Luneta Park is situated in the heart of the city of Manila, Philippines. It is at the northern end of Roxas Boulevard, overlooking Manila Bay.
It was called Bagumbayan in Spanish times, and became known later on as Luneta. It is also called Rizal Park, officially called so by 1917 in tribute to the Philippine national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. The body of the hero is said to lie under his memorial statue there, with ceremonial soldiers guarding the site. His poem, "Mi Ultimo Adios" ("My Final Goodbye") is inscribed in the memorial plaque.
The name "Luneta" is synonymous to the word "lunette"; the park was said to have the shape of a half moon in Spanish times, where it was beside a Spanish fort serving as a buffer during rebellions by the locals.
The park in modern times has become a local spot for families to have picnics on Sundays and holidays. It has a small man-made lake with a replica of the Philippine Islands in the middle. The park has recreational value as well, as bands, orchestras and other sorts of entertainment are provided for free. The park also has a Chinese and Japanese garden.
It is also the starting point of all travels regarding distance in the Philippines. For example, the city of Baguio in the north is about 330 km from the city of Manila, specifically, Luneta Park.
On July 4, 1946, the declaration of independence of the Philippines from the American occupation was signed here.
In January 1995, a mass was held here by Pope John Paul II, with a crowd of 4 million, the biggest yet of all foreign papal masses.
