witsandnuts

Paco Park is one of those places that I wanted to visit because it is frequently featured as filming location. The fountain was not operational when we visited though. I wonder how I never knew where it is and never got to see it in person. Hence, we spent some time here on the same day that we have re-visited the Walled City (Intramuros). It turned out that it is the area fronting the Paco Fire Station which I have passed by hundred times on my way to Makati or nearby areas.

It was a holiday when we visited and there were students who seemed to have gathered to rehearse an activity. Present, too, were those who were obviously doing photo shoots.

I was most interested in visiting Saint Pancratius Chapel. Unfortunately, it was close then and had no scheduled mass for the day.

This chapel (or popularly known now as Paco Park Church) used to be a venue for burial rites since this park used to be a cemetery.

The niches are quite visible on the stone walls. In connection to the Spanish colonization, this cemetery was initially built for the aristocrats who lived in the Walled City (Intramuros) and other opulent families.

It is quite interesting to learn that the remains of Jose Rizal (the national hero of the Philippines) was first buried here after his execution, then transferred to the current location at Luneta Park. The internment officially stopped sometime in 1912, hence, some remains were transferred to other cemeteries in Manila. However, those of the three martyrs-priests Gomburza (Padre Gomez, Burgos and Zamora) were kept.

Here is a ‘street art’ aka hanging laundry which is probably almost an everyday view in front of the park. I was near the top of entrance arch when I snapped this.

Hanging laundry Manila style, quite different from the Italian approach. I love all the intricacies of Manila.

I will never look at this corner the same way again. Who would have thought that it was once a cemetery and an ammunition depot during the world war.

I forgot to have my dosage of dirty ice cream after exiting the park. I must come back.

Paco Park is open from 8am to 5pm. Admission fee is PhP10. It is in San Marcelino and General Luna Streets, Manila, Philippines. (It is near UN Avenue Station.) For tourists (even those who are not), I suggest you take the pedicab from the train station for a more colorful experience.