Quezon City Information

Quezon City has a glorious past and a rich culture. It is a sanctuary of gracious people. It boasts of a landscape that has burgeoning urban centers and places and facilities that cater to the interest of the sophisticated western.

Quezon City has enormous economic potential, given its vast relatively underdeveloped areas. These potential areas are very accessible because they are located along the main routes. People belonging to the middle class have established their residence here because of the city's peaceful and homey atmosphere.

Quezon City's image as a rapidly growing "City of New Horizons" is increasingly being recognized around the country and overseas.

Brief History

Quezon City was conceived in a dream of a man incomparable - the late President Manuel Luis Quezon. He envisioned a place where the common man will find his place with dignity.

In 1938, President Quezon purchased 1,529 hectares from the vast Diliman Estate of the Tuason Family. The following year, the National Assembly enacted the Commonwealth Act otherwise known as the Charter of Quezon City.

On October 12, 1939, President Quezon signed the Bill into law, thus the city was born. Progress in Quezon City continued until the outbreak of World War II in 1941.

Seven years later, by virtue of Republic Act No. 333 signed on July 17, 1948, Quezon City officially became the capital of the Philippines and the permanent seat of the national government. Its inauguration as capital city was marked by the laying of a cornerstone for a capitol building at Constitution Hills on October 22, 1949. Subsequently, construction of government building began.

On June 16, 1950, the City Charter was revised by Republic Act No. 537, which extended its boundaries to its present area of 15,359 hectares or five (5) times bigger than the City of Manila. It lost its title as capital city of the Philippines to Manila by virtue of Presidential Decree No. 940 on June 24, 1976.

Although some quarters may observe that Quezon City today may not be what its founder had conceived it to be, the efforts made by the past administrations up to the time of incumbent Mayor Ismael A. Mathay, Jr. accelerated toward the development and promotion of the city's tourism potentials, is a great stride towards the realization of the late President Quezon's vision.

Geography

Quezon City is 10 kms. North of Manila. To the City's east are San Mateo (Rizal) and Marikina (Metro Manila); to the west are San Juan and Manila (both in Metro Manila); to the north are Kalookan City and San Jose del Monte (Bulacan); and to the south are the cities of Pasig and Mandaluyong.

Quezon City has a land area of 15,359 hectares. It is five (5) times bigger than Manila and in area, it is second to the country's biggest city - Davao city.

Rolling hills spread over a large portion of Quezon City. Its lowest altitude is 25 feet above sea level, while its highest is 55.

Political Subdivision

The affairs of government of the city are carried out by an elected Mayor as the Chief Executive and an elected Vice-Mayor as head of the legislative department composed of the City Councilors who are likewise voted into office by their constituents to represent their respective districts, and two (2) ex-officio members from the Liga ng mga Barangay and the Sangguniang Kabataan Federation.

The City is divided into four (4) districts represented by six (6) City Councilors for each district, where also four (4) representatives, one from each district, are elected as members of the National Legislature.

Climate

Weather conditions in Quezon City are more or less the same as those prevailing in Manila. Due to its higher elevation, the temperature is generally lower, relative humidity and wind velocity are proportionately higher.

Quezon City experiences the highest amount of rainfall during the months of July to
October averaging to 9.79 inches. The number of storms passing the city is the same as those passing in the Metro Manila area.

Population

The city is the country's melting pot. Hundreds if nor thousands of Ilocanos, Bicolanos, Visayans, Bulakenos and Moslems migrate to this city every year. Quezon City's population as of May 1, 1990 is 1,666,766.

Language

Literacy in Quezon City is relatively high. English is widely spoken, though it is Tagalog that is predominantly used.

Historical Tourist Attractions

Quezon Memorial Circle Shrine
Location: Elliptical Road, Quezon City

The tallest structure in the city which pierces 66 meters to the sky, is a fitting tribute to the founder of Quezon City and one of the country's greatest statesmen - President Manuel Luis Quezon.

The monument which was built in the center of the 27-hectare rotunda park also boasts a museum housing priceless Quezonian items plus the added attraction of the remains of this great man laid to rest in a bronze casket and a marble niche.

