(Business Lounge Journal – Travel)
Rizal Park, also known as Luneta Park, is one of the most iconic landmarks in Manila, Philippines. This expansive 58-hectare park is located at the heart of the city and is a must-see attraction for anyone wanting to know the history and patriotism of the Filipino people.
History of Rizal Park
The park was originally known as “Luneta,” a Spanish word meaning “crescent.” This name referred to its crescent shape when viewed from above. In 1913 after the completion of the Rizal Monument, the park was renamed Rizal Park in honor of Dr. Jose Rizal, the Philippine National Hero who was executed a few hundred meters from the monument on December 30, 1896. Rizal was a doctor, writer, and reformer who fought for Philippine independence from Spain.
The park has witnessed several historic events, such as:
- The Battle of Manila (1945): During World War II, Rizal Park was a major battlefield between Japanese and American forces, resulting in severe damage to the park.
- The Proclamation of Philippine Independence: Although not directly held in Rizal Park, the park became a gathering place for Filipinos celebrating their independence every June 12.
Jose Rizal: Philippine National Hero
Jose Rizal is a prominent figure in Philippine history. He is known not only as a doctor but also as a writer, reformist, and national hero who fought for Philippine independence from Spanish colonization.
Born on June 19, 1861, in Calamba, Laguna, Philippines, Rizal grew up in a family that greatly valued education and demonstrated remarkable intelligence from a young age. He studied at various schools in the Philippines, Including Colegio de San Juan de Letran, Ateneo Municipal and Universidad de Santo Tomas. However, facing discrimination as a Filipino, he continued his studies in Europe, specifically at the Universidad Central de Madrid in Spain, where he majored in medicine and actively participated in student activities.
Literary Works and the Propaganda Movement
While in Europe, Rizal wrote two influential novels:
- Noli Me Tángere (Touch Me Not): This novel critically depicted the social and political conditions in the Philippines during Spanish rule. Rizal illustrated the suffering of Filipinos due to oppression, corruption, and injustice.
- El Filibusterismo (The Subversive): This sequel to Noli Me Tángere portrayed the worsening situation in the Philippines and called for resistance against the Spanish colonial government.
These novels inspired many Filipinos and fueled a spirit of nationalism. Rizal also played a central role in the Propaganda Movement, a campaign advocating peaceful reform of the Spanish colonial government in the Philippines.
Return to the Philippines and Execution
After completing his studies in Europe, Rizal returned to the Philippines. However, his political activities were seen as a threat by the Spanish authorities. He was arrested upon his return to the Philippines and was exiled to Dapitan, a remote island in Mindanao from 1892-1896. On December 30, 1896, Rizal was executed at Luneta (now Rizal Park).
Jose Rizal’s Legacy
Rizal’s death only strengthened the resolve of the Filipino people. He became a symbol of the struggle for independence and continues to be honored as a national hero. His literary works remain widely read and studied, and his name has been immortalized in street names, buildings, and monuments throughout the Philippines.
Rizal’s critical thinking and sharp ideas resonate deeply. His works not only entertain but also convey profound messages of struggle, justice, and patriotism. Rizal was a central figure in the Propaganda Movement, striving for social reform in the Philippines through peaceful means.
His death marked a turning point in the Philippine fight for independence, inspiring generations to continue striving for freedom and justice.
The Jose Rizal Monument
A large bronze statue depicts Rizal standing upright with open hands. The statue is the focal point of the park. The Rizal Monument was inaugurated on December 30, 1913, to mark the anniversary of Rizal’s death. Its construction was initiated by the Philippine government as a tribute to their national hero.
This monument symbolizes the spirit of Filipino nationalism. Additionally, Rizal Park is filled with a variety of plants and beautiful flowers. These well-maintained gardens provide a perfect place to relax and enjoy nature.
Jose Rizal Fountain: A Symbol of Patriotism and Cultural Heritage
The Jose Rizal Fountain, also known as the Noli Me Tangere Fountain, is an important historical artifact located in Rizal Park. This fountain originates from the town of Wilhelmsfeld in Heidelberg, Germany, and holds a significant connection to the life of Dr. Jose Rizal, the national hero of the Philippines.
Heidelberg was where Dr. Jose Rizal lived and studied from 1886 to 1887. At that time, Rizal was in his mid-20s and had traveled to Germany to further his studies in ophthalmology, aiming to deepen his knowledge and skills to treat his mother’s deteriorating eyesight.
Rizal frequently visited the area around this fountain, using it as a place to read, write, and reflect on his homeland and aspirations for the Philippines. It is believed that his regular visits to the fountain became part of his routine for relaxation and contemplation, allowing him to find peace in its surroundings.
Rizal’s time in Germany was significant; it was there that he completed his first novel, Noli Me Tangere, which boldly exposed the injustices of Spanish rule in the Philippines. His moments around this fountain represent a period of intellectual growth and inspiration for his nationalist cause.
In the 1960s, as part of the centennial celebration of Jose Rizal’s birth, the German government donated the fountain to the Philippines. This gesture symbolized the strong historical ties between Germany and the Philippines through Rizal’s legacy. The fountain was subsequently transported to Manila and installed in Rizal Park.
Rizal Park is more than just a park; it is a place where history, culture, and nature converge. If you visit Manila, don’t miss the chance to explore this beautiful park.
Rizal Park is not just a garden; it is an integral part of the Philippine nation’s history and identity. Through various important events that took place there, the park has become a silent witness to the long journey of the Filipino people toward independence and progress.