10 Important Monuments in Metro Manila

In 1963, a tragic plane crash took the lives of 24 young boy scouts on their way to Greece. They were travelling to represent our country in the 11th World Scout Jamboree. Although their group was never able to participate in the jamboree, their memory lives on in Quezon City, around the Tomas Morato area, where blocks of streets are named after the young men who perished. In addition, their memory lives on via a memorial found along the Tomas Morato rotunda, also known as the Boy Scout Circle. 

Take a trip back through history at Ayala's very own Sultan Kudarat Monument. The statue, created in 1973 by Jose Mendoza, commemorates the heroism of the Sultan of Mindanao during the first half of the 1800s. He was a fearless fighter and proud Muslim defender and helped unite those in Lanao, Cotabato, Davao, Sulu, and Zamboanga to resist the Spaniards. He is forever remembered through his proud statue on one of the busiest streets in Makati. 

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Another brave hero is remembered along Ayala Avenue through the Ninoy Aquino Monument. Known for his bravery and resistance during Martial Law, Ninoy Aquino is remembered through a sculpture by Peter de Guzman. He was foremost in opposing the brutal Marcos regime during the '70s and '80s. Sadly, he was assassinated in 1983 after he arrived in the Philippines from exile in the United States. His wife and son have since served as the 11th and 15th presidents of the Philippines, respectively. Initially, the monument depicted Aquino's final steps before he was shot on the tarmac of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (formerly known as Manila International Airport). Later it was replaced after it was called out to be demeaning of the hero's legacy into the version we see today.

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The brave female leader from the Ilocos region was recognised for her efforts via a monument created by Jose Mendoza. Gabriela Silang was the first Filipina to have led a revolt against the Spaniards and was given the name "Generala", or female general. Though she was captured and subsequently hanged in Vigan, her courageous spirit has doubtless inspired others in the resistance. 

Though some may think of the Martial Law as the "golden era" of the Philippines, the truth is that the dictatorship brought about a harsh and oppressive regime in the Philippines. To commemorate the lives lost during this tumultuous period, Eduardo Castrillo created a 35-foot sculpture depicting a woman carrying a man, representing our Inang Bayan (motherland) and her fallen martyrs. Behind the statue is the Wall of Remembrance, where the names of Martial Law heroes are etched in gold.

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What one may assume is mere artwork is in fact a glorious tribute to one of Makati's most generous patrons. The McMicking Memorial can be found in the heart of the Ayala Triangle Gardens. Designed by Leandro V. Locsin Partners, the monument creatively utilises water and steel to represent the union of Colonel Joseph McMicking and Mrs Mercedes Zobel-McMicking, both of whom are credited for their significant contributions to the progress of the Makati Central Business District. 

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The proud city of San Juan is recognised as the location where the first major battle of the Philippine Revolution took place. To commemorate this, two important monuments that honour the Battle of Pinaglabanan were constructed in the city. The first is the Diwa ng 1896 monument, located along N Domingo Street. This marks the exact location where battle first broke out. The second is Pinaglabanan Shrine, located a few hundred meters from the Diwa ng 1896 shrine, right across the San Juan City Hall. It features an Eduardo Castrillo sculpture set against majestic fire trees that bloom in the summer. 

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Despite the rich and proud culture of the Philippines, our history has also been steeped in much violence. The Memorare Manila Monument commemorates the lives of hundreds of thousands of Filipino lives lost during the Battle for the Liberation of Manila. Many were victims of heinous acts committed by Japanese forces, while others were casualties brought on by American attacks. This monument in the historic city of Manila pays tribute to the countless lives lost during an incredibly turbulent time. 

Another sculpture by Eduardo Castrillo, the Spirit of EDSA, is located in the courtyard of RCBC Plaza, right outside the Yuchengco Museum. It showcases the brave resistance of Filipinos—students, religious leaders, soldiers, and laypeople—as they fought for their rights during the Martial Law regime. 

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