The Bantayog ng mga Bayani Center stands as a solemn reminder of a dark period in Philippine history. It is dedicated to preserving the memory of the atrocities of Martial Law from 1972 to 1986 and to serve as a beacon of remembrance for visitors of all ages.

The two-story center houses the Bantayog Library and Archives, the Hall of Remembrance, and the Museo ng Bantayog, each offering a perspective on the tumultuous regime of former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. 

At the heart of the center lies the Bantayog Library and Archives that provides extensive materials chronicling the Martial Law period and its repercussions. From documents to personal accounts, the collection provides invaluable insights that led to the rise of dictatorship and the resilience of those who fought against it. 

Adjacent to the library, the Hall of Remembrance serves as a tribute to the martyrs and heroes who gave their lives in the struggle for freedom and democracy. Here, the names of 65 individuals adorn the black granite Wall of Remembrance. 

Meanwhile, photographs, memorabilia, and artifacts from the Marcos era are housed in the Museo ng Bantayog. 

One of the center’s striking features is the towering 45-foot monument titled “Inang Bayan,” which was crafted by renowned artist-sculptor Eduardo Castrillo. It depicts an imagery of a fallen man cradled by the figure of a woman symbolizing the Motherland. With her outstretched hand reaching towards the sun of freedom, the monument serves as a symbol of sacrifice and hope. 

In a world fraught with challenges, the lessons of the past echo loudly within the walls of the Center. It urges the nation to be vigilant guardians of democracy. 

Bantayog ng mga Bayani Museum is located at Bantayog Rd, Diliman, Quezon City. It is open Monday to Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

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Bantayog ng mga Bayani Center

Nestled in the heart of Quezon City’s most prominent park, the Quezon Memorial Shrine stands tall, paying tribute to the enduring legacy of Manuel L. Quezon, the first president of the Commonwealth of the Philippines and the founding father of this beloved City. 

At the heart of this shrine stands a towering 66-meter pylon; notably, its height represents the age at which Quezon passed away. But beyond its sheer magnitude, the pylon holds profound symbolism. Its three columns and angels bowed in grief, holding sampaguita wreaths, represent the country’s three major island groups Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. 

Within the shrine, a museum offers a window into Quezon’s life and times. It features five galleries of Quezoniana relics and memorabilia, including his personal belongings, rare photographs, and documents that chronicle his colorful life. 

Deep within the shrine, one can find a mausoleum where the remains of Quezon and his wife, Doña Aurora Aragon Quezon, were interred. The museum provides an immersive experience that allows visitors to connect with the past.  

In 2021, the National Museum of the Philippines has declared the Quezon Memorial Shrine as one of the country’s National Cultural Treasures, the highest government distinction that can be conferred on a cultural property. 

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The museum welcomes visitors from Tuesday to Sunday, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Families often choose to visit on weekends, and educational tours are regularly conducted.

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Manuel L. Quezon: Honoring a Visionary Leader at the Quezon Memorial Shrine

In the heart of Quezon Memorial Circle stands a silent witness to the bygone era of the Commonwealth period—the Quezon Heritage House. This two-story neoclassical house, painted in yellow and cream, once served as a weekend home for the Quezon family, providing some respite from the demands of political life. 

Originally situated on Gilmore Street in New Manila, the house was transplanted within the Quezon Memorial Circle in 2013. The local government undertook its relocation and reconstruction, with approximately 60 percent of the structure and interiors preserved from the original house. 

Among the pieces that were retained are the Machuka tiles, installed on the balcony leading to the second-floor entrance, and the sampaguita glass transom panels that grace the main door. The house is furnished with the effects, clothes, and memorabilia of the revered leader, as well as some members of his family. 

The Quezon Heritage House also played a crucial role in national history. It was within its walls that the Philippine Red Cross was founded. 

The careful preservation of this historical gem ensures that future generations can continue to learn about and appreciate the legacy of one of the country's visionary leaders. 

The Quezon Heritage House is open from Monday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

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The Quezon Heritage House

Who would have imagined that at the heart of Quezon City, a lush, green oasis awaits both aspiring gardeners and those just seeking a peaceful escape? 

Just about seven kilometers from City Hall, lies the Sunnyville Community Model Farm. It is an 1.2 hectare urban sanctuary where agricultural practices meet community-led sustainability efforts. 

Sunnyville Farm stands as testament to the city’s commitment to urban agriculture and the dedication of farmers working together to transform idle lands into thriving plots of vegetable gardens. This has empowered dozens of community farmers and provided visitors with opportunities to learn various urban farming techniques. At the forefront is composting, where visitors are taught about converting kitchen scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich compost.

