Wazzup Pilipinas!
Museo Orlina, the newest venue of world-class and internationally acclaimed artistry, is now opening its doors to the public.
Ramon Orlina, the Philippines' pioneer and foremost practitioner of glass sculpture, proudly presents his exultant body of works that, throughout the decades, have dazzled the art scene and prized by numerous collectors. The artist has totally changed our appreciation of glass as merely a utility that we use to create drinking vessels, window glass panes or automotive windhields because he has elevated glass as a wonderful expression of his vivid imagination and vision.
I've seen the artist's works several times in many exhibits and galleries within Metro Manila and I can't help but feel a sense of respect towards the creator of the masterpieces. His works seems to reflect what I've been wanting to do ever since I grew fond of the arts - to shape and mold objects into enchanting works of art.
When we got invited to attend a press preview of the Tagaytay museum, I thought I needed to bring my youngest kid along on the trip to introduce him to the creations. There was so much things that I wanted to do during my younger years that I got into thinking that it may be possible to pass it on to my children. My appreciation for music and the arts should also be of interest to them so that they will grow up to be wholistic, and not be concerned with just foreign influences brought upon to them by popular entertainment like anime and K-Pop. I am just relieved they never got to like those appalling "tele-seryes" that further dumbs down the masses.
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| Ramon Orlina beside one of his creations Pilita II |
It was a hot summer afternoon when we arrived at the museum. Museo Orlina is located at Hollywood Subdivision Road Brgy. Tolentino East, Hollywood Subdivision Tagaytay City. It's just a few steps from the main road somewhere a few houses away from the back of Tagaytay Econo Hotel.
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| Ramon Orlina shares some information about his works. My son, Hansel Kyro, looks on and listens. |
After having lunch, we started our tour of the museum and no less than the owner and artist himself, Ramon Orlina, toured us around his museum. The museum levels were actually named after Orlina's children. Level 1 was named Naesa after his eldest daughter where the Reflection Gallery is located showcasing contemporary Philippine art. The Reflection Gallery spills into the Lower Level leading into the Sculpture Garden where you can find outdoor art installations and amphitheater stage where dance and musical performances can be executed during events and celebrations, aside from other possible usage.
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| Sculpture Garden at Museo Orlina |
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| Ramon Orlina shows his ring depicting his initials |
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| Hansel Kyro taking photos at the roofdeck |
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| A view of Museo Orlina from the Sculpture Garden |
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| You can see Taal Lake with the volcano from the Museo Orlina roofdeck |
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| Having coffee at Greenbean Cafe located on the roofdeck of Museo Orlina |
What is amazing about its location is that it also offers a great view of the Taal volcano. You can see Taal's natural wonder from the roofdeck called Michael, named after the only son of the artist. Enjoy the view from the top of the museum while sipping coffee from the Greenbean Organic Coffee shop housed at the rooftop. Now who wouldn't want to sit down and relax while admiring the view after visiting the Orlina sculptures from within the several levels of the museum. It will truly be an engaging and soul-searching afternoon for all art lovers out there.
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| Hansel Kyro takes a video with his smartphone |
My 10-year old was among us while the artist toured us around the museum and I was surprised that he took the initiative to take out his smartphone and took videos of the artist while explaining and telling stories of his works and experiences. It seems he too was also interested to learn about the masterpieces that he recorded it for future viewing. That was a moment that made me truly proud of my son, and I felt I was successful in engaging him to appreciate Filipino artistry.
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| Ramon Orlina beside a BenCab designed beetle |
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| Members of the media looks into one of the vehicles |
Further below lies a carport where two vehicles were parked. The cars literally served as canvas for the artist, and equally world-renowned National artists BenCab and Elmer Borlongan. The vehicles are actually not just for display because they are working and roadworthy for any trip. Imagine the appeal driving around a vehicle with an original BenCab design.
Level 2 called Ningning, named after the artist's second daughter, contains two galleries with one containing the artist's earlier works and the other his most recent works.
Level 3 called Anna, named after the youngest daughter of Orlina, showcases the maquettes and photographs of Orlina's monumental indoor and outdoor works here in the Philippines and all over the world over a span of three decades.
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| Ramon Orlina shows the Interactive monitor containing lots of information about his art works |
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| Ramon Orlina shows off his collection at his office in Museo Orlina |
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| Ramon Orlina lies on the bed which was formerly hidden behind the shelf |
If you're lucky enough, he might also show you around his office where he displays his collectibles, and an amazing shelf that can be rotated and from the back will appear a bed where he can rest after a busy day at the museum. Space-saving design that will be great for our rooms.
Museo Orlina will be soon be having a grand opening on April 9 to formally open the museum to the public. Be among the very first to visit the museum and take part of a spectacular journey. Bring along your family, especially the kids, so they will appreciate even at an early age. Let's show them that there's more to life than than TV and video games.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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