How to get there: From Mabini Street of Taft Avenue, hail a PUJ bound for "Fairview". Get off right at the side of the Quezon Memorial Circle.

Travel Time: Approximately 45 minutes.

Barrio Pugad Pawin (Balintawak)
Location: Just a stone's throw away from the Cloverleaf Bridge in Balintawak. Across the Cloverleaf Market.

A foremost Philippine Historic site where the Great Plebian and founder of KKK, Andres Bonifacio launched the Philippine Revolution against the Spaniards in 1896. The uprising was then called the "Cry of Balintawak".

How to get there: From Taft Avenue, hail a PUJ bound for "Blumentritt/Dimasalang". Get off at Blumentritt market and hail another PUJ bound for "Novaliches". Get off at Cloverleaf market.

Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour.

Barrio La Loma
Location: La Loma, Blumentritt

Another historical landmark in Quezon City is La Loma. It was in the said barrio that the Filipinos first fought the Americans during the Philippine-American War.

How to get there: From Taft Avenue, hail a PUJ bound for "La Loma".

Travel Time: Approximately 30 minutes.

Quezon City Hall
Location: East Avenue, Quezon City

It was in this imposing 14-storey edifice where the new "Philippine Constitution" was signed in 1971. The building not only is the center of city government activities but it also houses other national government agencies. Its location is beautified by the refreshing view of a man-made lagoon.

How to get there: From Taft Avenue or TM Kalaw Street, hail a PUJ bound for "Fairview". Get off right at the side of the Quezon Memorial Circle. Take a 5-minute walk towards the Quezon City Hall.

Travel Time: Approximately 45 minutes.

Welcome Rotonda
Location: Within the center-end of Espana Blvd., Quezon and E. Rodriguez Avenues. (between United Doctors Medical and PLDT).

This imposing rotunda which was built in 1948 by City Architect Luciano V. Aquino (in the office of then Mayor Ponciano Bernardo) serves as the gateway to Quezon City from the neighboring city of Manila. This is where three (3) of Metro Manila's busiest roads meet, namely: Espana Blvd. In Manila and Quezon Avenue and E. Rodriguez Avenue in Quezon City. Here on September 27, 1984, government troops violently dispersed and anti-government rally. This incident clearly showed that even peaceful expression of the citizens' righteous indignation was not allowed by the Marcos Administration.

On May 17, 1995, the 43-year old "Welcome Rotunda" was renamed "Mabuhay Rotunda"' the ceremony was attended by Quezon city Mayor Ismael A. Mathay, Jr., outgoing Vice-Mayor Charito Planas, Vice-Mayor elect Herbert Bautista and restaurateur Rod Ungpauco who has suggested the popularization of the word for "Welcome".

How to get there: From Taft Avenue or TM Kalaw Street, hail a PUJ bound for "Fairview" or "Cubao". Get off right at the side of the rotunda.

Travel Time: Approximately 20 minutes.

University of the Philippines
Location: Diliman, Quezon City

The state-owned University of the Philippines which was established in June 1908, is the country's institute of higher learning and considered the finest in the Far East.

Sprawled over an area of 450 hectares, the university provides a cool ambience amidst tall and ancient trees conducive to one's learning.

Although a government entity, the University enjoys its own charter of independence from government and other external agencies.

Its subsidy from the national government allows it to provide education at a very minimal cost to most students and a totally free education to the meritorious through an extensive scholarship program. Many of our famous leaders, artists, writers and professionals had been in UP as students and/or teachers; and it is still the center for the fermentation of ideas as well as for the training in various fileds of knowledge.

How to get there: From Taft Avenue or TM Kalaw St., hail a PUJ bound for "Fairview". Get off right at the UP campus.

Travel Time: Approximately 45 minutes.

Araneta Coliseum
Location: Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City

The world's largest covered dome (in the 60's) which towers 220 feet and has a seating capacity of 32,000. It is located in Cubao, Quezon City and holds court as the district's focal point.

