Rizal Park Philippines

History and Background

Rizal Park is a historical urban park located in the Ermita district along Roxas Boulevard in the city of Manila. It is commonly known to many Filipinos as Luneta Park. Rizal Park has a size of 58 hectares or 580000 square meters. It is one of the largest urban parks in the Asian continent and it is juxtaposed to the historic walled city Intramuros.

Rizal Park is home to several gardens, green lawns, artworks, an open field, ponds, paved walks, an observatory, dancing fountains, picnic grounds, wooded areas, ornamental gardens, an open-air concert hall, an artists’ sanctuary, other monuments, and an open-air auditorium. Rizal Park is bordered by Padre Burgos Avenue on the left side, Taft Avenue on the east side, and Kalaw Avenue on the right side.

In general, Rizal Park is divided into three parts. First is the Northeastern part which has a size of 16 hectares and it includes the Teodoro F. Valencia Circle, National Museum of Anthropology, and National Museum of Natural History. The second is the Central part which has a size of 22 hectares and is situated at Maria Orosa Street all the way to Roxas Boulevard. The Central parts are home to the Rizal Monument, the Philippine National Flagpole, and the musical dancing fountain. The third and the last are the Southwestern parts that have a size of approximately 10 hectares of open field and it includes the Manila Ocean Park, Manila Bay, and Burnham Green.

The most famous attraction in Rizal Park is the Rizal Monument because it was built to dedicate and admire the Philippines’ national hero Doctor Jose Protasio Rizal. The Rizal Monument is safeguarding constantly by ceremonial sentinels and soldiers in full array known as the Knights of Rizal. Rizal Monument has a height of 13 meters or 42 feet. It is where the remains of Jose Rizal lie and it is a very significant monument in Philippine History.

Beside the Rizal Monument is the Independence Flagpole which has a height of 150 feet and is considered the tallest flagpole in the Philippines. On the other side of the monuments, black carved granite stone can be seen with the words coming from the book Mi Ultimo Adios or My Last Farewell by Jose Rizal. Aside from this, there are eight bronze statues that rectified the final moments of Jose Rizal’s life. Furthermore, in front of the Rizal Monument, the Kilometer Zero marble marker can be seen by tourists.

The prominent Kilometer Zero marble marker serves as the reference point or basis for the distance from Manila to another place on Luzon island. It served as the point of origin or the zero starting point across some provinces and cities in the Philippines.

According to its illustrious history, Rizal Park was originally built in a viscous patch of area known as Paseo de la Luneta near Manila Bay in the year 1820 during the Spanish colonial period in the Philippines. Luneta Park came from the word lunette which means a crescent-shaped structure used for fortifications in the seventeenth to eighteenth centuries. Formerly, the park was well known to many Filipinos as Bagumbayan since 1601.

Fast forward, Bagumbayan presently known as Rizal Park is the location where Jose Rizal was executed by the Spanish firing squad on December 30, 1896. Subsequently, the death of doctor Jose P. Rizal sparked the Philippine Revolution in the year 1896 against the Spanish rulers. In the year 1901, during the American colonial period of the Philippines, Rizal Monument was designed and constructed with the help of the Philippine Assembly Act No. 243. It states that a monument shall be built in the public land of Luneta in the honor and commemoration of the Philippine patriot, reformist, novel writer, and hero Jose Rizal.

Moreover, the monument will also be the place where Jose Rizal’s body remains for his sacrifice and love for the country. Subsequently as the years passed by Luneta Park was named to Rizal Park in the honor of Jose Rizal.

Rizal Park was designed by a Swiss sculpturer named Richard Kissling. A bronze granite monument was constructed in honor of Jose Rizal was also built in Luneta to serve as a symbolic area of the park. After seventeen years have passed since Jose Rizal’s execution in 1896, Rizal Monument was finished in the year 1913. Fast forward to the year 1961, Rizal Park was refurbish but it resulted in an untainted steel pylon being overlay above the stonework pillar of the Rizal Monument. For this reason the structure’s height became 30.5 meters. Nevertheless, the adjustment was generally disapproved and the pylon was removed the following year.

