I had a carefully crafted plan to walk to the Rizal Park from the accommodation and return to it after savouring the sights along the route. Located right in the heart of Manila City is the 240,000 sqm, 7 level, Robinsons Place that is currently the leading shopping center in Manila. It is this locational advantage that made me chose my accommodation.
Within a kilometer radius of Robinsons are a community of residences, government and business offices, academic and medical institutions, parks, famous landmarks, churches, hotels, and night spots. It is also within walking distance from the enchanting Manila Bay. Robinsons Place shopping complex is connected to the twin residential high-rise condominia, the Robinsons Place Residences and Adriatico Residences; the 18th floor of the latter complex is where I would be housed for five nights.
Past the Robinsons Place is the Supreme Court of Philippines and Department of Justice. Supreme Court wields administrative power over the lower courts and its personnel. The University of Philippines and its Museum of Ideas are a few steps away, as are the buildings housing the National Bureau of Investigation and the WHO. Nearly a kilometer down the road is the historic Methodist Church facing the entrance to the Rizal Park North entrance.
The forecourt of the Natural History Museum immediately after one enters the Park has many boulders of the Mayon Volcano, which is the most active volcano in Philippines. Extensive restoration of the Rizal Park has closed off most of the northern part. The massive statue of Lapu-lapu, the warrior who defeated Magellan and delayed the Spanish conquest of Philippines, can be seen from the entrance to the Luneta Park, which houses the Rizal monument.
Jose Rizal was put to death by the Spanish at the age of 35 at a site quite proximate to the monument that commemorated 100 years of the execution of the Filipino nationalist. The multifaceted intellectual sparked the revolution that brought to an end more than 400 years of Spanish dominion of Philippines. In front of the open air auditorium of the Park are many fountains and busts of native heroes. A lively food court operates within the Luneta Park. The Quirino grandstand stands at one end of the Rizal Park, at the mouth of Manila Bay. The grandstand has not been in service since its closure during the pandemic. The grandstand serves as a symbol of independence from American control of the country.
On the way back to my accommodation I chanced upon the memorial to the many splendored Carlos P Romulas, who presided over the fourth assembly of the UN, was a Pulitzer prize winner, was Secretary of education and foreign affairs, was President of the University of Philippines and was Major General of the Armed Forces of Philippines. What an achievement in the 86 years of his service to the nation!
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