Last November 27, 2022, a string of events was held at Paco Park to commemorate its 200 years of existence. The festivities were organized by GottaBeFamous Events Management in partnership with the National Parks Development Committee.
Image: Paco Park | Wikipedia
To open the event, a fashion photography lecture was held, facilitated by fashion designer Rey Calajate with models dressed in Filipiniana bridal gowns. It was followed by a photography workshop led by Playlight Studio owner Mark Cristobal, who showcased the designs of Calajate’s bridal couture. Together, the lectures showcased Paco Park as a perfect spot for photo opportunities.
Image courtesy of GottaBeFamous Events Management
The improvement of Paco Park, spearheaded by National Artist for Architecture Ildefonso P. Santos Jr., helped the park become a symbol of contemporary Filipino landscape architecture. Since then, Paco Park has become a popular location for wedding and prenuptial photoshoots.
A Paco Park Walking Tour was also conducted, led by Michael Angelo Tabuyan, a social studies teacher and the Executive Director of Project Saysay. Tabuyan discussed the “betweens and beyonds” of Paco Park history—it served as a sanctuary for many, including some national heroes. Paco Park also holds collective memories of the past, since the time of the Spanish regime.
Image courtesy of GottaBeFamous Events Management
Communities of photographers and groups of students took part in the activities. In celebration of the 200 Years of Paco Park, we recognize the park as a center for Philippine arts and heritage, and as a site of history.
