Luneta park manila philippines, Luneta in manila, philippines

Luneta park manila philippines

Rizal Park, also known as Luneta Park or colloquially Luneta, is a historical urban park located in the heart of the city of Manila, Philippines, adjacent to the old walled city of Manila, now Intramuros. Since the Spanish Colonial Era, the park has been a favorite spot for unwinding, socializing, an urban oasis for family picnics on Sundays and holidays. It is one of the major tourist attractions of Manila.

Located along Manila Bay, Luneta has been the site of some of the most significant moments in Philippine history. The execution of pacifist Dr. José Rizal on December 30, 1896, sparked the fire of the Philippine Revolution against the Spanish colonizers, elevating the martyr as the national hero of the country. The park was officially renamed Rizal Park in his honor and his monument serves as the symbolic focal point of the park. The Declaration of Philippine Independence from American rule was held here on July 4, 1946 as well as the political rallies of Ferdinand Marcos and Corazon Aquino in 1986 that led to the EDSA Revolution that deposed Marcos ending his dictatorial government.

Rizal Park's history began in 1820 when the Paseo de Luneta was completed just south of the walls of Manila on a marshy patch of land next to the beach during the Spanish rule. Prior to the park, the marshy land was the location of a small town called Nuevo Barrio (New Town or Bagumbayan in Tagalog language) that dates back to 1601; it was cleared during the short British rule in 1762 to prevent sneak attacks from the patriotic natives. The area later became known as Bagumbayan Field where the Cuartel la Luneta (Luneta Barracks), a Spanish Military Hospital (which was destroyed by one of the earthquakes of Manila), and a moat-surrounded outwork of the walled city of Manila, known as the Luneta (lunette) because of its crescent shape.[1][2]

West of Bagumbayan Field is the Paseo de la Luneta (Plaza of the Lunette) named after the fortification, not because of the shape of the plaza which is a long 100-by-300-metre (330 ft × 980 ft) rectangle ended by two semicircles. It was also named Paseo de Alfonso XII (Plaza of Alfonso XII), after Alfonso XII, King of Spain during his reign from 1874 to 1885.[3] Paseo de la Luneta was the center of social activity for the people of Manila in the early evening hours. This plaza is arranged with paths and lawns and surrounded by a wide driveway called "La Calzada" (The Road) where carriages circulate

- stroll in the luneta park/rizal park: Formerly called Bagumbayan (New Town) during the Spanish times, Luneta Park got its present name since it was in the shape of a half-moon or a lunette ...also known as rizal park in honor of jose rizal ...a national hero ...its like the central park version of manila

- Manila - The Luneta Park: Right into the heart of the capital Manila lies Luneta Park or Rizal Park, which marks the Kilometer Zero of the Philippines and the northern tip of Roxas Boulevard, overlooking Manila Bay. Built in the early 1700s, the park was the site of some of the turning points in Philippine history such as the execution of the national hero Jose Rizal and the declaration of the Philippine independence from USA.

The Rizal Monument ca be found right in front of the park, which has become its famous symbol. The bronze statue, made in Switzerland and remodeled by national artist Juan Nakpil, is famously protected by the Kabalyeros de Rizal (Knights of Rizal) who do not move all-day or all-night long. It is also considered as the most-pictured site of the park.

Nowadays, the park is a favorite place for dating and for family picnics because of its spacious grassy lawns and open-air concert hall that features live entertainment and music. The park also has a chess plaza, a skating rink, fountains, and playgrounds. Every Sunday morning, Filipino martial artists use the park to practice eskrima, a traditional martial arts form.

The last time we were there was December of 2009, we were amazed by the big improvements of the park. Based on what we saw that time, I can say that the park is really well-maintained. Before, there was only Horse-drawn vehicles or calesas available for rent to tour the park, but now there's already a big and colorful Bus.

We plan of visiting Manila again this December together with our nieces and nephews, and the Luneta park is the number one spot on our list.

- Luneta Park - Tai Chi, Martial Arts, Gardens!: I have pictures of myself as a three-year-old enjoying the slides at Luneta Park (considered the Philippines' National Park)--- and I actually have very early memories of waking up early so that my parents could bring myself and my sister (VTer Jumpingwithnorman) to Luneta, now also known as Rizal Park.

This park has been here since Spanish colonial times and this is where the people gathered and even watched executions, like the famous one which killed our National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal on December 30, 1896. His hands were tied and his back was to the gunfire, but when the shots were fired, he turned around to face his executioners! There is now a group of brass statues that form the centerpiece of a Light and Sound Show (630 Pm – 730 PM). Also see the changing of the guards at the memorial to Rizal.

Best time to visit Luneta is at about 5AM (wake up, Sunshine!), just before sunrise, when you will see these people practicing the art of Tai Chi (that slow-moving style of Chinese exercise). It’s nice to jog in the park with the honking of the jeepneys on the road, and everybody is just starting their day. There is also less smog during the early morning and you still smell the wetness of the grass.

On Sunday afternoons, there can be Filipino martial arts exhibitions, and sometimes free concerts at the Park Auditorium. You can also enjoy the nice botanical gardens in the Park itself – the Chinee and Japanese gardens. There is even a Planetarium!

Evenings are for young couples dating in the park, and if you are hungry, there are several nearby restaurants.

Park Location: along Padre Faura, Ermita, Manila , Luneta park manila philippines, Luneta in manila, philippines