Monumento Circle, a prominent landmark in Caloocan City, Metro Manila, Philippines, is not only a bustling intersection but also a site rich in historical significance and cultural heritage. Here's an informative guide to help you navigate and make the most out of your visit to Monumento Circle:

Origin of the Name "Monumento"

The name "Monumento" is derived from the Andrés Bonifacio Monument, commonly known as the Bonifacio Monument or simply Monumento. This memorial monument was designed by National Artist Guillermo Tolentino to commemorate the Philippine revolutionary Andrés Bonifacio, the founder and Supremo of the Katipunan.

Monumento Circle

Bonifacio led the fight for independence from the oppressive colonial rule of Spain, making him a revered figure in Philippine history.

The Andrés Bonifacio Monument

Andrés Bonifacio Monument

The Bonifacio Monument stands as a towering tribute to Andrés Bonifacio and the Katipunan revolutionaries. Designed with symbolic images and features, it commemorates the "Cry of Balintawak," a pivotal event in the Philippine Revolution.

Cry of Balintawak

The monument, acclaimed as one of the world's best, stands 13.7 meters (45 ft) tall, serving as a poignant reminder of the nation's struggle for freedom.

RELATED: Where to Find Andres on Bonifacio Day

Where is Monumento Circle Located

The monument is situated in South Caloocan at a roundabout intersection of four roads: Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA), the MacArthur Highway, Samson Road, and Rizal Avenue Extension (Avenida Rizal), the old road leading to Manila.

How to Get to Monumento

Below are the public transportation options available for reaching Monumento:

By Train

The nearest train station to Monumento is the Monumento station of the LRT-1 Line, providing convenient access for commuters. Visit my guide to Railways and Metro Rail Lines in the Philippines to know the train station near you.

By Bus

Several bus routes pass through Monumento, making it accessible from various parts of Metro Manila and neighboring provinces.

Bus Routes:

1: EDSA Carousel Busway (MCU Median Bus Stop)
9: Monumento-Angat via NLEX (Bocaue Exit)
14: Monumento-Balagtas (SM Hypermarket Monumento)

By Jeepney (PUJ)

Jeepneys ply routes that pass through Monumento, offering another affordable and popular mode of transportation in the area.

Jeepney Routes:

T104: Malabon-Monumento (via Letre)
T107: Monumento-Navotas via Letre
T112: Monumento-Paco, Obando (via M.H. del Pilar)
T115: Malabon-Monumento via Acacia
T135: Monumento-Polo
T153: Karuhatan-Monumento via McArthur Highway
T155: Malinta-Monumento via McArthur Highway
T170: Heritage Homes - Monumento
T171: Monumento - Sto. Niño

Visit my list of Monumento Jeepney Routes (PUJ, Modern Jeeps) to know more.

Landmarks Nearby

Araneta Square Mall: A shopping destination offering a variety of retail stores, dining options, and entertainment facilities.

SM City Grand Central Mall: A modern shopping mall featuring a wide range of shops, restaurants, and leisure activities.

SM Hypermarket Monumento: A one-stop shop for groceries, household items, and other essentials.

Victory Central Mall Caloocan: A shopping complex with a mix of retail outlets, food stalls, and entertainment venues.

Manila Central University: An educational institution known for its academic programs and contributions to the community.

SM City Grand Central Mall

ATTRACTIONS TO SEE IN MANILA

Whether you're interested in history, shopping, or simply exploring the vibrant atmosphere of Caloocan, Monumento Circle offers a diverse range of experiences for visitors. From paying homage to Philippine heroes to enjoying modern amenities, there's something for everyone to discover in this dynamic area.

RELATED: Number Coding in Caloocan City (Window Hours, Exemptions & Fees)

Where to Eat in Monumento

Within Monumento, popular fast-food chains like Jollibee, McDonald’s and Tropical Hut Hamburger which are open 24 hours, offer convenient options for travelers on the go. For those craving authentic Filipino cuisine, nearby eateries such as Pares Central, and Best Friends serve up delectable dishes like pares and tapsilog, tantalizing the taste buds of locals and visitors alike.

READ MORE: 24-Hour Restaurants Near Monumento

Nearby Accommodation

For those planning an extended stay in the area, the EDSA Carousel Monumento Station offers convenient access to various accommodation options catering to different budgets and preferences. The Hotel Sogo - EDSA, Caloocan, located a short distance from the station, provides comfortable rooms at affordable rates, ensuring a pleasant stay for guests.