In the year 1946, Rizal Park is the venue for the declaration of the Philippine Independence from the United States of America. In the decade of 1970’s and 1980’s, major political rallies against late Ferdinand Marcos Sr. administration were held at Rizal Park. Even so in the year 1995, the park hosted the extravagant World Youth Day. Fast forward to the year 2005, Rizal Park hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the Southeast Asian games. In 2020, the 34th National Milo Marathon was held at the Rizal Park where thousands of runners take part of the prestigious event.

Presently, Rizal Park is administered by the National Parks Development Committee (NPDC) which is one of the agencies of the Department of Tourism (DOT). As of 2022, Rizal Park is home to almost 3600 plants and 130 tree species. Flag raising ceremony is held every June 12 at around 8 am. Moreover, Rizal Park is a very significant place to all Filipinos because this is where the national hero of the Philippines Doctor Jose Rizal and the three martyr priests named Mariano Gomez, Jose Burgos and Jacinto Zamora commonly known as Gomburza were executed by the Spanish elite.

Rizal Park is visited by thousands of tourists every day coming from different parts of the country. During holidays such as the Independence Day of the Philippines on June 12, Rizal Day on December 30 and New Year’s Eve on December 31, major celebrations were held and thousands of visitor flock to the historical and wide park. In addition, during the first Monday of the month flag raising ceremony was done at the Independence Flagpole. Therefore, if you want to spend quality time at one of the largest urban parks with your family, friends, and loved ones then visit Rizal Park now.

Name: Rizal Park
Address: Roxas Boulevard, Ermita, Manila, Philippines 1000
Features: Rizal Monument, open field, gardens, and dancing fountain

My trip to Rizal Park

For the past few days, I’ve been wanting to travel to Manila to have a different vibe. So one day I picked Rizal Park as my next go-to destination to relax since it is not far away from my house. It was Tuesday past lunch time when I packed up and left the house and started commuting. After one hour and ten minutes of commuting, I finally arrived at Rizal Park. From the moment I saw the Rizal Monument, it suddenly came to my mind the Philippine History subject that was taught in my grade school and high school days. Our country’s national hero named Jose Rizal was executed just about 100 meters from the Rizal Monument I bestowed upon.

Afterwards, I saw a commemorative plaque on the left side of the Rizal Monument that had these words: “To the memory of Jose Rizal, patriot and martyr, executed at Bagumbayan Field December thirtieth 1896, this monument is dedicated by the people of the Philippine Islands”. Then as I walk in the middle of the park I recall the first time that I had been in Rizal Park. It was in my childhood days when my parents visited this superb place and they captured many unforgettable moments through the use of film cameras.

Anyway, for the second time, I saw the Philippines’ most photographed and most famous monument. I can see the different angle of Rizal Monument from the back side and from the side view. Also I can clearly see the writings beIow the statue. I’m so very happy to appreciate the refreshingly greenery and history of this park even though I’m alone. I can see many Filipino families, cyclists, and kids enjoying picnics and hangouts.

The fresh air, open spaces, green trees, dancing fountain, gardens, food kiosks, children playgrounds and clean surrounding makes my soul feel alive as I continue to cherish every moment inside Rizal Park. Afterward, I noticed that the park is very close to other famous attractions and landmarks such as Intramuros, Manila Bay, Manila Ocean Park, Manila Baywalk Dolomite Beach, National Library of the Philippines, and National Museum of Natural History. In addition, it is very accessible to many different types of public transportation such as jeep, train, taxi and bus. Indeed, it was a blessing to see this park again at the heart of Manila.

When I started taking pictures of the Rizal Monument, I noticed that the tall building at the back of the monument was so disturbing. One of the tourists told me that the building is named Torre de Manila. From my point of view, the high rise building is an eyesore, really spoils the view and it should be demolished because it’s not a good thing to have a photo bomber in nostalgic and chronicled scenery of Rizal Park. Furthermore, I cannot imagine if the historical Eiffel Tower had a modern skyscraper behind it. I think that’s why most of our heritages are disfigured because the Philippines lack proper urban planning and zoning laws.

