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Rizal Park

Rizal Park (Filipino: Liwasang Rizal, Spanish: Parque Rizal), also known as Luneta Park or simply Luneta, is a historic urban park located in Ermita, Manila. It is considered one of the largest urban parks in the Philippines, covering an area of 58 hectares (140 acres). The site on where the park is situated was originally known as Bagumbayan during the Spanish colonial period. It is adjacent to the historic Walled City of Intramuros.

Rizal Park
Luneta Park
Liwasang Rizal
The Rizal Monument in Rizal Park with Torre de Manila in the background, 2018
TypeUrban park
LocationErmita, Manila
Coordinates14°34′57″N 120°58′42″E / 14.58250°N 120.97833°E / 14.58250; 120.97833Coordinates: 14°34′57″N 120°58′42″E / 14.58250°N 120.97833°E / 14.58250; 120.97833
Area58 hectares (140 acres)
Created1820
Administered byNational Parks Development Committee
Plants3,497 trees (2015)
Species112 tree species (2015)
Public transit access United Nations
Websiterizal.npdc.gov.ph

Situated on the eastern shore of Manila Bay, the park plays a significant role in shaping the history of the Philippines. The execution of Filipino patriot José Rizal on December 30, 1896 in the same area fanned the flames of the 1896 Philippine Revolution against the Kingdom of Spain. The park was officially named in his honor, and the monument enshrining his remains serves as the park's symbolic focal point. The declaration of Philippine independence from the United States was held here on July 4, 1946, as well as later political rallies, including those of Ferdinand Marcos and Corazon Aquino, the latter having culminated in the EDSA Revolution in 1986.[citation needed]

History

Spanish colonial period

 
The execution of José Rizal on December 30, 1896

Rizal Park's history began in 1820 when the Paseo de Luneta was completed just south of the walls of Manila on a marshy patch of land next to the beach during the Spanish rule. Prior to the park, the marshy land was the location of a small town called Nuevo Barrio ("New Town" or Bagumbayan in Tagalog) that dates back to 1601. The town and its churches, being close to the walled city, were strategically used as cover by the British during their attack. The Spanish authorities anticipated the danger posed by the settlements that immediately surrounded Intramuros in terms of external attacks, yet Church officials advocated for these villages to remain. Because of the part they played during the British Invasion, they were cleared after the short rule of the British from 1762 to 1764.[1] The church of Bagumbayan originally enshrined the Black Nazarene. Because of the order to destroy the village and its church, the image was then transferred to San Nicolas de Tolentino inside Intramuros, with a copy then translated to Quiapo Church. This has since been commemorated by the Traslación of the relic every January 9, which is more commonly known as the Feast of the Black Nazarene. This is why the processions of 9/11 January 9 have begun there in the park beginning in 2007.[2] After the clearing of the Bagumbayan settlement, the area later became known as Bagumbayan Field where the Cuartel la Luneta (Luneta Barracks), a Spanish Military Hospital (which was destroyed by one of the earthquakes of Manila), and a moat-surrounded outwork of the walled city of Manila, known as the Luneta (lunette) because of its crescent shape.[3][4]

West of Bagumbayan Field was the Paseo de la Luneta (Plaza of the Lunette) named after the fortification, not because of the shape of the plaza which was a long 100-by-300-meter (330 ft × 980 ft) rectangle ended by two semicircles. It was also named Paseo de Alfonso XII (Plaza of Alfonso XII), after Alfonso XII, King of Spain during his reign from 1874 to 1885.[5] Paseo de la Luneta was the center of social activity for the people of Manila in the early evening hours. This plaza was arranged with paths and lawns and surrounded by a wide driveway called "La Calzada" (The Road) where carriages circulate.[3][4]

During the Spanish period from 1823 to 1897 most especially in the latter part, the place became notorious for public executions. A total of 158 political enemies of Spain were executed in the park.[4] On February 17, 1872, three Filipino priests, Mariano Gomez, José Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora, collectively known as Gomburza, were executed by garrote, accused of subversion arising from the 1872 Cavite mutiny.[6]

American colonial period

 
The Paseo de Luneta, around 1920s (The Rizal Monument was already present)
 
Military review on Luneta (lower right), 1931

It was during the American colonial period in the Philippines, when the Rizal Park's main landmark, the Rizal Monument was built. On September 28, 1901, the United States Philippine Commission approved Act No. 243, which would erect a monument in Luneta to commemorate the memory of José Rizal, Filipino patriot, writer and poet.[7] The shrine was inaugurated on December 30, 1913, coinciding with Rizal's 17th death anniversary.[8]

The park, particularly the area that was then called Wallace Field, was also chosen as the site of a national government center by Daniel Burnham, architect and city planner, who was commissioned by William Howard Taft to do the city plan of Manila in 1902.[9] According to Burnham's plan, government buildings to be built in the park will have Neo-classical edifices with Greco-Roman columns. A large Capitol building, which was envisioned to be the Philippine version of the United States Capitol, was to become its core. It was to be surrounded by other government buildings, but only two of those buildings were built around Agrifina Circle, facing each other. They are the Department of Agriculture (now the National Museum of Anthropology) and the Department of Finance (later became the Department of Tourism and now the National Museum of Natural History). These two buildings were completed before the Second World War.[10] The park was also intended to become a Philippine version of the National Mall in Washington, D.C., with the planned building of the government offices.

The site also served as a venue of the Manila Carnival and various expositions prior to the outbreak of World War II.[11]

Post-Commonwealth era

Proclamation of independence at Rizal Park

In August 1954, President Ramon Magsaysay created the Jose Rizal National Centennial Commission to organize and manage the celebrations for the centennial of José Rizal's birth.[12] Its plans include building a grand monument of José Rizal and the Rizal Memorial Cultural Center that would contain a national theater, a national museum, and a national library at the Luneta.[13] The site was declared a national park on December 19, 1955, by virtue of Proclamation No. 234 signed by President Magsaysay.[14] The Luneta National Park spans an area of approximately 16.24 hectares (40.1 acres) covering the area surrounding the Rizal Monument. The Commission of Parks and Wildlife (now Biodiversity Management Bureau) managed the site upon its establishment as a protected area.

