The Ermita district in downtown Manila has been the economic and cultural center for centuries. It's where refined architectures of the 20th century are well-preserved or rebuilt back on their glorious days.
It's great to have a walking tour of a Historical site that honors the bravery and patriotism of the Filipino people. Truly built for the Filipino and showcased to the world.
Ermita was once a posh community for Manila's elite and high society, the center for business, education, finance, religious and cultural activities.
As the Philippine capital, I would always feel great and proud to walk on the historical streets of the old district of Ermita. There are so many emotions to cling to the past, from the Spanish to the American colonial times.
When people nowadays prefer to go to malls as an indoor park, still it's different from the charm of a natural outdoor park where people would go for a weekend stroll and enjoy a relaxing ambiance.
It's good to have a developed and well-maintained central park in a large metropolitan where people can do several physical and recreational activities for health and leisure.
A park in honor of the great Philippine national hero, Jose Rizal, remains the premier landmark and attracts local and foreign tourists. Rizal is highly revered and remains an idol of the Filipino people, especially the younger generations. He's truly an icon of democracy, bravery, and national identity.
As a reverence to his heroism, it's always great to visit and be in touch with history in his life, emulate his ways, and learn about loyalty to one's country.
Before Covid-19, Rizal park was fully vibrant, with many people doing their fitness and activities for leisure. On June 12, 2019, I attended the flag-raising in commemoration of the Philippine independence day, witnessing the presence of Vice President Robredo for the traditional wreath-laying at Rizal's monument. That was a great experience to be part of a historical moment.
Today, Rizal Park in Ermita remains beautiful even with few people due to Covid-19 restrictions. I've never imagined how things would change due to the pandemic, but somehow grateful to have chosen a historical site for a romantic walking tour experience.
Ermita's parks and streets will remain refined and wondrous despite modernization in the 21st century. With a bustling metropolis and rising skyscrapers, it will still be the center of attraction with great learnings from the past.
I may visit famous global landmarks, but I would always look back to have a deeper appreciation and reverence for our national heritage and national treasure.
Wherever we are, Manila will always be our home and our identity. Today and in years to come, we'll always cherish the good times, great memories, and lessons it brings.
©️ 2021 Del Cusay