Astrotel Monumento

Additionally, the Astrotel Monumento presents another viable lodging choice, offering competitively priced accommodations within reach of the Monumento Bus Station.

See more Hotels Nearby Monumento Bus Station

Also in Caloocan

List of Hospitals in Caloocan City (Location, Services Offered and Contact Details)
List of Palawan Pawnshop Branches in Caloocan City (Palawan Express Pera Padala)

MONUMENTO: Guide to the Famous Rotunda in Caloocan City

By JDC Thursday, March 21, 2024

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This was the largest face statue of Former President Ferdinand Marcos carved out of the mountainside in Benguet province particularly in Tuba.

The bust of Ferdinand Marcos along the Aspiras–Palispis Highway in Tuba, Benguet, Philippines, was a 30-meter (98 ft) concrete monument of President Ferdinand Marcos.

The monument became a subject of controversy as its construction displaced indigenous Ibaloi residents in the sparsely populated area, and Ibaloi residents were reportedly forced to sell their land at very low prices.

RELATED: NHCP unveils Marcos historical marker in Batac City

THE CONSTRUCTION

Around 1978, the bust's construction began along Marcos Highway. The bust was constructed by the Philippine Tourism Authority and was meant to be the centerpiece of the 300-hectare (740-acre) Marcos Park that would include a golf course, sports club, convention center, and hotel.

The bust of Ferdinand Marcos Sr. Monument at Mt. Shontoug

The bust was positioned near the peak of Mt. Shontoug so it could be seen by Baguio-bound motorists as far as 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) away from the monument.

Sculptor Anselmo B. Dayag who built the Eagle of the North (Agoo, La Union) and Lion's Head (Kennon Rd. Baguio) was chosen to design the bust. Dayag died before completing the bust, as did an engineer hired to take over the project.

Anselmo B. Dayag, the builder of Marcos' Bust

Prior to the sculptors' demise, scaffolding covered with plywood was reportedly erected to deliberately hide the bust's construction from the public. A typhoon later blew the scaffolding away, exposing the bust.

THE DESTRUCTION

Marcos Monument destroyed

The bust was destroyed using dynamite before dawn on December 29, 2002, by suspected treasure hunters who thought that the bust contained parts of the rumored Yamashita treasure.

Benguet Governor Raul Mencio Molintas said that the police learned that a white Toyota FX van was around the area prior to the incident.

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It was initially thought that the New People's Army was behind the bombing of the monument. The rebel group's Chadli Molintas Command claimed responsibility for the incident in a press release a day later.

The communists said that the bust's mere existence "is a mockery of justice and a betrayal of the will of the people. ... Let the ruins be an ugly reminder that the Marcoses have yet to pay for their crimes."

THE BUST OF FERDINAND MARCOS SR. TODAY

Today, some of the remains of the bust are still seen on site.

Ferdinand Marcos Monument today

Some, if not many, still drop by to take a photo or selfie with the bust.

Klook.com

THE PROPOSED REHABILITATION

In 2003, Baguio city mayor Ramon Labo Jr. made an offer to the Marcos family to restore the bust. Imelda Marcos, the widow of Ferdinand Marcos, treated the offer as a kind gesture, but stated that any move to fix the monument should be a "collective decision of the Marcoses and their supporters".

Bongbong Marcos, the son of the former president, said the family did not feel the need to have the bust fixed despite the offer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Related To Ferdinand Marcos

Who built the statue of Ferdinand Marcos?
Sculptor Anselmo B. Dayag who built the Eagle of the North (Agoo, La Union) and Lion's Head (Kennon Rd. Baguio) was chosen to design the bust.
Why is it called Marcos Highway?
Marikina–Infanta Highway or Marikina–Infanta Road is alternatively known as Marcos Highway, after former President Ferdinand Marcos. It is more known as such especially in Metro Manila and Rizal.
What are the projects of Marcos?
Buildings cited as examples of the Marcos era edifice complex include the buildings of the Cultural Center of the Philippines complex (conceived in 1966), the San Juanico Bridge (conceived in 1969), the Philippine International Convention Center (conceived in 1974), the Philippine Heart Center (conceived in 1975) and more.
Is Marcos highway better than Kennon Road?
Marcos Highway, which starts from Agoo, La Union, and Naguilian Highway, which starts from Bauang, La Union, are longer routes but are safer than Kennon Road and are the preferred routes for coaches, buses and lorries.