In 1957, President Carlos P. Garcia issued Proclamation No. 470 transferring the administration of the national park to the Jose Rizal National Centennial Commission.[15] In 1961, in commemoration of Rizal's birth centennial, the National Library was inaugurated at the park.[13] Its management was then handed over to the National Parks Development Committee, an attached agency of the Department of Tourism, created in 1963 by President Diosdado Macapagal.[16][17]

In 1967, the Luneta National Park was renamed to Rizal Park with the signing of Proclamation No. 299 by President Ferdinand Marcos.[18] Through donations by the Taiwanese and Japanese governments, the Chinese and Japanese Gardens were set up during Marcos' administration. The Rizal Park under NPDC executive director Teodoro Valencia was expanded. Valencia introduced the "Concert at the Park" event series during his management.[11]

On June 12, 1998, the park hosted many festivities which capped the 1998 Philippine Centennial, the event commemorating a hundred years since the Declaration of Independence from Spain and the establishment of the First Philippine Republic. The celebrations were led by then President Fidel V. Ramos.[19]

Contemporary history

 
Rizal Park in 2022.

Rizal Park was renovated by the National Parks Development Committee in 2011. The German-Filipino William Schaare, who built the old musical dancing fountain at the 40 m × 100 m (130 ft × 330 ft) pool in the 1960s, handled its restoration. Among the other things that were restored were the Flower Clock (now known as the World-Class Filipino Bloom), the Noli Me Tangere Garden and the Luzviminda Boardwalk, which were opened just in time for the 150th birthday celebration of Jose Rizal.[20]

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Rizal Park was temporarily closed to the public in March 2020.[21] The COVID-19 community quarantine measures allowed the NDPC to rehabilitate the park. Select sites within the park were later opened.[11] The Manila COVID-19 Field Hospital was also built in the park's Burnham Green, as a temporary facility.[22][23]

Notable events

 
Aerial shot of the Rizal Park during Pope Francis' concluding mass

Recurring events

 
119th Rizal Day commemorations
  • Monthly Flag-Raising Ceremony held every first Monday of the month at the Independence Flagpole for public – started October 2019
  • The annual Independence Day (June 12), Rizal Day (December 30) and New Year's Eve (December 31) celebrations are held at the park
  • The park was the traditional end of the Marlboro Tour (now known as the Tour de Filipinas), the national road bicycle racing event every April or May. Recently, the tour has ended in Baguio
  • The park is also the host of the National Milo Marathon
  • Presidential inaugurations are usually held in the park every June 30, six years starting from 1992

Management

Rizal Park is managed, developed, and administered by the National Parks Development Committee.

Park layout

 
Panorama of the park along Roxas Boulevard

The park is divided into three sections:

Northeastern Section: This 16-hectare (40-acre) section is designated as the National Museum Complex which includes the Agrifina Circle, and where the National Museum of Natural History and the National Museum of Anthropology are located.

Central Section: Located south of Maria Orosa Street is the 22-hectare (54-acre) park proper that extends down up to Roxas Boulevard. This is where the Rizal Monument and several attractions such as the Open-Air Auditorium, Independence Flagpole, Central Musical and Dancing Fountain are located.

Southwestern Section: Includes the Burnham Green, a 10-hectare (25-acre) open field, the Quirino Grandstand and the Manila Ocean Park along Manila Bay.

 
Jose Rizal's Monument in Luneta

Gardens

 
Inside the Chinese Garden
 
The Orchidarium
  • Children's Playground, the section of the park built for kids, is located at the southeastern corner of the Rizal Park. The playground was also renovated in 2011.[20]
  • Chinese Garden. An ornate Chinese-style gate, carved with swirling dragons, leads you into this whimsical garden which looks like it has been transported from old Peking. Along the lagoon constructed to simulate a small lake, are pagodas and gazebos that are set off by red pillars and green-tiled roofs and decorated with a profusion of mythical figures.
  • Japanese Garden. The gardens were built to promote friendship between Japan and the Philippines. Inside is nice place for pleasant walks around the Japanese style gardens, lagoon and bridge.
  • Noli me Tangere Garden, recently unveiled, It features the Heidelberg fountain where Rizal used to drink from when he was staying in Germany. It was donated as a symbol of Filipino-German friendship, The bust of Ferdinand Blumentritt can be found at the garden.
  • Orchidarium and Butterfly Pavilion, established in 1994, was a former parking lot developed into a one-hectare rainforest-like park. The Orchidarium showcases Philippines' rich collection of orchid species and butterflies. The pavilion is a favorite venue for weddings.

Event venues

 
The Open-Air Auditorium
  • Open-Air Auditorium, designed by national artist for architecture, Leandro Locsin, features performances provided for free to the general public by the National Parks Development Committee, Department of Tourism and People's Television. Free entertainment is also provided elsewhere in the park.[25] Featured shows are a mix of performances from dance, theatre, to musical performances by local and foreign artists. This is also the venue for the Cinema in the Open-Air, which provides free showing of critically acclaimed films.
  • Quirino Grandstand, Originally called grand Independence Grandstand. It was designed by architect Juan M. Arellano, in preparation for the proclamation of Independence on July 4, 1946, and to avoid overcrowding in front of the Legislative Building during the inauguration of the Third Philippine Republic. It was designed in Neoclassical style. However, in 1949 Federico Illustre, chief architect at the Bureau of Public Works, modify the some designs of Arellano. It was completed on the reclaimed area along Manila Bay where President Elpidio Quirino was sworn in after winning the presidential election. Since then, newly elected Presidents of the Philippines traditionally take their oath of office and deliver their inaugural address to the nation in the grandstand, which was later renamed after President Quirino. Many important political, cultural and religious events in the post-war era have been held here.
  • Parade grounds and the Burnham Green, Parade grounds is a popular venue for fun run, races, motorcades and parades. The Burnham Green, named after American architect Daniel Burnham is a large open space in front of the Quirino grandstand, Designed to accommodate large crowd gatherings at the park, It also serves as picnic grounds and venue for different sports activities. The Narra tree planted by Pope Paul VI and the bronze statue of San Lorenzo Ruiz that was given by Pope John Paul II can be found in this area.
  • Valor's Hall/Bulwagan ng Kagitingan, situated at the light and sound complex, Its artistic landscape and design made it one of the top-pick venues for event and cocktail receptions.

