It had been quite a while since I’ve been to one of the most refreshing spots in Manila, Rizal Park. Like a lot of places in the Metro, it too had lots of recent developments, and here’s how it looked like as of August 2014.
It was a Saturday afternoon, I’ve got nothing to do and a camera waiting for a long time to be used. The sky was surprisingly clear and the sun slowly setting, a photo walk was in the making…
The relief map of the Philippines with the Luzviminda BoardwalkThe boardwalk traverses through the relief map for a closer viewI wonder if the terrain is scaled accuratelyA unique calesa that traverse the parkWhat I do not get is why the statue of Lapu-Lapu in the park is bigger than that of Jose RizalOne of the beautiful trees that line the parkWhat I love about Rizal Park: wide and open green spaces where you’re allowed to step on the grass and have a picnic or simply lie down and watch the cloudsThe Flower Clock that sadly does not workRizal Park Open Air AuditoriumA shuttle that runs across the parkIt was a day perfect for contrailsThe Dancing Fountain at the Central Pool: best seen at night as it “dances” with light, music, and even fire!The Independence Flagpole: the country’s tallest flagpole and is more massive than what the picture suggestsTogether with the Jose Rizal National MonumentSee how tall it is compared to peopleThe Jose Rizal National Monument with its new unsightly resident photo bomberJust a little bit of history about the Jose Rizal National MonumentI think this is the idea on how to block the unsightly photo bomber behind the monument, but there aren’t any trees yet in place to specifically “hide” the blemish in the skylineHere is the place where Dr. Jose Rizal became a martyrRight across the Jose Rizal National Monument is a spot called Kilometer Zero (which is currently under repair) and this gateway to the Quirino GrandstandI used to be very afraid of this statue when I was little because it looked like it would come to life any momentSunset behind the Quirino Grandstand: it was also a perfect day for flying kitesDon’t you just love it when you’re allowed to step on the grass?The latest attraction in the area just behind the Grandstand……the Manila Ocean ParkThe ticket booth and ratesGuide map to the Manila Ocean ParkThe H2O Hotel right on Manila BayThe skyline of Manila from the baySomething old and new, the Luneta Hotel: I’m so glad that this old and historic building was saved from demolition and had found a place in today’s ManilaA closer view of the hotel
There are some changes that are good, there are some changes that are not so good (namely that eyesore behind Jose Rizal National Monument). Generally speaking, Rizal Park remains to be a place worth visiting, and I hope it remains this way for generations to come.
* All photos taken with a SONY NEX 5N using SEL16F28 lens.
