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Ermita, Manila
Rizal Park
Manila’s Historic Heart and Urban Oasis
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EXPLORE Rizal Park

PUBLISHED August 15, 2016

PHOTOS | WORDS BY MARIANO SAYNO

  • Ermita, Manila
Rizal Park beautifully combines Philippine history and modern culture. Its distinct sections, from cultural institutions to vibrant public spaces, and landmarks like the Rizal Monument and Open-Air Auditorium, highlight the nation’s rich heritage and ongoing cultural life. As a central hub for national events and celebrations, Rizal Park remains a powerful symbol of Filipino identity and pride.
Explore the Philippines through my lens as we venture into Rizal Park with Point of View (POV) photography. Using a body cam, I’ll guide you on an interactive tour, revealing the behind-the-scenes of capturing the shots shared here. Let’s dive into this visual journey together and uncover the wonders through my lens!
Let’s explore the PHILIPPINES through my lens as we journey on a photo slideshow to Rizal Park. Join me in this visual adventure and discover the wonders captured through my lens! Check out the shared slideshow here.

Rizal Park, also known as Luneta, is a historic urban park situated in Ermita, Manila. Spanning 58 hectares (140 acres), it is one of the largest parks in the Philippines. The park is thoughtfully divided into three distinct sections, each offering unique features.

Check out the video for more highlights. See what I’ve captured through my lens with Point of View (POV) photography. Using a body cam, I’ll take you on an interactive tour, showing you behind-the-scenes moments of capturing the shots shared here.
Check out the video below for additional features. Explore what I’ve captured through my lens in this cinematic slideshow.

ABOVE: The Rizal Monument, honoring José Rizal and unveiled in 1913, is located in Rizal Park, designated in 1955, and underwent major renovations in 2011.

ABOVE: The Rizal Monument, honoring José Rizal and unveiled in 1913, is located in Rizal Park, designated in 1955, and underwent major renovations in 2011.

Park Sections

Rizal Park is thoughtfully divided into three main sections, each offering distinct features and attractions. The Northeastern Section encompasses 16 hectares (40 acres) and is designated as the National Museum Complex. This area includes Agrifina Circle and houses both the National Museum of Natural History and the National Museum of Anthropology, making it a central cultural hub that showcases the rich historical and biological heritage of the Philippines.

 

 

The Central Section, located south of Maria Orosa Street, covers 22 hectares (54 acres) and extends down to Roxas Boulevard. This part of the park is centered around the Rizal Monument, which stands as a significant landmark. Here, visitors can find several notable attractions, including the Open-Air Auditorium, the Independence Flagpole, and the Central Musical and Dancing Fountain, all contributing to the park’s vibrant atmosphere.

 

 

To the southwest, the Southwestern Section features Burnham Green, a spacious 10-hectare (25-acre) open field that provides a large area for recreational activities and gatherings. This section also includes the Quirino Grandstand and the Manila Ocean Park along Manila Bay, offering a scenic and expansive setting for various events and leisure activities.

Historical Significance

Rizal Park occupies a site historically known as Bagumbayan during the Spanish colonial period, located near the historic Walled City of Intramuros. Its origins date back to 1820 when the Paseo de Luneta was completed on a marshy stretch of land next to the beach. Before becoming a park, this area was home to Barrio Nuevo, or Bagumbayan, a small settlement established in 1601. The local church originally housed the Black Nazarene, but following the demolition of the village and its church, the statue was relocated to San Nicolas de Tolentino in Intramuros, with a replica later enshrined at Quiapo Church. This relocation is commemorated annually on January 9 during the Traslación, or Feast of the Black Nazarene.

 

 

Adjacent to Bagumbayan Field was the Paseo de la Luneta, also known as the Plaza of the Lunette or Paseo de Alfonso XII, named after King Alfonso XII of Spain, who reigned from 1874 to 1885. This plaza was a vibrant center of social activity in the early evening, featuring paths and lawns surrounded by a broad driveway called “La Calzada” (The Road), where carriages would circulate.

 

 

During the Spanish colonial era, particularly from 1823 to 1897, Rizal Park gained notoriety as a site for public executions. Among the 158 political prisoners executed here were the three Filipino priests, Mariano Gomez, José Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora—collectively known as Gomburza—who were executed by garrote on February 17, 1872, following their alleged involvement in the 1872 Cavite mutiny.

ABOVE: The silhouette of the Rizal Park monument glows golden against the sunset backdrop of Manila Bay at Luneta Park.

ABOVE: The silhouette of the Rizal Park monument glows golden against the sunset backdrop of Manila Bay at Luneta Park.

