By Kristine Anjela Pablo

What better way to celebrate the month of love than staring at someone you hold dear and a set of beautiful canvases and art? St. Valentine’s day may end, but the month of February offers us a month-long to spend it, that is why we’ve got you covered where to spend your time–doing museumventure! 

Fret not! As we set off on this state-of-the-art escapade, we rounded out five date and bonding ideas to spend with your loved ones. From morning to dusk, the Tamaraw community suggested some of their go-to museums and #TAMGuide that will not only match your outfit of the day but will also offer you new knowledge!  

1. Ateneo Art Gallery

"Sheesh, pare! Museum tayo? Carps!"

Ateneo Art Gallery is not only worth going to for its visuals but the deep stories of its collections while learning. 

One of the famous artworks that the gallery boasts is the kinupot made by Edgar Talusan Fernandez, which means kinuha (taken) and sinupot (bagged). 

The said kinupot, is a reminder of all the “desaparecidos” of people who disappeared during the Martial Law era. The gallery also showcases pieces from Philippine National Artists like Jose Joya and BenCab.

2. National Museum of Anthropology

It seemed that the skies had answered our prayers! 

After the much-awaited reopening, the National Museum of the Philippines announced last October 18 that National Artist Kidlat Tahimik would have his exhibit called INDIO-GENIUS: 500 Taon ng Labanang Kultural (1521-2021). This marks the museum's return to the public last year, October 22. 

But Tatay Kidlat’s exhibit is not the only one you must look forward to, as you can also have a trip down the Philippines’ proof of prehistory through displays of terrestrial and archaeological collections offered by the museum.

3. National Museum of Fine Arts

A mixture of Filipino artistry and history? The National Museum of Fine Arts is the place to be. This is the perfect time to visit the museum, as February also marks National Arts Month (NAM)! 

Boasting our very own cultural expressions, this year’s theme, “Ani ng Sining, Bunga ng Galing,” will bring us a month-long #NAM2023. 

Once labelled as the National Art Gallery in 1998, what started as a public library designed by the American consulting architect Ralph Harrington Doane became a hub of Filipino artisanship. 

It is home to sculptures and works of art by artists like Juan Luna, Guillermo Tolentino, and Félix Resurrección Hidalgo.

4. National Commission for Culture and the Arts

Ready to fulfill your enchanting Intramuros date and late-night walks? The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) may be the answer!  

Featuring the vivid culture of the Philippines, NCCA offers its contemporary art through its joint initiative with the National Committee on Art Galleries (NCAGAG). A peek into the Filipino craft is shown through its galleries: The Glass and Open Gallery, including the freedom wall by artists Marvin Oloris and Ritche Yee.

5. University of Sto. Tomas (UST) Museum

Walking along España street has never been more exciting. If you're looking for another stroll, the UST Museum might be one of your goals. 

Aside from the loudest cheers that the University of Sto. Tomas (UST) is known for, the royal and pontifical university also showcases the oldest existing museum in the Philippines. 

Its establishment in 1869 was part of the “1865 Reglamento de Segunda Enseñanza,” requiring class colleges to have their own museum of natural history. Back then, it was originally located in the Walled City of Intramuros!