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Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology (SFU, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada)

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Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology

On our 8th day in Vancouver, Jandy and I and decided to visit Simon Fraser University (SFU) and its Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology (MAE),  From Holdom Station, we took the Millenium SkyTrain to Production Way Station where we boarded the No. 145 bus.

Frog Constellation (James Hart)

Upon alighting at the SFU transit loop, next to the Blusson Building (there was a big sign outside identifying it), we walked over to the nearby Saywell Building.

Museum exhibits

Entering the building, we noticed that finding the museum was a challenge which can be as much of an experience as exploring the museum itself.

The Cultural Traditions Exhibit

We had to ask a student for directions.   The museum was actually one floor below, in a courtyard beside the museum entrance. Taking the stairs down, we were greeted huge, wonderful wooden frog carving called Frog Constellation.

Coast Salish Housepost

Carved in 2005 by Haida artist James Hart, a chief from Haida Gwaii, he is one of the most accomplished artists currently working in the Northwest Coast style.  The carving is his tribute to a small shamanic piece carved by an unknown Haida artist on the Northwest coast in the 1870s.

Bella Coola Mortuary Figure

The small but well-curated Simon Fraser University Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology (MAE) collects, researches, and exhibits archaeological and ethnological artifacts from around the world with a focus on British Columbia.

Barkcloth Mask

The MAE is closely affiliated with the Department of Archaeology at Simon Fraser University. Archaeological collections arising from excavations and other research by faculty, staff, and students are housed in the museum.

Argillite carvings, from prominent Haida artists, featuring iconographic images of animals and people from Haida culture.  Displayed on totem poles, serving wear or as statues, they are part of a collection of over 80 pieces donated to the university by a private donor in 2011.

In scope or depth, this museum doesn’t compare to the anthropology museum at the University of British Columbia.  On the other hand, it’s free (though you can make a donation). Though small, it was filled of information with artifacts explained in great detail.  We probably spent an enjoyable 30-40 minutes or so in this gorgeous little museum.

Haida Mortuary Pole

The Northwest Coast Monumental Sculptures (“Totem Poles”) Exhibit displays monumental cedar sculptures from the northern, central and south coast of British Columbia, exhibited here through the generosity of the Royal BC Museum in Victoria, that illustrate the varied artistic traditions of the First Nations of the BC Coast. The centerpiece of the Museum’s collection is the giant aforementioned “Frog Constellation.”

Figure from Palembei Village, Sepik River Region, Papua New Guinea

Displays include First Nations carved poles, monumental sculptures illustrating the varied artistic traditions of the First Nations of the BC coast.  There are also canoes, ceremonial regalia, woven baskets, etc.

Lightning Serpent (Peter Webster, ca. 1970s, cedar)

The NAMU Profile: 9,700 Years of Human Occupation Exhibit, their most remarkable permanent exhibit, is a profile section of an excavation trench from the 1977 field school at the Namu site on the British Columbia central coast, an archaeological record that spans nearly 10,000 years.

Profile Section of Excavation Trench

Automatic Level ca. 1960s

The profile section that is on display in the museum represents about 5,000 years of cultural and natural accumulations.   Evidence of nearly continuous use at the site has been found and separated into six general periods of use.

Killer Whale/Wolf Transfornmation Mask (Pat Amos, 2012, cedar)

The profile on display shows Periods 2 (6000 BP – 5000 BP) through 5 (3500 BP – 2000 BP).  Though the profile on display was removed in 1977, excavations at the site continued in 1978 and 1994; many of the artifacts from these excavations appear in more than just the Namu exhibit itself.

Inuit Dolls

The Rock Art: Petroglyphs and Pictographs Exhibit includes the museum’s collection is rock art from the Lillooet area of BC.  Looking up, we also found stunning photographs, taken in 1972 by Philip Hobler, of the Jump-Across-Creek rock art.

Jump-Across-Creek rock art (Philip Hobler)

The photographs are complimented by the large carved stones, on display near the front door, which were collected between 1929 and 1960 from the Lillooet area, from the mouth of Eleven Mile Creek.

Petroglyphs

The designs were pecked or ground into the rock, either by a piece of sharp stone, by chiseling the rock using a hammerstone to deliver blows to a stone chisel, or by abrading the surface of the rock with a piece of harder stone. Motifs depicted on this rock include a number of faces, anthropomorphic figures and numerous lines and depressions.

Tsimshian Pole Section (Kitsegukla, 1953)

The Cultural Traditions Exhibit displays objects that showcase the rich history, cultural traditions and enduring vitality of the indigenous First Nations living in the Pacific Northwest Coast which extends from the Northern California coast to the Alaskan Panhandle.

Salish House Post from House at Quamichan

The Hunt and Gather: An Interactive Geocaching Activity, an interactive exhibition, incorporates objects and artifacts, museum displays and puzzles in a fun “treasure hunt” game meant to celebrate the diversity of the Museum’s collections.  In addition to learning about Geocaching, this exhibit is a fun, informative and interactive way to explore the museum.

Headdress worn by women of the Akha hill tribes of Northern Thailand which is adorned with five coins (the Indian rupee in the middle is relatively valuable); red, white, blue and yellow plastic beads and aluminum-like balls.  Stitching on the inside is done by machine.

The collection includes artifacts from around the world — masks from Africa; Indonesian shadow puppets; bamboo scrolls from Asia; spears and atlatls from various continents and periods of history; tiny Bolivian dolls and West Coast artifacts. Not a large collection but well worth the time to look at everything.

Nuu-Chai-Nuulth House Post

There were also a number of temporary exhibits.  The “Into the World: A journey through the photographic collection of the SFU Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology” gives a glimpse into the fascinating world of archaeology and ethnology through the extensive photographic collection of our museum.

Into the World: A journey through the photographic collection of the SFU Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology

“The Franklin Exploration,” a bilingual travelling pop-up exhibit, from the Vancouver Maritime Museum, on the archaeology of the HMS Erebus and HMS Terror, was developed by Parks Canada and the ROM.

The Franklin Eploration

“Beyond The Mask: The Fluidity of the West African Experience,” created by Jazmin Hundal and Melissa Rollit, features eight out of the dozens of masks from the region of West Africa housed at the SFU Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology that stand out in their ability to convey something essential about the human experience.

Beyond The Mask: The Fluidity of the West African Experience

“Canoes, Waterways, Lifeways” offer insights into the history of Pacific Northwest Coast canoes by showing how different styles were built and used in the various territories within the region. Sometimes, especially in the case of older styles, models are all we have to learn from.

Canoes, Waterways, Lifeways

“Historic Glass,” created by Kristen McLaughlin, focuses on a selection of historic glass bottles from the collections that have been in use in Canada since the late 1800s into more modern times. These tell us more about the medicine, beverages, food, and glass-making methods of the past.

Historic Glass

“Aksum’s Treasures: Reminders of an Ancient Civilization,” created by Jurian ter Horst, uses contemporary photographs to tell the stories of the treasures (granite monoliths, several churches, etc.) in the ancient town of Aksum, Ethiopia

Aksum’s Treasures: Reminders of an Ancient Civilization

“Plains Regalia,” created by Tiinesha Begaye and Hilary Pennock for SFU’s 50th anniversary in 2015, is an exhibit of a magnificent Plains beaded costume purchased from an antique shop in Calgary in 1972 by Dr. Roy Carlson.

Beaded Buckskin Regalia (Alberta)

Hilary and Tiinesha cleaned the costume, repaired the beading, modified a mannequin to conservation standards, mounted the costume on the mannequin and wrote the interpretive text for the large display.

Bentwood Chest (Larry Rosso, 1975)

“Pacific Northwest Bentwood Boxes,” created by Dr. Barbara Winter, features often elaborately carved and painted Bentwood boxes and chests created by Northwest Coast artists which speaks to the cultural longevity of indigenous peoples of this area.

Bentwood Box (Larry Campbell, 2011)

“Asmat Shields,” created by Sarah Fox and Jennifer Halliday, features shields, topped with an image of the ancestor the shield was created to represent, that were originally created for use in reprisal raids by the Asmat of Indonesia. Due to traditional headhunting practices being outlawed, the shields are now created as art pieces.

Asmat Shields (Jamasji)

“Ancient Writing,” created by Duncan McLeod, showcases a collection of a variety of different texts from China, to Indonesia and the Middle East, offering insights of ancient cultures from the texts they left behind, in all their assorted forms.

Ancient Writing

Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology: Northeast corner of the Academic Quarter, Saywell Atrium, off Saywell Hall, 8888 University Drive, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia  V5A 1S6. Tel: (778) 782-3325 and (778) 782-3135. E-mail: museum@sfu.ca.  Website: www.sfu.ca/archaeology/museum.html. Admission is free. Open Tuesdays to Thursdays, 10 AM to 2 PM.

