If you’ve found your way to this blog post as a fellow homeschooler, a warm welcome to you! Within these digital pages, I share insights into our homeschooling journey, offering tips derived from hands-on experiences, chronicling our travels, and delving into the realms of art and science.
In today’s entry, I’m excited to share our family’s overall impressions of the Ayala Museum and why we wholeheartedly recommend it to fellow homeschooling enthusiasts. If you’ve already had the opportunity to explore the museum, this article might not be tailored to your experience. However, if the Ayala Museum is yet to be on your list, I encourage you to read on as I share snapshots of the enriching encounters that await inside and explain why this cultural gem has earned a special place in our hearts!
Embracing a holistic approach to learning, our family actively seeks opportunities to connect with our country’s rich tapestry through cultural shows and museum tours, fostering an appreciation for diverse experiences. Our educational excursions extend beyond traditional confines, involving simple yet profound activities like commuting to new destinations, savoring dishes from recently opened eateries, and leisurely walks through different locales.
Reflecting on the early months of this year, our children had the privilege of attending two captivating concerts by the UP Symphony Orchestra, embarked on their fourth exploration of the National Museum, navigated the Metro Manila cityscape through train rides, indulged in the underwater wonders of snorkeling in Coron, marveled at the blooming of the JC Vine in UP (as captured in the photo below), a rare occurrence after many years of dormancy, and engaged in a myriad of other enriching experiences.
Despite the term “home” in homeschooling, our classes transcend the confines of indoor spaces, seamlessly blending both indoor and outdoor settings to create a dynamic and immersive learning environment for our family.
The day after we visited the Van Gogh Alive show, we took a train ride to Makati for a tour of its famous museum, the Ayala Museum.
Why visit the Ayala Museum?
While we frequently encounter narratives about the wealth and cultural advancement of our ancestors prior to the arrival of the Spaniards, the tangible evidence of their prosperity is sometimes elusive. Have you ever attempted to express yourself in Baybayin, one of our primary historical scripts? Or explored the intricacies of the textiles they wove or the potteries they traded for goods? If not, the Ayala Museum provides a captivating opportunity to witness these facets of our heritage firsthand. It offers a unique and enriching experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in the material culture that shaped the richness of our history.
On the highest floor, our entire family was guided into a viewing room where a concise video provided insightful background information on the formation of the Philippine archipelago. The narrative delved into the geological forces that not only shaped the landscape but also laid the foundation for early gold mines in the country. This, in turn, explained how our ancestors, particularly the affluent ones, adorned themselves with exquisite artisan gold jewelry, masks, regalia, and more.
The accompanying slideshow offers glimpses of some of the remarkable golden exhibits, featuring Ian alongside these treasures.
The third floor of the museum proudly exhibits Juan Luna’s long-lost masterpiece, “Hymen, oh Hyménée!” or “Roman Wedding.” This particular artwork played a pivotal role in propelling him to the status of a Master Artist. Unfortunately, during the Spanish occupation of the Philippines, Luna faced a smear campaign in Europe due to the war, leading to the spread of black propaganda against him. Some of his works were even presumed to have been removed from galleries during this tumultuous period.
Remarkably, it’s only in recent times that Luna’s artistic brilliance is being celebrated once again, as highlighted in a video we watched at the museum. The reemergence of his genius serves as a testament to the enduring value of his contributions to the art world.
For a detailed description of this artwork, you can refer to the accompanying article.
Among the four galleries we explored, my personal favorite—and surprisingly, my youngest son’s as well—was the collection of dioramas featuring clay sculptures and paintings that vividly portrayed scenes from the pre-Hispanic period (Rock Age) to the present day. I found immense pleasure in each scene, appreciating the meticulous attention to detail in every diorama. Take a look at the cat below; it’s just one example of the captivating elements that added to the overall richness of the experience.
xoxo
Discover more from The Fabulous Scientist
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
The Fabulous Scientist 
One of my regrets is not being able to visit these places in the Philippines. I also wish that field trips included museums rather than the soda plant and the ice cream plant! Oh well
LikeLike
Oh my gosh, I also remember the field trips to soda and ice cream plants. Haha! The only memorable field trip I had was the visit to the paper mill in Valenzuela and water filtration plant that was then located in Quezon City (it’s now in Pasig). I do hope you get to go home to PH and visit the museums. They have improved a lot!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I bet! And I suppose I will be more fascinated now than before, too. I went to the London Museum and was really excited to look at all the relics from the Roman occupation, etc..
I remember visiting a museum in Manila for a kasaysayan class. That was interesting. We went to Tagaytay thereafter 😁
LikeLike