Revisiting Manila’s Kilometer Zero in Luneta Rizal Park
Posted by on April 24, 2008
When was the last time you sat foot on the Philippines’ Kilometer Zero? The Rizal Park or Luneta (Bagumbayan during the earlier days) is the Luzon’s reference when measuring distances. Aside from being the starting point of measuring distances, Luneta is more known for another thing:
The Rizal Monument.
It was on this very site were the Philippines’ National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal was executed through firing squad on the morning of December 30, 1896. Rizal made his final walk from his dark and dingy room in Fort Santiago to Luneta which was then called Bagumbayan.
After the execution, Rizal body was secretly buried inside the Paco Park. And after a few years later, It was exhumed and the remains were moved to the Luneta, where a humongous Monument stands today.
As a great respect for a man who sacrified his life for his motherland, the Rizal Monument is being watched by Honor Guards of the Philippine Navy 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
The Luneta Park is always on top of the itinerary of most travellers going to Manila. In fact, the reality show Amazing Race once stopped right in front of this monument before the contestants flew to the paradise island of Coron in Palawan.
kilometer zero indeed. i think all the other provinces also consider its Rizal monument as their kilometer zero. not sure though.
i’m glad you featured this. every time i’m in manila, i usually go in the area for a walk – what a bliss to have an open space like luneta.