Across the Pasig River stands Jones Bridge. Its story is one of beauty loss and rebirth. Named after William Atkinson Jones a US legislator who championed Philippine autonomy the bridge first opened in 1921. Designed by Juan M Arellano it was a masterpiece of neoclassical architecture. Three graceful arches spanned the river. Four statues La Madre Filipina stood guard. They symbolized motherhood and nationhood. The bridge was a symbol of Manila’s progress.
World War II brought destruction. Retreating Japanese forces bombed the bridge. The original Jones Bridge was lost. Only three of the four statues survived the war. One statue was placed in Rizal Park. The other two now grace the Court of Appeals building.
A temporary Bailey bridge was built after the war. A few years later a new Jones Bridge rose. This time it lacked the ornamentation of its predecessor. Its beauty was sacrificed for practicality. The neoclassical aesthetic was replaced by simple functionality. The missing sculptures were gone. The bridge was merely a utilitarian structure.
Years passed. In 2019 Mayor Isko Moreno announced a restoration project. This was a chance to recover the bridge’s lost glory. The three surviving La Madre Filipina statues were recovered. The missing fourth statue was recreated. The project included new lamp posts similar to Paris’s Pont Alexandre III. Beaux-Arts styled lampposts were installed. The bridge was repainted. New balustrades replaced the steel. Vertical gardens were added.
The newly restored Jones Bridge is a testament to Manila’s resilience. It’s a blend of past and present. The bridge stands not only as a vital link across the Pasig River. It is a symbol of the city’s enduring spirit. It is a reminder of beauty resilience and the power of restoration. Take a moment to admire its graceful arches. Think about the stories they could tell. The bridge is a timeless icon of Manila.