Honestly, the morning had been hectic for us ESL teachers, always monitoring both the students and managing the time as we plan to reach SM Seaside just before lunch, yet we made sure there was no pressure towards our Japanese students, who were already enjoying a lot of their tour. Although we could ride the bus again to the museum, the students' agent decided it would be better for them to experience walking to our next stop. And indeed, it was also a good decision to make, that despite the heat of the summer, the students get to observe the diversity of Cebu, seeing Cebuanos doing all sorts of stuff, filling so much vibrance in every corner.
For about 15-20 minutes, we reached The NMP-Cebu. It seems everyone was exhausted from the walk, haha, good thing there were benches outside the museum for us to take a brief rest while we decided to go inside in batches for the short orientation.
As we entered inside, before we were able to proceed to the tour, there was an entry briefing where we were reminded of the important information to consider when looking around the museum, such as the do's and don'ts. After this, we were required to leave our bags in the designated area for keeping the belongings, as large bags or backpacks are not allowed.
When everything was settled, we started our tour by going to the gallery that displays Cebu's natural history. In this part of the museum, my students were able to gaze on some fascinating flora and fauna, with some that are actually unique and rare and other diverse biodiversity that adorns Cebu so it could flaunt its native beauty.
Next, we went through the gallery full of archaeological treasures. This part is where various kinds of artifacts were discovered in Cebu and was gladly preserved to give us a hint of ancient civilizations' way of life and how this brings certain connections to cultures from other regions or countries too. It personally gave me an idea of how much influence we get from other societies too, which makes us realize that good relations had existed before as well.
The next gallery we went to showed Cebuano culture and identity, highlighting unique handiworks that were often Cebuanos form of livelihood back in the day, which proves Cebu's rich artistry being used efficiently.
The students had the chance to learn about Cebu's maritime history when they explored a gallery displaying artifacts that were used when Cebu engaged in maritime activities in the past. It's impossible not to feel awe at the sight of these seafaring exhibits that are significant to the stories of early global trades. Additionally, artifacts during World War II were also preserved, as it is also vital to share Cebu's experience in such challenging times just by looking at the collections.
Before moving on, we passed through a souvenir shop along the way, and once again, it caught my Japanese students' attention.
Lastly, as we went to the second floor of the museum, the Japanese students were amazed when they saw a variety of impressive artworks that emphasize the artistic side of the Filipinos. Even I myself, who have been in the museum before, can't help but be astonished by the paintings of our fellow Filipino artists, such as Martino Abellana, who was also a Cebuano.
Looking at these artworks, you can't help but drown in them as they share an ocean of emotions, each one deliberately sending a message to those who analyze it. Truly, Filipinos have their own way of making everything come to life through its unique creativity. And the students surely enjoyed every minute of it.
I'd like to share one of my favorite words, "Hiraeth." It means a nostalgia or longing for a home that no longer exists and you cannot return to. And I find this the perfect word to describe that particular place everybody goes to when they want to feel like traveling back in time. Is that even possible? Not in a literal sense, but if you get what I mean, you'd probably agree that I'm referring to museums. Who wouldn't? I'm quite sure that you are just as fascinated as me when you step inside a place that gives you that certain familiarity in every remnant that it keeps.
As a Filipino who wishes to taste the life of our ancestors back then, I love how museums allow us to feel our history as if every object just comes back to life, and you immerse yourself in it. And I hope my Japanese students also felt that "hiraeth" within them even though they are of a different culture and historical background. But seeing all their curious and astonished faces, I'm sure they felt it right there and then. As an ESL teacher, it was definitely fun teaching them things beyond an English book. And now it's your turn. Cebu City awaits you!
Would you explore the National Museum of the Philippines-Cebu?
