inspired

I think it's sad that many of us Filipinos go abroad and manage to see most of the galleries out there, but very few of us have actually been to our very own National Museum of Art.

I will never forget the first time I visited the place. My girlfriends and I were in for a day of being total art and culture dweeblings, as we were going to visit the National Museum of Art, the Ayala Museum, have lunch at an authentic balikbayan-favorited restaurant (Sentro) for some yummy corned beef sinigang, and even pass by the "Park" (Paco Park) where they hold those well-loved Concerts at the Park. Our first stop, was, of course, the much-anticipated National Museum of Art, and it did not disappoint at all.

The door was opened for us by the curator, and at the end of a long hall we saw THE Spoliarium. Eds and I, surprised, and probably hypnotized, by the sudden appearance of such an awe-inspiring sight, immediately RAN towards it. Cherie, surprised by this sudden burst of energy, half-ran behind us, just as the curator, lagging behind her, opened her mouth to ask in a bewildered tone: "Uhm... anong school kayo galing? (What school do you come from?)"

Not surprisingly, the three of us sat in front of the beautiful painting for an hour. It was larger than I expected, and held more emotion than my young heart could feel. Still, in front of that painting, and surrounded by more paintings from Juan Luna, Fernando Amorsolo, Felix Resureccion Hidalgo and other national artists, I felt that I was part of something much, much bigger than myself. Art truly is inspired.

Visit the National Museum of Art at Padre Burgos St., Ermita 1000 Manila. Entrance fees are waived on Sundays, I think ;) Dial (63) 2-494450, 2-494440, 2-481427 for more details!