We're For Art Now, Romeo

I had seen Casa Manila on TV before I visited the museum. I was able to grasp the basic ideas of the different rooms and functions of some furniture and appliance, then was able to appreciate and feel the “old Manila” vibe when I visited. I could imagine my Lolos and Lolas in those rooms, taking their siesta, playing the piano, cooking in the pugon. Once again, I wanted to be transported back into that time. I really like that it was such an open house—that you could see the fountain in the middle. I think it reminded me of the house I grew up in, where there was a __(hallway thing)__, with a pond greeting you as you enter. There were also aparadors where our china was displayed, separate salas and kitchens. I remember my lolo telling me that one of the rooms in that house was used as his office. The rocking chairs reminded me so much of hot summer days, back when I was scared of it toppling over when I leaned too much.

I had fairly high expectations of the National Museum, hearing that it housed the epic Spoliarium. It was such a different feeling, looking around and seeing works of the masters.

The Spoliarium was everything it was cut out to be.

And the Manunggul Jar. Honestly, I did not expect this jar to be very special, but indeed it was! It was so intricate, even more if it weren’t a replica. It really did reflect how our ancestors thought so hard about life and it’s meaning. They knew how to respect life.

A few of my favorites were Marina en el Oriente, a watercolor painting by Juan Luna. It depicted a utopian Marina (I’m saying utopian because it looks nothing like Manila bay), I suppose it was his vision of his Manila at that time; Chuna Madrilena, Portrait of the Lady and La Parisienne (above), all women painted by Juan Luna. It was quite disappointing, that none of these were of the “Filipina”—brown skin and all. There was also a a fairly socially-relevant one that struck me by Hidalgo entitled Don Perez de Dasmarinas (below).

One thing I REALLY enjoyed about this museum was the gallery of antique jewelry they had in the basement. It reflected so much of our rich culture (figuratively and literally). It was displayed so well, of such importance, as those who wore them in the past. It really made me want to travel back in time to experience that culture. It made me proud that way back when, we were gifted with so much treasure, that we are very lucky to have that resource when everyone didn’t.

There were two Hidalgo paintings in the MET— one pictured above named Las virgenes Cristianas expuestas al populacho, meaning “Christian Virgins Exposed to the Populace.” As in every historically-related painting, this signified the hardships women went through with the Spaniards. They were not treated well, mush less their equivalent. They were seen only as objects, imprisoned by men at that time.

I also enjoyed the tactile exhibit they had at that time. There were carvings in wax, embossed portraits, etc. It was nice not knowing (or being paranoid) that an alarm would turn off at my slightest touch.

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Blockmates at the MET :)

The CCP was a museum in itself. Its museums did not have much “art” as housing a tradition of it. Entering the CCP felt like entering the Mecca of performing arts. I suddenly remembered all the theater productions I’ve seen, the Ballet performances I so eagerly admired as a child.

This was a necklace I found most interesting. I love the various textures, how the different patterns complement each other, just as it reflects the culture this belongs to.

I don’t really remember where these came from, but still being hung-over from Psych Testing classes, I wonder who or what the “artist” was thinking of while moulding this piece? They may be anitos, symbols of their family members, even a self portrait.

This is another I found so (for the lack of a better word) cool. I feel like it has its own attitude! It’s got that “I’m bored, I don’t care, angas” look on his face, which I really enjoy, with how it’s proportionately geometric, and modern, and tribal all at the same time.