National Museum: A Place for Forgotten History

If you have the entire day to spend in central Manila, a side trip to the nearby Intramuros walled city sounds like a good plan as well.  National Museum, a cultural heritage of the Filipino people and the natural history of the Philippines – where, works of art, specimens, and cultural and historical artifacts representative are being showcased, is the one of top destinations for primary level educational trips. It is the great place to feed, not only your eyes, but also your mind with the rich culture and history of our country. IT is comprised of two separate buildings stationed along Padre Burgos Avenue, Manila. It went through a major renovation in 2012 so much of the building looks and feels new. 

We really liked how they repainted the building to a lighter hue with an off white facade, which is neat and doesn’t go out of style. A ticket to the museum is priced at PHP 150 only – for the price of a grande Starbucks Frappucino, you can have access to a collection of 1,000+ fine art pieces, stunning archaeological pieces, and over 300,000 specimens of natural history pieces!

The National Art Gallery was originally designed as the public library by Ralph Harrington Doane, which explains the elegantly-decorated hall upon entering the museum.  More than the art and the exhibits, I liked how grand and voguish the edifice of the museum is, which sets the mood with its well-appointed structure, and polished marble aisle and arches. Aside from that, there are a lot of Instagram-worthy spots in the museum as well so you may want to check those out! 

The National Museum is also the home of Spoliarium, a massive painting depicting dying gladiators which is a renowned painting by Filipino artist Juan Luna that won the gold medal at the Madrid Exposición Nacional de Bellas Artes in 1884. 

This is the grand staircase of the old Senate. It is known for pre-nuptial shoots because of the elegant spiral staircase and vintage feel.

Juan Luna's last and unfinished painting, which he was working on before he died due to heart attack.

This is the Parisian life which is the last major artwork of Juan Luna. Different from the dark color of the academic palette, he used lighter colors and mood in this piece. A scene in a coffee shop in Paris with a lady - a prostitute and three men in their European Grabs, they were Juan Luna himself, Jose Rizal and Ariston Bautista Lin.

 

 

The museum is huge indeed. and 3 hours was not enough for us to visit the other building, where the artifacts and other historical pieces are placed. After this exploring the museum, we may say that we will come back there because it is not only educational but also entertaining. Of course, this is place where we can reminisce our history and culture so it is advisable for you to visit here.

by: Kate
Images source: Google

Exploring Intramuros

Aduana Street.

The Aduana Building.
https://intramuros2007.wordpress.com/2007/02/18/aduana/

This building is history.
Earthquakes from the past damaged the building, but it was reconstructed 2 years after the last earthquake that damaged the building. It was also damaged by the war, and again it was repaired and made it as the Central Bank until the Central Bank in Roxas blvd was build. But after a fire damaged it, the building got abandoned.

It's a such a nice building structure. It's just a waste that the building is now abandoned for a long time. However, according to my researchers it will be restored as the Archives for records of the Spanish colonial period. But the restoration started way back in 1996, such a long time ago.

Since the building is abandoned, people can't just go in and see the entire building. I think it's better that way, I don't think the building is safe to explore anyway. You can still appreciate it's structure though, by just simply looking at it.

Feel free to correct me if my researches are wrong.

Walk. Snap. Walk. 

Intramuros is the place for you if you are into history and stuffs from the past interests you.

When you visit Intramuros, I suggest for you to walk and see for yourself  how great the place is. Instead of riding the car, rent a pedicab. Believe me, if you think riding a car is much easier to go all around Intramuros, you are wrong. There are some roads that are narrow and one-way, it's a hassle to drive around on a road like that. Besides, pedicab drivers are all around Intramuros, it's their job to help you go all around places in Intramuros. Why not give them a hand by availing their package deals. And yes, they do have a package deal. A tour for an hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, and so on and so forth. I suggest you pick the best package deal where they take you to all the historic places of Intramuros. But you know what's more amusing ? The pedicab tour guides can speak in English. Amazing isn't it ? They said that after being on a job like that for years, they managed to speak in English fluently by touring foreigner customers.

 I'm amazed how these structures are still here despite how long it has been since it was build. These structures needs to be protected and preserved at all cost. It's such a nice medium to use for us to be able to look back in the past. As I've said, these structures are history. Structures that are older than us, than the new generation.

I'm impressed how the care takers manage to keep Intramuros clean, the place is quite big. It's not a spot clean place but you can consider it as cleaner than any other places around it.

Appreciate the view. Appreciate the history behind it. Take time to read the said events posted in every historic places in Intramuros. Actually, Instramuros as a whole is very historic. Be more appreciative to this kind of places, 'cause you'll never know until when we can see and explore places like this.

This one, by far, is my favorite thing around Intramuros. The smell of Plumeria. The scent of it is very addicting. I just craved for its scent for some reason, LOL. This ain't even a food though, why am I craving for it. Just so you know, it is also known as 'Kalachuchi' in tagalog. Cute name, isn't it ?

While I was in Intramuros, smelling the scent of Plumeria changed my mood. Probably because it has this scent of calmness or something. Flowers have different meanings, I just don't know what does Plumeria means. If you plan to visit Intramuros, please get me a Plumeria, just kidding. But I appreciate it if you'd literally get me one though. 

by: Jelai

Prayer for Traveling

O Father,

You are always there,
For your love reaches everywhere.
Above the clouds,
Beneath the sea,
I know you hand will cover me.
Through the darkened starry night.
Again at dawn when all is bright.
Upon the heavens, or over bridges,
Deepest valleys, rocky ridges.
You beside me, o so close,
Knowing when I need You most.

Through different lands of war or peace,
Where suffering stirs or riches twist
I choose to walk the path you tread.
And carry your wisdom where I'm led.
To leave your love in every place
I rest my head or dine or wait.
You keep me safe, watch over me.
I choose to put my trust in thee.


http://connectusfund.org/10-good-prayers-for-safe-travels

by: Jelai

WANDERLUST

/ˈwändərˌləst/
a strong desire for or impulse to wander or travel and explore the world.

WELCOME !

Hi ! Welcome to our blog, Leaf Peepers ! Leaf peeper is a term for someone who visits particular places. We, aspiring travelers, globetrotters in the making, post about the places we've been to and the places we with to go to. We start conquering our lovely hometown, Philippines before we emphasize different countries.