The Coliseum has staged various shows from the moment it captured the Philippines' first postwar world boxing title by the legendary Gabriel "Flash" Elorde. It presented too the classic "Fight of a Lifetime" - between Mohammed Ali and Joe Frazier in 1976. Also worth mentioning are the beauty pageants and basketball tournaments of national and international tones plus local shows ranging from the musical concerts to athletic events.

How to get there: From Taft Avenue or TM Kalaw St., hail a PUJ bound for "Cubao". Get off at Cubao. Take a 10-minute walk towards Araneta Coliseum.

Take the Light Rail Transit (LRT) at the United Nations Avenue station or Pedro Gil station. Get off at the Monumento Station. Hail a bus with the signboard "Cubao" or "Baclaran". Get off right at the Araneta Center.

Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Camps Crame and Aguinaldo
Location: EDSA, Quezon City

Two of the most important military headquarters where the 4-day rebellion started. It was here, on February 22, 1986 that Defense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile and then Constabulary Commander and Armed Forces Chief of Staff Fidel V. Ramos holed up with just one battalion of soldiers. Here they announced their withdrawal of support from the Marcos government. Here they waited for Marcos' remaining loyalist troops to arrest them, determined only to defend themselves and to die with honor rather than live like puppets protecting the dictator. But the attack never came, for what they thought to be their last, grand gesture sparked a popular revolt against the tyrant and these two military camps became the symbols of the Filipino people's long struggle against tyranny and oppression.

How to get there: Take the LRT at UN Avenue station of Pedro Gil station. Get off at Monumento North Terminal. Hail a bus with the signboard "Cubao" or "Baclaran". Get off right at the gates of the two camps. From TM Kalaw St., hail a PUJ bound for "Cubao:. Get off at EDSA corner Aurora Boulevard. From EDSA, hail a bus going to Baclaran. Get off right in front of the two camps.

Travel Time: Approximately one hour and 15 minutes.

Cultural Tourist Attractions

Museo ng Buhay Pilipino
Location: Central Bank Mint Building, East Avenue, Q.C. (across the Philippine Heart Center).

This "Bahay Museo" depicts the traditional heritage of lowland, Christian Filipinos through the aesthetic selection of domestic creations by Filipino artisans through the ages, elegantly showcased in a wood and capiz residence. It houses old furniture and furnishings, farm tools and implements, costumes and carriages of yesteryears.

How to get there: From Taft Avenue or TM Kalaw Street, hail a PUJ bound for "Fairview". Get off at the Quezon City Hall. Then hail another PUJ going to East Avenue and get off at the Central Bank Building.

Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour.

Iglesia Ni Kristo Museum and Gallery
Location: INK Central Office, Commonwealth Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City

The Iglesia ni Kristo Museum and Gallery exhibits posters and dioramas depicting the Iglesia's beginnings, culture, rituals and practices. Those intending to become ministers in the future have to spend years training in the school located at the Central Office grounds.

How to get there: From Taft Avenue or TM Kalaw Streets, hail a PUJ bound for "Fairview". Get off in front of the church.

Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Goethe Institute Art Gallery - German Cultural Center
Location: 687 Aurora Boulevard, Quezon City

The art gallery showcases changing exhibits of early and mid-19th century Philippine paintings, art photographs and sculptures.

How to get there: Take a Cubao-bound PUJ at Taft Avenue or TM Kalaw Street and get off at Aurora Blvd. Hail a Sta. Mesa Stop and Shop - bound PUJ and get off in front of the institute.

Travel Time: Approximately one hour.

La Loma Cockpit
Location: La Loma, Blumentritt

The cockpit is one of the biggest and possibly one of the oldest in the country. Founded in 1903 by Don Tomas Guison, the establishment is being supervised by the Guison heirs. It has been the site of cockfighting during the Sundays and holidays. Tourists and local visitors complete the sojourn in the Philippines when they witness one of the typical native sports, locally known as "sabong".

How to get there: From TM Kalaw St., cross the street to Taft Avenue and hail a PUJ with the signboard "Blumentritt and Dimasalang". Get off at the 7-Eleven store in Blumentritt and hail another PUJ going to La Loma.

Travel Time: Approximately 30 minutes.

Religious Tourist Attractions

Santo Domingo Church
Location: Quezon Avenue, Quezon City

Originally located in Intramuros and was built by the Dominicans in 1588. It was then relocated in its present site after World War II. The church is also home to the four-century-old image of the Nuestra Senora del Santissimo Rosario or the Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary. The image which is venerated in Santo Domingo Church is always paraded in the leaborate October procession called "La Naval de Manila" and has been gifted with fabulous gowns and jewels because She is believed to have saved Manila from the Dutch Invasion in the 17th Century, and to have protected the city ever since.

Here, too, the wake of slain opposition leader Ninoy Aquino, Jr. was held; and here, in a Holy Mass on December 8, 1985, one million signatures petitioning Cory Aquino to run for the presidency were presented during the Offertory, the prelude to her announcement of her candidacy.

How to get there: From Taft Avenue or TM Kalaw Street, hail a PUJ bound for "Fairview" or "Project 8". Get off right across the church.

Travel Time: Approximately 30 minutes.

Iglesia ni Kristo Church
Location: Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City

A religious edifice that is worth catching a glimpse because of its exceptionally fascinating, fairy tale palace-like temple. Its architectural design, of Gothic concept merged with Moorish flair, brings about an alluring Malayan-European combination that never fails to attract on lookers.

How to get there: From Taft Avenue or TM Kalaw Street, hail a PUJ bound for "Fairview". Get off right in front of the church.

Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.

San Pedro Bautista Church
Location: San Francisco del Monte, Quezon City

The church of San Francisco del Monte, one of the oldest in the Philippines and evidently one of the main attractions of the place, is of Romanesque interior characterize by mixed architecture as depicted in its Corinthian and Ionic pillars. It is the place wherein the bones of San Pedro Bautista were buried. At the basement of this church is a catacomb, where the old friars were buried.

How to get there: From Taft Avenue or TM Kalaw Street hail a PUJ bound for "Fairview". Get off in front of the Old Pantranco North Terminal; cross the street and hail another PUJ at the side of the old terminal with the signboard "Frisco".

Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour.

Man-made Tourist Attractions

Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife
Location: Elliptical Road, Quezon City

Quezon City's very own zoological and botanical garden situated near the Quezon Memorial Circle is a haven for young and old nature lovers. The 80-hectare complex of wooden areas is replete with wildlife and is conducive for picnicking or for promenading. The park is also equipped with children's playground and a man-made lagoon for boating. Specimen of the country's flora and fauna including the famous monkey-eating eagle are found here.

How to get there: From Taft Avenue or TM Kalaw Street, hail a PUJ bound for "Fairview". Get off right at the Quezon Memorial Circle and walk towards the park.

Travel Time: Approximately 45 minutes.

Philippine Heart Center for Asia
Location: East Avenue, Q.C. (across Central Bank)

The Heart Foundation of Asia along East Avenue in Quezon City is one of the city's prominent places of interest and is among the pet projects of the Former First Lady Imelda R, Marcos. Equipped with modern and sensitive cardiology instruments, facilities and laboratory especially designed to help those with heart ailments. The center is also intended to serve patients from other Asian countries. During its very impressive inauguration on February 14, 1975, heart specialists and surgeons all over the world graced the historic occasion. With its coming into being, the Center projected the Philippines as one of the leaders in cardiac research and specialization in this part of the world.

How to get there: From Taft Avenue or TM Kalaw Street, Hail a PUJ bound for "Fairview". Get off at Quezon City hall and hail another PUJ going to East Avenue.

Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes.

Lung Center of the Philippines
Location: Quezon Avenue, Q.C.

Lung Center became operational in 1980. It provides modern facilities, methods and services in the treatment of respiratory ailments.

How to get there: From TM Kalaw Street, hail a PUJ bound for "Fairview". Get off right at the Lung Center.

Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour.

Araneta Center
Location: Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City

Prior to the building of the Makati Commercial Center, the Araneta Center serves as the total shopping center for every Filipino. It is called the city's business heart; at the center are all kinds of commercial establishment such as theaters, banks, boutiques, department stores, restaurants and many more. Huge department stores in Cubao even offer special discounts to tourists and "Balikbayans".

How to get there: From Taft Avenue or TM Kalaw Street, hail a PUJ bound for "Cubao".

Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Balara Plant Filters
Location: Diliman, Quezon City

The Balara Plant filters the water from La Mesa Dam and supplies some 600,000 gallons of clean and potable water to the Metro Manila area.

How to get there: From Taft Avenue or TM Kalaw Street, hail a PUJ bound for "Fairview". Get off at the Glo-ri Supermart along Don Msariano Marcos Avenue. Then hail another PUJ going to the "Old Balara".

Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Himlayang Pilipino Memorial Park
Location: Tandang Sora, Quezon City

This memorial park in Tandang Sora District is a tourist spot in its own right. Its magnificent landscape and monuments are something to behold. The parks includes the memorial of Melchora Aquino, more popularly known as "Tandang Sora", one of the heroes of the Philippine Revolution and, officially, the heroine of Quezon City. Another breathtaking sculpture monument here is that of "Malakas and Maganda", the Philippines' own version of "Adam and Eve".

How to get there: From Taft Avenue or TM Kalaw Street hail a PUJ going to "Fairview". Get off at the Glo-ri Supermart corner Tandang Sora along the Dom Mariano Marcos Avenue. Then hail another PUJ going to "Tandang Sora".

Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Tomas Morato and Timog Avenue Tourist Belt Area
Location: Tomas Morato, Quezon City

Quezon City has its own "Tourist Belt," found in the once quiet district of Kamuning, The Tomas Morato and Timog Avenues and a portion of Quezon Avenue are now dotted with luxurious and exquisite restaurants, disco houses, night clubs, sauna clinics, and other shops.

How to get there: From Taft Avenue or TM Kalaw Street, hail a PUJ with the signboard "Fairview or Project 8." Get off at the Delta Circle along Quezon Avenue. Take another PUJ going to Timog Avenue.

Travel Time: Approximately 40 minutes.

Fiesta Carnival Complex
Location: Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City

Originally conceived for the fun-loving children; it is situated within the heart of the Araneta Center. The carnival offers merry rides and sideshows at minimal prices.

How to get there: From Taft Avenue or TM Kalaw Street, hail a PUJ bound for "Cubao." Get off at Cubao, Fiesta Carnival is a 10-minute walk from the highway.

Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour.

Amoranto Stadium
Location: A. Roces Avenue, Quezon City

The stadium was built in honor of the former Mayor of Quezon City, Norberto S. amoranto (circa 1954-1976). For the athletes, the stadium is their analgesia. The stadium boasts of a track and field, volleyball court, tennis court and a swimming pool.

How to get there: From Taft Avenue or TM Kalaw Street, hail a PUJ bound for "Fairview." Get off at the corner street of A. Roces Avenue. From here, walk or get another PUJ going to the stadium.

Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour.

La Mesa Dam Water Reservoir
Location: Novaliches, Quezon City

The biggest water reservoir in Metropolitan Manila. The dam supplies the water needs of the NCR residents.

How to get there: From Taft Avenue or TM Kalaw Street, hail a PUJ bound for "Fairview/Lagro." Get off at Lagro and take a tricycle going to La Mesa Dam.

Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Brass Memorial
Location: Corner of EDSA and Quezon Avenue, fronting the Manila seedling bank.

The 45-foot-high handcrafted brass monument was done by noted sculptor Ed Castrillo in figurative expressionist style. The towering structure depicts a symbolic interplay of 3 figures familiar to those who were around during the martial law years; the martyred hero, the Philippine flag and Inang Bayan.

How to get there: From Taft Avenue to TM Kalaw Streets, hail a PUJ bound for "Fairview" and get off right in front of the memorial.

Travel Time: Approximately 45 minutes.

Philippine Nuclear Research Institute
Location: Commonwealth Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City

The white-domed and egg-shaped structure is considered as one of the most advanced atomic research centers in Asia. It conducts experiments on the uses of atomic energy.

How to get there: From Taft Avenue or TM Kalaw Street, hail a Fairview bound PUJ. Get off right in front of the Atomic Center.

Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour.

Source: Department of Tourism, Philippines