Did you know that August is not just Buwan ng Wika (National Language Month) but also History Month? In honor of these two major historical celebrations, I am citing down ten of my favorite pieces from the National Museum. This list is solely based on the effect these pieces had on me. I am not an expert nor an artist but I do appreciate visual works of art, especially ones that honor history and heritage.
The National Museum of the Philippines is located in P. Burgos Street, Ermita, Manila. In my four years of studying in Manila, I have never been inside the museum. Shame, I know. I’ve always wanted to go but never had the chance. Last May though, the museum opened its doors for FREE in celebration of the National Heritage Month. Admission fees on regular days are P150 for adults, P50 for students, and P120 for senior citizens. My friend, Beth, and I decided to visit one Saturday. Because of the public’s positive response, National Museum extended its free admission until June.
1. Spoliarium by Juan Luna
Of course, this had to be on top of the list. Spoliarium is a famous painting by Filipino artist Juan Luna. It was submitted by Luna to the Exposición Nacional de Bellas Artes in 1884 in Madrid, where it garnered the first gold medal.
At 4.22 meters x 7.675 meters, it is the largest painting in the Philippines. This huge painting features a glimpse of Roman history centered on the bloody carnage brought by gladiatorial matches. But other than being a majestic work of art, Spoliarium is also an important part of Philippine history. At the time, Filipinos were looked down by European nationals. Juan Luna winning gold in Madrid proved that Filipinos were not to be underestimated.
2. Model for the Commonwealth Truimphal Arch by Guillermo Tolentino
National Artist Guillermo Tolentino dominated Filipino sculpture in the 1920s to 1970s. Gallery XII or the Security Bank Hall in National Museum houses some of Tolentino’s works, all of which are nothing short of impressive. But the Model for the Commonwealth Triumphal Arc was the one that caught my eye because of its intricacy. So much details! There are two versions of the model: the model of the model (the draft?) and the actual model (hope I didn’t confuse you). But even the model of the actual model is amazing!
3. Mujer Al Lado Del Batis by Isabelo Tampinco
Mujer Al Lado Del Batis is polychrome concrete sculpture by Isabelo Tampinco, created in circa 1910s to 1920s. Tampinco is a master sculptor famous for his woodcarvings for churches.
The sculpture depicts life in the olden days when women used to bathe in lakes and rivers. It’s simple and yet so beautiful and captivating, even life-like. Just like other works by Tampinco, Mujer Al Lado Del Batis is distinctly native and very Pinoy.
4. A Tragic Lesson (The Fall of Bataan) by Gene Cabrera
This 1957 oil painting by Gene Cabrera is a sad reminder of a tragic past, one filled with hardships, pain, and suffering. The Fall of Bataan is one of the highlights of World War II in the Philippines and this painting is a skillful depiction of the struggles that Filipino soldiers went through during those times.
You might laugh but this image reminded me of one of my favorite TV series, The Walking Dead.
5. Española by Fabian De La Rosa
Fabian De La Rosa was a Filipino painter and an uncle and mentor to the national artist Fernando Amorsolo. Bigatin!
Painted in Madrid in 1928, this oil painting was just one of De La Rosa’s many paintings of women portraits. It is impressive, for sure, but what struck me most was how much the woman resembles local celebrity Shaina Magdayao.
6. Cubist paintings by Vicente Manansala in the Philam Life Hall
Vicente Manansala, a National Artist of the Philippines in Visual Arts, was a master cubist painter and illustrator. He was commissioned by Philam Life in the 1960s to create seven large paintings for its building in UN Avenue in Manila. This set of rural-themed, cubist paintings from the Philam Life Collection are now on loan to the National Museum for the public to enjoy.
As I’ve said, I’m not an art expert. But there’s something about Manansala’s works that touched me. They’re so distinct (I would later learn that Manansala had his own transparent cubist style which was different from his contemporaries) and colorful and symbolic. Traditional Filipino symbols like the carabao, rooster, and harana were used to show Filipino life and development.
7. Planting of the First Cross by Vicente Manansala
Another fascinating work from Vicente Manansala, this oil painting from 1965 depicts the planting of the first cross in Cebu in 1521 with Ferdinand Magellan, Spanish soldiers, and the natives with intricate tattoos known as pintados. This cross can still be found in a special kiosk near Basilica del Santo Niño in Cebu City.
Planting of the First Cross is not just aesthetically beautiful – it is also an important work of art for it shows a vital piece of Philippine history.
8. Palette of Masters by Romulo Galicano
This piece of wood is not a palette of masters for nothing. First owned by national artist Carlos “Botong” V. Francisco, it was passed down to another national artist Fernando Amorsolo and then to three prominent artists, Emilio Aguilar Cruz, Sofronio Ylanan Mendoza, and Romulo Galicano. If this hardwood could talk, it probably would have a lot of stories to share about its talented masters.
In 1997, the palette was cleaned and painted over by Galicano to commemorate its special provenance and as a special gift to his wife Christy.
9. Lantaka of War and Peace
Lantaka is a small swivel gun or cannon made of brass. They were mounted in sea vessels or high regions for protection during enemy attacks or to participate in the attacks. But some lantakas are also used as decoration.
What’s interesting about these lantakas is that some of them were manufactured from molten church bells. An irony and a perfect illustration of how something can both be used for war and peace.
10. Pandanan Shipwreck
In 1993, suba divers from a pearl farm discovered large ceramic jars off the coast of Pandanan Island in Palawan. Underwater archaeologists revealed the presence of a Southeast Asian (presumed to be traveling from either Vietnam or Southern China) trading vessel loaded with tradeware ceramics, dating to the 15th century.
This diorama illustrates how an underwater expedition is done. Isn’t it cool?
There are more interesting and fascinating pieces in the National Museum that are truly worth checking out. I recommend dropping by one weekend and absorbing the culture and history that comes with these works of art.
Have you been to the National Museum of the Philippines? What are your favorite pieces?