Educational establishments

Artworks and monuments

Rizal Monument

 
Rizal Monument

The bronze-and-granite Rizal monument is among the most famous sculptural landmarks in the country. It is almost protocol for visiting dignitaries to lay a wreath at the monument. Located on the monument is not merely the statue of Rizal, but also his remains.[26]

On September 28, 1901, the United States Philippine Commission approved Act No. 243, which would erect a monument in Luneta to commemorate the memory of José Rizal, Filipino patriot, writer and poet.[7] The committee formed by the act held an international design competition between 1905 and 1907 and invited sculptors from Europe and the United States to submit entries with an estimated cost of ₱100,000 using local materials.[27]

The first-prize winner was Carlos Nicoli of Carrara, Italy for his scaled plaster model titled "Al Martir de Bagumbayan" (To the Martyr of Bagumbayan), besting 40 other accepted entries. The contract though, was awarded to second-placer Swiss sculptor named Richard Kissling for his "Motto Stella" (Guiding Star).

After more than twelve years of its approval, the shrine was finally unveiled on December 30, 1913, during Rizal's 17th death anniversary. His poem Mi último adiós ("My Last Farewell") is inscribed on the memorial plaque. The site is continuously guarded by ceremonial soldiers of Philippine Marine Corps’ Marine Security and Escort Group[8]

Others

 
Flower Clock
  • Artist's Haven/Kanlungan ng Sining. A site of artistic and natural artworks, It houses the gallery run by the Arts Association of the Philippines (AAP), in collaboration with the NDPC.
  • Artworks in the Park. The Rizal park features different artworks of some renowned Filipino artists:
  • Dancing Rings. A replica of Joe Datuin's Dancing Rings, The original sculpture is the Grand Prize winner of the 2008 International Olympic Committee Sports and Arts Contest in Lausanne, Switzerland.
  • The New Filipino/Ang Bagong Pinoy. A sculpture by Joe Dautin, It features intertwined rings resemble a human figure that represents a new Filipino.
  • Ang Pagbabago (The Change) Mosaic Murals. It represents the Filipino ideals of peace, love, unity and prosperity. It serves as a call to national renewal and change.
  • Diorama of Rizal's Martyrdom. On an area north of Rizal monument stands a set of statues depicting Rizal's execution, situated on the spot where he was actually martyred, contrary to popular belief that the monument is the spot where he was executed. In the evenings, a light & sound presentation titled "The Martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal" features a multimedia dramatization of the last poignant minutes of the life of the Filipino patriot. Rizal's poem Mi Ultimo Adios, engraved in black granite, can also be found here.[28]
  • Filipino-Korean Soldier Monument. This monument of two Filipino soldiers aiding a Korean soldier is dedicated to the Filipino combat soldiers who fought with the Korean troops during the Korean War.[29]
  • Soul waves. It represents sea waves as a tribute to Filipino who died during the World War II, It is placed in the park by Korea, as a sign of mutual respect.
  • The Flower Clock. It features a clock on a flower bed. A feature of the park since the 1960s, it was restored in 2011. The clock's hand was sculpted by Filipino artist Jose Datuin.
  • The Gallery of Heroes. This is a row of bust sculpture monuments of historical Philippine Heroes. There are 2 rows on both sides of the Central Lagoon, one row on the North Promenade and another row on the South Promenade
  • Relief map of the Philippines. This is a giant raised-relief map of the country, including the Scarborough Shoal, Kalayaan, and eastern part of Sabah, in the middle of a small man-made lake.
  • Statue of the Sentinel of Freedom (or the Lapu-Lapu Monument). The monument was a gift from the people of Korea as appreciation and to honor the memory of freedom-loving Filipinos who helped during the Korean War in the early 1950s (as inscribed in the plaque). Lapu-Lapu was a native Visayan chieftain in Mactan, Cebu and representative of the Sultan of Sulu, and is now known as the first native of the archipelago to resist Spanish colonization. He is retroactively regarded as the first hero of the Philippines. On the morning of April 27, 1521, Lapu-Lapu and the men of Mactan, armed with spears and kampilan, faced Spanish soldiers led by Portuguese captain Ferdinand Magellan in what would later be known as the Battle of Mactan. Magellan and several of his men were killed.

Former

 
La Madre Filipina sculpture in Rizal Park before it was transferred back to Jones Bridge
  • La Madre Filipina. The sculpture was transferred back to its original site in Jones Bridge in November 2019 after 73 years of staying at the Park. Its plinths were reconstructed using the original neoclassic design during the 2019 redevelopment of the bridge.

Other features

  • Independence Flagpole, standing at 105 feet (32 m), is the highest flagpole in the Philippines. On this spot in front of Rizal Monument, at 9:15 am July 4, 1946, the full independence of the Republic of the Philippines was proclaimed as authorized by the United States President Harry S. Truman. As of August 2013, the flagpole was restored and increased its height to 150 feet (46 m). The government is expected to spend 7.8 million, in preparation for the centennial of Rizal Monument[30]
  • Kilometer Zero is located within the Park on Roxas Boulevard, in front of the Rizal Monument. It serves as the point from which all road distances from Manila are measured.[31]
  • Musical Dancing Fountain. Deemed as the biggest and most vibrant dancing fountain in the country, the central lagoon present a show with waters soaring up to 88 feet, fireballs, exploding water rockets and peacock spray water screen.

Flora

 
Pink Bougainvillea in Rizal Park

According to the inventory made by the National Parks Development Committee, there are 3,497 trees in Rizal Park belonging to 112 species as of 2015. 527 of the individual trees are narra.[32]

Security

In 2012, 30 high-definition closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras were installed to make the area safer for local and foreign tourists.[33] The National Parks Development Committee have stationed police and security officers in the key places in the park for added security.[20]

In popular culture

Rizal Parks elsewhere

Like Rizal Avenues, most Philippine towns and cities have a Rizal Park (or a Plaza Rizal), usually its central square. This is also where its Rizal monument is located. Seattle also has its own Rizal Park. Additionally, a statue and monument of Jose Rizal was erected in Luneta Park, located along Rizal Ave in the city of Markham, ON Canada in 2019.

