Plazoleta Gay

{{notability|date=May 2025}}

{{Short description|Intersection in the Philippines}}

{{Infobox road junction

|country=PHL

|name=Plazoleta Gay

|image=Plazoleta Gay Iloilo.jpg

|image_caption=The intersection looking southeast from Ledesma Street|maint=Department of Public Works and Highways|location=Iloilo City, Philippines

|coord={{coord|10|41|47.34|N|122|34|8.55|E

|type:landmark_region:PH-00_source:OpenStreetMap|display=inline,title}}

|roads={{jct|country=PHL|N|532|name1=J.M. Basa Street}}
Ledesma Street
Iznart Street
Arroyo Street|type=Intersection|const=

|opened=

|height=

|other_names=Plaza Gay

|map=

|alternate_name=Socorro Crossing

}}

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.{{Cite web |title=Historical Iloilo: Philippines' Second City |url=https://artsandculture.google.com/usergallery/historical-iloilo-philippines-second-city/hALi3ryuMswAJw |access-date=2024-10-29 |website=Google Arts & Culture |language=en}} At the center of the intersection stands a white commemorative obelisk, topped with a dove.{{Cite journal |last=Funtecha |first=Henry F. |date=1992 |title=THE MAKING OF A "QUEEN CITY": THE CASE OF ILOILO 1890s-1930s |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/29792083 |journal=Philippine Quarterly of Culture and Society |volume=20 |issue=2/3 |pages=107–132 |issn=0115-0243 |quote=… history tells him that since early times, the town of Iloilo played a prominent role in regional and national development. It is because of this that in 1880 Iloilo … Plazoleta (mini plaza) Gay …}}

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.{{Cite web |title=Plazoleta Gay |url=https://www.exploreiloilo.com/blog/plazoletagay/ |access-date=2024-10-29 |website=Explore Iloilo |language=en-US}}

Plazoleta Gay was named after José María N. Gay, the last Spanish mayor of Iloilo and the first mayor under the American colonial period.{{Cite web |last=Pilipinas Retrostalgia |date=2016-03-29 |title=PLAZA GAY AND CALLE LEDESMA, ILOILO |url=https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1704335343147689&id=1646483675599523&set=a.1646500778931146 |access-date=2024-10-29 |quote=Plaza Gay or Plazoleta Gay (pronounced guy) was named after Jose Ma. Gay, the last serving Spanish Alcalde-mayor of Iloilo.}}{{Cite journal |last=Divinagracia |first=Dinggol A. |date=2012-03-06 |title=The Plazoleta Gay in Downtown Iloilo City-Philippines |url=https://www.facebook.com/107270379297314/photos/the-plazoleta-gay-in-downtown-iloilo-city-philippinesa-glimpse-of-history-by-din/371986579492358/ |journal=A Glimpse of History |quote=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.}}

Plazoleta Gay is currently under redevelopment in 2025 to include a paved area or a mini park.