Pride of the Pinto Art Museum

Some Sister Backstory...

The only recollection that I have about my own culture was living in the Philippines for 4 years. I would say that I was aware enough to know a good amount about my culture from 3 main things, including:

1 my daily binge from teleseryes' on ABS CBN (whatsup Kapamilya!)

2 the obligatory need for students to sing the national anthem every morning

3 and the very existence of jeeps and tricycles

As third culture kid in Hong Kong, I became more distant with Filipino culture, but not deliberately. I grew up in a multi-cultural community that I continue to appreciate and learn about. It is a city that has overwhelming amount of attractions; reflected through skyscrapers of Central and neon lights of Tsim Sha Tsui. What I grew to love about Hong Kong is their ability to still be deeply rooted in Chinese Tradition, which I value as my own.

Upon moving to Hong Kong and still travelling back to the Philippines every twice a year, I become more unaware about the essence of being Filipino since I am so caught up with how I grew up as a Hong Konger. That being where I was familiar with Hong Kong than I was with The Philippines, only knowing that my parents were from there.

With much respect that I have towards different cities and other people, I wanted to give respect to my heritage by discovering more about Filipinos. Being a travel enthusiast, it was definitely going to take A LOT of time to go around the whole country, so I had to start small within Manila.

The Pinto Art Museum...

One of the highlights this year was going to The Pinto Art Museum.

This isn't your ordinary Museum, it has an aesthetic of its own. The Museum is styled into a haven, resembling a massive hacienda with its exposure to gardens, ponds, and exquisite furniture that resembles a humble abode of Filipinos. Creatively fitting to to the suburban village of Antipolo, it gives respect to Filipino artist to showcase their ideas, values and experiences into their art that people including myself have overlooked.

To call it an "art have" is an understatement. Both canvases and sculptures were all thoughtfully placed within the museum that entails the Life of Filipinos. Ranging from lifestyle, history, Indigenous people to covering art that reflects taboo topics such as poverty, governmental policies, religion and youth.

There were so much depth into each artwork that was produced throughout the whole museum knowing that this was simply just the jyst of what the Philippines is about, it has reminded me that art is a movement that allows a freedom of expression and a voice that cannot be simply be addressed into words. This has also educated me as an art fanatic myself, most of my talent with in sketching and creativity, also comes from being Filipino and what makes me proud to be one.

For first timers in The Philippines, don't shy away by discovering Filipino treasures ^^