Passing Down Our Heritage

Many people nowadays, specially the younger generation, miss the real meaning of the Rizal Park also known as Luneta Park. They now think of it as a place where only "lovers" stroll around for a date, the younger ones would say it's "baduy"(pinoy slang for low-class; uncouth; unfashionable; having mass appeal; similar to jologs) to go there, or worst, a place for pimping prostitutes. This is very sad as this place is an important part of our cultural heritage.

Last Sunday we decided to bring the kids to Luneta instead of going to the mall. I have not been to the place for the longest time and I was so happy to see that the landscaping of the place is still well-maintained. Flowering plants surrounded the park. Security guards roam the place to make sure that the place is safe from common street crimes. The park was clean and rubbish-free though we did not get to see if there's a clean restroom in the area. There is a light and sound show of the martyrdom of Rizal and the Chinese Garden which you can visit for a minimal fee (no idea how the places were since we did not go inside). My husband and I took turns explaining to the children who Jose Rizal was and why he became the Philippine National Hero. What made me really so happy was seeing other families doing the same thing as we were, touring the place and informing the young ones the real meaning of this historical landmark. Wow, our visit was just like a school field trip, bringing memories of those educational trips when you get to see Luneta Park year after year as it was always included in the field trip itinerary during our grade school years.

The idea of bringing my kids to Luneta came to mind like two weeks ago. We were driving by Taft Ave. on our way to a friend's house in Fort Bonifacio after hearing Mass in Quiapo Church. The kids and I were looking at the places that we pass by and I eagerly gave them a brief introduction of the places which were new to them. We passed by the Philippine Post Office with its majestic fountain, Manila City Hall which is very remarkable with its big clock then the Luneta Park. I told them that the Luneta Park is where Jose Rizal was shot and asked them if they knew who Jose Rizal was. "Oo, mommy, siya ang may-ari ng school namin." ("Of course, he is the owner of our school"), a quick and excited answer given by my son which made me and my husband laugh so hard. But after the laughter came the concern (very typical of a mom...hehe). How can my son, who's in 1st grade in a school named after our national hero, don't know who Jose Rizal is??? So I told my husband we should take time to bring the children to places where they will learn and appreciate more about our country's culture and history. This way we can pass down our cultural heritage to the younger generation.

Thanks to pinoyslang.com for the definition of "baduy". :-)