When was the last time you've ever visited a place of culture, a museum maybe? Or have you ever visited a museum at all?
When I was in elementary grade, we would have those yearly field trips to the musuems, zoo, and the like. Sadly, those didn't impact on me much (maybe because everything was in a rush). What made a firmer effect on me was when my parents would bring my sister and I, at our own leisurely pace, to very interesting places (no, not the malls) such as Intramuros, old churches and houses of heroes like Jose Rizal on weekends or during our vacation trips in the province. You see, my parents are both educators and being so, they're very keen to share with us the value of history and culture. I still remember those trips to Fort Santiago where my dad would sort of "lecture" about the history of our independence -- our "kasarinlan"--, he would say (sounds so much like the Filipino teacher that he is). It was a great growing up experience.
Up to now, I still love to appreciate the arts. I love reading about history, attending concerts of classical artists, singing Kundiman songs, kahit it sounds sort of corny. In college, I was so fortunate to go tour the
Vatican museums and the major cathedrals in Rome. I totally raved about it. It really me gave a different kind of high that I wish everyone in the world would come and see it personally. My sister has been Rome too a few years back. And just last year, our dear tatay (after so much prodding from us) was also able to go there where he got a full dosage of culture (too bad, my mom only saw Rome from Heaven). Anyway, on a side trip to Spain, I was also able to see the
Prado Museum and El Escorial in Madrid and other historical places and churches in Barcelona, Segovia, Avila and Pamplona (and in case you're wondering, this is not paid blogging LOL). It was a super unforgettable cultural experience. I wish I have pics to share...maybe next time (need to scan them first).
Just recently, my sister asked me if we can re-visit Ayala Museum on the day before she leaves to go back to Iloilo. Of course, I said yes! I haven't been back to Ayala Museum in years and I think so many Makati people like me have never ever tried stepping inside those walls even if they pass through there every single day. True?
The last time I was in
Ayala Museum, I think it was our parents who brought us there. It was still in the old building along Makati Avenue. Today, the museum is sitting beside the posh Greenbelt, waiting to be discovered by those needing some reflection, retrospection and art appreciation in life.
For only 150 pesos, you get a dose of the water art from Juvenal Sanso.You also get a summary of Philippine history from the dioramas and model-scale maritime vessels. In the 3rd floor, you can view the traditional costumes in the paintings of featured artist Damian Domingo. You can also see the original works of maestro Juan Luna, Fernando Amorsolo and reknowned artist Fernando Zobel. The tour ends with an entertaining lights and sounds production of the more recent events in Philippine history such as the People Power and the change into democracy. Plus they also have a nice quaint museum shop where you can get affordable souvenir items. Doesn't 150 pesos sound cheap for all these cultural gems?
Here's me and my sis posing in-between the replica of the works of Damian Domingo (cameras aren't allowed inside but we were able to sneak some shots here):
Some people may find visiting a museum rather odd and uninteresting. But all I can say is, if a person tries to learn more about culture and history, he will be able to see his self with more dignity, see others with more respect and see his country or the world with more understanding. It will help you to view the bigger picture and realize that all things happen in your life, in other people's lives and in all the events in our the country and the world (good or bad) because of a special reason and not just by mere accident or coincidence. We also see and be grateful to the big "MAN" up there who has gifted these wonderful artists and leaders with talent to be able to let the others see the beauty of the world through their works of art. So, I guess cultural trip(ping) is not a waste a time, no, not at all.
After leaving Ayala Museum, we decided to stroll around Greenbelt first. One may not notice it but there are also a bunch of nice things to rave about in Greenbelt (and it's not just the new Keihl's in Greenbelt 5, hehe). We found a group of cute ducks swimming around the area near the chapel plus some wonderful fishes in the pond. The Greenbelt chapel was also decorated for the Christmas season with taste. Kudos to Ayala Land for making Greenbelt such a relaxing place to be in.
We got a little hungry walking around so we had some mango crepe (Deja Vu flavor) and strawberry shake at Cafe Breton afterwards.
Then we went to do some last-minute Christmas shopping (it was December 22). After that, what's a better way to end the night but with a sumptuous dinner (with a free back massage!) at Oody's. Yumm-o! Until our next cultural bonding session, Ate! See you again in a few weeks when we go there in Iloilo!
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