See also

References

  1. ^ Joaquin, Nick (1990). Manila My Manila. Manila: The City of Manila.
  2. ^ . InterAksyon.com. Archived from the original on November 4, 2016. Retrieved November 3, 2016.
  3. ^ a b (1911–12). "The Century Magazine", p.237-249. The Century Co., NY, 1912.
  4. ^ a b c "History – Spanish Period" September 7, 2012, at the Wayback Machine. Rizal Park. Retrieved on October 7, 2011.
  5. ^ "Manila and suburbs, 1898". The University of Texas in Austin Library. Retrieved on October 7, 2011.
  6. ^ Jernegan, Prescott Ford (1995). "A Short History of the Philippines", p.252. New York: D. Appleton and Company.
  7. ^ a b Division of Insular Affairs, War Department (1901). "Public Laws and Resolutions Passed by the United States Philippine Commission", p.689. Washington: Government Printing Office.
  8. ^ a b "Vatican City can fit in Rizal Park". January 2012.
  9. ^ . www.visitmyphilippines.com. Archived from the original on November 5, 2011.
  10. ^ Torres, Cristina Evangelista (2014). "The Americanization of Manila, 1898 – 1921", p.169. Quezon City: University of the Philippines Press.
  11. ^ a b c Enriquez, Marge (July 19, 2021). "Pandemic 'silver lining': The revival of Rizal Park". Inquirer Lifestyle. Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved August 31, 2021.
  12. ^ "Executive Order No. 52, s. 1954". Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines. Retrieved February 15, 2017.
  13. ^ a b "The Centenary of the Rizal Monument". Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines. Retrieved February 15, 2017.
  14. ^ "Proclamation No. 234, s.1955". Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines. Retrieved July 10, 2014.
  15. ^ "Proclamation No. 470, s. 1957". Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines. Retrieved February 15, 2017.
  16. ^ "Executive Order No. 30, s. 1963". Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines. Retrieved February 15, 2017.
  17. ^ . National Parks Development Committee. Archived from the original on July 14, 2014. Retrieved July 10, 2014.
  18. ^ "Proclamation No. 299, s. 1967". Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines. Retrieved February 15, 2017.
  19. ^ Alcazaren, Paolo (July 10, 2010). "Grandstands and great public places". Philstar. Retrieved on February 28, 2011.
  20. ^ a b c Mejia-Acosta, Iris (May 25, 2011). "Luneta Celebrates Rizal's 150th Birthday with a Fresh Look". Pinay Ads.
  21. ^ "Rizal Park, Intramuros sites temporarily closed amid COVID-19 spread". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved March 16, 2020.
  22. ^ "City of Manila begins construction of COVID-19 field hospital at Luneta Park". CNN Philippines. April 21, 2021.
  23. ^ "Manila completes construction of COVID-19 Field Hospital ahead of schedule". INQUIRER.net. June 15, 2021.
  24. ^ Hegina, Aries Joseph (January 18, 2015). "MMDA: 6M Filipinos attended Pope Francis' Luneta Mass, papal route". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved January 19, 2015.
  25. ^ "Events" November 1, 2012, at the Wayback Machine. Rizal Park – NPDC. Retrieved on March 21, 2013.
  26. ^ Vicente, Rafael L. (2005). "The Promise of the Foreign Nationalism and the Technics of Translation in the Spanish Philippines", p. 36. Duke University Press.
  27. ^ (1905–06). "Proposed Monuments and Monuments News", p.40. Granite, Marble and Bronze Magazine Vol. 15.
  28. ^ "The Martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal" November 30, 2011, at the Wayback Machine. Rizal Park – NPDC. Retrieved on October 8, 2011.
  29. ^ The Rizal Park 2012 brochure. Department of Tourism.
  30. ^ "Is P7.8-M Nat’l Flagpole overpriced?".
  31. ^ Maranga, Mark Anthony (2010). "Kilometer Zero: Distance Reference of Manila". Philippines Travel Guide. Retrieved on February 28, 2011.
  32. ^ Teves, Catherine (August 16, 2019). "NPDC to revive Rizal Park with more indigenous trees". Philippine News Agency. Retrieved August 16, 2019.
  33. ^ "CCTV cameras seen to make Manila's Luneta Park safer". Yahoo! Philippines. Retrieved February 24, 2013.
  34. ^ Bloom, Mike (December 8, 2020). "The Amazing Race 32 Reveals a New Twist! Check Out an Exclusive Clip of This Week's Episode". Parade. Retrieved December 8, 2020.
  35. ^ Otakultura.com (2011). "Malaya Map Revealed!" October 3, 2011, at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved on September 1, 2011.
  36. ^ תעצרו הכל! האם הזוג האהוב במירוץ יעזוב אותנו מוקדם מידי? המירוץ למיליון אולסטארס - פרק הדחה. רביעי בערוץ 13. Facebook (in Hebrew). September 8, 2020. Retrieved September 10, 2020.