How to Get There:

By Public Transportation:

  • #95 bus: From the Burrard Street SkyTrain Station downtown by way of Hastings Street
  • #144 bus: From Metrotown Station
  • #145 bus: From Production Way SkyTrain Station
  • Millennium SkyTrain Line – get off at Production Way, then take #145 bus.

By Car:

  • From Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) — take the Gaglardi Way Exit 37.
  • From Lougheed Highway (Highway 7) — turn (north) onto Gaglardi Way.
  • From Hastings Street (Highway 7A) going east — take the right lane exit onto Burnaby Mountain Parkway.

The closest parking lot to the museum is the North Parking Lot. It is paid parking.

Victory Square (Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada)

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Victory Square and Cenotaph

Victory Square, bordered by West Hastings Street to the northeast, West Pender Street to the southwest, Cambie Street to the southeast, and Hamilton Street to the northwest, stands at the intersection of the old Granville town site (AKA Gastown) and the CPR Town site, which was the downtown-designated land grant obtained by the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) as part of the deal to locate the terminus and thereby found the city (the corner of Hastings and Hamilton is the northern tip of the CPR Townsite).

Check out “Gastown”

Hastings Street Side

The site of the Cenotaph is significant. In 1914, because of the strong royalist sentiment in the city, it was at tables at the foot of the old courthouse steps where enlistees signed up for the First World War.  The maple trees on the Pender Street side of the park are the oldest street trees in the city, planted in 1897.

Hamilton Street Side

It was, at one time, the grounds of the city’s provincial courthouse, which was torn down in 1911–13 when the new Francis Rattenbury-designed courthouse along Georgia Street was opened (now the Vancouver Art Gallery). The term is also used to refer to the neighborhood immediately surrounding the square.

Check out “Vancouver Art Gallery”

Pender Street Side

Here’s the historical timeline of the square:

  • On February 13, 1886, an area of 3,600 sq. m. (0.9acres) out of the1.9 sq. km. (480 acres) allotted to the CPR was held aside as “Government Square.” The southwest corner of Hamilton and Hastings Streets is where L. A. Hamilton drove the first survey stake to commence laying out the street system for the city.
  • On 27 April 1924, the Victory Square Cenotaph was unveiled by His Worship William Reid Owen (Mayor of Vancouver), in the presence of an assemblage of 25,000 persons; naval, military and civilian, and including the Old Contemptibles, 7th British Columbia, 29th Vancouver (its chaplain, Major Cecil C. Owen M.B.E., V.D., D.D., dedicated the cenotaph), 72nd Seaforths, 2nd Canadian Mounted Rifles, 47th New Westminster, and 102nd North British Columbian Battalions, CEF, and others.

Pillar at Hastings Street side is decorated with a long sword and is engraved with the inscription “Their name liveth forevermore”and is kept continuously banked high with wreaths of flowers and adorned with national flags

The approximately 9.1 m. (30 ft.) tall, triangular (its shape conforms to that of the square) Victory Square Cenotaph , the Vancouver war memorial, was designed thus by Maj. G.L. Thornton Sharp (architect, town planner and park commissioner).  The 24-man (12 represented the Canadian Club of Vancouver and 12 the Civic War Memorial Committee) Vancouver War Memorial Committee, under the chairmanship of pioneer F.W. Rounsefell, Esq. (with J.R.V. Dunlop, of the Canadian Club, as honorary secretary), were the public-spirited sponsors.

Wreath at the base of the Hastings Street side

The word “cenotaph” (an empty tomb in memory of one buried elsewhere) is derived from the Greek word kenos (meaning “empty”) and taphos (meaning “tomb”).  The focus of the city’s annual Remembrance Day services, the Cenotaph lies at the foot of a gentle slope on the northern side of the square, on a plaza flanking Hastings Street. It is so placed that, when approached from the east, it appears in the distance centrally at the end of busy Hastings Street.

Wreath at Pender Street side

Made with gray Nelson Island granite (supplied by the Vancouver Granite Co., Ltd.), cost $10,666 and was erected by contractors Stewart who died from the effects of an accident whilst preparing the memorial) and Wylie. The pillar is engraved with suitable inscriptions and is kept continuously banked high with wreaths of flowers and adorned with national flags.

Inscription at Pender Street side that reads “All ye that pass by”

The stone ornamentations include one long sword and two wreaths (one of laurels, the other of poppies), both entwined with maple leaves.  The three corner buttresses are adorned by a stone replica of the steel helmet, as used in the war of 1914–1918.  The numerals “1914–1918,” at the base of the front, surrounds a larger wreath of laurels.

World War I helmet

A receptacle of three bronze maple leaves has slots that hold the staffs of the Union Jack, the Canadian Red Ensign, the Flag of Canada, the White Ensign, and RCAF Ensign, always flying, which are placed there by the Royal Canadian Legion and the Royal Commonwealth Ex-Services League, and renewed four times each year.

Sun Tower

One monument side faces busy Hastings Street (engraved inscription: “Their name liveth for evermore” and, within a stone wreath, “1914–1918″), the others Pender (engraved inscription: “All ye that pass by”) and Hamilton Streets (engraved inscription: “Is it nothing to you“). It is so placed that, when approached from the east, it appears in the distance centrally at the end of Hastings Street.

Flack Block (Copp Building)

Several historic buildings adjacent to Victory Square include the 13-storey, 53-m. (175 ft.) high, Second Empire-style Dominion Building (completed in 1910); the four-storey, Romanesque Revival-style Flack Block (or Copp Building, completed in 1900) and the 17 storey, 82 m. (269 ft.) high, Beaux-Arts-style Sun Tower (completed in 1912).

Dominion Building

Victory Square: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Barnet Marine Park (Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada)

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Barnet Marine Park

On our fourth day in Vancouver, we drove 6.6 kms. to Barnet Marine Park, a small but beautiful and popular waterfront park, where we were to enjoy an afternoon outdoor picnic with family while sitting back taking and watching the action on the south shore of the spectacular, tanker-dotted Burrard Inlet (here’s a map of the picnic area).

A tanker at Burrard Inlet

As it was a sunny weekend, the main parking lot was already filled so we parked at the overflow parking above the highway right next to the Air Mountain Bike Park.

Located right along the north end base of Burnaby Mountain and across Burrard Inlet from Cates Park and Vancouver’s North Shore, on an important harvesting, gathering and processing site for the Coast Salish peoples, as well as the site of a century-old logging mill camp, this spectacular foreshore park, Burnaby’s only official saltwater beach, is perfect for a stroll and has ocean and mountain views. Although small in size, the park feels large as it is long and narrow, stretching for about 1.5 kms. along the waterfront.

 

Barnet was formerly a thriving logging community of the North Pacific Lumber Company (later the Barnet Lumber Company), one of the largest sawmills in the British Empire.  Established in 1889 (at the site of a new C.P.R. station), David MacLaren (the owner) named it “Barnet” after his wife’s family.

Foundation of Mill Wood Scrap Burner

Due to the Great Depression, the mill closed in 1931 and reopened in 1939 as the Kapoor Sawmills.  Destroyed by fire in 1946, plans to rebuild the mill to its former scale never materialized.  The community started to fade when the small replacement mill was finally dismantled in 1958.

Mill Wood Scrap Burner

Here, you can still see traces of the once prosperous mill such as the mill’s scrap burner as well as the concrete and brick foundations nearby.

Remains of Old Wharf

On the water are the remains of the old wharf (where processed timber bound for American and Asian ports was loaded), its pylons now nesting sites for birds.

Aside from the picnic (some in the shade) site, it has a designated dog off-leash area  allowing our dog Luffy to get some exercise. We had to keep your dog leashed everywhere else in the park (you also have to pick up after your dog and drop our waste bag in the designated bins). For sanitary reasons, they aren’t allowed on the beach. The sandier beach areas of the off-leash dog area are at the far west end of the park.

Sandy Beach

Rocky Beach

Along the shore are both rocky and nice sandy (at the far western end) beaches. The most popular beach is at the far eastern end as it’s closer to the parking lots and has both grassy and sandy areas.  Wildlife to be found here includes seals, crabs, geese and herons.

Geese

To enjoy a relaxing meal or a quick bite, there’s Park Cafe. Propane barbeques and charcoal and open-flame barbeques are also allowed at this park (you have to use the on-site ash pits to safely dispose of hot ashes).

Park Cafe

Accessible washrooms and changing rooms are located in the concession building, open year-round.  There are also outdoor showers for swimmers.

Concesson Building

Barnet Marine Park is an excellent spot to enjoy fishing from shore (just make sure you have a license). To explore the sheltered waters of Indian Arm or the Burrard Inlet, you can launch canoes, kayaks and sailing craft on the rocky or sandy beach.

Motorboat at Burrard Inlet

On the rocky beach, Cheska, Bryan and Kyle went paddleboarding but they had to carry everything down to the beach.

Bryan (with Kyle) and Cheska paddleboarding off the rocky beach

Trails here are either paved or crushed limestone, with benches available throughout. I traversed the length of Drummond’s Walk, a peaceful foreshore and upland walk named after former Mayor Douglas P. Drummond (1996-2002) in April 2006.

