The Murals of Nagtahan in Manila

Completed last November 2013, the Murals of Nagtahan or the huge artworks on the stone columns of the Nagtahan bridge along Lacson Avenue in Manila painted by art students from the different Metro Manila universities are dedicated to courageous Filipino heroes and our rich cultural heritage.

I watched this columns come to life from the very first paint brushed on the walls of the cylinder pillars of the fly over until the finishing touches. I pass this area almost every day and the sight have been like an inspiration for me. Seeing these huge and magnificent murals of Nagtahan reminds me how talented we Filipinos are and that these kind of artworks are still very much alive.

The murals, which are similar to the works done by street artist AG SANO in EDSA was also commissioned by the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and in cooperation with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).

For those wondering where this area is at, Nagtahan connects Quirino Avenue to Lacson Avenue. Below the Nagtahan Fly over is the Rotonda area where all vehicles passes through when going to and from Malacanang (via Mendiola), Quiapo/Divisoria (via Legarda and Recto), Pandacan (via Mabini bridge), United Nation Avenue (via Otis/Paz Guanzon) and Cubao/San Juan (via Magsaysay Blvd.).

There are three schools in the Nagtahan area – PUP, EARIST and Christian Academy. There is also a hospital (De Ocampo Memorial Hospital) and a Savemore Supermarket. The Paco-Nagtahan jeepney terminal operates until 10pm while pedicabs line-up every Thursday to take devotees to and from the Saint Jude Archdiocesan Shrine.

Other establishments in the area includes KFC, Jollibee, Inasal Chicken Bacolod, Mercury Drug, Moonleaf Tea Shop, CDR King, LBC, Goldilocks and BDO. There used to be a Wendys, Pizzahut and a Chowking restaurant in the area – they’re gone now.