National Art Gallery, National Museum of the Philippines: Manila

"The Museum"

After a week of visiting Luneta Park, I decided to visit the National Museum. Gloomy Sunday afternoon and I've got nothing much to do at home, I suddenly decided to visit the museum. Seriously, I have been living in Manila for a couple of years now but I have never visited this museum. Such a poor boy that I never had a chance to visit any museum during my grade and high school days in the province. (Di ka maniniwala pero peksman, totoo yan!)

I arrived at the museum around 16:45 and with that I've got only more than an hour to take a tour because they are closing at 17:00. I signed up at the guestbook and deposited my bag at the counter then I started my tour inside the museum. Off course, I made sure I read the guidelines first. So let's take a look what's inside the National Art Gallery.

"main entrance"

VISITOR GUIDELINES

The following are NOT permitted in the exhibition galleries:

Smoking

Food and Drink

Touching of Museum objects

Flash Photography

Commercial Photography

Videography

Tripods

Large bags and Carriers

Wrapped Packages

Umbrellas

Pens and Art Materials

"the lobby area"

Rajah Sulayman by Napoleon Abueva

I was welcomed by this wonderful sculpture as I enter in the museum. Well, I was not able to check who made this creation wonderful. Forgive me for that, maybe because I am thrilled to finish the visit within an hour (nagmamadali na ako kasi hapon na). I have learned that the Museum served as the Old Session Hall of the House of Representatives during the Seventh Philippine Legislature. The legislative body was led by Speaker Manuel Roxas until 1933 and Quintin Paredes until 1935. 

After taking few more steps, the popular painting of Juan Luna, the Spolarium, will welcome you at the main hall. I was really struck with the painting! It was huge and superb! Such a great art made by a Filipino painter. I wonder how much does this painting costs now. Priceless maybe! I took closer on the painting, with all the details and the painting itself. Whheeeewwww! Off-course I won't leave the museum without me having a picture on this painting.   

Spolarivm

"the only picture I've got inside The Museum"

"El Asesinato Del Gobernador Bustamante"

The National Hero in Art

The exhibition features works by Dr. Jose P. Rizal from the collections of the National Museum. As product of no less than the National Hero of the Philippines, who is widely known and admired as a polymath with recognized artistic gifts, these works are among the most highly valued in the national art collections that are held in trust for the Filipino people by the National Museum. Indeed, one work on display here, the terracotta sculpture "Mother's Revenge", was declared a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum in 2008.

In addition, the National Museum's collection contain many portraits of Dr. Rizal by distinguished Filipino artists throughout the 20th century, a selection of which are included here.

After spending a couple of minutes staring at The Spolarium, I continued my tour. I was able to see Dr. Jose P. Rizal's painting too! He is such an adorable man, his paintings was great! I continued to visit more rooms with sculptures too!  

Don Luis Perez Dasmarinas by Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo, 1896

Now next is the room I enjoyed a lot. It is where I saw the paintings of Fernando C. Amorsolo. I easily remember his name. I always hear his name during Sibika at Kultura subjects when I was in grade school (siguro ikaw rin naaalala mo rin pangalan niya). So lets take a look at his "obra maestra".

Various Drawings and Studies by Fernando C. Amorsolo

Such a great paintings, how I wish I can have one like this in my house! Haha. As my eyes continue to enjoy the paintings, another painting caught my eyes. It's Juan Luna's Parisian Life! This paintings is full of class. If I heard it right, this is one of the most expensive paintings in the museum. I wonder why but then upon looking at the details, it was a great painting. The wooden frame made even more expensive (I guess).  

Parisian Life by Juan Luna, 1892

Let us see a lot more paintings by Fernando C. Amorsolo but before that, I want to share more about him first.

Fernando Cueto Amorsolo is one of the most important artists in the history of painting in the Philippines. He was a portraitist and painter of the rural Philippine landscapes. He is popularly known for his craftsmanship and mastery in the use of light. He died April 24, 1972.  

Portrait of Speaker Jose B. Laurel, Jr., 1954

Las Lavanderas by Fernando C. Amorsolo, 1964

Tinikling by Fernando C. Amorsolo, 1966

Under the Mango Tree (Mango Picking) by Fernando C. Amorsolo, 1935

Oracion by Fernando C. Amorsolo, 1956

What a great painting from Amorsolo right?! Also, I have checked on some exhibition rooms. I am really amazed how this artists craft their talents. I took pictures on the paintings that I liked. So let me share it with you. I hope you like them too!  

Station of the Cross by Carlos Francisco, undated

Sabel by Benedicto Cabrera, 2008

Bayanihan by Vicente Manansala, 1979

Imaginary Landscape by Hernando Ocampo, 1978

Amazing artists and paintings right?! (Sa sobrang pag-eenjoy ko haha) I did not noticed that it is almost 17:00, I rushed then to the last room I have never visited. The guard was already closing the door but I asked him if I can take few seconds to see what's inside and he allowed me (swerte ko talaga, nadaan sa ngiti ang pakiusap hehe). Took some pictures and read some writings for less than a minute. How cool is that?! Haha! 

