Curious about the Rizal's guards in Luneta

You are right about the purpose of one marching while one is standing still (well, not really "still" because there are intervals when the standing guard is doing some military drills with his rifle). They take turns, by the way. You'll collapse (from non-circulation of blood) if you stand stationary for several hours, that is why they need to do that (besides the ceremonial purpose of doing it). I think a pair of honor guards relieve the previous pair (because it is a 24-hour, 365 day-routine). The reason why they are there is quite obvious i.e., to give honor to the legacy of Rizal as our national hero. Likewise, they are there to protect the monument from possible vandalism, etc. (You know how some Pinoys are). That is why they are called "honor guards" or "sentries" because of such functions. I have no idea how much they receive for that kind of "job". But I am quite certain they are selected for their discipline and endurance. I believe there are similar honor guards or sentries in other countries.

I never been in Luneta although I go with my wife in the manila proper by location but now I think I am so curious that Luneta so I think I would ask my wife to bring me there the next time around.....

I find this post funny and amusing. It evokes a lot of memories. I remember when I was a kid how enthralled was I watching those two uniformed men guarding the statue of our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. As a kid, I tried to catch their attention but to no avail. They never seem to smile nor look at anybody and they were indeed serious in what they were doing. I've heard that those guards are graduates from Philippine Military Academy and so no wonder they are really serious and disciplined.

YEah, even england has got those guards too, and so does singapore ^_^ I believe almost every countries will have them too, and they are supposed to be guarding important places in the country ^_^ Well, being a guard is like being a soldier.. They have to be smart and alert at all times, They have to portray a professional and serious image.. Some whom work as those guards, will see it as an honour, because they have to go thru strict selection process ^_^ I think the salary might be one of the attractive deal too, but most of all, it's the passion and love for the country ^_^

i was able to watch a local show before regarding filipino jobs including this one although i forgot waht show that was. anyway, when i was able to watch that back then i really didn't know that they really have to stand there all throughout their shift with all the marching stuff & everything. to be honest i never go to luneta park so i'm not that aware. it was a bit funny though coz what's the purpose of that? i mean really.. yes rizal was killed & he is our national hero but is it really necessary for guards to guard him? will someone steal his statue & sell it like how others would steal "korona ng mga santo"..? is there gold in luneta park for gurads to be really tough with their routine every day of their life..? regardless of that, i do respect their job coz like what you have said, boy it's tough to be standing there & imagine under the sun as well & the rain if in case they do stand there amidst of the poring rain. so all respect for them especially that they have a decent job. i just hope their salary is well compensated with what they do coz i admit i can't do that. it's tiring to sit all day in your shift, imagine standing.. and yes, i pity those ignorant & stupid people who distracts them from doing their job efficiently. though i give benefit of the doubt especially for those who are not aware of what their job description is because as a matter of fact if i haven't known this & i was able to notice those guards at luneta park, i would have been like them too.

You sure have a very curious mind. have not been to Luneta for some time but when we go there and I was a chil I have no interest on them so I was never curious. I think I just had an instant respect for the soldiers who guard it, they must really have a strong sense of nationalism, standing there and doing nothing and those people who poke on them should really be taught well to respect them, I think it is more heroic than what Rizal did

did you notice the three stars up at the peak of the monument, those are solid 24 carat gold, they have to watch it all day or it will disappear, LOL Mostly are honor guard of the Marine Corp, it symbolize their readiness to protect the land all the time.

That job was really hard. But when we look at them we might say that was a very easy job. They just stand there doing nothing and they got paid. But if we think just by doing nothing alone it can make us nuts and the boredom can really makes us wants to burst into pieces. Though the job was really annoying but I salute those guards. Have a nice day.

Well that`s how much they love the country...FILIPINO PRIDE! I believe the guards do stay there even if it rains and march to rest from standing...I think they are not just guards...they are military men.

I believe that it is part of their training in the military. Aside from that, they are gurading the national hero's remains. This is to give respect to Dr. Jose Rizal.