Category Archives: Museums

Railway Museum of British Columbia: CN Roundhouse & Conference Centre (Squamish, Canada)

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CN Roundhouse and Conference Center

After our Mini-Rail ride, we next proceeded, indoors, to the spectacular CN Roundhouse & Conference Centre, the largest meeting facility in the Sea to Sky Corridor.

Opened last June 30, 2010, this fully geothermal roundhouse, with three levels, has also become a major community events space, with many banquets, weddings, public markets and other functions regularly held at the site.

The 22,000 sq. ft. building, with its over 280 ft. long curving glass feature wall and its upper level viewing deck, offers spectacular views of the Heritage Park and the surrounding mountains in all directions. A vintage railway turntable, to move the trains in and out, was refurbished and installed and is fully operational.

 

 

It is also a grand showcase for a collection of precious pieces of rolling stock in climate-controlled comfort.  Two are locomotives (Canadian Pacific Railway Royal Hudson 2860 locomotive and Pacific Great Eastern 2-6-2ST locomotive), one business car (British Columbia Business Car) and one is a troop carrier (Pacific Great Eastern Troop Sleeper 714).

The magnificent Canadian Pacific Railway Royal Hudson 2860 locomotive is the Crown Jewel of the collection.  One of 65 ‘Hudson’ type 4-6-4 steam locomotives built for the CPR by Montreal Locomotive Works (MLW), this series of engines was numbered 2800 to 2864 and the first one was delivered in 1929.

The Canadian Pacific Railway Royal Hudson 2860 locomotive

Starting with No. 2820, the Hudsons got the streamlining treatments so popular in the 1930’s. Five CPR Hudsons were saved (Nos. 2816, 2839, 2850, 2858 and 2860).

During the visit to Canada by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth in 1939, Locomotive No. 2850 (now at Exporail near Montreal) was assigned to haul the Royal Train, performing flawlessly and impressing the King greatly. The CPR received permission to designate the streamlined Hudsons “Royal” and eventually each locomotive was equipped with a crown fastened to their running boards.

Visitors checking out the 2860’s driver’s compartment

The engine and loaded tender weigh 293,770 kgs. (648,000 lbs.), has a tractive effort of 19,2004 kgs. (42,250 lbs.) and is capable of speeds of 144 kph (90 mph). The locomotive and tender have a total length of 27.27 m. (90’ 10”) and is 4.7 m. (15’ 10”) high. The tender has a capacity of 54,600 liters (12,000 gallons) of water and 18,614 liters (4,1000 gallons) of fuel oil.

The 2860’s driver’s compartment

Engine 2860, finished in June 1940, was restored for a proposed Railway Museum in Vancouver.  In 1974, the Province of British Columbia bought the locomotive for an excursion train and it ran on the BC Rail track from North Vancouver to Squamish. In 2000, the province leased the engine to the district of Squamish for display and restoration at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park (now the Railway Museum of British Columbia). You can climb into the cab and ring the bell.

The author inside the 2860’s driver’s compartment

 

The Pacific Great Eastern 2-6-2ST locomotive, built by Baldwin Locomotive Works in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in February 1910, is a “Prairie” type weighing over 90 tons in working trim and delivering about 22,000 lbs. of tractive effort with a boiler pressure of 185 lbs.

Pacific Great Eastern 2-6-2S locomotive

The cylinders are 16” x 24” and the engine is equipped with Stephenson valve gear. The ‘ST’ denotes the unique saddlle tank design for the water tank above the boiler.

The Pacific Great Eastern 2-6-2ST driver’s compartment

The British Columbia Business Car, built in 1890 by Barney & Smith of Dayton ( Ohio) as the sleeper Sherbrooke for the Canadian Pacific Railway, was rebuilt, in 1912, in CP Angus as a Business car No. 16 and used all across Canada until it was retired. In 1961, it was purchased from the CPR by founding members of the West Coast Railway Association (WCRA). The car was then leased to the Victoria Pacific (a tourist railway operator) until 1971.

British Columbia Business Car

In 1983, the car was returned to the WCRA and, by that time, it had suffered serious damage. That same year, restoration began and was completed on July 30, 1990, in time for its 100th birthday. It is estimated that 80,000 person hours and $360,000 have gone into bringing British Columbia to her present condition.

Interior of the British Columbia Business Car

As a business car, it would normally carry a complement of three – a Railway Executive, his assistant and a Steward. However, the car could sleep up to 10 people in a comfort rarely equaled today. The interior is Honduran mahogany, inlaid with birch, maple and walnut and finished with 12 coats of varnish, each one sanded between coats and finally French polished. All the fittings are solid brass and the car rides on 6 wheel trucks. 

The Pacific Great Eastern Troop Sleeper

The Pacific Great Eastern Troop Sleeper 714, built by the Pullman Company during World War II to alleviate the shortage of sleeping cars to transport troops in the US, was built with Allied Full Cushion high speed trucks and was designed to be converted into baggage cars thus ensuring a ready sale when the war is over.  Both troop sleepers in the collection saw service on the Alaska Railroad during the latter days of the war.

Interior of the Pacific Great Eastern Troop Sleeper 714

There are two cabooses (a crewed North American railroad car coupled at the end of a freight train that provide shelter for crew) – the British Columbia Railway Extended Vision Caboose 1859 and the Pacific Great Eastern Caboose 1817.

The BC Rail Caboose 1859

British Columbia Railway Extended Vision Caboose 1859, featuring the beautiful two-tone green and BC Trillium livery, was originally built by the PGE home shops in 1969.

Interior of the BC Rail Caboose 1859

The Pacific Great Eastern Caboose 1817 was one thirty cabooses were built, numbered from 1811 to 1840.  In 1955, No. 1817 was rebuilt, from PGE stock car No. 503, in the PGE car shop.

The Pacific Great Eastern Caboose 1817

In their conversion, they were stripped the caboose to the frame and rebuilt it using conventional methods. They sheathed it , inside and out, using marine plywood. The cupolas were constructed with sheet metal and welded for extra strength.

Interior of the Pacific Great Eastern Caboose 1817

Warm and comfortable, they were equipped with a standard caboose cook stove and 3 bunks for crew. ST denotes the unique Saddle Tank design for the water tank over the boiler.

1934 Chrysler Air Flow Model CU

A rare 1934 Chrysler Air Flow Model CU, noted for its aerodynamic body design (far before its time), was purchased from Ron Fawcett (a classic car dealer from Whitby, Ontario) in 1981 for $6,500, by William Albert Exworthy whose joy was restoring antique cars. He restored this car from 1994 to 1995 and, on May 2006, donated it to the museum.

1937 Ford Track Inspection Car

There’s also a 1937 Ford Fordor Sedan rail inspection car which was in service till 1962.  It had the perfect wheelbase to run on top of the rails, with flanges mounted behind the wheels.

Original brass bell from Canadian National 2-8-2 3449

Luggage Wagon

Also on display here is the original brass bell from Canadian National 2-8-2 3449;; a scaled model of a Shay 3 Cylinder Logging Locomotive; an original Stanley Park miniature train; a luggage wagon; a Max Jacquiard painting of Canadian National 6060; and historical Canadian Pacific and Canadian Northern Railway advertisements.

Original Stanley Park Miniature Train

Model of a Shay 3 Cylinder Logging Locomotive

Their Gift Shop offers a selection of Railway Museum of British Columbia apparel; scale model trains,model kits, die-cast models, DVDs (featuring Canadian Pacific Royal Hudson No.2860); puzzles and toys; and merchandise celebrating a Day Out with Thomas and North Pole Express events.

The Gift Shop

Railway Museum of British Columbia: 39645 Government Road, Squamish, British Columbia V8B 0B6.  Tel:  604-898-9336.  E-mail: Info@wcra.org. Website: www.wcra.org. Open every Saturday and long weekends, Sundays all summer, 10 AM – 5 PM, select Thursdays, 10 AM – 3 PM. Group Tour events Special Access.  Admission (plus taxes): ($25 (adults, 19–59 years), $20 (seniors, 60+ years), $18 (students ages 12+), $10 (children, 6-11 years), $75 (family, where members must reside at the same address). Toddlers, under 5 years of age, are free admission.  Admission tickets usually include all rides and activities.

How to Get There: the museum isn’t so easy to find unless you have a good map or GPS. Driving past the main intersection with Petro-Canada, 7-Eleven & McDonalds, turn left at either of the next two exits (Industrial Way or Commercial Way) then turn right on Queens Way and follow that a short distance until it merges with Government Road at the stop sign. Proceed across the BC Railway Crossing (after looking both ways). The entrance to the museum will be on your right.

Railway Museum of British Columbia: Railyard (Squamish, Canada)

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Railway Museum of British Columbia

After lunch at White Spot at Squamish town center, we decide to explore the town and, just on the north side of the town, we chanced upon the 12-acre Railway Museum of British Columbia (RMBC), a wonderful but not that well-known attraction nestled in the beauty of the Squamish Valley.

This replica of a turn-of-the-century railway station and town centre, surrounded by spectacular mountain vistas, features vintage locomotives, artifacts and themed train rides.

Also within the museum is a blacksmith shop, a Pacific Great Eastern (PGE) fire hall, an old-time print shop (with vintage printing press) and a general store.

Print Shop

 

General Store

The railway museum, first opened in July 1994 as the West Coast Railway Heritage Park (it was just renamed as RMBC last July 1, 2021), is locted 40 kms. north of Vancouver.  It is home to the growing collection of the West Coast Railway Association (WCRA), a nonprofit charitable organization established in 1961 with a mission of preserving British Columbia ‘s railway heritage. In 1963, they purchased the first piece of its historic collection – a Canadian Pacific business car built in 1890.

Today, their heritage railway collection has grown to number 95 locomotives and cars, the the largest collection of railway rolling stock in Western Canada and second largest collection of railway rolling stock and associated artifacts collection in Canada (the largest is the Exporail – Le Musee Ferroviare Canadien in Quebec), representing all the major railways which have served British Columbia (Canadian Pacific, Canadian National, Pacific Great Eastern, BC Electric and Great Northern).

A flatbed railway car

In 2004, the Heritage Park acquired and started to operate its full size trains during special events and on special occasions, making it a licensed operating railway.  Its most unique and beautiful layout is set in the context of a typical small town built around the railway station with many buildings as well as the trains themselves.

Turntable (or wheelhouse) is a device for turning railway rolling stock, usually locomotives, so that they can be moved back in the direction from which they came.

The museum hosts several major seasonal events:

  • Thomas the Train Spring Event (May) – take 20-min. trips on the Thomas the Tank Engine and meet Sir Topham Hatt.
  • Dinosaur Train (spring break) – train ride and exploration that includes dinosaurs from Jim Henson’s TV cartoon series, digging for bones and other craft activities.
  • Mystery of the Magic Pumpkin (October)
  • Polar Express (early December) – take a 50-min. trip to the North Pole similar to what happens in the Polar Express animated movie starring Tom Hanks

Upon arrival, we took time to explore the rail yard, exploring the Canadian National FP9A Diesel 6520 locomotive, boarding its driver’s compartment and caboose.  Recently repainted in the bold and striking 1961 CN scheme that it wore for most of its career in passenger service, it was revealed to the public in Squamish in November 2019, after several years of restoration and upgrades.

