Fewer people at Rizal Park on Christmas

Fewer people flocked at the Rizal Park in Manila, one of the go-to picnic destinations for Filipino families to celebrate the Yuletide season.

The number of visitors at the park’s central section – where the monument of Dr. Jose Rizal is located – was estimated to be around 15,000 on Tuesday, Manila Police District said.

Last year, the park drew more than 30,000 people to celebrate Christmas eve.

Among the attractions the park visitors enjoyed were the dancing fountain that features laser dancing lights, pulsating geysers and orchestrated sprinkles which swayed to the beat of Christmas carols and the Christmas lights display.

Gilbernard Santos’ family was among those who spent Christmas at Luneta. He said that they wanted to spend Christmas in a different way this year instead of staying at home. His brother even came from Iloilo.

"Masaya kasi dito sa Luneta dahil maraming iba’t ibang tao. Marami ka ring makikitang attraction for free at sa buong buhay ko ngayon ko lang naexperience ang ganitong kagandang Pasko sa Maynila," she said.

However, most of the park's visitors left trash lying around.

Meanwhile, the National Parks Development Committee shared the spirit of Christmas through a free concert that will feature various performances, in line with the theme “Guided by the Stars” at the Rizal Park Open Air Auditorium on December 25 at 5:00 p.m. onwards.

On the other hand, National Capital Region Police Office chief Director Guillermo Eleazar led the security inspection at the Luneta Park before dawn on Tuesday.

Eleazar also inspected the Ongpin outpost, the Police Community Precinct on Abad Santos and Tayuman, and the Raxabago Police Station.

"So far ay wala tayong mga untoward incident that could be related sa pagpunta sa simbahan. At inaasahan sana natin na hanggang Pasko ay wala ring magiging problema. At ang next preparation naman natin ay pagsalubong sa Bagong Taon," he said.

He added that Christmas celebration in the National Capital Region was generally peaceful.

Security will remain tight until the New Year, he added.