External links

  • Photos from Flickr
  • Photos of Luneta

rizal, park, this, article, about, park, located, manila, park, located, seattle, with, same, name, seattle, park, located, wilhelmsfeld, germany, with, same, name, wilhelmsfeld, filipino, liwasang, rizal, spanish, parque, rizal, also, known, luneta, park, sim. This article is about the park located in Manila For the park located in Seattle with the same name see Rizal Park Seattle For the park located in Wilhelmsfeld Germany with the same name see Wilhelmsfeld Rizal Park Filipino Liwasang Rizal Spanish Parque Rizal also known as Luneta Park or simply Luneta is a historic urban park located in Ermita Manila It is considered one of the largest urban parks in the Philippines covering an area of 58 hectares 140 acres The site on where the park is situated was originally known as Bagumbayan during the Spanish colonial period It is adjacent to the historic Walled City of Intramuros Rizal ParkLuneta ParkLiwasang RizalThe Rizal Monument in Rizal Park with Torre de Manila in the background 2018TypeUrban parkLocationErmita ManilaCoordinates14 34 57 N 120 58 42 E 14 58250 N 120 97833 E 14 58250 120 97833 Coordinates 14 34 57 N 120 58 42 E 14 58250 N 120 97833 E 14 58250 120 97833Area58 hectares 140 acres Created1820Administered byNational Parks Development CommitteePlants3 497 trees 2015 Species112 tree species 2015 Public transit accessUnited NationsWebsiterizal wbr npdc wbr gov wbr phSituated on the eastern shore of Manila Bay the park plays a significant role in shaping the history of the Philippines The execution of Filipino patriot Jose Rizal on December 30 1896 in the same area fanned the flames of the 1896 Philippine Revolution against the Kingdom of Spain The park was officially named in his honor and the monument enshrining his remains serves as the park s symbolic focal point The declaration of Philippine independence from the United States was held here on July 4 1946 as well as later political rallies including those of Ferdinand Marcos and Corazon Aquino the latter having culminated in the EDSA Revolution in 1986 citation needed Contents 1 History 1 1 Spanish colonial period 1 2 American colonial period 1 3 Post Commonwealth era 1 4 Contemporary history 2 Notable events 2 1 Recurring events 3 Management 4 Park layout 4 1 Gardens 4 2 Event venues 4 3 Educational establishments 4 4 Artworks and monuments 4 4 1 Rizal Monument 4 4 2 Others 4 4 3 Former 4 5 Other features 5 Flora 6 Security 7 In popular culture 8 Rizal Parks elsewhere 9 See also 10 References 11 External linksHistory EditSpanish colonial period Edit The execution of Jose Rizal on December 30 1896 Rizal Park s history began in 1820 when the Paseo de Luneta was completed just south of the walls of Manila on a marshy patch of land next to the beach during the Spanish rule Prior to the park the marshy land was the location of a small town called Nuevo Barrio New Town or Bagumbayan in Tagalog that dates back to 1601 The town and its churches being close to the walled city were strategically used as cover by the British during their attack The Spanish authorities anticipated the danger posed by the settlements that immediately surrounded Intramuros in terms of external attacks yet Church officials advocated for these villages to remain Because of the part they played during the British Invasion they were cleared after the short rule of the British from 1762 to 1764 1 The church of Bagumbayan originally enshrined the Black Nazarene Because of the order to destroy the village and its church the image was then transferred to San Nicolas de Tolentino inside Intramuros with a copy then translated to Quiapo Church This has since been commemorated by the Traslacion of the relic every January 9 which is more commonly known as the Feast of the Black Nazarene This is why the processions of 9 11 January 9 have begun there in the park beginning in 2007 2 After the clearing of the Bagumbayan settlement the area later became known as Bagumbayan Field where the Cuartel la Luneta Luneta Barracks a Spanish Military Hospital which was destroyed by one of the earthquakes of Manila and a moat surrounded outwork of the walled city of Manila known as the Luneta lunette because of its crescent shape 3 4 West of Bagumbayan Field was the Paseo de la Luneta Plaza of the Lunette named after the fortification not because of the shape of the plaza which was a long 100 by 300 meter 330 ft 980 ft rectangle ended by two semicircles It was also named Paseo de Alfonso XII Plaza of Alfonso XII after Alfonso XII King of Spain during his reign from 1874 to 1885 5 Paseo de la Luneta was the center of social activity for the people of Manila in the early evening hours This plaza was arranged with paths and lawns and surrounded by a wide driveway called La Calzada The Road where carriages circulate 3 4 During the Spanish period from 1823 to 1897 most especially in the latter part the place became notorious for public executions A total of 158 political enemies of Spain were executed in the park 4 On February 17 1872 three Filipino priests Mariano Gomez Jose Burgos and Jacinto Zamora collectively known as Gomburza were executed by garrote accused of subversion arising from the 1872 Cavite mutiny 6 American colonial period Edit The Paseo de Luneta around 1920s The Rizal Monument was already present Military review on Luneta lower right 1931 It was during the American colonial period in the Philippines when the Rizal Park s main landmark the Rizal Monument was built On September 28 1901 the United States Philippine Commission approved Act No 243 which would erect a monument in Luneta to commemorate the memory of Jose Rizal Filipino patriot writer and poet 7 The shrine was inaugurated on December 30 1913 coinciding with Rizal s 17th death anniversary 8 The park particularly the area that was then called Wallace Field was also chosen as the site of a national government center by Daniel Burnham architect and city planner who was commissioned by William Howard Taft to do the city plan of Manila in 1902 9 According to Burnham s plan government buildings to be built in the park will have Neo classical edifices with Greco Roman columns A large Capitol building which was envisioned to be the Philippine version of the United States Capitol was to become its core It was to be surrounded by other government buildings but only two of those buildings were built around Agrifina Circle facing each other They are the Department of Agriculture now the National Museum of Anthropology and the Department of Finance later became the Department of Tourism and now the National Museum of Natural History These two buildings were completed before the Second World War 10 The park was also intended to become a Philippine version of the National Mall in Washington D C with the planned building of the government offices The site also served as a venue of the Manila Carnival and various expositions prior to the outbreak of World War II 11 Post Commonwealth era Edit source source source source source source Proclamation of independence at Rizal Park In August 1954 President Ramon Magsaysay created the Jose Rizal National Centennial Commission to organize and manage the celebrations for the centennial of Jose Rizal s birth 12 Its plans include building a grand monument of Jose Rizal and the Rizal Memorial Cultural Center that would contain a national theater a national museum and a national library at the Luneta 13 The site was declared a