Monument and Modern Developments

The park’s most prominent feature, the Rizal Monument, is a bronze-and-granite landmark that stands as one of the most famous sculptural monuments in the Philippines. It is customary for visiting dignitaries to lay a wreath at the monument, which not only features a statue of José Rizal but also enshrines his remains. The monument was established following Act No. 243 approved by the United States Philippine Commission on September 28, 1901, to honor José Rizal, the Filipino patriot, writer, and poet. An international design competition was held between 1905 and 1907, inviting sculptors from Europe and the United States to submit entries with an estimated cost of ₱100,000 using local materials. The first-prize entry was by Carlos Nicoli of Carrara, Italy, titled “Al Martir de Bagumbayan” (To the Martyr of Bagumbayan). However, the contract was awarded to Swiss sculptor Richard Kissling for his design titled “Motto Stella” (Guiding Star). After more than twelve years, the monument was unveiled on December 30, 1913, on the 17th anniversary of Rizal’s death. His poem “Mi último adiós” (“My Last Farewell”) is inscribed on the memorial plaque, and the site is guarded by ceremonial soldiers from the Philippine Marine Corps’ Marine Security and Escort Group.

 

 

The area was officially designated as a national park on December 19, 1955, by President Ramon Magsaysay, covering approximately 16.24 hectares (40.1 acres) around the Rizal Monument.

ABOVE: The Independence Flagpole in Luneta Park marks the spot where the Philippines declared its independence on July 4, 1946, symbolizing the country’s freedom and pride.

ABOVE: The Independence Flagpole in Luneta Park marks the spot where the Philippines declared its independence on July 4, 1946, symbolizing the country’s freedom and pride.

In 1957, President Carlos P. Garcia issued Proclamation No. 470, transferring the park’s administration to the Jose Rizal National Centennial Commission. By 1961, the National Library was inaugurated at the park in honor of Rizal’s centennial. Management was later handed over to the National Parks Development Committee (NPDC), established in 1963 by President Diosdado Macapagal.

 

 

In 1967, President Ferdinand Marcos renamed Luneta National Park to Rizal Park. Under NPDC executive director Teodoro Valencia, the park was expanded, and the Chinese and Japanese Gardens were established through donations from the Taiwanese and Japanese governments. Valencia also introduced the popular “Concert at the Park” event series.

 

 

In 2011, Rizal Park underwent a significant renovation by the National Parks Development Committee. The restoration was led by William Schaare, a German-Filipino who had previously designed the old musical dancing fountain in the 1960s. The renovation included the restoration of notable features such as the Flower Clock, now known as the World-Class Filipino Bloom, the Noli Me Tangere Garden, and the Luzviminda Boardwalk. These enhancements were completed in time for the 150th birthday celebration of José Rizal.

Notable Events

Rizal Park has been the site of several pivotal events in Philippine history. On February 18, 1981, the park hosted the beatification mass of Saint Lorenzo Ruiz and his companions, marking a historic first as it was the first beatification ceremony held outside the Vatican, coinciding with Pope John Paul II’s apostolic visit. On February 16, 1986, the park became a crucial venue for mass protests, including the Tagumpay ng Bayan rally, which opposed the rule of Ferdinand Marcos and culminated in the People Power Revolution. The park was also central to the Philippine Centennial Celebrations on June 12, 1998, which featured a Grand Centennial Parade and drew over five million people to celebrate the one hundredth anniversary of the Philippine Declaration of Independence. Additionally, Rizal Park has served as the venue for presidential inaugurations every June 30, starting from 1992, underlining its significance in the nation’s political and cultural events.

ABOVE: Rizal Park, also known as Luneta, is a historic 58-hectare urban park in Ermita, Manila, and one of the largest in the Philippines, divided into three distinct sections each offering unique features.

ABOVE: Rizal Park, also known as Luneta, is a historic 58-hectare urban park in Ermita, Manila, and one of the largest in the Philippines, divided into three distinct sections each offering unique features.

Key Venues

The park is home to several notable venues that enhance its role as a vibrant cultural and entertainment hub. The Open-Air Auditorium, designed by the renowned national artist for architecture Leandro Locsin, offers a variety of free performances to the public, organized by the NPDC, the Department of Tourism, and People’s Television. The auditorium hosts a diverse array of shows, including dance, theater, and musical performances by both local and international artists. It also features “Cinema in the Open-Air,” which provides free screenings of critically acclaimed films.

