Last June 12th, the Philippine Independence day celebration, my family and I went to the Ayala Museum to view the Hymen O' Hymenee painting of Juan Luna. A few weeks later, almost a month after that, here I am again in Ayala Museum but this time, with my Hive friends. @lhes just celebrated her Hive anniversary and asked me when our "field trip" to Ayala museum would push through. Why not soon, right? So We went ahead and organized a mini field trip with our Hive PH friends @arcgspy, @demotry, @bananzell, and of course, @cindee08. I remember they had originally wanted to go to Ayala Museum on our first meetup but it didn't go as planned so this time, we had to make it happen. When going to Ayala Museum, it's important to book your tickets online ahead of time, and that was exactly what we did.
on the day
It was a rainy morning when I woke up. It's a challenge to do my morning yoga and pilates but I knew I'll go through a lot of walking so I had to have just enough energy and strength for the day. The day before, my family met with @arcgspy. We were just out on a stroll after my daughter's ballet class, Arc was at an event in the mall where we were so we met there, right before @demotry got there. Arc got to meet my daughter who interestingly talked to her. Lapitin ka pala ng bagets Arc. lol
On my way, there was a huge water puddle in front of our gate and it was like a challenge to pass through. Thanks to my ninja skills, I didn't need to snorkel my way out. I also decided not to use Grab car services that day. My commute consist of a tricycle ride, a van ride, a bus ride, and some 14 minutes walk. (which could have been lesser had I have a sense of direction while reading my google map view.)
When I got there, Cindee, Lhes, and Demotry were there already. There should be 6 of us so we're waiting on Bananzell and Arc. Of course, while waiting, we can't help but start the maritesan session.
The moment has come for us to start our museum tour. There were just a few guests so it looked like we had the museum to ourselves. It must have been because it was a rainy day, or because field trips are over since schools are almost on their summer break that time. Anyhow, it's a good thing because we got to enjoy the tour.
It was so amazing how so much of our history was preserved because of all the gold ornaments found in the museum. And then again, I can't help but feel so terrible about everything that was stolen from us because of that 300 years of Spanish occupation in the country. We found a lot of interesting artifacts. The one that stuck with us the most, of course was the plate. It's not just any ordinary plate. I can still hear Demotry's resounding "Ba yaaaaaan?!" whenever the girls start giggling.
As I was viewing the fashion gallery, I saw some sling bags. Bananzell was there beside me and I told her, "These bags were in fashion in the 90's." And she was like "Oh, yeah. I've seen those before!" I got over-excited but I knew we couldn't be in the same age group but I said, "Oh, so you also had a taste of the 90's fashion?" Then she goes, "Oh, my mom had one of those." Yeah, I get it. Bananzell is a pamangkin to this Tita. Moving on!
I think Arc had a lot of fun viewing Juan Luna's art work and art studies. I knew she'd enjoy taking in every detail of this incredible art. I wasn't able to watch the media presentation about how Hymen O Hymenee was acquired so I took the time to watch in the media room with Lhes and Cindee. One thing that I remember from it was what one guy said during the interview: "If you bought an art piece at an expensive price, you're getting it cheap." It made sense at the time. What I got from that is that an artwork like that is priceless. No amount of money could ever equal such beauty, such skill, such heart and passion.
I didn't know there was a coloring corner in the museum. I didn't notice it the first time I got there, probably because there was so many people walking around. This was one of our stops in the museum after we've roamed around the diorama section. I love the 3d effect of each diorama exhibit. It was one of the exhibits I enjoyed a lot during our first visit.
After our lunch, Cindee and I looked for books that we can give to our kiddos at home. I found mine at the museum gift shop. The Great Lives series on display there were much cheaper than the ones I got from shopee. Cindee found the books at the National book store. If I had not spent too much on our last book haul at the BBW, I'd have brought a lot more books again this time. But I sure will go back to this branch of National bookstore because they had the one of books I was looking for.
Our day was over at around 3PM. We parted ways outside the mall. And by the way, thank you so much to Bananzell for the bracelets. Love it!!! There was no late night drunkenness for this meetup. It was just a chill, relaxing, wholesome get together. And we hope to do this again, hopefully with more people. I think I'll be okay with just a little bit of booze too, next time around.
