I Asked to See Manuel Quezon's Tomb. To My Surprise, the Guards Opened the Crypt

Apparently, many people are not aware of what’s under the Quezon Memorial Circle, or more specifically, the Quezon Memorial Shrine. This place of immense historical significance is often overlooked by parkgoers. 

After visiting the Presidential Car Museum, I made my way to the center of the circle to take pictures of the iconic landmark. The Quezon Memorial Circle was meant to be a park at the center of the nation’s capital—back when Quezon City was the capital of the Philippines. Republic Act No. 333 enacted on July 17, 1948 made Quezon City the country's capital until President Ferdinand Marcos decreed in 1976 that  it was in fact, Manila. Quezon City’s urban plan was designed so that major government offices and facilities were located around the circle: The Department of Agriculture, the DENR, the Philippine Heart Center, the Lung Center of the Philippines, the Central Bank, Land Bank of the Philippines, and more. 

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The Quezon Memorial Shrine at the Center of the Quezon Memorial Circle

Photo by Mario Alvaro Limos.

The Quezon Memorial Shrine at the center of the Quezon Memorial Circle is the most prominent landmark in the city. Steeped in history and heritage, the park was first envisioned in 1941 to honor the legacy of President Manuel Luis Quezon, the first president of the Philippine Commonwealth under American rule. 

Unfortunately, these plans were scuttled because of World War II, when Japan invaded the Philippines. It would be much later in 1950 when President Elpidio Quirino would revive the plans to erect a memorial for Quezon. In 1951, he launched a nationwide contest for designing the memorial. 

Architect Federico S. Ilustre’s design won: It featured a 66-meter shrine composed of three pylons covered with white Carrara marble from Italy. The pylons’ height represents Quezons age when he died at 65 years old. 

Photo by Mario Alvaro Limos.

Italian artist Francesco Riccardo Clementi Monti was responsible for much of the art deco seen on the structure: The Three Muses on top of the pylons resemble winged angels, which represent the three main island groups of the Philippines: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Their heads are bowed, as if mourning President Quezon.

Below the towering pylons are bas-reliefs depicting the history of the Philippine archipelago. 

What’s Under the Quezon Memorial Shrine?

Photo by Mario Alvaro Limos.

After taking photos of the historic landmark, I noticed there was an entrance below the pylons. I knew the tomb of President Manuel Quezon was underneath the shrine, so I asked the guards if I could see it. 

To my surprise, they opened the sealed chamber for me. 

It felt surreal being alone in the crypt. Here was the tomb of the man who wanted to save 10,000 Jews from the Holocaust. 

Before taking photos or videos, I offered a prayer for the departed. 

The Entrance to the Crypt Where the Tomb of Manuel Quezon is Guarded

Photo by Mario Alvaro Limos.

Inside is a circular room with Quezon’s sarcophagus in the center, elevated on a marble plinth. When Quezon died of tuberculosis in the U.S. in 1944 during World War II, it took two years for his remains to be returned to the Philippines on 27 July 1946. He was buried at the North Cemetery in Manila. It was only on August 19, 1978, on the 100th anniversary of his birth, that his remains were transferred to their permanent resting place at the memorial that bears his name.

In a niche on the side of the room is the tomb of Aurora Quezon, the President's wife. Aurora Quezon was assassinated in 1949 while she was traveling through the mountains to Baler. In 2005, he remains of were transferred from the North Cemetery in Manila to the Quezon Memorial Shrine.

Photo by Mario Alvaro Limos.

On a second level above the circular crypt is a niche on which a statue of Quezon sculpted by National Artist Guillermo Tolentino stands. The statue depicts Quezon delivering his fiery speech when he was elected President of the Commonwealth.

Photo by Mario Alvaro Limos.

Photo by Mario Alvaro Limos.

Curiously, there are three heads of carabaos surrounding the dome’s oculus directly above President Quezon’s sarcophagus. The carabaos were mounted on the oculus in 1958, while the statue of Quezon was placed on the niche 20 years later in 1978. 

Photo by Mario Alvaro Limos.

Monti, who sculpted the Three Muses on the three pylons of the shrine, is believed to be the artist behind these carabao heads framing the oculus skylight. 

Below is a short video of what’s under the Quezon Memorial Shrine. 

Inside the Crypt of President Manuel Quezon Under the Quezon Memorial Shrine