Heroine Marish B.

Fernandez
2022-11638
Philippine Arts and Culture
Cultural History of the Philippines: Reflections on a Museum Visit
The National Museum of Fine Arts in the Philippines is historically significant, with deep roots
dating back to the Spanish colonial period. It stands as a symbol of the nation's commitment to preserving,
celebrating, and promoting its cultural heritage. It has grown to become a symbol of national pride, an
educational institution, and a cultural landmark that underscores the importance of promoting cultural
identity in society. It stands as a manifestation of the enduring value of art and culture in shaping the nation's
past, present, and future. Thus, its architectural beauty itself is a work of art. That's why I was already
intrigued when I was outside, thinking about the culture and history of the arts stored in the museum. As a
student who studies art, it is important to know where Philippine art started and how it was developed from
time to time. Within its walls, you can see a diverse collection of genuine Filipino art, such as paintings,
sculptures, and archaeological artifacts. I remember when I was looking through the works of art, I found
myself in a room with a 180-degree view of a painting that seemed complicated at first sight. I took a closer
look, and again, I was intrigued that it portrayed various major events that happened in Philippine History. It
was a 1970 oil on canvas called "Filipino Struggles Through History" by Carlos "Botong" V. Francisco. I
dived into the internet and found out that the art tells the story of Manila's history visually, starting with the
brave rajahs of Tondo and continuing through the Spanish colonial era, the Philippine Revolution of 1896,
the American occupation, the Japanese occupation, and the postwar years up to the 1960s. (Guillermo, n.d.)

As I gazed upon the canvas, I was transported to moments in time that had shaped the Philippines'
trajectory. The painting depicted that we have a long history of resistance and struggle against colonizers.
Moreover, it is a manifestation of Filipino resiliency and perseverance. I admire the technique used by
Botong. He successfully portrayed an important historical event that happened in the past. The art flows into
each other through interlining elements that keep the story intact. It was as if the artwork breathed life into
these events, allowing me to understand the magnitude of the Filipino struggle. What made "Filipino
Struggles Through History" special was its ability to shed light on the cultural and societal influences that
had shaped these struggles. Answering the question in the video lesson, "How badly did the colonizers
really destroy our culture?" well as I channeled my feelings when I was looking at the art. I can say that
colonizers left indelible marks on the Philippines' art and cultural fabric, changing aspects of traditions,
beliefs, and values. Additionally, the artwork emphasized the critical role that artists like Carlos V.
Francisco play a huge role in shaping our identity and culture today. Francisco and his art acted as a mirror
to society and history itself. His work went beyond aesthetics; it is an art that raises consciousness about our
history. Little does the artist know that one day, he will subtly challenge viewers to reflect on the past and its
implications for the present and future. It was also mentioned in the lesson that the artist is somehow not
aware if they are transcending the art. Sometimes, they do, but they are always indirect. In essence, my
whole visit to the National Museum deepened my appreciation for art's influence to educate, enlighten, and
evoke empathy. It instilled the idea that art is not just a passive form of expression but a catalyzer that can
shape our understanding of different aspects of the world: political, economic, and social perspectives. As
mentioned in the lesson, "Art truly is a representation of how culture functions in the past, the present, and
the period of existence." Ultimately, thanks to the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, the museum served as a
gateway to Philippine history, offering a profound and immersive experience that left me with a heightened
sense of cultural awareness and historical insight.
 REFERENCES

Paintings. (n.d.). National Museum. https://www.nationalmuseum.gov.ph/our-collections/fine-

arts/paintings/
CCP Encyclopedia of Philippine Art | CCP Encylopedia of Philippine Art. (2020). CCP
Encyclopedia of Philippine Art; EPA. https://epa.culturalcenter.gov.ph/3/82/2182/