Construction of Teresa Magbanua Monument

Project: Construction of Teresa Magbanua Monument
Location: Pototan, Iloilo
Cultural property owner: Municipal Government of Pototan
GAA Budget: P2,000,000.00
Fiscal year: 2018
Date of formal turnover: 13 February 2019
Implementing agency: National Historical Commission of the Philippines
Artist: Estatuarte Sculptures and Artworks / Abdulmati "TOYM" De Leon Imao, Jr.
Project description:

The National Historical Commission of the Philippines is mandated to promote, preserve and disseminate information regarding historical events, dates, places and personages.  As part of its mandate to commemorate eminent Filipinos, the NHCP proposed a monument to Teresa Magbanua, a woman leader of the Visayas who fought many battles against Spaniards and Americans.  Her exemplary life has become an exceptional model to the local community of Pototan and the Filipino nation.

Project documentation:

The design depicts Teresa Magbanua riding a horse on a field of grass.  It is not in a running pose, but a calm and dignified walk on the grass as she rallies her troops.  The depiction of the wind (as reflected on the sway of the grass) is behind the rider, the symbolism being the odds are in favor of Filipino fighters.  This also connotes a strategic advantage.  She holds a pistol on right hand and hold on to reins, which shall be period-correct and more detailed.

The artist will be using a combination of two methods of brass fabrication: cast bronze and pounded brass.  Both are classical materials for monument building that can last for generations.  Fiber-reinforced concrete will also be used. For the Teresa Magbanua figure, cast bronze in antiqued brown/copper patina, waxed and coated with 8 coats of polyurethane for weather sealing will be used. 

For the Pedestal:
Following the architectural style of the municipal building and the park in front of it, the pedestal will be made of simple geometric art deco lines and of concrete finished in white with natural stone accents to match the surrounding structures.  This will constructed on site.

For Blades of Grass:
At the base of the monument are blades of grass (antiqued green or verdigris with eight coats of polyurethane) made up of pounded brass with FRC reinforcement for the minor details to be weld with other components of the structure

The completed monument

The completed statue of Teresa Magbanua

The formal turnover ceremonies held on 13 February 2019.

Profile of the statue and pedestal, as sketched by the sculptor TOYM Imao