Rizal (Luneta) Park

[ccuevas]

Considered as one of the largest parks in Southeast Asia, it has an area of 58 hectares which runs from Taft Avenue up to the walls of the famous Manila Bay. It was known as the Bagumbayan field during the Spanish era since this was where the Filipino-Moslems took refuge after the Spaniards occupied Intramuros in 1571. It was also called "Luneta," which means Little Moon. For 74 years, it was used as an executing ground by the Spaniards for Filipino rebels and mutineers. By 1902, Daniel Bumham, architect and city planner, chose Bagumbayan as the site of the proposed American government center. He designed a U-shaped composition of buildings, but only three were constructed: the Executive House, the Department of Tourism building, and the Department of Finance building. It acquired its present name Rizal National Park in dedication to the Philippine national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal, whose mortal remains were interred in the cornershore of the Rizal Monument in 1912.

[Subsistence]

I was here like.... 10 years ago? During our Elementary Educational Trips. This was where I forgot to bring my spoon and fork. I had to eat using my hands. Lol!

[revx]

I haven't been in this place since I don't know when... But I always pass through R.Park whenever I go to my cousins place

[esembrano]

its just so disgusting seeing those people having PDAs within the vicinity

PDA---- public display of affection

they are just disrespectful to our national hero

[MissLee]

I've always told good stories to my kids about luneta. Luneta played a big role in Philippine history and I want them to appreciate every detail of it. Its one way of preserving our culture and tradition and making them proud to be Filipino.
Rizal's execution at Luneta exemplifies courage and bravery which I believe our new generation should be taught about to promote nationalism.

[anj_fire]

It's a grand view. You have to be there to really appreciate it. Most specially in the morning sunrise. It always reminds me of Dr. Jose Rizal and his dreams for the Filipino people.

[pepper_oni]

Ive been to Luneta like twice since May... just a plain visit since I pass by this area and yet i dont get to see the place really... well, for a new comer like me..nothing special really except when they got events and all:)

[voyager]

when we were kids, our grandma used to bring us to luneta park to stroll and play. we normally would avail of the bikes being rented out by enterprising business folks. we had afternoon snacks comprised either of halo-halo or siopao and palabok at the aristocrat or some other restaurant that caught our fancy. it was safer back then, less crowded, and pollution unheard of. presently, luneta park is not what it used to be but i'm not taking anything away from it. the feel is just different, the place is the same albeit it has changed in many ways. i would rather go to the mall with its air-conditioning blasting all day long, more so during the hot summer days. still and all, luneta park will always remain a tourist destination (e.g. rizal monument) and symbol to the many historical events that took place within its confines :cool:

[ada_ordinaryo]

Luneta is a big place, a lot of things can always happen so be careful where you stay to hang out.

My friend and her bf got robbed by hold-uppers at the relief map area.

There's a nightly debate at the Chess Plaza until the wee hours of morning. Nobody really wins.They just go on and on. But they all agree to a cup of coffee sold at the nearby store.

I used to attend poetry reading sessions with my friens at the grassy area near the fountains.

[memph]

Luneta is a simple park, perfect for family picnics, we used to fly kite there, enjoyed the playground, had numerous photos beside Rizal monument and even the Carabao. It's been part of my childhood, and i want my kids to see it too.

[madelaine]

whenever i go to manila, i always pass by luneta park...the place was really rich in history...

[blueberry]

I remember when I was a kid Luneta park was one of the places we often visit. I used to take my skating lessons there and we even ride the "motorco" a double decker bus with an open air top. It's so much fun, those were the days..:(

[blueberry]

When I was a kid Luneta Park is a safe place for those who want to hang out and stroll around nowadays its a different scene, many holdupers so better watch out. I miss the good old days:(