Rising tall before us, the Quezon Memorial Shrine stands as a tribute to Manuel Quezon. He was the first president of the Philippine Commonwealth. This national shrine embodies history and art.
The Quezon Memorial Shrine is more than just a monument. It is a place where the past and present intertwine. It tells the story of a leader and a nation.
Designed by Federico Ilustre, construction began in 1952. The Quezon Memorial Shrine was inaugurated in 1978. The remains of President Quezon were moved here in 1979. Later, his wife Aurora Aragon Quezon was also interred here.
Look up at the 66-meter monument. It features three pylons representing Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. These are the major island groups of the Philippines. Grieving angels adorn each pylon. They hold sampaguita wreaths, the national flower. Italian sculptor Francesco Riccardo Monti created these angels. Each angel wears traditional clothing. This represents their respective island group.
Originally, Italian marble beautified the monument. Tomas Morato hired Amberti, an Italian architect. Later, locally sourced marble replaced the Italian marble.
In 2020, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines recognized it. They declared the Quezon Memorial Shrine a National Cultural Treasure. The announcement was made public in December 2021.
Beneath the Quezon Memorial Shrine lies a museum. It is the Museo ni Manuel L. Quezon. Here, you can explore relics and memorabilia of President Quezon. The mausoleum holds the remains of Quezon and his wife Aurora. The museum underwent renovation. It reopened in 2015.
Inside, discover a hologram of Quezon delivering his inaugural speech. Interactive booths educate visitors about the Commonwealth era. A short documentary about Quezon and the museum plays in the audio-visual room. A gallery dedicated to Aurora Quezon is also present. You can also see a replica of Manuel Quezon’s presidential office.
The Quezon Memorial Shrine stands in Quezon Memorial Circle. It is a major park in Quezon City. The park was originally planned as the site for the National Capitol.
Notice the observation deck at the top. It offers a panoramic view of the city. A spiral staircase connects it to the bottom. However, the observation deck is currently closed to the public.
The Quezon Memorial Shrine is a place for reflection. It honors a great leader. It also reminds us of the Philippines’ rich history. Take a moment to appreciate this historical landmark. Remember the legacy of Manuel Quezon. His vision helped shape the Philippines.