Start of Drummond’s Walk

Plaque

It was his favorite place to exercise. This flat and easy trail, suitable for all ages and fitness levels, runs 1,5 kms. from one end of the park to the other.

Drummond’s Walk

Along the path, I encountered grassy lawns and a large and impressive off-leash dog zone that includes multiple waterfront beaches. Here’s a map showing all the paths in the park.

Watching tankers go by at Drummond’s Walk

Barnet Marine Park: 8181 Barnet Rd, Burnaby, BC V5A 3G8, British Columbia. General inquiries: 604-294-7450. E-mail: parksrecandculture@burnaby.ca. Website: www.burnaby.ca/explore-outdoors/parks/barnet-marine-park. Open from 7 am and closes at dusk between April and October. During May to September, the closing time changes with the increase in daylight hours. Park Café is open Friday to Sunday on ‘good weather’ days in the summer, 11:30 AM -6:30 PM.  If the weather looks wet and cold, call 604-297-4888 to confirm if the café is open. Since January 1, 2022, smoking has been banned in all City parks and multi-use paths.

Parking: the main parking lot (download map) is located on the south side of the rail line. The north (beach) side of the rail line is pedestrian only. Don’t park on the rail line. There are 6 accessible parking stalls located east of the park entrance, closest to the beach. Additional accessible parking stalls and surface parking are available to the east and west of park entrance on a first come, first served basis.

Additional parking is available farther to the west of the park entrance and on the other side of Barnet Rd where the Mountain Air Bike Skills Course (an incredible bike skills park located just across the Barnet Highway, it features an outdoor wood pump track for beginners to advanced mountain bikers that’s free to the public) is located. Accessible parking stalls at beach levelare available Monday to Friday, 9 AM-7 PM until September 1, 2023 (excluding statutory holidays). To check availability and obtain access, call park staff at 604-319-7083. Due to safety and operational concerns when the park is very busy, all beach-level parking (including accessible parking) are not available on weekends and statutory holidays.

How to Get There: The park is about 10 kms. (a 30-min. drive) from downtown Vancouver, and a 10-min. drive from Port Moody. Travel east on Hastings Street. Keep left on Inlet Dr/Barnet Rd and turn left onto the park at Takeda Drive. Get directions.

Fort San Antonio Abad (Manila)

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Fort San Antonio Abad

Relatively unknown to many, Manila has another Spanish-era fort, aside from the well-known Fort Santiago, located south of Intramuros and this one is not easy to visit as it is located within the confines of the high-security Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)  Complex – the 1.2-hectare, trapezoid-shaped  and equally historic but hidden Fort San Antonio Abad.

Exploring the fort with our guides

Considering its current location, tightly sandwiched between the imposing main tower of the BSP and the old Manila Metropolitan Museum  Building (now transferred to its new home at Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City), the fort is understandably overlooked these days.

Check out “Metropolitan Museum of Manila”

Stairs leading up to the ramparts

Visits to the fort are by appointment and my son Jandy and I had to arrange our visit in advance via email.  It was only upon approval of our request that we were allowed to proceed to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Complex.  Upon registering ourselves, we met up with our guides, Ms. Regyn Avena and Mr. Lauro E. de los Santos, Jr. who were to tour us around the fort.

The view of the South Wall from the East Bastion

Also known as Fort Malate or Fort San Antonio, this fortification was completed in 1584 and named in honor of its patron saint, Saint Anthony the Abbot (feast day: January 17).   Like the walled city, the fort evolved into a variety of stone fortress popularized by renowned French military architect Sebastien Le Prestre de Vauban, with two signature bastions at the corners of the canted walls.

The canted South Wall

Though relatively small in size, it certainly occupies a significant place in the history of Manila as it played a role in three great conflicts – the Seven Years’ War,e vents prior and during the Philippine–American War and World War II.  Located in what was then a separate hamlet of Malate, the fort served as a rear protection for the Manila as well as to guard the Manila–Cavite route.

The West Bastion at the North Wall

The Spanish used the fort as a polvorista (“little fortress” or gunpowder magazine to safely store gunpowder) known as Fuerte de Polverina.  On September 26, 1762, during the Seven Years’ War, it was captured by British forces under Rear-Admiral Samuel Cornish and Brigadier-General William Draper when they invaded Manila. They transformed the fort into a garrison, setting up an artillery battery.  From here, the British forces launched their land offensive against the Spaniards defending Intramuros.

The exquisitely designed North Entrance

On March 26, 1764, upon the end of the British occupation of Manila, the fort was returned to Spanish control and rebuilt, again becoming a gunpowder storage facility. On August 13, 1898, after bombardment by U.S. warships during the sham Battle of Manila, the fort was captured and the first American flag hoisted by the First Battalion of the First Colorado Volunteer Regiment under the command of Lt.-Col. Henry Bayard McCoy.

The grassy courtyard. On the left are the square embrasures

Also, during the Philippine–American War, U.S. military authorities used the prison to carry out multiple executions by hanging. Harry Cline, an American civilian under the employment of the United States Army, was the first American to be executed by U.S. authorities after he shot, with a revolver, four small Filipino boys from Parañaque gathering grass, wounding three and killing the fourth (Agaton Rivera) on April 8, 1901. Cline was tried by an American military court, found guilty of murder and three counts of assault with intent to kill, and sentenced to death by hanging which was carried out  on September 20, 1901.

The fort ramparts

During World War II, Fort San Antonio Abad was seized by occupying Japanese  troops and it was used as a bunker, with a cannon installed. During the Liberation of Manila, the fort suffered considerable damage.  After World War II, the very young Offshore Patrol, with the Manila Naval Station (MNS) as its main support unit, set up its headquarters at the fort. They vacated the place in 1965.

The now unused well with windlass

On June 1974, coinciding with the establishment of the new main office complex of the BSP, the restoration of the fort was again started (the first restoration was at the beginning of the 19th century) by Architect Carlos E. Da Silva, during the term of former Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Gov. Gregorio S. Licaros, and completed in 1976.

1976 Restoration Plaque

This battle-weary and proud structure is now a beautiful little park and events place with paved walkways and street lamps. Where guards once stood, there are now roaming gardeners keeping the manicured garden trim. Within the garden is a now unused well with a windlass for raising water.

National Historical Treasure plaque

In 2018, together with Intramuros (collectively known as the “Fortifications of Manila”), the fort was named a National Cultural Treasure (NCT), for their architectural, historical, scientific and archaeological significance, by the National Museum of the Philippines. Both forts were essential parts of the defense of Spanish Colonial Manila and scientifically important in terms of military and structural engineering. The NCT marker is now installed there and in Plaza Roma in Intramuros.

The unadorned south entrance. In my opinion, this entrance seems like a recent addition as there as its walls show no signs of weathering

At the fort’s south entrance, two historical plaques (the 1976 renovation plaque and the NCT plaque) are mounted.  A Historical Research and Markers Committee (now the National Historical Commission of the Philippines) marker, installed  in 1937, is mounted on the wall to the right of this entrance, is topped by a semicircular arch niche, flanked by Doric columns, with an antique wooden statue of St. Anthony Abbot within.

Niche with statue of St. Anthony Abbot

In turn, the niche is framed by a decorative moldings ending in scrolls. The original segmental arched main entrance of the fort, with its quaint iron gate, faces north.  This latter entrance is decorated with a bas-relief of the traditional Spanish coat of arms of Leon (the lion) and Castille (the castle) and topped by finials.

Bas-relief bearing the Spanish coat of arms at the North Entrance

The fort can be quickly explored in less than half an hour. At the lower level of the fort are a series of square embrasures, openings in fort’s walls where cannons can be fired.  These openings, flared outward to enlarge their field of fire, once faced the sea but are now facing the back of the museum.

One of the fort’s embrasures

You can walk around the entire wall perimeter via very narrow, 2-foot wide ramparts which can be reached via stone steps. Standing on either side of the fort, on arrowhead-shaped bulwarks (East and West), are two large, sea-facing naval guns which were damaged when the American Air Force bombed the fort during the 1945 Liberation of Manila in World War II.

William Armstrong gun at the East Bastion

Cast by Sir William Armstrong & Co. (England), these two 19th century, rifled breech-loading guns, weighing 20,238 and 20,220 pounds respectively, had a bore of 8 inches.  The original gun carriages are now gone (probably destroyed during the bombing or have rotted away) and have been replaced by concrete supports.

Pockmarked William Armstrong gun at West Bastion

AUTHOR’S COMMENTS:

After our visit to the fort, I can’t help but notice the differences between the plain looking south entrance and the exuberantly decorated north entrance.  Plus, I also can’t help but notice the seemingly misplaced bas-re;ief, with its statued niche, to the right of the south entrance.  This has got me thinking.

