The Museum of the Filipino People (Filipino: Museo ng Lahing Pilipino), is a component museum of the National Museum of the Philippines that houses the anthropology and archaeology divisions. It is located in the Agrifina Circle, Rizal Park, Manila adjacent to the main National Museum building which houses the National Art Gallery. The building formerly housed the Department of Finance. It also houses the wreck of the San Diego, ancient artifacts, and zoology divisions.

Museum of the Filipino People is a component museum of the National Museum of the Philippines that houses the anthropology and archaeology divisions. It is located in the Agrifina Circle, Rizal Park, Manila adjacent to the main National Museum building which houses the National Art Gallery. The building was formerly housed by the Department of Finance.

Quick Guide 



IFUGAO HOUSE


A few steps away from the entrance, located in the garden, is the Ayangan House. This is the traditional Ifugao House from Mayaoyao, Ifugao Province of the Philippines. According to its description, the architecture of the house is reflective of the geography of the region. The heavily thatched roof serves as protection against the rains and the cold weather of the region. The caretaker told me I could actually climb up the house and go in, so I did that. The house itself is very small, measuring just about 4×4 meters (if my estimates are correct). Inside are the very basic necessities- cooking utensils, a small table, and several pieces of traditional clothing and headdresses. In the underside of the house (the house has a ladder which had to be climbed before actually one could enter) are several jars and bigger cooking utensils.

at the courtyard of Ifugao House

The San Diego Exhibit

This exhibit features many curious things that will surely be of interest to most people. There are canons, canon balls, old compasses and sextants, books on navigation, maps, guns, coins and scabbards. Also on display was a soldier’s metal hat and (this was my favorite among the rest) the huge anchor of the San Diego. Since the artifacts are so wondrously preserved, anyone who appreciates history and its significance to the modern society will surely have a great time here.

                                                                                         

San Diego Ship and The Cannon Balls

The galleon San Diego was built as the trading ship San Antonio before hastily being converted into a warship. On December 14, 1600, the fully laden San Diego was engaged by the Dutch warship Mauritius under the command of Admiral Olivier van Noort a short distance away from Fortune Island, Nasugbu, Philippines. Since San Diego couldn't handle the extra weight of her cannons, which led to a permanent list and put the cannon portholes below sea level, she was sunk without firing a single shot in response. The Dutch were later reported firing upon and hurling lances at the survivors attempting to climb aboard the Mauritius.

Nearly 400 years later, in 1992, the wreck was discovered by French underwater archaeologist Franck Goddio. and a total of 34,407 artifacts and ecofacts were recovered from the shipwreck, including Chinese porcelain, Japanese katanas,Portuguese cannon and Mexican coin. The San Diego exhibition has been on tour around the globe before it started to permanently be displayed at the new Museum of the Filipino People.

San Diego Treasures and Porcelain Collection

            The cultural treasure found in the early 1960’s in Manunggul Cave, Lipuun Point, Palawan is a secondary burial jar. The upper portion of the jar, as well as the cover is incised with curvilinear scroll designs and painted with natural iron or hematite. On top of the jar cover or lid is a boat with two human figures representing two souls on a voyage to the afterlife. The boatman is seated behind a figure whose hands are crossed on the chest. The position of the hands is a traditional Filipino practice observed when arranging the corpse.

A Replica of Duyong Cave

Skull Cap of the earliest human inhabitant in the Philippines

earthenware footed tray during the metal age..

Butuan Boat

Prehistoric boats were recovered in Butuan, Agusan del Norte in 1978. There are nine existing prehistoric boats. The first boat dated 320 A.D. is in the site museum in Libertad, Butuan. The second boat dated to 1250 A.D. was transferred to the Pinagmulan Gallery (The Origin), in the 2nd floor of the Museum of the Filipino People in Manila. The third boat dated 990 A.D. is in the Butuan Regional Museum(Agusan del Norte, southern Philippines).

The Mangyan Script on tabacco container

Laguna Copperplate,Butuan Silver Strip and Calatagan Pot

Sama Grave Marker and Bulul (female and male)

Okir of the Maranaos, Maranao Sarimanok

Mandaya Basket and Ifugao Blanket

Brass Gong, Gold Seal and T'boli Lute

Going in the Museum of the Philippines is such a wonderful experience and must be recommended to visit; truly Filipino culture and traditions are wealthy in very special ways. Though nowadays is jumped packed with different gadgets our culture and history should be kept and pass on the next generation. The nature of being true Filipino blood is such a treasure. Our museum is a part of us to be proud of. Thanks be to God for our Philippine history.. J

the author