Paco Park, Manila.
Paco Park a former cemetery was designed by Nicolas Ruiz and its construction was completed in 1820. Paco is probably the oldest cemetery in the Philippines.
It consists of two circular walls containing three levels of niches that were used as tombs. On top of the walls there is a walkway. The Chapel of San Pancratius is located at the back of the park. Mass is celebrated at the Chapel on Sundays and it is popular for weddings. Remains of Spanish governors and the elite were laid to rest in the Chapel of San Pancratius. Today, only the remains of Governor-General Ramon Solano are still in the chapel.
The Park is full of plants and century old acacia and frangipani trees. In the middle of the park there is a large fountain.
It was here that José Rizal was buried by the Spaniards after his execution in Luneta. A plaque marks the place, and it reads: “JOSE RIZAL – Executed 30 December, 1896, interred secretly in this spot by the authorities on the same day. Remains exhumed 17 August 1912, laid beneath the monument at the Luneta.”
Paco Park is also the final resting place of Mario Gomez, José Burgos and Jacinto Zamora, three priests that were executed by the Spanish in 1872 for their participation in an uprising against Spain.
Free concerts are offered every Friday at 6pm. It’s worth timing your visit so that you can catch one of those open-air concerts. It is very pleasant to sit amid the greenery during sunset while listening to classical music.
Where: San Marcelino Street and Gen. Luna Street, Paco.
My rating: 10/10
Paco Park is a tranquil heaven in the middle of bustling Manila. It is one of the prettiest spots in the city. One of my favourite places.
Info from: http://my_sarisari_store.typepad.com/
Popularity: 6% [?]
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Senor Enrique » September 17th, 2006 at 6:43 am
I haven’t been inside this park, but would often pass by it. I must one of these days.
Do they have live classical music events here still?
robert » October 4th, 2006 at 7:57 pm
paco park is one of the best place in manila to visit.it is full of memories of our rich culture and a perfect place to relax and reflect our country century ago.
carla » October 16th, 2006 at 6:21 am
been there two times and i remember that a wedding took place the second time i came for a visit.
mazel » October 23rd, 2006 at 1:28 pm
When i was in high school, we usually go to Paco Park to have our Sabayang Pagbigkas practice or Carol Fest Practice. The place has a very special place in my heart, not only because of the rich history it has but also because we spent most of our high school time there.
Filipina Soul » A Wedding in the Family » March 30th, 2007 at 11:50 am
[...] Paco Park, the site of the reception, is a circular park enclosing the Spanish-era Chapel of San Pancratius (also circular in shape). A former cemetery and the site of the Gomburza tomb, it is now a National Park. It is a very popular site for weddings, an romantic oasis in the middle of the hustle of Manila. There was a lot of space during the reception for the kids to play in and enjoy one another’s company as the adults chatted around dinner. My brother’s wedding was during the late afternoon, and the trees in the park provided for ample shade. I think an evening wedding in the Park would also be quite stunning, with the chance to dress up the pool and surroundings with lights. [...]
Ojie » May 16th, 2007 at 11:55 am
I grew up in Paco, and coming home from UST during my college years, I always pass it.
I live in Toronto now, next time I come to Manila, I will surely visit this place again.
bambit » May 11th, 2008 at 8:24 pm
Hello, I’ve linked this article as related reading to my own blog post on Paco Park. Thank you for the wealth of information.
Gaerlan St. » Lead Story » Paco Park Redux » May 12th, 2008 at 8:01 am
[...] Paco Park Manila [...]
Manila Travel Nut » August 27th, 2008 at 9:09 am
I’ve gone past Paco Park so many times, but never stopped. After seeing this I think I need to finally have a look.