Could the south entrance have been originally located just below this bas-relief? It would make sense as statues of saints in niches or in bas-reliefs are usually placed above the entrances of churches and forts (even Fort Santiago has a bas relief of St. James the Moor Slayer, its patron saint, above its main entrance) to watch over those who enter.  Probably the lower and narrower entrance (suitable for wagons), with its pilasters, must have been walled up and a new, simple but higher and wider square opening was created, during the American era, a few meters beside it, possibly to allow tall and wide-bodied vehicles such as trucks to pass through.  I wonder ……..

For me, this makes sense…..

Fort San Antonio Abad: Banko Sentral ng Pilipinas Complex, Malate, Manila 1004.  E-mail corporateaffairs@bsp.gov.ph (to arrange for a visit).

Museo ng Sapatos (Marikina City, Metro Manila)

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Museo ng Sapatos (Shoe Museum)

The Museo ng Sapatos (Shoe Museum), formerly known as the Footwear Museum of Marikina, is housed in an old stone building (bigasang bayan) built in 1880s by Dona Teresa de la Paz of the affluent Tuason family to store palay.   During the Philippine Revolution, it served as an armory of the Guardia Civil and, during the Philippine–American War, the building was used as a detention center.

Museum entrance

During the American era, it was then used as a motor pool and, during the Japanese Occupation, it served as a detention center for suspected guerillas.  After World War II, the structure was repurposed as a rice mill by the Tuason family but was later abandoned.

Museum interior

In 1998, Mayor Bayani F. Fernando conceived the idea to open a museum dedicated to Marikina‘s 110-year old shoe industry and, in 2000, he had it renovated and converted into a museum.

Column wrapped with shoe lasts

Opened as Marikina Footwear Museum on February 16, 2001, it aims to showcase the shoes worn by prominent figures and personalities in the Philippine history and to trace the history of the shoe industry.  Imelda R. Marcos herself led the museum’s opening.  When Typhoon Ondoy struck in 2009, water reached 4 ft. high inside the museum and many shoes were damaged.

Imelda Marcos Shoes Gallery. At the end are the Filipiniana dress of Imelda Marcos and the barong tagalog of Pres. Ferdinand E. Marcos

At the center of the hall is a column of old wooden shoe lasts. A stairway leads up to the mezzanine where 749 pairs (as of 2020) of size eight-and-a-half footwear (shoes, downy boudoir slippers, slick knee-length boots, open-toed linen espadrilles, alligator pumps, etc.)  of former First Lady Imelda R. Marcos, an active promoter of Marikina’s shoe industry, are displayed, occupying one long wall of cabinets.

Shoes of Pres. Ferdinand E. Marcos

Shoes of Pres. Manuel A. Roxas

Aside from shoes from local designers (she was gifted an average of 10 pairs a week), they include handcrafted designer pieces from brands such as Charles Jourdan, Beltrami, Christian Dior, Gucci and Oleg Cassini.  Also on display are a Filipiniana dress worn by her and a barong tagalog worn by the late Pres. Ferdinand E. Marcos.

Shoes of Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

Shoes of Pres. Fidel V. Ramos

Seized by the Presidential Commission on Good Government, they were formerly on display, for six years, at the Malacañang Palace Museum (now the Malacanang Museum and Library) during Corazon Aquino‘s presidential term.

Check out “Malacanang Museum and Library”

Celebrity Shoes

It was later placed in storage at the beginning of Fidel V. Ramos‘s presidency.  In 1996, a portion of Marcos’ shoe collection was requested to be transferred to the Marikina city government led by Mayor Bayani Fernando. Marcos did not object to the request in 1998.

Shoes of former Marikina City Mayor Bayani Fernando

Bowling shoes of six-time World bowling champion Paeng Nepomuceno

Also on display are shoes worn by the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos plus shoes donated by the late President Fidel V. Ramos, President Joseph Estrada (a size 10) and President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, and shoes donated by other politicians (Sen. Loren Legarda, Cong. Jose de Venecia, Bongbong Marcos, etc.) including a pair of shoes from Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago which she wore during the 1992 Presidential Campaign and during her visit to local shoe manufacturers in Marikina.

Evolution of Shoes

Circa 1930s to 1970s

There are also shoes from showbiz figures (Agot Isidro, Dolphy, Fernando Poe Jr., Christine Reyes, April Boy Regino, Angel Aquino, John Arcilla, Rosa Rosal, etc.) , athletes (Paeng Nepomuceno, Eugene Torre, etc.), beauty queens (Venus Raj, etc.) and other well-known personalities (Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, Jaime Cardinal Sin, First Lady Amelita Ramos, etc.).

Circa 1980s to 2000s

Circa 2001 to the Present

Aside from celebrity shoes, there is a display about footwear through the ages. Highlights include kinds of shoes icemen would have worn back in 3300 BC, Dutch clogs, Viking boots, Roman sandals and Indian moccasins.  Also on display are the products that made Marikina as the Shoe Capital of the Philippines.

Singer sewing machine

Men’s and Ladies’ Shoe Stands and Manual Delaster

On another corner are award-winning shoes, mostly fantasy footwear, from the city’s annual design competition.

A 3-foot high leather shoe

Also on display are actual cobbler’s tools, a sewing machine, shoe lasts, shoe components, men’s and ladies’ shoe stands and a manual delaster.  There’s also a huge, 3 ft. high leather shoe.

Shoe Components

Cobbler’s tools

On the sidewalk surrounding the Shoe Museum is the Shoe-perstar Alley, a walk-of-fame inaugurated on November 13, 2012 (Sapatos Festival).

Angel Locsin and Joel Lamangan

It features 49 famous personalities from different careers like politics, sports, arts, entertainment, music, philanthropy, business, news and current affairs, fashion and beauty, and religion who have greatly contributed to the upliftment of the shoe industry in Marikina.  Their names are placed on 60cm. x 60cm. tiles that have a 16cm. x 16cm. shoe design made of brass.

Monique Wilson and Brian Tenorio

Also outside the Shoe Museum is a century-old acacia tree, one of two Heritage Trees in Marikina which are enduring witnesses to city’s history, particularly the growth and struggles of its footwear industry. Now laying on its side, the trunk blocking J.P. Rizal Street and half of the roots unearthed and exposed, it was uprooted by a tornado spawned by Typhoon Ompong on September 14, 2018. First aid methods and bonsai techniques had been used to revive this acacia and it is now considered a symbol of the community’s own survival and resilience.

The still resilient Heritage Tree

Museo ng Sapatos:  J.P. Rizal St., San Roque, Marikina City (50 m. from the Sentrong Pangkultura ng Marikina), Metro Manila.  Open daily, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM.  Admission: Php50.  Tel: (632) 696-6516.E-mail: marikinatourism@gmail.com.

How to Get There: take the LRT-2 to Santolan (its last stop) and then take a San Mateo-bound jeepney to City Hallon Central Shoe Ave.  From there, it is a short walk to the museum.

Sentrong Pangkultura ng Marikina (Metro Manila)

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Sentrong Pangkultura ng Marikina

The over two century old Sentrong Pangkultura ng Marikina, formerly the old Kapitan Moy building, was constructed in 1780 by Don Jose Guevarra whose family owns “Asyenda Tyason.” Andres Bonifacio of the Katipunan once visited the place and, in 1901, the American soldiers made it a camp.

National Historical Commission plaque installed in 1970

Once owned by Don Laureano “Kapitan Moy” Guevarra (July 4, 1851 – December 30, 1891), recognized as the father of the shoe industry in the Philippines (he also served as capitan municipal in the former municipality), the first pair of shoes in Marikina was designed and made in 1887.

Don Laureano “Kapitan Moy” Guevarra

Doña Teresa dela Paz, a haciendera, then bought the house of Kapitan Moy to serve the needs of the marginal sector of the community, converting it into a home of needy residents of Marikina. Doña Teresa then presented the dwelling to his brother-in-law Don Jose Espiritu who transformed it into a primary school from 1907 to 1955.

Interior

When the Americans occupied the Philippines, the building also served as the house of the American tribunal. From 1942 to 1945, when the Japanese came over, it became the Japanese Imperial Army’s headquarters.

In 1968, it was also declared as a National Shrine by the municipal council and NHCP.  On April 16, 1970, the building was commemorated with a cast-iron plaque marker and listed as a Historic Site and Structure by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) for being the Unang Pagawaan ng Sapatos sa Marikina or the First Shoe Workshop in Marikina.

Galeria

It is also recognized as a Cultural Property of the Philippines by the National Commission on Culture and the Arts, National Historical Commission of the Philippines, and the National Museum of the Philippines.

Cafe Kapitan Restaurant

On April 16, 1986, the building was declared as the Sentrong Pangkultura ng Marikina (Cultural Center of Marikina) by the Marikina local government. On September 14, 2018, the building was damaged by a tornado , a day before Typhoon Mangkhut (Ompong) struck Cagayan Valley, disrupting the wedding reception held at the building.

