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Then & Now - Quezon Bridge

September 29, 2008

Originally a suspension bridge constructed in 1852, this bridge was redesigned by Architect Gustave Alexander Eiffel as a modern steel bridge during that time. It was reopened to vehicular traffic in 1938, a year after the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco was inaugurated.

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(Quezon Bridge - Second World War Photo)

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(Quezon Bridge - Present Photo)

The newly constructed steel bridge in Quiapo had its nightmare when the Japanese forces barricaded the area during the Second World War.

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Quezon Bridge - History

Quezon Bridge can be found in Quezon Boulevard in Quiapo. This bridge was the second bridge to be opened to cross the Pasig River in Manila, next to Jones Bridge.

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(Old Suspension Bridge in Quiapo)

Did you know that this bridge was first built as a suspension bridge? Inaugurated on Jaunary 4, 1852, the old suspension bridge had two lanes that allow passages of horse and carabao drawn carriage during that time. It was also opened for pedestrians from Quiapo going to Intramuros and nearby areas.

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Its old name was Puente de Colgante, and became the first suspension bridge not only in the Philippines but in Southeast Asia as well.

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(View from Pasig River)

Before the Second World War started in 1940, the suspension bridge was reconstructed and converted into a modern steel bridge. The Puente de Colgante was then renamed Quezon Bridge named after Manuel L. Quezon, who was the Philippine President during that time.

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(Quezon Bridge before Reconstruction)

This modern steel bridge was designed by French Engineer Alexandre Gustave Eiffel, the architect who also designed the Eiffel Tower in Europe. The materials used in the construction of the bridge were even imported from England.

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The bridge was also part of the neo-capitoline designs during the American occupation in Manila. Today, Quezon Bridge is still standing and is now in the list of the Philippines’ heritage conservation society.

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Quiapo Church - History

The Basilica Minore Del Nuestro Senior Del Nazareno is one of the popular churches in the country. Located in between the busy streets of Quiapo Manila, Quiapo church is the home of the miraculous 400-year-old Black Nazarene in which millions of devotees flock for its feast day every January.

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(Carriedo Street in Quiapo - Feb. 2008 Photo)

Just like the name of “Manila”, Quiapo was also derived from the name of water plants that can be seen in the surrounding rivers of Quiapo. The area was discovered by a Spanish Governor General way back in August 1586.

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(Quiapo Church - Old Photo)

The original foundations of the church were built in 1582 made from bamboo and nipa. The current church, with its two magnificent belfries and grand dome, towers over the adjacent square and serves as the center of Old Manila.

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(Quiapo Church Interior - Feb. 2008 Photo)

Its miraculous Black Nazarene was brought to Manila from Mexico by Agustinian Recollect friars on May 31, 1606. In fact, the church had a one year celebration that started from May 31, 2006 to June 1, 2007 as the Black Nazarenes’ 400th year in the Philippines.

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(Outside Quiapo Church - Old Photo)

Its procession is considered as the largest religious gathering of devotees in the country although replica is still used in the processions while the original rests inside the church.

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(Quiapo Church and Plaza Miranda - 1970s Photo)

The church was destroyed by great fires of 1791 and 1929, and catastrophic earthquakes of 1645 and 1863. After the fire in 1929, the walls and belfry were only left standing.

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(February 2008 Photo)

National artist Juan Nakpil, who also made several notable buildings in Manila, designed the plan for the new church structure.

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Miraculously the church survived the Second World War despite surrounding buildings being completely destroyed.

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(Quiapo Area - Second World War Photo)

From this World War 2 Photo, the area of Quiapo and Sta. Cruz in Manila was devastated except for the Quiapo Church. Most of the nearby buildings in Carriedo and Quezon Boulevard were destroyed. San Sebastian church can also be seen in this photo.

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Then & Now - Quiapo Church

One of the most famous and biggest churches in the Philippines, the Basilica of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo celebrated its fourth centenary last year. This church is in Quezon Bouleverd in front of the historic Plaza Miranda.

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(Quiapo Church - Old Photo)

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(Quiapo Church - Sept. 2008 Photo)

Quiapo church survived several fires, catastrophic earthquakes, typhoons and even the Second World War. During the 1980’s, the original church structure was extended sideward to accommodate growing devotees.

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(Quiapo Church Facade - Old Photo)

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(Quiapo Church Facade - Sept. 2008 Photo)

The façade and other parts had gone several modifications such as the installation of the Papal Seal seen at the upper part of the facade when it was elevated into a minor basilica by Pope John Paul II, and the presence of some fascinating life-size statues of the twelve apostles in every corner of the church.

Posted by manilahub at 4:27 pm | permalink | comments[1]