Canadian National FP9A Diesel 6520

Geared for a top speed of 89 MPH, CN 6520 was used to pull the finest regional and transcontinental trains of its time, finishing its career painted in VIA colors until it served again in CN Green and Gold in Ontario at the Waterloo & St. Jacobs Railway. It runs very well, being one of our prime pieces of motive power for Events Trains and other special activities.

Kyle at the driver’s compartment

Coupled to the 6520 is the CPR No. 8 Alberta Business Car. Constructed in July of 1929, it was one of a group of 10 cars built for divisional superintendents and each named after Canadian provinces. The car body of “Alberta” was built by National Steel and CPR completed the interior finishing at Angus Shops in Montreal.  It was used as a business car for travelling railway executives and their staff, serving as an office, home and entertainment center. When built 1929, it had many smaller rooms to accommodate the various needs of the executives.

CPR No. 8 Alberta Business Car

Similar to the “British Columbia,” this car has a varnished mahogany interior and many brass fittings. After retirement in 1970, modifications were done to make the car suitable for use as a restaurant. Bedroom partition walls were removed and the galley enlarged. In this current configuration, the car has a lounge with an open observation platform, a large dining area and galley. Fortunately the general ambiance of the car’s interior has been preserved.

Cheska, Grace, Kyle, the author and Bryan inside the CPR No. 8 Alberta Business Car

Other train locomotives and cabooses that I could identify within the railyard include a GMD FP7A locomotive, a Canadian Pacific FP7A Diesel 4069 locomotive, a  BCER 941 locomotive  and a Henry Pickering Open Observation Car.

BCER 941 locomotive (70 tons, 1949)

Canadian Pacific FP7A Diesel 4069

The BCER 941 locomotive is a General Electric 70-ton switcher built in September 1949 while the GMD FP7A locomotive (unit 1404), built in June 1953 by General Motors Diesel for Canadian Pacific  Railway, was used by the Algoma Central Railway.

1953 GMD FP7A (Algoma Central Railway 1404) locomotive

 The Henry Pickering Open Observation Car, built in 1914 as part of the first order of all steel coaches for the Canadian Pacific Railway, was in continuous service until retired in 1955. In 1956, it was rebuilt, from coach No. 1422, to Open Observation car No. 598 and used on the ‘Mountaineer’ train that ran from Vancouver to St. Paul, Minnesota.

Henry Pickering Open Observation Car

In 1964,WCRA acquired the car and, in 1974, it was leased by the BC Government to be part of the Royal Hudson train and s named Mt. Garibaldi.  It operated until the mid 1980’s and, again, from 2000 to 2001. In 2003, extensive restoration was completed. Renamed Henry Pickering, since 2004, it has operated with the Rocky Mountaineer.

Brightbill House

We also explored the Brightbill Heritage House built in 1937 by Harry Brightbill, the very first conductor (he was such for 40 years) hired on the Pacific Great Eastern Railway or PGE (the first railway to run north – south in BC, and originally operated from Squamish to Quesnel ) in 1912.

Originally located at the corner of 2nd Ave. and Winnepeg St., Mr. and Mrs. Brightbill raised three daughters (Alma, Cassy and Harriett) in this house. During this time there was no highway to come up to Squamish from Vancouver so you had to take a steamboat.

There was no refrigerator in those days, so they would have to use an icebox and a big block of ice to keep the food tolerably cold. There was a possibility that they had no electricity in those either so they would have to keep warm by using the wood stove. This family was very lucky as they had indoor plumbing. Back in the 1930’s a lot of people still had to go to outdoor toilets.

In the 1970’s, after Mr. and Mrs. Brightbill had passed, the house was donated to the town of Squamish.  It was moved twice, first to the Stan Clark Park where it was used as a museum. For 12 years it was left empty. Then, the District of Squamish donated it to the West Coast Railway Heritage Park (WCRHP) and it was moved to this site in 1999.

Mac Norris Railway Station

After our exploration of the rail yard, we proceeded to the Mac Norris Railway Station which was built in 2001, together with the town park area and gardens. The station, designed for Squamish in 1915 by the Pacific Great Eastern Railway, was only built until 85 years later by the Heritage Park.  The boarding point for excursions, it also houses the museum’s offices and stores.

BC Rail Budd Diesel Rail Car BC-21

Here, we were to ride the self-propelled  BC Rail Budd Diesel Rail Car BC-21 (an RDC-1 configuration model), one of three operational units that sees regular service throughout the museum (the others are the BC-33 and the Canadian Pacific Henry Pickering Observation Car No. 598).

On board the BC Rail Budd Diesel Rail Car BC-21

Leaving promptly at 4 PM, our ride took us to and fro the MP2 Restoration Center, at south end of the museum’s property.  From our large windows, we took in the full scale of the train yard where we watched trains being restored.

A BC Hydro GE Steeplecab Electric 960 Locomotive at the Restoration Center

After our big train ride, we also tried out the popular, 20-min. Mini-Train Rail ride which is a great way to see most of the park as it us from one end of the grounds to the other.

The PGE No. 561 Mini-Rail Train

Boarding our Mini-Rail Train

Covering 2.5 kms. of track, we departed from Silver Fox Station on board a PGE No. 561, a 12-inch gauge train (others are the Southern Railway 124, Canadian Pacific 401, SRY GP-7 124, BCR 4601, BCR M420 646, etc.).

Twin Cedars Station

We then made our way past Twin Cedars Station, then the Garden Railway, to Wilkie Station where the engine was to be turned.

Wilkie Station

While waiting, I checked out a WFP 123 Englewood Logging Speeder.  Built in 1947, it was used on the Englewood Logging Railway until 2017.

WFP 123 Englewood Logging Speeder

After the engine was turned, we again boarded and proceeded all the way around Mason Station before returning to Silver Fox Station.

Enjoying our first Mini-Rail Train ride

Railway Museum of British Columbia: 39645 Government Road, Squamish, British Columbia V8B 0B6.  Tel:  604-898-9336.  E-mail: Info@wcra.org. Website: www.wcra.org. Open every Saturday and long weekends, Sundays all summer, 10 AM – 5 PM, select Thursdays, 10 AM – 3 PM. Group Tour events Special Access.  Admission (plus taxes): ($25 (adults, 19–59 years), $20 (seniors, 60+ years), $18 (students ages 12+), $10 (children, 6-11 years), $75 (family, where members must reside at the same address). Toddlers, under 5 years of age, are free admission.  Admission tickets usually include all rides and activities.

How to Get There: the museum isn’t so easy to find unless you have a good map or GPS. Driving past the main intersection with Petro-Canada, 7-Eleven & McDonalds, turn left at either of the next two exits (Industrial Way or Commercial Way) then turn right on Queens Way and follow that a short distance until it merges with Government Road at the stop sign. Proceed across the BC Railway Crossing (after looking both ways). The entrance to the museum will be on your right.

Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology (SFU, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada)

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Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology

On our 8th day in Vancouver, Jandy and I and decided to visit Simon Fraser University (SFU) and its Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology (MAE),  From Holdom Station, we took the Millenium SkyTrain to Production Way Station where we boarded the No. 145 bus.

Frog Constellation (James Hart)

Upon alighting at the SFU transit loop, next to the Blusson Building (there was a big sign outside identifying it), we walked over to the nearby Saywell Building.

Museum exhibits

Entering the building, we noticed that finding the museum was a challenge which can be as much of an experience as exploring the museum itself.

The Cultural Traditions Exhibit

We had to ask a student for directions.   The museum was actually one floor below, in a courtyard beside the museum entrance. Taking the stairs down, we were greeted huge, wonderful wooden frog carving called Frog Constellation.

Coast Salish Housepost

Carved in 2005 by Haida artist James Hart, a chief from Haida Gwaii, he is one of the most accomplished artists currently working in the Northwest Coast style.  The carving is his tribute to a small shamanic piece carved by an unknown Haida artist on the Northwest coast in the 1870s.

Bella Coola Mortuary Figure

The small but well-curated Simon Fraser University Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology (MAE) collects, researches, and exhibits archaeological and ethnological artifacts from around the world with a focus on British Columbia.

Barkcloth Mask

The MAE is closely affiliated with the Department of Archaeology at Simon Fraser University. Archaeological collections arising from excavations and other research by faculty, staff, and students are housed in the museum.

Argillite carvings, from prominent Haida artists, featuring iconographic images of animals and people from Haida culture.  Displayed on totem poles, serving wear or as statues, they are part of a collection of over 80 pieces donated to the university by a private donor in 2011.

In scope or depth, this museum doesn’t compare to the anthropology museum at the University of British Columbia.  On the other hand, it’s free (though you can make a donation). Though small, it was filled of information with artifacts explained in great detail.  We probably spent an enjoyable 30-40 minutes or so in this gorgeous little museum.

Haida Mortuary Pole

The Northwest Coast Monumental Sculptures (“Totem Poles”) Exhibit displays monumental cedar sculptures from the northern, central and south coast of British Columbia, exhibited here through the generosity of the Royal BC Museum in Victoria, that illustrate the varied artistic traditions of the First Nations of the BC Coast. The centerpiece of the Museum’s collection is the giant aforementioned “Frog Constellation.”

Figure from Palembei Village, Sepik River Region, Papua New Guinea

Displays include First Nations carved poles, monumental sculptures illustrating the varied artistic traditions of the First Nations of the BC coast.  There are also canoes, ceremonial regalia, woven baskets, etc.

Lightning Serpent (Peter Webster, ca. 1970s, cedar)

The NAMU Profile: 9,700 Years of Human Occupation Exhibit, their most remarkable permanent exhibit, is a profile section of an excavation trench from the 1977 field school at the Namu site on the British Columbia central coast, an archaeological record that spans nearly 10,000 years.

Profile Section of Excavation Trench

Automatic Level ca. 1960s

The profile section that is on display in the museum represents about 5,000 years of cultural and natural accumulations.   Evidence of nearly continuous use at the site has been found and separated into six general periods of use.

Killer Whale/Wolf Transfornmation Mask (Pat Amos, 2012, cedar)

The profile on display shows Periods 2 (6000 BP – 5000 BP) through 5 (3500 BP – 2000 BP).  Though the profile on display was removed in 1977, excavations at the site continued in 1978 and 1994; many of the artifacts from these excavations appear in more than just the Namu exhibit itself.

Inuit Dolls

The Rock Art: Petroglyphs and Pictographs Exhibit includes the museum’s collection is rock art from the Lillooet area of BC.  Looking up, we also found stunning photographs, taken in 1972 by Philip Hobler, of the Jump-Across-Creek rock art.

Jump-Across-Creek rock art (Philip Hobler)

The photographs are complimented by the large carved stones, on display near the front door, which were collected between 1929 and 1960 from the Lillooet area, from the mouth of Eleven Mile Creek.

Petroglyphs

The designs were pecked or ground into the rock, either by a piece of sharp stone, by chiseling the rock using a hammerstone to deliver blows to a stone chisel, or by abrading the surface of the rock with a piece of harder stone. Motifs depicted on this rock include a number of faces, anthropomorphic figures and numerous lines and depressions.

