Rizal Day 2012 and One Christmastime at Rizal Park (Luneta Park)

Today December 30, 2012, the Philippines is celebrating the 116th Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal.  Flags and tarpaulins has been visible in the major areas in Metro Manila since the beginning of December.  There are also other significant activities but the highlight of course is happening today at the Rizal Monument at Rizal Park Manila (Luneta Park).  You may refer to this link for the activity details.

Coming from our morning run today while seeing the Rizal Day tarpaulins in the avenue where we passed by, I suddenly remember one Christmastime with my good old friends.  It was two years back then when we were planning our Christmas get together and we can’t decide the venue. I am the usual host for such celebration but I beg off to host that particular year because I was working from home then.  I want to give give myself a breather.  Also, we have been friends for decades and we’re celebrating annually that we are almost running out of ideas. We want something different that time.  Something that will take away our holiday stress.  Something that the adult can relax and the kids will enjoy at the same time.  Somebody suggested “Luneta!” and we unanimously agreed.  We haven't tried that one.

Here’s sharing to you our fun during our Christmas celebration done in Luneta. You might experience a photo overload here.

We went to the park early because we want to catch the light and fountain show scheduled at 8AM. We know that the show is better seen at night but our priority is for the kids to enjoy the park in the morning.  So   we explored the park first then watch the lights and fountain show.





Then we look for a place to settle. We choose a place near a tree because it was drizzling from time to time.

The good thing about being in a public park like Luneta is that almost everything you need can be bought or rented.  There’s also a variety of food from the roving vendors and they are not very expensive.  We brought our own things and food but we also buy some foods that fancy us.

Eating Time. We brought variety of simple foods. The kids are definitely enjoying the picnic.

Simply irresistible! PhP 20.00 each - not bad. So cruncy and so yummy with bagoong

There are also a lot of things that you can enjoy at the park by merely observing.

I've been seeing this group since the early times that I'm at Luneta and it's just amazing to know that after long years, this group still exist.

This vendor earned a lot from us. LOL

We made a day full activities that kids, teens, adults and even the dog enjoyed.

blowing bubble times - awesome

Carabao riding.
Luneta Park gave them the chance to enjoy things that they can not find in the mall or in their play room.

tree climbing

Badminton Time!
Competition time. kids vs. kids, adults vs. adults, families vs. families

Dry fountain is a great place to play :)

Ice Cream time!

This kid is not among us. Her parents are unmindful that she joined us the whole time that we were there lol.

The main event. "Exchange Gift sa Luneta"

Kids are enjoying the ice cream and exchange gift to the max.
The little baby at the edge of the mat is another instant guest.  His parents found an instant baby sitter among us  lol.

Exchange gift is now getting serious

We had sooo much fun! 

For most people, Luneta might not be the best place to celebrate special occasions.  But for us, this became one among our most unforgettable bonding time.  As the saying goes , "it is not about the place or the material things that makes a moment worthwhile and special, but the people who you are with." 

Our friendship is bonded with time filled with bad and good times shared together that we actually consider ourselves as family.  We always make sure that our moments together will be special and we did it at Luneta Park one Christmastime. 

We have a lot more photos that will speak about this enjoyable day, you might want to view it here.

Today, Luneta has more to offer to the public especially this season.  There is an on-going carnival and some free shows and a lot more stuff to enjoy.  I just hope that people will be responsible enough not to ruin its improving beauty and reputation.  Remember that it carries the name of our National Hero.  Let’s take care of it and be proud of it.

“All men are born equal, naked, without bonds.  God did not create man to be a slave; nor did he endow him with intelligence to have him hoodwinked, or adorn with reason to have him deceived by others.”
 (Letter to the Young Women of Malolos)  ~ Dr. Jose Rizal~