Cafe Kapitan Restaurant

Inside this building can be found Doll Museum, Marikina City’s museum, a diorama showcasing the events and history of Marikina. It also houses two restaurants (Café Kapitan Restaurant and Kusina ni Kambal).

Exterior stairs leading to the second floor

At the Café Kapitan Restaurant is an old well which serves as a décor and a wishing well to customers at the ground floor and is also a venue for seminars, conventions and other events.

Bulwagang Bayani

The fully airconditioned Bulwagang Bayani, located on the second floor, can accommodate 400 to 450 guests. The Plaza Kapitan may also be rented for different occasions.

The author at Sentrong Pangkultura ng Marikina

Sentrong Pangkultura ng Marikina: 323 J.P. Rizal St.,1800  Marikina City, Metro Manila.

Church of Our Lady of the Abandoned (Marikina City, Metro Manila)

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Church of Our Lady of the Abandoned

Located at the boundaries of Barangays Santa Elena and San Roque, this church, dedicated to Nuestra Señora de los Desamparados (Our Lady of the Abandoned), was first constructed in 1572, with bamboo and leaves by the Augustinian friars in a place called Chorillo (present-day Barangay Barangka).

Left side elevation

The church was started, on its present site, in 1687 by the Augustinians using forced labor.  Constructed with adobe in the Baroque style, it had a heavily fortified facade, large-scale ceiling paintings, a dramatic central projection of the facade, a round-style pediment for the bell tower and the opulent blending of painting and architecture. 

Right side elevation

On October 23, 1791, the church was consecrated by the Archdiocese of Manila for the Virgin’s said title so that it could not be used for any secular purpose.  It was twice destroyed during the June 1863 and July 1880 earthquakes and was gutted by fire in 1891.

National Historical Institute (NHI) Plaque (1990)

In 1898, during the Philippine–American War, the church suffered major damage and the first image was burnt along with pertinent records of the devotion in Marikina.  In 1902, a new image was created, and is the one presently venerated in the parish.  During World War II, the upper storey bell tower was totally destroyed. By 1957, the church was restored and refurbished by Fr. Silvestre dela Cruz of the Archdiocese of Manila with the help from various religious and civic organizations.  The church underwent a lavish upgrade from 2009 to 2012.

Statue of Our Lady of the Abandoned

On May 12, 2002, the 100th anniversary, the venerated image  (fondly called “Mama Ola”), was episcopally crowned by Crisostomo Yalung, Bishop of Antipolo. On April 22, 2005, as one of his first formal institutional acts as a pope, Pope Benedict XVI granted the venerated image a decree of canonical coronation (the 23rd Marian image in the country to be crowned). On October 23 2005, the coronation took place, with former Archbishop of Manila, Gaudencio Rosales presiding over the Mass and canonical rites together with the Antipolo Bishop, Gabriel V. Reyes.

Church interior

On August 5, 2007, the Feast of the Dedication of the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, the Bishop of Antipolo, Gabriel V. Reyes, D.D., consecrated the the church as a diocesan shrine in honor of Our Lady under the title Maria, Inang Mapag-Ampon ng Marikina, Nuestra Señora de los Desamparados.

Choir loft

The church is known for featuring Metro Manila’s longest Holy Week processions with around 87 floats (as of 2023).  Nationwide, it is third overall after the St. Augustine Parish in Baliuag and the San Isidro Labrador Parish in Pulilan, both in Bulacan, which features at least 110 floats.

Main altar

AUTHOR’S NOTES:

The 1957 renovation retained much of the church’s simple Baroque façade but the entrance portico was added.  The 3-storey bell tower, on the left, has a square base and octagonal upper storeys.  The upper storey, with its dome-capped belfry, was destroyed by U.S. artillery bombardment (from Quezon City) during World War II and was restored.

Left side altar

On both sides of the church are a series of sculptures atop pillars, completed in 2012 with Jesus Christ (the Good Shepherd), St. Bartolomew, St. Philip, St. John, St. Peter, St. James (son of Zebedee) and St. Thomas on the left and St. Andrew, St. Matthew, St. Matthias, St. Paul, St. Simon, St. James (son of Alphaeus) and St. Jude Thaddaeus on the Right.

Right side altar

The interiors feature a main altar, two side altars, ceiling murals depicting scenes from the Mysteries of the Rosary, colorful Machuca tile flooring, various artwork (including angels, saints, OLA’s monthly devotional procession and the “Tinapay ni OLA,” a feeding program by bikers) by Angono artist Nani Reyes, colorful stained glass windows, a pulpit, and three-dimensional arches and pillars, all optical illusions, created by Rex Papasin of Batangas.

Pulpit

Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of the Abandoned: 641 J.P. Rizal cor. P. Gomez Sts., Brgy. Sta Elena 1801 Marikina City.  Tel: (02) 8846-1781. Feast of Our Lady of the Abandoned: May 12 (since 2010).

How to Get There: Marikina City is located 19 kms. (a one-hour drive) from Manila (via Quezon Ave./R7) and 9.7 kms. (a 30-min. drive via C-5) from Quezon City.

 

Quezon Heritage House (Quezon City, Metro Manila))

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Quezon Heritage House

The Quezon Heritage House, a historic house museum within the grounds of the Quezon Memorial Circle, is situated across the Quezon City Hall. It serves as a museum focusing on the personal life of former President Manuel Quezon, complementing the nearby Museo ni Manuel L. Quezon at the base of the Quezon Memorial Shrine which focuses on the former president’s political career.

Check out “Quezon Memorial Circle,” “Quezon Memorial Shrine” and “Museo ni Manuel L. Quezon”

Built in 1927, the house was originally located at 45 Gilmore Street in Hacienda Magdalena (now New Manila). The Quezons moved to the house in 1927 when it was offered to them after Manuel Quezon contracted tuberculosis as the Santol Sanitarium  was just nearby.  The Quezons acquired the house on installment and managed to acquire three adjacent properties near the house.

Until they were forced to flee to Corregidor in 1941 during the World War II, the house was used as a weekend home by the Quezons.  After Manuel Quezon died in 1944, his family moved back to the house the next year, making it again as their family weekend house.  Later, it was occupied by the family of Maria Zeneida Quezon-Avanceña but, due to health reasons, she later moved out of the house to reside in Alabang.

During the administration of then city mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr., plans to preserve the house were made. Belmonte approached the National Historical Commission of the Philippines and had talks on the city government’s prospects of acquiring the house, as well as the registration of the building as a heritage site.  However, the house did not meet all requirements for the designation.

The house was sold in 2012 and was about to be razed, when Mayor Herbert M. Bautista (born May 12, 1968) had the house disassembled and reconstructed in Quezon Memorial Circle. In April 2013, a new foundation was laid for the house and then the house in Gilmore was disassembled. About 60% of the parts of the house were removed with care and used for restoration. In June of the same year, the disassembling process was finished.

The total cost for the relocation was ₱10 million. The Quezon family also donated some furniture and fixtures for the house. In 2015, the Quezon Heritage House was designated as a Local Heritage Site of Quezon City by virtue of Ordinance No. SP-2428 passed by the Quezon City Council.

The two-storey Quezon Heritage House, painted in beige and white, did not follow strictly the Neo-Classical style theme as it underwent, in the span of more than 50 years, several modifications by the Quezon family.   Serving as the main entrance of the house are glass doors etched with bamboo with iron-wrought leaves, one of the non-Neo-Classical features of the heritage house.

Social Hall

An adjacent, single-storey rectangular social hall, present in the Quezon house complex, has round columns and features Fu Dog sculptures and two Caryatids as part of the support. A rectangular pool, between the social hall and the house building, was converted into a fountain when the building was transferred to the Quezon Memorial Circle.

The house’s living room, on the ground floor, was used by former First Lady Aurora Quezon as her office where she was establishing the Philippine National Red Cross.  Also on the same floor is a room used by Aurora as her age advances.   During the time the Quezon-Avanceñas were occupying the house, it was used as a guest room. A kitchen, each for the first and second floor, was also constructed.

The second floor, the primary attraction of the museum, is where the two bedrooms, with the original narra beds, of former president Quezon and his wife (the couple had separate rooms due to Manuel Quezon’s illness) are situated.  Both are linked by a comfort room. The original spiral staircase was retained upon its relocation to its current place. The cabinets and mirrors, doors, grills and some stained glass panels are all original.

Aside from featuring the interiors, furnishing and properties of the Quezón family, also on display are artworks by Guillermo Estrella Tolentino (1890 -1976), Miguel Geronimo Galvez (1912-1989), Loreto T. Racuya (born 1940), German M. Icarangal (1914-1984), R.F. Tapino, P. Żółcią, and E.P. Lim.

Beside the Quezon Heritage House is the Philippine-Israel Friendship Park, inaugurated in 2017, which commemorates Pres. Quezón’s opening the Philippines to Jewish refugees from the Nazi  persecution of World War II.

