JC Zozobrado
Image source: Trip Advisor
In the month of February, most people are stressed out about where they’re going to take their dates on Valentine’s Day. Now, for something different on the day of hearts, and since February is also Arts Month, it might be a good idea to check out some of the surprises that the National Museum has in store.
Most people, when asked about the National Museum, refer to it as “the place for field trips in High School”. They also think that the National Museum is only one building. It would surprise many to know that the National Museum is in fact made up of many buildings in different locations, all of which are free of charge all year round.
Image source: PhilStar
Since it would take a novel to discuss the highlights of all sites (including the ones in Cebu, Palawan, Fort Pilar, etc), I’d like to focus on the spectacle that the Manila sites have for its visitors. There are features in two (yes, TWO, and soon, THREE) buildings that valentines daters and arts monthers might want to check out:
1. Ivory Trade Exhibit
Though now illegal, the display of the Ivory artifacts and sculptures is a pretty site. The detail on each of the carvings is especially wonderful when you realize that most were done without the help of modern technology.
2. Mindanao Exhibit
The brilliance and color of the cultural treasures of Mindanao are unmatched. Bring your date to this exhibit and she’ll start imagining herself as Princess Urduja, possibly dancing the Singkil with you.
3. Balangay
When you realize that our Filipino ancestors travelled the world (yes, they did more than just island hopping) in these boats, your inner voice starts to sing Moana songs. I kid you not.
4. Amorsolo’s Sketches
Your level of respect for the first Philippine National Artist will increase once you see that his drafts were actually masterpieces in themselves.
5. Senate Hall
The term ‘Hallowed Historic Halls’ is not enough to describe this majestic place. Today, prestigious events, functions, and concerts are held where our respected legislators used to hold sessions to run the country.
6. Berlin Wall Piece
The fall of the wall that divided Germany into a state of two ideological states was distributed to the countries of the world much like a birthday cake at a party. We got our own piece, a reminder of the past to guide the future.
7. Spolarium
Of course, no visit to the National Museum is complete without paying respect to this spectacle. Juan Luna’s gigantic obra maestra never fails to drop the jaws of first-timers. Repeat visitors (myself included) still marvel at its beauty.
Image source: Primer
It will take you a whole day to visit the Museum of the Filipino People and the National Art Gallery (the two current branches of the National Museum in Manila), but your Valentine’s Day will be all the better for it. Cheers!
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