‘Layag Islas’ or Islands in Flight aims to showcase Manila as the country’s window to the world. It is the award-winning concept for the Circulo Del Mundo Rotunda Nationwide Design Competition held in 2008.

Designed by Adrian Lorenzo Alfonso, Alfredo Alfonso, Maria Mynn Alfonso, Carlo Tibajua and Chris Jimenez, ‘Layag Islas’ is conceived to be the embodiment of the Filipino’s dreams and aspirations. The sculpture showcases the rich natural resources of the country and shrouded triangulated planes of fragmented islands and continents of the world.

The construction of the structure started on 11 September 2009 and completed in 2010 with the showcasing of 7,107 islands. It is a joint undertaking of MMDA and the Manila International Airport Authority. Layag Islas” is one of the vital components of the MMDA’s physical improvement project within the immediate vicinity of the NAIA to enhance the image of the airport complex.

The Circulo Del Mundo Rotunda Nationwide Design Competition was divided into two categories namely the ‘Circulo del Mundo’ for the big rotunda and the ‘Maligayang Pagdating’ for the smaller rotunda. A total of 113 entries from Filipino communities in Philippines and abroad competed for the contest.