My visit to the National Museum was great! It made me wonder how talented Filipino artists are. These are national treasures that must be really preserved to be enjoyed the by the next generations to come. I am as well happy to see some improvements and maintenance on the museum. That way we can always treasure these wonderful gifts of Filipino artists to our country. My next visit will be the Museum of the Filipino People.  Let me end this post with a quote:

"I dream my painting and I paint my dream." - Vincent van Gogh

"Every portrait that is painted with feeling is a portrait of the artist, not the sitter." -  Oscar Wilde

OPENING HOURS:

Open: Tuesdays to Sundays 

10:00am to 5:00pm

Closed: Mondays and certain public holidays

CONTACT US:

National Museum

P. Burgos Avenue, Rizal Park, Manila 1000

Rizal Park: Manila

Sunday afternoon and my feet were itching to go somewhere else. I couldn't think anywhere to go, then suddenly I asked myself, "Why not visit Rizal Park?". After a few minutes of contemplating I then decided to get dressed and hit the road. After all, I have strolled around this place but I never had a chance to take a picture with our national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal. 

I left home around 16:00. Weather is not not too hot and it's gloomy outside, feels like rain will pour down anytime soon so I brought with me my umbrella. I arrived at the park after an hour ride. I was so delighted to see many local and foreign tourists in the park. I took some few moments to think how great our national hero. I remembered him a lot through his book "Noli Me Tangere" and "El Filibusterismo" way back college days.  

"tallest flagpole and largest Philippines flag I have ever seen"

Rizal Park is also known as the Luneta Park. It is adjacent to the old walled city of Intramuros. It is a very important historical site in the Philippine history. It is where our national hero executed on December 30, 1986, which fanned the flames of the 1896 Philippine Revolution against the Kingdom of Spain. 

I started to stroll around the park to check what other things can it offer to the public aside from the rich Philippine history and I noted some. Taking picture/s with our national hero, that's the foremost reason why I went here, so simple but memorable for me. How about you? Do you have a picture taken with our national hero? If yes then show me. You can also take pictures with our first hero "Lapu-Lapu" on the other side part of the park.    

You can also visit the Relief Map of the Philippines! Yes, you read it right, there is a relief map of our country situated in Rizal Park. How cool is that?! You can even walk on top of our country using a footbridge, I enjoyed that moment wherein you can also see the topography of our country. 

You can also see head sculptures around the park (I think they are also Philippine Heroes). Take pictures with them as long as you want. I was not able to look at them on by one. That is definitely time consuming! Haha! 

"dove houses"

Security on strolling the park is not a problem. Policemen is visible around the area. They have a quarter in the park. Just be cautious on your belongings and you will be safe. There are also tourism officers on the area which can assist you if you have problems. 

the police quarters

You can enjoy watching the fountain while having picnic with your family. It is a great place for family bonding. Well, I also noticed that most teenagers spend quality time with their friends here. Some were even doing projects and some were practicing dance moves. Lovers who are in a romantic dates are also visible on the park. (Haha, di ako nainggit, seryoso!)

You can also try riding on a "calesa". Still a good thing that these rides are still existing in the place. I couldn't remember my last ride on this. Well maybe next time I will try once again. You can also play on the ground. I was not able to noticed if there were picnic goers who played kite. I doubt, it was not a windy day.  

Rizal Park has gardens, orchidarium, a grand stadium, an observatory, an open-air concert hall, an artist's sanctuary, a light-and-sound theater, restaurants, food kiosks, playgrounds to satisfy your needs and wants. 

When I am almost done with my tour, the rain started pouring. Good thing I brought my umbrella. The rain did not stop me from strolling the place (haha wais to!). Took pictures all over the place. 

The park has also historical markers and plazas and  a dozen of fountains. The park also features a fountain show for the delight of the tourists.  

After more than an hour, the rain stopped and with that I had the chance to capture a special moment with our national hero (finally, nakapagpa-picture ako kay idol Jose, hehe). Lucky enough, there were only few tourist on the place so I grabbed the opportunity to ask one of the tourists to take a picture of me (lakasan lang ng loob yan). 

"first ever picture with Dr. Jose P. Rizal"

It was a great city tour. Enough to kill my boredom at home. It's always great to visit some historical landmark once in a while rather than just staying at home doing nothing. I even witnessed how beautiful the park at night! I also have a glimpsed on the fountain show which was witnessed by many tourists who waited for the event. 

Having this king of memorable trip, I planned to visit Rizal's House in Calamba City, Laguna anytime soon. Want to travel with me?! Let me know! 

"the fountain show"

Commentary: With the hot issue happening in Rizal Park and after visiting the place, I've got simple questions on my mind. Who approved the permit issued to the contractor of the building? Does the Manila Government received any amount of money from the builders for them to issue the permit? Do the city government, knew the rules being implemented on the park? If yes, why does the government allowed the construction? Ignorance of the law excuses no one. And lastly, how long it will take for the government to issue a formal decision about this? 

Got comments?! Feel free to write down below.