I remember when I was in 4^th grade wayback in 1984, Rizal Park in Luneta, Metro Manila was the favorite spot to visit by families. I was living in the province then and only visiting my aunt every summer and school break.  I will never forget the first time my uncles brought me to the Filipinos’ favorite spot, the former “The Park” was also called Bagumbayan (English: New Town). But since the Philippines was under the Spanish rule, it later came to be known as Luneta.

Hope most of the Filipinos will remember the significant moments in Philippine history. This is where our national Hero Dr. José Rizal was executed by firing squad on December 30, 1896.

That was my first and last visit to Rizal Park but I have passed by it for once in a while but never had a chance to really spend time to look around by now. I remember the monument of Dr. Rizal was guarded 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by ceremonial soldiers, known as Kabalyeros de Rizal where his poem, “Mi Ultimo Adios” (”My Last Farewell”) is inscribed on the memorial plaque. There was a big Clock there in the garden I don’t know if it is still there until now. There were also orchestras playing there on Sunday afternoons and I remember it was also shown on local government TV then.

So every time I pass by there and see some foreigners having their pictures taken and you will see the gladness on their faces where they visited one of the famous places in the Philippines, it makes me wonder if we Filipinos are still putting the same importance to the place.

I feel guilty that I always turn my wife down whenever she asks me to have our family day in Luneta. Maybe this is the right time to have a reunion again with Rizal Park after for almost 24 years.

(Arial BW Photo above was taken in the year 1920 from Skyscraper Forum)
(Middle Photo - Original Rizal Monument 1920)

Manila Hotel is the national hotel of the Philippines built in 1909. It has more or about 500-premier rooms and rated five star hotel located in the heart of the Manila Bay along Roxas Boulevard.

The Hotel has a lot of colourful and unforgetable history. It was a residence of General Douglas Mc. Arthur for almost 6 years from 1935 till the world war two erupted in 1941.

 Manila Hotel already hosted historical persons and celebrities, including authors Ernest Hemingway and James A. Michener, U.S. President John F. Kennedy, The Beatles, actors Michael Jackson, Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., and John Wayne, publisher Henry Luce, entertainer Sammy Davis, Jr., Prime Minister Sir Anthony Eden, and many various world leaders. You will see all of the well known Hollywood actors and actresses, boxers and other personalities listed on their give aways calendar and magazines. 

The hotel was occupied by Japanese troops, and the Japanese flag was flown above the walls for the entirety of the war. The hotel survived the bombing of Manila and was later reconstructed. Now The 500 fully renovated rooms that reflect the hotel’s colorful storied  in the past.From your  rooms you will see a spectacular view of the city-the breathtaking sunsets in Manila bay, the lush gardens Rizal Park, and the magnificent ruins of the old Walled City. Intramuros. The hotel rents at  $650 a night stay MacArthur suite. The penthouse, the most expensive suite (with a private swimming pool) on the 18th floor, has a view of the Bay, of Rizal Park and the 16th-century ruins of the Spanish walled city of Intramuros, opposite the hotel. Like the Presidential Suite, which costs $900 a night, the $1,200-a-night penthouse is decorated with rare paintings, Asian antiques and other  Filipino stuff. All the suites provide 24-hour butler service.

A really dream stay which can bring you back to the past and experience what those famous personalities have experienced before.

How does it feel to be king or queen for a day? Perhaps the feeling is somewhat close to when my family happened to check in for an overnight stay at the Regency Suite King of the Hyatt Hotel and Casino.

The hotel’s website describes the accommodation site as ‘a stylish 74-sq.-metre suite with modern decor and unique Filipino artwork complementing the bedroom, living and dining areas, oversized work desk with high-speed Internet and marble bath with tub and rain shower.’

To add to the amazement, the room offered breathtaking views of Manila Bay and tropical gardens. The accommodation also came with exclusive access to The Lounge so we could hang around and enjoy cocktail hours.

As the night got deeper, I had a taste of Club Oasis first for some spa treatment and jacuzzi splash so I’d feel refresh by the time I get back to the room.

What my husband considered as serendipitous was the sight of two oversized flat screen TV sets in our room. For the first time we didn’t have to compromise. He and my son watched their favorite show at ESPN while I could have my melancholic spree over Cinema Paradiso between the sheets in the king-sized bed. I hardly noticed everyone falling asleep.

The following day, after a brief breakfast buffet at the Market Café, we spent the entire morning at the outdoor pool. If you’re someone who enjoys the resorts yet finds traveling a hassle, perhaps the poolside at the Hyatt Hotel and Casino would do the trick.

Time flew quite fast as we’re having fun. The most difficult part of the agenda was checking out and to leave behind the thought that for once in you’re life, you’re a royalty for a day.