Explore the Metro with A Hero: Lakbay Jose Rizal

Like it? Share it on Facebook or Twitter!

The Rizal @150 Journey begins in Manila.

Locals and tourists with a competitive streak and appreciation of history will definitely enjoy exploring the Philippine capital through the Lakbay Jose Rizal. For the clueless, Lakbay Jose Rizal @ 150 is the Heritage Trail Project led by the Department of Tourism that encourages the public to visit and rediscover the different sites and attractions relevant to Philippine National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal. The project was initiated to celebrate the 150th Birth Anniversary (1861-2011) of the country's most well-known hero. 

'Round The World Travels of a Hero

 Like it? Share it on Facebook or Twitter!

Wanderlust: Jose Rizal (1861-1896)

If Jose Rizal was alive today, he would probably give travel writers and bloggers a run for their money. Jose Rizal, the Philippines National Hero, was a well-traveled polymath (fluent in 22 languages!) and a prolific writer during the 19th century. He was also a brilliant and charismatic young man whose wit and character impressed almost everyone he met, including his enemies.

Traveling this June? Watch Out for These Events! [Updated]

Like it? Share it on Facebook or Twitter!

Celebrate Rizal's 150th Anniversary

The festival month of May may be over, but there are still a lot of merry activities in store this month of June. If you're planning to travel this month, don't let the rain dampen your spirits. Instead, smile and take part in any of these events (don't forget to click on the links for more details):

Alternative Places to Visit This Mother's Day

Like it? Share it on Facebook or Twitter!

To everyone in Manila, since people will be watching Manny Pacquiao's fight with Mosley, I suggest you bring your mom to any of these places:   Intramuros, Rizal Park, or at Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati. Enough of the malls for now! I'm sure those three places won't be crowded since everyone's at home or in a hotel watching a live telecast of Pacquiao's fight. Now, let's just hope the good weather continues so you can enjoy a good stroll (or bring an umbrella to be safe).

Anyway, Happy mother's Day to all mothers and to everyone who's been a mother to somebody (a nephew, an abandoned child, etc.)

Here's a lovely photo shared to me by Rizalenio which I encourage you to share with others as well.

And if you want to read about a mother's love, here is a touching account from the Philippines National Hero, Jose Rizal (click on the link).

Enjoy this day!

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!