Tsimshian Pole Section (Kitsegukla, 1953)

The Cultural Traditions Exhibit displays objects that showcase the rich history, cultural traditions and enduring vitality of the indigenous First Nations living in the Pacific Northwest Coast which extends from the Northern California coast to the Alaskan Panhandle.

Salish House Post from House at Quamichan

The Hunt and Gather: An Interactive Geocaching Activity, an interactive exhibition, incorporates objects and artifacts, museum displays and puzzles in a fun “treasure hunt” game meant to celebrate the diversity of the Museum’s collections.  In addition to learning about Geocaching, this exhibit is a fun, informative and interactive way to explore the museum.

Headdress worn by women of the Akha hill tribes of Northern Thailand which is adorned with five coins (the Indian rupee in the middle is relatively valuable); red, white, blue and yellow plastic beads and aluminum-like balls.  Stitching on the inside is done by machine.

The collection includes artifacts from around the world — masks from Africa; Indonesian shadow puppets; bamboo scrolls from Asia; spears and atlatls from various continents and periods of history; tiny Bolivian dolls and West Coast artifacts. Not a large collection but well worth the time to look at everything.

Nuu-Chai-Nuulth House Post

There were also a number of temporary exhibits.  The “Into the World: A journey through the photographic collection of the SFU Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology” gives a glimpse into the fascinating world of archaeology and ethnology through the extensive photographic collection of our museum.

Into the World: A journey through the photographic collection of the SFU Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology

“The Franklin Exploration,” a bilingual travelling pop-up exhibit, from the Vancouver Maritime Museum, on the archaeology of the HMS Erebus and HMS Terror, was developed by Parks Canada and the ROM.

The Franklin Eploration

“Beyond The Mask: The Fluidity of the West African Experience,” created by Jazmin Hundal and Melissa Rollit, features eight out of the dozens of masks from the region of West Africa housed at the SFU Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology that stand out in their ability to convey something essential about the human experience.

Beyond The Mask: The Fluidity of the West African Experience

“Canoes, Waterways, Lifeways” offer insights into the history of Pacific Northwest Coast canoes by showing how different styles were built and used in the various territories within the region. Sometimes, especially in the case of older styles, models are all we have to learn from.

Canoes, Waterways, Lifeways

“Historic Glass,” created by Kristen McLaughlin, focuses on a selection of historic glass bottles from the collections that have been in use in Canada since the late 1800s into more modern times. These tell us more about the medicine, beverages, food, and glass-making methods of the past.

Historic Glass

“Aksum’s Treasures: Reminders of an Ancient Civilization,” created by Jurian ter Horst, uses contemporary photographs to tell the stories of the treasures (granite monoliths, several churches, etc.) in the ancient town of Aksum, Ethiopia

Aksum’s Treasures: Reminders of an Ancient Civilization

“Plains Regalia,” created by Tiinesha Begaye and Hilary Pennock for SFU’s 50th anniversary in 2015, is an exhibit of a magnificent Plains beaded costume purchased from an antique shop in Calgary in 1972 by Dr. Roy Carlson.

Beaded Buckskin Regalia (Alberta)

Hilary and Tiinesha cleaned the costume, repaired the beading, modified a mannequin to conservation standards, mounted the costume on the mannequin and wrote the interpretive text for the large display.

Bentwood Chest (Larry Rosso, 1975)

“Pacific Northwest Bentwood Boxes,” created by Dr. Barbara Winter, features often elaborately carved and painted Bentwood boxes and chests created by Northwest Coast artists which speaks to the cultural longevity of indigenous peoples of this area.

Bentwood Box (Larry Campbell, 2011)

“Asmat Shields,” created by Sarah Fox and Jennifer Halliday, features shields, topped with an image of the ancestor the shield was created to represent, that were originally created for use in reprisal raids by the Asmat of Indonesia. Due to traditional headhunting practices being outlawed, the shields are now created as art pieces.

Asmat Shields (Jamasji)

“Ancient Writing,” created by Duncan McLeod, showcases a collection of a variety of different texts from China, to Indonesia and the Middle East, offering insights of ancient cultures from the texts they left behind, in all their assorted forms.

Ancient Writing

Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology: Northeast corner of the Academic Quarter, Saywell Atrium, off Saywell Hall, 8888 University Drive, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia  V5A 1S6. Tel: (778) 782-3325 and (778) 782-3135. E-mail: museum@sfu.ca.  Website: www.sfu.ca/archaeology/museum.html. Admission is free. Open Tuesdays to Thursdays, 10 AM to 2 PM.

How to Get There:

By Public Transportation:

  • #95 bus: From the Burrard Street SkyTrain Station downtown by way of Hastings Street
  • #144 bus: From Metrotown Station
  • #145 bus: From Production Way SkyTrain Station
  • Millennium SkyTrain Line – get off at Production Way, then take #145 bus.

By Car:

  • From Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) — take the Gaglardi Way Exit 37.
  • From Lougheed Highway (Highway 7) — turn (north) onto Gaglardi Way.
  • From Hastings Street (Highway 7A) going east — take the right lane exit onto Burnaby Mountain Parkway.

The closest parking lot to the museum is the North Parking Lot. It is paid parking.

Museo ng Sapatos (Marikina City, Metro Manila)

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Museo ng Sapatos (Shoe Museum)

The Museo ng Sapatos (Shoe Museum), formerly known as the Footwear Museum of Marikina, is housed in an old stone building (bigasang bayan) built in 1880s by Dona Teresa de la Paz of the affluent Tuason family to store palay.   During the Philippine Revolution, it served as an armory of the Guardia Civil and, during the Philippine–American War, the building was used as a detention center.

Museum entrance

During the American era, it was then used as a motor pool and, during the Japanese Occupation, it served as a detention center for suspected guerillas.  After World War II, the structure was repurposed as a rice mill by the Tuason family but was later abandoned.

Museum interior

In 1998, Mayor Bayani F. Fernando conceived the idea to open a museum dedicated to Marikina‘s 110-year old shoe industry and, in 2000, he had it renovated and converted into a museum.

Column wrapped with shoe lasts

Opened as Marikina Footwear Museum on February 16, 2001, it aims to showcase the shoes worn by prominent figures and personalities in the Philippine history and to trace the history of the shoe industry.  Imelda R. Marcos herself led the museum’s opening.  When Typhoon Ondoy struck in 2009, water reached 4 ft. high inside the museum and many shoes were damaged.

Imelda Marcos Shoes Gallery. At the end are the Filipiniana dress of Imelda Marcos and the barong tagalog of Pres. Ferdinand E. Marcos

At the center of the hall is a column of old wooden shoe lasts. A stairway leads up to the mezzanine where 749 pairs (as of 2020) of size eight-and-a-half footwear (shoes, downy boudoir slippers, slick knee-length boots, open-toed linen espadrilles, alligator pumps, etc.)  of former First Lady Imelda R. Marcos, an active promoter of Marikina’s shoe industry, are displayed, occupying one long wall of cabinets.

Shoes of Pres. Ferdinand E. Marcos

Shoes of Pres. Manuel A. Roxas

Aside from shoes from local designers (she was gifted an average of 10 pairs a week), they include handcrafted designer pieces from brands such as Charles Jourdan, Beltrami, Christian Dior, Gucci and Oleg Cassini.  Also on display are a Filipiniana dress worn by her and a barong tagalog worn by the late Pres. Ferdinand E. Marcos.

Shoes of Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

Shoes of Pres. Fidel V. Ramos

Seized by the Presidential Commission on Good Government, they were formerly on display, for six years, at the Malacañang Palace Museum (now the Malacanang Museum and Library) during Corazon Aquino‘s presidential term.

Check out “Malacanang Museum and Library”

Celebrity Shoes

It was later placed in storage at the beginning of Fidel V. Ramos‘s presidency.  In 1996, a portion of Marcos’ shoe collection was requested to be transferred to the Marikina city government led by Mayor Bayani Fernando. Marcos did not object to the request in 1998.

Shoes of former Marikina City Mayor Bayani Fernando

Bowling shoes of six-time World bowling champion Paeng Nepomuceno

Also on display are shoes worn by the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos plus shoes donated by the late President Fidel V. Ramos, President Joseph Estrada (a size 10) and President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, and shoes donated by other politicians (Sen. Loren Legarda, Cong. Jose de Venecia, Bongbong Marcos, etc.) including a pair of shoes from Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago which she wore during the 1992 Presidential Campaign and during her visit to local shoe manufacturers in Marikina.

Evolution of Shoes

Circa 1930s to 1970s

There are also shoes from showbiz figures (Agot Isidro, Dolphy, Fernando Poe Jr., Christine Reyes, April Boy Regino, Angel Aquino, John Arcilla, Rosa Rosal, etc.) , athletes (Paeng Nepomuceno, Eugene Torre, etc.), beauty queens (Venus Raj, etc.) and other well-known personalities (Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, Jaime Cardinal Sin, First Lady Amelita Ramos, etc.).

Circa 1980s to 2000s

Circa 2001 to the Present

Aside from celebrity shoes, there is a display about footwear through the ages. Highlights include kinds of shoes icemen would have worn back in 3300 BC, Dutch clogs, Viking boots, Roman sandals and Indian moccasins.  Also on display are the products that made Marikina as the Shoe Capital of the Philippines.

Singer sewing machine

Men’s and Ladies’ Shoe Stands and Manual Delaster

On another corner are award-winning shoes, mostly fantasy footwear, from the city’s annual design competition.

A 3-foot high leather shoe

Also on display are actual cobbler’s tools, a sewing machine, shoe lasts, shoe components, men’s and ladies’ shoe stands and a manual delaster.  There’s also a huge, 3 ft. high leather shoe.

Shoe Components

Cobbler’s tools

On the sidewalk surrounding the Shoe Museum is the Shoe-perstar Alley, a walk-of-fame inaugurated on November 13, 2012 (Sapatos Festival).

Angel Locsin and Joel Lamangan

It features 49 famous personalities from different careers like politics, sports, arts, entertainment, music, philanthropy, business, news and current affairs, fashion and beauty, and religion who have greatly contributed to the upliftment of the shoe industry in Marikina.  Their names are placed on 60cm. x 60cm. tiles that have a 16cm. x 16cm. shoe design made of brass.

Monique Wilson and Brian Tenorio

Also outside the Shoe Museum is a century-old acacia tree, one of two Heritage Trees in Marikina which are enduring witnesses to city’s history, particularly the growth and struggles of its footwear industry. Now laying on its side, the trunk blocking J.P. Rizal Street and half of the roots unearthed and exposed, it was uprooted by a tornado spawned by Typhoon Ompong on September 14, 2018. First aid methods and bonsai techniques had been used to revive this acacia and it is now considered a symbol of the community’s own survival and resilience.

The still resilient Heritage Tree

Museo ng Sapatos:  J.P. Rizal St., San Roque, Marikina City (50 m. from the Sentrong Pangkultura ng Marikina), Metro Manila.  Open daily, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM.  Admission: Php50.  Tel: (632) 696-6516.E-mail: marikinatourism@gmail.com.

