Paulate’s dream: Starry, starry gates to QC

Second District Councilor Roderick “Dick” Paulate

Noting that Quezon City is home to major TV networks, movie production companies and recording studios, a councilor is proposing the construction of arches that will convey the greeting “Welcome to the City of Stars” on four main entry points to the city.

Second District Councilor Roderick “Dick” Paulate, himself a veteran entertainer, authored a resolution asking show-biz colleague and Mayor Herbert “Bistek” Bautista to put up such markers on the city’s boundaries to highlight the city’s supposed distinction as home to “friendly, hospitable, talented, artistic and helpful people.”

According to the resolution, “the local politics of Quezon City has been led ever since, if not dominated by, movie and entertainment personalities who have succeeded in their chosen field and have proven that they can be good leaders and public servants.”

He said these leaders were elected to various government positions, from mayor to councilors.

“The recognition of being the City of Stars likewise manifests that Quezon City is a city that is rich in culture and a potential hub for investment and tourism development,” he said.

The construction of the welcome arches would boost the residents’ morale and make them proud of being part of the City of Stars, the councilor added.

For him, the arches would also signify “that people from all walks of life are warmly accepted in Quezon City.”

Paulate suggested that the arches be constructed on Edsa in the Balintawak area, at Quezon City’s boundary with Caloocan; at the corner of Quirino Highway and Regalado Avenue, near SM Fairview; at the corner of Quezon Avenue and España Boulevard, at the Mabuhay rotunda which marks the boundary with Manila; and at the corner of Edsa and Ortigas Avenue, the boundary with Mandaluyong City.

Quezon City was officially given the moniker “City of Stars” by an October 1998 resolution authored by then councilor and pop singer Fernando “Dingdong” Avanzado.