HISTORICAL SITES IN QUEZON CITY: 10 PLACES TO VISIT

The largest city in Metro Manila, Quezon City is home to a number of famous landmarks, historical sites, green parks and top-notch schools. History buffs know of the pivotal events that took place in Quezon City that go deep in the chronicles of the Philippines. Here are some of the historical sites in Quezon City to visit while you are in the country:

Historical Sites in Quezon City: Balintawak

Cry of Balintawak

In 1896, a group of Katipuneros under the leadership of Andres Bonifacio tore their cedulas personales or community tax certificates in defiance to Spanish allegiance. This is known as the Cry of Balintawak, commemorated on August 26 as the National Heroes’ Day in the Philippines.

Historical Sites in Quezon City: Cubao

Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo

Camp Aguinaldo serves as the military headquarters for the Armed Forces of the Philippines. It was initially called Camp Murphy and occupied by the General Service Battalion of the Philippines Constabulary. In 1965, it was renamed Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo. It was in Camp Aguinaldo where Former Defense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile and Former AFP Vice Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Fidel V. Ramos announced their resignation from their posts in the Marcos cabinet.

Camp Rafael T. Crame

Popularly called Camp Crame, it serves as the national headquarters for the Philippine National Police (PNP). It was formerly the Philippine Constabulary (PC) national headquarters until the PC was merged with the then Integrated National Police, forming the PNP. The camp was a major detention center during the regime of Ferdinand Marcos and later on became a rallying point during the 1986 EDSA Revolution.

Historical Sites in Quezon City: Diliman

11th World Scout Jamboree Memorial Rotonda

Also called the Boy Scouts Circle, this roundabout in Diliman, Quezon City features a monument in the middle that honors the memory of the Boy Scouts contingent who would have represented the Philippines in the 11^th World Scout Jamboree in Greece. However, they were among the casualties of the 1963 United Arab Airlines Flight 869 crash while they were en route to the jamboree.

Bantayog ng mga Bayani

Bantayog ng mga Bayani (Monument to the Heroes) is a memorial to all those who perished as martyrs during the dictatorial regime of former Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos. The memorial also commemorates all the heroes during that dark time in Philippine history. The memorial includes the Wall of Remembrance, Inang Bayan Monument and the Bantayog Museum.

Quezon Memorial Circle

This urban park is home to the Quezon Memorial Shrine, a towering monument dedicated to former Philippine President Manuel L. Quezon. Quezon Memorial Circle is also home to two museums: the Quezon Heritage House and the Presidential Car Museum.

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University of the Philippines – Diliman

The Diliman campus of the University of the Philippines (UP) is well-known for the part it played (and continues to play) in the history of modern Philippines. It was one of the sites for student demonstrations during the Martial Law years of the Marcos administration of the country. The symbol of the University, the Oblation, is also a symbol of nationalism. UP also has several facilities that focus on the history and culture of the country, like the Jorge B. Vargas Museum and the Filipiniana Research Center.

Historical Sites in Quezon City: EDSA

EDSA People Power Monument

Along the Quezon City portion of Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) at the junction with White Plains Avenue, one can find the EDSA People Power Monument by renowned Filipino sculptor and artist, Ed Castrillo. The monument is in commemoration of the famous bloodless 1986 People Power Revolution.

EDSA Shrine

At another junction along EDSA, this time with Ortigas Avenue, is a celebrated Roman Catholic shrine dedicated to the 1986 People Power Revolution. EDSA Shrine houses a chapel and an art collection featuring the famous peaceful revolt of 1986.

Historical Sites in Quezon City: Tandang Sora

Tandang Sora Shrine

Melchora “Tandang Sora” Aquino is a prominent figure in the Philippine revolution against the Spaniards. She offered medical assistance and shelter to the Katipuneros in spite of her old age. Her remains were initially interred in the Manila North Cemetery before they were transferred to Himlayang Pilipino. Since 2012, the Tandang Sora Shrine has been the home for her remains.

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