national park on December 19 1955 by virtue of Proclamation No 234 signed by President Magsaysay 14 The Luneta National Park spans an area of approximately 16 24 hectares 40 1 acres covering the area surrounding the Rizal Monument The Commission of Parks and Wildlife now Biodiversity Management Bureau managed the site upon its establishment as a protected area In 1957 President Carlos P Garcia issued Proclamation No 470 transferring the administration of the national park to the Jose Rizal National Centennial Commission 15 In 1961 in commemoration of Rizal s birth centennial the National Library was inaugurated at the park 13 Its management was then handed over to the National Parks Development Committee an attached agency of the Department of Tourism created in 1963 by President Diosdado Macapagal 16 17 In 1967 the Luneta National Park was renamed to Rizal Park with the signing of Proclamation No 299 by President Ferdinand Marcos 18 Through donations by the Taiwanese and Japanese governments the Chinese and Japanese Gardens were set up during Marcos administration The Rizal Park under NPDC executive director Teodoro Valencia was expanded Valencia introduced the Concert at the Park event series during his management 11 On June 12 1998 the park hosted many festivities which capped the 1998 Philippine Centennial the event commemorating a hundred years since the Declaration of Independence from Spain and the establishment of the First Philippine Republic The celebrations were led by then President Fidel V Ramos 19 Contemporary history Edit Rizal Park in 2022 Rizal Park was renovated by the National Parks Development Committee in 2011 The German Filipino William Schaare who built the old musical dancing fountain at the 40 m 100 m 130 ft 330 ft pool in the 1960s handled its restoration Among the other things that were restored were the Flower Clock now known as the World Class Filipino Bloom the Noli Me Tangere Garden and the Luzviminda Boardwalk which were opened just in time for the 150th birthday celebration of Jose Rizal 20 Due to the COVID 19 pandemic Rizal Park was temporarily closed to the public in March 2020 21 The COVID 19 community quarantine measures allowed the NDPC to rehabilitate the park Select sites within the park were later opened 11 The Manila COVID 19 Field Hospital was also built in the park s Burnham Green as a temporary facility 22 23 Notable events Edit Aerial shot of the Rizal Park during Pope Francis concluding mass February 18 1981 The Beatification Mass of Saint Lorenzo Ruiz and Companions it is considered the first beatification ceremony ever held outside the Vatican in Church history during the Apostolic visit of Pope John Paul II Various mass protests were held during 1986 as opposition to the rule of Ferdinand Marcos Sr This culminated into the People Power Revolution January 15 1995 The closing Mass of the 10th World Youth Day 1995 was held here attended by more than 10 million people This is the record gathering of the Roman Catholic Church June 12 1998 The Philippine Centennial Celebrations featured a Grand Centennial Parade culminating in a fireworks display emanating from ships in Manila Bay that was the most expensive ever produced in the country at the time Rizal Park had over five million celebrating the one hundredth anniversary of the Philippine Declaration of Independence December 31 1999 January 1 2000 The turn of the century celebration was held here attended by more than 500 000 people October 10 2004 The special episode of SOP for the Kapuso Victory Party It was held and aired on GMA Network November 27 2005 Rizal Park was the venue of the opening ceremony for the 2005 Southeast Asian Games at the Quirino Grandstand It was held at an open air park instead of a stadium a historic first for a Southeast Asian games opening ceremony It was again used on December 5 2005 for the games closing ceremony August 23 2010 The park was the site of the 11 hour hostage crisis where a Hong Thai Travel Services tour group on a coach was hijacked by Rolando Mendoza causing 9 casualties including Mendoza and 9 injuries August 22 26 2013 The Million People March was held in the park and other different locations to protest against the improper use of Priority Development Assistance Fund January 18 2015 The concluding mass of the Papal visit of Pope Francis was held here attended by more than 6 million people making it the largest papal gathering in history 24 Recurring events Edit 119th Rizal Day commemorations Monthly Flag Raising Ceremony held every first Monday of the month at the Independence Flagpole for public started October 2019 The annual Independence Day June 12 Rizal Day December 30 and New Year s Eve December 31 celebrations are held at the park The park was the traditional end of the Marlboro Tour now known as the Tour de Filipinas the national road bicycle racing event every April or May Recently the tour has ended in Baguio The park is also the host of the National Milo Marathon Presidential inaugurations are usually held in the park every June 30 six years starting from 1992Management EditRizal Park is managed developed and administered by the National Parks Development Committee Park layout Edit Panorama of the park along Roxas Boulevard The park is divided into three sections Northeastern Section This 16 hectare 40 acre section is designated as the National Museum Complex which includes the Agrifina Circle and where the National Museum of Natural History and the National Museum of Anthropology are located Central Section Located south of Maria Orosa Street is the 22 hectare 54 acre park proper that extends down up to Roxas Boulevard This is where the Rizal Monument and several attractions such as the Open Air Auditorium Independence Flagpole Central Musical and Dancing Fountain are located Southwestern Section Includes the Burnham Green a 10 hectare 25 acre open field the Quirino Grandstand and the Manila Ocean Park along Manila Bay Jose Rizal s Monument in Luneta Location of buildings in and around Rizal Park NW ESNortheastern sideNorthwestern side Southeastern side National Museum of Anthropology Agrifina Circle and the Sentinel of Freedom National Museum of Natural History Japanese Garden Rizal Monument National Library of the Philippines Intramuros National Historical Commission of the Philippines Manila Hotel Quirino Grandstand Museo Pambata formerly the Manila Elks ClubSouthwestern sideGardens Edit Inside the Chinese Garden The Orchidarium Children s Playground the section of the park built for kids is located at the southeastern corner of the Rizal Park The playground was also renovated in 2011 20 Chinese Garden An ornate Chinese style gate carved with swirling dragons leads you into this whimsical garden which looks like it has been transported from old Peking Along the lagoon constructed to simulate a small lake are pagodas and gazebos that are set off by red pillars and green tiled roofs and decorated with a profusion of mythical figures Japanese Garden The gardens were built to promote friendship between Japan and the Philippines Inside is nice place for pleasant walks around the Japanese style gardens lagoon and bridge Noli me Tangere Garden recently unveiled It features the Heidelberg fountain where Rizal used to drink from when he was staying in Germany It was donated as a symbol of Filipino German friendship The bust of Ferdinand Blumentritt can be found at the garden Orchidarium and Butterfly Pavilion established in 1994 was a