How to Get There: take the LRT-2 to Santolan (its last stop) and then take a San Mateo-bound jeepney to City Hallon Central Shoe Ave.  From there, it is a short walk to the museum.

Quezon Heritage House (Quezon City, Metro Manila))

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Quezon Heritage House

The Quezon Heritage House, a historic house museum within the grounds of the Quezon Memorial Circle, is situated across the Quezon City Hall. It serves as a museum focusing on the personal life of former President Manuel Quezon, complementing the nearby Museo ni Manuel L. Quezon at the base of the Quezon Memorial Shrine which focuses on the former president’s political career.

Check out “Quezon Memorial Circle,” “Quezon Memorial Shrine” and “Museo ni Manuel L. Quezon”

Built in 1927, the house was originally located at 45 Gilmore Street in Hacienda Magdalena (now New Manila). The Quezons moved to the house in 1927 when it was offered to them after Manuel Quezon contracted tuberculosis as the Santol Sanitarium  was just nearby.  The Quezons acquired the house on installment and managed to acquire three adjacent properties near the house.

Until they were forced to flee to Corregidor in 1941 during the World War II, the house was used as a weekend home by the Quezons.  After Manuel Quezon died in 1944, his family moved back to the house the next year, making it again as their family weekend house.  Later, it was occupied by the family of Maria Zeneida Quezon-Avanceña but, due to health reasons, she later moved out of the house to reside in Alabang.

During the administration of then city mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr., plans to preserve the house were made. Belmonte approached the National Historical Commission of the Philippines and had talks on the city government’s prospects of acquiring the house, as well as the registration of the building as a heritage site.  However, the house did not meet all requirements for the designation.

The house was sold in 2012 and was about to be razed, when Mayor Herbert M. Bautista (born May 12, 1968) had the house disassembled and reconstructed in Quezon Memorial Circle. In April 2013, a new foundation was laid for the house and then the house in Gilmore was disassembled. About 60% of the parts of the house were removed with care and used for restoration. In June of the same year, the disassembling process was finished.

The total cost for the relocation was ₱10 million. The Quezon family also donated some furniture and fixtures for the house. In 2015, the Quezon Heritage House was designated as a Local Heritage Site of Quezon City by virtue of Ordinance No. SP-2428 passed by the Quezon City Council.

The two-storey Quezon Heritage House, painted in beige and white, did not follow strictly the Neo-Classical style theme as it underwent, in the span of more than 50 years, several modifications by the Quezon family.   Serving as the main entrance of the house are glass doors etched with bamboo with iron-wrought leaves, one of the non-Neo-Classical features of the heritage house.

Social Hall

An adjacent, single-storey rectangular social hall, present in the Quezon house complex, has round columns and features Fu Dog sculptures and two Caryatids as part of the support. A rectangular pool, between the social hall and the house building, was converted into a fountain when the building was transferred to the Quezon Memorial Circle.

The house’s living room, on the ground floor, was used by former First Lady Aurora Quezon as her office where she was establishing the Philippine National Red Cross.  Also on the same floor is a room used by Aurora as her age advances.   During the time the Quezon-Avanceñas were occupying the house, it was used as a guest room. A kitchen, each for the first and second floor, was also constructed.

The second floor, the primary attraction of the museum, is where the two bedrooms, with the original narra beds, of former president Quezon and his wife (the couple had separate rooms due to Manuel Quezon’s illness) are situated.  Both are linked by a comfort room. The original spiral staircase was retained upon its relocation to its current place. The cabinets and mirrors, doors, grills and some stained glass panels are all original.

Aside from featuring the interiors, furnishing and properties of the Quezón family, also on display are artworks by Guillermo Estrella Tolentino (1890 -1976), Miguel Geronimo Galvez (1912-1989), Loreto T. Racuya (born 1940), German M. Icarangal (1914-1984), R.F. Tapino, P. Żółcią, and E.P. Lim.

Beside the Quezon Heritage House is the Philippine-Israel Friendship Park, inaugurated in 2017, which commemorates Pres. Quezón’s opening the Philippines to Jewish refugees from the Nazi  persecution of World War II.

Quezon Heritage House: Quezon Memorial Shrine, Quezon Memorial Circle, Elliptical Road, Diliman,  Quezon City, Metro Manila.  Admission is free.  Coordinates: 14°38′58.4″N 121°03′01.1″E

Presidential Car Museum (Quezon City, Metro Manila)

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Presidential Car Museum

The Presidential Automobile Museum (Filipino: Museo ng Pampangulong Sasakyan), within the Quezon Memorial Circle, houses the largest collection of state cars in the country.  It displays the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) collection of 12 interesting and unique cars used by 13 former Presidents of the Philippines during their term of office.

As early as 2013, the NHCP was planning to open a museum to house the presidential cars of former Philippine Presidents and, when it signed a memorandum of agreement with the local government of Quezon City, the NHCP secured a location for the museum.

Prior to the opening of the museum, the vehicles were housed in a private warehouse in Pampanga handled by the Presidential Security Group (PSG) while others were left in display in the garages of these former president’s homes.  They were restored to their original condition by Quezon City resident Alfred Perez, whose atelier Alfred Motor Works (established in 1993), located at the corner of 11th Jamboree Street and Kamuning Road, specializes in the restoration of classic cars.

On land within the Quezon Memorial Circle (formerly occupied by basketball and volleyball courts which was moved to another part of the park at the NHCP’s expense), the city provided at least 3,000 sq. m. (32,000 sq. ft.) of space for the museum. On August 19, 2018, the triangular museum was formally inaugurated.

Each display includes the car’s history and specifications as well as the profile of its user. . Beside the cars are busts of the presidents that were created by Juan Sajid de Leon Imao (born 1971), son of the first Muslim National Artist for the Visual Arts Abdulmari Imao.

The display includes the car’s history and specifications as well as the profile and bust (created by Juan Sajid de Leon Imao) of its user.

By the entrance of the museum is parol-inspired National Costume of 2018 Miss Universe Catriona Gray.

2018 Miss Universe Catriona Gray’s National Costume

The presidential car of Carlos P. Garcia (1896 – 1971) was never recovered. Presidents Benigno C. Aquino III (1960 – 2021) and Rodrigo R. Duterte (born 1945), who both used the more utilitarian Toyota Land Cruisers, do not have their cars in the museum as they are still being used.

The Packard Single Six Touring Model 233 Series 1924, the “retirement” (he rode a horse-drawn carriage during his presidency) car of Emilio Aguinaldo (1869-1964) from 1924–1964, is considered as one of the earliest US vehicles that were being exported worldwide for use as state transportation, it was used by the Russian Imperial family back then.

The car, originally displayed in Fort Santiago in Manila and the Aguinaldo Shrine in  Kawit, Cavite, has wood and vinyl interiors. Its car plate, issued in 1936, bears the figures 1-1896, “1”” reserved as plate number of presidents, and “1896” the year the Philippine Revolution began.

The Packard Single Six Touring Model 233 Series 1924 used by Pres. Emilio Aguinaldo

The 1937 Chrysler Airflow Custom Imperial CW Limousine, the presidential car used by President Manuel L. Quezon from 1937-1941, came with a price tag, back then, of US$1,610.  It was exclusively produced in 1937 to 1937 by the Chrysler Corporation.  This car, one of the rarest automobiles in the world (there are only 10 or less in the world), is the only one in the Philippines.  The most aerodynamic car of its era, was powered by an inline 8-cylinder engine producing 130 horsepower and designed with a 3-speed manual floor shift transmission

The 1937 Chrysler Airflow Custom Imperial CW Limousine used by Commonwealth Pres. Manuel L. Quezon

The 1942 Packard Customer Super 818 Limousine, the presidential car used by President José P. Laurel and his successor President Sergio Osmeña from 1941–1946, had the best fabrics, leather and carpeting, plus a wool ceiling, It also has a glass partition that can be lowered so anytime the president wants to drive on his own, then he can do so.  Osmena’s own car, a 1941 Cadillac Series 1, is currently on exhibit at the Osmena Museum in Cebu.

The 1942 Packard Customer Super 818 Limousine used by Pres. Jose P. Laurel and his successor Sergio Osmena

The 1947 Cadillac Fleetwood Series 75,  the presidential car used by President Manuel Róxas from 1946–1948, is an Imperial 7-seater limousine, considered as the ultimate luxury automotive vehicle back then.  It boasts Fleetwood coachwork, with a very imposing appearance and an impressive and detailed interior.  This car is distinguished by a massive vertical grille that stretch out to the fenders in a large hood.  Because of its engine, this Cadillac was considered one of the most powerful cars of its era.

The 1947 Cadillac Fleetwood Series 75 used by Pres. Manuel A. Roxas

The 1953 Chrysler Crown Imperial Limousine, the 8-seater presidential car used by President Elpidio Quirino from 1948–1953, is an innovative, 2-ton vehicle that had a long wheelbase and partition windows inside, power-assisted disc brakes (one of the first cars to offer them) and an electrical system with 12 volts power.

The 1953 Chrysler Crown Imperial Limousine used by Pres. Elpidio Quirino

The 1955 Cadillac Series 75-23 Fleetwood, the presidential car used by President Ramón Magsaysay from 1953–1957 (he rode a 1953 Ford Crestline Convertible during his inauguration), was considered, back then, as the most expensive Cadillac, this car was a favorite choice to transport VIPs and world leaders. It was used until the early presidential term of President Fidel V. Ramos.

The 1955 Cadillac Series 75-23 Fleetwood used by Pres. Ramon Magsaysay

The 1959 Cadillac Sedan de Ville, not the actual unit but similar to the one used by President Diosdado Macapagal from 1961–1965, is considered as a rare asset as there were only 20,000 (of which less than 100 units officially earmarked for export) of this huge, extremely sharp, very much remembered  and intimidating car model that was made available worldwide.

The 1959 Cadillac Sedan de Ville used by Pres. Diosdado Macapagal

The 1980 Lincoln Continental Mark VI Signature Series, the elegant presidential car used by President Ferdinand Marcos from 1980–1986, is Lincoln’s flagship car due to sleek design, high quality and secure car features, boasts highly advanced features.  It could be expanded to accommodate a spacious interior and had high-tech features such as keyless entry plus a more ‘digitized’ gauge cluster showing a trip computer which would let the driver and the passenger know the current status of ‘miles to empty’ and the ETA for every road trip.

1980 Lincoln Continental Mark VI Signature Series used by Pres. Ferdinand E. Marcos

The Mercedes-Benz 500 SEL is the relatively simple and understated looking presidential car used by President Corazon Aquino from 1986–1992. As safety has always been a concern for this president being in the center of a country revolution, this car had bulletproof panels and 2-inch thick glass windows.

The relatively simple Mercedes-Benz 500 SEL used by Pres. Corazon C. Aquino

The Mercedes-Benz 500 SEL Guard, the presidential car used by President Fidel V. Ramos from 1986–1992, had thinner panels and  a built-in specific switchboard that gives control to the lights and the sirens plus buttons specifically for controlling compartments and fuses.

