Ahead of you, rising right from the center of the roundabout, is the Anda Monument! If you look straight ahead, you’ll see a tall, white obelisk with a golden star on top, set on a chunky, red-brick base with decorative blue-and-white tiles. The monument stands proudly in the midst of blooming flowers and a spinning circle of passing cars. You can’t miss it - just keep your eyes locked on that sharp, spiky star glimmering up above.
Alright, imagine the lively sounds of honking cars and echoing footfalls all around as you step up to this towering landmark.
This is no ordinary monument. The Anda Monument isn’t just a traffic obstacle - it’s a heroic reminder planted right between Intramuros and Manila’s busy port area. It was built to honor Simón de Anda y Salazar, a fearless Governor-General who stood his ground when the British came storming into Manila in 1762. While most officials ran for cover, Anda thought, “Not today!” and led a resistance that made the British sweat buckets in this tropical heat. If that’s not cool under pressure, I don’t know what is.
Originally, the monument popped up by the Pasig River in 1871, thanks to another governor who thought Anda deserved a little more applause. It’s seen a lot-survived wars, suffered heavy damage under the Japanese in WWII, and got shuffled around Manila like a game of human Tetris. But despite plans to move it-or even turn the roundabout into one giant intersection (boring!)-the monument held its ground, with heritage lovers shouting, “Leave Anda alone!”
Today, Anda stands tall atop a newly polished base, surrounded by a dazzling fountain and an army of rainbow-colored lights. At night, it practically glows like the world’s fanciest nightlight.
So as you look up at that golden star, picture the monument watching over the city, reminding everyone not to underestimate someone who’s willing to put up a good fight for what’s right. And just think: next time you’re caught in traffic here, you can tell your friends you’re stuck with a true Manila legend!
Ready to march onward to the next stop?