The farm boasts an apiary or a hub of beekeeping activity that not only sheds light on the importance of these pollinators but also produces honey that adds to the farm’s appeal. 

The hydroponics park in the farm features soilless gardening with lettuce plants, demonstrating resource-saving, high-yield farming methods suitable for urban areas.

Sunnyville Community Model Farm is more than just an attraction. It extends its impact by sharing its harvest with neighboring communities in Quezon City. During the pandemic, it played a crucial role in the city's food security efforts and demonstrated how urban agriculture can boost city's resilience.

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Sunnyville Community Model Farm: A Haven for Sustainable Urban Agriculture in Barangay Pasong Tamo

Manuel L. Quezon, the first president of the Philippine Commonwealth in 1938, noticed the growing population and housing needs in Manila, so he envisioned a city that would provide comfortable and affordable houses for the Filipinos.

With that in mind, during Quezon’s breakfast with Don Alejandro Roces, Sr., in Vito Cruz, Manila, he suggested building a national housing project. Roces, Sr. then suggested purchasing large tracts of land that would be divided into small lots, which would be sold for a cheaper price to less fortunate people.

Thus, the Philippine Homesite Corporation (PHC), the first government housing agency, was created to secure funds and purchase land for the project.

A total land area of 52,489,523 square meters was acquired from the following haciendas: Diliman, Magdalena, Mandaluyong, Maysilo, San Francisco del Monte, Santa Mesa Estate, and Piedad.

Quezon also assured the residents that the government would provide financial aid and essential services, such as transportation and utilities.

On October 12, 1939, Quezon signed the Commonwealth Act No. 502, or the charter of Quezon City. The city was named after him, covering a total land area of 7,000 hectares carved from Rizal towns — Pasig, Mandaluyong, Caloocan, San Juan, and Marikina — which corresponded with the haciendas that PHC acquired.  

Throughout the years, the original QC charter underwent a lot of amendments, hence it increased the city’s area. Now, Quezon City has a total land area of 17,171 hectares and a population of around 2,960,048.     


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How Quezon City was Established? – Manuel L. Quezon’s Vision in Creating his Dream City

Two years after Quezon City was declared a city, it already faced a major challenge when Japanese forces invaded the Philippines in 1941, which marks the beginning of World War II in the country.

Several cities across the Philippines, particularly in Luzon, were heavily bombed by Japanese forces. Hence, numerous civilian areas and military installations were destroyed.

President Manuel L. Quezon visited Manila and Quezon City to assess the damage and check on injured civilians. Then, following the dreadful conditions caused by the Japanese bombing raids, General Douglas MacArthur declared Manila an ‘Open City’, which means all military installations were removed to prevent further destruction and harm to people. 

The passing of Executive Order No. 400 dissolved Quezon City’s independent status, making it part of Greater Manila. The city is then divided into two districts, which are Balintawak and Diliman.

The Japanese forces continued to invade the cities as they converted public buildings as barracks and field hospitals for their soldiers, while the stately mansions were taken over as homes for Japanese officers.

Furthermore, the Japanese government uses Filipino nationalism to gain support for their regime by renaming the Philippines’ cities and municipalities to more Filipino-sounding titles. An example of this are Commonwealth roads that were renamed: North Avenue became ‘Hilaga,’ while Quezon Boulevard Extension was changed to ‘Mulawen.’

Throughout the Japanese occupation, Filipinos experienced immense suffering due to the lack of basic utilities and food supplies. The resistance against Japanese control also led to the deaths of 500,000 to 1 million military personnel and civilians in the country.

In 1945, it was through the combined efforts of the Filipino troops and American government that the Japanese forces were finally defeated, allowing Quezon City and other affected areas to recover from the ruins caused by the war.

Quezon City regained its independent status after the signage of Executive Order No. 58 or dissolvement of the City of Greater Manila. The city was then declared as the new capital of the Philippines in 1948.


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Quezon City During the World War II (1941-1945) 

Imagine a celebration where everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation, can freely express themselves without the weight of judgmental eyes. This is what the Pride March is all about — an annual event hosted by the Quezon City government since 2021. 

The event is filled with booths left and right, colorful float parades, live performances by celebrities, and of course, the powerful voices of the LGBTQIA+ community, united in their fight for equal rights and to end the discrimination against them.

In 2024, the ‘Love Laban 2 Everyone’ Pride PH Festival at the Quezon Memorial Circle drew around 212,000 attendees — despite the bad weather during the event — making it the “Largest Pride March in Southeast Asia”.

The Quezon City government’s support for the LGBTQIA+ community goes further with the launch of the Right to Care (RTC) Card program in 2023. This allows resident queer couples to use a Special Power of Attorney (SPA) to make medical decisions for their partners during health emergencies.

