The altar of the Santuario San Pedro Bautista (St. Peter Baptist)Quezon Heritage HouseKnow more about the country’s first Commonwealth president Manuel L. Quezon and his family by visiting the Quezon Heritage House situated at the edge of the Quezon City Memorial Circle (QCM). A neoclassic, two-storey house once inhabited by the former president, his wife Aurora Quezon, and their four children, is open to the public to show the family man that Quezon is.From its original land in Gilmore Avenue, the ancestral house was reconstructed and transferred to the QCM by the Quezon City government in 2013 with almost all of its authentic parts intact. It serves as the family’s vacation house, and where Quezon stayed when he was ill of tuberculosis.Inside the historic building are the Quezons’ original furniture, antique trunks, the clothes the couple wore to special events, and gifts they received from famous figures in history.The museum aims to show that Quezon is not just a political figure, but also a loving father and husband. The 500-sqm house is on view from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm every day.Tandang Sora ShrineWhat more grand way to thank the Mother of Philippine Revolution than to make a shrine for her and declare it a National landmark?This is what the Quezon City government has done for the people to soak in the qualities Melchora Aquino, fondly known as Tandang Sora, has and how she took part in the fight for freedom despite her old age. Her home in Banlat Road, Tandang Sora, was transformed to a spacious shrine with a pavillion and stage for events and gatherings.Inside the museum are some of her belongings, old photos, her family tree that stretches to her fourth generation grandchildren, and various artworks depicting the heroine’s qualities, such as being a warrior in her own standards, and a mother not only to her children, but to the Filipinos as well.Joy of urban farmingA project initiated by Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte two years ago, dubbed “Joy of Urban Farming” inside the QCM, was a success after achieving one of its objectives to renew the people’s interest in farming, even if they live in the city.People are free to plant, get seeds, and harvest whatever vegetables found in the garden. Whether you have a green thumb or not, the Joy of Urban Planning is definitely worth a visit to get closer to nature and to food as well.Santuario de San Pedro BautistaThis church is literally on holy ground, for its patron saint actually lived on that very land.Starting from a small chapel made from nipa and bamboo, Santuario de San Pedro Bautista has stood the test of time for more than 400 years, recovering from earthquakes, abandonment, and revolutions.Named after San Pedro Bautista, a Spanish friar under the Franciscan order, the church’s main altar has a life-size image of the saint - a majestic sight indeed.Also inside the parish grounds are beautiful gardens, murals, and a holy cave of San Pedro Bautista, the Cueva del Santo, where missionaries meditate and pray. The cave is also open to the public to pray and ponder on their sins. Under the Archdiocese of Cubao, the Santuario de San Pedro Bautista can be found at San Pedro Bautista St., in Barangay San Francisco del Monte.
