When In Manila, how do you tell of unsung heroism in a day and age where most Filipinos have lost faith in the political system and have succumbed into hopelessness with corruption abound.
Not so far from the metro, in San Pedro Laguna, is a lush garden that houses a museum which is meant to ignite a love for country, respect for the Filipino spirit and inspire hope for the future.
The museum is called the Salvador Laurel Musuem which is inside this place called Laurel’s Garden. It was made to honour the memory of the late Doy Laurel who is :
– Vice President of the Philippines from 1986 to 1992
– Aquino’s only Prime Minister
– A Martial Law Era Icon (Marcos Opposition leader fighting for democracy)
– Son of President Jose P. Laurel
– Father of 8
– Great love to Celia Laurel, his wife
When Ninoy Aquino was slain, for the sake of the country, he gave way to Cory Aquino to run for presidency. He continued to stand for selfless love of country until he passed away from cancer in 2004.
His wife, Celia Laurel granted Doy Laurel’s wish to build a library in their estate in San Pedro. A peaceful relaxing place on a hill where he used to meditate in nature a lot.
There is an interesting nature chapel there. In Laurel’s garden you will also discovering relaxing waterfalls. But more than that, the highlight which is the Salvador Laurel Museum is all about “Bayan Muna, Higit Sa Lahat”.
The interior is exactly how Doy Laurel’s office in Shaw Boulevard looked like. His memory definitely will not fade with memorabilia that celebrates the life of a man that fights for freedom. The mission of this museum is to inspire the youth with his passion for learning & love for country.
I was able to tour the estate with Celia and her son & daughter Cocoy and Lynnie. They tell of fond stories of Doy Laurel and the ideals he fought for.
It made me rethink of my own distorted view of our country and the government and how it felt good to be a proud Filipino that moment as we went through the museum and watched films about Doy Laurel. It was moving and reignited a sense of nationalism for me. And for Celia and her children, I know it still deeply touches them to watch this legacy left by Doy Laurel.
Doy Laurel is also quoted by many as the best president we never had. There is also a possibility that the country could be better off now if fate had taken a different turn.
When In Manila, and you need to find that sense of love for country, be proud to be Filipino, visit the Salvador Laurel Museum. It’s just 5 minutes away from Alabang, you’ll be surprised by what it can ignite in you.
Check out the Salvador Laurel Museum on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/DHLmuseum
Email : salvador@doylaurel.ph
Check out some everyday heroes too in this article.