Quezon Heritage House: Quezon Memorial Shrine, Quezon Memorial Circle, Elliptical Road, Diliman,  Quezon City, Metro Manila.  Admission is free.  Coordinates: 14°38′58.4″N 121°03′01.1″E

Presidential Car Museum (Quezon City, Metro Manila)

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Presidential Car Museum

The Presidential Automobile Museum (Filipino: Museo ng Pampangulong Sasakyan), within the Quezon Memorial Circle, houses the largest collection of state cars in the country.  It displays the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) collection of 12 interesting and unique cars used by 13 former Presidents of the Philippines during their term of office.

As early as 2013, the NHCP was planning to open a museum to house the presidential cars of former Philippine Presidents and, when it signed a memorandum of agreement with the local government of Quezon City, the NHCP secured a location for the museum.

Prior to the opening of the museum, the vehicles were housed in a private warehouse in Pampanga handled by the Presidential Security Group (PSG) while others were left in display in the garages of these former president’s homes.  They were restored to their original condition by Quezon City resident Alfred Perez, whose atelier Alfred Motor Works (established in 1993), located at the corner of 11th Jamboree Street and Kamuning Road, specializes in the restoration of classic cars.

On land within the Quezon Memorial Circle (formerly occupied by basketball and volleyball courts which was moved to another part of the park at the NHCP’s expense), the city provided at least 3,000 sq. m. (32,000 sq. ft.) of space for the museum. On August 19, 2018, the triangular museum was formally inaugurated.

Each display includes the car’s history and specifications as well as the profile of its user. . Beside the cars are busts of the presidents that were created by Juan Sajid de Leon Imao (born 1971), son of the first Muslim National Artist for the Visual Arts Abdulmari Imao.

The display includes the car’s history and specifications as well as the profile and bust (created by Juan Sajid de Leon Imao) of its user.

By the entrance of the museum is parol-inspired National Costume of 2018 Miss Universe Catriona Gray.

2018 Miss Universe Catriona Gray’s National Costume

The presidential car of Carlos P. Garcia (1896 – 1971) was never recovered. Presidents Benigno C. Aquino III (1960 – 2021) and Rodrigo R. Duterte (born 1945), who both used the more utilitarian Toyota Land Cruisers, do not have their cars in the museum as they are still being used.

The Packard Single Six Touring Model 233 Series 1924, the “retirement” (he rode a horse-drawn carriage during his presidency) car of Emilio Aguinaldo (1869-1964) from 1924–1964, is considered as one of the earliest US vehicles that were being exported worldwide for use as state transportation, it was used by the Russian Imperial family back then.

The car, originally displayed in Fort Santiago in Manila and the Aguinaldo Shrine in  Kawit, Cavite, has wood and vinyl interiors. Its car plate, issued in 1936, bears the figures 1-1896, “1”” reserved as plate number of presidents, and “1896” the year the Philippine Revolution began.

The Packard Single Six Touring Model 233 Series 1924 used by Pres. Emilio Aguinaldo

The 1937 Chrysler Airflow Custom Imperial CW Limousine, the presidential car used by President Manuel L. Quezon from 1937-1941, came with a price tag, back then, of US$1,610.  It was exclusively produced in 1937 to 1937 by the Chrysler Corporation.  This car, one of the rarest automobiles in the world (there are only 10 or less in the world), is the only one in the Philippines.  The most aerodynamic car of its era, was powered by an inline 8-cylinder engine producing 130 horsepower and designed with a 3-speed manual floor shift transmission

The 1937 Chrysler Airflow Custom Imperial CW Limousine used by Commonwealth Pres. Manuel L. Quezon

The 1942 Packard Customer Super 818 Limousine, the presidential car used by President José P. Laurel and his successor President Sergio Osmeña from 1941–1946, had the best fabrics, leather and carpeting, plus a wool ceiling, It also has a glass partition that can be lowered so anytime the president wants to drive on his own, then he can do so.  Osmena’s own car, a 1941 Cadillac Series 1, is currently on exhibit at the Osmena Museum in Cebu.

The 1942 Packard Customer Super 818 Limousine used by Pres. Jose P. Laurel and his successor Sergio Osmena

The 1947 Cadillac Fleetwood Series 75,  the presidential car used by President Manuel Róxas from 1946–1948, is an Imperial 7-seater limousine, considered as the ultimate luxury automotive vehicle back then.  It boasts Fleetwood coachwork, with a very imposing appearance and an impressive and detailed interior.  This car is distinguished by a massive vertical grille that stretch out to the fenders in a large hood.  Because of its engine, this Cadillac was considered one of the most powerful cars of its era.

The 1947 Cadillac Fleetwood Series 75 used by Pres. Manuel A. Roxas

The 1953 Chrysler Crown Imperial Limousine, the 8-seater presidential car used by President Elpidio Quirino from 1948–1953, is an innovative, 2-ton vehicle that had a long wheelbase and partition windows inside, power-assisted disc brakes (one of the first cars to offer them) and an electrical system with 12 volts power.

The 1953 Chrysler Crown Imperial Limousine used by Pres. Elpidio Quirino

The 1955 Cadillac Series 75-23 Fleetwood, the presidential car used by President Ramón Magsaysay from 1953–1957 (he rode a 1953 Ford Crestline Convertible during his inauguration), was considered, back then, as the most expensive Cadillac, this car was a favorite choice to transport VIPs and world leaders. It was used until the early presidential term of President Fidel V. Ramos.

The 1955 Cadillac Series 75-23 Fleetwood used by Pres. Ramon Magsaysay

The 1959 Cadillac Sedan de Ville, not the actual unit but similar to the one used by President Diosdado Macapagal from 1961–1965, is considered as a rare asset as there were only 20,000 (of which less than 100 units officially earmarked for export) of this huge, extremely sharp, very much remembered  and intimidating car model that was made available worldwide.

The 1959 Cadillac Sedan de Ville used by Pres. Diosdado Macapagal

The 1980 Lincoln Continental Mark VI Signature Series, the elegant presidential car used by President Ferdinand Marcos from 1980–1986, is Lincoln’s flagship car due to sleek design, high quality and secure car features, boasts highly advanced features.  It could be expanded to accommodate a spacious interior and had high-tech features such as keyless entry plus a more ‘digitized’ gauge cluster showing a trip computer which would let the driver and the passenger know the current status of ‘miles to empty’ and the ETA for every road trip.

1980 Lincoln Continental Mark VI Signature Series used by Pres. Ferdinand E. Marcos

The Mercedes-Benz 500 SEL is the relatively simple and understated looking presidential car used by President Corazon Aquino from 1986–1992. As safety has always been a concern for this president being in the center of a country revolution, this car had bulletproof panels and 2-inch thick glass windows.

The relatively simple Mercedes-Benz 500 SEL used by Pres. Corazon C. Aquino

The Mercedes-Benz 500 SEL Guard, the presidential car used by President Fidel V. Ramos from 1986–1992, had thinner panels and  a built-in specific switchboard that gives control to the lights and the sirens plus buttons specifically for controlling compartments and fuses.

The Mercedes-Benz 500 SEL Guard used by Pres. Fidel V. Ramoso

The Mercedes-Benz S600, the presidential car, initially assigned to Vice-President Salvador Laurel, was used by President Joseph Estrada from 1993–2001. Said to be one of the safest presidential cars due to its features, it boasts a self-sealing fuel tank, doors with thick steel plates and Kevlar used in bulletproof vests plus protection from detonating devices and a unique alarm system.  A television set and a telephone system was also installed.

The Mercedes-Benz S600, initially assigned to Vice-Pres. Salvador Laurel, and used by Pres. Joseph E. Estrada

The 1993 Mercedes-Benz S600 (LWB) S600 V140 Limousine, the presidential car used by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (born 1947) from 1993–2001,is a stretch limousine said to be the country’s longest and largest state vehicle.  It was heavily armored and had run-flat tires with engine block protective covering against any sharpshooters.

The Mercedes-Benz S600 (LWB) S600 V140 Limousine used by Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

Four cars in the collection are classified as “other vehicles of historical value.” The 1935 Cadillac V-16, a transformable town Cabriolet used by President Manuel Quezon as his presidential car, from 1935–1936, was the first car with a Philippine flag.  It had a steel roof and a grilled fender. The car was soon turned over to General Douglas MacArthur (1880-1964) in 1937 to honor him as the new Field Marshal of the Philippines.

The 1935 Cadillac V-16 first used by Pres. Manuel L. Quezon and, later, by Gen. Douglas MacArthur

The 1943 Willy’s Jeep, donated by General Douglas MacArthur, was used by Ramón Magsaysay during his tenure as Secretary of National Defense, during the term of President Elpidio Quirino, as his service vehicle from 1950–1953.  Resembling its military counterpart, it had a dependable shovel, gas tank and collapsible radio antenna.

The1943 Willy’s Jeep, donated by Gen. Douglas MacArthur, and used by Sec. of National Defense (and later president) Ramon Magsaysay

The 1960 Rolls-Royce Phantom V, used by Imelda R. Marcos (born 1929) from 1965–1986. was one of only 516 models that exist and were produced worldwide.

