Luneta, Manila

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I have pictures of myself as a three-year-old enjoying the slides at Luneta Park (considered the Philippines' National Park)--- and I actually have very early memories of waking up early so that my parents could bring myself and my sister (VTer Jumpingwithnorman) to Luneta, now also known as Rizal Park.

This park has been here since Spanish colonial times and this is where the people gathered and even watched executions, like the famous one which killed our National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal on December 30, 1896. His hands were tied and his back was to the gunfire, but when the shots were fired, he turned around to face his executioners! There is now a group of brass statues that form the centerpiece of a Light and Sound Show (630 Pm – 730 PM). Also see the changing of the guards at the memorial to Rizal.

Best time to visit Luneta is at about 5AM (wake up, Sunshine!), just before sunrise, when you will see these people practicing the art of Tai Chi (that slow-moving style of Chinese exercise). It’s nice to jog in the park with the honking of the jeepneys on the road, and everybody is just starting their day. There is also less smog during the early morning and you still smell the wetness of the grass.

On Sunday afternoons, there can be Filipino martial arts exhibitions, and sometimes free concerts at the Park Auditorium. You can also enjoy the nice botanical gardens in the Park itself – the Chinee and Japanese gardens. There is even a Planetarium!

Evenings are for young couples dating in the park, and if you are hungry, there are several nearby restaurants.

Park Location: along Padre Faura, Ermita, Manila

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Chinese Garden was built to promote friendship and tolerance between China & the Philippines. Situated on the middle of Rizal Park, a mininal entrance fee of P5 is required to enter the premises. It is a place worth seeing. Inside one can see a lagoon & corridor designed like the one found in the Summer Palace in Beijing. Even the gate is designed like the ones found in Chinatown. This place is frequented by dating couples searching for privacy.

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Rizal Park is a real oasis in the centre of the city and is popularly known as Luneta Park. There are flowers, fountains, wide lawns and, of course plenty of music attracting thousands of strolling Filipinos every day in the late afternoon and evening. You can see Chinese doing taichi in the early morning hours. Sunday is family day, with a chance to listen to the free concert at 5pm, the Concert at the Park. On New Year's Day there are great celebrations here.

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Japanese Garden is found in the middle section of Rizal Park or Luneta. It is built to promote friendship and tolerance between Japan & the Philippines. Inside can be found a lagoon & a bridge. It's nice to take a pleasant walk around the garden. Plenty of couples frequented the place for dating. Minimal entrance fee of P5 is required to enter the garden.

Strolling in THE LUNETA park on Sundays. Also watch the honor guard at the Rizal Memorial in the Park. There are often concerts and other performances. The NATIONAL MUSEUM is at the edge of the park.
Great place to watch people and see Filipinos at leisure. There is an outdoor roller skating rink (may still be under repair) that is very popular.

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Luneta Park is a tribute to the Phil.national hero Dr.Jose P. Rizal.It is located in the heart of Manila, very close to Manila Hotel.Also popular for families to have picnics.It also has Chinese garden, Orchidarium and Butterfly Pavillion,light and sound presentation of the last days of Dr.J.Rizal.And also known for open air concerts.

The Luneta is a lung for Manila -- albeit one with emphysema. It is a large green space in the heart of downtown that provides a respite from the choking deisel fumes of the jeepneys and allows one to enjoy a bit of space. What you won't get it true fresh air -- there is none of that to be had in this city! If you visit the Luneta during the day, you'll find it to be much less crowded than the rest of the city, as you can see from the Tuesday morning picture here. However, if you visit after sundown -- especially on the weekend -- you'll find most spaces occupied by locals relaxing and picnicking among friends. Manila residents love to just hangout and this is the great downtown hangout spot. If you want to hang out, come here. If you just want to experience Manila hanging out, this is the place to be.
Among its attractions are the Rizal Memorial, a Chinese Garden (5 pesos), a fountain, clean public restrooms (2 pesos -- a fee that keeps out the beggars) and the adjacent National Museum (closed Mondays and Tuesdays, damn it!). But the primary reason most people come here is just to sit in the grass and socialize.

Relatively cheap but very good food at Lush Life Garden Bistro.
It's in the middle of a sanctuary in the center of the bustling metropolis.
Great for both small and big events like intimate dates, family gaterings, weddings, seminars because it's so private and peaceful.
Plus, you get to see the Orchidarium for free if you go to Lush Life.
Parking is a breeze.
It's just so sad that very few people know about this small gem.