San Agustin Church: A Masterpiece of Baroque Architecture
Known as one of the most important baroque churches in the Philippines and as one of the only four baroque churches in the Philippines that
Quezon City
Quezon Memorial Circle
Exploring the Heart of Quezon City’s Heritage
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- Quezon City
The Quezon Memorial Circle stands as a vibrant and historic centerpiece in Quezon City, reflecting both the nation’s past and its ongoing evolution. From its origins as a planned government center to its current role as a cherished public park, the Circle continues to honor the legacy of President Manuel L. Quezon while offering diverse attractions and facilities for both locals and tourists. Its blend of historical significance, cultural monuments, and modern amenities makes it a unique and dynamic landmark that remains a central hub for community and national pride.
Explore the Philippines through my lens as we venture into Quezon Memorial Circle with Point of View (POV) photography. Using a body cam, I’ll guide you on an interactive tour, revealing the behind-the-scenes of capturing the shots shared here. Let’s dive into this visual journey together and uncover the wonders through my lens!
Let’s explore the PHILIPPINES through my lens as we journey on a photo slideshow to Quezon Memorial Circle. Join me in this visual adventure and discover the wonders captured through my lens! Check out the shared slideshow here.
The Quezon Memorial Circle, located in Quezon City, Metro Manila, was initially envisioned as the site for the National Capitol, intended to accommodate the Congress of the Philippines. This vision was part of a larger plan for a National Government Center (NGC), which would have integrated the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of the Philippine government into a unified area encompassing Elliptical Road and the Quezon City Quadrangle, including the North Triangle, South Triangle, East Triangle, and West Triangle. Although the cornerstone was laid on November 15, 1940, the outbreak of World War II halted construction, leaving only the foundations completed.
Check out the video for more highlights. See what I’ve captured through my lens with Point of View (POV) photography. Using a body cam, I’ll take you on an interactive tour, showing you behind-the-scenes moments of capturing the shots shared here.
Check out the video below for additional features. Explore what I’ve captured through my lens in this cinematic slideshow.
ABOVE: The Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City was meant to be the National Capitol and part of a unified government center, but World War II interrupted its construction. After the war, the construction was completed, resulting in the monument we see today.
ABOVE: The Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City was meant to be the National Capitol and part of a unified government center, but World War II interrupted its construction. After the war, the construction was completed, resulting in the monument we see today.
In December 1945, after the war, President Sergio Osmeña established the Quezon Memorial Committee to raise public funds for a memorial dedicated to his predecessor, President Manuel L. Quezon. Former Quezon City Mayor Tomas Morato was instrumental in selecting the site for the memorial. Despite President Elpidio Quirino’s later proposal to relocate it, Morato strongly opposed this suggestion. In 1951, a national competition for the Quezon Memorial Project was held, with Filipino architect Federico Ilustre emerging as the winner. His design encompassed not only the mausoleum but also plans for a presidential library, a museum, and a theater.
ABOVE: Since the city government took over the Quezon Memorial Circle in 2008, it has become a popular spot for students’ extracurricular activities with the addition of new facilities like the Seminar Hall and covered courts.
ABOVE: Since the city government took over the Quezon Memorial Circle in 2008, it has become a popular spot for students’ extracurricular activities with the addition of new facilities like the Seminar Hall and covered courts.
The Quezon Memorial Shrine
The Quezon Memorial Shrine, an art deco-themed monument designed by Ilustre and built during the 1950s, serves as the centerpiece of the Quezon Memorial Circle. Standing 66 meters (217 ft) tall—symbolic of Quezon’s age at the time of his death from tuberculosis—the shrine is situated on a 36-hectare elliptical lot. It features an observation deck at the top, accessible via a spiral staircase, offering visitors a panoramic view of the city.
ABOVE: The Quezon Memorial Shrine, a 66-meter-tall art deco monument from the 1950s, features an observation deck, regional pylons, and angels by Francesco Monti, all set on a 36-hectare lot with a catafalque inspired by Napoleon’s in the Invalides.
ABOVE: The Quezon Memorial Shrine, a 66-meter-tall art deco monument from the 1950s, features an observation deck, regional pylons, and angels by Francesco Monti, all set on a 36-hectare lot with a catafalque inspired by Napoleon’s in the Invalides.
The shrine’s design includes three mourning angels holding sampaguita wreaths, crafted by Italian sculptor Francesco Monti. These winged figures, placed atop the three pylons, represent Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, each adorned in traditional regional costumes. The pylons encircle a drum-like two-story structure with a gallery from which visitors can view Quezon’s catafalque, modeled after Napoleon Bonaparte’s in the Invalides. The gallery and catafalque are illuminated by an oculus, reminiscent of Grant’s Tomb.
Recent Developments and Features
Although the planned auxiliary structures—a presidential library, museum, and theater—were never built, two smaller museums were established within the shrine: one showcasing presidential memorabilia of Manuel L. Quezon, and the other dedicated to the history of Quezon City. Additionally, the former residence of Manuel L. Quezon’s family in Gilmore, New Manila, was relocated to the Quezon Memorial Circle and converted into a museum.
Since the city government took over the administration of the Quezon Memorial Circle in 2008, various public facilities have been introduced, including the Seminar Hall, Century Hall, People’s Hall, and a stage, as well as covered courts. The city government also renovated a dancing fountain, which is illuminated with colors at night. The elliptical park features smaller gardens and named green spaces such as the Hardin ng Mga Bulaklak and the Tropical Garden. It also hosts a demonstration urban farm, established in 2015, which occupies 1,500 square meters (16,000 sq ft).
ABOVE:
ABOVE:
Additional Attractions
Among the park’s notable features is the World Peace Bell, installed not before 1994. Donated by the World Peace Bell Association, a Japanese organization promoting world peace, the bell was the first of its kind received by a Southeast Asian nation. Made from coins contributed by 65 UN member countries, it weighs 365 kilograms (805 lbs), stands 1.05 meters (3.4 ft) tall, and has a diameter of 60 centimeters (24 in).
The Philippine–Israel Friendship Park, located within the Quezon Memorial Circle next to the Quezon Heritage House, had its groundbreaking in December 2017 and was inaugurated in August 2018. This park commemorates President Manuel L. Quezon’s efforts to accept 1,000 Jewish refugees during World War II and the Philippines’ support for the UN Partition Plan for Palestine and the establishment of the State of Israel. The Quezon Memorial Circle also features a variety of dining options, including restaurants and food stalls, along with kiosks, plant stalls, and bike rental services. In the same year, Belmonte launched the Fresh Market, a weekly farmer-to-consumer program allowing farmers from nearby provinces to sell produce to park visitors.
It is reported that the Quezon Memorial Circle attracts an average of 8,000 visitors daily, with numbers rising to around 12,000 on weekends.
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