Te 1960 Rolls-Royce Phantom V used by former First Lady Imelda R. Marcos

Its interiors had a storage for wine and champagne bottles at the back, a set of four-crystal champagne flutes and a built-in humidor for Cuban cigars.  Other famous celebrities who owned this kind of car include Queen Elizabeth II, Shah Reza Pahlavi (the last shah of Iran) and John Lennon of The Beatles.

Interior of the 1960 Rolls-Royce Phantom V

A kalesa, used until 1940, was owned by the family of judge and revolutionary  León Castillo  Apacible(1861-1901), a member of the commission that drafted the Malolos Constitution.

The Leon Apacible Kalesa

The museum also has an audio-visual room, a resource center, a multi-purpose area, a souvenir shop and an interactive Wall Alive feature.  The museum also showcases a special section on political figures that also shaped the country’s history.

Presidential Car Museum: Quezon Memorial Circle, Elliptical Rd., Quezon City, Metro Manila.  Mobile number: (0945) 470-0436, (0905) 435-339 and (0920) 698-1954. E-mail: pcm@nhcp.gov.ph and presidentialcarmuseum@gmail.com.  Open Tuesdays to Sundays, 9 AM to 4 PM. Admission is free. Coordinates: 14°39′0.7″N 121°03′3.8″E.

Museo ni Manuel L. Quezon (Quezon City, Metro Manila)

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Museo ni Manuel L. Quezon

The Museo ni Manuel L. Quezón (lit. ’Museum of Manuel L. Quezon’), a museum at the base of the Quezon Memorial Shrine, has a collection of art works, relics and memorabilia related to former President Manuel L. Quezon as well as his wife, First Lady Aurora Aragon Quezon.  It is one of three museums within the Quezon Memorial Circle (the others are the Quezon Heritage House and the Presidential Car Museum).

Check out “Quezon Memorial Shrine,” “Quezon Heritage House” and the “Presidential Car Museum“

Gallery I (Kabtaan ni Manuel)

Opened on August 18, 1978, the museum underwent a renovation by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines and was reopened on August 19, 2015.

Maj. Manuel Quezon (Bataan, 1901)

Certification of Completion (University of Sto. Tomas)

Gallery 1 (Kabataan ni Manuel) features the late president’s life in Baler, and Tayabas (now Aurora), where he was born on August 19, 1878; his education at the Colegio de San Juan de Letran and the University of Sto. Tomas, where he earned a law degree; revolution days; and civilian life.

Portrait of Don Francisco Ortigas and a souvenir frame from the Thomasites

Salakots and Hats of Quezon

Large imprint of Pres. Quezon’s right hand

On display here are the following:

  • Quezon’s February 19, 1894 University of Sto. Tomas diploma for Bachelor of Arts
  • A large imprint of Quezon’s right hand, artist unknown
  • A souvenir frame from the Thomasites
  • Portrait of Don Francisco Ortigas
  • A 1901 photo of Maj. Manuel L. Quezon in Bataan (during the Philippine-American War, where he served as aide-de-camp to Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo)
  • His hat collection (including several salakot” or native hats which he would often wear during his sorties in the provinces).

Gallery II (Unang Taon sa Serbisyo Publiko)

Gallery 2 (Unang Taon sa Serbisyo Publiko) shows his post-war endeavors as a lawyer, governor of Tayabas in 1906; National Assembly representative (1907); Resident Commissioner to Washington D.C. (1909); and Senate President (1916).

Ink dish

Calendar holder

A number of the memorabilia displayed are gifts given to Quezon by local dignitaries and organizations, some of them given during his birthday.  They include:

  • A calendar holder and a Senate crystal glass ink dish,(on opaline base with initials MLQ) given to Quezón on January 1, 1925, in appreciation of Quezón in leading the Independence Mission to Washington DC, in 1924.
  • A sterling silver inkwell given, on August 19, 1917, to Quezón as a birthday gift by Teodoro Rafael Yangco (1861-1939), who was Quezón’s replacement as the Resident Commissioner to the US Congress in Washington.
  • Two sterling silver vases given to Pres. Quezón by the Los Senadores (The Senators) and the Functionarios Y Empleados de Senado (Officials and Employees of the Senate) on January 1, 1924.
  • A July 1935 a decorative plaque, one of the oldest in the collection, was dedicated to Senate President Manuel Quezon from the Spanish cities of Alicante, Castellon de la Plana and Valencia.
  • A short 1916 obelisk, with silver plaques dedicated to Quezon, awarded by the Freemason Nilad Lodge 144 on September 23, 1916 (just a few days before he would win the 5th District senatorial seat on October 3, 1916), honoring Quezón for his work as the Resident Commissioner in Washington, D. C. from 1909 to 1916.

Obelisk plaque

Ink well set with globe

One of two sterling silver vases

There are also a number of historical photos from that era displayed such as:

Letter of endorsement

Other memorabilia on display include the following:

  • Masonic plaque issued on April 9, 1917 by Lodge of Regeneration No. 36 (Tarlac) in honor of Quezon
  • A Comprovincianos Plaque of the Province of Tayabas, a plaque of honor presented on January 1, 1918, to Quezon by Gov. Maximo Rodriguez and the Las Mas Alta Gloria de la Provincia de Tayabas y Legitimo Orgullo de la Raza Filipina (The Highest Glory of the Province of Tayabas and Legitimate Pride of the Philippine Race) to honor their native son.
  • A 1922 bust of Don Crispulo Zamora by Guillermo E. Tolentino.
  • Musical Piece (Anti Hare-Hawes-Cutting), by Hilario F. Rubio and published by Marcelino Masangkay (copyright 1934), dedicated to Senate Pres. Quezon.
  • Letter of Senate Pres. Quezon to Jose Vitug (of Lubao, Pampanga) endorsing him as Nationalista candidate.

Musical Piece (Anti Hare-Hawes-Cutting)

Gallery 3 (Pamahalang Komonwelt) features Quezon’s Commonwealth presidency, his supposed re-election in 1941 — interrupted by the war caused by Japan’s invasion and occupation — and his exile to the United States (US) from 1942 to 1944.

Gallery III (Pamahalang Komonwelt

Again, also on display here are a number of gifts given to Pres. Quezon by local and foreign dignitaries and organizations, especially on his birthday.  They include the following:

  • A hand-lettered song sheet, by Matias, containing the lyrics of a song entitled Mabuhay, Presidente Quezón Mabuhay! (Long Live, President Quezón, Long Live), which was composed in the Ilocano language by Gil delos Santos Raval (1880-1949) and Laoag postmaster Proceso Coloma, between 1938 and 1941, upon the request of Gov. Roque Blanco Ablan, Sr. (1896 – 1943) and Laoag Mayor Agripino Palting Santos (1897 – 1952). It was translated to English by Fiscal (and future congressman) Pedro Albano (born 1907).
  • A sculpture of Pres. Quezón planting rice, given to him by the National Commission of Peasants, on his 61st birthday on August 19, 1939. The sculpture is based on the famous photograph of the president when he was planting rice in celebration of the First National Rice Planting Day, on July 9, 1939.
  • A 1938 Handog ng Taliba caricature, by cartoonist Liborio “Gat” Talag Gatbonton (1914-1976), of Pres. Manuel Quezon in a tuxedo, presented to Quezon on August 19, 1938 (his 60th birthday).
  • A 1936 caricature, on ink on paper, of Manuel L. Quezon by Alfredo Gabriel
  • A 1936 caricature, on persil, of Pres. Manuel L. Quezon by Filipino-Spanish artist Luis León Lasa (1890–1986).
  • Vase in the shape of a traditional Japanese basket, given by Japanese Imperial Army Gen. Baron G. Tanaka to Pres. Quezon.
  • Coconut shell trophy, with decorative silver-plated leaves and stand, gifted by Manileno silversmith engraver Crispulo Zamora (1871 – 1922).
  • A 1939 relief of a farming scene given to Pres. Quezón, with replicas of native hats that the president enjoyed wearing.
  • Globular jars, with various Chinese deities in black and gold, from Chinese Consul-Gen. Kwangsen Young and Alfonso Z. Sycip (1888 – 1978).
  • Satzuma ware potpourri bowl.
  • President Quezon March (music by M.P. Velez, words in Spanish by J. Hernandez Gavira), dedicated to Quezon on August 19, 1939 (his 61st birthday).
  • A 3 rpm record containing Marcha Socialismo Quezoniana, performed and recorded at KZRH, presented to Quezon on August 19, 1941 (his 63rd birthday).

