The Manila City government officially unveiled the newly rehabilitated Anda Circle, the roundabout at the boundary of Intramuros and Port Area, Wednesday night.
The historical monument was spruced up with fresh paint, multi-colored lights, and a fountain.
The multi-colored, multi-pattern fountain was installed in a 34-meter diameter pool. It features a variety of jets and nozzles and is powered by numerous submersible pumps.
A total of 222 RGB LED lamps light up the water in various colors.
Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso earlier said pedestrian lanes going to the monument will be placed so visitors can safely walk and take pictures there.
Domagoso said the city government only used donations from private companies to revive the monument.
"This will give joy and hope in the community surrounding the area, in the lives of Port Area, in the lives of Intramuros community, in the lives of Baseco, in the lives of Tondo, Delpan, San Nicolas, Binondo," he said in his speech.
"In a good weather, pwede nila ipasyal ang mga apo nila, ang mga anak nila, dito sa Anda (they can stroll with the children and grandchildren here at Anda Circle)," he added.
The Manila mayor said the project was done to "revive and protect whatever is left" in the capital city's tourism and heritage sites.
He said they aim to create a "tourism trail" from Rizal Park, to National Museum, Manila City Hall, Jones Bridge, Intramuros, and Anda Circle.
Anda Circle was erected to honor Simon de Anda y Salazar, who organized a resistance against the British occupation in 1762.
He was later appointed as the 41st governor general in the Philippines and served from 1770 to 1776.
The proposal to create a monument in recognition of his role in Philippine history was made in 1871.
Anda Circle was originally erected near the Pasig River and Intramuros. In the 1960s, it was reconstructed at its current place after sustaining damage during World War II.
The local chief executive also reminded residents to keep Anda Circle clean.
"Ingatan ninyo ito. Para sainyo ito. Ito'y kapakinabangan ng tao. Inaalay namin sainyo 'to (Take care of this. This is for you. Let the people benefit from this. We offer this to you)," he said.
Joining Domagoso during the event were Manila Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan, National Historical Commission of the Philippines Chairman Rene Escalante, National Parks Development Committee Executive Director Cecille Romero, National Museum Director General Jeremy Barns, Department of Tourism Director Woodrow Maquiling, National Commission for the Culture and the Arts Executive Director Al Ryan Alejandre, Asian Terminal Inc. President and Director Eusebio Tanco, and Asian Terminal Inc. Executive Vice President William Khoury.