Hibiya Park: Rizal, Reading and a Rainbow

Sunday, September 5, 2010 at 6:46am ·

Finally got to see the bust dedicated to Dr. Jose Rizal by the Rizal Society of Japan in Hibiya Park yesterday. The bust was added to the pre-existing stone marker in 1998 in commemoration of the 100th year of Philippine independence. The monument stood at the former location of the Tokyo Hotel where Rizal stayed during his brief stay in Japan. I also saw the concert hall mentioned in historical accounts, narrating that Rizal strolled in the park. While leisurely strolling there, he heard music playing, and drawn to the music, headed towards the hall...realizing later that the musicians were Filipinos.

The fountain was so majestic and had 3 layers of water spouting from its mouth. Before i headed for the flower garden, i went near the fountain and was so happy to see that on the eastern side of it a rainbow is reflected by the water and was captured by my camera.;)

I also caught several people reading comfortably in benches in front of the fountain and more secluded places in the park near the Shinji-ike.

I went home light-hearted. After all, the rainbow, Rizal and reading were all personal favorites, and beacons of hope.