Pres. Quezon Planting Rice

Coconut Shell Trophy

Globular jars

Vase given by Japanese Imperial Army Gen. Baron G. Tanaka

Japanese Satzuma ware

Pres. Quezon March

Historical photos on display include:

  • A 1939 photo of Pres Quezon inspecting a soldier’s rifle, on their way to inspect the Diliman Estate with future-QC Mayor Tomas Morato and Major General Basilio J. Valdes (1892-1970), Armed Forces of Philippines
  • Photo of Pres. Quezon presenting degrees at the University of Sto. Tomas (where Aurora Aragon Quezon received her honorary Doctor of Pedagogy ) on March 23, 1940
  • Photo of Pres. Quezon signing the Suffrage Law on September 15, 1937 at Malacanang Palace.

The Signing of the Suffrage Law

A lot of the displays deal with artifacts from the Philippine Commonwealth Period.

Repository of 1935 Constitution

One very important artifact occupying a place of honor is a 1935 Damascene gold inlaid chest Philippine Constitution repository, created by Jose Vicente “Mantxon” Iriondo y Ezaguirre (1893 – 1973) and Tomas Guisasola y Guisasola, the students of famed Spanish sculptor and metalworker Placido Maria Martin Zoloaga ( 1834 – 1910) from Eibar, Spain; and sold by Beristain of Barcelona, Spain.

On the left are 1936 Philippine Commonwealth coins while on the right are Franklin Mint silver coins, issued by the Central Bank of the Philippines, commemorating Manuel Quezon’s centenary.

Banner of Honor Bearing the Commonwealth Seal

1936 Calendar and Cartridge Shells

Other Philippine Commonwealth memorabilia include:

  • A 1936 Birth of the Commonwealth Calendar, which celebrates the next major step to Philippine Independence.
  • Three pieces of cartridge cases used for the first gun salute in honor of Pres. Quezon, fired on June 3, 1936.
  • An honor banner bearing the Commonwealth seal of the Philippines.
  • Quezon March (a printed musical composition by Julian Silverio)
  • The 1938 painting The Commonwealth by Antonio Gonzales Dumlao (1912-1983)
  • November 25, 1935 issue of Time Magazine with Pres. Quezon gracing the cover in commemoration of the inauguration of the Commonwealth.
  • 1936 Commonwealth coins
  • 1935 Commonwealth dry seal
  • Dinnerware with Commonwealth seal

Dinnerware Set with Commonwealth Seal

Quezon featured in cover of Time Magazine (November 25, 1935)

Commonwealth Dry Seal

Some artifacts deal with the Quezon Institute, a medical complex named after the president (who suffered and died from tuberculosis) who was its benefactor.  They include:

  • A copy of the Quezon Institute Plaque created by the sons of Crispulo de Guzman-Mendoza Zamora (1871-1922), in 1938.
  • A relief of Pres. Quezón’s head in profile on the 1938 commemorative plaque of the Quezon Institute, which was created by the family of Crispulo Zamora.

Plaque of Appreciation from Quezon Institute

Other items on display are Pres. Manuel L. Quezon’s personal belongings such as:

  • Statuette of Pres. Quezon with his swagger stick
  • Quezon’s tailcoat
  • Quezon’s sword collection
  • Quezon’s bastonero (walking stick holder)

Quezon’s bastonero (walking stick holder)

Statuette of Quezon holding his swagger stick.  At the foot of the statue is Quezon’s swagger stick

Quezon’s tailcoat

Quezon Sword Collection

Gallery 4 (Ikalawang Digmaang Pandaidig sa Pilipinas) feature’s Quezon’s leadership during World War II and his exile to the United States.

Gallery IV (Ikalawang Digmaang Pandaidig sa Pilipinas

It tells the story of the rescuing of the Jews by Quezon; important events during World War II; life during the war; and the Guerilla Movement in the Philippines, 1942 – 1944.

Quezon’s Rifle Collection

As a soldier, Quezón was familiar with different weapons and on display here are some of the firearms in his collection:

  • A 1895 Winchester caliber 405 center fire hunting rifle (serial number 79418)
  • A 1913-1914 Parker Brothers double barrel 16 gauge shotgun (serial number 167904)
  • A 1937 Fábrica Nacional de Armas México 30 caliber Medoza Model C automatic rifle (serial number 2664)
  • A 1938 Fábrica Nacional de Armas México 30 caliber model 1934 carbine (serial number 22196).
  • A Moro lantaka(native cannon) which Pres. Quezón had picked up from his many visits to the island of Mindanao

Photos of Manila’s Ruins during the Second World War

Also on display are photos of Manila’s ruins during the World War II and a collection of World War II memorabilia such as a leather holster; an aluminum water flask; a military helmet; and a telegram Morse Code buzzer.

Military helmet

Haversack bag

Telegram Morse Code buzzer

Also on display are the military peak cap, shoulder bag (1945 US Navy combat field pack) and uniform of Gen. Carlos P. Rómulo (1899-1985) and the World War II shoulder bag used by Brig.-Gen. and future President Manuel Róxas (1892-1948).

Peaked Cap of Carlos P. Romulo

Military shoulder bag owned by Carlos P. Romulo

Military shoulder bags owned by Manuel Roxas

Gallery 5 (Pamana) relates the story on Quezon’s death due to tuberculosis on Aug. 1, 1944 in the US. From Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia, his remains were transferred to Manila North Cemetery in 1946 before it was moved to the Quezon Memorial Shrine on Aug. 1, 1979.

Gallery V (Pamana)

On display here are the following:

  • Philippine flag draped over the casket of Pres. Quezon when he died in 1944
  • Scroll with the photo of the Old City of Jerusalem
  • Token of Appreciation given by the Israel Defense Forces in gratitude for Quezon

Philippine flag that was draped over Quezon’s casket

Token of Appreciation and Scroll

The Galeria ni Doña Aurora Quezón, a dedicated gallery to Quezon’s wife, First Lady Aurora Aragon Quezon, is a replica of her bed room.

Galeriya ni Dona Aurora Quezon

This showroom displays Doña Aurora’s Atay bed (with squash decoration on every corner post) and sewing machine, her formal Filipiniana terno gowns, memorabilia of her travels abroad, hats, jewelry, several photographs, a painting of Doña Aurora and Pres. Quezón, and two busts by Isabelo L. Tampinco (1850-1933) and Eduardo De Los Santos Castrillo (1942-2016).

Tanggapan Ng Pangulong Quezon

The Tanggapan ng Pangulong Quezón has a replica of Manuel L. Quezon‘s presidential office (with Quezón’s actual desk and chairs from his office, as well as a display of the president’s golf clubs, hats, awards, briefcases, playing cards, and two sculptures of Quezón.  There is also a replica of his room in the Malinta Tunnel in the fortress island of Corregidor, where Pres. Quezón moved his cabinet and their families on the December 24, 1941, onboard the SS Mayon.

Malinta Tunnel

An audio-visual room presents a short documentary on the life of Pres. Manuel L. Quezon and the creation of the museum. The museum also features a hologram of Quezon delivering his inaugural speech as president;  interactive booths and terminals which edifies visitors regarding the Commonwealth era.

Audio-Visual Room

The museum also displays a number of paintings.  They include:

  • A 1939 portrait of Pres. Quezón and Vice-president Osmeña, with Inang Bayan promising hope to the Filipino people in the background. The artist of the painting was part of the “Insular Prisoners,” most likely those part of the prisoners being transferred to the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa.
  • The 1938 painting The Commonwealth by Antonio Gonzales Dumlao (1912-1983)
  • A 1939 portrait, by cartoonist and painter Rodolfo Fernando Dayao (1920-1991), of President Manuel Quezon based on his visit to the Philippine Military Academy (Camp Henry T. Allen, Baguio) in 1937.
  • A 1994 painting of the Quezon Memorial Shrine by Mardonio Aurora Cempron (born 1941). 
  • Jose T. Juco, Sr. painting of Pres. Quezón awarding the Philippine Army Medal of Valor to Major-Dr. Emigdio “Meding” Castor Cruz (1898-1978), who had volunteered to return to the Philippines via Australia and gather intelligence on Japanese positions in the country, from the May 3,1943 to February 28,1944.
  • A 1935 portrait, by Eduardo Arandia Salgado (born 1910), of Pres. Manuel L. Quezon wearing a barong tagalog (traditional shirt) and holding a salakot (native hat), while the figure of the Inang Bayan (motherland) floats behind him with the Philippine Flag

The Commonwealth (Antonio Gonzales Dumlao, 1938)

Portrait of Pres. Quezón and Vice-Pres. Osmeña

Quezon presents the Congressional Medal of Valor to Major Emigdio Cruz (Jose T. Juico, Sr., 1947)

Museo ni Manuel L. Quezon : Quezon Memorial Shrine, Quezon Memorial Circle, Elliptical Road, Diliman,  Quezon City, Metro Manila. Tel: (632) 8225-1861.  Mobile number: (0949) 568-5918.  E-mail: mmq@nhcp.gov.ph and museonimanuelquezon18@gmail.com.  Open Tuesdays to Saturdays, 8 AM to 4 PM.  Admission is free.  Coordinates: 14°39′05.1″N 121°02′57″E.