former parking lot developed into a one hectare rainforest like park The Orchidarium showcases Philippines rich collection of orchid species and butterflies The pavilion is a favorite venue for weddings Event venues Edit The Open Air Auditorium Open Air Auditorium designed by national artist for architecture Leandro Locsin features performances provided for free to the general public by the National Parks Development Committee Department of Tourism and People s Television Free entertainment is also provided elsewhere in the park 25 Featured shows are a mix of performances from dance theatre to musical performances by local and foreign artists This is also the venue for the Cinema in the Open Air which provides free showing of critically acclaimed films Quirino Grandstand Originally called grand Independence Grandstand It was designed by architect Juan M Arellano in preparation for the proclamation of Independence on July 4 1946 and to avoid overcrowding in front of the Legislative Building during the inauguration of the Third Philippine Republic It was designed in Neoclassical style However in 1949 Federico Illustre chief architect at the Bureau of Public Works modify the some designs of Arellano It was completed on the reclaimed area along Manila Bay where President Elpidio Quirino was sworn in after winning the presidential election Since then newly elected Presidents of the Philippines traditionally take their oath of office and deliver their inaugural address to the nation in the grandstand which was later renamed after President Quirino Many important political cultural and religious events in the post war era have been held here Parade grounds and the Burnham Green Parade grounds is a popular venue for fun run races motorcades and parades The Burnham Green named after American architect Daniel Burnham is a large open space in front of the Quirino grandstand Designed to accommodate large crowd gatherings at the park It also serves as picnic grounds and venue for different sports activities The Narra tree planted by Pope Paul VI and the bronze statue of San Lorenzo Ruiz that was given by Pope John Paul II can be found in this area Valor s Hall Bulwagan ng Kagitingan situated at the light and sound complex Its artistic landscape and design made it one of the top pick venues for event and cocktail receptions Educational establishments Edit National Planetarium National Museum of Natural History National Museum of Natural History National Museum of Anthropology on the building north of Agrifina Circle are the Anthropology and Archeology collections of the National Museum of the Philippines National Library of the Philippines is the country s premier public library The library has a history of its own and its rich Filipiniana collections are maintained by the librarians to preserve the institution as the nations fountain of local knowledge and source of information for thousands of students and everyday users in their research and studies National Museum of Fine Arts located on the northeastern tip of Rizal Park is an art museum of the National Museum of the Philippines Manila Ocean Park is an oceanarium located in the westernmost part of Luneta behind the Quirino Grandstand and along Manila Bay The complex opened on March 1 2008 Artworks and monuments Edit Rizal Monument Edit Rizal Monument Main article Rizal Monument The bronze and granite Rizal monument is among the most famous sculptural landmarks in the country It is almost protocol for visiting dignitaries to lay a wreath at the monument Located on the monument is not merely the statue of Rizal but also his remains 26 On September 28 1901 the United States Philippine Commission approved Act No 243 which would erect a monument in Luneta to commemorate the memory of Jose Rizal Filipino patriot writer and poet 7 The committee formed by the act held an international design competition between 1905 and 1907 and invited sculptors from Europe and the United States to submit entries with an estimated cost of 100 000 using local materials 27 The first prize winner was Carlos Nicoli of Carrara Italy for his scaled plaster model titled Al Martir de Bagumbayan To the Martyr of Bagumbayan besting 40 other accepted entries The contract though was awarded to second placer Swiss sculptor named Richard Kissling for his Motto Stella Guiding Star After more than twelve years of its approval the shrine was finally unveiled on December 30 1913 during Rizal s 17th death anniversary His poem Mi ultimo adios My Last Farewell is inscribed on the memorial plaque The site is continuously guarded by ceremonial soldiers of Philippine Marine Corps Marine Security and Escort Group 8 Others Edit Flower Clock Artist s Haven Kanlungan ng Sining A site of artistic and natural artworks It houses the gallery run by the Arts Association of the Philippines AAP in collaboration with the NDPC Artworks in the Park The Rizal park features different artworks of some renowned Filipino artists Dancing Rings A replica of Joe Datuin s Dancing Rings The original sculpture is the Grand Prize winner of the 2008 International Olympic Committee Sports and Arts Contest in Lausanne Switzerland The New Filipino Ang Bagong Pinoy A sculpture by Joe Dautin It features intertwined rings resemble a human figure that represents a new Filipino Ang Pagbabago The Change Mosaic Murals It represents the Filipino ideals of peace love unity and prosperity It serves as a call to national renewal and change Diorama of Rizal s Martyrdom On an area north of Rizal monument stands a set of statues depicting Rizal s execution situated on the spot where he was actually martyred contrary to popular belief that the monument is the spot where he was executed In the evenings a light amp sound presentation titled The Martyrdom of Dr Jose Rizal features a multimedia dramatization of the last poignant minutes of the life of the Filipino patriot Rizal s poem Mi Ultimo Adios engraved in black granite can also be found here 28 Filipino Korean Soldier Monument This monument of two Filipino soldiers aiding a Korean soldier is dedicated to the Filipino combat soldiers who fought with the Korean troops during the Korean War 29 Soul waves It represents sea waves as a tribute to Filipino who died during the World War II It is placed in the park by Korea as a sign of mutual respect The Flower Clock It features a clock on a flower bed A feature of the park since the 1960s it was restored in 2011 The clock s hand was sculpted by Filipino artist Jose Datuin The Gallery of Heroes This is a row of bust sculpture monuments of historical Philippine Heroes There are 2 rows on both sides of the Central Lagoon one row on the North Promenade and another row on the South Promenade Relief map of the Philippines This is a giant raised relief map of the country including the Scarborough Shoal Kalayaan and eastern part of Sabah in the middle of a small man made lake Statue of the Sentinel of Freedom or the Lapu Lapu Monument The monument was a gift from the people of Korea as appreciation and to honor the memory of freedom loving Filipinos who helped during the Korean War in the early 1950s as inscribed in the plaque Lapu Lapu was a native Visayan chieftain in Mactan Cebu and representative of the Sultan of Sulu and is now known as the first native of the archipelago to resist Spanish colonization He is retroactively regarded as the first hero of the Philippines On the morning of April 27 1521 Lapu Lapu and the men of Mactan armed with