Even so, after a few moments I have a selfie at the iconic monument. Seconds later I have fun walking around the open spaces and I feel the hidden sanctuary at the clean park. In my opinion, Rizal Park is actually better than many parks in the world including the Ueno Park in Japan and Lumphini Park in Thailand. The neo classical buildings are very akin to Washington DC park in the United States because of the greenery and wide open space.

Adding more to my walking tour is the flock of birds that gracefully dance in the bluish sky. Without a doubt, it was a wonderful sight to behold, and it was the first time that I see as many birds up close and personal. For this reason, my soul and spirit vault in astonishment. Then it came to my mind that during the night, Rizal Park can become super special because of the beautiful lights and sounds coming from the dancing fountain.

According to one of the staff I’ve talked to, every night there is a thirty minute dazzling sound both in Filipino and English language and a light presentation dedicated to Doctor Jose Rizal. I want to stay at night in Rizal Park to see the dancing light fountain and sounds but I need to go home after sunset because I have work the following day.

Anyway, the nice and calm surrounding I experienced in the park as well as the childrens playground I saw is one of the reasons it became a preferred leisure area to unwind in Metro Manila. Also I noticed that there are only few vendors that roaming around the park and flock of adorable birds and birds houses can be spotted also.

Afterward, I spotted the kilometer zero markers going to Quirino Grandstand and I can see a lot of cyclers and bikers taking selfies and snapping photos. As I opened my internet I found out that the kilometer zero marker was initially situated in the Manila Cathedral. However, as the years went by it was later moved in front of the iconic Rizal Monument.

Our country’s reference point is the Independence Flagpole and the Rizal Monument. From here, we measure the distance to various places in Luzon. As a result, I take pictures of the symbolic marker and the Philippine flag freely soaring high as my souvenir to this amazing place. I’m very proud and patriotic that I was born in the Philippines and I’m a Filipino.

Then I saw several foreigners having fun touring around the open areas while sitting on the horse-drawn carriage. On the other hand, on my left side I see a disable person sitting on his wheelchair and enjoying the remarkable views. Then I said to myself that the park is wheelchair friendly. As I continued to walk I also saw several benches. For this reason I take a little rest and eat my snacks in my bag. I observed the weather and it’s quite good to take many high quality pictures because of the perfect light.

As I reflect in the past and enjoy the breeze of air, I noticed that Rizal Park has improved so much as the years passed by. The park now is much cleaner, greener and more enjoyable than ever. Tourists can have a picnic on the grass under the shade of the trees. The dancing fountain was phenomenal and there’s also a free parking area. In addition, there’s a charming Chinese and Japanese Garden where students and families can truly proud of.

The Japanese Garden were constructed as a symbol to promote friendship between the Philippines and Japan. On the other hand, the Chinese Garden is very similar to the old Peking with lots of ornate Chinese-style gate carved with swirling dragons and decorated with an abundance of mythical figures.

The Chinese and Japanese Garden provide visitors an ever changing natural work of art, a delightful pavilion filled with rainbow-coloured free-flying butterflies and the reflection point showcases a harmonic mix of waterfalls, bridge, lagoon, pagodas and plants. Also it displays different kind of orchids, ferns as well as tropical trees which is awesome. Even so I hope in the near future that more beautiful flower and tropical bearing shrubs can be seen.

Then I’ve seen the changing of guards live in Rizal Park and this is my first time to see such a thing. The Philippine Marine dress uniform looks very similar to the United States Marine Corps because I think the Philippine military is a copy of the US military. That’s because the United States greatly influenced the Philippine military and because of the Commonwealth of the Philippines in the year 1935.

Afterwards, I stay in the shaded portion and it came to my mind that the park will soon be beaten by New Clark City Central Park in Tarlac which is triple the size of Rizal Park. However, in my opinion, Rizal Park still has historical ambiance that the New Clark City Central Park will never had. Even though my walking tour lasted only for several hours, I really fell in love with Rizal Park. The water fountain looks so fabolous and relaxing to watch. The dancing fountain is like a beat to a beautiful song. As a matter of fact, I had a great time and I promised myself to go back here once again in the near future to have a family or friend bonding experience.

