29 December 2012

My Rizal Park Photowalk

Rizal Park, much known as the Luneta Park, is a famous tourist attraction and landmark that defines the Filipinos love for their country.



To cite some historically relevant events that transpired here in Rizal Park where these defined our nationalistic roots, let me enumerate them:

1) Dr. Jose Rizal's execution by firing squad on December 30, 1896. This unfortunate event sparked the fire of the Philippine Revolution against our Spanish colonizers.
2) The Declaration of Philippine Independence from American rule was held here on July 4, 1946 
3) The political rallies of Ferdinand Marcos and Corazon Aquino in 1986 that led to the EDSA Revolution that deposed Marcos ending his dictatorial government.
(Source: Wikipedia)

But it has been overlooked before but over the years, it has been developed to be what it was meant to be.. a public park that will make us all proud of its history and new surroundings.

It is always a pleasure for me to walk around here and bask in its ambiance. I find it truly relaxing. I will never get tired of going here.

Below are photos that I took from the park and some of these photos have details that I have only seen that day that I went there. It was fascinating! Let me share them now:

Luneta Park has lots of these huge bird houses at one side of the park. 



A bust of Lapu-Lapu. He is known to be our first Filipino hero. 
A line of busts of significant figures in our history.


A mother and child stone figure that I found amidst the grass in an obscure part of the park.
"A charriot awaits!"

Thomas the Train? Next time I would like to hop on this transpo and go around the park! 
Visitors who would like to experience this ride
A stone figure of a monkey who appears to be against the noise pollution around him. Cute!
A bit European in style but when you look closely, it is a figre of a woman garbed in traditional Filipino dress. 



Families having a relaxing picnic 'neath the trees. Nice!
With the famous Manila Hotel at the back

This scene really caught my fancy! This was the first time that I saw birds enjoying themselves on flat land here at the park. It was a pleasant sight to behold!

There he is, the monument of Dr. Jose Rizal who gave his  short life's works for the benefit of the greater Filipinos.  A martyr. Rizal Park was named after him in his honor. 

Also my first time to see changing of the guards who valiantly stand beside the  monument even in high heat. 
The landmark for Kilometer 0. Located right across the Luneta Park. This marker serves as the nation’s starting point when measuring the distance going to the different provinces and cities in Luzon Island and the rest of the Philippines.

Very nice! A postcard-worthy sight!



The Gomburza landmark. Fathers Gomez, Burgos and Zamora were executed  through Garrote  because they were  suspected of alleged complicity with the military uprising in Cavite. They met their deaths on February 17, 1872. 


Calesa detail on the base of their lamp posts. 

Of course, Luneta Park is a favorite spot of couples for a quiet time to themselves. 
More birds in action! 


Going around Luneta Park is free for everyone. And there are photographers available for those who would like to have a souvenir of their trip to this wonderful place. But still, beware of pickpockets. Always be aware of your surroundings at all times.

Before we go appreciate landmarks of other countries, wouldn't it be wonderful if we explore our own landmarks first so that when we go to these other countries we can tell the people there of what we have in our own country? Just a thought.

Enjoy exploring! =)

10 December 2012

The Heritage Town of Taal: Casa Real and other things to see!

Walking is the perfect way to explore the well-preserved ancestral town of Taal, Batangas. Some of the must-see and visit ancestral homes and museums are near the other in one way or the other. And walking is the perfect form of exercise!

I have done other posts on the must-see places of Taal such as the Taal BasilicaGalleria TaalDon Leon Apacible MuseumOur Lady of Caysasay ShrineSan Lorenzo Ruiz Steps & Sta. Lucia Miraculous Well

Here are other points of interest that one should go to when in town.
Most famously known as the Casa Real. It was built in 1845 and houses now the local municipal hall.  Located a block or two from the Taal Basilica's front through its front steps. Not so big nor regal in structure but it definitely spells history. It is the only structure in the town that has tile roofs. 
My photo opportunity! 
This town is perfect for a walking tour! 
Photo on Left: The massive structure if the Taal Basilica as seen from the row of ancestral houses in its front. 
Photo on Right: Rows of ancestral houses that will capture your imagination, taking you back to an era that has passed by.  
Old houses that are being repaired or restored. Very good! 
This house looks like in dire need of help very very soon! I hope someone from the  owners or the local government  will initiate this project.
"Help me!"cried the old house....

WHERE TO EAT: 
Don Juan BBQ place is the most famous place to hit on when you get to visit.  They have a well-ventilated place that offers a short respite for weary walkers who have placed their legs in a tiring, yet filling, experience and exercise at the same time. During peak hours, they are packed with locals and tourists.

Here are the foods that we ordered: 
Chicken Inasal. Not really a specialty of this particular town but it still is a bestseller to diners. 
Ensaladang mangga and talong with kamatis. A perfect partner  to  fried or  grilled dishes.  I just  found the mangga  a bit too sour for me and the bagoong is not the one that I prefer. But I still had some of it. 
Tapang Taal. Finally, a dish that I've read in blogs that I got to try as it is a specialty of this town. Verdict? I loved it! Right amount of saltiness and sweetness that just whetted my appetite as I wanted more. 
Sinigang na Hipon. A good soup dish is always a must for Pinoys. One either has to sip/slurp the soup or  pour it  all over their rice for easy eating. 
Unlimited rice = Happy diners! =)
After a satisfying lunch, we dropped by the public market to check out pasalubong. I heard, and read, that their Panocha is the perfect pasalubong! Panocha is one of the names of  the rounded peanut brittle delicacy oozing with sweetness. It has been called many names but in this town, it is Panocha (see the round and brown thingies with the label, that's it!). 
Bili na kayo! 
Other delicacies to try here in Taal are the:
1. Adobo sa Dilaw (yellow adobo)
2. Suman with tsokolate (made of sticky rice and to be dipped in hot chocolate)
3. Kalamay (grounded sticky rice and brown sugar)
4. Sinaing na Tulingan
Taal is also the Balisong capital of the Philippines so it was only just that we give some of the stalls a visit. Balisong , per Wikipedia, is also known as a butterfly knifefan knife is a folding pocket knife with two handles counter-rotating around the tang such that, when closed, the blade is concealed within grooves in the handles. It is sometimes called a Batangas knife, after the Tagalog province of Batangas in the Philippines, where it is traditionally made. In the hands of a trained user, the knife blade can be brought to bear quickly using one hand. Manipulations, called "flipping" or "fanning", are performed for art or amusement. The knife is illegal in many countries such as the Netherlands, Australia, the UK, Canada, New Zealand and Germany.



Overall, this trip was so worth it! The cost was reasonable, I think, haha! See details below:

EXPENSE COST
Van Rental share per pax (divided by 5) 900
Galleria Taal entrance fee 50
Apacible Museum donation 50
Lunch *** 250
Dinner (at Tagaytay)*** 250
Starbucks (at Tagaytay) 140
TOTAL 1640


***approximate amount

It wasn't really a 'tipid' trip as we were after our comfort during the long drive so this is good. Food would depend on you so one can save as long as they scrimp a bit on the food, or if they commute. =)


Check out my Taal, Batangas tour: 
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...