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Quezon City, population 2.2 million, is the second largest city in the country, five times bigger than Manila in area. It is located on the Island of Luzon, sixteen miles north of Manila. One of the island's most active volcanoes is Mount Mayon, just south of Quezon City. Quezon City served as the capital of the Philippines for 28 years. The late President Manuel Luis Quezon envisioned the national seat of government as "the showplace of the nation," and purchased property from a private estate to build his new capital city. In 1948, Quezon City officially became the capital and construction of a capitol building began on Constitution Hill. Official government business took place there until 1976, when Manila was proclaimed as the new capital. Tagalog is the predominant language, though English is widely spoken. The city is the home of the University of the Philippines, and the huge Araneta Coliseum. Of world renown is "Pangkat Kawayan," a bamboo orchestra comprised of 44 school children. The city also houses Camps Crame and Aguinaldo, two of the country’s biggest military headquarters. Mayoral visits, student programs and ever rare birds have been exchanged over the course of this relationship. The Sister City relationship between Quezon City and Salt Lake City was created in 1960. Contact: |