The Mercedes-Benz 500 SEL Guard used by Pres. Fidel V. Ramoso

The Mercedes-Benz S600, the presidential car, initially assigned to Vice-President Salvador Laurel, was used by President Joseph Estrada from 1993–2001. Said to be one of the safest presidential cars due to its features, it boasts a self-sealing fuel tank, doors with thick steel plates and Kevlar used in bulletproof vests plus protection from detonating devices and a unique alarm system.  A television set and a telephone system was also installed.

The Mercedes-Benz S600, initially assigned to Vice-Pres. Salvador Laurel, and used by Pres. Joseph E. Estrada

The 1993 Mercedes-Benz S600 (LWB) S600 V140 Limousine, the presidential car used by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (born 1947) from 1993–2001,is a stretch limousine said to be the country’s longest and largest state vehicle.  It was heavily armored and had run-flat tires with engine block protective covering against any sharpshooters.

The Mercedes-Benz S600 (LWB) S600 V140 Limousine used by Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

Four cars in the collection are classified as “other vehicles of historical value.” The 1935 Cadillac V-16, a transformable town Cabriolet used by President Manuel Quezon as his presidential car, from 1935–1936, was the first car with a Philippine flag.  It had a steel roof and a grilled fender. The car was soon turned over to General Douglas MacArthur (1880-1964) in 1937 to honor him as the new Field Marshal of the Philippines.

The 1935 Cadillac V-16 first used by Pres. Manuel L. Quezon and, later, by Gen. Douglas MacArthur

The 1943 Willy’s Jeep, donated by General Douglas MacArthur, was used by Ramón Magsaysay during his tenure as Secretary of National Defense, during the term of President Elpidio Quirino, as his service vehicle from 1950–1953.  Resembling its military counterpart, it had a dependable shovel, gas tank and collapsible radio antenna.

The1943 Willy’s Jeep, donated by Gen. Douglas MacArthur, and used by Sec. of National Defense (and later president) Ramon Magsaysay

The 1960 Rolls-Royce Phantom V, used by Imelda R. Marcos (born 1929) from 1965–1986. was one of only 516 models that exist and were produced worldwide.

Te 1960 Rolls-Royce Phantom V used by former First Lady Imelda R. Marcos

Its interiors had a storage for wine and champagne bottles at the back, a set of four-crystal champagne flutes and a built-in humidor for Cuban cigars.  Other famous celebrities who owned this kind of car include Queen Elizabeth II, Shah Reza Pahlavi (the last shah of Iran) and John Lennon of The Beatles.

Interior of the 1960 Rolls-Royce Phantom V

A kalesa, used until 1940, was owned by the family of judge and revolutionary  León Castillo  Apacible(1861-1901), a member of the commission that drafted the Malolos Constitution.

The Leon Apacible Kalesa

The museum also has an audio-visual room, a resource center, a multi-purpose area, a souvenir shop and an interactive Wall Alive feature.  The museum also showcases a special section on political figures that also shaped the country’s history.

Presidential Car Museum: Quezon Memorial Circle, Elliptical Rd., Quezon City, Metro Manila.  Mobile number: (0945) 470-0436, (0905) 435-339 and (0920) 698-1954. E-mail: pcm@nhcp.gov.ph and presidentialcarmuseum@gmail.com.  Open Tuesdays to Sundays, 9 AM to 4 PM. Admission is free. Coordinates: 14°39′0.7″N 121°03′3.8″E.

Museo ni Manuel L. Quezon (Quezon City, Metro Manila)

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Museo ni Manuel L. Quezon

The Museo ni Manuel L. Quezón (lit. ’Museum of Manuel L. Quezon’), a museum at the base of the Quezon Memorial Shrine, has a collection of art works, relics and memorabilia related to former President Manuel L. Quezon as well as his wife, First Lady Aurora Aragon Quezon.  It is one of three museums within the Quezon Memorial Circle (the others are the Quezon Heritage House and the Presidential Car Museum).

Check out “Quezon Memorial Shrine,” “Quezon Heritage House” and the “Presidential Car Museum“

Gallery I (Kabtaan ni Manuel)

Opened on August 18, 1978, the museum underwent a renovation by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines and was reopened on August 19, 2015.

Maj. Manuel Quezon (Bataan, 1901)

Certification of Completion (University of Sto. Tomas)

Gallery 1 (Kabataan ni Manuel) features the late president’s life in Baler, and Tayabas (now Aurora), where he was born on August 19, 1878; his education at the Colegio de San Juan de Letran and the University of Sto. Tomas, where he earned a law degree; revolution days; and civilian life.

Portrait of Don Francisco Ortigas and a souvenir frame from the Thomasites

Salakots and Hats of Quezon

Large imprint of Pres. Quezon’s right hand

On display here are the following:

  • Quezon’s February 19, 1894 University of Sto. Tomas diploma for Bachelor of Arts
  • A large imprint of Quezon’s right hand, artist unknown
  • A souvenir frame from the Thomasites
  • Portrait of Don Francisco Ortigas
  • A 1901 photo of Maj. Manuel L. Quezon in Bataan (during the Philippine-American War, where he served as aide-de-camp to Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo)
  • His hat collection (including several salakot” or native hats which he would often wear during his sorties in the provinces).

Gallery II (Unang Taon sa Serbisyo Publiko)

Gallery 2 (Unang Taon sa Serbisyo Publiko) shows his post-war endeavors as a lawyer, governor of Tayabas in 1906; National Assembly representative (1907); Resident Commissioner to Washington D.C. (1909); and Senate President (1916).

Ink dish

Calendar holder

A number of the memorabilia displayed are gifts given to Quezon by local dignitaries and organizations, some of them given during his birthday.  They include:

  • A calendar holder and a Senate crystal glass ink dish,(on opaline base with initials MLQ) given to Quezón on January 1, 1925, in appreciation of Quezón in leading the Independence Mission to Washington DC, in 1924.
  • A sterling silver inkwell given, on August 19, 1917, to Quezón as a birthday gift by Teodoro Rafael Yangco (1861-1939), who was Quezón’s replacement as the Resident Commissioner to the US Congress in Washington.
  • Two sterling silver vases given to Pres. Quezón by the Los Senadores (The Senators) and the Functionarios Y Empleados de Senado (Officials and Employees of the Senate) on January 1, 1924.
  • A July 1935 a decorative plaque, one of the oldest in the collection, was dedicated to Senate President Manuel Quezon from the Spanish cities of Alicante, Castellon de la Plana and Valencia.
  • A short 1916 obelisk, with silver plaques dedicated to Quezon, awarded by the Freemason Nilad Lodge 144 on September 23, 1916 (just a few days before he would win the 5th District senatorial seat on October 3, 1916), honoring Quezón for his work as the Resident Commissioner in Washington, D. C. from 1909 to 1916.

Obelisk plaque

Ink well set with globe

One of two sterling silver vases

There are also a number of historical photos from that era displayed such as:

Letter of endorsement

Other memorabilia on display include the following:

  • Masonic plaque issued on April 9, 1917 by Lodge of Regeneration No. 36 (Tarlac) in honor of Quezon
  • A Comprovincianos Plaque of the Province of Tayabas, a plaque of honor presented on January 1, 1918, to Quezon by Gov. Maximo Rodriguez and the Las Mas Alta Gloria de la Provincia de Tayabas y Legitimo Orgullo de la Raza Filipina (The Highest Glory of the Province of Tayabas and Legitimate Pride of the Philippine Race) to honor their native son.
  • A 1922 bust of Don Crispulo Zamora by Guillermo E. Tolentino.
  • Musical Piece (Anti Hare-Hawes-Cutting), by Hilario F. Rubio and published by Marcelino Masangkay (copyright 1934), dedicated to Senate Pres. Quezon.
  • Letter of Senate Pres. Quezon to Jose Vitug (of Lubao, Pampanga) endorsing him as Nationalista candidate.

Musical Piece (Anti Hare-Hawes-Cutting)

Gallery 3 (Pamahalang Komonwelt) features Quezon’s Commonwealth presidency, his supposed re-election in 1941 — interrupted by the war caused by Japan’s invasion and occupation — and his exile to the United States (US) from 1942 to 1944.

Gallery III (Pamahalang Komonwelt

Again, also on display here are a number of gifts given to Pres. Quezon by local and foreign dignitaries and organizations, especially on his birthday.  They include the following:

  • A hand-lettered song sheet, by Matias, containing the lyrics of a song entitled Mabuhay, Presidente Quezón Mabuhay! (Long Live, President Quezón, Long Live), which was composed in the Ilocano language by Gil delos Santos Raval (1880-1949) and Laoag postmaster Proceso Coloma, between 1938 and 1941, upon the request of Gov. Roque Blanco Ablan, Sr. (1896 – 1943) and Laoag Mayor Agripino Palting Santos (1897 – 1952). It was translated to English by Fiscal (and future congressman) Pedro Albano (born 1907).
  • A sculpture of Pres. Quezón planting rice, given to him by the National Commission of Peasants, on his 61st birthday on August 19, 1939. The sculpture is based on the famous photograph of the president when he was planting rice in celebration of the First National Rice Planting Day, on July 9, 1939.
  • A 1938 Handog ng Taliba caricature, by cartoonist Liborio “Gat” Talag Gatbonton (1914-1976), of Pres. Manuel Quezon in a tuxedo, presented to Quezon on August 19, 1938 (his 60th birthday).
  • A 1936 caricature, on ink on paper, of Manuel L. Quezon by Alfredo Gabriel
  • A 1936 caricature, on persil, of Pres. Manuel L. Quezon by Filipino-Spanish artist Luis León Lasa (1890–1986).
  • Vase in the shape of a traditional Japanese basket, given by Japanese Imperial Army Gen. Baron G. Tanaka to Pres. Quezon.
  • Coconut shell trophy, with decorative silver-plated leaves and stand, gifted by Manileno silversmith engraver Crispulo Zamora (1871 – 1922).
  • A 1939 relief of a farming scene given to Pres. Quezón, with replicas of native hats that the president enjoyed wearing.
  • Globular jars, with various Chinese deities in black and gold, from Chinese Consul-Gen. Kwangsen Young and Alfonso Z. Sycip (1888 – 1978).
  • Satzuma ware potpourri bowl.
  • President Quezon March (music by M.P. Velez, words in Spanish by J. Hernandez Gavira), dedicated to Quezon on August 19, 1939 (his 61st birthday).
  • A 3 rpm record containing Marcha Socialismo Quezoniana, performed and recorded at KZRH, presented to Quezon on August 19, 1941 (his 63rd birthday).

Pres. Quezon Planting Rice

Coconut Shell Trophy

Globular jars

Vase given by Japanese Imperial Army Gen. Baron G. Tanaka

Japanese Satzuma ware

Pres. Quezon March

Historical photos on display include:

  • A 1939 photo of Pres Quezon inspecting a soldier’s rifle, on their way to inspect the Diliman Estate with future-QC Mayor Tomas Morato and Major General Basilio J. Valdes (1892-1970), Armed Forces of Philippines
  • Photo of Pres. Quezon presenting degrees at the University of Sto. Tomas (where Aurora Aragon Quezon received her honorary Doctor of Pedagogy ) on March 23, 1940
  • Photo of Pres. Quezon signing the Suffrage Law on September 15, 1937 at Malacanang Palace.

