To avoid the possibility of hearing any more bad news, this morning I flicked through the TV sports channels instead where, to my horror, I came across a channel showing cock fighting. Horrific! As a result I thought that a more tranquil day would be in order so I headed for Rizal Park.
Sightseeing in Manila is not easy as getting from one place to another takes forever due to the high volumes of 24/7 traffic. My taxi journey of around 10km took more than 1 hour and cost a little over £2! How taxi drivers make any money is beyond me. In fact, my fluent English speaking driver told me that he works a 16 hour day, 6 days a week and after paying for petrol and the taxi rental, he takes home about £11 per day if he’s lucky. He would work 7 days a week but in a feeble attempt to reduce congestion, the government prohibits vehicles on the road for 1 day a week (by number plate recognition). This is, of course, no problem for the wealthy as they just buy another car with a different number plate!!
Rizal Park is more than just a large open space. It’s a chance to learn about the struggle for independence by the Philippine people firstly from 400 years years of Spanish rule and subsequently, from the late 19th century, 50 years of colonial rule by the USA. Jose Rizal is generally considered to be the leading mover and shaker in the fight to kick out the Spaniards and after whom this park is named.
He was no fighter but his writings were seen as a major catalyst for the rebellion against the Spanish. So he was arrested and shot at the tender age of 36 close to this monument.
The exact spot is marked by some quite evocative sculptures depicting his execution
where scores of schoolchildren sat listening to an impressive audio commentary about the lead up to and the reason for his death. A pretty good way to learn history, I thought.
In the centre of the park there is a sizeable lake which, I am told, has impressive fountains. Today, however, these were being repaired or cleaned so were not working.
Around the perimeter of this water there are numerous bust sculptures of lesser heroes of the Philippine struggle for freedom many of whom met a rather grisly end.
At the far end of the park there is the rather impressive Museum of Anthropology museum
behind which another group of schoolchildren were involved in what seemed to be an exercise routine perhaps preparing for a long journey home.
And a further group were involved in some sort of measuring lesson by the monument that dominates the far end of the park..
I have absolutely no idea what that was about.
Generally, though, this oasis of calm in the middle of a chaotic city is where people just stroll, picnic or enjoy an afternoon’s chess game with friends.
There is even an area dedicated to people like me
although I have to say it was less than impressive.
A short walk from the park is the famous Manila Hotel
which was US General Macarthur’s HQ in WWII until the Japanese overran the country. Supposedly, he uttered the famous ‘I shall return’ line from here but in reality he said this after his successful escape to Australia. He did, however, return.
For my part, I will return tomorrow.
Phileas
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