‘Til we Met again

Museums are assets in any country as they showcase the tradition, history, arts and culture of its people. Our Philippine heritage has had a rich civilization that has been around for thousands of years with a diverse mixture of Malay, Chinese, Hindu, Islamic, Spanish, American and other influences.

The Metropolitan Museum of Manila has housed the amazing pre-Hispanic gold and art collection of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas since the 1970s and I never quite had the chance to visit it after my first visit in the Nineties with my then small children in tow.  To my delight, the museum’s foundation president Tina Colayco mentioned that there would be a gala dinner that would highlight the special exhibit of Paulino Que, one of the most important collectors of modern Philippine art.

Together with the museum’s trustees that included business stalwarts Ben Chan, Joselito Campos and Buboy Virata, Cora Alvina, Jimmy Laya, Chuchu Eduque, Manny Minana, Maricris Olbes and Tessa Valdes, they saw a need to fine tune its goals to be a reinvigorated, interactive museum with upgraded facilities and be financially stable. 

During The Met’s 2013 gala night, we entered the museum lobby and were greeted with mimes, a jazz band and an art-filled tour that was a feast for the senses. From the traditional Amorsolo and Juan Luna paintings to the avant-garde Filipino artists that ranged from the classical modern of the early 20th century to the eye-popping contemporary style of the present.

Kudos to the gala committee headed by Doris Magsaysay Ho, Irene Francisco, Ricco Ocampo and Mercedes Zobel for a wonderful evening. They conceptualized the event that made us realize how vibrant and alive Philippine art is. To dine amid invaluable artwork at The Met’s hall while being sung to by a chanteuse and entertained by lighted dancers among one’s circle of friends was certainly one of the highlights of this year’s social season in Manila.

Donors were asked to choose any of the colorful Leeroy New table sculptures when they gave in their pledges. This was one occasion when I saw cheerful givers being rewarded immediately for their generosity. Tetta Agustin brought home 10 Leeroys because she had just issued a check to aid The Met and happily announced that she would decorate her home with these eye-catching pieces.

As soon as dinner was over, many were ready to bid adieu to one another. The hip younger set arrived and were ready to party the night away in the same artistic setting that we slightly older ones were leaving. With the prodding of Cristalle Belo, Tim Yap, Jesse and Patrick Maxwell, techno music with accompanying lights was in full swing. Magnum ice cream bars was being handed out to the well-dressed crowd and I certainly became a fan of this sweet chocolate delight with one bite.

 I tarried briefly to see how The Met was a perfect mix for Philippine contemporary art and our good-looking youth. After that magical evening, I am ready to revisit the Metropolitan Musem of Manila sooner than soon.

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The Metropolitan Museum of Manila is located at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Complex, Roxas Boulevard, Manila. Visit  www.metmuseum.ph

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