It is like an oasis for relaxation and fun in the midst of Manila and situated next to Intramuros. Rizal Park has gardens, historical markers plazas, an grand stadium, an observatory, a light-and-sound theater, restaurants, food kiosks and playgrounds and dozens of fountains. Rizal Park is the heart of Manila's thriving financial, commercial, industrial, and institutional centers, overlooking the famous and picturesque Manila Bay.
The park was tribute to the Philippines National hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, a doctor and novelist who was shot by firing squad at the site December 30, 1896 on charges of fomenting local rebellion against the Spanish goverment.
Considered as one of the largest parks in Southeast Asia, it has an area
of 58 hectares which runs from Taft Avenue up to the walls of the
famous Manila Bay. It was known as the Bagumbayan field during the
Spanish era since this was where the Filipino-Moslems took refuge after
the Spaniards occupied Intramuros in 1571. It was also called "Luneta,"
which means Little Moon. For 74 years, it was used as an executing
ground by the Spaniards for Filipino rebels and mutineers. By 1902,
Daniel Bumham, architect and city planner, chose Bagumbayan as the site
of the proposed American government center. He designed a U-shaped
composition of buildings, but only three were constructed: the Executive
House, the Department of Tourism building, and the Department of
Finance building. It acquired its present name Rizal National Park in
dedication to the Philippine national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal, whose
mortal remains were interred in the cornershore of the Rizal Monument in
1912.