Quezon City truly stands as a safe place for the LGBTQIA+ community, who are celebrated and protected against inequality and discrimination. It serves as a reminder that courageous steps taken by a local government can spark meaningful change in the lives of many individuals.


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Quezon City’s Pride: A Safe Space for the LGBTQIA+ Community  

If someone asks you to name a remarkable landmark in Quezon City, you’ll instantly envision the tall-tower-like structure located in the midst of the bustling roads.

However, it’s more than just a tower—it is actually the mausoleum of Manuel L. Quezon, known as the Quezon City Memorial Shrine, located within the Quezon Memorial Circle, a 27-hectare national park offering a variety of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy.

One of the famous attractions here is the fun and exciting playground, featuring colorful slides and swings perfect for children. For those who want to boost their physical and mental well-being, the outdoor gym equipment nearby offers an excellent way to stay active while enjoying the beautiful view and fresh air.

The national park offers a picnic area and food booths, where people can choose from a wide variety of delicious options, from restaurant to street foods. 

Visitors can also enjoy and learn from the Quezon City Public Library book mobile or pop-up that provides educational books, coloring activities, and board games, which is open every Saturday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

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The Quezon Memorial Circle has also been the site of significant events, including Pope Paul VI’s public Mass in 1970—marking the first visit of a Roman Catholic Church leader to the Philippines—Pride March celebrations, and the 2025 New Year countdown hosted by the Quezon City government.

The Quezon Memorial Circle, located in front of Quezon City Hall, is open daily from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM with no entrance fee.


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Quezon Memorial Circle 

When it comes to Philippine movies, it’s impossible not to mention the legacy of the late action star Fernando Poe Jr., also known as ‘Da King’. But how did he earn such an iconic title?

Ronald Allan Kelley Poe, more famously known as Fernando Poe Jr. (FPJ), was born in Manila on August 20, 1939, but spent most of his childhood in Quezon City. He was the second of six children born to actor-producer Fernando Poe Sr. and Irish-American Elizabeth ‘Bessie’ Kelley.

After his father’s death, 14-year-old FPJ dropped out of the University of the East during his sophomore year. He chose to work instead and provide support for his family, starting out as a stuntman and messenger for Everlasting Pictures.

In 1955, FPJ starred in his first action film, _Anak ni Palaris_. A year later, he rose to stardom with _Lo’ Waist Gang_, a film that reflected the youth culture of the 1950s. Many of his films portrayed him as the underdog—most notably _Ang Probinsyano_ and _Batang Quiapo_, both of which have been adapted into hit television series starring action star Coco Martin.

From 1955 to 2003, FPJ appeared in around 300 films. Several of the films were also written, directed and produced by him under the pseudonyms Ronwaldo Reyes and D’Lanor. Because of such admirable achievements and a lasting impact on Philippine cinema, it’s no wonder he earned the title ‘King of Philippine Movies’ or ‘Da King’.

Fernando Poe Jr. passed away on December 14, 2004, due to a stroke, but his legacy in Philippine cinema will always be remembered. In 2006, he was posthumously honored with the title of National Artist for Cinema for his significant contribution to the Philippine arts. 

To further commemorate his legacy, Republic Act No. 11608 was signed in 2022, which renamed Roosevelt Avenue in Quezon City — FPJ’s ancestral residence during his childhood — to Fernando Poe Jr. Avenue.


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Fernando Poe, Jr.: Introducing the King of Philippine Movies

The University of the Philippines is famously known as the top university in the country, situated in Diliman, Quezon City. Within its campus is a nearby educational and relaxing museum called the UP Vargas Museum, which houses historical and various art collections. 

The UP Vargas Museum or Jorge B. Vargas Museum & Filipiniana Research Center is a modern and contemporary museum founded in 1987. The art collection, such as paintings, prints and sculpture, was donated by Jorge B. Vargas – the Philippines’ first executive secretary during the Commonwealth period under President Manuel L. Quezon. 

The museum is a three-story building, with each level dedicated to different displays and activities. The first-floor features changing or temporary collections, such as the solo exhibition ‘_Kayuminonai_’, which translates to “the deliberate erasure of something unnatural”, by the visual and contemporary artist Ryotaro Fuyuki.

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The lobby offers spaces for book launches, workshops and community arts programs, as well as for musical events, like recitals and concerts. 

The Main Gallery of the museum can be found on the second floor, where some of the permanent art collection is located. It shows an important story about Philippine modern art, which showcases the works of remarkable artists like Juan Luna, Fernando Amorsolo, Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo, and Victorio Edades.

