by Edcer Escudero
CONCERT at the park.
That’s what Manila residents, enjoy on Sunday afternoons at Paco Park in Manila where cultural shows are presented free of charge.
Over here in Davao City, residents don’t get to see such entertainment fare, but they do get something culinary: Free hot lugaw at the People’s Park situated right at the back of Apo View Hotel, an imposing 10-storey landmark.
Lugaw—soft—cooked rice with a dash of salt is served on Sunday mornings only to morning promenaders and physical fitness buffs who flock to the park as early as when the sun begins to emerge from the horizon. One may have a second or even third serving. Over a hundred people enjoy hot, steaming lugaw.
But don’t ever think that lugaw is the major come-on at the park. It is not. People’s Park is a park like no other. It may not be as beautiful as some parks in the country. But I say without fear of multiple contradictions, that it is the best park in the Philippines today—best in terms of varied exciting attractions and unique features.
For instance, it is the only park that provides free use of wheelchairs to disabled visitors so that they can wheel about freely at a designated area in the park.
The first impressive structure that a visitor sees upon entering is a giant sculpture of the eagle some 15 feet tall in a swooping down position with its wings spread wide measuring some 18 feet… Beneath it are sculptures of tribal women carrying on the head and the lap baskets of fruits.
A truly unique edifice in the park is the Durian Dome about 30 feet high which houses the offices of the City Mayor, the park Manager, and a conference room.
Scattered all over the park are cement sculptures by Kublai, of Davao natives in various poses playing musical instruments and carrying fruit-filled baskets.
Other attractions and features are:
• Wishing Fountain, where visitors throw coins into the water as they silently make a wish.
• Waterfalls and curtain falls onside the rainforests.
• Rainforests: Philippines, South and Central Africa; Madagascar, where the three nipa huts are located, and which are the favorite spots of romantic pairs.
• Sunken Garden, where you find the Children’s Library and Reading Center
• Fun Park, where different rides and slides and mini obstacle for children three to twelve years of age.
• Pine Grove where you see the tall majestic pine trees.
• Rainbow Drive, multi-colored main entrance shaped like the rainbow; Shade Plaza that is beautifully landscaped.
• Giant Snake – a 10-ft. python with 4-inch diametral body.
If that huge snake scares you, you can just walk over to another part of the park where you will see your three cousins (monkeys) inside three separate cages.
By nightfall, the park comes to life with those scintillating lights from the Dancing Fountain and the Inter-Active Fountain. It’s a sight to behold.
So, when you want to feel the afternoon or evening breeze caressing your cheeks while you sit leisurely underneath the trees, or when you want to stretch your legs and loosen up yourself as you bathe in the glow of the rising sun, People’s Park is “the place to be” – a 3.7—hectare oasis of serenity where you can have a piece of paradise.
