Monuments and shrines that stand along EDSA tell the stories of the four-day peaceful protest rallies that happened 37 years ago, where millions of Filipinos from all walks of life gathered at EDSA, a major thoroughfare of Metro Manila, with a common goal – to bring back democracy. That is now known as the EDSA People Power Revolution.
EDSA SHRINE
Built in 1989 as the first monument of the peaceful revolution, the Shrine of Mary, Queen of Peace, Our Lady of EDSA, or popularly known as the EDSA Shrine, was designed by National Artist for Architecture, Francisco “Bobby” Mañosa, with preparatory work from National Artist for Architecture, Leandro Locsin, and Architect William Coscolluela, according to the official website of the shrine.
Militant groups gather in front of the EDSA shrine to protest various national issues in the country as part of the 32nd commemoration of the People Power Revolution, yesterday. (Alvin Kasiban/Manila Bulletin file photo)
A 10-meter high sculpture of the Blessed Virgin Mary stands at the shrine, a reminder of what is believed to be her divine intercession that prevented bloodshed during the revolution. The sculpture was made by sculptor and painter Virginia Ty-Navarro.
At the entrance, visitors are greeted by a quote from the late senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. that says: “The Filipino is worth dying for.” Other quotes at other parts of the shrine are from the late former president Fidel Ramos and the late Jaime Cardinal Sin who is credited for calling the people to go to EDSA to protect Camp Aguinaldo and Camp Crame from pro-government forces.
There are also murals of scenes from the People Power Revolution made by father and son artists, Ben and Jake Custodio Alano.
The works of the late National Artist for Sculpture, Napoleon “Billy” Veloso Abueva are at the EDSA Shrine – the 14 Stations of the Cross which were sculpted to represent the Biblical story of Redemption. Abueva also created the altar at the main chapel.
Another symbol of freedom – the Flame of Freedom – stands there. This is a cauldron of flame carried by three men representing Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, which stand at the People’s Plaza. It was made by Manuel Casal, who also sculpted the “Doves of Peace” now at the main chapel of the shrine.
EDSA PEOPLE POWER MONUMENT
The largest and most captivating reminder of the historic event is the EDSA People Power Monument at the corner of EDSA and White Plains Avenue in Quezon City. It was designed by renowned Filipino sculptor Eduardo Castrillo.
Opened to the public in 1993 during the seventh anniversary of the revolution, the breathtaking monument features a pyramidal design with multiple tiers showing Filipinos from different social classes.
Wreath laying ceremony in commemoration of the People Power Revolution, at the namesake monument along EDSA. (Alvin Kasiban/Manila Bulletin file photo)
The first tier is composed of figures of men and women with arms linked together, representing those who blocked the government tanks during the days of the revolution. A man in the group is pointing toward the EDSA Shrine.
The second tier represents various people who joined the protest –a man showing the “Laban” sign, a priest with the image of the Virgin Mary, nuns offering food to government troops, a musician playing the guitar, and a rebel soldier.
On the topmost tier of the monument is a gigantic female figure representing “Inang Bayan” (motherland), her arms raised toward the sky, broken shackles on her wrist, representing freedom.
The monument is near the sculpture of Senator Ninoy Aquino Jr. who was assassinated in 1983, sparking the social unrest that led to the People Power Revolution. It was made by former congressman and visual artist Tomas Concepcion.
The monument is where the wreath-laying ceremony is held every Feb. 25. It is also a venue where activists have gathered to voice their protest on various political issues.
BANTAYOG NG MGA BAYANI
A 1.5-hectare site situated at the corner of EDSA, and Quezon Avenue is a memorial commemorating those who fought for democracy during martial law.
The executive director of the foundation in charge of Bantayog, May Rodriguez, in an interview with Manila Bulletin, said she had felt “overwhelming joy” when she witnessed history happen at the People Power Revolution.
Men pass by and clean the surroundings of the monument of Bantayog ng mga Bayani to remember the martyrs who fought during the Martial Law era. (Mark Balmores)
Bantayog ng mga Bayani features a 45-foot monument designed by the late sculptor Eduardo Castrillo – the same sculptor who designed the People Power monument. It represents the self-sacrifice of a fallen figure of a man who is held in one hand by the rising figure of a woman symbolizing the motherland, with her other hand reaching for the sun of freedom.
A Wall of Remembrance presents at the memorial, holds the names of those who have died during martial law – some of them well-known. The wall lists 326 names so far. Rodriguez said the work continues,” in researching the 3,200 who deserve to be commemorated.
The memorial also has a museum filled with artifacts, stories, dioramas, and drawings that represent people who were imprisoned, killed, and tortured. It also has a library filled with newspaper clippings, books, and reading materials about the era.
The memorial will be open on Feb. 25 and will host a number of activities commemorating the anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution.
As the shrines and monuments tell us: We must always remember to never forget. (Pancho Parian)