Tayabas, Quezon—nestled in the heart of the Philippines—is where captivating stories of our nation’s heritage come alive. Since some of my childhood moments came from Pagbilao, I am familiar with Tayabas’ rich culture and heritage sites. As you wander through its charming streets, the echoes of untold tales fill the air. The Philippines, blessed with a tapestry of great heritage sites and stories, holds treasures waiting to be unveiled for this generation and the next.
Photo: NPF
One such treasure is the remarkable collection of over 150 ethnographic artifacts, meticulously curated by the Nayong Pilipino Foundation (NPF), now on display at the Casa Comunidad de Tayabas in Quezon Province. Housed within this historic building, the exhibition showcases a diverse range of items, including textiles, farming tools, ritual objects, hunting and warfare implements, and everyday domestic items. The foundation has cherished and preserved these treasures for over five decades.
Titled “Masaganang Ani” (Bountiful Harvest), the exhibit takes center stage as part of the vibrant Mayohan Festival, a celebration of abundant harvest in the city. NPF Executive Director, Gertie Duran-Batocabe, emphasizes that the exhibition celebrates Filipino creativity, shining a spotlight on the unique and masterful craftsmanship of indigenous groups from different “Nayon” (villages) across the country.
Photo: NPF
“It is time for the Filipino craftsman to tell his narrative,” Duran-Batocabe declares, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and honoring our diverse communities’ cultural heritage and artistic skills.
This exhibit marks the fifth installment of NPF’s traveling museum project, an initiative launched earlier this year to bring ethnographic collections closer to the general public. Duran-Batocabe shares her excitement, highlighting the auspicious timing of the exhibit coinciding with the most festive season in the City of Tayabas.
The exhibit, open until June 15, 2023, is made possible through the collaborative efforts of Nayong Pilipino Foundation, Oplan Sagip Tulay (OST) Tayabas, and the Local Government of Tayabas. Entrance to the exhibit is free, allowing visitors from all walks of life to immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines.
For more information about NPF’s upcoming exhibits, follow Nayong Pilipino Foundation on Facebook and Instagram, and prepare to embark on a captivating journey through the treasures of our nation’s past.