spears and kampilan faced Spanish soldiers led by Portuguese captain Ferdinand Magellan in what would later be known as the Battle of Mactan Magellan and several of his men were killed Former Edit La Madre Filipina sculpture in Rizal Park before it was transferred back to Jones Bridge La Madre Filipina The sculpture was transferred back to its original site in Jones Bridge in November 2019 after 73 years of staying at the Park Its plinths were reconstructed using the original neoclassic design during the 2019 redevelopment of the bridge Other features Edit Independence Flagpole standing at 105 feet 32 m is the highest flagpole in the Philippines On this spot in front of Rizal Monument at 9 15 am July 4 1946 the full independence of the Republic of the Philippines was proclaimed as authorized by the United States President Harry S Truman As of August 2013 the flagpole was restored and increased its height to 150 feet 46 m The government is expected to spend 7 8 million in preparation for the centennial of Rizal Monument 30 Kilometer Zero is located within the Park on Roxas Boulevard in front of the Rizal Monument It serves as the point from which all road distances from Manila are measured 31 Musical Dancing Fountain Deemed as the biggest and most vibrant dancing fountain in the country the central lagoon present a show with waters soaring up to 88 feet fireballs exploding water rockets and peacock spray water screen Independence Flagpole Kilometer Zero Musical Dancing FountainFlora Edit Pink Bougainvillea in Rizal Park According to the inventory made by the National Parks Development Committee there are 3 497 trees in Rizal Park belonging to 112 species as of 2015 527 of the individual trees are narra 32 Security EditIn 2012 30 high definition closed circuit television CCTV cameras were installed to make the area safer for local and foreign tourists 33 The National Parks Development Committee have stationed police and security officers in the key places in the park for added security 20 In popular culture EditThe Amazing Race 5 the fifth installment of the American reality television show The Amazing Race featured the Rizal Monument at the start of Leg 12 The park was revisited again 27 installments later on The Amazing Race 32 with Lapu Lapu Circle serving as the starting and finishing point of the tenth leg 34 The Port Malaya patch in Ragnarok Online a massively multiplayer online role playing game MMOPPG features a replica of the Rizal Monument as one of the town s attractions 35 HaMerotz LaMillion 8 the eighth installment of the Israeli version of The Amazing Race concluded at Rizal Park 36 Rizal Parks elsewhere EditLike Rizal Avenues most Philippine towns and cities have a Rizal Park or a Plaza Rizal usually its central square This is also where its Rizal monument is located Seattle also has its own Rizal Park Additionally a statue and monument of Jose Rizal was erected in Luneta Park located along Rizal Ave in the city of Markham ON Canada in 2019 See also Edit Philippines portalJose Rizal Rizal Monument Paco ParkReferences Edit Joaquin Nick 1990 Manila My Manila Manila The City of Manila Trivia 11 things you didn t know about the Black Nazarene InterAksyon com Archived from the original on November 4 2016 Retrieved November 3 2016 a b 1911 12 The Century Magazine p 237 249 The Century Co NY 1912 a b c History Spanish Period Archived September 7 2012 at the Wayback Machine Rizal Park Retrieved on October 7 2011 Manila and suburbs 1898 The University of Texas in Austin Library Retrieved on October 7 2011 Jernegan Prescott Ford 1995 A Short History of the Philippines p 252 New York D Appleton and Company a b Division of Insular Affairs War Department 1901 Public Laws and Resolutions Passed by the United States Philippine Commission p 689 Washington Government Printing Office a b Vatican City can fit in Rizal Park January 2012 Department of Tourism The Philippines Ultimate Travel Guide for Tourist www visitmyphilippines com Archived from the original on November 5 2011 Torres Cristina Evangelista 2014 The Americanization of Manila 1898 1921 p 169 Quezon City University of the Philippines Press a b c Enriquez Marge July 19 2021 Pandemic silver lining The revival of Rizal Park Inquirer Lifestyle Philippine Daily Inquirer Retrieved August 31 2021 Executive Order No 52 s 1954 Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines Retrieved February 15 2017 a b The Centenary of the Rizal Monument Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines Retrieved February 15 2017 Proclamation No 234 s 1955 Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines Retrieved July 10 2014 Proclamation No 470 s 1957 Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines Retrieved February 15 2017 Executive Order No 30 s 1963 Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines Retrieved February 15 2017 National Parks Development Committee National Parks Development Committee Archived from the original on July 14 2014 Retrieved July 10 2014 Proclamation No 299 s 1967 Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines Retrieved February 15 2017 Alcazaren Paolo July 10 2010 Grandstands and great public places Philstar Retrieved on February 28 2011 a b c Mejia Acosta Iris May 25 2011 Luneta Celebrates Rizal s 150th Birthday with a Fresh Look Pinay Ads Rizal Park Intramuros sites temporarily closed amid COVID 19 spread Manila Bulletin Retrieved March 16 2020 City of Manila begins construction of COVID 19 field hospital at Luneta Park CNN Philippines April 21 2021 Manila completes construction of COVID 19 Field Hospital ahead of schedule INQUIRER net June 15 2021 Hegina Aries Joseph January 18 2015 MMDA 6M Filipinos attended Pope Francis Luneta Mass papal route Philippine Daily Inquirer Retrieved January 19 2015 Events Archived November 1 2012 at the Wayback Machine Rizal Park NPDC Retrieved on March 21 2013 Vicente Rafael L 2005 The Promise of the Foreign Nationalism and the Technics of Translation in the Spanish Philippines p 36 Duke University Press 1905 06 Proposed Monuments and Monuments News p 40 Granite Marble and Bronze Magazine Vol 15 The Martyrdom of Dr Jose Rizal Archived November 30 2011 at the Wayback Machine Rizal Park NPDC Retrieved on October 8 2011 The Rizal Park 2012 brochure Department of Tourism Is P7 8 M Nata l Flagpole overpriced Maranga Mark Anthony 2010 Kilometer Zero Distance Reference of Manila Philippines Travel Guide Retrieved on February 28 2011 Teves Catherine August 16 2019 NPDC to revive Rizal Park with more indigenous trees Philippine News Agency Retrieved August 16 2019 CCTV cameras seen to make Manila s Luneta Park safer Yahoo Philippines Retrieved February 24 2013 Bloom Mike December 8 2020 The Amazing Race 32 Reveals a New Twist Check Out an Exclusive Clip of This Week s Episode Parade Retrieved December 8 2020 Otakultura com 2011 Malaya Map Revealed Archived October 3 2011 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved on September 1 2011 תעצרו הכל האם הזוג האהוב במירוץ יעזוב אותנו מוקדם מידי המירוץ למיליון אולסטארס פרק הדחה רביעי בערוץ 13 Facebook in Hebrew September 8 2020 Retrieved September 10 2020 External links Edit Wikimedia Commons has media related to Rizal Park National Parks Development Committee Photos from Flickr Photos of Luneta Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Rizal Park amp oldid 1153357610, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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