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The third-floor displays the library, archives, and Vargas memorabilia. The exhibition explores three intersecting concepts in Vargas’s collecting practices, which focus on an individual’s relationship to things that have shaped the collection: _Kawilihan_ (Fascination), _Kasaysayan_ (History), and _Kasanayan_ (Discipline).

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The UP Vargas Museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Admission is ₱50 for non-UP visitors. For members of the UP community, the entrance fee is ₱20 for students and ₱40 for faculty, staff, and alumni.



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University of the Philippines Vargas Museum 

The invention of the incubator is one of the notable milestones in the healthcare system, specifically for premature babies. Every time people mention such a wonderful creation, there’s a name that will instantly pop in the heads of the Filipinos, which is the National Scientist of the Philippines, Dr. Fe Del Mundo. 

Fe Villanueva Del Mundo was born in Manila on November 27, 1911. She was the sixth of the eight children of Bernardo Del Mundo and Paz Santos. At an early age, she witnessed the death of her four siblings – three who died in infancy, while her older sister died due to appendicitis. This pushed her to pursue a career in the medical field. 

Del Mundo accomplished several achievements throughout her academic life. In 1933, she earned a medical degree and earned the highest honors in the University of the Philippines. Then, she obtained her Master’s degree in bacteriology at the Boston University School of Medicine. 

In 1941, Del Mundo returned to the Philippines, then volunteered at the University of Santo Tomas internment camp for foreign nationals. Two years later, she was assigned to be the head of a children’s hospital, which later on became a full-care medical center, called the North General Hospital.

Del Mundo wrote more than 100 write-ups published in medical journals, and conducted studies that contributed to the invention of an improved incubator. Her research also led to the conceptualization of the banana, rice, apple and tea (BRAT) diet, which is used as a treatment for diarrhea or stomach issues.
 
In 1957, Del Mundo decided to establish her own Children’s Memorial Hospital (now known as the Fe Del Mundo Medical Center), in Banawe, Quezon City. The facility had a 107-bed capacity and was dedicated to providing services for pediatric patients. 

Throughout her career, Del Mundo achieved several recognitions and awards. She received the Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Award, and was also the first Filipino woman to be named the National Scientist.

On August 6, 2011, Del Mundo passed away due to cardiac arrest. She was buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. Though she is no longer with us, her groundbreaking work and enduring legacy continue to inspire and shape the Philippines’ healthcare system. 


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National Scientist of the Philippines: Dr. Fe Villanueva del Mundo

We often read or hear the name “Tandang Sora” in our history classes, celebrated for her remarkable courage to participate in the revolution against Spanish rule, even at the age of 84. Now, let’s journey back in time and discover more about Melchora Aquino, the mother of the Philippine Revolution.

Melchora Aquino de Ramos was born on January 6, 1812, in Balingasa, Quezon City. An only child of Juan and Valentina Aquino. She, then, married Fulgencio Ramos, a cabeza de barangay, whom she had six children. Unfortunately, she became a widow at a young age, and was left to take care of their children and businesses.

In 1896, the ‘Cry of Pugad Lawin’ marked as the beginning of revolution against the Spaniards. Melchora, then, became involved in the secret revolutionary society, _Kataastaasang, Kagalanggalangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan_ or _Katipunan_ – which aims to achieve independence from the Spaniards through revolution, and to establish an independent Philippine government. 

Melchora’s house became the regular site for the Katipunan’s secret and important meetings. She also offered food, clothes and medical aid to the Katipuneros. Hence, she earned the title “Mother of the Philippine revolution” or “Mother of Katipunan. 

Unfortunately, in August 1896, a Katipunan meeting held at Aquino’s home was raided by the guardia civil and Spanish infantrymen. In an attempt to ensure their safety, she and her family fled towards Novaliches. However, she was eventually captured by the Spaniards. This led to her imprisonment in the Bilibid Prison and her deportation at Guam. It was only in 1919, during the American period, that she was able to return to the Philippines.

Melchora passed away peacefully at the age of 107 in her daughter’s house. Yet, her courage and patriotism continue to live on in the hearts of the Filipinos. As a testament to her enduring legacy, Quezon City established the “Tadang Sora” shrine located at Barangay Banlat – the place where she once lived and where her house remains. 


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Mother of the Philippine Revolution: Melchora Aquino “Tandang Sora”

Immerse in Quezon City's rich history and culture.

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Bringing you an exciting collection of articles, books, photographs, and other media that showcase the history and rich culture of our city.

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Meet the notable personalities from Quezon City whose remarkable achievements and exceptional dedication to their crafts have brought honor to the city. 

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