This photo album is a supplement of the travelogue with the same title. This photo album features photos of Paco Park, Manila Baywalk, and Liwasang Rajah Sulayman dancing fountain.
Paco Park
What to expect: At first, it does seem morbid to have an old cemetery as an attraction. The Paco Cemetery was built out of necessity in 1820 when a hurricane and an epidemic swept through Manila, resulting in many casualties. It was also the burial place of four great martyrs and heroes of the Philippine revolution against Spain: the three priest; Fr. Gomez, Fr. Burgos, and Fr. Zamora who were garroted - the Spanish method of execution by slow strangulation by an iron collar. Even the national hero Jose Rizal, was buried here first before his remains were transfered to what is now Rizal Park. The Paco Cemetery became the Paco Park, a national park, in 1966.
Strong suit: Paco Park, as one writer called it, "is a veritable oasis in the midst of the noise and pollution of the city." Its walls seem to enclose the park in a world of its own. The place is quite and peaceful and, as transformed beautifully by the park builders, doesn't even look like a cemetery anymore, except for the old niches along the walls that remind us of its past.
Why you should go there: To have a wedding and/or reception - this is a favorite place to tie the knot, believe it or not. It's also a favorite spot for families, those out for a quite stroll. The intimate atmosphere is a magnet for lovers. You can also go to mass there, at the oval-shaped chapel of St. Pancratius, which is administered by the Order of St. Vincent de Paul.
Ramil Digal Gulle, Surviving and Enjoying Manila, Philippine Airlines Mabuhay (PAL's inflight travel and lifestyle magazine), July 2000 issue
Manila Baywalk
It is a relatively new name for the commercialized promenade along Roxas Bouleverd. Running from the Philippine Navy Headquarters near Pablo Ocampo Street (formerly Vito Cruz) to American Embassy near TM Kalaw Street, it is a strip blessed with spectacular sunsets, sumptuous dishes served outdoors and lively nights of music and the now famous sperical street lamps made of multicolored lightbulbs. When partygoers and performers go home and shops close at early morning, the walk becomes a paradise for both morning joggers and bikers. The people will be very few by noontime but in the afternoon, it will again be full of romantic students, locals and tourists waiting for the sun's daily showcase. Street lights will then light up and woderful aromas of delicacies will fill the air signifying the beginning of yet another wonderful evening. Scorching heat of the tropical afternoon sun is not much of a big deal as the avenue is lined with trees. What spoils the fun is high tide that includes strong waves that splashes sea water on the walk. There'd barely be any place to run too when a typhoon's approaching. But who'd be there anyway in afternoons when the sun's behind the clouds?
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By: battlesmith