Without a doubt, Rizal Park is a good place to have fun, to feel patriotism, to relieve stress and it is one of the best place in the Philippines to reminisce about Philippine history. The park is well maintained with lots of good sculptures. It’s like an oasis for fun, learning and relaxation in the heart of Manila with so much beautiful architecture and nature inside the park. Furthermore it’s very close to some hotels and it has access to a lot of museums. I highly recommend all Filipinos to visit this significant place to have morning or afternoon walks and to relax and exercise at the same time.

Things to bring on your visit to Rizal Park:

Pocket money
Stylish face mask
Umbrella or hat
Water container, tumbler, mineral water for rehydration
Backpack
Camera and smartphone
Extra shirt
Reusable vacuum storage packs
Snacks like biscuits, cookies or nuts
Sunglasses (optional)
Selfie stick (optional)
Power bank and WiFi kit (optional)
Sunblock for skin protection (optional)
A mini portable handheld fan (optional)
Picnic tent (optional)

How to Go to Rizal Park

By commute

Option 1:

1. From Buendia Avenue, ride a jeep going to LRT United Nations station.
2. From LRT United Nations station, walk for several minutes going to Rizal Park.

Option 2:

1. From SM City San Lazaro in Manila, walk towards the Rizal Avenue and ride a jeep bound to Taft Avenue. Asked the jeepney driver to alight you at T.M. Kalaw Avenue or near Rizal Park.

Option 3:

1. From SM Mall of Asia, ride a UV Express van that passes Roxas Boulevard.
2. Then tell the van driver to drop you off near the Rizal Monument.

Option 4:

1. From Lawton Manila, ride a jeep that has a signage of Baclaran. 
2. Then tell the jeepney driver to alight you in front of Rizal Park.

Option 5:

1. From Cubao Quezon City, ride a jeep or UV Express van bound to Quiapo and asked the driver to alight you at Rizal Avenue.
2. From Rizal Avenue, ride a jeep bound to Rizal Park. 

By private car

1. Pin the Rizal Park on your Google Maps or Waze app on your mobile phone.
   
   
   
   

Reminders and Tips:

• Rizal Park has no entrance fee and it’s open everyday. In addition, it’s a pet-friendly park.

• To lessen your expense, bring snacks and bottled water before going to the park. In case you don’t have food with you and you feel hungry then there are many food stalls and restaurant where you can buy your food. Also restrooms can be found at the right side of the park near the Rizal Park Visitors Center.

• Rizal Park features a lot of great attractions for every local and foreign tourist such as the Quirino Grandstand, Kilometer Zero, Chinese and Japanese Garden and National Museum of the Philippines. There are large tables and chairs in the garden where you eat or have a picnic.

• There are many hotel accommodations near Rizal Park where you can stay overnight and feel the different atmosphere. First is the Octagon Mansion Hotel, second is Go Hotels Ermita, third is Bayview Park Hotel Manila, fourth is City Garden Suites Hotel Manila, fifth is The Pearl Manila Hotel and the sixth is Sunny Bay Suites.

• After exploring Rizal Park, you can go to other tourist attractions such as Manila Ocean Park, Manila Baywalk Dolomite Beach, Intramuros and the National Museum.

• Before Christmas day on December 25, Rizal Park was fully lighted and was decorated with Christmas lights. So expect more crowds during holidays and weekends.

• Dancing fountain show that goes along with lights is held every evening starting at 6 pm.

• If you are lucky there is an amphitheater where you can watch singers, bands, dancers performed for free of charge.

• The children’s playground has a minimal fee for entrance.
  
  
  

There you have it, adventurer and historian. Jose Rizal once said that the youth is the hope of our future. Everyone deserves a break, to relax and to fuel our spirits again to combat the harsh realities of life. Also, don’t let your stress eat out your mental and physical health. Take a fresh breath in the beautiful place and learn how to be optimistic in life again. Create a positive perception that would take you to where you want to without stepping down others. Furthermore, be kind to everyone even if they don’t think the same way. On the whole, I hope this Rizal Park blog has been beneficial to you and to your friends. Keep exploring and thank you for the time to read. Have a nice day.