The University of the Philippines (UP) is considered the top University in the country. Popular for being a school for lower income family but also now also a choice school for family belonging in the upper class. Aside from a home of intelligent kids, it is also a place for endless food trips. A trip to UP is incomplete without trying the famous isaw ni Mang Larry and the Devil's Cake at Chocolate Kiss. A photo with the famous Oblation statue is also part of the to-do-list. However, when I want to my Alma Mater last week I have put in my list the visit at Vargas Museum. In my four years of attending graduate school I wasn't able to get a chance to visit Vargas Museum.
You can never miss Vargas Musem when riding the ikot jeep. Its prominent landmark are the huge sculpture of chicken feet found in front of the building. Aside from that, there are other statues surrounding the museum. Outside the museum is also a cafe.
The museum is open from Tuesay to Saturday from 9AM to 5PM. The entrance to the museum is not free however the fee is not to expensive. UP students, faculty, employees and alumni has to pay P20.00 while the regular rate for non-UP is P30.00. Every Wednesday admission is free for UP students, alumni, employees and faculty. Unintentionally, I went there on a Wednesday so I get a free pass. I just showed them my school ID.
The museum was named after Jorge Vargas, the country's first Executive Secretary. He donated his collections of arts, stamps , personal paper and even his library to the University in 1978. All his collections were first placed in his residence in Mandaluyong and in 1986 the transfer of his collections to Diliman campus started. The museum was formally inaugurated by President Corazon Aquino in February 22, 1987.
The second floor of the museum holds his collections. His collection mainly consists of oil paintings, watercolors, pastels, drawings and sculpture. Unfortunately, taking of pictures are not allowed in this area.
Two exhibits are currently on view at the Vargas Museum. First is the Crux of Things by Ernest Concepcion that was open last June 17 and will run until July 17, 2014. The Crux of Things shows the dynamics of religion and what people idolizes. I can say that it takes really hard work to finish his art. Instead of using the ordinary like acrylic or watercolor paint on canvas or paper, Ernest Concepcion used enamel and acetate as medium for his works. The Crux of Things is located on the Ground floor of the museum.
At the third level of the museum shows the rich Filipino mythology, folklore and legends. The is the second exhibit at the Vargas Museum. The stories behind our myths and legends has help us dream in our childhood. It has widen our imagination and has help us understand the lives of our elderly.
The painting below somehow reminds me of Lola Basyang. A famous Filipino character wherein the lola or grandmother tells stories to grandchildren. Of course, her stories are abut Filipino myths and legends that aims to teach children moral values.
Most popular subject of the painting is about Maria Makiling, the deity of a forest. In this painting, it tells the story of Maria Makiling after she learned that her lover has married a mortal woman. Based on the story, Maria Makiling only shows herself when the gale moon light shines in the night sky.
Legends are not always about the impossible or that story that came from the creative imaginations of our grandparents. There are legends that has made a name for themselves on their chosen career and has made a big impact. This is one of my painting in the exhibit. Eugene Torre, because of his greatness and ability to inspire other he has become a legend.
Aside from paintings there are also sculptures in the exhibit. There are scultpture about the "Tikbalang" and of the "Mananaggal".
The museum was named after Jorge Vargas, the country's first Executive Secretary. He donated his collections of arts, stamps , personal paper and even his library to the University in 1978. All his collections were first placed in his residence in Mandaluyong and in 1986 the transfer of his collections to Diliman campus started. The museum was formally inaugurated by President Corazon Aquino in February 22, 1987.
The second floor of the museum holds his collections. His collection mainly consists of oil paintings, watercolors, pastels, drawings and sculpture. Unfortunately, taking of pictures are not allowed in this area.Two exhibits are currently on view at the Vargas Museum. First is the Crux of Things by Ernest Concepcion that was open last June 17 and will run until July 17, 2014. The Crux of Things shows the dynamics of religion and what people idolizes. I can say that it takes really hard work to finish his art. Instead of using the ordinary like acrylic or watercolor paint on canvas or paper, Ernest Concepcion used enamel and acetate as medium for his works. The Crux of Things is located on the Ground floor of the museum.
At the third level of the museum shows the rich Filipino mythology, folklore and legends. The is the second exhibit at the Vargas Museum. The stories behind our myths and legends has help us dream in our childhood. It has widen our imagination and has help us understand the lives of our elderly.
Most popular subject of the painting is about Maria Makiling, the deity of a forest. In this painting, it tells the story of Maria Makiling after she learned that her lover has married a mortal woman. Based on the story, Maria Makiling only shows herself when the gale moon light shines in the night sky.
Mermaids are also subject of the exhibit. Of course, Dyesebel would never be left out. The art work below on the right is made of paper cut-outs.
This artwork is very much different form the other paintings. Entitled "Are You For Real?" is doen by using oil in metallic leaf with embossed metal. The title is very suitable because as we all know the question on the existence of mermaids is still unanswered.
Legends are not always about the impossible or that story that came from the creative imaginations of our grandparents. There are legends that has made a name for themselves on their chosen career and has made a big impact. This is one of my painting in the exhibit. Eugene Torre, because of his greatness and ability to inspire other he has become a legend.
Aside from paintings there are also sculptures in the exhibit. There are scultpture about the "Tikbalang" and of the "Mananaggal".
Below are some other paintings and artworks for the exhibit Filipino Myths and Legends.
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