan’ (Seeds of freedom). One can’t help but imagine the hardship our ancestors might have suffered on their fight for independence.
Just across the sculptures is another significant marker – the site where the three martyr priests, GOMBURZA, were hanged. Beside is the area which gave Luneta (known during the Spanish times as Bagumbayan) its historical significance: The location of Rizal’s execution. It was here where even in his last moments, Rizal showed his love for the country, by willing the last of his strength to face the sun, refusing to fall face-down, after he was shot. A smaller park beside the execution site is a mural of Rizal’s life, with diorama sculptures of the National Hero’s last walk before he was killed.
The highlight of one’s visit is of course, the monument of Jose Rizal, where his remains lie – a structure erected by a group led by his brother, Paciano, along with other Filipino patriots. The country’s love for the famous martyr is apparent in the care shown for the area. Here, unlike other parts of Luneta, the grass are kept green all throughout the year. The flowering shrubs are in full bloom, and young soldiers continue to guard the last resting place of Rizal. A special wall etched with Rizal’s famous “Last Farewell” stands.
The monument site is a special place. It witnessed various important events – the declaration of independence from American rule, peaceful demonstrations against the Marcos administration, and recently, the country’s farewell bid of another beloved icon, the late President Aquino. A large flag in front further marked the importance of Rizal Park, it is also labeled Kilometer 0 – the point of beginning of all roads in the country.
One can’t help but wax nostalgic with all things the Rizal Park represents. For many, it is a place of childhood memories. But most importantly, it is a place for hope that the country it represents, will once more bask in the old glory the heroes in the park so valiantly fought for.
