The renowned University Avenue in Diliman, Quezon City isn’t your typical avenue. Forget traffic jams and fast-food joints; the road is a portal to the country’s academic “heart,” the University of the Philippines Diliman and a melting pot for history and the arts
Buckle up for a ride through time and get ready to be schooled – in the coolest way possible.
THE GRAND ENTRANCE: A GATEWAY TO GREATNESS
University Avenue isn’t just an entrance; rather, it’s a dramatic opening act. Visitors will be greeted by the “Tribute to Higher Education.” These are two concrete sculptures that flank University Avenue created by National Artist for Sculpture Napoleon Abueva in 1966.
These are not your typical dusty museum masterpieces. Imagine these abstract figures as superheroes of knowledge, beckoning you to enter the realm of learning.
OBLATION: THE ICON THAT ROARS
At the end of the avenue is the Oblation, the immortal landmark made by National Artist for Visual Arts Guillermo Tolentino. This powerful sculpture of a naked man with outstretched arms is the embodiment of academic freedom and a constant reminder of the sacrifices made in pursuit of knowledge.
We’re not sugar-coated history lessons here; to many, the Oblation is a wake-up call to fight for what they believe in.
WALKING THROUGH ART HISTORY
Going through University Avenue is like walking through an open-air art exhibit. Another neoclassical masterpiece is the Quezon Hall. This grand dame of a building is the University’s administrative center, designed by National Artist for Architecture Juan Nakpil. Its architectural language speaks volumes about the university’s legacy and heritage.
BEYOND THE AVENUE: A UNIVERSITY THAT KEEPS EVOLVING
UP Diliman’s campus is a treasure trove of historical buildings, spanning from the art deco masterpiece of the College of Law, to the “Bahay na Bato” gem that is the College of Science. Each structure whispers stories of the University’s growth, as well as the movers and shakers who walked its halls.
NOT JUST A RELIC OF THE PAST
University Avenue isn’t stuck in a time warp, but a glimpse of the past, present and future. It is also a vibrant hub of student activity; on any given day, you’ll see students sprawled on the grass under the century-old acacia trees debating, philosophizing, or just napping between classes.
This is where history meets the future, where the Philippines’ next generation of thinkers and leaders are being molded.
University Avenue is more than just a pretty street. It’s a testament to the Philippines’ rich educational heritage and a symbol of the ongoing fight for knowledge and freedom. It is a place that ignites the fire of learning and inspires us to make your mark on the world.
So, the next time you’re in Diliman, don’t just pass through University Avenue. Take a walk, soak it in, and let the history and art school you.
