Masterpiece

 by: Lesther Pangilinan (2KK Scholar)

Last September 2016, alongside with my co-scholars, we visited one of the famous museums in Metro Manila - the National Museum of the Philippines, located in Ermita, Manila.

The National Museum is an institution that is currently preserving the national collections made by infamous and famous painters, sculptors, writers and other artists, as well as contemporary ones. The National Museum has sections like the National Art Gallery, Museum of the Filipino People, Planetarium and the Regional Museum.

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The Museum gave us students the opportunity to see these precious artworks made by our fellow Filipinos. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to visit all of the sections I have mentioned. We just went to the Museum of the Filipino People and the main hall of the National Museum. Even so, I was very glad that these creations was collected and handled carefully, and I think that it is a good way to bring inspiration to young generations, when they see the works that have been made by their ancestors. I believe that it is also good to have these in display for every Filipino, and for other nationalities as well, showcasing our history and artworks done by our fellow men.

Seeing these pieces made my heart flutter with anticipation and excitement. I have wondered how people lived in the old times. Pondering what materials they used and how they used it. I was also astonished and confused by my own questions. And I even wondered if my drawings and writings could ever be displayed together with these creations.

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Lesther with the Sampaloc scholars and 2KK Mentors at the National Museum.

​During the tour, I happened to see that children and youth, even adults, were amazed by these works. I hope that it will give them hope to initiate something or to bring out the artist in them, let them dream big and inspire their fellow scholars, to have the confidence and to dream big. I also prayed that they can see the messages brought by the artworks. If the artists who contributed in the museum were to see us, I know very well that they are hoping and believing that we should aspire for more, not only just in the field of arts but also in every aspect of life. They must've wished that every one of us will pursue our dreams and will work with passion just like how they do with their masterpieces, with a smile in their faces.

Students, especially the young ones, should make time and visit these museums. It is very educational, scientific and a cultural trip that features ethnographic, anthropological, archaeological and visual artistry in the Philippines. I am hoping that these artworks be preserved and can be viewed by our descendants. Our tour was full of knowledge and liveliness. I hope this won’t be the last time I could visit these museums.

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