The Victor Statue in Pasig City, Philippines by Jefre

The Victor Statue- Dedicated to the Global Filipino 

The Victor is a colossal statue at the Pasig portion of Bridgetowne in Metro Manila, Philippines. At night time it is lighted:

Robinsons Land announced in 2019 that it would be installing a colossal statue at Bridgetowne, its own township spanning Pasig and Quezon City. Named The Victor, the statue was projected to be the "tallest lighting projection" in the world.The Victor was unveiled in August 2023.

Statue

The Victor was designed by Filipino-American artist Jefrë💚. It is mainly made from marine-grade perforated steel art from China. It stands 55 meters (180 ft) on a 5 m (16 ft) podium. It weighs 299.37 tonnes (660,000 lb).

It has a translucent surface that can be lit up with various colors at night through projection mapping.

The Victor is a tribute to Filipino businessman John Gokongwei(1926–2019). The statue depicts a man with one arm raised as if it is celebrating a victory. Jefrë also dedicates the statue to the "global Filipino".

💚 Jefre Figueras Manuel, commonly known by the mononym Jefrë, is a Filipino-American visual artist based in Orlando, Florida.

Jefre Figueras Manuel was born and raised in Chicago to Filipino parents who settled in the United States in the 1970s. His mother is a nurse from Santo Domingo, Ilocos Sur while his father is an accountant from San Pedro, Laguna. Jefrë's parents also had part-time jobs in design; his father did landscape contracting and design and his mother created wedding flower arrangements.

He initially pursued a degree in medicine for his collegiate studies. He later took courses at the Art Institute of Chicago and attended Ohio State University to study urban design and planning.

He first worked for Skidmore, Owings & Merrill in the 1990s. After he had a heart attack in 2007 or 2008 at age 35, he decided to set up his own organization, Studio Jefrë (StudioJEFRë), and pursued a career in public art. He did various projects involving community design, public art, parks and plazas, sculpture, temporary installations, interior design, avant-garde landscapes, eco-installations, and campus planning. He also joined competitions as well.

His works has been in public display in various cities in the United States such as Miami, New Orleans, Philadelphia, Orlando, and San Antonio as well as in London and Abu Dhabi. He has also done works in the Philippines as well.

Notable works

Jefrë is also the designer of the 15.54 m (51.0 ft) tall The Jax stainless steel sculpture to be built at the former site of Jacksonville Landing in Jacksonville, Florida. The artwork received mixed local reception. It has been a subject of a petition to stop its conception.He also did works that are publicly displayed in the Philippines. This includes Time in SM Megamall along EDSA, a mirror stainless steel sculpture of a human figure with a box head to convey the idea to value time in the context of the being stuck in traffic and portray people as "building blocks" of a city.

 Other works include the Talking Heads at the Five Ecom Center Building at the SM Mall of Asia complex and the Sculpture Contour Series which consist of painted statues of a tamaraw, a tarsier, a rooster and an eagle in SM Aura Premier in 2016.

In 2018 he did the Tree of Life fiberglass sculpture installed at Robinsons Place Naga in Naga, Camarines Sur. In 2023, The Victor a 55 m (180 ft) light installation in Bridgetowne was completed.

In Addition, Filipino-American artist JEFRË has introduced "Heart in the Park," a seven-story stainless steel sculpture that now rises as Port St. Lucie’s newest landmark.

The twisting, mirror-polished structure reflects its surroundings while framing a dramatic pedestrian bridge that cuts through the center of the heart, inviting visitors to walk within the work itself.

Unveiled before community members, civic leaders, and art lovers, the installation is both monumental and intimate. “This piece is not just a sculpture,” said JEFRË. “It is a symbol of hope, unity, and resilience. The heart is universal — it transcends culture, language, and borders.”

Known for creating large-scale icons such as "The Victor" in the Philippines, JEFRË continues to define skylines with works that carry both weight and meaning. With its gleaming surfaces and architectural presence, "Heart in the Park" is set to anchor the city as a cultural destination and symbol of connection.

Meanwhile, here's R-Evolution -A 45Ft Illuminated Sculpture in San Francisco by Marco Cochrane

R-Evolution at Embarcadero Plaza

A striking new addition to the city’s public art landscape, R-Evolution, a 45-foot-tall illuminated sculpture by renowned artist Marco Cochrane, will debut in Embarcadero Plaza on Thursday, April 10, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM. Originally unveiled at Burning Man, this monumental artwork embodies strength, resilience, and the power of representation. By placing R-Evolution in Embarcadero Plaza, the city continues its tradition of championing public art as a force for dialogue, civic engagement, and cultural revitalization—especially in a time when public spaces are being redefined.

Embarcadero Plaza was selected for its cultural and historical significance as a gateway to San Francisco. Positioned in front of the iconic Ferry Building and along Market Street, a major artery of the city, the location serves as both a vibrant meeting point and a space deeply connected to the city’s artistic and economic pulse. R-Evolution stands as a powerful symbol of empowerment and transformation, reinforcing San Francisco’s progressive spirit while activating a highly visible public space with a presence that is both bold and introspective.

With its daily breathing motion and illuminated presence at night, R-Evolution offers a dynamic, interactive experience that invites people to return, reflect, and engage. The installation is designed to draw visitors and increase foot traffic to the already thriving creative hub where local artists regularly sell their work—ensuring that this artwork not only inspires but also supports San Francisco’s artistic community

Lastly, Meet Jonathan — The 191-Year-Old Tortoise!

Jonathan, the Seychelles giant tortoise, just celebrated his 191st birthday, making him the oldest living land animal in the world! Born around 1832, Jonathan has witnessed centuries of history from Napoleon’s exile to modern-day inventions — and has outlived generations of humans.

Though blind and without a sense of smell, he’s still full of life, enjoying hand-fed meals, socializing with fellow tortoises, and even maintaining a healthy love life! Living at St. Helena’s Plantation House, Jonathan is more than a record-breaker — he’s a symbol of resilience, longevity, and the wonders of nature.

Credit: St Helend Island Info