Quezon City’s Historical Trail

Quezon City is home to many historical landmarks as a result of the prominent role it played during the Revolutionary Period. It was in Quezon City where Andres Bonifacio and his fellow Katipuneros declared civil disobedience against Spain by tearing up their cedulas. Quezon City is also where Melchora Aquino, more popularly known as Tandang Sora, lived and nursed many ailing revolutionaries back to health. Both events are now commemorated via shrines that host beautiful monuments by National Artists.

Fast forward to recent history and you have the People Power Revolution that led directly to the ouster of the country’s infamous dictator Ferdinand Marcos right at the heart of Quezon City along EDSA. A huge monument dedicated to the Virgin Mary marks the spot where hundreds of thousands of ordinary citizens converged to mark the world’s first bloodless revolution.

 Quezon Memorial Shrine

In memory of Manuel Quezon, President of the Philippine Commonwealth. The monument consists of three 66-meter vertical pylons symbolizing Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, on top of which are the three mourning angels holding sampaguita wreaths.Construction of the Quezon Shrine began in 1950’s but slowly proceeded, in part due to the cost of importing Carrara Marble, Italy. Which were brought in blocks and carved on site.The 66 meter high of the Pylons is the age of Quezon when he died.

Cry of Pugad Lawin

Site where Andres Bonifacio announced the Katipunan’s revolution against Spain.On this site Andres Bonifacio and one thousand Katipuneros met in the morning of 23 August 1896 and decided to revolt against the Spanish colonial government in the Philippines. As an affirmation of their resolve, they tore up their cedulas which were symbols of oppression of the Filipinos. This was very first cry of the oppressed nation against Spain which was enforced with use of arms.

Quezon City Hall

In the early 1900s, President Manuel L. Quezon plan of a city that will become the future capital of the country, replacing Manila.October 12, 1939, President Quezon signed the bill into law establishing Quezon City.

Ang Dambana ni (Tandang Sora) Melchora Aquino

Where the remains of Melchora Aquino are currently interred.The Grand Shrine has 107 in diameters, which represents her age when she passed away. It has a pavilion and stage that is used as a venue for historical events and gatherings. The shrine also contains a mini museum. Inside museum you can find old photos of tandang sora, family tree, pictures of the 3rd and 4th generation, coin and bill containing the face of Melchora Aquino, a flower named after her (Hibiscus sp Tandang Sora) and a bit of her history.

The Quezon Heritage House

A hidden sanctuary, a source of strength and refuge in times of adversity. The only house associated with President Manuel L. Quezon and his family that still exists – a testament to a bygone era so inextricably – with the birth of an independent nation.

Signifying the strong commitment to preserve and protect its heritage, the local government of Quezon City initiated the transfer of the almost 90-year old structure from its original location at 45 Gilmore Street, New Manila to the Quezon Memorial Circle. Aside from the house, the heirs of Pres. Manuel L. Quezon also donated furnitures, fixtures and paintings to showcase their family life. This was reinforced by initiatives of the City Government to transform the house as a museum and venue of inspiration of the timeless story of love for family and country.

EDSA People Power Monument

The People Power Monument is a sculpture of towering people commemorating the People Power Revolution of 1986 located on the corner of Epifanio de los Santos Avenue or EDSA and White Plains Avenue in Barangay Camp Aguinaldo,  Quezon City.   It was made by  Eduardo Castrillo in 1993.