MANILA, Philippines – Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso led the inauguration of the Manila Clock Tower Museum on June 29, a day before his term as mayor of the city officially ends.
The 100-feet high clock tower, designed by Antonio Toledo, was completed in 1941. Unfortunately, it was heavily damaged during World War II, but the structure was eventually rebuilt in 1946.
“In the early time the people of Manila will look in the tower, ito ang bantayog na tinitingala kasi makikiita nila ang orasan. Now, this is an iconic place for the city and the country, and we’re happy to offer it to you today dahil sa ito’y hindi na lang orasan kundi magiging pasyalan din,” Domagoso said.
(Translation: In the early time the people of Manila will look in the tower, this is the monument that is looked up because they could see the clock. Now, this is an iconic place for the city and the country, and we we’re happy to offer it to you today because it is no longer just a clock but an attraction as well.)
The mayor added that visitors can also have a panoramic view of the city of Manila at the enhanced tower slash museum.
.In 2020, the famous neoclassical structure was painted gold to make the tower shine in the daytime and exude a serene aura at night.
With the improvements done on the building’s facade and interior, Mayor Isko and the city’s local government aim to promote it as one of the city’s top tourist attractions, along with the Jones Bridge in Binondo, the newly-renovated Manila Zoo in Malate, the Bonifacio Shrine in Ermita, the walled city of Intramuros, and many others.
Check out some of the photos posted by The Department of Tourism, Culture, and Arts of Manila taken by James Ambag during the inauguration:
With its rich history, Domagoso said he wishes the clock tower will symbolize resilience and hope for all those who see it.
“Ang clock tower na ito’y maging alala na tayo’y maging matatag sa buhay…na ang pagkakadapa ay magiging tanda ng karanasan sa pagkakamali sa buhay. What matters most, at the end of the day, bangon, move on. Iyan sana ang maging simbolo, ‘pag kayo’y naglalalakad sa Lawton, ‘pag nakikita ninyo ang clock tower na ito,” he said during the inauguration.
(Translation: I hope this clock tower reminds us to be strong in life…that stumbling and experiencing mistakes would bring about lessons in life. What matters most, at the end of the day, is to rise and move on. I hope this symbolizes that as you see this clock tower when you are walking along the streets of Lawton.)