I Want to Go to the 1st National Museum in Cebu City

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PhilStar

August is often called Buwan ng Wika though I want to call it Month of the Culture instead. Buwan ng Wika is often used to showcase various Filipino dances. With that in mind, I think the cultural month gives me the feeling to explore more of my country's history. I remembered visiting the University of San Carlos' museum when I was nine years old. I studied at USC-Downtown Campus and took my bachelor's degree and master's degree there. The USC museum was a fun memory. However, I think going to a much bigger museum than what USC or Casa Gorordo could offer might be more fun.


Here are the guidelines from the Facebook page. Back when I was nine, I remembered we were told not to take photos. I assumed that it was for confidential reasons or because flash photography can deteriorate old artifacts. Here are some rules to follow and what to leave behind in your car. Hopefully, they will have a baggage counter and I'm afraid not bringing an umbrella can be an inconvenience though. They are closed on Mondays but open on Sundays for a reason. 

Here's what I should expect according to the Philippine Star:

'Kinaiyahan: Cebu’s Natural Wonders' of Gallery 1

The first gallery features rare geological features, including some unfamiliar plant and animal species endemic to the place.

'Ang Karaang Sugbo ug ang mga Kabiling Bahandi' of Gallery 2

The Gallery 2, on the other hand, features significant archaeological finds that would further educate visitors about the history of Cebu, and others related to the Philippines.  

'Paglawig: Cultural Movement Across the Seas' of Gallery 3

The third gallery highlights the exhibit of sustained ethnographic traditions inculcated in maritime history and industry. 

'The Philippine Center New York Core Collection of 1974' of Gallery 4

The fourth gallery brought the collection of the Philippine Center in New York to Cebu, featuring artworks of leading Filipino artists in the early 1970s.  

'Ang Kamamugnaon ug Kinaadman ni Maestro Tinong' of Gallery 5

The Gallery 5 contains the work of famed Cebuano artist Martino “Tinong” Abellana, dubbed as the “Dean of Cebuano Painters.”

Abellana, a central figure in the development of most Cebuano artists, generously opened his home to the children of Carcar and shared his kamamugnaon (creativity) and kinaadman (genius) with generations of Cebuano artists for more than four decades.

The exhibit is a tribute to his work as it showcases a selection of his works, including sketches, portraits, abstract paintings, and landscapes, pooled from the Abellana family and private collectors.  

I may not be taking any graduate school degree in anthropology or history. I did almost take AB History at one point. Hopefully, I can go there before August ends to write my Buwan ng Wika posts. 

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