 

 

The Quirino Grandstand, originally known as the Independence Grandstand, was designed by architect Juan M. Arellano to accommodate the large crowds expected for the proclamation of Philippine Independence on July 4, 1946, and to alleviate congestion in front of the Legislative Building. Designed in a Neoclassical style, the grandstand was later modified by Federico Illustre, chief architect at the Bureau of Public Works. Completed on a reclaimed area along Manila Bay, it became the site where President Elpidio Quirino was inaugurated. Since then, it has been the traditional venue for presidential inaugurations and numerous significant political, cultural, and religious events.

 

 

The Parade Grounds and Burnham Green are key areas within the park. The Parade Grounds are popular for fun runs, races, motorcades, and parades. Named in honor of American architect Daniel Burnham, Burnham Green is a large open space designed to accommodate large gatherings and serve as a picnic area. It also hosts various sports activities and features notable landmarks, including a Narra tree planted by Pope Paul VI and a bronze statue of San Lorenzo Ruiz gifted by Pope John Paul II.

 

 

Valor’s Hall (Bulwagan ng Kagitingan), located within the Light and Sound Complex, is distinguished by its artistic design and is a sought-after venue for events and cocktail receptions, renowned for its elegant setting.

Luneta Rizal Park
Gardens

Rizal Park also includes several beautifully curated gardens. The Children’s Playground, located in the southeastern corner, was renovated in 2011 to provide a modern space for children. The Chinese Garden features an ornate gate with swirling dragons and includes a lagoon surrounded by pagodas and gazebos with red pillars and green-tiled roofs. The Japanese Garden, established to promote friendship between Japan and the Philippines, offers a tranquil setting with Japanese-style landscapes, lagoons, and bridges. The Noli Me Tangere Garden, recently unveiled, includes the Heidelberg fountain—a gift symbolizing Filipino-German friendship—and a bust of Ferdinand Blumentritt. Finally, the Orchidarium and Butterfly Pavilion, created in 1994 from a former parking lot, showcases a rich variety of Philippine orchids and butterflies and serves as a popular venue for weddings.

ABOVE: Luneta Park is home to beautiful gardens filled with lush greenery and colorful flowers, making it a great place to relax and enjoy nature.

ABOVE: Luneta Park is home to beautiful gardens filled with lush greenery and colorful flowers, making it a great place to relax and enjoy nature.

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Additional Attractions

Among the notable attractions at Rizal Park is the Diorama of Rizal’s Martyrdom, located north of the Rizal Monument. This set of statues dramatically depicts José Rizal’s execution at the actual site where he was martyred, contrary to the common belief that the monument itself marks the execution spot. In the evenings, a light and sound presentation titled “The Martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal” offers a multimedia dramatization of Rizal’s final moments, with his poem “Mi Último Adiós” inscribed in black granite at the site.

ABOVE: This historic park serves as a tranquil retreat in the heart of the bustling city, attracting families, friends, and tourists who gather to unwind, especially on weekends and holidays.

ABOVE: This historic park serves as a tranquil retreat in the heart of the bustling city, attracting families, friends, and tourists who gather to unwind, especially on weekends and holidays.

The Statue of the Sentinel of Freedom, also known as the Lapu-Lapu Monument, is a tribute from the people of Korea honoring Filipino support during the Korean War. This statue commemorates Lapu-Lapu, the Visayan chieftain who resisted Spanish colonization and is celebrated as a national hero. As of 2024, the statue is undergoing restoration and re-erection as part of the park’s eastern redevelopment.

 

 

The Independence Flagpole, standing at 105 feet (32 meters) and restored to a height of 150 feet (46 meters) in August 2013, marks the location where Philippine independence was proclaimed on July 4, 1946. It symbolizes the nation’s sovereignty and pride.

 

 

Kilometer Zero, located on Roxas Boulevard in front of the Rizal Monument, serves as the reference point for measuring all road distances in the Philippines, underscoring the park’s importance as the geographical center of the nation.

 

 

The Musical Dancing Fountain, known as the largest and most vibrant in the country, presents an impressive show with water jets soaring up to 88 feet, complemented by fireballs, exploding water rockets, and a peacock spray water screen, providing a captivating visual and sensory experience.

