Museums of more than art

In case you didn’t know—and it’s likely that you don’t—October is not just Breast Cancer Awareness Month but also Museums and Galleries Month, as declared by then-president Cory Aquino over two decades ago.  

National Museum

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As if to remind everyone that such a month-long celebration exists, the National Museum has reduced their entrance fees to zero for the entire month, allowing guests to see the famous “Spoliarium” as well as the works of other artists like Fernando Amorsolo, Ang Kiukok, and Vicente Manansala; the ancient Butuan boats and other relics of Philippine pre-history; and the rest of the museum’s extensive art, archaeology, and natural history collections.

 

But if you’re hankering for a more specific kind of art or history, here’s a roundup of some one-of-a-kind museums around the country to cater to whatever it is you might be interested in learning more about.

 

Marikina Shoe Museum

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Marikina and shoes are almost synonymous, so it’s only right that the shoemaking hub of the metro is also the home of the country’s only shoe museum. See here a short history of shoemaking, as well as various shoes worn by famous personalities, particularly some 800 pairs worn by none other than Imelda Marcos, who is as synonymous to shoes as Marikina is.

 

 

The Marikina Shoe Museum is located at J.P. Rizal St., Barangay San Roque, Marikina. Admission is P50 per person.

 

Casa Manila

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For a glimpse of how the ilustrados lived hundreds of years ago, or for some interior design history or inspiration, there is Casa Manila, a recreation of a Spanish-era house right at the heart of Intramuros.

 

Among the museum’s more interesting features are a mariposa couch where young lovers would sit on either end, anchored by a chaperone; a ceiling fan which was operated by the family’s servants; and the ultimate symbol of wealth in those years: an old-school refrigerator.

 

To complete the timewarp experience, the museum’s friendly guides clad in guardia civil garb will supply the tour with interesting anecdotes and explanations.

 

 

Casa Manila is right across the San Agustin Church in Intramuros, inside the Plaza San Luis Complex. Admission is P75 for regular guests and P50 for students and senior citizens.

 

 

AFP Museum

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Our military might not be the most illustrious armed forces, but our history of warfare is long, rich, and makes great museum material. While the ancient armories and ammunition on display at the AFP museum will compel anyone with an interest in arms or war, the real appeal of the museum is the history it presents.

 

 

The AFP Museum is in Camp Aguinaldo along EDSA. Admission is P20 for regular guests, P10 for students, and P5 for military workers with valid I.D.

 

 

Bahay Tsinoy

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Thankfully, there is a better chronicle for the Chinese-Filipino story than the endless stream of “Mano Po” movies that have invaded our movie screens in the past years. Through various collections that include old ceramics, prints, photographs, and other rare artifacts, Bahay Tsinoy traces the history and the heart of the Tsinoy from pre-historic Philippines down to recent history.

 

 

Bahay Tsinoy is on 32 Anda cor. Cabildo streets in Intramuros. Admission for adults is P100, and for children and students P60.

 

 

Department of Avant-Garde Cliches Gallery

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With a name that sounds like an office at the Ministry of Magic, this gallery is irresistible enough as it is, even more so with its focus on the underrated fine art of printmaking. The DAGC Gallery opened just last year, and has been exhibiting modern, edgy collections from various contemporary artists and printmakers since.

 

 

The Department of Avant-Garde Cliches Gallery is in UPRC Building III, on 2289 Pasong Tamo Extension in Makati.

 

 

Tam-awan Artists’ Village

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It’s not exactly a gallery or a museum, but the Tam-awan village in Baguio has its fair share of artwork and historical artifacts on display for any culture vulture to enjoy. Their art gallery features pieces by the village’s local artists like solar artist Jordan Mang-osan, whose artwork is done by reflecting a magnifying glass on wood to draw patterns.

 

The Village also plays home to the few remaining tribal huts of the Ifugao and Kalinga tribes. In fact, guests can make like ancient tribesmen and spend a night or two in these huts.  

 

Tam-Awan Artists’ Village is in Pinsao proper, Baguio City. Entrance is P50 for adults and P20 for children below 12 years old. —KG/TJD, GMA News