Germaine De Castro – Sunday Punch
The Halloween season lingered a bit longer in Manila this year, thanks to the National Parks Development Committee (NPDC) under the Department of Tourism. They held Lunetakutan 2024, a post-Halloween event on November 2 at Rizal Park’s Central Section, adding a final dose of thrills to Manila’s spooky season. Starting at 4:00 PM and concluding before midnight, the annual event—which began in 2019—featured seven Halloween-themed activities that drew large crowds to the historic park.
One of the highlights was Tabi-tabi Po: Ang Misteryo sa Kagubatan, held at the Kanlungan ng Sining art area. This installation transformed the site into an eerie forest featuring iconic figures from Filipino folklore, including the Manananggal, Tikbalang, and White Lady, portrayed by actors in elaborate costumes. Stilt walkers welcomed guests at the entrance, creating an unforgettable photo opportunity for visitors of all ages.
In addition to Tabi-tabi Po, guests enjoyed snapping pictures at the Happy Howl-O-Ween Photobooth Area, an arched setup with a spooky background perfect for memorable shots. For a hands-on experience, the Creepy Crawly Mystery Boxes game challenged visitors to guess the contents of hidden boxes, while the Spooky Little Monsters station offered treats to children in Halloween costumes.
Over at Lawn B, families gathered for the Mad Scientist Show, blending science and Halloween fun with educational demonstrations that kept kids entertained and curious. Following that, the Animal Tricks Show featured impressive obedience tricks performed by trained birds and dogs, delighting the young audience.
To close the night, Squad Ghouls took selected participants on a guided tour of Paco Park Cemetery and Rizal Park Luneta. Led by a Department of Tourism-accredited guide, attendees learned about Manila’s rich history and eerie legends under the moonlight, adding a unique and mysterious touch to the festivities.
Lunetakutan 2024 showcased Manila’s dedication to cultural celebration, combining traditional folklore with interactive activities that continue to make Rizal Park a top destination for locals and tourists alike.