The Signing of the Suffrage Law

A lot of the displays deal with artifacts from the Philippine Commonwealth Period.

Repository of 1935 Constitution

One very important artifact occupying a place of honor is a 1935 Damascene gold inlaid chest Philippine Constitution repository, created by Jose Vicente “Mantxon” Iriondo y Ezaguirre (1893 – 1973) and Tomas Guisasola y Guisasola, the students of famed Spanish sculptor and metalworker Placido Maria Martin Zoloaga ( 1834 – 1910) from Eibar, Spain; and sold by Beristain of Barcelona, Spain.

On the left are 1936 Philippine Commonwealth coins while on the right are Franklin Mint silver coins, issued by the Central Bank of the Philippines, commemorating Manuel Quezon’s centenary.

Banner of Honor Bearing the Commonwealth Seal

1936 Calendar and Cartridge Shells

Other Philippine Commonwealth memorabilia include:

  • A 1936 Birth of the Commonwealth Calendar, which celebrates the next major step to Philippine Independence.
  • Three pieces of cartridge cases used for the first gun salute in honor of Pres. Quezon, fired on June 3, 1936.
  • An honor banner bearing the Commonwealth seal of the Philippines.
  • Quezon March (a printed musical composition by Julian Silverio)
  • The 1938 painting The Commonwealth by Antonio Gonzales Dumlao (1912-1983)
  • November 25, 1935 issue of Time Magazine with Pres. Quezon gracing the cover in commemoration of the inauguration of the Commonwealth.
  • 1936 Commonwealth coins
  • 1935 Commonwealth dry seal
  • Dinnerware with Commonwealth seal

Dinnerware Set with Commonwealth Seal

Quezon featured in cover of Time Magazine (November 25, 1935)

Commonwealth Dry Seal

Some artifacts deal with the Quezon Institute, a medical complex named after the president (who suffered and died from tuberculosis) who was its benefactor.  They include:

  • A copy of the Quezon Institute Plaque created by the sons of Crispulo de Guzman-Mendoza Zamora (1871-1922), in 1938.
  • A relief of Pres. Quezón’s head in profile on the 1938 commemorative plaque of the Quezon Institute, which was created by the family of Crispulo Zamora.

Plaque of Appreciation from Quezon Institute

Other items on display are Pres. Manuel L. Quezon’s personal belongings such as:

  • Statuette of Pres. Quezon with his swagger stick
  • Quezon’s tailcoat
  • Quezon’s sword collection
  • Quezon’s bastonero (walking stick holder)

Quezon’s bastonero (walking stick holder)

Statuette of Quezon holding his swagger stick.  At the foot of the statue is Quezon’s swagger stick

Quezon’s tailcoat

Quezon Sword Collection

Gallery 4 (Ikalawang Digmaang Pandaidig sa Pilipinas) feature’s Quezon’s leadership during World War II and his exile to the United States.

Gallery IV (Ikalawang Digmaang Pandaidig sa Pilipinas

It tells the story of the rescuing of the Jews by Quezon; important events during World War II; life during the war; and the Guerilla Movement in the Philippines, 1942 – 1944.

Quezon’s Rifle Collection

As a soldier, Quezón was familiar with different weapons and on display here are some of the firearms in his collection:

  • A 1895 Winchester caliber 405 center fire hunting rifle (serial number 79418)
  • A 1913-1914 Parker Brothers double barrel 16 gauge shotgun (serial number 167904)
  • A 1937 Fábrica Nacional de Armas México 30 caliber Medoza Model C automatic rifle (serial number 2664)
  • A 1938 Fábrica Nacional de Armas México 30 caliber model 1934 carbine (serial number 22196).
  • A Moro lantaka(native cannon) which Pres. Quezón had picked up from his many visits to the island of Mindanao

Photos of Manila’s Ruins during the Second World War

Also on display are photos of Manila’s ruins during the World War II and a collection of World War II memorabilia such as a leather holster; an aluminum water flask; a military helmet; and a telegram Morse Code buzzer.

Military helmet

Haversack bag

Telegram Morse Code buzzer

Also on display are the military peak cap, shoulder bag (1945 US Navy combat field pack) and uniform of Gen. Carlos P. Rómulo (1899-1985) and the World War II shoulder bag used by Brig.-Gen. and future President Manuel Róxas (1892-1948).

Peaked Cap of Carlos P. Romulo

Military shoulder bag owned by Carlos P. Romulo

Military shoulder bags owned by Manuel Roxas

Gallery 5 (Pamana) relates the story on Quezon’s death due to tuberculosis on Aug. 1, 1944 in the US. From Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia, his remains were transferred to Manila North Cemetery in 1946 before it was moved to the Quezon Memorial Shrine on Aug. 1, 1979.

Gallery V (Pamana)

On display here are the following:

  • Philippine flag draped over the casket of Pres. Quezon when he died in 1944
  • Scroll with the photo of the Old City of Jerusalem
  • Token of Appreciation given by the Israel Defense Forces in gratitude for Quezon

Philippine flag that was draped over Quezon’s casket

Token of Appreciation and Scroll

The Galeria ni Doña Aurora Quezón, a dedicated gallery to Quezon’s wife, First Lady Aurora Aragon Quezon, is a replica of her bed room.

Galeriya ni Dona Aurora Quezon

This showroom displays Doña Aurora’s Atay bed (with squash decoration on every corner post) and sewing machine, her formal Filipiniana terno gowns, memorabilia of her travels abroad, hats, jewelry, several photographs, a painting of Doña Aurora and Pres. Quezón, and two busts by Isabelo L. Tampinco (1850-1933) and Eduardo De Los Santos Castrillo (1942-2016).

Tanggapan Ng Pangulong Quezon

The Tanggapan ng Pangulong Quezón has a replica of Manuel L. Quezon‘s presidential office (with Quezón’s actual desk and chairs from his office, as well as a display of the president’s golf clubs, hats, awards, briefcases, playing cards, and two sculptures of Quezón.  There is also a replica of his room in the Malinta Tunnel in the fortress island of Corregidor, where Pres. Quezón moved his cabinet and their families on the December 24, 1941, onboard the SS Mayon.

Malinta Tunnel

An audio-visual room presents a short documentary on the life of Pres. Manuel L. Quezon and the creation of the museum. The museum also features a hologram of Quezon delivering his inaugural speech as president;  interactive booths and terminals which edifies visitors regarding the Commonwealth era.

Audio-Visual Room

The museum also displays a number of paintings.  They include:

  • A 1939 portrait of Pres. Quezón and Vice-president Osmeña, with Inang Bayan promising hope to the Filipino people in the background. The artist of the painting was part of the “Insular Prisoners,” most likely those part of the prisoners being transferred to the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa.
  • The 1938 painting The Commonwealth by Antonio Gonzales Dumlao (1912-1983)
  • A 1939 portrait, by cartoonist and painter Rodolfo Fernando Dayao (1920-1991), of President Manuel Quezon based on his visit to the Philippine Military Academy (Camp Henry T. Allen, Baguio) in 1937.
  • A 1994 painting of the Quezon Memorial Shrine by Mardonio Aurora Cempron (born 1941). 
  • Jose T. Juco, Sr. painting of Pres. Quezón awarding the Philippine Army Medal of Valor to Major-Dr. Emigdio “Meding” Castor Cruz (1898-1978), who had volunteered to return to the Philippines via Australia and gather intelligence on Japanese positions in the country, from the May 3,1943 to February 28,1944.
  • A 1935 portrait, by Eduardo Arandia Salgado (born 1910), of Pres. Manuel L. Quezon wearing a barong tagalog (traditional shirt) and holding a salakot (native hat), while the figure of the Inang Bayan (motherland) floats behind him with the Philippine Flag

The Commonwealth (Antonio Gonzales Dumlao, 1938)

Portrait of Pres. Quezón and Vice-Pres. Osmeña

Quezon presents the Congressional Medal of Valor to Major Emigdio Cruz (Jose T. Juico, Sr., 1947)

Museo ni Manuel L. Quezon : Quezon Memorial Shrine, Quezon Memorial Circle, Elliptical Road, Diliman,  Quezon City, Metro Manila. Tel: (632) 8225-1861.  Mobile number: (0949) 568-5918.  E-mail: mmq@nhcp.gov.ph and museonimanuelquezon18@gmail.com.  Open Tuesdays to Saturdays, 8 AM to 4 PM.  Admission is free.  Coordinates: 14°39′05.1″N 121°02′57″E.

Metropolitan Museum of Manila (Taguig City, Metro Manila)

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Metropolitan Museum of Manila

One of my regrets was I never got to visit the old Metropolitan Museum of Manila, an art museum that exhibits local and international contemporary art, that was formerly located in a building designed by Gabriel Formoso.  Located within the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Complex along Roxas Boulevard in the Malate district of Manila, it billed itself as the country’s premier museum for modern and contemporary visual arts by local and international artists.

Old Metropolitan Museum of Manila

The Met first opened its doors in 1976 with an initial exhibit of international artists to expose Filipinos to contemporary visual works in other cultures.  The first exhibit showcased 105 artworks, in various media, from the Brooklyn Museum and other American museums and galleries. Partly subsidized by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, the museum’s administration was entrusted, in 1979, to the Metropolitan Museum of Manila Foundation.

The Mariano K. Tan Centre

By 1986, its focus shifted to local works, extending its reach to more common people by offering bilingual exhibition texts and developing several outreach educational programs like workshops and symposia, thereby promoting local pride and identity. Then came the COVID-19 pandemic.

Museum Lobby

During the pandemic, the museum quickly transitioned its exhibitions and workshops online, with successful virtual exhibition openings and live conferences. At the same time, the famed institution was also gearing for another transition, arranged and made possible by the Chairman of its Board of Trustees, Joselito Y. Campos, Jr.

In the last few decades, the nearby important galleries and hangouts have closed down, moving to Makati and, later, to Taguig, plus the original home of 45 years (now permanently closed) was deemed inaccessible by many.

Plazas in the Philippines: Places of Memory, Places of the Heart

Thus, they decided to leave and move to its new location in Bonifacio Global City, an emerging cultural hub in Taguig City, as an integral part of the office and commercial building of the Mariano K. Tan Center.   The venue is near the sports park Track 30th and the High Street commercial center.

Points of Origin

Opened to the public in February 2023, it also got a new nickname – the short, catchy, and easily recognizable The M, plus a new logo to better herald the beginning of a new era for the institution.

Prior to its opening, it launched a preview of the new spaces with three exhibitions – “Ronald Ventura: Quick Turns on Hyper Highways,””Korea: A Land of Hats (presented in partnership with the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines and the Coreana Cosmetics Museum) and “The Hat of the Matter” (supported by Bench, a global clothing brand).

Quick Turns on Hyper Highways

The purpose of my visit was to cover the recent opening of “Plazas in the Philippines:- Places of Memory, Places of the Heart” Exhibit which was curated by fellow architect and U.P. College of Architecture alumnus Paulo G. Alcazaren (also my boss when I was working with Mas Othman Associates).  Aside from this exhibit, there were also three other ongoing exhibits which I also visited.

