Though I was born and raised in various cities around Luzon, my heart is that of a small-town lass with preference for mountain views over skyscrapers and knowing who my neighbors are. The high-rise buildings and the huge highways are indeed amazing but the noise, pollution and the hurried way of life is stressful. All those people rushing to catch the train and cars careening down the highway like ambulances are driving me crazy.
Thanks to the online community, I found the following places worth checking out. :P Here's my list, please feel free to comment if you have other recommendations. :) (I am into books and paintings but I'd have to admit that I still have a lot to learn when it comes to interpreting art, thus the selection.)
1. Filipinas Heritage Library (Makati)
Reason to Visit : "The Library houses over 13,000 contemporary volumes on Philippine history, art, language, religion and the social sciences, and over 2,000 rare titles, rare books on microfiche, maps, and an extensive library of slides and photographs." - Filipinas Library
Address (updated Jan. 2013) : its old location at the Ayala Triangle has closed and moved to nearby Ayala Museum. It will reopen on March 23, 2013. New Address : 6th Floor, Ayala Museum, Makati Avenue corner Dela Rosa Street, Greenbelt Park, 1220 Makati
(thanks to anonymous reader for sharing this info. The FB page of Filipinas Heritage Library has also provided this info.)
Website : http://www.filipinaslibrary.org.ph
Facebook: Filipinas Heritage Library
2. National Museum (Manila)
Reason to Visit : " As a cultural center, the National Museum takes the lead in the study and preservation of the nation's rich artistic, historical and cultural heritage in the reconstruction and rebuilding of our nation's past and veneration of the great pioneers who helped in building our nation." - National Museum
Address : Padre Burgos Drive, Manila
Website : http://www.nationalmuseum.gov.ph
How to get here
Business Hours : Tuesdays to Sundays, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Free admission on Sundays
3. Museo ng Makati (Makati)
Reason to Visit : " ...showcases a number of well preserved artifacts, treasures, and relics that speak of Makati city’s historical and cultural heritage" - My Manila Hotels
Address : Corner of JP Rizal St. and Mabini St.
Business Hours : Open from Monday to Friday at 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Admission is free.
4. Ayala Museum (Makati)
Reason to Visit : Mainly because I have a friend who said it was worth the visit. :)
Address : Makati Avenue cor. De La Rosa Street
Greenbelt Park, Ayala Center
Website : http://www.ayalamuseum.org/
Business Hours :
Monday - Closed
Tuesday-Friday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday & Sunday - 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
5. Pinto Art Museum (Antipolo City)
Reason to Visit : An artistic friend whose taste I trust said she was awestruck when she stepped into this place, so I must go! :)
Address : Grandheights, Antipolo City.
Business Hours :
Open Tuesdays to Sundays from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Phone (632)697-1015
Email : pintoartmusem@yahoo.com