Trip To The Past and National Museum-Cebu Finds (Part 2)

Faces and figures of heritage and relevant people carved in wood and rich materials are showcased in the National Museum–Cebu, the once Cebu Customs House of the city for port operations and immigration office. Basically, this is part 2 of my museum finds when I visited the National Museum–Cebu, and if you missed reading the first part, just click this link before delving on these important and enchanting museum finds one can see during their visit.

In this section, relevant people of the Philippines are carved in wood to honor their contribution to the country's development and freedom in the past, created by Fidel T. Araneta. The personalities featured are President Sergio Osmeña, Lapu-Lapu, and President Ramon Magsaysay, who are honored and deeply respected by Filipinos who give value to their bravery, pro-people governance, and intellectual military reform to change the character of the Philippines.

_{Artist and title of the work: Fidel T. Araneta / President Sergio Osmeña wood sculpture}

In the National Fine Arts Collection, Araneta featured Sergio Osmeña Sr. who was the 4th President of the Philippines and an important figure in the political and economic history of Cebu. His leadership during WWII and the post-liberation period makes him one of the most important Cebuano historical figures. Because of his leadership in WWII and the post-liberation era, he is regarded as a key figure in Cebuano history.

_{Artist and title of the work: Fidel T. Araneta / LAPU-LAPU}

Lapu-Lapu was a Filipino chieftain and datu of Mactan who was the first Filipino hero of the Philippines for resisting Spanish colonization in 1521 during the Battle of Mactan where he defeated Ferdinand Magellan and in return made his name widely recognized throughout Philippine history.

_{Artist and title of the work: Fidel T. Araneta / RM The Guy (Ramon Magsaysay)}

Ramon Magsaysay was the 7th President of the country, recognized for being an honest, down-to-earth, and dedicated president in helping ordinary Filipinos. He served from 1953 to 1957 and became famous for fighting corruption and improving the lives of the people, and is still honored for his contribution.

In this next section, the National Museum–Cebu showcases the geological heritage of Cebu in their Kinaiyahan: Cebu's Natural Wonders by presenting minerals and sedimentary rocks in two exhibitions that are donated or discovered in different coasts and areas of the island. For instance, Rock Guano and Bornite are found in Carcar City and Toledo City, respectively. Through this exhibition, visitors and tourists gain knowledge on the rich and valuable resources found across the island of Cebu.

This one is a cabinet of collected minerals from different towns and cities of the island. It features a collection of minerals with each labeled with its name, area where it is discovered, and characteristics. It includes both metallic and non-metallic minerals, showing the variety of natural resources found in Cebu. The one that enchanted me the most was the Calcite of Carcar, a mineral consisting largely of calcium carbonate and forming the shells of many marine creatures. It is white, glorious, and historical in the most magnificent way.

The second exhibit showcases a variety of sedimentary rocks arranged according to their type and formation. It includes biologic, chemical, and organic sedimentary rocks such as Coralline Limestone, Phosphatic Limestone, Rock Anhydrite, and Rock Gypsum. This display teaches how layers of sediment and natural processes helped shape Cebu’s geological landscape over the years. The history of the island's landscape can be traced back to these sediments.

The next sections are these Maritime Sections that show visitors actual shipwreck and pumpboat models.

_{Various Models of Cebu Traditional Boat}

This exhibit showcases small models of traditional Philippine bangka or sakayan found in Cebu. Municipalities like Oslob, Samboan, and other municipalities use different boat designs for fishing, travelling, and even racing during vibrant festivals and competitions. The museum ensures to cover all information regarding these designs and how these boat structures come from ancient Austronesian traditions that have been part of Filipino life in the past. Pambot o sakayan is how we call a pumpboat in Cebu.

_{Spanish Galleon Model}

There are a lot of galleon models I found in the museum, some I featured already in the first part of this museum finds. From 1565–1815, this model of Spanish galleon was used during the Manila–Acapulco Galleon trade. According to my readings about the museum, the model they featured particularly shows the Cross of Burgundy on its sails and this galleon created a short transaction between the Philippines and other trading countries as it carried relevant products like spices across the Pacific Ocean.

In the second floor, a gallery is built to showcase different artworks and artforms in Cebu and in the Philippines. Martino “Tinong” Abellana, the dean of Cebuano painters and a famously known Cebuano painter, is featured in the gallery, displaying his works that consist of portraits, landscapes, sketches, and paintings from his personal collection that show the cultures and traditions of Cebu as well as relevant topics of the island. The gallery shares the religious belief through traditional figurine paintings, agricultural practices, cultural traditions, and portraits relevant to the island of Cebu, which have shaped the overall character of the island.

Below are my other finds:

Gold Death Mask (15th Century C.E)

Burial Jars and Ancient Pots

Marine Seashells Finds

Ancient beads and shell ornaments

National Museum–Cebu is a place of history and great centuries that made Cebu a popular and historical island. If you want to trace back the past that made up Cebu, the museum is a time capsule to learn everything about the past because aside from being a tourism and historical spot, the museum aims to spread cultural and historical awareness to all Cebuanos and Filipinos. It is a place where stories, artifacts, and heritage come together to remind us why Cebu continues to stand out through time.