National Museum’s Manlilikha ng Bayan Hall
As more and more attractions are now reopening in the metro, there are also lots of new places to visit. The National Museum of the Philippines’ National Museum of Anthropology’s Manlilikha ng Bayan Hall, for instance, has an updated gallery featuring new works by award-winning Manlilikha ng Bayan textile weavers.
Opened in 2016, the hall was put to showcase the traditional works of the Manlilikha ng Bayan awardees. These include mats, looms and textiles, costumes and ornaments, and musical instruments. The updated hall, which was launched on 28 May, now exhibits the weave masterpieces of 2016 Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA) awardees Ambalang Ausalin, Estelita Bantilan, and Yabing Masalon Dulo as well as works donated by other awardees.
Marvel at intricate textile weaves, costumes, ornaments, and instruments
Image credit: National Commission for Culture and the Arts
To gain more appreciation of the diversity and complexities of traditional Filipino art, you should visit the hall where you can marvel at weaves, costumes, ornaments, and musical instruments that were made by some of the most skilful artists from local ethnic communities across the Philippines. They’ve been recognized by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.
The hall was upgraded to include works such as those of Manlilikha ng Bayan Estelita Tumandan Bantilan, a B’laan mat weaver from Sarangani, Yabing Masalon Dulo, known for her colorful ikat weaves in South Cotabato, and Ambalang Ausalin, a master of the Yakan weaving tradition in Basilan.
Image credit: National Commission for Culture and the Arts
Get to know our traditional artists
Image credit: National Commission for Culture and the Arts
In the hall, photos and short biographies of the awardees are on display as well, so you can get to know more about the artists and the motivations behind their works.
Image credit: National Commission for Culture and the Arts
The National Museum Complex is open from Tuesdays to Sundays
To visit the hall, you must book a slot online prior to your visit. If you are coming with your family or friends, take note that group reservations are limited to 5 persons only. Persons aged 15 years old and above, as well fully vaccinated senior citizens, are allowed entry.
No walk-ins will be allowed.
National Museum of Anthropology’s Manlilikha ng Bayan Hall
Filipino craftmanship indeed presents some of the most beautiful artworks we have laid our eyes on. The National Museum of Anthropology’s Manlilikha ng Bayan Hall showcases some of the finest examples of our traditional artistry, highlighting the colorful visual diversity, character, and spirit of our ethnic communities.
National Museum of the Philippines Complex
Address: National Museum of Fine Arts & National Museum of Anthropology
Padre Burgos Ave, Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila
Address: National Museum of Natural History
Teodoro F. Valencia Circle, Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila
Opening hours: Tues–Sun 9AM-12PM (morning session), 1PM-4PM (afternoon session)
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Cover image adapted from: National Commission for Culture and the Arts, National Commission for Culture and the Arts
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