| 12.04.2018 – Metro Manila is composed of towns or Barangays in other countries as a term of a suburb. Within Manila there is a smaller town community. In those places they have their own history and if you ventured randomly you’ll discover something interesting in them. Plaza Calderon is one of those places that you will find in Sta. Ana what used to be just another random place in a small town.
Plaza Felipe Calderon as it is now known nowadays is considered a concrete park with benches, and a fountain in the far end of this area that you’ll find it facing the nearby church, the Parish of Our Lady of the Abandoned. This small space pays tribute to the Lawyer turned Politician who wrote the first Philippine Constitution who has been known as the “Father of the Malolos Constitution.” |
Calderon’s role in the annals of Philippine History is not forgotten that there is one school in Tondo Manila that was named after him and this small concrete park now known as Plaza Felipe Calderon. His role in the country’s history that he founded two law universities and drafted the first Philippine constitution is something you’ll probably not see in history books in schools or even if there is one a library out there that tells his life story.
He was one of those who supported the revolutionary movement that formed an organization that gained independence from Spain.
Calderon was imprisoned by the Spanish Colonial authorities for his activities during the Philippine Revolution. Besides being a lawyer and a politician he is also a writer who drafted the first Penal Code as well as organized the La Protección de la Infancia, (The Protection of Infants), an institution that established humanitarian institution to protect and care for disadvantaged people.
Back in the day Plaza Calderon what is used to be known then was entirely different not enclosed with arches and concrete benches. It used to be just a center island the later added the fountain composed of children that can be found in the area of this park. There’s a similar fountain at the end of the center island stretching near O.B. Montessori.
Today, the small town plaza where people meet is populated by concrete benches and shades you from sunlight that has a group of plants organized in the middle. It’s worth noting that the city government had made use of what’s little space this area has left that appears to be not-so pleasing aesthetically. It’s great to see that this is well maintained and you can also see behind the wall where a bust of Calderon is displayed the spacious walkway that was developed before.
Along Pedro Gil this center island was just entirely elevated grass planted over long concretes. Things started to change over time and became more aesthetically pleasing and useful to walk through it. Plaza Felipe Calderon is one landmark you won’t miss when you get lost in this place. This part of Sta. Ana’s commercial district is busy now that restaurants and supermarkets populate this area.
If you’re deeply rooted in this country you’ll appreciate the little histories that is kept in this place and Plaza Felipe Calderon would surely hold a special place for those who have known this even before it became what is now a concrete park than just a historical landmark.
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