Manila Edifice

Time-travel in one day in Manila's National Museum

Were you able to partake in National Museum's "Museums & Galleries Month" last October 2012? If you did, then you probably enjoyed exploring the grounds since the entry to the official repository of the Philippines was offered for FREE. Yes, we got in for FREE! When I found out about this, it gave me and Rubel the opportunity to revisit the rich history of our country. I know that it's been years since I last stepped foot in this building in Manila. So I gathered all my museum-wandering-self just so I could taste what the 1900's edifice has to offer.


When we got to the museum that afternoon, several people were already clustered inside the receiving area. Rubel and I just left our bags and went scurrying to where the SPOLARIUM was --- at the Bulwagang Hidalgo at Luna. The Spolarium was a huge painting that Mr. Juan Luna finished in March 1884. 

Several rooms were also lined up for every floor that we visited. There were paintings, life-size sculptures, ancient manuscripts and a lot more interesting pieces. You can see below some of the most intriguing artifacts that we were able to see during our DIY tour.


If these photos weren't enough, then it would be best to experience firsthand what the National Museum has to offer. I assure you that most of the national treasures that you will find there will certainly keep you in awe.

Explore & Be Free!
Mai 

Budget Biyahera

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40 comments

  1. Mary jane Tauyan FitzsimmonsJanuary 26, 2013 at 1:44 PM

    i am stunned looking at those photos u took dear!! i have never been to a museum in the philippines and this is a good information for me to use next time! though, considering that i visited jose rizals house sounds very museum nrin hahah xx

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  2. Rochkirstin SantosJanuary 26, 2013 at 2:17 PM

    I have only been to the National Museum once, and that was many years ago (maybe when I was in high school). I do pass around this area lot when I commute to work every day. I have no time though to visit it again. :)

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  3. Franc RamonJanuary 26, 2013 at 2:18 PM

    Come to think of it, I've been to museums in other countries but not our own. It's great that you gave us a nice tour of the National Museum.

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  4. exlinkeventsJanuary 26, 2013 at 4:15 PM

    During my college days in PLM this is my sanctuary. One of the directors of the Museum is my professors and when we do plays we practice in one of the corners of the museum. Thank you for bringing me back the memories. Also, I am proud that the senate office is no longer inside the museum. Now we can go here and immerse ourselves about the greatness of our Nation's past.

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  5. ej leenJanuary 26, 2013 at 5:28 PM

    This is one of the places that each Filipino should visit. This will help boost awareness and love to our country and tradition. Surely, I'll visit this place and bring my pamangkins. Thanks Mai for this :)

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  6. Justin Vawter Greco T BuenaguaJanuary 26, 2013 at 5:53 PM

    I have never been there and it's a dream.. I really want to see Spoliarium myself.. it's an awesome art! and those colorful weaves.. they define our culture..

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  7. mark pogiJanuary 26, 2013 at 10:11 PM

    Good to know that other bloggers got inside the National Museum for free and picture taking was allowed.


    I had my share as well though sad to say I can only post 10 (out of 400+) pictures as my laptop crashed a few days back.


    And I'm looking forward to go back there and take again pictures of my lost collection.

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  8. The City RoamerJanuary 26, 2013 at 11:10 PM

    Too bad I'm not aware of this. I would have jumped at the opportunity right away. i love the stuff you featured, especially those paintings. Nice shot on the last photo :)

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  9. Donald PagulongJanuary 27, 2013 at 12:02 AM

    Ganayan na ba ang National museum ngayon.. ha..ha..ha... pwede na pala na maging part ako ng exhibit dyan, Almost 40 years na akong huling nakapunta riyan.. But going to museums is fun specially kung time traveler ka.

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  10. R.O.M.E.L.O.January 27, 2013 at 1:04 AM

    I've never seen the Spolarium in person but is it really that BIG? O_o all I can say is WOW, that's definitely worth to see...

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  11. iheartgiveawaysJanuary 27, 2013 at 11:59 AM

    How I wish I could also spend a day at the musuem. I'm currently out of the metro kasi and when I'm in Manila, I only have three days to do the things I need :) Thanks for sharing the beautiful photos. -Algene

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  12. Jan-Jan DefanteJanuary 27, 2013 at 12:32 PM

    It's almost 5 years since we came there .. it's really cool to see our country's history and treasure. I really enjoyed the time when I came in our National Museum.

