Here lies a sundial that does more than tell time. Kasaysayan Bawat Oras is a monument to Philippine history. It is a playground of knowledge. This 16-meter artwork is crafted from reinforced brass sheet and cement.
Kasaysayan Bawat Oras was designed by Juan Sajid de Leon Imao. It is located at 24th Street corner Rizal Drive. The sculpture stands as a testament to Filipino heritage.
Did you know that Kasaysayan Bawat Oras literally means “History Every Hour”? It is not just a name. It embodies the sculpture’s purpose.
Imao’s design incorporates elements of his Islamic background. Look closely. You will notice the okir. These are curvilinear design motifs from Maranao art. The stylized rays of the sun transform into a bird. This is the sarimanok. It appears ready to take flight.
This sundial cum educational playground fuses function and art. It uses one of the most ancient methods of telling time. The rays of the sun represent the provinces. These provinces rose against Spain during the revolution.
Notice the paper-doll sculptures. They symbolize the 7,101 islands of the Philippines united as one. Imao hopes this sundial will remind us of our past. He hopes it shows how far we have come and how far we can go as a global community.
Each figure represents a number that corresponds to an hour. Find where the sun casts its shadow. You can determine the time.
Kasaysayan Bawat Oras was a winning entry in a 1996 competition. It was commissioned by the Bonifacio Art Foundation Inc. for Bonifacio Global City. It was previously located in the West Superblock. It was relocated to make way for the development of Shangri-La at the Fort. The Philippine Stock Exchange Tower is also there.
Kasaysayan Bawat Oras serves as a metaphor for Philippine history. It is a veritable guide for the youth. It invites all to reflect on the past. It also inspires future generations.