 |
|---|
 |
 |
 |
Rizal Park
Rizal Park, also known as Luneta Park, is one of the most visited historical attractions in the Philippines. This historical place can be found in the city of Manila between Roxas Boulevard and Taft Avenue bounded by Padre Burgos and Kalaw Avenue. The main attraction of this place is the statute of Dr. Jose Rizal where people can reflect and feel the love and passion of the national hero for his country. Aside from the symbolic monument of Rizal, people can find different attractions in the said park like Lapu-Lapu monument, the giant map of the Philippines, Orchidarium, GOMBURZA Marker, etc. This 54-hectare national park has many things to offer for tourists and even for the Filipinos. Also, the Rizal park serves as the point of origin or also known as “zero kilometer” for the other cities and provinces in the Philippines.
Knowing the features and general descriptions of Rizal Park, it also carries within it the history of the Philippines in the Spanish colonialism. Different events in the past occurred in the same place where the park is located. In Spanish Era, the Rizal Park was called the “Bagumbayan” where it is a plaza or a place where people meet. Also, Bagumbayan served as a blood ground during the colonialism of the Spaniards. Many Filipinos died in Bagumbayan including the Dr. Jose Rizal and the Three Martyr Priests namely Mariano Gomez, Jose Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora. Each death made a great impact to the Filipinos in the Spanish Era that caused them to fight for the Philippine Independence that everyone dreams of.
The Execution of Gomburza happened on February 28, 1872 where people saw the unjustful death of the three martyrs. They were sentenced to death because they were suspected as persons participating in the Cavite Mutiny. This event enlightened the Filipinos to fight for freedom and decided to end the misery Spaniards gave to them. Because of the three martyrs, Filipinos unite and became one. The meaning of nationalism was felt in the hearts of the Filipinos as they fight for their country not for themselves.
On December 30, 1896, the Execution of Dr. Jose Rizal happened also in Bagumbayan. In this time, the battle of the Filipinos from the Spaniards was already starting. The death of Rizal made a huge impact to the hearts of the Filipinos because Rizal served as one of their inspiration to fight for freedom because of his wisdom and love for the country. It made the Filipinos hungrier for independence from the unjust and cruel governance of Spain.
These events became part of the history of the Philippines where everyone should know. The heroism and nationalism of heroes were revealed that made other Filipinos love and fight for their country. Because of these moments, the Philippines became a country with peace and prosperity. It became the place where all Filipinos want it the way it should be.