I enjoy going to museums, maybe even more than my kids coz I like learning about history, which has fascinated me since I was a student. My boy is now a fifth grader and we are currently studying Philippines history as part of his social studies subject. One important aspect of our history is the Katipunan, and luckily, the only museum dedicated to that topic is in our home city of San Juan.
We've been to a few museums in the past as part of the boy's homeschooling activities. Last Tuesday, we decided to visit the Museo ng Katipunan just a few minutes away from our place. I posted this photo on Instagam and I some friends asked me about it. I thought I'd share our quick museum trip here to know what there to see.
Ideally, the best time would have been around last November 30, to coincide with Bonifacio Day. But we didn't. At least natuloy na kami and it was a good break from our monotonous reading and writing exercises at home!
We have yet to tour the different museums in Intramuros, which would require at least a half day field trip. I'd also love to join the walking tours of Manila by Carlos Celdran and Ivan Mandy in the near future. For now, this short trip would suffice. We only spent about one hour inside the museum.
MUSEO NG KATIPUNAN was inaugurated by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines last August 2013 in time for the 150th birth anniversary of Andres Bonifacio last November 30 of the same year.
Museo ng Katipunan is the "first and only museum specifically built to showcase the contributions of the KKK -- Kataastaasang Kagalang-galang na Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (Highest and Most Honorable Societyt of the Children of the Nation), the revolutionary movement founded by Andres Bonifacio in 1892 to fight the Spaniards." - www.sanjuancity.gov.ph
The Museo, located inside Pinaglabanan park, has two floors and is fully air-conditioned. It showcases galleries, artifacts, documents, and interactive exhibits that retell the story of the Katipunan, the people behind the revolution, and many other interesting trivia in this important piece of Philippine history.
Visitors can walk in and tour for FREE.
There were a few museum staff when we arrived that directed us to the entrance, but no one will tour you inside coz you are free to explore on your own. If you are a big group, better call the office for booking (contacts at the end of the post).
There were a few museum staff when we arrived that directed us to the entrance, but no one will tour you inside coz you are free to explore on your own. If you are a big group, better call the office for booking (contacts at the end of the post).
We took a peek at the impressive E-learning center at the ground floor before heading up to the galleries. The also have a Steropticon (slide projector that makes one image dissolve into another, creating a 3D photo effect) room and mini library by the exit.
Here's the link to online lessons about our heroes like Bonifacio and Rizal: elearning.nhcp.gov.ph.
I think the E-Learning section is a very helpful tool for all middle school students, homeschooling or not, to learn more about some of our national heroes.
Here's the link to online lessons about our heroes like Bonifacio and Rizal: elearning.nhcp.gov.ph.
I think the E-Learning section is a very helpful tool for all middle school students, homeschooling or not, to learn more about some of our national heroes.
Now let's go up and view the galleries.
"Tondo ni Bonifacio" shows a map and timeline on one side of the wall by the stairway, which is also presented in this interactive touch screen. It starts with the birth of Andres on November 30, 1863.
A scene showing the blood compact ceremony = sanduguan. The boy was reading the four steps on how to be a member of the Katipunan.
Weapons, documents, and artifacts from the KKK includes weapons, documents, medals, anting-anting (charm/amulet), etc.
Slideshow of the different symbols of KKK
This was like a simulated forest where you can dress up like a katipunero and flash a symbol card to the camera, but the video was not plugged in so we didn't get to see the presentation or what it actually does. As you can see, the boy just tried on the salakot and the ubiquitous katipunero red scarf. =)
Ang Supremo at ang Lakambini = Andres and Oryang, the husband and wife team of the Katipunan.
No doubt, Andres Bonifacio is a major part of the attainment of Philippines independence from the Spanish rule. This poster above shows the many ways his heroism and contributions are being recognized and commemorated by our nation. I just hope this boy learned about the legacy of Bonifacio -- and not just about the weapons used, which was his favorite part daw of the museum! Ay, lagot na!
If you come by this part of our city, try to drop by the Museo ng Katipunan and discover more about this significant piece of Philippine history.
Pinaglabanan Memorial Shrine (Museo ng Katipunan)
Pinaglabanan Street, San Juan City
(beside San Juan Post Office)
Open Tuesday - Sunday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
For reservations, call: (632) 576-4336 / 385-5896.
Official Website and location map here: http://nhcp.gov.ph/pinaglabanan-memorial-shrine/
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