Rediscovering Rizal Park Manila: The Musical Fountain

There was a huge crowd at the Rizal Park in Manila, Philippines when I dropped by on a weeknight.  I surmised it's because of the  Central Lagoon Dancing Fountain of the  Rizal Park which was reopened last December 2010. The refurbished  fountain creates a colorful spectacle of water, lights and music. Take a look at some of these photos:

The best spot to watch this free musical fountain show is from the side of the lagoon farthest from the Rizal monument since you can see both the "peacock" spray of different hues and the jets of water dancing in sync with popular music. It was also wonderful to see many kids playing near the fountain area, running around or playing with those small, glowing light toys. When those luminous toys are thrown in the air almost all at the same time, they seem like falling stars that can be caught in one's hands. 

I learned that this is just one of the many attractions that the city government of Manila and the Department of Tourism will be doing to revitalize Rizal Park in time for the 150th anniversary of the birth of Dr. Jose Rizal this coming June 19.  Some of  its existing attractions are the Orchidarium, the Lights and Sound Exhibit on Rizal, the Artists' Sanctuary, the Relief Map of the Philippines and the Open-Air theater. One can also take a Tram Ride around Rizal Park or ride a calesa to explore Southeast Asia's largest man-made park. 

Make sure to drop by the Rizal Park soon and catch this musical fountain show!