Quiapo is one of the oldest parts of the city of Manila which has grown as a center of activity and trade. It hosts Quiapo Church, one of the famous churches in the Philippines. Officially called the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene, It is especially known for the ebony statue of Christ carrying the cross called the “Black Nazarene.” It was brought to Quiapo in 1767 and is paraded around Manila every January, with thousands of devotees in the streets paying homage to their patron.

Fronting Quiapo church is Plaza Miranda, where vendors, fortune-tellers and so-called healers are abound. It played a host to one of the tumultuous events of Philippine history during 1971, where it was bombed during a political rally. It was said that that this event was precedent to the imposition of Martial law over the islands in 1972. To revitalize this old part of the city, Plaza Miranda in Quiapo has been remodeled with the efforts of mayor Lito Atienza. The plaza now features an obelisk with an angel on top.

[Photo by denbote]