A NEW MURAL called Masigasig na Maynila by the art collective, Gerilya, was officially unveiled on Aug. 24 at the Lagusnilad Underpass which connects Manila City Hall and Intramuros. The mural is part of the city’s Ang Bagong Maynila Program.

Masigasig na Maynila presents the rich history of Manila by highlighting the development of the city and the history of the country such as the Spanish colonial period, the Philippine-American War, World War II, the First Quarter Storm and Martial Law, and the present. The mural also honors the heroes of history and the modern-day heroes — the doctors, nurses, riders, and other frontliners — who lead the fight against the ongoing COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic.

The underpass links Manila City Hall, Intramuros, the Bonifacio Shrine, and the National Museum of the Philippines.

Gerilya is an artist collective formed in 2008 whose three original members — Jano, Kube, and Zap — all hail from the College of Fine Arts at the University of the Philippines Diliman. Gerilya is involved in a variety of art related activities and experimental ventures such as comics, street art, graffiti animation, fine art exhibitions, and illustration commissions. They classify their works as falling into three main categories: political, socio-cultural, and historical.

The newly renovated underpass has Spanish-themed features designed by architect Antonio Toledo. There are vertical gardens installed at the Manila City Hall and Intramuros entrances of the underpass; an interactive and informational motion sensor and touch screen wall which is accessible to the passersby. The famous Books from Underground book shop will also make a comeback at the Lagusnilad Underpass.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR