| Plazoleta Gay | |
|---|---|
| Socorro Crossing | |
 The intersection looking southeast from Ledesma Street | |
 | |
| Location | |
| Iloilo City, Philippines | |
| Coordinates | 10°41′47.34″N 122°34′8.55″E / 10.6964833°N 122.5690417°E |
| Roads at junction |  N532 (J.M. Basa Street)Ledesma Street Iznart Street Arroyo Street |
| Construction | |
| Type | Intersection |
| Maintained by | Department of Public Works and Highways |
The Plazoleta Gay, also known locally as Socorro Crossing and formerly referred to as Plaza Gay, is an intersection and diagonal crossing located in downtown Iloilo City, Philippines. It is situated in front of Hua Siong College, Socorro Drug, Locsin-Coscuella Building, and Terranza Residences, and connects Ledesma, Iznart, Arroyo, J.M. Basa, and Iznart Extension Streets.[1] At the center of the intersection stands a white commemorative obelisk, topped with a dove.
The area is recognized as a significant site for the expression of free speech, frequently serving as a venue for rallies, protests, and other political and social demonstrations. It played a crucial role during the People Power Revolution in February 1986, when citizens gathered to denounce the Marcos dictatorship and demand its ouster. The movement contributed to the ascension of Corazon Aquino to the presidency, following the departure of the Marcoses to Hawaii on February 25, 1986.[2]
Plazoleta Gay was named after José María N. Gay, the last Spanish mayor of Iloilo and the first mayor under the American colonial period.[3][4]
- ^ "Historical Iloilo: Philippines' Second City". Google Arts & Culture. Retrieved 2024-10-29.
- ^ "Plazoleta Gay". Explore Iloilo. Retrieved 2024-10-29.
- ^ Pilipinas Retrostalgia (2016-03-29). "PLAZA GAY AND CALLE LEDESMA, ILOILO". Retrieved 2024-10-29.
Plaza Gay or Plazoleta Gay (pronounced guy) was named after Jose Ma. Gay, the last serving Spanish Alcalde-mayor of Iloilo.
- ^ Divinagracia, Dinggol A. (2012-03-06). "The Plazoleta Gay in Downtown Iloilo City-Philippines". A Glimpse of History.
Alcalde Jose Ma. Gay was the last Spanish Alcalde Mayor of Iloilo and the son of Vicente Gay and Trinidad Ditching Soriano, daughter of Don Anselmo Soriano y Flores (Molo Gobernadorcillo-1860) and Maria Dy Ching of Binondo, Manila. The "Plazoleta Gay" in downtown Iloilo City was named after him. Alcalde Jose Ma. Gay, was also a first cousin of Gen. Pablo Soriano Araneta, Panay Island Commanding General of the revolutionary forces.