Check out “Plazas in the Philippines:- Places of Memory, Places of the Heart,” “Jefre: Points of Origin,” “Ronald Ventura: Quick Turns on Hyper Highways” and “Sounds of Blackness”

Sounds of Blackness (6)

The museum’s three floors of galleries house a collection of art and historical artifacts loaned by the BSP.  They include pre-Hispanic gold work and pottery; religious artwork and some artworks by Félix Resurrección Hidalgo. The rest of the museum is dedicated to Philippine contemporary works by various Filipino artists.

Anito (Arturo Luz, aluminum in rust finish, undated)

Upon entering the third floor, you are greeted by “Anito,” a towering 8-ft. high aluminum artwork, in rust finish, by the late Arturo Luz that took 8 people to transport into the space where it stands.  There are three ongoing exhibits there.

The M Collection

Its brand new, state—of-the-art 3,000-sq. m. space,plus an outdoor area for installations, was designed by the Manila-born, Brooklyn-based Filipino-Columbian architect Carlos Arnaiz.

Quick Turns on Hyper Highways outdoor exhibit

The entrance of the museum is accessed through an open pedestrian walkway that leads to the bustling and often busy Bonifacio High Street area of shops and dining places.  Now with access to more foot traffic, the museum will now be introduced to a new audience, thus reinforcing its philosophy of “Art for All.”.

Points of Origin outdoor exhibit

Metropolitan Museum of Manila: Mariano K. Tan Centre, 30th St. cor. 9th Ave., Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, Metro Manila. Mobile number:: (0917) 160-9667. E-mail: info@metmuseummanila.org. Open Tuesdays to Saturdays (except on public holidays and other special notices). Pre-register a day before your visit. The museum offers free admission on Tuesdays.

Memorial Visitor’s Center (Taguig City, Metro Manila)

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Memorial Visitor’s Center

The 11,000 sq. ft., nearly US$5,000,000, 2-level,interpretative  Memorial Visitor’s Center, nestled and partially built into a hillside,  was designed by Corpus Christi, Texas–based Richter Architects to complement and enhance the experience of visiting the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial.

Opened last October 20, 2019, the 75th anniversary of the return of Gen. Douglas MacArthur in the Philippines, it provides historic orientation to visitors from all over the world and amplifies the powerful message implicit in the largest American military cemetery on foreign soil.

Check out “Manila American Cemetery and Memorial”

The visitor center was planned so that, from the monument atop the hill, its roof line would be at eye level, with most of the building extending down and beyond view. Its low-key design minimized the mass of the new cast-in-place concrete structure and did not compete with the memorial or cemetery and detract from the serene landscape.

Scaled Model of Manila American Cemetery and Memorial

Much of the center’s exterior is high-performance thermal glass, designed to withstand typhoons, while the rest was clad in horizontal panels of Italian travertine, to appear more “of the earth as well as contrast with the similar sand-colored vertical slabs of the stone used for the chapel and the monument. Other exterior materials include white-painted steel, aluminum, and plaster.

Flat, concrete slab floors and roof and its shallow steel framing aim to keep the structure as transparent and unobtrusive as possible. Its expanse of glass connects the interior with the surrounding landscape while elements of limestone on its façade reference the existing monument and gravestones.

I entered the center, directly across from the chapel, from ground level, before descending from the lobby to the lower level through an open staircase, which preserves the sight line to the chapel outside. Teak, a traditional material in Southeast Asia, was used for the ceilings, stairs and as wall cladding throughout the interior.   The lower-level windows are screened with louvers, allowing diffused daylight inside while focusing attention toward the crosses in the landscape outside.

Visual aids depicting the American Era

Main exhibit hall

Downstairs, it houses the main gallery which explains, in great detail, the many battles (Iwo Jima, Okinawa, Peleliu, Bismarck Archipelago, Guam, Wake Island,Tarawa Island, Leyte, etc.) within the Western Pacific during World War II via powerful, graphic and searing photos accompanied by clear, hard hitting descriptions that show the extent of the true horror that was caused.

Peleliu (The Forgotten Island Assault) and Devastation (Manila in Ruins)

Tarawa Island Assault and Bataan Death March

Through letters and artifacts, it also shares the stories of several fallen soldiers (Pvt. Bernard Steenwyk, Lt. George H. Freed, 1st Lt. Alexander R. Nininger Jr., Ens. Frank E. Cook and T. Sgt. Charles Steiskal), prisoners-of-war (Pvt. Anthony Smith, PFC Jack Brady, PFC Domingo Balod and Lt. Robert Fulton), soldiers missing in action (Brig.-Gen. Vicente Lim, TM2-C. Andrew J. Kirskey and 2nd Lt. Earl R. Stone), soldiers missing in action and later identified (Pvt. Bud Kelder) and the Navajo Code Talkers of the US Marine Corps.

Alexander Nininger Jr. (1st Lt., US Army) – killed in action near Abucay, Bataan on January 12, 1942. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for leading an assault on Japanese positions. He was the first American army soldier to be so honored in the Second World War

Brig.-Gen. Vicente Lim (Bataan Survivor and Patriot) – a World War II hero, Lim was the first Filipino graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point (Class of 1914).

Visual aids also illustrate life and events during the American Era (Under Foreign Rule, Americans in the Philippines, Economic Independence, Philippine Commonwealth, Peacetime Draft), the preparation for war (American Reinforcements, Mobilizing the Military, Recruiting and Training), the Japanese Invasion (Battle of the Philippines, Manila Under Attack, the Bataan Death March, POWs) and the Japanese Occupation of the Philippines (Society Under Siege, the Civilian Internees of Santo Tomas, the Resistance  Movement, Resistance Networks) and the Liberation of the Philippines (Leyte Landing, the Liberation of Manila, Rescue the POW Camps).

Battle of the Philippines (Initial Landing and Main Attack)

Bataan Death March

Also illustrated are the burial and identification process of remains (Emergency Battlefield Burials, Grave Markers, Temporary Cemeteries, Graves Registration, Identification of Remains); the  American Battle Monuments Commission (History and Mission, List of Cemeteries and Memorials around the world) and the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial (The Site, A Respectful Setting, Construction, The Memorial, The Memorials and Mosaic Maps, Honors to the Fallen).

Temporary Cemeteries (Morale on the Battlefield and A Permanent Burial Site (A Family Tradition)

Quartermaster General letter to the next of kin of deceased

Artifacts on display include Coke bottles and various calibers of World War II ordnance recovered on the Memorial site; a personal effects bag used by the Graves Commission to collect deceased personal belongings; a Quartermaster General’s letter to the next of kin of deceased, standard ration toilet paper and water purification tablet; an M1 Garand rifle, a standard issue aluminum canteen used by US Forces; a KA-BAR Fighting Utility Knife; the decorated mess kit used by Pvt. Anthony Smith during his time as a Japanese POW, medals (Philippine Defense Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, Philippine Liberation Medal and Philippine Independence Medal), a US War Ration Book and money used by Filipinos during the Japanese Occupation.

KA-BAR Fighting Utility Knife

M1 Garand Rifle

Also on display is a scaled model of the USS Bayfield attack transport and the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial.

Medals

Standard issue aluminum canteen used by US Forces

The 50-seat theater features a short, 17-min, thought-provoking. documentary film which focuses on the sacrifices of American and Filipino soldiers during World War II in the country and in the whole Pacific.  The center also houses an administration and reception area and support functions.

Theater

Memorial Visitor’s Center: American Memorial Cemetery and Memorial, 1634 McKinley Rd, Taguig City 1634, Metro Manila. Tel: (02) 8844-0212, (02) 8813-2521 and (02) 8894-3963. Fax: (02) 8812-4717.  E-mail: supt@abmc-ar.org. Website:  www.abmc.gov/Manila. Open daily (except December 25 and January 1), 9 AM to 5 PM..  Coordinates: 14.541°N 121.050°E. Admission is free but a valid photo ID is required for entrance to the cemetery.

How to Get There: The American Memorial Cemetery is located at the junction between McKinley Road and Nichols Field Road, about 11 kms.  southeast of the center of Manila.  It can be reached most easily from the city via EDSA to McKinley Road, then to McKinley Parkway inside the Bonifacio Global City. The Nichols Field Road is the easiest access from Manila International Airport to the cemetery. The entrance to the cemetery is at the far (east) side of the large grassed circle just beyond the military sentinel’s post which is at the junction of Rizal Drive and Eighth Ave..

Museo Sorsogon (Sorsogon City, Sorsogon)

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Museo Sorsogon

Part of Sorsogon Countryside Tour

After our Whale Shark Interaction in Donsol, we again boarded our coaster for the 66.7-km. (1.5-hr.) drive to Sorsogon City, making a stopover at the relatively new, two-storey, Neo-Classical-style Museo Sorsogon within the Provincial Capitol Complex.

Check out “Whale Shark Interaction“

The now glass-paneled cell doors

A brainchild of Gov. Francis Joseph “Chiz” G. Escudero, this two-storey museum is housed at the Old Sorsogon Provincial Jail. Built in 1916, the jail also hosted the Court of First Instance.

Historical Marker

When a new penitentiary was built and the inmates were transferred in 2019, Escudero saw the potential of the vacated building and decided to showcase the province’s history, culture and heritage. The property was restored by the Department of Public Works and Highways.

Restoration Marker

The museum displays significant historical and cultural artifacts and memorabilia of the province, highlighting its early settlers and settlement, participation in the 1896 Philippine Revolution, status during the American Occupation and locally-made products. Relevant artifacts are still continuously collected.

Garita (guardhouse)

The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) managed the curatorial development of this new museum and also facilitated the loans of important artifacts from the National Museum of the Philippines.

Museum foyer

The NHCP formally turned over the museum to the Sorsogon Provincial Government on March 12, 2021, during its inauguration and blessing. NHCP Chairman Rene R. Escalante presented the Certificate of Turn-over to Gov. Francis Joseph “Chiz” G. Escudero, and the latter spearheaded the unveiling ceremonies.The museum was blessed by Sorsogon Bishop Jose Alan V. Dialogo.

Iron anchor from Donsol astillero

The inauguration was also attended by Deputy Speaker Evelina G. Escudero, National Museum of the Philippines Director-General Jeremy R. Barns, Sorsogon Vice Governor Manuel L. Fortes, Jr., Sorsogon City Mayor Ma. Ester E. Hamor, and other local government officials. Museo Sorsogon opened to the public on March 15, 2021

Decreto Real

Map of Sorsogon

The museum houses ten galleries housed in what was once a prison cell, with the cell doors now glass paneled.  The total area per floor is about 830 sq. m. Galleries 1 to 5 are located on the first floor of the building while Galleries 6 to 10 are located on the second floor.

Replica of the San Diego cannon (National Museum of the Philippines)

At the museum foyer, we were welcomed by a sizable, wall-hung political map showing Sorsogon’s towns and two legislative districts.

Hallway with sequential portraits of past provincial governors

Also on display in this area are the glass-framed copy of the Discreto Real (the document that established the province in 1894), a replica of a cannon recovered from the San Diego wreck site and a huge iron ship anchor recovered from the Donsol astillero.

The author at Gallery 9

Lining the ground floor hallway leading to the galleries are sequential portraits of former provincial governors of Sorsogon.

