Jump to: Introduction | Marikina Shoe Museum | National Museum of the Filipino People | National Museum of Fine Arts
Introduction
Today is a boring day! Question is: "Anu ang magandang gawin kapag wala kang magawa?" Sagot: " Pinturahan ang buong bahay gamit ang cutix." Pero wala akong cutix. Hanap nalang ako ng ibang pag-didikkitahan. So, after washing my clothes, syempre isinampay ko muna, naligo ako, at nagbihis. Then, without itinerary, my initial plan was to visit all the museums in Metro Manila including, Ayala Museum in Makati City, Eh mahal ang entrance doon, so it ended up visiting Marikina Shoe Museum (with 50 pesos entrance) and the two buildings of the National Museum of the Philippines with FREE Admission. Libre, aarte kapa?? Tara na!!
Marikina Shoe Museum
My first stop was at the Marikina City Footwear Museum, where 800 out of 3000 pairs of Imelda's shoe collection are displayed. They are preserved and treated with value by the Marikina government. Many of these pairs are international brands such as Ferragamo, Givenchy, Chanel, Christian Dior, Charles Jourdan, and Bally. Kung anu pagbasa sa mga brands na yan, i Google nyo nalang. Hindi ko rin alam. Of course, the prominent local brands like Rustans, Jemelyn's, and Marlet are also on display and can compete with those international brands.
There are photos of Imelda Marcos, with different world leaders, taken from various world events, hanging on the walls highlighted with her elegant shoes collection. Did you know that an average of 10 pairs of shoes were given to her by the local shoemakers per week? Ulitin ko ah, per week. And yes, it's true sabi ng mga sources. When Imelda was still the First Lady, she is active in promoting the shoe industry of Marikina City. Kaya malapit sa kanya ang shoemaker's ng Marikina.
After my shoe-rific and imeldific visit to the Marikina Shoes Museum, my next stop was the National Museum of the Philippines in Manila. So beside the museum, I rode a jeepney with a "Pasig Palengke" signboard and alighted in Ligaya. From Ligaya, another jeepney ride to LRT 2 Santolan station, then, a train ride to Recto Station. Crossed the bridge to Doroteo Jose LRT Line 1 Station, took another train and alighted at the United Nations Station. From there, I walked on the streets of Rizal Park to the National Museum of Anthropology.
National Museum of the Filipino People
Inside the National Museum of the Filipino People or Building of Anthropology, I found a collection of historical artifacts dug and discovered underground, caves, shipwrecks, and other places. There are burial jars, bowls, plates, candle holders, mortars and pestles, vases, and other things used centuries ago. Others are personal collections of old coins, paintings, cabinets and many others.
Manunggul Jar
The Manunggul Jar is one of the Philippines’ most important archaeological treasures, symbolizing ancient beliefs about death and the soul’s journey to the afterlife. Discovered in Palawan’s Manunggul Cave, it dates back to around 890–710 BCE and is celebrated for its artistry and spiritual symbolism.
Banton Burial Cloth
Cloth and garments are also being used as funeral attire and one of this discovery is Banton Burial Cloth, the oldest surviving textile in the Philippines and the earliest known warp ikat fabric in Southeast Asia, dating back to the 13th–15th century. Discovered in a cave on Banton Island, Romblon in 1939, it is a rare cultural treasure that reflects ancient weaving traditions and burial practices. Today, there are burial practices where they use the ancient style of burial cloths in the Cordilleras and Abra provinces.
This is my third visit at the Building of Anthropology. I can't explain why my focus went to the fabrics, textiles, garments and other ensembles hand woven by the ethnic groups like the photo above, an example of an improvised weaver made of wood, manually controlled by the talented weavers to create a spectacular pattern and design.
The embroidery, colors, and designs on a costume signify the luxurious and the grandeur living of the wearer as it emphasizes their social status. One of these is the Inaul Cloth of Maguindanao. Photo above is another example of a hand-woven cloth made from different kind of fibers.
Loren Legarda's Collection of the finest local dresses is one of the must-see collections at the Building of Anthropology. Left: Mandaya ensemble being worn on a special occasion. Upper garment is made of commercial cotton and dyes, embroidered and embellished with beads and old coins. Lower garment: woven abaca and synthetic dyes. Third from the Left: are Aklanon-inspired Baro at Bolero and Baro at Panuelo made of woven pina, dye, sequins, and beads. Rightmost is a Maranao-inspired ensemble made of commercial cotton and embroidered with okir designs.
After that, I headed to my next destination. Ilang kembot lang naman.
National Museum of Fine Arts
My last destination was the Old Senate Building, just a few meters away from the Anthropology Building. It is where the prominent artworks of Juan Luna, Fernando Amorsolo, Guillermo Tolentino, Felix Ressurrecion Hidalgo and many other local's artisans are on display. Each of the paintings and sculptures are properly preserved to make sure that future generation can still see them. Photo Above: Spoliarium by Juan Luna. Taken on May 7, 2016.
The sculptures on display and the paintings hanging on the walls were created by an award-winning Filipino artist. Each of the artworks has its unique designs, curves, and sketches that are stunning and cannot be replicated because of their value; a clear proof that we Filipinos are talented in different ways.
Summary
My solo travel from the Shoe Capital to National Museum was rewarding kahit napak init sa labas mag-lalakad-lakd. Nakakatuwa ding makita na napakaraming tao ang pumipila papasok - malaking bagay din ang Free Entrance sa mga lugar na ito. Wag kayong mayamot sa mahabang pila because it's a good indicator na, despite of the latest technology na nasa palad ng karamihan, marami parin ang gusto makita ng actual ang mga treasures ng Pilipinas. I encourage everyone to visit the National Museum of the Philippines and its branches nationwide.
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