Of walls, trees, ponds, and rock works

"Even though everything [in the garden] is the work of man, it must appear to have been created by heaven...”
– Ji Cheng, Yuanye, or The Craft of Gardens (1633)

Chinese have greatly contributed their influence to Philippine culture. So much of what Philippines have now, we got from them. With the population of Chinese in the country, their influence will continue to grow and add color to both their culture and ours.

In 2009, a group of young Filipino-Chinese entrepreneurs conceived the Wisdom Walk project. The idea was to put an escape to the outside world. To have a calm place for painting, finding solitude and contemplation. The Wisdom Walk In Luneta Chinese Garden intended to give the people the feeling of wandering through nature, closer to ancient life, appreciating the harmony between man and nature.

It was just the right place for us to have our #beautifulSunday in this picturesque Pavillion. We had to shhhh the kids as they loudly expressed their amazement with the landscape.

The garden took a small portion of Rizal Park. Just enough to fill it with ponds, bridges, stone works and tiny pavillions. Everywhere you will see the shade of red. Its understandable, Chinese New Year, just passed.

There were group of students playing harmonious instruments, old men and women with their zen habits, and lovers under trees with whispers of love and admiration.

This trip was far different from most of our Sunday escapades. It wasn't a walk at a chaotic mall, a sit at a dark movie house. The sun was up, it was 37°C, the humidity was crazy but the kids loved every inch of the park. My son even wanted to have our garden designed as mini Chinese garden. I'd love the idea too.

We must've circled around the garden thrice. It was just breathaking. Eventually the kids got tired and hungry. The garden was too beautiful, we didn't want to litter so we went some place to eat.

Thanks for reading!

Love,
Jonah (and John)