It is funny that as I get older (and smarter), I suddenly find interest in the things which are old, vintage and tell alot of stories – like antique pieces, old treasures and historical places. A visit to museums is something that excites me – something that I found boring when I was in grade school.
I got to visit the Lopez Memorial Museums and Library some two weeks ago for the launch of Freeway’s National Artist Collection featuring the works of Juan Luna. Usually, the Freeway NACS collections are launched in a Freeway store, but since we are paying respect to the great Filipino maestro, it is just right to hold the launch in a museum that holds Luna’s great works.
The sky was painting dark clouds and heavy rains that afternoon, but I got to the venue safe and dry. I unfortunately missed the tour around the museum, but I got to check out the paintings and some amazing Luna and Hidalgo work after the event.
The Juan Luna
I am so familiar with the name as I live in a street intersecting a road named after the great painter. Juan Luna is considered the greatest Filipino artist with his works Spolarium, The Death of Cleopatra and Blood Compact. We have been studying about his life since grade school, but I just found out that the was also once a sailor.
The Collection
Click Read More to see the Freeway x Juan Luna Collection..
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Juan Luna’s works are translated into fine prints in different materials from techno knits, stretch georgettes, satinized twills, and stretch poplins. Every piece is fitting for every woman of age – shift dresses, draped and knitted tops, printed shirts, and even jumpsuits.
I will sure get a piece from this collection! My skirt from the Freeway x F. Sionil is a favorite in our office!
The prints translated onto these pieces are a presentation of some Luna’s works including El Flautista, I am Cold, Una Dama Francesca, Espana y Filipinas, Fencing Positions, Various Subjects and A Roman, all of which can be found in the Lopez Memorial Museum’s special exhibit.
 The Fashion Show
How are we gonna wear the collection? These models taught us how..
After the show, we learned more about Juan Luna through a panel discussion with historian Santiago Pilar and museum curator Cedie Lopez-Vargas, as hosted by Lexi Schultz (who is also wearing a beautiful Freeway x Juan Luna dress).
And here I am with Christine. I met her during one of the events, but I only got to talk and get to know her during this event. She just graduated from College (how awesome, and young! :D). I am so excited for her! Welcome to the real world! I also read her blog because she is a good story teller, and she not just posts about fashion. 😉 We look more beautiful on her blog entry here. Hehe.
Now we can appreciate more of Juan Luna’s work even without the visit to the museum by getting a Freeway x Juan Luna piece. BUT, I will give you 5 reasons to visit the Lopez Museum and Library, the Tragectories is open only until December 20, 2013 and here’s what you must-see:
- The aforementioned De Moluccis Insullis, the oldest book in the collection. This 490-year old book chronicles Magellan’s expedition to circumnavigate the globe in 1519.Â
- Studies of Felix Resurrection Hidalgo’s Per Pacem et Libertatem from the St. Louis Exposition of 1904. In 1903, Hidalgo was paid Php10,000 by the US colonial government to create a painting representing peace and liberty under American rule. It was featured in Universal Exposition in St. Louis, Missouri in 1904. The fair also featured live indigenous Filipino people, such as the Aetas and Bagobos.
-  Espana y Filipinas (1886) by Juan Luna. This is one of the most important paintings in the museum. Please visit the museum to know more about its story. 😉
- The first complete map of the Philippines! The Murillo Velarde map is the first map of our country made by a Filipino, Nicolas Cruz Bagay. It is the most accurate drawn map of the archipelago and became the model copied by other cartographers for the remainder of the 18th century.
- In the Market Place (1955) by Anita Magsaysay-Ho. This painting was acquired by the museum in 1999 Christie’s auction in Singapore, and the purchase paved way for Filipino artists to gain higher international recognition.Â
Planning a visit to the Lopez Memorial Museum and Library?
Lopez Memorial Museum and Library
Ground floor, Benpres Building
Exchange Road, cor Meralco Ave
Ortigas Center, Pasig
Monday to Saturday 8am to 5pm
Admission:Â
Adult Php100
HS and College Students (with ID) Php80
Grade School (with ID) Pp60