Today - July 9, 2007 - is the 138th B-day anniversary of Dr. Pío Valenzuela, one of the revolutionary heroes at the time of the Spanish Occupation more than a century ago from whom the City of Valenzuela was named after. I was supposed to cover the ceremonies being held at the Municipal Building led by recently re-elected Mayor Sherwin Gatchalian. However, I had to prioritize a trip to the dentist as I was scheduled to have a back tooth pulled out (later she deduced that it wasn't necessary anymore as the infection near it has subsided - whew! I still have a complete set of teeth, then!).

From the dentist, I encountered this fascinating sculpture that was hidden amongst the brush until recently whom I believe is by renowned artist Eduardo Castrillo http://www.eduardocastrillo.com/ , located at the former site of a Japanese World War II Cemetery (former 'contents' transferred
to a monument on private property nearby). According to the guard on duty, the place is now a relay/sub-station of the Bureau of Telecommunications (Marulas Transmitter) where the government AM Radio Station DZRB 730 kHz "Radyo ng Bayan" currently broadcasts.

Incidentally, I just pleasantly learned from his official website that other sculptures I've previously posted here on Pbase were actually by him! :-)
"People Power Monument" (1993), EDSA: http://www.pbase.com/carinoza/image/75208965 ,
"Youth's Cry of Defiance" (1966), Fort Santiago: http://www.pbase.com/carinoza/image/75472090 ,
"The Martyrdom of Dr. José P. Rizal - The Execution Scene" (1991), Rizal Park: http://www.pbase.com/carinoza/image/81756739 ,
"Bonifacio 'KATIPUNAN' Monument", Manila: http://www.pbase.com/carinoza/image/83817924 and http://www.pbase.com/carinoza/image/83817917 .

The owner of the lot - named AIDA VALENZUELA - said that the sculpture was donated by the University of the Philippines (UP) all the way from Balera, QC. How about that? I may have missed the formal celebrations of Valenzuela Day at the city hall, but look at what I uncovered instead: a forgotten sculpture, an historic landmark, and an interview with people who may be related to THE very person being celebrated in the first place. :-)