A PEEK INTO SAN JUAN’S RICH HISTORY

SAN JUAN CITY OFFER A GLIMPSE OF OUR HISTORICAL PAST WITHIN THE WALLS OF THE EL DEPOSITO TUNNEL, THE ARTIFACTS OF EL DEPOSITO MUSEUM, AND THE PINAGLABANAN SHRINE.

PINAGLABANAN MEMORIAL SHRINE

Built in 1973 to commemorate the heroism of the Katipuneros, this 5-hectare shrine is maintained by the San Juan City government as one of its key historical sites. The monument, created by Eduardo Castrillo, pays tribute to the Battle of Pinaglabanan that took place on August 30, 1896. Said battle was a turning point in the Philippine Revolution.

Hundreds of Katipuneros, under the leadership of Andres Bonifacio, attacked the Spanish forces in an effort to seize the water reservoir, a crucial infrastructure at the time. Though they were overpowered, the attack symbolized the beginning of a wider revolution that eventually led to Philippine independence. Today, the shrine not only serves as a reminder of the Katipuneros’ sacrifice but also as a community hub offering open spaces for recreational activities like picnics, fitness events, and family gatherings.

EL DEPOSITO MUSEUM

A few steps from the Pinaglabanan Memorial Shrine is a two-story building that houses various galleries. Opened to the public as part of a heritage initiative, the museum plays a crucial role in preserving and showcasing the rich history of the Carriedo Waterworks system. This system, which includes the El Deposito underground reservoir, was constructed by the Spanish colonial government in the late 19th century to provide Manila with a clean and stable water supply. The museum’s galleries display artifacts such as old pipes, waterworks tools, historical photographs, and documents. Additionally, the museum features interactive exhibits, including a virtual reality room that allows visitors to “walk through” the reservoir and see how it once functioned. The museum provides an in-depth look at how important water infrastructure was during the colonial period and the role it played in the development of Manila.

EL DEPOSITO TUNNEL

To the right of the museum, you’ll find a brick-walled structure with staircases leading down to a Spanishera water reservoir. Built between 1880 and 1882, the reservoir served as the central water source for the growing population of Manila. The El Deposito reservoir is an engineering marvel, designed to hold millions of gallons of water, which was distributed via an intricate network of pipes to various parts of the city.

At its peak, the reservoir supplied water to 300,000 people. The underground reservoir and tunnel system not only played a crucial role in ensuring Manila’s water supply but also became a strategic location during the Philippine Revolution. Today, visitors to the El Deposito Tunnel are provided with hard hats for safety as they descend into the dimly lit, atmospheric space. The tunnels are illuminated by soft lamps, creating a dramatic and haunting ambiance that transports visitors back to the 19th century. Informational plaques found in the area detail the construction process, the significance of the reservoir in Manila’s urban planning, and its role in the Revolution.