Welcome to Paco Park! Who would have thought that this place just along the edge of busy roads and intersections is in fact a relaxing spot right in the middle of Manila’s bustling district? Outside the park’s high walls are the blaring honking of horns and reeving car engines. But it’s a surprise that the supposedly distracting sound beyond the walls turned out to be just a whispering clatter on the inside.
The park has lots of trees around so, if you visit Paco Park in the middle of the day when the sun’s summer heat is at its peak, you’ll appreciate the park more than any other time of the day. The cool and relaxing ambiance is so natural – just like you’re in the middle of the forest.
And here’s more, the chirpings of birds inhabiting the park are music to the ears. The sound feels like a dose of therapy to the souls while walking around exploring or sitting on the bench simply enjoying the place’s stillness. Isn’t it amazing! This is the kind of scenery you would never see outside the walls – unless you drive outside Manila and head towards the neighboring provinces and up to the mountains.
Paco Park is one of the country’s best-kept places of historical and architectural relevance. Here you can’t help but admire a unique work of art rendered on a single eye-catching structure – the St. Pancratius Chapel. I am lost for words to describe the chapel precisely so I better not attempt to say anything about it. But here are some photos of the chapel.
Of course, I heard Paco Park before but I wasn’t so keen on going there until weeks ago. I have seen several images of the place from the internet but it’s different to be there in real and gaze around with my two eyes. It doesn’t matter how many millions or billions of pixes the image might have, what truly counts is to see the place in reality.
Things you need to know about Paco Park
- The place is a popular venue for weddings and receptions for couples who prefer garden-like settings.”
- During the Second World War, Japanese forces used Paco Park as a central supply and ammunition depot.
The Design
Paco Park is circular, with an inner circular fort that stood as the original cemetery. Its walls were made hollow to serve as niches, and as the population continued to grow, a second outer wall was built with thick adobe walls. The top of the walls was then made into pathways for promenades.
Here are a few of my Instagrammable shots… LOL… just kidding. But in my bragging rights, these are my best shots using just my phone’s camera. Have a not only nice weekend but a great one! Keep safe.
