Paco Park and Cemetery Manila: Everything you need to know

Exploring Paco Park and Cemetery Manila

Paco Park was built in 1820, and back then, the Paco Cemetery gave rest to the cholera epidemic victims. Ramon Solano y Lladeral, who was a Spanish Governor-General of the Philippines along with several bishops, and the historically known GomBurZa after the execution in 1872, was buried in the cemetery.

St. Pancratius Chapel at the rear of Paco Park by Carlojoseph14 via Wikipedia CC — St. Pancratius Chapel at the rear of Paco Park By Carlojoseph14 – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, CC

During the Spanish colonization period, Paco Park was supposedly the municipal cemetery for wealthy Spanish families. The dead’s remains were buried in the cemetery located at the District of Dilao, the former name for Paco.

Paco Park and Cemetery photo by Angelyn Marquez via Wikipedia CC — Paco Park and Cemetery photo By Angelyn Marquez – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, CC

But just a jeepney ride away from Intramuros is another oasis in Manila – the Paco Park and Cemetery. Paco Park was declared a National Park in 1966 and was dubbed as the Philippines’ most beautiful park.

Bust of Jose Rizal inside Paco Cemetery by Ramon FVelasquez via Wikipedia CC — Bust of Jose Rizal inside Paco Cemetery By Ramon FVelasquez – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, CC

The remains of Dr. Jose Rizal were originally buried in Paco Cemetery before it was interred again in Luneta Park in 2012.

Historical Marker of Paco Cemetery by IJVelas via Wikipedia CC — Historical Marker of Paco Cemetery By IJVelas – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, CC

How to get there

Paco Park is just one jeepney ride away from Intramuros, another eye-catching scenery found in Manila.

To get there, you can ride a jeep, bus, or LRT 1. The earliest travel time is 26 minutes from Forever 21 to Paco Park by riding a UV then a jeep. Or if you are from Malate, Paranaque, just ride a UV then a jeep, and you will arrive at Paco Park in just 29 minutes.

Here is a summary of routes, modes of transport, and their corresponding travel time:

Point of Origin	Mode of Transportation	Travel Time
San Dionisio, Paranaque	Jeep > Bus	78 minutes
MIA Road – Coastal, Paranaque	Bus	46 minutes
Cathedral Parish of St. Andrew, Paranaque	Bus	60 minutes
Fatima University Medical Center, Valenzuela	Jeep > Jeep	67 minutes
Tea Rock Cafe, Quezon City	Jeep	48 minutes
Avida Towers, Paranaque	Jeep > Bus	79 minutes
Malate, Paranaque	UV > Jeep	29 minutes
D’ Cream, Makati City	Jeep > Jeep	68 minutes
CaviteX Las Pinas Toll Barrier, Las Pinas	Bus	63 minutes
Forever 21	UV > Jeep	26 minutes

Interesting Facts

The three priests, Fathers José A. Burgos, Mariano C. Gomez, and Jacinto R. Zamora, were buried in the park after the execution in 1872. They were the “martyrs” of the nation and later inspired Jose Rizal to forward his advocacies for independence.
Jose Rizal himself, the Philippine National Hero, was initially buried there, and his remains lay six-feet underground without a coffin.
At the main gate of Paco Park, a Latin text engraved, “Beati mortui qui in domino moriuntur” that can be translated to “Blessed are the dead who die in the grace of Lord.”
We mentioned that Paco was formerly known as Dilao, and it is because of the Amaryllis plants that surrounded the wondrous place.
Today, the park is an avenue for gatherings for weddings, prenups, photoshoots, and mini romantic dates. The Manila City government hosts concerts in the park, and it is open daily from 7:00AM – 5:00PM.
Fridays are for “Paco Park Presents,” where you can witness musical artists and chorales performing Filipino local and traditional music by the sunset.

Weddings at Paco Park

If you are a couple who wish to do your wedding at an unconventional garden-like venue, the Chapel of St. Pancratius, located inside the romantic Paco Park, might be one option for you. It is managed by Vincentian fathers of Adamson University. The ambiance of the place is endearing. The vintage exteriors, the warm and cozy feel of the garden are perfect for taking pictures of a very intimate wedding. It is fully air-conditioned and can accommodate up to 100 people. It is simple yet elegant.

Prenup Shoot

With its vintage gate and walls with vines, as well as elegant structures that take you back in time, Paco Park is also the favorite spot and prenup shoot location. There is something magical, as many couples have remarked in this place. It is so intimate and solemn and so romantic that people love visiting it, spending their rest days from work, or taking a breather from their day-to-day stress.

Rates

For couples who want a solemn wedding at St.Pancratius Chapel, you only have to coordinate with Adamson University for fees and terms. The rates range from 20,000 – 50,000. There will be a payment schedule of Php 5,000 down payment, while the full payment should be paid one month before the scheduled wedding date.

Contact Info

St. Pancratius Chapel (Paco Park)
#959 San Marcelino St., Paco, Manila
Telephone: (02) 525-7853 | (02) 524-2022 loc. 101

Want more updates about new package tours and tourist spots in Manila, Philippines? Follow #TeamOutofTown, on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Bloglovin, and Pinterest for more travel ideas.