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  13. jsncruzJanuary 27, 2013 at 5:51 PM

    This is a bit embarrassing to admit, but I have never been inside this museum :(

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  14. Ness MercaderJanuary 28, 2013 at 12:49 AM

    I cant remember the last time ive been to this place. I think, it was when i was still in elementary. What a shame. But looking at your pics, the place seems to be pretty well preserved and managed.

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  15. Claire RafolsJanuary 28, 2013 at 10:28 AM

    I've never been to this place. Hope to visit it soon.


    http://www.mommyhopeful.info

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  16. Sumi GoJanuary 29, 2013 at 1:09 PM

    I've only been inside the National Museum once and I can't wait to go back again! :) We explored the galleries in quite a hurry, so a next trip is really in order.

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  17. lovemindanaoJanuary 31, 2013 at 9:27 AM

    hi mai... getting to the National Museum was the activity I missed during my last visit .. got an invitation from the curator but time did not permit .. It was nice the taking photos was allowed inside ... before bawal ...

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  18. Budget BiyaheraMay 28, 2013 at 3:29 PM

    Astig noh? Try to visit the National Museum on your next trip back here. :)

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  19. Budget BiyaheraMay 28, 2013 at 3:29 PM

    True! :)

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  20. Budget BiyaheraMay 28, 2013 at 3:31 PM

    May changes na din sa National Museum, pero for the better.. may mga rooms na under construction last time I went pero it was to further beautify and organize the place. :)

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  21. Budget BiyaheraMay 28, 2013 at 3:31 PM

    The best thing yet is to explore it firsthand. Visit ka soon, Franc! :)

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  22. Budget BiyaheraMay 28, 2013 at 3:32 PM

    I couldn't agree more! And thank you for sharing that bit of your past, Sir Orly. :) Interesting..

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  23. Budget BiyaheraMay 28, 2013 at 3:33 PM

    Surely! Glad I was able to engage you into bringing your pamangkins sa National Museum. Sana ma-appreciate nila. :)

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  24. Budget BiyaheraMay 28, 2013 at 3:33 PM

    Exactly! Believe me, mesmerizing and Spolarium! :)

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  25. Budget BiyaheraMay 28, 2013 at 3:33 PM

    Sayang naman! But at least may natira. :)

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  26. Budget BiyaheraMay 28, 2013 at 3:34 PM

    Thank you for noticing City Roamer. :)

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  27. Budget BiyaheraMay 28, 2013 at 3:34 PM

    hahaha! grabe ka naman tay! And 40 years.. time to revisit the museum then! :)

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  28. Budget BiyaheraMay 28, 2013 at 3:35 PM

    Yes, the painting is really big and more! :)

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  29. Budget BiyaheraMay 28, 2013 at 3:35 PM

    I hope you get to visit the National Museum on your next Manila trip.. kahit a few hours lang, solb kana! :)

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  30. Budget BiyaheraMay 28, 2013 at 3:35 PM

    Indeed! :)

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  31. Budget BiyaheraMay 28, 2013 at 3:36 PM

    Were you able to visit the National Museum? :)

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  32. Budget BiyaheraMay 28, 2013 at 3:36 PM

    Time to explore it, Jason! Promise, masaya magexplore sa loob. Daming matututunan. :)

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  33. Budget BiyaheraMay 28, 2013 at 3:38 PM

    The museum actually had a few closed areas then since renovation was taking place. For preservation purposes din siguro yun.

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  34. Budget BiyaheraMay 28, 2013 at 3:38 PM

    Okay..

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  35. Budget BiyaheraMay 28, 2013 at 3:39 PM

    Try to allot at least a day para maExplore mo lahat ng rooms. :)

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  36. Budget BiyaheraMay 28, 2013 at 3:40 PM

    I think allowed lang siya nung galleries month -- taking photos that is. I'm not sure if they'll allow it now. Super lucky lang na narinig ko toh kaya nakabalik rin ulit. :) Next balik mo ng Manila, dalaw kana sa National Museum. :)

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  37. Budget BiyaheraMay 28, 2013 at 10:38 PM

    Oh great.

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  38. Budget BiyaheraJuly 7, 2013 at 3:18 PM

    I am not a historically inclined person but a visit to the National Museum had also made my day some years back. It sparked nationalism in me :D Nice shots you have here Mai :)

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  39. Budget BiyaheraOctober 8, 2014 at 10:14 PM

    Spolarium is great, I'll visit the museum again next month with my husband. Love the Filipino masterpiece

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  40. Budget BiyaheraOctober 8, 2014 at 10:15 PM

    Time travelling through the days the nation had been. cool!

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