This new Philippine landmark is taller than the Statue of Liberty
This new landmark, located in the Pasig City side of Bridgetowne, a destination estate situated at the corner of Ortigas Ave. and C-5, is also the tallest art installation in the world. And it was created by Filipino-American artist, Jefre Manuel.
The estate's developer, Robinsons Land Corporation (RLC), wanted to build an iconic landmark on the 32-hectare property. They tapped the world-famous Jefre to create a new landmark. The artist is known for his large-scale sculptures which can be found in the US and here in the Philippines.
Some of his works include: “Jax” in Jacksonville, Florida; “Heaven's Gate” at Robinsons Galleria South in San Pedro, Laguna; and “Time” at SM Megamall in Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City.
During the launch of The Victor, a select group of Philippine media was able to talk to Jefre via video call as he explained the concept behind this new icon.
“It started several years ago when the concept of Bridgetowne was created. And the task was to create a bridge. As we were exploring ideas, the thought came about why not create more than a bridge but something that becomes an icon or landmark,” Jefre Manuel shared. The sculpture stands at the end of the 110-meter bridge that spans over Marikina River. It was designed by the late National Artist for Architecture Bobby Mañosa.
Jefre Manuel answers questions from the press during the official launch of The Victor. | Source: Gerlyn Mae Mariano
The sculpture was meant to complement the bridge, which was inspired by the finish line ribbon. The Victor, was also inspired by the success story of JG Summit founder, John Gokongwei, Jr.
The Victor depicts a figure of a man with one arm raised, fist in the air as if celebrating a victorious win. According to Jefre, it represents successful Filipinos working in different parts of the world, sharing their talents and skills in various industries.
“What I wanted to create is sort of an icon for this idea of a global Filipino to remind the world that Filipinos are servicing the world. And to create this icon that represents the global Filipino, to remind them that no matter where you are, you always have a symbol or beacon,” he explained.
The sculpture's exterior is made of perforated stainless steel or a sheet of steel with holes. This creates an almost transparent structure and during the day, sunlight passes through these holes. The Victor also comes alive at night as projection mapping illuminates the 330-ton statue.
“When you see the perforations it looks very transparent and see-through. I really wanted the strength of the interior of the structure to shine through. The idea of the beauty of the strength within us as a people,” Jefre said.
The exterior of the sculpture is made of perforated stainless steel making it look transparent. | Source: Gerlyn Mae MarianoLike the Statue of Liberty resting on a pedestal, The Victor is standing on a five-meter podium, which Bridgetowne plans to develop into a public and commercial space, which will include a gallery and a restaurant or a cafe.
RLC wants this to be the next iconic landmark, not only here in the Philippines but also in the world.
“It's destined to be the star of countless social media posts, an icon that captures the beating heart of the city, very much like the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe of Paris, Big Ben with London, and the Colosseum with Rome,” says Mybelle V. Aragon-GoBio, RLC's senior vice president and general manager for Robinsons Destination Estates.
Bridgetowne, which already has operational office buildings, also has several developments in the property in the works like the upscale five-level Opus mall, Fili Hotel, and several residential buildings like the Velaris, Haraya, Le Pont, and Cirrus. The township also houses events place Blue Leaf Cosmopolitan, Bridgetowne Obstacle Park, and the soon-to-open football pitch.
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