Quezon Memorial Circle | Quezon City

Information

Landmark: Quezon Memorial Circle
City: Quezon City
Country: Philippines
Continent: Asia

Quezon Memorial Circle, Quezon City, Philippines, Asia

Quezon Memorial Circle is a national park and shrine located in Quezon City, within the large traffic circle known as the Elliptical Road.

Visual Characteristics

The park’s dominant feature is the Quezon Memorial Shrine, a 66-meter (217-foot) tall Art Deco monument consisting of three vertical pylons. Each pylon is topped by a mourning angel holding a sampaguita wreath, representing the three main island groups: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The interior houses the museum and the sarcophagus of President Manuel L. Quezon. The surrounding 27-hectare park is filled with expansive gardens, paved plazas, and various recreational facilities.

Location & Access Logistics

Address: Elliptical Rd, Diliman, Quezon City, Metro Manila.

Access: The park is situated in the center of the Elliptical Road. Pedestrians access the park through underground tunnels (underpasses) located at various points along the circle.

Transport: Accessible via the MRT-3 (Quezon Avenue Station) followed by a short jeepney or bus ride to the Philcoa/Elliptical area. Numerous buses and jeepneys from across Metro Manila pass along Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon Avenue, and East Avenue toward the circle.

Entry: Entrance to the park grounds is free; certain specialized attractions within the park require a nominal fee.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Conceptualized in the 1940s, the shrine was designed by Federico Ilustre and completed in the 1970s. It serves as the final resting place of President Manuel L. Quezon and his wife, Aurora Quezon. Ecologically, it is one of the most important green lungs of Quezon City, featuring mature tropical trees, plant nurseries, and the "Circle of Fun" amusement area.

Key Highlights & Activities

Museo ni Manuel L. Quezon: A museum within the shrine featuring interactive exhibits about the late president's life and the Commonwealth era.

QCX (Quezon City Experience): An interactive socio-cultural museum that details the history and growth of the city.

Plant and Flower Markets: Extensive rows of stalls selling indigenous flora, garden supplies, and landscaping services.

Dancing Fountain: A light and water spectacle located in front of the main shrine, active during evenings.

Recreational Zones: Includes bike rentals, playgrounds, and outdoor exercise areas.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The park features public restrooms, food stalls, and several sit-down restaurants such as Tropical Hut and local heritage eateries. The paths are wide and generally wheelchair-accessible. 5G cellular coverage is excellent throughout the open areas.

Best Time to Visit

The park is open daily from 05:00 to 22:00. Early morning (05:00–08:00) is best for jogging and exercise, while evening (18:00–20:00) is ideal for viewing the illuminated shrine and the dancing fountain.

Facts & Legends

The height of the monument-66 meters-symbolizes the age of President Quezon at the time of his death. The park is frequently the site of major city events, political rallies, and cultural festivals due to its massive capacity and central location.