Our economy is booming, our beaches are topping world’s best lists, the
future looks bright—there is no better time to be proud to be Pinoy.
Looking for a meaningful way to commemorate the 115th anniversary of
Philippine independence? Do more this weekend and feel patriotic in
these spots around the metro.
Rizal Park
If your last visit to Rizal Park (AKA
Luneta)
was picnicking on the grounds, buying balloons, and watching the
magnificent Manila Bay sunset as a child, it’s high time for another
visit. As an adult, you’ll be able to fully appreciate the significance
of the Rizal Monument honoring national hero Jose Rizal, whose execution
in 1896 sparked the revolution against Spanish colonizers that led to
the freedom we enjoy today.
Across the
Rizal Monument,
you’ll find the Kilometer Zero marker, from which all road distances in
the Philippines are measured. Oh, and for cheap thrills, there’s now a
Musical Dancing Fountain! This month, cool events are scheduled at Rizal
Park for a dose of history, culture, and fun, rolled into one. “There
will be a labyrinth made of chalk [Walking Labyrinth at the Kanlungan ng
Sining], an eco light exhibit, classical concerts, and I might hold a
Luneta Walk,” tips irreverent tour guide
Carlos Celdran.
Other events include: free Tagalog
movies, a job fair, OPM concerts and folk dances, a traditional
Philippine Bazaar (at the Burnham Green, in front of the Grandstand),
and an art exhibit entitled Botong Francisco at Lucio San Pedro:
Sentenaryo at the art gallery, at the Kanlungan ng Sining, Rizal Park
from June 7-14, 2013. These are all public service projects of the
National Parks Development Committee. Rizal Park is located along Roxas
Boulevard, Manila.
Corregidor
Up for some adventure?
Take a short ferry ride from Manila Bay to Corregidor Island, which was
once heavily fortified to defend the City of Manila from attacks by
enemy warships, especially during World War II. Join a day tour or
explore the island on your own. Here, history buffs will be fascinated
with war relics such as guns and mortars, as well as incredibly
Instagrammable ruins (watch your step!). Visit the Malinta Tunnel (and
get an instant history lesson via the light and sound show), the
Filipino Heroes Memorial (featuring murals depicting battles dating back
to the 15th century), the Japanese Garden of Peace, and the Pacific War
Memorial, honoring Filipino and American soldiers who perished in World
War II.
If you’re tired of information overload, enjoy activities
like riding ATVs, ziplining, hiking, and birdwatching. Want to hang
around and trade ghost stories all night? Check in at Corregidor Inn or
Hostel, then wake at the break of dawn and head to the island’s tailside
to view the sunrise. For tour information, visit
www.corregidorphilippines.com.
Museum-hopping
Brush up on your art history at the stately, newly-rehabilitated National Museum (next to Rizal Park), where you will be blown away by works of our national artists, including the world-famous Spoliarium by 19th century master Juan Luna. Visit the Metropolitan Museum
for Philippine contemporary art. (In a previous exhibit, we even
spotted the cartoon drawings of Jose Rizal, bringing to life his fables
such as “Matsing at Pagong”—revealing yet another side to this ultimate
Renaissance man.) If you’re a mallrat, drop by the Ayala Museum
at the heart of the commercial center in Makati, where you will find
dioramas and an exhibit featuring the ancient gold jewelry of the
Philippines. P.S. Most museums are closed on Mondays and national
holidays (including Independence Day, oops), so it’s best to check their
websites before planning a visit.
Aguinaldo Shrine
Take a little field
trip to the Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite, where the independence
of the Philippines from Spain was declared on June 12, 1898. This is the
ancestral home of General Emilio Aguinaldo, the first
president of the Republic of the Philippines, and today, houses a museum
on the ground floor for Aguinaldo’s memorabilia and historical
artifacts, though some will probably be more interested in the secret
passages! Paula Peralejo-Fernandez,
an avid traveler and blogger shares that this would be her top place to
celebrate Independence Day. “It’s well-kept, only a short distance from
Manila, and that window from where independence was proclaimed gives me
the goosebumps!”
Located along Tirona Highway. The house and museum are open Tuesday to Sunday, 8 AM to 4 PM.
Paco Park
Beyond
the walled city, pay a visit to the nearby Paco Park along General Luna
St. (Open Monday to Sunday, except Wednesday, from 8 AM to 5 PM.) This
national park and chapel oozes with romantic and ever so slightly
macabre colonial charm—after all, it was originally intended as a
cemetery for aristocratic Spanish families. The park is a popular place
for a lovely promenade, and is the final resting place of the
GomBurZa Filipino priest martyrs who fought for freedom from 330 years of Spanish rule, and also where Rizal was originally interred.
If you are old enough, you may remember that this is where they would hold the televised “
Paco Park Presents”
classical
concert series, and free concerts are still held here every Friday at 6
PM. Famished? Cross the street to My Kitchen by Chef Chris over at
Oasis Paco Park Hotel for delicious Italian fare.
Intramuros
Spend the day in the walled city of Manila, where the cobblestone
streets and capiz windows hark bark to a bygone era. Marvel at the
majesty of the
San Agustin Church (a World Heritage
site), enjoy the charm and serenity of Father Blanco’s garden, take a
peek at how the Philippine elite lived at Casa Manila, dine at classic
restaurants like Ilustrado, and pick up iconic and/or kitschy souvenirs
at La Monja Loca at the Plaza San Luis. For guided tours, Carlos Celdran
has been “changing the way you look at Manila” for years, but if you
don’t want to walk his way, he lists some great recommendations on his
website (yes, he knows how to share).Read about a reenactment for the
Battle for the Liberation of Manila
here.
credit to:
YAHOO! SHE