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Cultural Center of the Philippines: A Hub of Filipino Arts and Culture

The Cultural Center of the Philippines or CCP was founded in 1966 under the directive of former President Ferdinand Marcos, in order to reinforce and

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Jones Bridge Manila by Mariano Sayno

Jones Bridge: A Legacy of Resilience and Revival in Manila

The newly restored Jones Bridge is easily recognizable by its beautifully designed black lamp posts—the same ones that were there when the bridge was first

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Santa Cruz Church: Where Faith Meets the Pulse of the City

If you’re wandering through the heart of Manila and looking for a place where stories linger and time seems to slow down, Santa Cruz Church

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Manila Golden Mosque: A Cultural and Historical Landmark

Situated in the heart of Quiapo, Manila, the Manila Golden Mosque stands as a magnificent testament to the rich cultural and religious diversity of the

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HERITAGE

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Subic Lighthouse

The Iconic Manila City Hall

The Lighthouse Marina Resort

The National Museum of Anthropology

The Philippine International Convention Center

Tutuban Center

University of Santo Tomas

University of the Philippines Diliman

Venice Grand Canal

Zapote Bridge

CHURCHES
FAITH

Barasoain Church

Binondo Church

Calaca Church

Calumpit Church

La Naval de Manila

Lingayen Cathedral

Malate Church

Manila Abbey

Manila Cathedral

Meycauayan Church

Morong Church

Mount Carmel Shrine

Our Lady of Caysasay Shrine

Padre Pio Chapel

Polo Church

San Agustin Church

San Sebastian Church

Santuario del Sto. Cristo Church

Simborio Chapel

Taal Basilica

Taguig Simborio

Tanauan Church

Feast of the Black Nazarene

Victoneta Chapel

NATURAL & MAN-MADE
ATTRACTIONS

Alligator Lake

Ambuklao Dam

Atimonan Port

Avilon Zoo

Bacolor Church

Baguio Cathedral

Balai Isabel

Balayan Bay

Baluarte de San Diego

Betis Church

Binondo Chinatown

Callao Cave

Camara Island

Capones Island

Carmona Race Track

Carriedo Fountain

CaSoBe

CCLEX Beyond the Bridge

Chong Hock Tong Temple

DEAFinitely Happy Store

Eastwood Mall

Enchanted Kingdom

Feast of Santo Niño de Tondo

Fort San Pedro

Greenbelt Chapel

Greenbelt

Guadalupe Church Ruins

Gunao Lake

Intramuros Golf Club

Kabayan, Benguet

La Mesa Ecopark

Lamon Bay

Lingayen Beach

Lucban Church

Lucban Longganisa

Magat River

Majayjay Church

Manila Bay

The Manila Golden Mosque

Manila Ocean Park

Manila Zoo

March with the Senturyons

Mines View Park

Moriones Festival

Mount Malasimbo

Mount Pulag

Mount Samat National Shrine

Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery

Nasugbu, Batangas

Navotas Centennial Park

Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center

Osmeña Peak

Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine at Fort Santiago

Pabasa ng Pasyon

Paco Park

Pamatawan River

Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta

Plaza Rajah Sulayman

Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz

Pulong Pasig

Pundaquit and San Miguel

Quezon Bridge

Quezon Zigzag Road

Quiapo Church

Rainbow Mosque

San Juan – Pinaglabanan Memorial Shrine

San Narciso Beach

San Narciso Port

Santa Ana de Taguig Church

Santa Cruz Church

Sariaya Church

Seng Guan Temple

Siain Port

Siglo Modern Filipino

Silang Church

Sirena ng Atimonan

St. Joseph Church and the World-Famous Las Piñas Bamboo Organ

Santa Lucia Well

Star City, Pasay

Subic Bay

Subic Spanish Gate

Taal Heritage Town

Taal Lake

Taal Volcano Protected Landscape

Tagaytay City

Taluksangay Mosque

Tangke Saltwater Lagoon

The UP Oblation

Tingloy Island

Tondol Beach

UST Santísimo Rosario Parish

Zamboanga City Hall

Zoobic Safari

FESTIVALS &
EVENTS

Ana Kalang Festival

Antipolo Church

Balacat Festival

Balitok Ti Alicia Festival

Bañamos Festival

Bato Art Festival

Boling-Boling Festival

Buhayani Festival

Burdang Lumban Festival

Candle Festival

Dinagyang Festival

Embracing the Vibrant Timpuyog Festival

Guilingan Festival

Halamanan Festival

Hambujan Festival

Inaul Festival

Itik Festival

Kalivungan Festival

Kesong Puti Festival

Laguna Lake

Lucban Pahiyas Festival

Manaragat Festival

Manggahan Festival

Meguyaya Festival

Panagbenga Festival

Pawikan Festival

Pinya Festival

Sagayan Festival

Sakuting Festival

Sambalilo Festival

Sambuokan Festival

Sigpawan Festival

Sinulog Festival

Tayo na sa Antipolo Maytime Festival

The Vibrant Street Dance of Lucban Pahiyas Festival

Three Kings Festival

Turumba Festival

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Rizal Park, Ermita, Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines