I have several reasons why Quezon City is close to my heart. It is where I was born and where I first worked right after college graduation. I lived by myself in the Frisco area for almost a year when I was a fresh grad trying to make sense of adulthood and "the real world."
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| with blogger friends |
I still have to see a lot of places and landmarks in Quezon City so I was really glad to be invited to The Quezon Heritage House a few days ago. Armed with a passion to be more immersed in Philippine History as inspired by the blockbuster Heneral Luna movie, I consider it serendipitous to find myself in this place that's filled with significance.
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| a must-visit QC landmark |
There, I learned that the house was actually transferred from its original location in Gilmore Street, New Manila to the Quezon Memorial Circle. I like what I read just inside the front door: "[This house is] a testament to a bygone era so inextricably entwined with the birth of an independent nation." That is a beautiful description!
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| the grand staircase |
Steeped in history, this residence's walls have been privy to the family life of Philippine Commonwealth President Manuel L. Quezon. I felt a sense of awe as I peeked into the rooms and felt fascination at the well-preserved furniture that are now decades old.
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| Doña Aurora's bedroom |
As I read more inscriptions scattered around the house, of stories of President Quezon as a good husband and father, I imagined how difficult it must be for the close-knit family to accept the loss when tuberculosis finally claimed his life.
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| one of the ornate doors on the first floor |
Unlike the formidable Aguinaldo Shrine (that becomes scary when darkness falls), I found the modestly-sized Quezon Heritage House bright, airy and, somehow, visitor-friendly because I didn't feel any trepidation entering the rooms alone.
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| 75 shades of gray |
Our visit was actually double-purpose because it was also the venue for famed photographer Niccolo Cosme's Project Headshot Clinic for the #QC75 campaign. The color of our clothes were aimed to create a symbolic "75 shades of gray."
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| some of the colorful festivities in the Philippines |
Also, in line with the celebration of Quezon City's 75th Diamond Jubilee, the city hall officials planned several culminating events to happen this October. Everyone is invited to witness and join the fun on:
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| Map #1 |
October 10 - Diamond Jubilee Mardi Gras, 4PM to 7PM and QC Grand Parade of Lights (Day 1) 7PM to 11PM
October 11 - QCRocks@75 Concert and QC Grand Parade of Lights (Day 2), 7PM to 11PM
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| a parade of lights |
The Mardi Gras will start from the Quezon City Hall all the way to Tomas Morato (please see map #1). It will feature 500 festival dancers who would perform synchronized dance exhibitions from Aklan's Ati-atihan, Iloilo's Dinagyang, Baguio's Panagbenga, Bacolod's Masskara, and Davao's Kadayawan. It's a great chance to experience five of the Philippines' best festivities in one day without leaving Quezon City!
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| Map #2 |
The Grand Parade of Lights will feature at least 10 floats featuring QC landmarks to educate spectators about the Quezon City heritage and instilling in them a sense of pride and belonging. Day 2 of the Parade will follow a different route (please see map #2) and will end at the Quezon Memorial Circle where the concert is being held.
Fans of Parokya ni Edgar, Barbie Almabis, and Rocksteddy would definitely enjoy a night of music along with other performances from stand-up comedians and appearances of notable TV and media personalities.
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| QCRocks@75 |
So, schedule a visit to Quezon City this coming weekend and help welcome another year for QC with positive vibes and more memorable events to come. See you there!
* The Quezon Heritage House is open to the public from Tuesdays to Sundays, 9AM to 4PM. If you're commuting, just cross the underpass from the Quezon City Hall and turn right once you're inside QC Memorial Circle. The house is just a few steps away.
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