Day at the Museum

I've always wanted to visit the National Museum, but for some reason, almost all of my plans have gone awry.  If it's not work, it's health issues (e.g., colds, sore throat, etc).  Today, however, I finally got the chance to visit the place.  This museum visit is perhaps one proof that a meticulously planned schedule sometimes just doesn't work, and that one has to be a little more spontaneous especially during weekends.  

My only regret was arriving two hours before closing time, so I wasn't really able to see and examine everything.  The PhP 150 fee, however, was worth every centavo.  

There was a lecture on indigenous fabrics on the fourth floor, so I went there first to listen a bit and take pictures.  The talk was already ongoing when I got there.  It was very interesting, and it made me realize that locally-made fabrics are lovely and eco-friendly.  

A lady weaving pineapple fibers.  

After the talk, I wandered into the gallery full of fabric-related artifacts - belts, threads, dresses and gowns.

Abaca threads / fibers

Spinning wheel

This is one cool belt. :)

                             

I love the wedding gown made from pineapple cloth.   I'm not so sure about the train, though. :) 

 
I moved on to other galleries.  I would have loved to stay and examine each object on display, but I was running out of time and SD card memory.  :(

Ancient Filipino alphabet

Philippine flora and fauna... I felt sorry for the poor dead creatures on display.

Various artifacts from pre-Hispanic times.  Frankly, I could stay at the museum all day and not get tired of moving from gallery to gallery, taking pictures and asking endless questions.  

These pictures are only from the galleries on the 4th and 3rd floors.  I still haven't looked at the paintings yet, so I will definitely go back armed with both time and a larger SD card memory.