Here are some cool trivia I learned about Luneta:

• During the spanish times, the park was in the shape of a half moon, a lunette, hence the name LUNETA.
• Kilometer ZERO starts here, serving the point of origin to all cities in the Philippines, the marker is set across the monument of Jose Rizal.
• The Rizal monument erected in the park today was a work of a Swiss sculptor named Richard Kissling, surprisingly, this design was the second placer in the International Art Competition commissioned to build the monument.  Many accounts explained that grand prize winner failed to post the bond for the duration of the construction, thus awarding the project to Kissling.

There, now you can show off your history prowess to your balikbayan relatives and foreign friends.

Mabuhay ang Bagong Bayan!

We visited Kozui green tea cafe last sunday after watching Qtv’s pinaka show because of the extreme Manila summer heat … I was drooling over their Anmitsu (Japanese Halo Halo, topped with green tea ice cream). The Anmitsu priced at P150-ish is a fresh take from your usual Halo Halo, and also comes in 4 different flavors (strawberry jam, mango, taro, and the other one we forgot). We also tried their Takoyaki balls, which was a little tangy for me.  Kozui is located at Tomas Morato after Sgt. Fuentebella,  Quezon City.

Gate crasher 1 : Pwedeng pumasok?
Guardia Sibil : May Invitation ho kayo?
Gate crasher 2 : Sabi kasi sa internet, admission is free
Gate crasher 1 : Wala, pero open ba ito for public?
Guardia Sibil : Opo
Gate crasher 1 : So? pwede nga kami pumasok?
Guardia Sibil : (nag-iisip) sige ho…
Gate crasher 2 : Nakakatawa ‘to (nakaturo sa guardia sibil)
Guardia Sibil : (nakangisi, di maintindihan kung anong nangyari)

PASOK ang 3 gate crashers.

Music was good, no flamenco dance, fantastic spirit lanterns! The beef caldereta, Penne Pasta, Lumpiang ubod, sautéed button mushrooms, which we paid (catered by Barbaras), CON MUCHO GUSTO!

Details of the event here :
http://celdrantours.blogspot.com/2009/02/carlos-recommends_15.html
http://mabidavid.wordpress.com/2009/02/17/manila-transitio-1945-please-come/
http://celdrantours.blogspot.com/2009/03/muchas-gracias-manila.html

Visit Cuaresma at the Clam shell 1 of Intramuros Manila.  This exhibit is co-presented by the Department of Tourism and Hermandad dela Sagrada Pasion de Jesus. Santos (holy images) from the different regions of the Philippines are showcased here commemorating the Passion and Death of Jesus. Admission is FREE and the exhibit will end on March 15, 2009. Here, you will learn to appreciate the artistry and faith of the filipinos as you walk through the beautiful images displayed. Viewing hours are from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM.