2. Museo ni Apolinario Mabini — PUP
Why not spend Independence Day in the shoes of Apolinario Mabini? If you’re headed to the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, why not head down to the Museo ni Apolinario Mabini? There, much like in Bahay Nakpil-Bautista, you actually get to walk in the place that Mabini once inhabited—that’s right! As soon as you head here, you’ll be greeted by the house of Mabini that was once near Pasig River!
You read that right: this place was once near Pasig River! Channeling the Filipino spirit of bayanihan, Apolinario Mabini’s residence was transferred to its new home in PUP.
Although that means some parts of the house are refurbished, there are still rooms that are left completely untouched!
The kitchen is one such room. Catch a glimpse of the rooms of the past by visiting this house and get an idea of how Mabini used to live his domestic life.
When you’re done admiring the home, why not visit the actual museum adjacent to it? The Museo ni Apolinario Mabini has a lot of paraphernalia relating to our sublime paralytic.
Here, you’ll get to see what exactly was used by the revolutionaries and enemy soldiers alike to carry Mabini from one area to the other! It doesn’t stop there: the museum even placed great symbolism on each of the materials used in the duyan—bamboo, for instance, is reminiscent of how unwavering Mabini was. In the face of everyone turning against the country and each other, Mabini remained true to his principles—and that’s just one thing you can learn from this exhibit!
You’ll also get a chance to read some of the works he wrote!
You’ll also get a chance to use a stereoscope, which creates a three-dimensional image when you look into it!
I personally believe that Mabini’s one of the more underappreciated heroes of our country—at least, compared to big names such as Rizal and Bonifacio. This wing of the museum lets you catch a glimpse of the impact Mabini left even after the wars, and even after his death! You’ll be surprised and extremely humbled when you realize just how many people revere this truly amazing man.
The Museo ni Apolinario Mabini is also celebrating Philippine Environment Month by showcasing the A-Bao: Nut Art Exhibit!
Just like the Museo ng Katipunan, the Museo ni Apolinario Mabini is completely free to visit!
Museo ni Apolinario Mabini — PUP
PUP Main Campus, Anonas St., Sta. Mesa, Manila
Open: Tuesdays to Sundays, 8AM to 4PM
mabinishrinepup@gmail.com | Facebook: Museo ni Apolinario Mabini – PUP
For inquires, call (02) 522 1509
1. Ayala Museum
Among the most renowned museums in the Philippines, the Ayala Museum actually has a lot to offer regarding the country’s rich history. Unlike the other museums, which focus a lot on the heroes who fought for our independence, though, the Ayala Museum introduces you to a history you might not have known about!
For instance, in their permanent exhibit Gold of Ancestors, you’ll come to realize that the Philippines had a civilization and a culture prior to the Spaniard’s colonization!
Gold was an important part of our culture, and we were so incredibly skilled at it that we integrated it into our everyday lives. From jewelry pieces, to using it in our folk beliefs, to using it in burials—ancient Philippine civilizations had an incredible relationship with gold!
Pictures alone are not enough to capture how awe-inspiring these pieces are—you really have to see them in order to realize just how amazing our ancient culture is!
Before Spain, we already engaged in trade—and these ceramics are here to prove it! We already had such a rich way of life before the West conquered our country, and this is a history we shouldn’t forget!
But, of course, Independence Day wouldn’t be Independence Day if we don’t celebrate our hard-fought battles, and Ayala museum’s The Diorama Experience can give you a great and immersive overview of everything that’s happened to the country until the First People Power! And, if you’re up for it, you can even go through The Diorama Experience while playing a game! Just download their app, and you’re on your way to figuring out the mysteries that happened in our great history!
The Diorama Experience has it all—from the boats we used as sea-faring peoples, to the caves our ancestors lived in; from the first time Spain invaded our homeland, to the dioramas depicting how we had cannons even before they came here!
And if you’re up for something incredibly heart-wrenching (your patriotic heart cries for you), why not try their virtual reality installation? Here, you’ll witness the death of our national hero, Jose Rizal, three times. Yes, three—because just once isn’t enough heartbreak! It’s not everyday you get to experience being in the shoes of Rizal, and you can do so for only Php300 (Php425 if you’re not from the Philippines, and Php125 if you’re a student)!
Ayala Museum
Makati Avenue corner De La Rosa Street, Greenbelt Park, Makati City
Open: Tuesdays to Sundays, 9AM to 6PM
Facebook: Ayala Museum
So what are you waiting for? Indulge the Filipino within you, and spend your Independence Day learning about a huge aspect of yourself!