Rizal Shrine in Calamba, Laguna

Photo of the original house

This is the house that Don Francisco Mercado built for his family. It is massive and solid. The ground floor was of lime and stone. Its upper floor was made from the best hardwoods, the Narra and Molave logs which Don Francisco personally selected from the nearby forest of Makiling. Its roof was of red tiles. The site was located in the center of the town, near the church and the plaza along Calle Real. It took two years to complete this house.

Birthplace of Jose Rizal

Did you know that the original house of Dr. Jose Rizal was destroyed? President Elpidio Quirino commissioned Architect Juan Nakpil to research, design and construct a house that would be a replica of the original house. Under Executive Order No. 145 of Pres. Quirino, this house has been restored with funds mainly coming from the contributions of schoolchildren of the Philippines. And on June 19, 1950, the house has been inaugurated.

Birthday Bash: Manila Ocean Park

Malou: What do you want for your birthday? A shirt? An espadrille?

PDT: A day at the Manila Ocean Park!

Feb 9, my natal day. Malou and I met at LRT-Roosevelt Station at 9 am. We took the train ride and got off at the United Nations Station. From there, we got three options on how to get to Manila Ocean Park (MOP). First is to take a taxi, that's the easiest way. Second is to ride a jeepney and get off near the Quirino Grandstand. MOP is right behind the Grandstand. The third option is to take a walk through the Rizal Park. MOP opens at 10 am every day. So we decided to take the third option. This, I think, is the best way to get to the Ocean park since you can also get to enjoy the Rizal Park.

At the Rizal Park

Here's some of what you'll see as you walk through the Park

The Modern Kalesa

Rizal Monument

After a few minutes of leisure walking, we finally arrived at the Manila Ocean Park.