Gallery 1: Ang Pinagmulan ng Pangalan ng Sorsogon

Gallery 1, called “Ang Lalawigan ng Sorsogon: Ang mga Bayan at Lungsod Nito” (The Province of Sorsogon: Its Municipalities and City), contains 5 displays.:

  • Ang Pinagmula ng Pangalan ng Sorsogon (The Origin of the Name of Sorsogon)
  • Heograpiya ng Sorsogon (The Geography of Sorsogon)
  • Ang Klima at mga Importanteng Producto ng Sorsogon (Climate and Important Sorsogon Products)
  • Populasyon ng Sorsogon (The Population of Sorsogon)
  • Mga Wika ng Sorsogon (Sorsogon Languages) – the dialects the people speak

Gallery 1: Heograpiya ng Sorsogon

Gallery 2: Ang mga Kuweba ng Bato (The Caves of Bato)

Gallery 2, called “Panahong Prehistoriko at Pagsisimula ng mga Pamayanan” (The Prehistoric Period and the Beginning of Communities), contains 4 displays:

  • Ang mga Kuweba ng Bato (The Caves of Bato)
  • Ang Libingan sa Pilar (The Cemetery of Pilar)
  • Ang Pagsisimula ng mga Sinaunang Pamayanan (The Beginning of Early Settlements)
  • Mga Alamat ng Lawa ng Bulusan (Legends of Lake Bulusan)

Gallery 3: Ang Misa sa Gibal-ong (Gibalon) Magallanes

Gallery 3: Pag-aalsa sa Sorsogon (Uprising in Sorsogon)

Gallery 3, called “Sorsogon noong Panahon ng mga Espanyol” (Sorsogon during the Spanish Period), contains 10 displays that narrates how the Spanish regime shaped Sorsgon:

  • Ang Misa sa Gibal-ong (Gibalon) Magallanes (The Mass of Gibalon, Magallanes)
  • Ang Misyon ng mga Pransiskano sa Sorsogon (The Franciscan Mission in Sorsogon)
  • Erecciones de Pueblos y Parroquias: Pagtatatag ng mga Bayan noong ika-17 Daantaon (The Establishment of Towns and Parishes During the 17th Century)
  • Pag-aalsa sa Sorsogon (Uprising in Sorsogon)
  • Astilleros: Ang Halaga ng Sorsogon sa Kalakhang Galyon (The Importance of Sorsogon in the Galleon Trade)
  • Ang mga Pagsalakay ng mga Pirata sa Sorsogon (The Pirate Attacks in Sorsogon)
  • Baluartes, Estacadas y Castillos: Ang mga Tanggulan at Moog sa Sorsogon (Bastions, Stockades and Castles: The Forts and Towers in Sorsogon)
  • Ang mga Bahay-na-Bato ng Sorsogon (The Stone Houses of Sorsogon)
  • Mga Tradisyong Relihiyoso sa ibat-ibang Bayan ng Sorsogon (Religious Traditions in the Different Towns of Sorsogon)
  • Ang Espesyal na Debosyon kay Ina, Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia sa Sorsogon (The Special Devotion to our Mother, Our Lady of Peñafrancia of Sorsogon).

Ang Espesyal na Debosyon kay Ina, Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia10 sa Sorsogon

Astilleros Ang Halaga ng Sorsogon sa Kalakhang Galyon

Gallery 4, called “Rebolusyon sa Sorsogon” (Sorsogon Revolution), contains 3 displays that narrates the Philippine Revolution that unfolded at the province at the tail end of their 333 year rule:

  • Kronolohiya ng mga Kaganapan (Chronology of Events)
  • Si Obispo Jorge Barlin sa Sorsogon (Bishop Jorge Barlin of Sorsogon)
  • Ang mga “Pulahanes” sa Sorsogon (The “Pulahanes” of Sorsogon).

Gallery 4: Si Obispo Jorge Barlin sa Sorsogon

Gallery 4: Ang mga “Pulahanes” sa Sorsogon

Gallery 5, called “Sorsogon sa Pananakop ng mga Amerikano” (Sorsogon During the American Occupation), contains 8 displays that narrates the early armed resistance against the Americans and the progress brought about by these eventual colonizers up to the time of the Philippine Commonwealth Government:

  • Pagdating ng mga Amerikano (The Arrival of the Americans)
  • Ang mga “Amerikanistas” at mga Anti-Amerikano; Ang Pagkilos ni Lt. Col. Emeterio Funes (The “Amerikanistas” and the Anti-Americans: The Action of Lt. Col. Emeterio Funes)
  • Pagtatanggol ng Donsol Laban sa mga Amerikano (Donsol’s Defense Against the Americans)
  • Mga Gurong Amerikano (Thomasites) at ang Pampublikong Edukasyon sa Sorsogon (The American Teachers (Thomasites) and Public Education in Sorsogon)
  • Larawan ng Bagong Kaayusan (A Portrait of the New Order)
  • Pampublikong Istraktura (Public Structures)
  • Pagsupil sa Kolera (Cholera Control)
  • Sa Ilalim ng Pamahalaang Komonwelt (Under the Commonwealth Government)

Gallery 5: Pagsupil sa Kolera

Gallery 5: Pagdating ng mga Amerikano

Gallery 6, called “Sorsogon sa Pananakop ng mga Hapon” (Sorsogon During the Japanese Occupation), contains 7 displays:  Here, we learn about Bicolano heroes such as Wenceslao Vinzons (of Camarines Norte) and Salvador Escudero who both commanded guerilla units.

  • Ang Ikalawang Digmaang Pandaigdig at ang Pananakop ng Sorsogon (The Second World War and the Conquest of Sorsogon)
  • Mga Gerilla ng Sorsogon: Ang Gerilla Yunit ni Lapus (Sorsogon Guerillas: The Guerilla Unit of Lapus)
  • Mga Gerilla ng Sorsogon: Ang Gerilla Yunit ni Escudero (Sorsogon Guerillas: The Guerilla Unit of Escudero)
  • Ang mga War Tunnel ng Bulan (The War Tunnels of Bulan)
  • Ang Masaker ng mga Tsino ng Bulan (The Massacre of the Chinese of Bulan)
  • Ang Pagtatapos ng Digmaan (The End of the War)
  • Mga Bayaning Gerilya ng Sorsogon (Guerilla Heroes of Sorsogon)

Ang Ikalawang Digmaang Pandaigdig at ang Pananakop ng Sorsogon

Gallery 6: Ang Masaker ng mga Tsino ng Bulan

Here, a bartolina (solitary confinement cell) displays some restored weapons used during the guerilla period

Gallery 6: Restored weapons at the bartolina (solitary confinement cell)

Gallery 6: Battle Dressing

Gallery 7, called “Pagbangon at Pag-unlad” (Rise and Development), contains 3 displays that narrates Sorsogon’s road to recovery from damages during the war, the disasters that Sorsogon had to endure (catstrophic storms, eruptions of Mount Bulusan) and famous Sorsoganons who displayed their heroic mettle during the Martial Law years including Lilosa Hilao, the 23-year old student journalist who was arrested, raped and viciously tortured then killed (the first detainee to be killed during that time):

  • Mga Anak ng Sorsogon sa Panahon ng Batas Militar hanggang sa People Power (Sorsogueños During Martial Law Until People Power)
  • Mga Mapaminsalang Bagyo (Destructive Typhoons)
  • Mga Aktibidad bg Bulkang Bulusan (The Activities of Mount Bulusan)

Gallery 7: Mga Anak ng Sorsogon sa Panahon ng Batas Militar hanggang sa People Power

Gallery 7: Mga Aktibidad bg Bulkang Bulusan

Gallery 8, called “Mga Industriya ng Sorsogon” (Sorsogon Industries), showcases Sorsogon’s main industries.  On display are decorative and utilitarian items made  from niyog (mature coconut),  pili (pili nut) and abaka (abaca) plus some tools produced by the blacksmiths (panday),of Sorsogon.

Gallery 8: Pagpapanday (Blacksmithing)

Gallery 8: Abaka (Abaca)

The gallery also displays the mural of Lady Justice (Justitia),  painted by a certain V. L. Jesalva, and restored by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP).

Gallery 8: Lady Justice (Justitia) by V.L. Jesalva

Gallery 8: Pili (Pili Nut)

Gallery 9, called “Pantomina sa Tinampo (Sorsogon’s traditional love and courtship dance), exhibits 2 events:

  • Kasanggayahan Festival
  • Pantomina sa Tinampo (Traditional Courtship Folk Dance, Guinness World Record Title Holder 2019)

Gallery 9: Kasanggayahan Festival

Gallery 9: Pantomina sa Tinampo

During the province’s 125th anniversary celebration on October 31, 2019, Sorsogon bagged the Guinness World Record for the “Largest Filipino Folk Dance” when 7,127 participants from all over the province performed the Pantomina along the Rompeoplas Baywalk.

Gallery 9: Guinness World Record Certificate

Gallery 10, called “Mga Pook Pasyalan sa Sorsogon,” contains 4 displays that feature replicas and stories behind Sorsogon’s natural and historical tourist gems:

  • Isla, Dagat, Dalampasigan (Island, Sea, and Beach)
  • Anyaya ng Inang Kalikasan (Invitation of Mother Nature)
  • Paglalakbay na Makasaysayan (Historical Journey)
  • Mayamang Kultura at Pananampalataya (Rich Culture and Faith)

Gallery 10: Gubat

Gallery 10

The yard, at the back of the museum, was converted into an 875-sq.m. open-air amphitheater.  Now a venue for events and stage performances, it has a six-tier seating area.

Open-air Amphitheater.  At both ends are Kape-Terya and Kape-Tolyo

At the back of the museum, within the corners of the amphitheater, are the Kape-Terya (Cafeteria) and the Kape-Tolyo (coffee shop). The former offers local snacks while the latter offers both hot and cold coffee to museum visitors.

The Souvenir Shop, located at the entrance of the museum, displays “made in Sorsogon” products of micro, small and medium enterprises such as snacks, beauty products made from pili, handicrafts and accessories, all sold with no price mark-up.

A staircase wall also features the original artworks of the provincial jail inmates including a Sigue-Sigue Sputnik gang’s rendition of the portrait of Cuban revolutionary Ernesto “Che” Guevara.

Museo Sorsogon: Brgy. 1, Burabod, Provincial Capitol Compound, Sorsogon City. Mobile number: (0912)-236-6422.  E-mail: museo@sorsogon.gov.ph. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MuseoSorsogon. Open Tuesdays to Sundays, 8:30 AM -12 noon and 1:00-5:30 PM.

How to Get There: Sorsogon City is located 517.5 kms. (a 12–hr. drive) from Manila via the Pan-Philippine Highway/AH26. 

Sorsogon Provincial Tourism Culture and Arts Office: Ground Floor, Capitol Building, 4700 Sorsogon City. Mobile number: (0968) 624-6279. E-mail: tourism@sorsogon.gov.ph

Ur Place Travel & Tours: OLV Pangpang, Sorsogon City, Sorsogon.  Mobile number (Viber): (0927) 950-3927 (Ms. Annie Gueb).  Facebook: www.facebook.com/urplacetravel