By Marjorie Gorospe
INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Serenity. That is what Paco Park offers to the tourist who strolls inside the park’s adobe walls built during the Spanish occupation. But before this place was renovated into a park, did you know that it was actually built as a cemetery?

Paco Park is a recognized cultural heritage primarily because this was the place where the remains of our national hero — Dr. Jose Rizal — were first laid to rest. Later on, Rizal’s remains were transferred to Bagumbayan, or what we call today as “Luneta.”

The three martyr priests — Fr. Mariano Gomez, Fr. Jose Burgos and Jacinto Zamora — were the first men buried in Paco cemetery. Ironically, Rizal dedicated El Filibusterismo to the three martyrs and later on the four of them met each other in death in this same area, but not for long. However, even if their remains were already transferred, there are still markers inside the park to commemorate the four heroes.

It was only in 1948 by virtue of a legislative act that Paco cemetery was transformed into a park in accordance with the guidelines set for all national parks. There was also a need to transfer all other remains to Manila North Cemetery because of cholera epidemic during that time.

“This is a place to reminisce the Spanish era,” says Carlito Fajardo, Executive Director of Paco Park.

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By Anna Valmero
INQUIRER.net

WITH malls installed in almost every key city and town, flashing the spirit of consumerism — spending a lazy weekend afternoon at Rizal Park (also called Luneta Park) was a refreshing experience.

My afternoon stroll last Saturday brought vividly to life personal archives of Sunday family picnics and class field trips for history. The visit breathed life to the sepia prints of my childhood photos and reminded me of my former classmates whom I studied “Kasaysayan” with.

The park offers locals and foreigners a refuge. The green expanse of Rizal Park is a relief from the toxic environment of the city — 24/7 air mixed with carbon monoxide and other pollutants, noisy, traffic streets and the like. The free benches, open spaces and shade entice visits from families and lovers, tai-chi practitioners, chess players, photographers and bikers. Away from the mall shops that lure us to buy more than what is needed, the park brings simplicity on spending quality time with those dear to us. To top this all, a stroll at the park is a good way to learn and teach history. The last I think is an important take-away when visiting the park.

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