Exploring History and Heritage at the National Museum Philippines - Cebu

Greetings, my fellow Hivers! I hope you are all having a great day so far. Today, I would like to share with you an unexpected yet wonderful experience that happened to me last week in National Museum Philippines - Cebu located in the historic Plaza Independencia, near Fort San Pedro, the “Aduana” From the outside alone, you can already see the beauty of the National Museum of the Philippines in Cebu, especially when you're inside it. The surroundings of the Museum are lovely to behold because of the lush greenery. For history enthusiasts like myself, this is a chance to enter the Museum and see the historical artifacts of ancient times. This Malacañang sa Sugbo was established in 2004. You can also see that this place is easily accessible because it's close to Plaza Independencia, another tourist attraction.

Nature: Cebu's Natural Wonders

Discover the unique rocks, minerals, plants, and animals found only in Cebu and its neighboring islands in this exhibition. Included are dioramas depicting ancient Cebu with replicas of its bones, a collection of rocks featuring Lutopan Diorite, replicas of Lawaan tree torso, and the parasitic plant Lepeostegeres cebuencis. The gallery also showcases herbarium specimens like Cinnamomum cebuense, lawaran, and illustrations of important birds in Cebu such as the Cebu flowerpecker, and the shell known as Glory-of-the-Sea. Also featured in the exhibition is the Mobile Museum Boxes project highlighting the natural and cultural heritage of the Visayas region.

The area of Sogod city boasts a diverse range of geological formations, including an array of precious stones that are found nowhere else in the world. The glory of the sea, for instance, is a rare type of shell that is highly coveted by collectors and connoisseurs alike. These shells were discovered in the sea surrounding Sogod city and are considered to be one of the most exquisite natural wonders of the region.

Old Cebu and its Priceless Treasures

This gallery features a variety of archaeological finds unearthed in Cebu, including a golden face mask and an ancient pitcher both recovered from Plaza Independencia, and a secondary burial jar with a lid originating from San Remigio. One particularly fascinating artifact on display is the Golden death mask, which is said to have been worn by the deceased as a form of protection against evil spirits. Visitors to the gallery will be amazed by the sheer beauty of these ancient treasures and the insight they provide into the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Migration: Cultural Movement Across the Seas

It is an absolute delight to behold. It showcases a plethora of artifacts that were discovered from sunken ships, each of which tells a unique story about the cultural movements across the seas. One of the most fascinating artifacts on display is the astrolabe, a device that was used by sailors as a guide to the positions of stars in the sky, helping them navigate their way through the vast and unpredictable ocean. Another intriguing piece in the exhibit is the white and blue porcelain bowl that originates from China, which is a testament to the long history of trade and cultural exchange between China and other countries.

The exhibit also features commissioned models of traditional boats and fishing practices in Cebu, which provides a glimpse into the rich maritime heritage of the region. Among the models are barotos, a type of fishing boat that has been used by fishermen in the town of Alcoy for generations, fishing equipment that has been used by fishermen throughout history, and a model of a fish cage from Bantayan. These models are a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the people who made a living through fishing and other maritime activities.

This exhibit is a must-see for anyone interested in exploring the fascinating history of cultural movement across the seas.

One of my favorite things to do is to visit museums with my friends. We have been doing this for a while now, and I always look forward to it. It's such a bonding experience for us and fills us with excitement. This time, it was even more special for me since it was my first time going to a museum with my friends. As a young person born in the 2000s, I can't help but marvel at how creative God is when I see all the amazing things inside the museum.

The National Museum Philippines Cebu is an incredible place that has been established to prevent ignorance among the youth, like me, about history and ancient artifacts. I am so glad that such a place exists, especially since I am not very familiar with all the items that are on display. As soon as we entered the museum, it felt like we were transported back in time to the 1880s. The museum showcases a diverse range of items, including beautiful paintings, wild animals, jars, and boats from different places in Cebu. It truly is a treasure trove of history and culture.

Despite how busy we are with our internships, my friends and I always make time to visit the museum together. Life during the internship can be tough, especially as we adjust to our new environment, but being with my friends makes everything better. I'm grateful that they're always by my side, especially when I need them. These museum visits have become an important part of our lives, and I'm sure we will continue to have many more exciting experiences together.

NOTE: Just a quick reminder, don't forget to bring your ID when you visit the museum. Fortunately, there's no entrance fee, which is a great benefit. However, please note that you won't be allowed to bring a tumbler, large bag, or umbrella into the museum. You'll need to leave those items in the designated area. I highly recommend that you bring a small bag or purse to carry your essentials such as your phone and wallet.