A Photo Shoot at Paco Park

It was a despedida trip for me with my friends from my mountaineering club and as they've always wanted to do a photo shoot, we chose one of the recommended and historic places in Manila.

Paco park, a former cemetery founded during the Spanish colonial era, is now turned into a garden for recreation and relaxation.

Main entrance gate to Paco Park

Within the park's premises is a small dome structured chapel. I wish I'd get a   chance to hear mass there one day. It is very solemn and intimate. When we went there, there even was a wedding ceremony being held.

Chapel of St. Pancratius located within the walls of Paco Park

One landmark worth visiting while in the park is the resting place of the three Filipino martyr priests.

The burial ground of GOMBURZA (Jose Burgos, Mario Gomez and Jacinto Zamora), the three martyr priests who were executed during the Spanish era 

Paco Park reminds me of Fort Santiago. The structure - bricked walls and floor -  is quite similar. And what makes it even better is the nice greenery surrounding it. The crowd is less which makes the mood all the more relaxing.

Walkway above the walls of Paco Park

Paco Park is a beautiful place to conduct photo shoots because of its nice scenery and romantic feel. We were simply amateurs, equipped with DSLRs, models dressed with minor make-up. Perhaps that was why we caught the attention of of the park's security guard.

It turns out that we were not supposed to conduct photo shoot there unless we secure a permit near Luneta office. After the confrontation, we immediately packed up our stuff, strolled a lithe bit before we finally left.

Easily accessible, Paco Park is a nice place to relax and unwind while admiring our rich history. And if you're planning to conduct a photo shoot, make sure to get a permit first. :)