Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Visit the National Museum of the Filipino People--It's Marvelous!

[Invitation via email from my old friend JOHN SILVA who deserves just an awful lot of credit for the marvelous work he's done at the National Museum of the Filipino People. We're so proud of you John!!]
(FYI, DUE TO DEMAND, MAY 2ND May 10th May 17th May 18 and May 24th, ARE ADDITIONAL DATES FOR THE TOUR)

Dear friends,

If you haven't been on a tour of the National Museum, well, here's your chance. You'll be pleasantly surprised at how beautiful the museums are (the former Finance Building and the former Legislative Building) with its extensive renovation inside yet keeping with its neo-Federal Style architecture outside.

There's fifteen galleries in the Museum of the Filipino people (formerly Finance) to explore our archaeological past and our anthropological present. The highlight of is of course four galleries devoted to the 1994 recovery of the Spanish galleon San Diego. It's treasures give insights to the incredible 300 year trade that linked us to the Americas. We’ll also see the current temporary exhibits in the museum.

The former Legislative Building, now the National Gallery of Art, will be another formidable encounter as we journey through 200 years of Filipino arts and sculpture in seven galleries. The most spectacular sight is the gigantic and original rendering The Spoliarium by Juan Luna. We pause here to appreciate and learn how this masterpiece inspired our brave band of Filipino students in Madrid, including Jose Rizal, to alter their lives and helped in the formation of our nation.

John L. Silva has been Senior Consultant of the National Museum for close to ten years and has the most incredible stories and insights about the collection. He teaches arts education in an interesting and humorous manner and delights and inspires his audience to be proud of their culture and history.

Proceeds from the fees (700 pesos for adults, and 500 pesos for children up to 18 years) will go to John's I LOVE MUSEUM PROGRAM, which brings public school teachers to the National Museum and to their local museums, taught the importance of arts appreciation and transmit that information to their students. Studies show that an arts educated child raises their academic achievements, promotes love of reading, and makes them better citizens.

The tours are three hours in duration, and begins at 10:00 am sharp (ending at 1:00 pm) at the rear entrance of the Museum of the Filipino People, (former Finance Building) Agrifina Circle, Rizal Park. Attendees are requested to wear walking shoes and reservations are strongly encouraged by texting or calling John Silva at 0926 729 9029. The tours will be held April 5, 19th, 26th and May 2, 10, 17, 18, and 24, 2008.

An attached PDF is an announcement and please pass this on to your friends.

See you at the National Museum.

John L. Silva

4 comments:

mesiamd said...

My last visit to the National Museum (NM) was decades ago when I was still a student. I kept an endearing memory of the place which to me is a hallowed ground of the Filipino soul.

It's exciting to know that NM is brought to life again. Filipinos of all ages will certainly benefit from it. But wait. Are the precious collections still intact? Or have they been carted by thieves? These queries I base on an article I read years ago about losses in NM.

I wonder why NM doesn't have a free-admissions day which happens in some excellent museums in Europe. I think giving this day to the people will help accelerate their education, instill cultural pride in their history, and reach out to those who can't afford.

Deany Bocobo said...

I think the normal entrance fee is the price of good meal in a very reasonable restaurant, not fast food but not fancy hotel either. And much more uhmm nutritious!

The Nashman said...

Great! Will definitely pay a visit.

Unknown said...

Hi Deanie,

Just want to respond to one of the comments. The National Museum is free on Sundays for the general public. It has always been free since we instituted fees ten years ago.

Cheers

John L. Silva