Golden Mosque, Globo de Oro str., Quiapo, Manila.
The Golden Mosque, so-called because its dome is supposed to be in shining gold, was built in 1976 under the supervision of then First Lady Imelda Marcos for the visit of Libya’s president Muammar Khadafy. His visit was cancelled but the Mosque has become the biggest Mosque in Metro Manila.
The Golden Mosque is situated in the heart of the Muslim district. Here you can find hundreds of shops and stalls selling pirated DVDs, VCDs and music CDs for as low as 30 pesos. It is a huge business and the counterfeit items are openly sold. It is obvious that this illegal trade is tolerated by the police and the authorities.
The last time I visited the Golden Mosque some (needed !) renovations were under way. The tall minaret is completely rusted and the general impression is one of neglect (probably due to lack of funds). As of late it looked more like a Rusted Mosque than a Golden Mosque. Hopefully this huge Mosque will regain some of its past splendor. The inside of the Mosque is huge and beautiful.
You are free to roam around the Golden Mosque complex. People will automatically join you and act as your guides. A donation will be asked when you leave the Mosque.
You are free to take all the pictures you want.
Where: Globo de Oro Street in Quiapo
My rating: 7/10
The Golden Mosque is not particularly beautiful but well worth a visit. Don’t forget to roam around the side streets of this predominantly Muslim district. Filipinos will warn you that this is a very dangerous neighbourhood but the people I encountered were all very friendly and hospitable. I only got into trouble once when I took pictures of the illegal trade of pirated DVDs.
Nearby: Quiapo Church; Ilalim Tulay Market; Hidalgo Street Photo Shops.
Info from: http://my_sarisari_store.typepad.com/
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eric aka senor enrique » November 13th, 2006 at 6:18 pm
Would you believe I haven’t been to this place, yet?
Sairah » September 19th, 2007 at 8:24 pm
Very nice photo! I find it hard to believe it can be so very dangerous in a Muslim neighborhood, to be honest, but yea, kudos to you for going there anyways. =D Also, lol @ the illegal stuff. =P
rolly » March 22nd, 2008 at 2:59 pm
The personal experience of the student-writer about the Manila Golden Mosque and Cutural Center (MGMCC) is more subjective rather that objective. The writer should have emphasized the noble purpose and lofty benefits that the said Center has catered and continue to provide in the promotion of national unity,development and peaceful co-existence between Muslims and Christians specially in the Metropolis.
Therefore,in the interest of goodwill and better understanding,we earnestly request that the writer remove from his description of the Golden Mosque or Center the alleged piracy outside the Center and the attitude of the Muslim he encountered, who may not be necessarily a practicing and faithful one of the religion of true peace and universal brotherhood-Islam.
Thank you.
James » March 30th, 2008 at 2:28 pm
Dang, that guy that posted before needs to get that stick out his rear. The writer is writing about his experience in an urban environment. If he wrote about the illegal crap that goes on outside the Quiapo church, i wouldnt be mad, its just the way the setting is in the city. The fact is that he takes the misguided advice he got from people and proves it wrong by saying the neighboorhood is actually a very nice place to visit. I didnt see a bias at all.
Edrei » April 9th, 2009 at 11:06 pm
Hi!! Peace be upon You!! I am a muslim from S’pore. Will be going to Philippines, Subic Bay and also Mangaldan, Pangsinan to visit my wife’s family there in October. I would to know the mosques around the area, particularly for friday prayers. Could anyone help me on this matter? Thanks in advance. Peace be upon You!
Zahid Muneer » August 27th, 2009 at 12:38 am
My sons are going to cebu for education.
Please inform is thier is any halal food resturant. or pakistani resturant.
they will study in southwestren university CEBU.
asad » September 10th, 2009 at 12:58 am
Maxmmed 2500 klm